MyFishFinder.com Just like iceshanty but warmer
Sorry if there is a more appropriate place to ask this...I’m looking at getting some new rods this year for a few different applications and I was wondering if this might be an opportunity to save a few bucks by making my own. I’m sure it’s like most things where buying the absolute best components will likely end up costing more than an Ugly Stik off the shelf.Something about building my own is appealing and it seems like it might be a good way to get the kids involved.I guess what I’m looking to find out is - after the cost of admission, can a guy save money by doing it himself, all things considered? If I were to use the same components as some of the custom guys, am I going to save a decent amount of money or are they operating on slim margins? I’ve got no illusion about making anything close to their level of quality, but I do think it’d be fun to try, to get the kids involved, to have the flexibility to get what I want exactly how I want it, and to be able to justify it to the wife by saving a few nickels.Thanks in advance!
I haven’t built any ice rods yet, but I have built a few fly rods. If you compare cost to a lower-end rod such as the Ugly Sticks, you will spend more in components, but you’ll also have a much nicer rod. Where you really start saving money is if you start building rods to match the higher quality rods. For me, the biggest benefit of building my own rod is the enjoyment of knowing I’m catching fish on a rod that I built myself.
Definitely. That’s what I was getting at. If I source top end components, I’m sure even that cost would be more than an Ugly Stick. But if I got components on par with a custom rod from a custom maker, would I end up saving money, understanding that it would obviously be a far less quality build, having done it myself?Does that make sense?
That does make sense, and that was what I was trying to say. I think if you priced out quality components, and then compared it to the price of a custom build, you would absolutely save money, if you plan on making multiple rods. In the beginning of course you would have to add in the cost of buying the tools(rod wrapper, dryer, etc.). As far as quality goes, you would be surprised if you take your time how good of rod you can make on your own.
This is exactly what I wanted to hear. Is Mudhole the gold standard for beginner kits, or is there a recommended source/site sponsor for ice rod building? Do ice building tools work for soft water rods?
You WILL NOT save money on your first rod. However, you’ll pretty much be set to build all other rods for cost of materials. I use sportsmen’s direct and mud-hole. You can also save A LOT of money by building the majority of your tools like the wrapping stand and drying system yourself out of scrap wood and cheap parts. Paying $300-$500 for a complete wrap/dry setup is asinine. Don’t fall into it for your first rod thinking you need it. You really don’t. Although, a $15 drying motor is, in my opinion, absolute essential. And the good thing is you can use your homemade wrapping stand as a drying stand too.If you feel froggy and want to make your own tapers, wrap a masking tape cushion around the butt of the blank and chuck it into a drill. Boom....taper sanding lathe. Now you can make your own custom tapers by sanding the tip/blank while it’s spinning in the drill. One can make some excellent power noodle rods this way.As for ice rod tools working for summer rods. The answer is yes. The only thing that changes is the length and diameter of the blank meaning you’d just need more workspace and an extra stand or two.When it comes to rod building, you can make this as expensive or as affordable as you want. You by no means need expensive tools and to be honest, most of them are just a more refined DIY version with a crazy markup.
One area to save money is to NOT fall for the Recoil guide thing that they magically repel ice - they don't, and as to being more "durable" an ice blank is going to be destroyed well before a standard guide. Doing fancy wraps and grips is a matter of personal taste (or in some cases, the lack there of...) and has NOTHING to do with performance - if anything the extensive wraps slightly detract from the rod's performance.Like RyanW said, you can save a lot of money by making your own equipment.What kind of fish do you intend to use the rods for?Sportsmen Direct, Basskhang, Vline all offer great blanks.
x whatever number we're at on buying into high end equipment to start. Certainly, if you'll be manufacturing even at a limited level, that would make a difference but to build a few to start and see where it goes, well, that would just not be a "value purchase". I made a dozen or so open water rods with little more than a sturdy cardboard box with a coupla "v" notches cut in it. I did graduate to a homemade stand with thread tensioners that cost me the spare parts I had laying around and some ingenuity. I am currently building a more professional wrapping stand with moveable blocks to accommodate guides, different lengths, etc. Wrapping will still be manual because I just don't do that many but there will be a provision for a motorized rod dryer for at least two or maybe three rods at a time.As mentioned before, if you're inclined to spend a bit go for a motorized dryer. I've used Flex Coat finish for decades and it's about a two hour investment (depending on ambient temperature) in diligent turning to get an even, good looking finish. When you want to tell folks you "made it yourself" the appearance of knowing what you're doing allows you to pop an extra button or two . Didn't used to mind turning. Timer, a few other small projects at the bench, glass of something good to sip on and it was fine. Now I've got better ways to spend two hours and I'm not gettin' any younger.Even components can be had cheap or free depending on your needs. I've made a few ice rods from tip sections of otherwise busted open water rods, scavenged guides and even repurposed reel seats and handles from same. Granted, it is used but, especially when you're starting up it's a great way to practice and get some experience for next to nothing before you start using components you actually pay for.Good luck with your new hobby. There's a few here that have way more experience at this than I do and they are usually very willing to share info and answer question from guys like you and me.
Only thing I might add about Mudhole, it seems to take them forever to ship their product.Not sure if they’re on a island in Florida or what.Have to be patient with them.Might be home for the next 2 weeks cause of COVID.Wanted to order product but not sure if I’ll get it in 2 weeks.
Everything I've ordered from them has gotten to me in 5 days, not had a problem with shipping.
If your planning on a multi rod build plan ahead and order all your components at the same time and save on that dreaded shipping charge. Nothing worse than needing winding checks and paying $8 for shipping.