Rod Building Classes

[White Pine Tackle]

Ok, so I've been thinking about putting together some sort of rod building instructional classes to get people started assembling their own fishing rods. These would be "beginner" classes for those who have little or no idea where to begin. That said, you will learn how to build and finish an entire fishing rod and by the time you're done with the class you'll have your own to use...not to mention the know-how to do it again. Here's what I've been thinking...nothing is set in stone but I'm kind of leaning in this direction:

I could do a few classes based on region. West Side (GR or something), Lansing, and the Detroit area. Maybe if there's lots of interest in a different area we could do one there too. For areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids I might need help finding a location to host the class. I was thinking maybe a school classroom or conference room. Maybe someone else knows better than me.

Here's how they would be set up:

These classes would be for spinning/casting rods. It's not much different than fly rod building, but there should be two classes to discuss each one separately.

What I'm thinking is that I'll have you tell me the type of rod you want to build with what components and I'll have that ready for you by the time of the class. St. Croix and Rogue blanks are very easy for me to get and can be pretty well priced. If you want something different, let me know and I'll see what I can do. I'll have a list of ideal components and from that you can choose what you'd like to see on your first custom rod. You can choose the thread color, guide/reel seat finish, whether the grip is foam (colored or not) or cork. There will be lots of choices for you to make in regards to the appearance of your custom rod...that's the fun part.

Ok, so we've got the retail cost of the components, we'll have to add the retail cost of some other start up investments (rod dryer, finish, etc) and maybe $20-25 for the class itself. Onve you give me an idea of what rod you're looking to build I can give you a better idea of the overall cost. Also, after you attend the class I'll give you a coupon to save on your first online order from WPT. Overall, by the time this is all said and done, you'll probably only end up having a little more into this than the factory rod would be...and you walk away with the necessary tools (dryer, reamers, etc) and the expertise to build more. There's really nothing to lose!

This will be a time consuming class but if we spend enough time we can probably end up getting everything done in one day. The only think you'll have to do is finish your rod at home. It can take several hours for the finish to dry, so that's not something we want to sit around and wait for. I'll try to get you on the right track with that before you go.


Whew, that was long! Anybody interested? Let me know if you are and what region you would be in and we'll try to get the ball rolling on this. We'll work on dates as soon as I get an idea of how many people plan on attending.

Please let me know if you have any quesions or concerns!

Anyone?

[UkiahDog]

What about a class up north? I would head to GR for the class if I had to, as long as gas doesn't go up to $4 a gallon.

[MSUOutdoors]

I'd be interested for sure!

[mcleoda1]

I would be in for the Lansing class.

[Bob D]

Sounds like a great idea. What time of year are you proposing?

[White Pine Tackle]

Great! I just PMed those interested in a Lansing class. I might try to knock that one out first due to interest around here. I'll still be working on a Detroit area class as well but it might just be a few weeks later.

As for up north, if I can generate enough interest I'd be more than happy to make the trek. I'm hoping for at least 5 people to be at each class so we'll see what happens. I'll try to do some more advertising for that area as well.

The times that I'm looking at would be during the summer. July seems pretty good because that would give me time to sign people up and order the components. I guess we'll see as we go though.

Any more takers?

[White Pine Tackle]

UPDATE: So far I've got 3 people intersted in the Lansing area class, 3 interested in an east-side class, and a couple scattered along the west side of the state. I think I'm going to start with the Lansing class first. Maybe a week or two after that, the east side class, etc. For those interested in the Lansing class I was thinking around the second weekend in July. I've got a wedding on that saturday, but sunday might work. Maybe starting after noon and going until whenever (still have to estimate the class length).

I'll need to know soon if you want to attend and what rod you want to build. That will give me time to make sure everything is in line before the class.

Anyone else want in for any of the classes???

[BrokenWing]

Do you have an outline of the topics that you will be covering?

Thanks
Rich

[White Pine Tackle]

BrokenWing,

My plan is to just go through the basics of rod building. I'm going to explore some other areas with a little more depth but I don't want there to be an information overload. Here's what I'm thinking:

Blanks Selection
Component Selection
Using the Wrapper/Tools
Spine Finding
Handle Assembly Basics and Tips (there's also interest in split grip assembly)
Tip Top Placement
Guide Spacing/Static Sest
Guide Prep and Guide Tips
Guide Wrapping
Accessories (Wind Checks, Hook Keepers, Simple Decorative Wraps, Ferule Wraps)
Finishing the Wraps - This I'm just going to explain and demonstrate how to do then send everyone home to do it. I don't think anybody wants to sit for 5 hours while the rod dries.


I'm just going to try to knock everything out in a several hour period. There's no set curriculum...I'll just try to go with the flow and make sure everyone learns what they need to learn!