Saturday, January 28, 2017

PROOF FLY FISHING - Fly Rod Kit & Online Instructional Class

Earlier this week Matthew Draft of Proof Fly Fishing gave me a phone call to discuss his idea of offering a fiberglass fly rod build kit along with an instructional online step by step class videos through Facebook from his shop in Michigan.  A lot of anglers want to learn how to build their own fiberglass fly rod (myself included) and this should be a great way to accomplish that goal.  Warning though, one build will likely lead to another. 

All the pieces of the puzzle have quickly fallen into place this week and Matthew is looking to start the first class on Saturday, February 25th, 2017.


The Proof Fly Fishing Complete Fly Rod Kit and Instructional Class is your ticket into the world of custom rod building.  If you can tie a fly on the end of a leader, then you can build your own custom rod.  We will provide everything you need and show you how.

Our blanks are the building block of your rod.  The Proof Fly Fishing line of fiberglass blanks can be ordered in multiple sizes and feature spigot ferrules, continuous filament E-Glass design, three pieces, and a custom screened rod sock.

Customize your kit by choosing:

Our kits feature Snake Brand Universal guides, our own reel seats, hand picked inserts, and exactly the right tools and finishes to complete your build.

We have designed our rod-building class to require a minimal amount of specialized tools. You will only need a rat tail file (10" bastard cut or similar), a hacksaw (or any fine toothed saw), and some sort of wrapping jig.  You can find instructions on how to build your own here or pick up one of our "Sig Jigs" for twenty bucks.  Absolutely everything else will be included in your kit.

Of course, having the right parts will only get you half way there!  Our class includes a multi-part video series to guide you through every step of building your rod.  Fitting the grip, installing a reel seat, wrapping guides, applying varnish...we walk you through it all.

Included in your class price, you will be invited to join a closed Facebook group where you can ask questions real time, get answers, and share progress photos with your fellow builders. When appropriate we will feature Facebook live videos to demonstrate a technique. The class will run for 5 weeks, but you will have access to the videos and Facebook group for as long as you need.

Ready to get started?

Once we receive your order you will receive an email with instructions for selecting the various components for your rod.  The instruction schedule is listed below (not to worry if you have a conflict) we will email you a link for each video and you can always ask questions in the class's special Facebook group.

The first video will go live on Saturday, February 25, 2017.  Class size is limited so sign up now.

WEEK 1 - February 25, 2017

Video:  Fitting a grip, installing a stint, and installing a reel seat

Facebook Q&A Dates/Times:
  • Saturday, February 25 - 2:00 -3:00 p.m. EST
  • Thursday March 2 - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST
WEEK 2 - March 4, 2017
Video:  Guide placement, alignment, and wrapping guides
Facebook Q&A Dates/Times:

  • Saturday, March 4 - 2:00 -3:00 p.m. EST
  • Thursday March 9 - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST
WEEK 3 - March 11, 2017
Video:  Tip top installation, trouble shooting wrapping guides, and alignment (again)

Facebook Q&A Dates/Times:
  • Saturday, March 11 - 2:00 -3:00 p.m. EST
  • Thursday March 16 - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST
WEEK 4 - March 18, 2017

Video:  Ferrule wraps, prepping wraps for varnish, and the first two coats of varnish
Facebook Q&A Dates/Times:
  • Saturday, March 18 - 2:00 -3:00 p.m. EST
  • Thursday March 23 - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST
WEEK 5 - March 25, 2017
Video:  Trimming tag ends and the final coats of varnish
Facebook Q&A Dates/Times:
  • Saturday, March 25 - 2:00 -3:00 p.m. EST
  • Thursday March 30 - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. EST

For more information please visit the Proof Fly Fishing website.  Order up your Fly Rod Kit soon since class starts Saturday, February 25, 2017.

1 comment:

Jason S. said...

Great idea and great options.
Matt is super helpful and responsive! He had answered a lot of my questions leading up to my first order soon.