After some urging from the guys in the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited, I decided that I wanted to start building my first fly rod. To start, I thought wanted to find a cheap rod to serve as a crash test dumby for my build. After researching, I found it better served to get a nice rod to start, instead of building two mediocre rods that wouldn't be as enjoyable to cast. I needed rod that could throw big streamer patterns and handle sinking line for fishing, not always catching, trophy trout and bass. The final decision was the sage Xi3 790-4. 
For around $370, with free shipping Angler's Habitat, I was able to get my first fly rod building kit. Lucky me right? It was better than the option of paying the retail $725 price and I got to take my time and add a few personal touches to it, not to mention claiming it as my own.
As you can see, the rod build has been going well. Mud hole does a very good job of putting informative videos on YouTube to help beginners. It has taken some time, but for half the price of the store bought rod, it is worth it. Can't wait to test it after finishing the new rod.
