Fly Fishing Rod Materials

If you plan on building your own fly rod, there are fly fishing rod materials that you will
need. Buying quality blanks and components will ensure that you'll enjoy the rod for
years to come.

The rod blank: the first and most important of fly fishing rod materials

After you've considered the type of rod you want to build, your first purchase will be the
rod blank. This is the most critical component of all your fly fishing rod materials.

Rod blanks are available in several materials. Graphite is the most commonly used, but
fiberglass and bamboo blanks are still available. Play around with a few before you
decide.

Try a few false casts to get the feel of the blank in your hands. You are going to spend
some time together. A short time fishing with an ill-fitting rod quickly reduces your
enjoyment level.

Fly fishing rod materials must compliment each other

Fly fishing rod materials that compliment each other are essential if you want a balanced
and versatile finished product. If rod weight and line weight do not match you will find
casting difficult at best and impossible at worst.

It is critical to the finished weight, feel and action of your rod that the snake guides are
the right size. They vary according to the rod blank you are using. Ask the advice of a
knowledgeable salesperson for help on this.

It is possible to buy a custom made reel seat and grip to fit your rod blank, but often you
will have to enlarge the hole by using a round file or similar tool. If the grip or seat is too
large then you will need to wrap tape around the blank to make it fit snuggly in place.

The other items needed to complete your materials are a tip top, the guide that is placed at
the tip of the rod, a stripping guide, a hook keeper, and a winding check.

The tools of your fly fishing rod materials

Your fly fishing rod materials should contain some specialized tools. If you are using a
tapered rod blank, a tapered reamer will make the job of sizing the grip much easier. A
round file will suffice if you haven't got the reamer.

You'll need a sharp knife (exacto type) and scissors to cut threads and trim bits and
pieces. A tape measure and marking pen will help you place the guides correctly.

A fly tying bodkin helps to align the thread wraps, eliminating any gaps and ensuring an
expert finish.

To keep tension on your threads a weight bearing device of some kind is necessary. It can
be a special thread tensioning tool or anything that will maintain good tension on the
thread as it winds onto the rod.

To ensure all the components stay in place you'll need epoxy glue (slow-setting), thinner
or epoxy brush cleaner, sandpaper of differing coarseness, and masking tape.

With the above-mentioned tools in your fly fishing rod materials kit, you are ready to
begin building your own rod. Quality materials will produce the best results. Your local
rod building suppliers will give the advice on the components that match the blank you
choose.

Tags: Fly Fishing Rod Materials

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