So far in this series we have discussed the "hardware" of a rod, the blank, guides, handles, the parts or components that make up the tool to be used for fishing a favorite species or technique. In this post we will discuss some of the aesthetic embellishments or "software" that can be added.

The guides as we discussed earlier, must be attached to the blank somehow. Traditionally, thread have been used as the attachment devise. Threads come in various sizes from nearly the size of a human hair to quite thick strands much like beading thread. Most rod builders use size A-D threads. The rod building industry requires a special thread that does not contain wax, like most sewing threads. Sewing threads must pass thru needles and be very "slick". Rod building threads on the other hand must not contain such materials as the finish epoxy will not adhere to waxy substances, and will cause grief for the builder. Fortunately for builders, we have sources from several vendors that produce wonderful and very colorful regular nylon threads. The use of a color preserver or NCP threads stays the color on the spool.

Simple to elaborate wrapping devises hold the rod blank so the threads can be wrapped around the blank to hold the guides firmly in place prior to coating them with finish epoxy encapsulating them to the blank. One of the early authors of rod building how-to books, made a comment that it takes 40 hours of practice to begin to become good at wrapping guide threads, so to keep them smooth and not overlapping each other. Tying off the loose tag ends also require special techniques to hide the cut threads and to keep them from unraveling.

Threads wraps can have metallic trim and accent bands added to make the rod more subtle or flashy as the owner wishes. Even decorative wraps of thread into diamonds or chevrons , mazes or checkerboards are possible. Advanced rod builders even weave silhouettes and pictures including the alphabet or script signatures onto rods, to add a real personalization to the prize.

Finally other materials such as decals can be added to make the rod a personalized tool and to identify the owner and the important weight and line class information.