How To Make Your Own Fishing Rods (Mistakes, Shortcuts, Tips)

It's Custom Rod Building time!
We’ve had a lot of requests for more information about fishing rods on the podcast, especially custom rods, so we brought on Brandon Elinich of Black Pelican Custom Rods.
In this episode, we cover a ton, including:
- The difference between good and bad rods (and how to tell if one is overpriced)
- Everything you wanted to know about rod grips, guides, action and blanks
- The advantages of having a custom rod as opposed to a store-bought rod
- How Brandon became a custom rod maker (and how you can, too)
- What he wishes someone told him about rod making before he got started
- What tools and materials you need to make your own rods
- What exactly graphene is (hint: it’s a material that is 200x stronger than steel, harder than a diamond, and flexible!)
One of our Insider members, Ariel Rodriguez, is a customer of Black Pelican, and he let Tony try out his custom rod the other day.
Both of them have raved about the quality and performance, and Brandon really knows his stuff, so I know you’re going to get a lot out of this episode.
To see the show notes, click here:
bit.ly/2nyauMK
To join 8,000 other members in the Insider Club and get access to the best local fishing spots, discounts on fishing gear, and the best fishing tips, click here:
bit.ly/2mIEYvk
And to download our FREE Inshore Fishing ebook, click here:
bit.ly/2o9FLFT

[@Saltstrong]

To join 8,000 other members in the Insider Club and get access to the best local fishing spots, discounts on fishing gear, and the best fishing tips, click here: bit.ly/2nuCPUl

[@lovinhouse374]

Next time you go to the big box outdoor store, pick a few rods and spine them. You would be surprised how many are off! Great vid 👍🏻

[@kevinbentley3254]

Great broadcast. I have built my own rods for over forty years. Lots of great information, I will definitely be checking out Century rod blanks. It also had some good ideas as I am looking into going I'm to it part time in my retirement. Again great job.

[@pissywilly]

Just designed my pelican custom with Brandon. Super excited. Will be pairing with an Abu Zenon

[@TeamHardLife]

There is so much knowledge that can go into working or making rods... thanks for sharing that..

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you Team Hard Life!

[@TeamHardLife]

We share our knowledge on all types of fishing because we sell all our gear as well.. started back in 04' now we have manufacturing/distribution, retail, and online and the you tube channel...

[@AllyXTB]

Good info! Wrapped my first rod 45 years ago, things have changed a lot! But the goal is still the same, a beautiful one of a kind made precisely for you. Only problem, a lot of fishermen, (fisherpeople) don't understand the time and effort involved. Because of that they want a custom, beautiful rod for an Amazon/Walmart price.

[@MaddogFishing]

I've built several fly rods but haven't tackled a standard inshore rod. Good info guys

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks Maddog!

[@loveshinebright1052]

You guys might have touched on it and I just might have missed it. Or maybe I didn't hear, but what is the warranty on these rods? If I ever bought one I would keep it in a case and treat it like gold. But sometimes things do happen. Just curious on what I would do to send it in for repair?

[@blackpelicancustomrods8629]

love shine bright things do happen, manufacturer covers 1 year on the blank and we handle the rest. As long as you don’t shut it in a door or tailgate under normal use it’s covered.

[@douglasfields3942]

Do you make Fly Rods for both fresh and salt water fishing?

[@Saltstrong]

Yes, he makes every kind of rod imaginable. Thanks for tuning in and commenting Douglas!

[@blackpelicancustomrods8629]

Sure do! From 7’6” 8-9 wt saltwater slingers to 10’ 4-10 wt for fresh and salt 👍🏻

[@bassiclogic]

I am going to buy one of these Rods!

[@bassiclogic]

Great Video!

[@TCampbell1990]

Does the weapon jr. rod blank have the graphene technology built in it? I will not be buying anymore rods. I’m going to learn how to build my own. Watched this episode a couple times now and you are awesome at what you do man

[@loveshinebright1052]

Awesome thanks

[@Slobfishn]

1st

[@Saltstrong]

Pa-POW! Winner winner flounder dinner!