local source for rod blanks?

[SkyRiverMan]

Can you anyone point me to a local (snho county) source for rod blanks?
Been using the same drift rod i bult in school for the last 30 years..while i have logged thousands of fish on this stick, i'd like to build a new one for float fishing -for something in the 10-11 ft range for 6-10 lb line. I see blanks on-line but would like to "touch and feel" before plunking down my pennies..(fear of ending up with a broomstick)
Thanks.
S.R.M

[natetreat]

There's a great rod building shop in Lake Stevens, Greg's Custom Rods. I'm not sure what blanks they have in stock, but they can order pretty much anything. Another good way to get an idea of the blank you want to build off is to go and play with the rods in the store. You can order blanks from most high end companies online, and compare them to the pre-built rods. If you're looking for the top of the line rods, check out North Fork Composites. They are SUPER sweet, but very expensive.

[Gringo Pescador]

Fetha Styx is local (Redmond) http://www.fethastyx.com/ I am guessing they would sell blanks.

[SkyRiverMan]

NFC.... ah to dream the impossible dream..... I did get to actually hold one about a year ago.... briefly....it was snatched out of my hands before I could drool on it....
Sorry, when I made my post, I left out a few minor- yet important details... mainly that I am married..... not that my wife is unreasonable or anything like that, but I think I'd be sleeping on the couch for a longtime if I brought one of those NFC beauties into the house.... and there's that dreaded "budget" I have to deal with as well.....
I'll check out Gregs - Lk Stevens is pretty close and I prefer to buy local.

if I have to resort to an online buy - anyone have any favorite sites I should checkout for blanks or kits? (ie sites you'd trust and found helpful)

I've checked out a few sites but generally have found descriptions woefully lacking, prices all over the place, no way to contact with questions and get the overall impression that many are are really more just web-front-ends to a drop-ship biz that wouldn't know the difference between a steelhead and a bullhead (are those fish?).

Thanks for any/all input

feathastyx looks like they distribute through a few local dealers - I'll check those out too - what I am really looking for is a blank or kit rather than a finished rod..... i take a huge amount of satisfaction in "I built it myself" aspect..... and if price is right I'll suck the kid into this project and we'll do two....

SRM

[G-Man]

Local is kind of tough for good blanks. Lamiglas in Kalama sells blanks, if you are fishing in the area, stop in and have a look. Cabelas also has blanks and an excellent return policy if you have to order on line.

[Bodofish]

Don't forget the rain shadow folks. They're over in PA or were....... never know with fishing guys.... Monroe fly shop has blanks and all sorts of stuff for rods and you can mail order from most sources.

[natetreat]

Greg's can order most anything and will give you a fair price. I've fished a couple rods with NFC and they are indeed the best of the best, and I'll be building a couple of personal rods on their blanks as well. NW Rods will build on a custom blank for you, the guy that builds them is pretty cool and fair with his pricing, if you don't want to build them yourself.

[fear_no_fish]

I would go talk to Greg, very nice guy and normally has a good idea on whats happening in the fishing world.

[toxicavengr]

Is there any good rod shops in the south end? I live in the Puyallup /Orting area and I need to replace a couple guides and I can't find anyone that carries any rod repair gear except for tips.

[Bodofish]

I highly recommend these guys. I've been doing business with them over the internet for quite a while and the service has always been stellar. If they don't have what you're looking for, I'd bet they do in short order. They say fly gear but they do gear too. I'm not sure if they actually have a brick and mortar front but you could always call. It's good to support them, all Vets.


Precision Fly and Tackle
18816 76th Avenue Ct E Puyallup, WA 98375
(253) 224-6074

http://www.precisionflyandtackle.ecrater.com/

http://www.flyroddersheaven.net/

[toxicavengr]

I highly recommend these guys. I've been doing business with them over the internet for quite a while and the service has always been stellar. If they don't have what you're looking for, I'd bet they do in short order. They say fly gear but they do gear too. I'm not sure if they actually have a brick and mortar front but you could always call. It's good to support them, all Vets.


Precision Fly and Tackle
18816 76th Avenue Ct E Puyallup, WA 98375
(253) 224-6074

http://www.precisionflyandtackle.ecrater.com/

http://www.flyroddersheaven.net/

Thanks, I will definitely check them out, I have a couple of my favorite rods that have been waiting to be repaired for quite some time!

[Brat Bonker]

I thought sportco repairs guides but it might just be tips but they do a great job for $3.

[toxicavengr]

I thought sportco repairs guides but it might just be tips but they do a great job for $3.

I can't say I have asked if they repair guides but I had them repair a tip before, I am just tired of having to take time and wait in a long line and have to pay someone else to do something that I can do myself if I have what I need to do it.
I have been entertaining the idea of opening my own bait and takle shop for a long time and may just see it come to fruition by this time next year. The problem I keep running into is that if I do something like that it may cut into my fishing time......