QuestionQUESTION: Hey Joe,
I have a handful of old Rods and reels that belonged to my father. We're from the Texas coast and my family goes back about 4 generations there. I would like to rebuild all his old rods and reels. Other than getting hard to find reel parts, I can probably figure that out. What I need is advice on how to rebuild these old rods. I had 2-3 done by an old friend who has now passed. I would like to start from scratch, i.e. strip the rods, re-plate the ferules and reel seats, and re-mount the ferules with new thread, replace/renew/refinish the cork and/or wooden handles. I would also like to give the rods themselves some new luster. Where can I obtain good wrapping materials and can you give me some direction?
Thanks,
Scott
ANSWER: Hi Scott,
I do operate a school where I teach people to build rods from scratch and recondition or restore rods that are valuable or family heirlooms. I would be happy to have you as a student. Check the blackdogtackle.com web site for more information. Classes in this economy are arranged to match your schedule and availability.
I can teach you what you need to know to do the rods properly. This is not rocket science, but it is not simple either. There are a variety of techniques and approaches that apply depending on the type of rod and the materials from which the rod is made. You may or may not have to replace, or even replate, the metal components...they may restore nicely. Refinishing also depends on the materials involved and can take some time, but it's worth it if done properly. My classes typically last 3-4 days...during which you will complete at least one of the rods.
There are quite a few suppliers of components and materials necessary for rod building or refurbishing. All are good but some specialize in items you might require for this project.
There are reel repair experts in this area...and I am sure in your locale as well. There is quite a large community of reel rebuilders that would allow you to find parts if you can tap into their network. Try searching for vintage reel collectors and shows to find one near you and make a new friend.
Thanks, Joe
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: OK, so If I understand you, I was just invited to enroll in your rod building class in Idaho and I live in Texas. Is that correct?
AnswerHi Scott,
Sorry, I got engrossed in talking about the school and forgot to finish the message.
Yes, by all means you are invited to attend my school. The vast majority of my students come from all over the country and travel here specifically to attend these classes. They also try to fit that in with a vacation or add a few days off to the end of a business trip in the region. I do live in a fairly remote Rocky Mountain area with excellent fishing and hunting opportunities and it is a very nice place to visit...and the classes are well worth the effort and expense based on student feedback...100% positive.
If you can arrange it, I would be happy to have you attend. But you don't have to...
If you wish to do this a little bit at a time, send me an email with basic details about the rods you wish to work on and I'll try to walk you through each stage of the process via email. This takes longer and usually requires plenty of back and forth messaging, but it works. I'm happy to share my knowledge this way.
Many of my students start this way and then decide to come here for the classes. It takes years to learn how to do this well and working alone with only written guidelines and my long distance encouragement can be frustrating at times. Seeing the work done and the techniques being demonstrated by me and hearing the theoretical discussion followed by applying the steps yourself always connects the dots and turns on the light bulb above the student's head. My goal is to shortcut your learning curve dramatically through the classes.
Let's start with one of the rods via email and I'll do my best to train you long distance.
Send your email to
[email protected] and we'll get started.
Thanks, Joe
