There are many reasons to build your own rod, the most obvious of which is that you can craft one to your exact specifications. Gone are the days of “you can get any color you want, as long as it’s black,” with blanks coming in a dizzying array of colors. Most manufacturers sell their rods in blank-only form, so you don’t need to abandon your beloved tapers to go the custom route. With the judicious application of a triangular file, you can cut the blank down to your preferred length. There’s nothing like catching a fish on a rod you’ve built.