My dad and I stared building rods in the early 60s, with Herter's kits. I made a spinning rod that, with a Mitchell 300, was and probably still is my go-to rod for non-flyfishing.

Later, when he and his coworkers went to the Sea of Cortez for a week or two of fishing he made all sorts of rods. Each was designed for one kind of fish. He did get into some fancy wrapping but had a great time cranking them out. Like Acid said, you can make just what you want want.

He also made me a 3' "flea-rod" for flyfishing the small, brushy streams. A tool for every need.