Building fly rods for money

[ruthven78]

Im going to be moving a larger house with a shop and plenty of room to set up equipment to start building fly rods. I was wondering what all your thoughts might be on if you think I would actually be able to make money doing this? I was thinking of making them during the winter and then selling them at some of the local fairs, sport shows, and other such gatherings.

[Lotech Joe]

First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your job. If you're thinking of building fly rods for profit, unless you can get a wholesale deal from a distributor, you probably won't make much profit. I've thought about doing it too because for me building rods is fun. For an example; Cabela's has their Traditional II kits on sale for $84.99 and the factory built rods sell for $99.99. A savings, or mark up, of only $15. I know that Cabela's isn't indicative of wholesalers, but I think you get the idea. If you want to build as a hobby, I say go for it. It's great fun.
BTW, are you planning on going to the Marshall Lake Rendezvous this summer? Marc and I will be there with a hand full of others. Camping is rustic. Details in the announcements board. It's going to be in June on Father's Day weekend. I'm planning on being there Thursday evening thru Sunday noonish.

[G-Man]

I think the potential for making money by selling pre-made fishing rods at fairs and shows is minimal. The quality is up and price is down on many name brand rods. As an example, Daiwa seems to have a rod for most any occasion and budget. However, if you can make a quality product to custom specifications, you may have a good chance at selling your wares. I think someone looking to drop several hundred dollars on a rod would seriously consider a custom built rod where they could specify the colors, handle, reel seat, markings, etc. The trick is finding a good source for the blanks. As a kid, I remember stopping by the Lamiglass shop in Woodland whenever we were coming back from a fishing trip in the Southend, my father would look thought the blanks for good deals or specific characteristics. I still have the sweet little steeelhead rod he made for me from one of those blanks.

Good luck with your endeavors and I'm really jealous of the larger house w/shop!

[swedefish4life1]

I would say No the margins do not add up to the material and labor spent and if the average guy Knew the real prices of all these rods they might be a bit mad!:colors:

In general to the public if its a $200 higher end I wont use the builder:cyclopsan I buy mucho rods! LOL the true costs to a rep or guide is $90 to $110 bucks max or less.
There are a few with bigger pockets custom Sage and a few more= the average product is lean on profits and mass produced and marketed .
Its the Cosco/Lowes impact against the smaller guys in truth there all gone are there smaller Rod builders yes a Few:cheers: :chef:

[ruthven78]

so i'd be hard press to even break even with costs to rent the booths.....

[swedefish4life1]

Never say never if its one passions but dont do it for the $$ do it for the passion and you enjoy it.
If it turns out you made a dime great but build your stock slow pure and true and if it goes south it will not impact your family or be a deal breaker.
Almost ever dance was a slow one but some can be a real prize and I respect all who chase a dream or chance at a Bigger show then the norm.
Great luck as well:compress:
2 or 3 shows/seasons you will have your own answer:-$

[muskyhunter]

Hey ruthven,
I would say to you..do it! If you already have space that you can use then you've got your work space. I've always wanted to start my own bait building business myself. I just have not done it. Call it being lazy i guess. And kinda just kind of scared of the "what ifs". I just have to do it. Your a step ahead of me. There is a older gent down here in Tacoma that builds rods too.He makes fly rods and custom builds others like bait casters and spinning and such. He has a exclusive customer base. He's retired and does this to supplement his income. So its not big money. But he does have a client that lives in alaska and this gent asks for specific rods to be made. That is his "Big Money" client. If you can build a good rod and folks see and hear of your abilities it could lead to something big for you. I really hope that you decide to do it. In any business you have to take chances. I think you can make it big. good luck to you!

[ruthven78]

well I never even built a rod before so it would be something very much on the side to start.

I have a lot on my plate right now. I need to get my head examined, literally, and find out why it works they way it does...or should say not work the way it should.

well.....there is always the lottery!

[fishing collector]

I am building an 8wt 10'-8" Switch-rod by Rainshadow in Sequim. I searched all around for a good price for the Kit and I found it at www.hookhack.com for the most inexpensive prices. It is running $121.00 including shipping. That's cheaper than ebay and all other shops I found. The finished rod is being advertised for $450.00. If you want to make some money at shows find a product and go in with another vendor to offset the booth prices. I found 2wt to 6wt Bamboo blanks for $75.00 on ebay. Killer price! you might find some products from China and go to an importer to get the shipping down and sell sell sell....I found some really nice fishing accessories for less than $5.00 that I could sell for $25.00. Good luck on your project. Steve

The company Hook and Hackle has a website at www.hookhack.com :geek: sorry that it was posted wrong!!

[ruthven78]

Well Ive been considering going into this venture to make some play money on the side as well as a possible hobby if I end up being disabled or what not. My doc thinks I have post-concussion syndrome from having three major concussions in my life. Im having increased memory difficulties and a few various other symptoms....all of which make it hard for me to hold a job...was fired from my last job on 01/23/09. I went in last thursday for 4 hours of neuropsychological testing, will probably know the results in a week or two.

I figure though with the way our economy is going, people will probably be spending less and less on the more expensive poles.

for some really spendy ones i thought about using some custome wood handles from http://classiccustomwood.com/gallery_&_prices.htm some of those the handles alone sell off the site for $150-200

though I would probably also diversify and including spinning and casting rods into the mix