Introductory Rod Building Class

Imagine what it would feel like to land a fish on a rod you built. Our custom rod-building classes are designed to help you design and create your custom fishing rod.

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Our classes are taught by custom rod builders Kevin Howell and John Rich. Kevin has been designing and building custom rods for over 25 years. Kevin is experienced in all levels of rod building, from advanced wraps to marbling to simply wrapping a guide on a rod. John has been building custom rods for several years and handles all of our more complex rod repairs. 

In the introductory rod-building class, Kevin or John will walk you through every step of building your rod. You will have a completed rod ready to fish at the end of the class. In the introductory course, you will learn how to spline blanks, attach tip tops, thread wrapping, cork reaming, file guide feet, guide placement, secure reel seats, and apply the finish.

Rod building class is $150 per person and is limited to 6 participants. DRO will provide epoxies, glue, threads, wrapping jigs, drying motors, tools, and instructors. Participants must provide their own rod blank, handle, reel seat, and guides. DRO will help participants pick rods and components if needed and will offer a 10% discount on parts purchased through DRO.  When building rods, day one will handle construction, guide placement, and guide wrapping. Day two will be wrapping guides and finishing. Rods must turn overnight and cannot be picked up and fished until mid-morning the day after the class ends.

2025 Date

August 8-9, 9a-4p

December 5-6, 9a-4p

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