First Rod Build Completed - Pics

[DusterTX]

Figured I'd post up my first rod build project. It was a learning experience from the start, to say the least.

Not the prettiest! Went with Red/White/Blue color pattern. Future rod builds will get better & prettier (in theory). I'm not nearly good enough to do any cool thread patterns yet.

I actually finished this last year, and will be using it this summer for the first time.

I'm putting a Pro-gear 280 reel on it, and it will be used for surf fishing on casted baits.

11' Jawbone Spear
10" Hypalon Grips
ForeCast Reel Seat
Alps Guides
Baston Turbo Tip

Used a guide spacing calculator to measure the distance between the guides & from the reel face to the stripper guide. The calculator was pretty spot-on, and I just had to make a few adjustments to keep the line off the rod.

Got most of the parts & tools from Mudhole.

 

[cmepen]

Looks good from my house! At the end of the day it’s really just a tool. This one has some awesome colors and was built to function. Time to put it to good use!! Every build after the first gets a little better. Congrats and welcome to the addiction.

 

[sealskinner]

Congratulations. You won't believe the feeling of catching a nice fish on a rod you wrapped.

 

[skrilla]

Props for actually going thru the process of fine tuning your guide spacing. Learning rather than being a robot. Already off to a good start.

 

[cow man]

Well done..!

 

[kuyamonster]

Looks better than my first build! Nice and clean wrap. USA colors just in time as I'm watching the opening ceremonies for the Olympics! Get bendo on that stick...

 

[FAT CAT]

WAAAY better than my first build. As others have said, you're really going to enjoy the fish you catch with this rod.

 

[Hotroddin]

I've probably seen an ugly rod in a big fish picture at some point, but I honestly can't remember. Go get 'em.

 

[DusterTX]

I’ll update this post with pics when I get some bend in it. Really wanna see how it casts. Never used a ProGear before, but my brother loves them. They definitely aren’t common in Texas that’s for sure.

 

[jg125]

Very nice work

 

[WmD]

Off to a great start. Should fish real nice.

 

[mwardncsu]

Don’t short yourself on what you can accomplish. Don’t say “I’m too new to try X” - just jump in the deep end and give it a try / you might surprise yourself!

 

[usraptr]

I agree with what others said. It's a lot better than my first build! Very nice!

 

[ssrmr2]

great first build.
I continue to fish my first build. it’s not pretty but it slays.