Thread: Questions about building rods

I know that this question gets asked a lot, but I searched and still had some questions about it. I'm interested in building my own rods.

Question 1: Does this kit contain everything I need to get started, or will I need additional tools?

Complete Rod Building Start-Up Kit | mudhole.com

Question 2: I'm looking to build a lighter king rod than the one I currently have, is a gator BS596 a good choice?

Question 3: How do you know what size components you need for things such as guides and reel seats, is it just experience and asking people who have already built a rod with a certain blank?

Thanks for any advice.

BS596 is a good King blank for smaller baits. (Lys and Cigs)

Batson SWB80ML is a good starter blank too. If I were you I would invest in a lathe that has a motor just for simple ease of use. You want the stripper guide(closest to the reel) to be equal to the diameter of the spool of the reel. Jeb will chime in hopefully, he knows a lot about this stuff. It's hard for me to explain, easier to show someone IMO.

I just started rod building about 4-5 months ago and I started with that same exact rod building start up kit. It has everything you need to build any rod you wish BUT you have to hand turn it so it will get old after a few guides. I also bought a book that pier# suggested and also Cary Sadler gave me a step by step dvd. My advice would be to read and watch youtube videos on how to do the whole rod then buy all your stuff. Plus don't buy super expensive blank to start off with. Good luck

On the bs596 I like to use a 60mmbraced wire stripper guide and drop toa 40mm. Then I use a bsvag 30, 20, 16, and sometimes when I run 6 guides I use a 12mm. You can use a single foot guide in place of them as well. As for the reelseat, I tend to use a 18 on this blank unless you are going to fish a 706 on it the. I like to use a 20mm.

Does anyone know the part #'s for the grips used on this rod?



Source:
Gator BS596 Custom Rod F/S

Originally Posted by Yellerhammer5

Does anyone know the part #'s for the grips used on this rod?



Source:
Gator BS596 Custom Rod F/S

Looks like 4" eva foam grips and the one behind the reel seat was cut down.

A few more questions:

#1: Which rod tip do you guys suggest for a BS596 with wire guides?

#2: What is the smallest size fuji deluxe reel seat that will work for a mitchell 302/303?

#3: Any suggests for grip setup for this rod?

Thanks

You need to invest in a caliper. Measure the foot of the reel then check the specs on the reel seats. Most websites will have the specifications for reel seats. Diameters of reel seats are measured in inches and sometimes millimeters. Guides are in millimeters.

Use EVA tapered grips.

I would use at least a size 20 seat the 302 has a big foot.