As you gaze out at the forest all you see is trees, is that all a forest has to offer? Of course once you spend time in the forest you see the beauty, the flora and fauna, a cool spring bubbling from the ground and wildlife.
Rodmaking is much the same, the finished rod does not show all the knowledge, time and effort expended. The rodmaking journey unlocks all of the secrets that lie within the finished rod, the path you take is varied but it is the journey that is so satisfying. Understanding the craft like understanding the forest takes time, a keen mind, a hunger for knowledge. Some builders take a stroll, some overnight camp and others live in the forest. It doesn't matter where you end up as long as you enjoy it.
So if you are outside looking in, take a stroll and see if it it's for you. Not everyone will enjoy the hobby, it is slow moving and fussy and hard to master but rewarding at the same time. Take the path or blaze your own trail, it is all up to y