Rod Building...who does it?

anyone build rods? on those cold rainy days or when the oceans blown out i think it would be a good hobby to get into....i have some pretty gnarly visions on how my dream rod would look and from browsing through the mudhole website it turns out that anythings possible. pros and cons? ideas? advise on starter kits?

Ask Marv / Shiken, he makes some quality custom rods.

I've been building for more than a decade.  No longer doing it as a business, but my site is still up if you want to get some ideas.  http://www.kzreelrods.com

I highly recommend www.rodbuilding.org as a great source for information.  There are some good DVD's out that show many of the basic work steps and techniques and I recommend the books by Tom Kirkman or Dale Clemens (an oldie but goodie) for an authoritative reference to have around.

I have found it to be highly enjoyable and a great artistic outlet.  While I don't have a fraction of the free time I once had to pursue this hobby, I almost always have a project on the wrapper to pick away at. 

There are several guys on here that build rods as well... Fishshim and GreatBass2 among others.

wow , those marbled rods look amazing...thanks for the info. you do some great work.

I know a guy in Florida that makes some really nice stuff. I can send you his info if you are interested. Company name is Prizm Custom Rods. I have him working on a trout rod for me now.

GB2 has posted some quality builds as well. 

You really wanna blow your mind, check the rod building section at bloodydecks.  Capt G is on a whole other freakin plane, his builds are ridiculously badass.

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Advice: Do It! It's a blast. Great way to spend time from planing to completion. I've been doin' it for about 18 years as a hobby. I have built all of my own and many for friends and family. There's nothing like seeing someone hook, fight and land a nice fish on a rod that you put your heart and soul into building for them.

P.S. I'm building my 6 yo daughter's first custom rod right now as a Christmas gift.

The Mudhole.com MHX kits are killer. I've built 5 of them and for the money, you can't beat them for cost and quality. Jarod has built some too. If you need any advice or help, PM me Andy.

thanks guys 

It's a fantastic hobby to jump into. Come. There's plenty of room in our rabbit hole.

I started with Tom Kirkman's book, Rod-Building Guide, and you should too. A mug, a phone book, a quickly-assembled wood rack with felt v-notches, and a $60 Cabela's trout starter kit, and I was off and running. Haven't stopped since.

Some of the smaller rod building vendors have put together some pretty nice kits on their websites. Last year, Get Bit had some intrigueing salt water options for sale at a reasonable price. And when the small vendors don't have what you're looking for, Mudhole will be there to fill your needs. Just wait till you openly curse that you have to fork out the $6 shipping fee for the one, $2 properly-sized guide you forgot to order.

Which brings me to the only con I can think of: internet shopping. To the best of my knowledge, we have no brick and morter options in the Bay Area. Bending a rod blank in your own hands is the only way to ensure the rod will meet your specifications and expectations. I have crafted more than a couple stinkers... er, I mean wonderful, heartfelt gifts for friends and family. But you know what, each and every build was a wonderful experience. I'm sure you'll feel the same way.

As usual, this was something I thought I'd like to get into... bought a bunch of rod building supplies, including the dam little machine; but never really stuck.. Then it got push to the wayside by another hobby, "B&W film" photography.

Maybe I'll try and finally make a rod this winter......

G-whiz.  Just sold all my b&wdarkroom stuff a few months ago.  Had a complete omega setup.  If you ever decide you aren't going to rod build Im still looking for a new/used rodsmith or equiv power wrapper to buy.

I build a few a year and it's definitely worth the time and money. A few things take a little time to learn but overall it's a fairly easy to make nice rods. I bought a batson starter kit w/ drying motor and really like using it. I think I bought it at acidrod. Anyway good luck man and beware it's very a addicting hobby.
   

I bought some of my stuff through Janns Netcraft in the past.  I'll be sure to check out mud hole