I know in the past there have been some who have been generous enough to help others learn the art of lure building. My question is, is there anybody with the experience that would be willing to hold a session to teach others to build their own rod. I have had a St. Croix fly blank for a few years that I would love to build, only I lack the knowledge.
This may be a good way for some to make a few extra dollars to support your hobbies.
Just a thought.
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[cool][#0000ff]James, formerly of Hooked Fishing Tackle, used to have rod building classes from time to time. Now that his shop is closed, he may no longer have the facilities or inclination to have those sessions. He is moderator of the Utah Fly Fishing board though, so you may wish to post over there.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Another source of background info might be the [url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?forum=7;"]BFT Rod Making Board[/url]. Lots of good posts and pics there for someone trying to pick up the basics...or to learn some advanced weaving techniques. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, like most aspects of fishing and tackle crafting, there is no substitute for hands-on instruction and show-and-tell. There are some things that you just can't pick up from reading or even from watching video. It is like trying to describe the taste of salt to someone who has never tasted salt...without using the word "salty".[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have participated in several lure making "parties" and I think I have contibuted to the "delinquency" (and tackle poverty) of quite a few BFTers. I would be willing to do the same for anyone who wants to learn the basics of rod building. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been wrapping rods probably longer than I have been pouring and painting jigs. I used to do all the fancy diamond wrap stuff (see pics) but now mostly do basic utility stuff. The pretty wraps are something nice to look at while the fish ain't bitin', but they don't help you catch any more. Recently I have been playing around with "glitter wraps", using different colored glitters in the finish over solid colored threads. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Over the years I have built (and repaired) just about every kind of rod you can imagine, from teensy ice sticks to heavy stand-up tuna sticks to 12 foot surf rods. I have lost count of how many "average" spinning and casting rods I have made.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Not bragging. Just letting you know that I have the tools, supplies and experience to be able to at least show you what to do. After that, it will be up to you. If you are a quick learner, and have some creative ability, you can be making and repairing rods in no time. The first one is always the hardest, but after that the basics remain the same.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If someone has a well-lighted venue, with tables and chairs to handle a half dozen or so rod building wannabees, we can set up a series of classes. The first will be a quick demo of some of the basic elements of rod building. By the second session, everybody should have their own stick to work on. We will help put the parts list together on the first session. The second session wlll be mostly on handle assembly. By the third session, we will get into putting on tip tops and guide spacing. Probably also do some basic wrapping. The final two sessions will be on finish wrapping, color preserver for the wraps and final coating (Flex Coat).[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The other option, if only one or two are interested, is to have a smaller and more personal session, taking the process as far as possible before running out of time. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I can do a complete start to finish show-and-tell in about 3 hours. But, if there are more than a couple of people, at the beginning stage, there are bound to be individual questions that extend the time. And, there will be some things you can do at home after learning how to do them in class. Lots of variables.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The good news is that you do not have to spend a fortune to get started. If you have your blank, handle materials and guides...and some thread...all you need are some color preserver and finish. You do not need to invest in fancy rod wrapping equipment until you decide you wanna get serious (broke). There are lots of ways to rig up your wrapping thread so that it will go on under tension without having a bobbin.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You set it up and I will show up.[/#0000ff]
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i would aslo be interested in participating in this as well.
Joe
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SEND YTWALLEYE A PM. HE MODDERATES THE ROD BUILDING BOARD. HE JUST MIGHT BE WILLING TO SHOW SOME OF YA HIS SET UP AND THE HOW 2,S AS WELL. HIS WORK IS THE BEST IVE SEEN IN UTAH. HE HAS DONE 6 CUSTOMS FOR ME. SOME OF WITCH ARE POSTED ON HIS BOARD. IM SURE ENOUGH PEOPLE WANT IT HE WILL BE FULL STEAM AHEAD.
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Hey Pat, any Idea of a date on this, if it's a day I can make it I will. I have lots of wrapping thread in differant colors I could give up. I'm going to be building a couple of rods here pretty soon, 1 spinner and 2 baitcasters. lets try and set somthing up.
later chuck
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[cool][#0000ff]If we do one in Salt Lake, we can use my big garage. And, If you will be able to be a part of it, why don't you set a time when you know you can be there and we will all work around your schedule.[/#0000ff]
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That would be great if you guys would be willing to do this. Obviously I would work around anyone's schedule to attend. If I could do anything to help arrange the class, just let me know.
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Ok, this sound good, but one problem, I'm tied up for the next month. I'll be going to chicago next week and then I'll be off chasing deer around with sharp sticks in Aug. we might be able to get somthing going the first part of Sept. I'll keep in touch as soon as I get my schedual straightend out. later chuck
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I would also be interested. I have purchased all the equip and videos but it is not the same as one on one. I would be willing to pay for the time also.
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That would be great! UncleRay & I both started building a flyrod with James and we were never able to complete the project.
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[cool][#0000ff]Hey, Chuck, I think I could handle an intro session, getting everyone together to answer basic questions and show some of the tools and techniques. Then, anybody who wanted to work on their own rods, or learn the advanced stuff, could show up for later sessions that you could be part of.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]What we have found in doing the jig making classes is that a lot of folks just have a curiosity about how it's done. But, there are others who catch fire and start building an arsenal of molds, hooks, paints, glitters and all that stuff. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I think it will be the same with the rods. Some folks just want to know how to wrap on a guide or repair a rod. Others really want to learn to custom build all of their own rods. After the first class or two, those who hang in there are usually serious.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am going to have "commitments" through the first couple of weeks of August too. If we have a few folks that want to get started, I can probably have the first intro session in my garage, in Salt Lake, about mid August. Then, we'll see how far we get and what everybody wants.[/#0000ff]
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