THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 12, 1995 TAG: 9503090189
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Tight Lines
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
The rod that you build yourself might not cast better or catch more fish than any factory rod, but it surely seems that way.
Last week, we talked about getting the materials to build a rod. Now, it is time to put it together.
More detailed instructions are available in several books and pamphlets, but this should give you an idea of how easy it is and enough information to build a simple but functional surf rod.
You will need something to hold the rod while you make it. You can easily build a stand out of scrap lumber or you can simply use a cardboard box with v's cut in each end.
The first step is put on the grips and the reel seat.
If you are using cork grips, epoxy glue is called for, but with common foam grips a household glue, such as Elmer's, works better. The glue will also act as a lubricant to help you slide the grip over the blank.
To make the reel seat fit snugly, wrap masking tape around the blank. Before you glue the seat, make sure that it is lined up on the spine of the blank.
Next, place the tip-top guide, using ferrel cement and making sure that it, too, lines up with the spine.
Now it is time to space the guides. If you have another rod of the same length, use the guide spacing on it as a starting place.
After the glue on the grips and reel seat has dried, tape the guides in place, put a reel on the rod and take a couple of easy casts with it. Watch to see that the line moves smoothly through the guides.
Then step on the end of the line and bend the rod, as if you were fighting a fish. The line should follow fairly even arks from guide to guide.
When you are satisfied with the guide placements, mark them and remove the guides. Then place the guide nearest the butt and tape it on one side.
Put the spool of winding thread in a coffee cup and run the tag end through a thick book to create some tension.
Starting on the blank and working toward the guide, wrap the guide's foot by slowly turning the blank. This is not as hard as it sounds. The thread will fall right into place.
Wrap the thread over itself for five or six turns, then cut off the loose end with scissors or a razor blade.
As you near the end of the wrap, make a loop out of a different color thread or of monofilament. Wrap over that - with the loop end away from the wrap - for the last eight or ten turns.
Cut the thread while holding the wrap in place with your thumb, put the end through the loop then pull the end of the thread under the wrap.
Repeat the process over each foot of all of the guides. If you mess one up, start over. Patience is the byword here.
When you have finished with all of the wraps, apply the finish to them with a small brush. Then turn the blank continuously for ten or fifteen minutes. For the next couple of hours, turn the plank a quarter turn every five minutes or so. This will give you smooth and even finishes.
Let everything dry for a day or so and you are ready to go fishing with the best rod in the world. The one that you made yourself. by CNB