HI, I was just woundering if anyone has seen the website called mudhole where you can build your own rods . i,m disabled and love to fish and was woundering if this is something that the average person can do?? I am mechanically inclined,can build just about anything from the ground up...I was woundering if this is something the average person can do.  And have some of you have made your own rods and how they work for you thank you for your imput JOHN

John, I am disabled also.  Before I became disabled I built a lot of rods for family and friends, even built some of my own design which B &  M use now.  I do not think being disabled should hinder you from building rods.  I stopped because my eyes were getting weak and it was hard for me to see how to tie the eyes on a rod.  Likewise sometimes my nerves cause my hands to shake a little.  I've heard only good things about the mud hole website.  There are a number of books out that teach you the ins and outs but most of your success will come from just getting in there and doing it.  You get my vote, think of a rod you would like to have and just jump in there and do it.  Fortunately, a lot of expensive equipment is not necessary. 
I would start by trying to fix some old rods maybe you have laying around.  Good luck and let me know how you are coming.  Uncle Tom

Thanks uncle tom, i,m going to the local book store to get more info..I just wanted to get info from someone like yourself because books are good but someone like yourself who has the knowledge is something a book can't explain.Thank you for getting back to me if you don't mind i might be getting back to you for some of your experience and advise.. again thanks tom...............john

Someday I hope to aspire to building my own fishing rod as well.

I did not think of this when I wrote my response but I am sure craft shops have pens that write permanently in silver or gold where you could autograph your rod and even date it.  I am going to check it out the next time I am in Savannah.  I did finally get my rod from NAFC but have decided to give it to my Dad who will be 84 on September 14th.  Makes it even more special since Dad & I have the same name.  Anyone out there know about permanent pens from craft shops drop us a note here in this post.  Its great to have friends and forums like this where there is unlimited thoughts & talents.  UncleTom

Hi, again uncle Tom ,I think your right my wife said they do have those pens at the craft store she shops. That is a good ideal to give the rod to your dad, i was thinking of doing the same when i get my rod from the club we have the same name too, also but my son and grandson has the name also so i think we are going to have to flip a coin to see who gets it l.o.l. happy b-day to your dad from a friend on the left coast. talk to you soon ,JOHN

I tie my own rods and repair rods I purchase at estate and rummage sales. There is also a supplier in Ohio I use to purchase supplies http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/ they carry everything you need to build rods. Also in Mi Franks in Linwood,Mi also sells supplies. The hardest thing I have found is keeping the eyes straight when tying them. I usually take a soft pencil and hold the rod blank on a long straight surface and draw a line down them. Then I use masking tape to hold them in place till I wrap them.removing the tape as I proceed.

I tie my own rods and repair rods I purchase at estate and rummage sales. There is also a supplier in Ohio I use to purchase supplies http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/ they carry everything you need to build rods. Also in Mi Franks in Linwood,Mi also sells supplies. The hardest thing I have found is keeping the eyes straight when tying them. I usually take a soft pencil and hold the rod blank on a long straight surface and draw a line down them. Then I use masking tape to hold them in place till I wrap them.removing the tape as I proceed.

Thank you for your tip i'm in the process of reading up on this in a book i got.I,m also printing out the tips you guys are giving to look back to help me along the way again thank you i really app. all the help and input ...........JOHN