Growth and Popularity of D.I.Y. Rod Building By: Capt. David Bacon

The profound growth and popularity of D.I.Y. rod-building and rod repair deserves to be recognized and catered to. As a bait & tackle shop owner I watched with interest as more and more of my customers became interested in learning more about rod blanks, components and the artistic possibilities, which are as endless as the creative vision of each individual. 

The profound growth and popularity of D.I.Y. rod-building and rod repair deserves to be recognized and catered to. As a bait & tackle shop owner I watched with interest as more and more of my customers became interested in learning more about rod blanks, components and the artistic possibilities, which are as endless as the creative vision of each individual.  

Introducing Captain Tiffany Vague, owner of www.vaguerods.net  During her lifetime as a charter boat crew member, then charter boat captain, then tackle shop manager, Capt. Tiffany Vague became one of the leading custom rod builders in the world after being mentored by legends like Doc Ski and Mitsu. Now she is a mentor and teacher. 

One of her rods took first place in the people’s choice award in the big international rod-building competition and another of her rods was chosen to be among the top 10 in the world in the professionally judged category.  

This put her in contact with rod building leaders throughout the world and she began working with them. She also began mentoring would-be rod-builders who are hell bent on learning. She mentors people both in-person and online, although her time is limited because she builds custom rods for a living.   

A fantastic solution is now underway, and it allows many, many novice, intermediate and advanced rod-builders to learn from her in a classic environment. You see, I have been teaching fishing classes for our California Community College for years. The college decided they want to expand offerings and Capt. Tiffany was brought on as Adjunct Faculty to teach online rod building classes.  

The first class she taught was beginner rod-building. Now through her website www.vaguerods.net she again offers the introduction to rod-building class. Then in subsequent terms, she teaches intermediate-level rod building and then advanced-level. Anticipating lots of interest,  

A new leader industry has emerged thanks to Capt. Tiffany’s industry connections and her family’s business experience. www.vaguerods.net now offers quality rod building machines, gear, components and blanks for DIYers who repair, refurbish and build rods for themselves, friends and for sale. Best of all, prices on her website are rock-bottom and are likely the best prices available anywhere.   

The amount of rod building gear being purchased across the country and around the world is impressive. Companies that manufacture and sell the gear, like Batson Enterprises, American Tackle, Mudhole, American Fishing Tackle Company (AFTCO) and Fishermen’s Warehouse know how popular the craft has become. Most bait and tackle shops have a growing inventory of rod blanks and components and customers who buy it all. Capt. Tiffany Vague’s website emerged as a leader because she offers rock-bottom prices, and also because she is an experienced teacher and seminar speaker who offers online classes through her website, again at compelling prices. 

Nuts and bolts of DIY rod-building There is much to learn, before turning the first wrap of thread around a rod blank. Building a rod as utilitarian as it is artful begins with considering what it will be used for, like yo-yoing for yellowtail, or a rail rod for big tuna, or casting swimbaits to boiler rock calicos, or surf fishing for perch and halibut, or flipping in freshwater bass tournaments, or drifting rivers for steelhead, etc., etc. When building/finishing a rod, the style of fishing and the personal traits of the angler determine which blank to use, which accessories such as guides, grips, reel seat and all the rest to complete the materials package.  

DIYers learn that no one rod blank is good for everything, just like one golf club is not the right choice for each golfing situation. It is wise to learn how to match a blank to a fishing technique, and also to the dimensions of the angler (such as the length of the forearm, to determine where the reel seat goes). 

Next the best blank is purchased, and I strongly recommend quality blanks from reputable manufacturers such as Batson, American Tackle, Calstar, or Seeker. You can trust these rods when you bend them on the fish of a lifetime.  

Selecting the right componentry is a challenge and gets into the complexities of materials, engineering for lightness yet strength and attractiveness. How many guides depends on the length of the rod and the intended use. Reel seats run the gamut of weight, strength and good looks. Rear grip and fore grip materials are chosen for grip and durability. Capt. Tiffany builds a unique custom grip that helped her win at the international rod-building competition. Her grip is called the Tiffany Grip and is renowned for its durability (can be used as a rail rod) and solid grip even when hands are wet and slimy. There is much to learn about components and which ones are best for various intended uses of the rod.  

There is considerable consternation over the issue of finding the backbone (spline) of a rod blank. It is important and the placement of components is determined by finding the backbone. For most folks it means bending the tip while rolling the rod partway down on an outstretched finger to see which way it naturally wants to turn to put the heavier side downward. The topic can become much more complex, and this is the stuff of importance to DIYers who want to build great rods. Spline finding is now automated with a reasonably-priced device found on www.vaguerods.net.  

Rod-building as an artistic outlet Finally, designing the art comes into play. This is where the creative juices flow and it becomes personal. When it comes to art, a person may like wrapping American flags, fish wraps, diamonds, chevrons, tiger wraps, dragon scales and also subdued looks like basic black with subtle metallic highlights.  

Once some of those are mastered, the budding rod builder can decide whether to step up to the creative big leagues and learn to weave in addition to wrap. Top weavers like Capt. Tiffany can work from a logo, a map, a photo or a drawing, using an intricate loom with up to hundreds of threads to weave the image onto the rod.  

Think about joining the rod-wrappers crafter movement and build your own masterpieces after taking a class to learn about it. When you fish, people will notice your craftsmanship and art, and you will fish with confidence. I’ve always said, confidence is my best bait. Build your own confidence on www.vaguerods.net.