Building your own fly rod is a great way to own a custom fly rod without breaking the bank. Designing and building your own cork handle takes customization to a new level, and is surprisingly easy and inexpensive. Over two class sessions you will learn about the different materials and techniques available to you as a rod builder, and will build your own fly rod handle.

In the first session (this class), we will explore different materials used in constructing fly rod handles... cork, birch bark, and several other woods. Most fly rods utilize cork handles, so you will construct your own custom cork handle and explore several methods of gluing and compressing the cork components together into a "raw" handle.

In the second class session (July 11th), you will transform ("turn") your raw cork handle into the finished product. We will discuss two different methods of "turning" your raw handle, and you will choose one of them in order to complete your custom rod handle during the class session.

Items for building your own handle will be supplied, however, cork which will be provided will need to be purchased. The cost will depend on how much you need for you handle and the different type(s) of cork you use. More on this once you sign up.

If you have built your own rod or hope to in the future, this is another step in making a truly custom handle to go with the custom rod!

Making a Custom Fly Rod Handle (two parts)