- 1). Place the large end of the rod blank on the floor. Apply downward pressure to bend the rod and allow it to roll. Note the location where the blank rolls faster as this will be the backbone. Choose a rod blank in the length that will best suit your fishing needs. Use, for example, a 6-foot-6-inch rod as a starting point for bass. Mark the backbone with a small piece of masking tape.
- 2). File the inside of a cork handle with a round file. Remove enough cork handle material until the cork slides onto the blank easily. Apply epoxy to the rod where the handle will be seated. Glue the reel seat in place below the grip, followed by the handle of the rod. Allow the epoxy to dry for 24 hours. Choose a high quality Portuguese cork for a custom rod build and durability.
- 3). Place the rod on a bench-top rod holder. Choose the type of guides that you like for the rod. Select metal only or ceramic eye guides based on personal preference. Install the rod tip on the end of the rod first with epoxy glue. Line the rod tip eye up with the tape on the backbone of the rod.
- 4). Install the line guides along the length of the rod. Refer to the diagram supplied with the guides to determine proper spacing. Consider adjusting placement of the guides on the rod based on your personal preference. Heat a guide glue stick with a lighter and apply the glue to the desired location on the rod along the rod backbone. Place the guide on the glue to hold it temporarily in place.
- 5). Wrap the guide feet with guide thread in a color of your choice. Wrap the foot of the guide so it is completely covered with thread. Place a separate 2-inch loop of thread along the wrapped guide foot. Continue wrapping onto the rod blank and over the loop for one-half inch. Cut the wrapping thread and insert the end through the loop. Pull the loop and the end of the wrapping thread under the wrapped thread. Trim the end of the thread with scissors so it is flush.
- 6). Wrap the remainder of the guides in the same manner. Apply a coat of color preserver to the threads on the guide foot using a hobby brush. Rotate the wrapped thread over the flame of a lighter to activate the preserver and seal the threads.
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