Save Money Building a Fly Rod: $482 Bucks in My Pocket

I’m letting you in on a little secret of mine: building your own fly rod is not just incredibly satisfying, but it’s also a smart way to save some serious cash.  I’ve experienced firsthand the significant savings that come with crafting my own rods.

Lucky for you, I’ve designed, sold, and personally handcrafted over two dozen fly rods for myself, friends, and customers.

Recently, I even had the joy of teaching a class at my local club, spreading the rod-building bug. I’m excited to share how you can do the same. We’ll dive into the cost-effective world of DIY rod building, showing you that with a little effort, you can reel in big savings.

Guide Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the step by step how to build a fly rod I’d encourage you to reader this article that goes step by step and includes a video. 👉https://guiderecommended.com/how-to-build-fly-rod/

Cost of the Tools for Building Your Fly Rod

Building a fly rod doesn’t require a workshop full of expensive tools. In fact, a simple rod wrapper can be crafted from scrap wood, paired with a basic thread holder to maintain tension and guide the thread accurately. I’ve even seen creative anglers build a rod using nothing more than a cardboard box and a fly tying bobbin.

If DIY isn’t your style, commercial rod wrappers are available, ranging from about $34 to $94. Another key tool is a drying motor. My first one was a homemade setup using a slow (4-6 rpm) AC motor mounted on wooden stands, which can be a cost-effective solution.

You can also purchase a basic motor for as low as $9 and set it up yourself. For a more complete setup, expect to spend around $50. Lastly, don’t forget the essentials like scissors, thread, and a razor blade for precision work. With these tools at hand, you’re well on your way to crafting your custom fly rod.

I Saved $482 on my Recent Winston Rod Build

Wondering about the savings from building your own fly rod? In the tables below, I’ve compared the costs for three models, showing savings ranging from $93 to a substantial $482. Whether it’s a premium rod or a budget-friendly option, these numbers reveal the impressive financial benefits of DIY rod building. Check out the detailed breakdown and discover how much you could save.

Savings for my Winston Tom Morgan Favorite

Item	Cost to Build ($)	Cost to Buy ($)
Blank	437	–
Grip	28	–
Guides	16	–
Tip Top	3	–
Reel Seat	26	–
Winding Check	3	–
Finish	21	–
Epoxy	7	–
Hand Wrapper	50	–
Drying Motor	50	–
Tools and Thread	20	–
Subtotal	661	–
Total Cost	661	995
Savings	334	–

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Savings Example for Sage Igniter

Item	Cost to Build ($)	Cost to Buy ($)
Blank	645	–
Grip	28	–
Guides	16	–
Tip Top	3	–
Reel Seat	26	–
Winding Check	3	–
Finish	21	–
Epoxy	7	–
Hand Wrapper	50	–
Drying Motor	50	–
Tools and Thread	20	–
Subtotal	869	–
Total Cost	869	995
Savings	126	–

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Savings Example for St. Croix Imperial

Item	Cost to Build ($)	Cost to Buy ($)
Blank	78	–
Grip	28	–
Guides	16	–
Tip Top	3	–
Reel Seat	26	–
Winding Check	3	–
Finish	21	–
Epoxy	7	–
Hand Wrapper	50	–
Drying Motor	50	–
Tools and Thread	20	–
Subtotal	302	–
Total Cost	302	395
Savings	93	–

Unlock Bigger Savings with Each Rod!

Once you’ve built your first fly rod, the journey ahead becomes even more financially rewarding. For every rod you craft thereafter, you’ll save an additional $120, as the expenses for the hand wrapper, drying motor, and tools and thread are no longer necessary.

These items, initially a one-time investment, significantly reduce the cost of each subsequent rod. This means that with every new rod you build, not only are you refining your craftsmanship, but you’re also enjoying a notable increase in savings.

In essence, the more rods you create, the more economical each becomes, turning your rod-building hobby into a progressively cost-effective venture.

My Take: Building my Winston Tom Morgan Favorite saved me $482, thanks to already owning the necessary tools and thread. More than the savings, it’s a rod I crafted to my liking, delivering the action I love in every cast.

The Rod Blank: Your Biggest Investment

When it comes to building your fly rod, the rod blank is undoubtedly the most significant expense. As seen in our cost comparison tables, the blank can range from $78 to $645, accounting for a substantial portion of the total cost – often over 50% of the entire build.

This crucial component sets the foundation for your rod’s performance and characteristics, making it a worthy investment for your custom creation. Choosing the right blank is pivotal, as it not only dictates the quality of your finished rod but also represents the bulk of your budget in the rod-building process.

Guide Pro Tip: Check out this article on selecting a fly rod.  👉 How to Select a Fly Rod  Different fish need different fly rods, even more reason to learn how to build a fly rod.

Where to Buy a Fly Rod Blank

For those looking to embark on the rewarding journey of building a fly rod, here are some top suppliers where you can find the perfect fly rod blank to suit your needs:

1. Custom Fly Rod Crafters: They offer a broad selection of fly rod blanks, including brands like SAGE, Winston, Steffen Bros., CTS, Matrix, Arctos, and their popular Xi series. Visit Custom Fly Rod Crafters
2. Northfork Composites (NFC): Owned by Gary Loomis, NFC produces all their blanks in the U.S. They offer a range of fly rod blanks. Visit Northfork Composites
3. JP Ross Fly Rods: They offer rod blanks and components, including custom fly rods and grips. Visit JP Ross Fly Rods
4. Epic Fly Rods: Known for industry-leading blanks, Epic Fly Rods offers premium quality and performance in their fly rod blanks. Visit Epic Fly Rods
5. Rod Geeks: They offer high-performance fishing rod blanks designed by experts at St. Croix fishing rod company. Visit Rod Geeks

For All the Other Tools and Hardware

Visit Mudhole -Caters to all your rod building needs.  From high-quality fly rod blanks to essential tools and accessories, they have everything to kickstart your rod building project.

Amazon is a convenient one-stop shop. While their range of fly rod blanks might be limited, they offer an extensive array of essential building tools, components, and accessories, making it easy to gather all you need for your rod building project in one place. Here’s a shortcut to their rod build tools 👉 Amazon Rod Building Tools

Reel in the Savings: DIY Rod Building

Wrapping up, remember that building your own fly rod is not just about the craft; it’s a smart financial choice too. I’ve personally seen the benefits, saving enough to treat myself to a new reel.

Each rod you build adds to your skill and shaves off costs, making this hobby both rewarding and economical. So, grab your tools and let the savings begin – with a DIY fly rod.