Buying a fishing rod can seem a little extreme, especially when you are on the fence financially. You have been in a place where you wish to go fishing but realize your fishing rod is not in place. It could be maybe you don’t own one. There is no reason to fret because a little DIY with common household products can get you a good fishing rod that’s next to being professionally made. Here’s how to make your fishing rod.
There are different ways you can make a fishing rod with different materials. Some of these materials include wood sticks, PVC pipes, or bamboo sticks.
Method 1:
Making fishing rods out of PVC pipes
PVC is a great way of making a fishing rod for yourself. Make fish day less boring with this DIY. Here the list of supplies needed:
- PVC pipes (2)
- Threaded connectors
- Pliers
- Fishing line
- Draw
- Saw
- Fishing reel
- Slip caps (2)
- Sandpaper
Directions
Let’s start with these simple steps.
- Cut the two PVC pipes to your desired length using a sharp saw. Sandpaper any rough edges left after cutting.
- Take the already attached connectors to the slip caps and place them on the sides of the PVC pipes. Screw the attached lips onto the pipes. At this point, you now have one piece of PVC rod.
- Drill about five or more holes on the PVC pipe. The longer the PVC pipe, the more holes you will need to drill. Measurement is key, as the holes need to get drilled evenly.
- Use a pair of pliers to remove the wire from the clips and then bend them. The clips need to be bent on the left leg over the right. It creates a loop on the clip. The clip needs to look close. That is what is going to act as the finishing line; the closed-loop.
- Drill two holes at the side of the PVC pipe and screw the reels. Secure your new rode by placing threaded connectors and giving the PVC a final screwing. Add bobbers, sinkers, and hooks to the finishing line.
Method 2:
Using bamboos to make a fishing rod
This one seems old-fashioned as it takes us back to the good old days. Store-bought fishing rods were never available in those days, but still, fishing had was enjoyable. Making a fishing rod out of bamboo sticks is quite easy, and you will be amazed at the results. Supplies needed include:
- Bamboo canes
- Hook, bobber, and sinker
- Sandpaper
- Finishing line
- Knife
Choosing a bamboo cane for your fishing rod:
Choose a bamboo that’s neither thick nor thin. Get a size that satisfies your needs and preference. Know how long or short you want your fishing rod to be. Cut it to the length of your choice. Don’t just get one, have a second or third pick. You never know. If one messes you up, it’s good to have back up.
1. Smoothen the cane
Bamboo canes usually have rough edges; you will have to smoothen the rough parts. Smoothen with a knife or use sandpapers to keep the rod to make it comfortable to hold. It will be easy to grip and use without worrying about blisters on your hands.
2. Dry the stick
Dry your bamboo stick for a few days or weeks before making a rod. The hardest part of using bamboo is the amount of time they take to dry. It can be time-consuming, waiting all that time before it’s complete for use. When drying the bamboo, avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can damage it and because it has bent as it dries.
3. Attach a finishing line to the already dry bamboo
There are awesome finishing lines one can opt for, from Dacron to monofilaments. It’s a personal choice of what works for you. When attaching the finishing line, ensure you run it until the end. Avoid overtightening the bamboo.
4. Final touches
Put the sinker, the bobber, and the hooks at the end of the fishing pole. The fishing rod is complete to use. If you wish to, you can apply some finish to the rode to make it look sleek.
Method 3:
Making fishing rods Using a wooden stick
Find a durable stick from the woods or your yard to turn into a stick. A durable stick will ensure stability; you do not want a rod that will break as soon as you cast it into the water. Not all wood will make firm rods; the best woods to choose from are oak or hazel.
1. Preparations
Prepare your stick by cutting off any branches in it if there are any. You are removing any rough edges with a pocket knife. Working with a stick that is not dry is easier compared to a dry one. A dry one is bound to break even before you get to finish making the rod.
2. Cut the stick to the desired length
After cutting it, and sandpaper it until it feels smooth for your hands. There are several sharp objects you can use to keep the rod free from rough edges apart from sandpaper. Allow the stick to dry a little for a day or two. You can customize your stick by adding a finish to beautify it.
3. Wrap the string around the stick and create a knot
At the end of the string, tie a finishing line on it. Place a small hook at the end of the line.
4. Unwind from the pole
To finish up, you will need to unwind the string from the pole’s end as your hook goes in the water.
There are so many ways to compromise if you want to make a fishing rod by yourself. All these three discussed above will give you, when using wood sticks, remove the bark. Wood and bamboo might take you a long time as you wait for them to dry up, but with PVC pipes, you can use your as soon a possible. With these tips, you realize that making a fishing rod requires creativity and how to go about the whole process.
