Custom Fishing Rod Building Workshops

Prolite Rod Technology — Olympia, WA

Custom Fishing Rod Building Workshops

Learn how to design and build a custom salmon, steelhead, bass or saltwater rod with hands-on coaching from Prolite. Whether you want a fully guided all-inclusive rod building class or a design-and-build workshop where you choose the components, you’ll leave with professional techniques and a rod built your way.

We can work with your schedule — weekdays or weekends. Small groups welcome.

Choose Your Workshop

Hands-on custom rod building workshop with components laid out on a bench

Custom Rod Building Workshop — Design & Build Your Own

8-hour day Bring or choose components Guided by Prolite

A flexible, hands-on class focused on layout, guide spacing, epoxy work, thread wraps, and finishing techniques. You select the blank and components to suit your target species and fishing style. Perfect for anglers who want control over materials and cost.

  • Great for salmon, steelhead, trout, bass, and inshore builds
  • Pre-work: we’ll help you pick the right blank and parts
  • Finish cures after class; pickup or ship when cured
Instructor guiding a student while wrapping guides during a rod building workshop

Build-Your-Own Fishing Rod — All-Inclusive Workshop

Everything included One day Beginner-friendly

Show up and build. We bundle the blank and core components, then guide you step-by-step from handle fitment to guide wrapping and finishing. Ideal if you want a streamlined experience without shopping for parts.

  • Components curated for performance and value
  • Professional techniques for durable, clean results
  • Pickup or ship after finish cures

Why Build With Prolite?

We’re custom rod builders based in the Pacific Northwest, helping anglers craft salmon, steelhead, bass, trout and saltwater rods that fish exactly how they want. Our workshops are hands-on, small-group, and focused on real techniques you’ll use at home.

  • Expert coaching on blank selection, guide trains, and ergonomics
  • Clean finish work: thread tension, epoxy mixing, curing, and repairs
  • PNW-proven builds for rivers, lakes, and coastal saltwater
Angler aligning guides on a rod building wrapper at the Prolite shop

Flexible Scheduling

We’ll coordinate dates that work — weekdays or weekends. Private sessions and small groups are welcome. Planning for a club event or corporate team day? Contact us and we’ll set it up.

What You’ll Learn

  • Blank choice for species and technique: salmon drift, steelhead float, bass jig, trout spinners, inshore jigging
  • Handle ergonomics: cork, carbon, EVA, reel seats, winding checks
  • Guide layout: spacing, sizing, alignment, static testing
  • Thread wraps: tension control, trim bands, color preservation
  • Finish: epoxy mixing, leveling, curing best practices
Outcomes:
  • A custom rod built your way
  • Confidence to build, maintain, and repair rods at home
  • Pro tips specific to PNW species and waters

Workshop FAQ

Where are workshops held?
Tumwater/Olympia, Washington. We’ll confirm address and parking details after booking.
How long is the class?
Typically a single 8-hour day with breaks. Finish cures after class; pickup or shipping is arranged.
Do I need experience?
No prior experience required. We’ll tailor the pace whether you’re a first-timer or looking to refine advanced techniques.
Can I choose specific components?
Yes — choose exact blanks, guides, reel seats, and grips in the Design & Build workshop. The All-Inclusive option bundles curated components for simplicity.
Do you take groups or private bookings?
Yes. Small groups, clubs, or private sessions are welcome. Contact us with your dates.

Questions or Date Requests?

Tell us what you want to build and when you’d like to come in. We’ll reply quickly with available dates and a parts plan.

Contact Prolite or email Chris@proliterods.com • call (360) 485-7584

SalmonSteelheadBassTroutSaltwater

Prolite Rod Technology — Custom Rod Building Workshops in Olympia, Washington