Homebuild Rods

currently building
Gp 85 Mag
Gp 85 mega
US 85 xf
US 7’ tilefish JR
RUS711L
nfc 11ft surf rod.

what’s on the future build list-
rce xf
7’6 tilefish jr
gp monster
rus bay bass

slowly replacing all my factory rods, i may just get some NFC blanks as well. I just realized how many blanks i have...

I'm rather pissed.....I just posted an update on my current build and poof....disappeared.  I'll give it one more shot.

Been back and forth between here and San Diego all summer.  Pounding on calicos and sand bass has been an excellent change of pace.  Offered to build my buddy a swimbait/inshore rod since I've been vacationing on his couch for free and I can't stand having him share a rail with me while plunking a factory stick thats just black on black 

My buddy is more of a utilitarian; hates flashy shit and said to fucking keep it simple. Just a clean factory stye wrap with a cork handle, brown with orange and yellow colors.  I don't follow directions all that well. 

Here's his rod in progress......its a full on 1970's, California, living out of a brown van that has orange and yellow stripes around it, with interior shag carpeting on the walls and watching the sun setting over the ocean while smoking a doobie wrap.


North Fork Composites 808.  Split cork handle with burnt accent rings.  Fuji reverse trigger seat, excellent for jigging/palming a reel, the more I use them the more I like them.  Fuji K Series guides.

I always knew you were a Hippie!

What is you all’s favorite epoxy? Making a few gaffs for myself and friends. Calcutta bamboo so I’m guessing it need to be flexible epoxy.

I always knew you were a Hippie!

……….know thy enemy; learn their habits, understand their traits, master them. 


Gollywhomper, I use Diamond II (D2).  It was recommended by builders much better than I, never had a reason to change.  Get the syringes, way helpful for measuring out exact ratios.

https://voodoorods.com/products/diamond-ii-epoxy-8oz-kits

Nicely done! Like the color pattern.

My first attempt at learning about handles and wraps with a buddy of mine. Built one of those gaff kits.

Observed my buddy and got to build and sand and lay down some feathers. He has the set up so just an after work project I am super stoked to learn and maybe start a winter project.

LOVE IT, trying to stick a flatty to christen it.

Nicely done, I’m starting to hate cork lol….I’ve had two break up when I was shaping them. 

That’s a wrap.

Thems is looking real nice.  We’ll have to build mine soon.

I think i have some blue holographic thread you can have.

Having no idea how rod building works, or any artistic talent, I'm really loving the look of what you guys are able to come up with.  Thanks for sharing it!  Someday I'll own a custom rod, hopefully!

Nicely done, I’m starting to hate cork lol….I’ve had two break up when I was shaping them. 

i didnt realize cork was sold in those segements, cut down to 1/4" or 1/8" pieces, then sanded/lathed! mine are all like trapazoids in shape but luckily its pretty forgiving. I guess one section broke in half and my buddy just filled it with glue and stuck them back together.

eva is probably way easier but damn the cork looks and feels so good.

Back in the saddle…….or something like that….some work in progress. I’ve had both of these blanks on the rack for close to two years. 

Dart Frog Night Assassin - Seeker 2x3 in Dart Frog Colorway- BFT Jigger - Aftco Reel Seat - Alps XN guides -Hand Shaped Hypalon grips. 

Sometimes less is more….and when I get my hands on painted seekers that is my approach…..let the factory paint job do the talking and let the thread compliment. Very understated, but with a pinch of playboy, metallic green and black split underwraps for each guide and double wraps of black to lock it all down.  Metallic Green and black chevrons in the grips.

Still got some finishing touches to make it a legit peacock custom, gonna make its debut this summer.

well that’s pics suck cause they’re so dark…..in the light it pops.

And…..the Antonio Memorial Rod…..I think CDM would have dug this X-mas beauty. He asked that we have an annual rod that get passed on via raffle at every Xmas party and I finally had the time to build it. Hopefully he approves.     

Seeker Inshore blank, s-glass composite, light tackle killer. A low pro reel and a 1-2 oz swimbait or jig are gonna produce endless smiles, I guarantee it. 

Just a couple more coats of finish and it’s going to the first annual fisherman, Xmas party og and a genuine reel won…..Won.  If this dude slays fish half as good as he does YouTubers…..I don’t have anything after that…..he slays YouTubers 

Dang nice piece of work!  Hopefully pass onto me next, if only 2 other people show up this year