You were put in at the deep end? Appears that you can swim just fine.
I did up a #9 Fenwick brown glas blank many years ago, in black & yellow.
Your red is a far finer color.
The dang reel seat cost more than the blank!
For the handle, I alternated corks and 1/2" foam neoprene donuts.
Formed that on a belt sander.
Hat's off, sir. I want a cane.