Do you use factory built fishing rods or do you build your own?

Because you asked this question I think that you should try to build your own rods, or at least look further into what it takes to do so. Anyone who is really interested in fishing may want to look at what is involved in building a good quality rod, even if they buy factory built. You will be amazed at the actual quality that some of the high end rod companies produce and question why the high price. I started building custom rods 20 years ago and think that it is a great way to get more from your fishing experience. As Peter already mentioned it gives you more options in the configuration of the rod, but in addition, it also gives more choices as to the number of rod blanks available. There are far more rod blanks than there are factory built rods. This applies to all types of fishing, from heavy off shore to fly fishing. The options go way beyond pretty colors (there are rod builders and rod decorators) It is not a difficult or expensive to get started with. Keep it simple, try to rebuild or repair an old rod that you have laying around. The important thing is to get started. I welcome e-mail on this subject from anyone.

I've built my own since I was a teenager. I started out turning the blank in my lap as I wrapped, and later "graduated" to a winding machine. Though factory rods can be very good, there are little things, like length of the grip, location of the reel seat, etc. which can make a difference. And then, of course, having your rod in your own colors (rather than the colors of the factory rods) makes a difference. And finally, there's the satisfaction of catching a good fish on a rod you made yourself.

factory built/ dont have the time to build my own

I use nothing but Shimano equipment for saltwater and fresh water fishing. These rod and reels are totally reliable with a great return policy.

I wish I could build my own, I definitely would use my own over factory. I use factory now, but it won't be long until I'm fishing with my own custom rod. I've looked into it, and very interested in it.

Yeah, like the other guy, I use Shimano, but I also use Penn. I don't find a need to bouild my own; rods rarely matter. Just use skill and a good bait. Remember, all fishing is is a jerk on one end of the line waiting for a jerk on the other end.