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How to Build Your Own Fishing Rod

How to Build Your Own Fishing Rod
Constructing a homemade rod by hand merely requires tools and materials typically accessible to the average fisherman or individual. Homemade rods lack the normal gear that a store-bought rod utilizes; subsequently, homemade rods are easy to build and often cheaper than commercially made rods. In addition, homemade rods can be useful if you find yourself with a limited amount of supplies or without a fishing pole. Making a homemade rod takes under an hour and is very economical.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Making Your Fishing Rod

Things You’ll Need:
  • Bamboo pole Knife Wood rasp Sandpaper Stain (optional) Varnish Fishing line Plastic bobber Hook
  • Bamboo pole
  • Knife
  • Wood rasp
  • Sandpaper
  • Stain (optional)
  • Varnish
  • Fishing line
  • Plastic bobber
  • Hook
Step 1
Find a bamboo rod 10 to 12 feet in length. It may narrow at one end, but should ideally be a half-inch to 1 inch in diameter at the thickest end.
Step 2
Cut a small groove with a knife a half-inch from the thin end of the stick. This will be where the fishing line is attached.
Step 3
Widen and deepen the grove slightly with a triangular wood rasp. Construct the groove only deep enough to hold the fishing line. Filing too far in will weaken the pole.
Step 4
Sand down the entire stick using 300-grit or 400-grit sandpaper. If the bamboo is rough, use 300-grit sandpaper first and then re-sand lightly with 400-grit sandpaper.
Step 5
Stain your bamboo rod if desired. Test the stain on a small sample of bamboo to ensure that you like it before staining the entire rod.
Step 6
Apply varnish to the rod to help strengthen it. If necessary, apply two or more coats; make sure the rod is still pliable when it bends to avoid cracking the varnish. Applying too much varnish will cause the finish to break and flake off.
Step 7
Tie the fishing line into the groove that you created with the wood rasp and knife. Make sure that it is securely fastened to avoid slippage. The fishing line should be the length of the pole you are using.
Step 8
Attach the plastic bobber and hook to the fishing line. You may use a barbless hook if you plan to catch and release fish. If you are catching dinner, a barbed hook is advisable.

Tips & Warnings

 
If you worry about the pole breaking, you can cut your line 15 feet longer, then wrap it in a spiral pattern down the pole and to your handle before tying it in the groove. If your pole breaks, you still have the line in your hand.
 
Always follow fishing laws and regulations in the area you fish. Be careful when handling fishing hooks so they won't end up in your hand.
 
Always follow fishing laws and regulations in the area you fish.
 
Be careful when handling fishing hooks so they won't end up in your hand.

Article Written By Justin Chen

Justin Chen is a freelance writer and photographer with 6 years of professional experience in outdoor activities, extreme sports, travel and marketing topics. His professional work experience includes publication with KOMO 4 News Seattle, Fisher Interactive Network, and Demand Studios. He is a current Pre-Med student at Walla Walla University.

Write for Trails.com

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