The Only Tools You Need To Build A Fishing Rod!

You don’t need many tools to build a fishing rod! And you can get it all in one rod building kit at www.mudhole.com.
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I was born and raised in Chicago, but after working 12 years in the financial Industry regulating the futures and options markets at the CME/CBOT I decided to pursue my passion fishing professional tournaments and left my full time corporate job. At that point, I moved to Junction City, WI with my wife Sara and two boys Hank and Duke. I've been fishing professionally since 2011 and full-time since 2015. I've qualified for seven MLF Championships and won over a half million in tournament winnings at the professional level.

[@matthewirish5755]

Love this type of content. I’m a tinkerer so this was especially cool to me. The on the water tips and rod making/bait modification are my favorite.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@joeenglish7403]

Really good one. I built. my first rod over 40 years ago from a fiberglass Cabela's blank, some salvaged parts from a broken rod, sewing thread, and spar varnish. You are absolutely right; it is addictive. I now have almost as many rods as my wife has shoes.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on

[@shadybanks8625]

I always wanted to give this a shot. I got lucky and have a friend who jumped into rodbuilding a few years ago. I keep him busy. I think you are missing an opportunity by not embracing BFS fishing. I know it's probably not really tournament applicable but guys are always looking for better rods and tactics to try with it. There really isn't an angler with your credibility who is doing vids on BFS fishing. Your connection with Mudhole would give you a chance to show off all of the blanks that could apply to BFS bass applications. So many guys are paying ridiculous money for JDM BFS rods and you can build one for 1/4 of the price that their paying. The Hover Rig is awesome on BFS... I easily caught over a 100 bass on it last week. A lot of times I was pitching it into gnarly stuff with 7 lb line and would have to let the bass swim out of the cover before setting the hook. I know the same could be done with spinning but having the option to use casting gear is great too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

not a bad idea but i love my spinning rods

[@rvfishingyet]

I always enjoy learning about Matt Stefan’s Custom Rods Operation!

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice

[@michaelbarbieri9871]

Great video. Will have to look up your old videos on rod building. Thanks again.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Enjoy!

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Awesome video, Matt!! You encourage me every time I watch the rod building videos. Hopefully soon I'll take the on-line class from Mud Hole and enjoy building my own rod and helping out others as well. Stay Safe & God Bless!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@BeckhamHomeLoans]

When I ordered my first Mud Hole rod kit, I bought the equipment package and got a nice discount. Now I'm hooked. Love building rods! Thanks Matt for stoking the fire. Go slay em at the Potomac!

[@MattStefanFishing]

you bet!

[@heinrichkellogg7563]

🍺Thanks Matt. I may try it some day but not anytime soon. I have 23 new rods I need to break in🫣. 🙏Here’s to uneventful and safe travels.👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

only 23! haha

[@cgmoon3097]

I just got into rod building over the last month and I have watched all of your rod building series videos multiple times. You have some of the best tutorial videos out there. One question tho, how do people two tone with different color thread and make it look so clean? I've attempted it a few times and can not seem to make it look right.

[@MattStefanFishing]

check out mudhole's tutorials

[@samuelschult985]

RBSK-2 is an advanced kit but you won't regret starting with that kit, great video Matt as always 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@Texaslivinoutdoors]

This is something I’ve been wanting to get into for awhile. I build all my arrows for archery (and for friends like you said) time to get into rod building. Great video thanks for the info

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@terribleatfishing]

thank you for this. I have been looking for a UL BFS rod and I am now wanting to build what I really want.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad I could help

[@mellowfellowfishing]

I like it! What would it take to see you do a complete rod build? As a tennis player, I enjoy customizing everything to achieve my prefered feel. I'd love to build rods too, that way you know exactly what's going into it. Thanks!

[@MattStefanFishing]

ive done a bunch on the channel

[@mellowfellowfishing]

​@MattStefanFishing yup, I searched right after and found your builds. Very cool, I may have to go down this rabbit hole

[@JohnnyJenkins]

Thank you! I’ll be checking this out later

[@MattStefanFishing]

great!

[@jaydee5156]

I used to build and sell rods as a pre-teen/teen, many, many years ago. My uncle taught me how to wrap by replacing a guide on one of my rods during a fishing trip, using monofilament fishing line. I was hooked. I didn't know anything about equipment. I was able to get all of the materials I needed between Cabela's and a couple of local shops. Internet hadn't been invented yet. Stainless guides were most common. Carbide was considered best. There were no ceramic guides yet or graphite rods. Thread, varnish and color preserver were from Gudebrod. Blanks were typically Fenwick with Featherweight handles. My fingers were the only rod turner I knew. For the thread, I used a long dowel and used my sock feet to keep tension. I still have all of my old rods that I build for myself and a few that I build for my dad and a couple of other relatives that have passed. I also have a casting rod from about 20 years ago that I never finished and I'm itching for a new flyrod. Trust me, if I finish that rod and build my new flyrod, I won't be doing it the way I did when I was a kid.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha i bet a lot has changed!

[@jaydee5156]

@@MattStefanFishing Things have indeed changed. I just came across a photo of a rod that I built. The photo is dated 1972. The greatest change has been the availability of information. That's not the kind of information you typically find at a public library.

[@Eturnal1111]

Cool video thanks Matt this is going to be my hobby in the winter

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on!

[@kmerm_]

Great video snd very insightful. Loved everything about it and cant wait to watch somr more videos when they're out.

[@MattStefanFishing]

awesome!

[@13thworker45]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Good show thank You

[@MattStefanFishing]

My pleasure!

[@fylaserengraving3531]

Thanks for all the information.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@secretbassrigs]

With flexible UV resins, building your own rod today has never been easier. When I learned how in the 90's, It was standard procedure to have to wait overnight for the epoxy to fully cure. That also involved using rotisserie motors in hand made "drying cabinets" to prevent the epoxy from dripping and to prevent dust or anything else from ruining the finish while having to wait so long. We even put a light fixture that used incandescent lightbulbs in them to keep it warm enough for the epoxy to cure properly. Now you can go out and use one as soon as you finish coating the last wrap. The cheapest and easiest rod wrappers were actually just cardboard boxes, with cut out "V" notches on the top edges of both sides. A simple spindle made from a screw and a spring was all you needed to hold your spool of thread. If you really know what you want in a specific rod but can't find it because they're all sold out, isn't being manufactured yet/anymore , or simply because you want to avoid spending $300 to $500 on it, you really need to give it a try. It's that easy!

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@alwayslearning7138]

Excellent, Excellent Video... The rod kit on Mud Hole is only $119.99.... This will be my winter passion... 2024.. I am coming out with the best rods... Good Bye Tackle Warehouse. Thank You!🤫

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@ChrisMitchellFishing]

This is a question I could ask mud hole but I want your take on it. I'm Looking to build "kayak specific" rods. Basically shorter butt ends. On the blanks, does the reel seat need to be at a specific spot on the blank or can I slide the seat down to desired spot and counter weight it with weighted end caps? Not sure if it will mess up how the spine is made and guide spacing. Only other thing I can think of is to put the reel seat where its supposed to go then cut the butt end to desired length with weighted end cap. Hope all that made sense and looking forward to your thoughts!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Absolutely you can put the reel seat anywhere you want. I cut rods to length all the time so that’s an option as well

[@johnrayner5599]

You are so right about this hobby of building rods, very rewarding catching fish on a custom rod that you built yourself and not to mention if you wish you can pay for your personnel rods by building some for others, Matt have you tried the Gen 4 epoxy? I love it and was wondering if you have any thoughts on that product.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i have not

[@grncreek]

If your not in a hurry another cheap source for power rod turners is aliexpress. I picked up one with forward/reverse and a foot control for 30. Loomis/shamano wanted to charge 15 plus shipping to replace an eye. So for less than half the cost to send the rod off I got a turner, resin, and thread. Ill have to try building a complete rod at some point.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I’ll check it out

[@jrsfishingchannel8082]

I just bought a wrapper and a electric turner for $50 off of market place with supplies…. Looking forward to trying to build my first rod..

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@andys1170]

This kind of leans towards a Matt Stephan beginners kit from mudhole

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@stevesmith7164]

Good video, good food for thought

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks!

[@terrytresemer2864]

Matt, you and I are those go-to friends for rods and repairs. As I've said before I kind of barter with friends for their specialty's. My mechanic is probably the worst thing that has ever happened to a rod! Lucky for me!!! He's stepped on rods, dropped the rod hatch on rods and broken eyes. Needless to say a steady customer. Truth be told it keeps me busy and out of most trouble but not all. I still manage to rub the wife the wrong way now & then. Kindness to another always seems to be return in time.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i barter all the time!

[@Cochran53]

I like to call these “the gateway drugs.” First it’s the hand wrapper, then it’s the power wrapper, then comes the denial that you have a problem. Next thing you know, you wake up in Rodbuilders anonymous.

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@Garminrules]

Ryan, you hit the nail on the head...lol!!

[@EzzyJohnno]

😂😂😂

[@petemoore8923]

Boy I know where you’re coming!!!!

[@justinmalone8640]

Brother, I caught a mean side eye from the wife watching this video

[@slimquinn5692]

Very useful info.

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@lijath]

Can you do a kids first rod build?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i did one for christmas last year kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmS8fJmErticercsi=IcS2oSlt1yIBhaoz

[@sbaner5]

Can you demonstrate how to change out an eye on the rod?

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep

[@johnnygoode-il1zl]

Great video buddy

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I'd love to make my own rods if I could get Ugly Stik type blanks to start with. I've replaced guides on my old Ugly Stiks but never seen one break from a fish. And now they have lots of actions and lengths. But custom colors would be really cool.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@comfortablynumb9342]

@@MattStefanFishing where can I get Ugly Stik type blanks?

[@Mg0936]

@@comfortablynumb9342the only thing is ugly sticks are about as sensitive as fishing with a noodle.

[@dougsaroma]

That rod that I found a while back cleaned up pretty good except for a couple of scuffs through the finish on the graphite above the handle. Is clear fingernail polish OK to cover that up, or should I get some of that epoxy stuff, hoping it will be compatible with the original coating? Or just leave it alone and use it. I don't care if it's beautiful.

[@MattStefanFishing]

indont know how nail polish will hold up

[@brady8257]

This might be a little off topic but why has everyone gone to using longer rods? I’m going to upgrade my rods I’ve had since the early 2000s and most of them are 6-6. I want to try building when I do replace them and want to know if I should go longer or stick with what I know. I’m old enough to remember the old pistol grip rods. Nobody uses those forearm killers anymore lol

[@MattStefanFishing]

preference i guess

[@devonbroeker]

Bought the kit mud hole has. Built a CB907 working on a NMB843. Do have a question on you handle placement measurements could you show how you set that I tried on the current build and not sure I got it correct. I do love my CB907 that I built.

[@MattStefanFishing]

i measure from the bottom of the rod blank to the bottom of the locking nut on the real seat

[@CattWrangler]

Hey man I had a question or see if you could lead me in the right way where I can buy some good blanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Www.mudhole.com

[@kentbrown5369]

Matt how do you find the spine of a rod without the spine finder that you have

[@MattStefanFishing]

you can put it on a flat surface and roll it while applying pressure

[@4.19fishinandpowdercoating]

What kits do I need? We do both casting and spinning rods. Or can I buy just 1 kit?

[@MattStefanFishing]

this kit will have everything you need to build rods mudhole.com/collections/supply-kits/products/advanced-rod-building-start-up-kit

[@BkallDay407]

No comparison store bought to built on the spine . Cast better , more sensitive and more powerful

[@MattStefanFishing]

agreed

[@We.R.Comics]

Do you have any experience with a RodGeeks Carbon 5 rod?

[@MattStefanFishing]

nope

[@danielhedrick9917]

What aboutb that spine machine to find rod blank spine?

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep good call

[@FishWhisperva]

Okokok I got me went to the site bought the 199.00 setup thanks 😊

[@FishWhisperva]

You got me damn spell checker

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome! Enjoy!

[@5.7hemi.713]

Any1 know if the mud hole started kit could fit any size rod blank ?? Im looking to start building 8’-10’ surf rods (mh/heavy/xh) texas coast fishing rods

[@MattStefanFishing]

The starter kit will fit all rods. But the components you order will have to be specific to the rod blank you purchase

[@shelbybowron8074]

Have trouble with guide spacing. Any suggestions??

[@MattStefanFishing]

mud hole.com has tons of guide spacing charts

[@iwantosavemoney]

All the fishing stuff i buy the way I justify buy stuff to make fishing equipment I make enough to pay for the item all in one setting like do it molds 40 dollar well when I bought them I bought enough lead to at least make 40 worth of sinkers then I put the mold on the wall and I know when I run out of those sinkers am making money I do this with every mold I buy it makes it so easy to know that you made a great purchase you have a small stock pile of a little bit of everything and with plenty of lead you can do cross over stuff like slugs and buck shot I do the same thing with those it makes sense to me that the way I justify it. I need about 8 rods right know and if I can save half and make it truly custom to me that’s a plus and making a few for gifts and give aways. Would be great you can get into this hobby for a couple hundred but if you buy a power wrapper for 600 smackers that the way am going lol so I need to build a few rods to justify that but after that is done it is all money in the bank it is a investment in the future that will pay for its self and if it don’t well am still having fun and still have the stuff I need to go fishing so am good with it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That for sharing

[@LowBrowFishing]

Rod building is a lot like bait making - once you get started, before you know it, you end up with piles of your creations all over the place and you're wife glaring at you with her arms folded!

[@MattStefanFishing]

yep!

[@brady8257]

I’ve already got the eye-glaring folded-arm wife. Might as well get the rods and lures to go with her.

[@davidwilliam320]

You need a Mudhole affiliate!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

i know!

[@FishWhisperva]

Where’s the link

[@MattStefanFishing]

In the video description

[@ramseysolomon6410]

Well, I built my flint lock rifle, why not build a rod as well

[@MattStefanFishing]

Do it!

[@Triple87]

Andy. Andy the Amazon box. That’s his name.

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha

[@justinmalone8640]

I didn’t realize mudhole is in Oviedo, FL. It’s 30 min from me. This isn’t going to be good on my wallet.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Haha

[@the900bot]

I'm hooked. that's not good

[@MattStefanFishing]

It’s so fun!

[@normanwiggins1320]

Your dragging me into this every time you do a video or just talk about it. Now I'm really getting serious about it. Good luck at the Potomac this weekend. Rip some lips

[@MattStefanFishing]

haha sorry

[@williamknight5142]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for watching!

[@richardreinbold2442]

Dude talks way to much

[@MattStefanFishing]

sorry ill do my next one in sign language for you.