If you're reasonably handy and have some extra time, building a couple
of rods would make special gifts. It's not difficult at all. I've bought
nice kits at hookandhackle.com.


That's an idea worth considering. I built a couple of rods back in
the early 80's and recall it being a lot of fun.

IMO RW is spot on.
Take the effort to build as much of the rod as you can, select the
best reel seats, grips and guides and it will be a very special
present. Buy it already built and it is just another present.
I built a rod up from a blank about 15 years ago as a Christmas
present for my son and while it didn't have the action I would have
liked he has remained delighted with it and fishes with nothing else.
It took me a few years to figure out why but I finally realized it had
a special ingredient other rods do not.
It was love.
Because I put all that I could of myself into the building of it for
him he values it above all else.
One day on a stream you once fished with your daughters one of them
will place a rod in the hands of your grandchild with the advice "Use
care. Your grandfather made this for me many years ago." and those
things of value you taught your daughters astream will begin to find a
path to your grandchildren.

I don't think I saved any money then, but I did get exactly what I wanted.

Take the effort now to build them yourself and I think you will get
more than you ever dreamed.

Kiyu