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Future builds - which rod first?

LyNcH

Dries, wets, nymphs and streamers...it's all good!
I have 3 rods on deck to build for myself.....which first?

I am out of work the week of 2/20 and will have time on my hands and won;t be able to do much but sit (foot surgery) and have everything I need to build the following 3 rods.

Sage TCX 11'9" switch rod in 8wt

Sage 99 in 5wt

& a 10' 4wt


I am leaning towards the Sage TCX first since I will be needing and using it come mid march. I already have the TCX 7126 for swinging, but wanted something a little different for those in between times of fishing the smaller than SR creeks, but can still launch a swung fly a mile, but will also double as an effective nymph rig when the fish a low in the water and not moving towards streamers.

Sage 99 rod. I already have a factory built 5wt rod, but was able to get a good deal on a blank and components. I'll build this on and then sell my factory rod after which still has a blank warranty card. I would prefer to fish a rod that I built any day over a factory rod for the same reasons we like to fish flies we tie. If anyone is interested inthe factory 99, let me know. It's a great stick and is $699 new, will sell it for $350 to anyone on NEFF. 99 :: Specialty :: Rods :: 99 Specialty :: 99 :: Specialty :: Rods :: Home

The 4wt? Not needed at all, but picked up a cheap 4 piece blank at the show and can build the whole thing for under $100. Why not have 2 nymph rigs when trout fishing? One for indicator fishing, dry dropper fishing and one for European style nymphing. Don't worry, I still have my dry fly rig(s) which will always be with me........


So I guess my decision is made, I will be building the TCX in a few weeks. I'll try to remember to post pics with descriptions as I go along.
 
The actual cost for a regular rod building consumer like myself (vs. getting stuff at the reduced rates a guide/pro rod building outfit would) is about 1/2 the cost of a factory rod. Case in point: The TCX factory rod costs $855 new, I purchased everything I need to build it with good quality hardware for $447 shipped to my door. Blanks do not come with a tube or sock, but that's OK with me because I seldom use what a rod will come with and buy a rod/reel travel case for my rods. Most blanks come with a lifetime warranty so if I happen to break a rod, I send the rod back to the company, they will match up a tight fitting tip and mail the broken tip (with components still on it) back (for a small fee) so I can rebuild the section .

Like tying flies, you need to have some of the basics to wrap thread, messing with cork grips, rotate the rod while drying etc. This stuff can all be purchased for under $100 until you are ready to upgrade. I currently build rods for myself, family and friends, maybe at some point I will start a small side business, but for now, it's a enjoyable and rewarding hobby that I don't want to turn into a side job that I must do and have deadlines. I typically end up building a rod, use it for a season or two, and then decide I want to try the latest and greatest rod to hit the market, sell the rod for about what it cost to build, and use the money for the new build. I recently sold one of my TCX 7126 rods, which financed the 8119 build. It's fun to be able to do this without much out of pocket cost after the initial investment. I'de like to give the 5wt Sage One a try, but I have an Orvis factory Hydros that won't bring in enough funds, plus I really love the thing.

My 2 best builds to date are a Sage 5110-4 switch rod and my TCX 7126. I'm quite proud of both builds and would love to post a few pics if I had a camera that took decent macro shots.

if you want more info, shoot me a PM and I'll direct you to some helpful sites for building supplies and information. It is as addictive as tying flies once you get the hang of it.
 
Actually it was $443.95 shipped. Should have it by Tuesday. Wayne from anglers habitat will work some great kit prices with you with complete customization to what you want.
 
BrownChicken, I just sent you a pretty detailed PM with a bunch of resources. Keep us posted on your first build!
 
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