In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building podcast, Bill takes us on a journey back to his childhood in Texas, where his passion for fishing and rod building first took root during outdoor adventures with his family. He reminisces about the days spent crafting ultralight baitcasting rods and reels, a labor of love aimed at perfecting the art of throwing tiny topwater lures for his father-in-law. Through these experiences, Bill gained invaluable insights into rod performance and the intricate balance between form and function. He shares how the process of building custom rods to address specific fishing challenges has become deeply fulfilling, serving as both a creative outlet and a practical solution to angling dilemmas. Moreover, Bill underscores his commitment to fostering a vibrant rod building community by advocating for knowledge-sharing and encouraging more enthusiasts to join the fold. Tune in as Bill's passion for fishing and rod building shines through, inspiring listeners to embark on their own custom rod building adventures.

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, host Bill Falconer welcomes Roger Seiders, founder and president of Flexcoat, for a conversation about their shared passions for fishing and rod building. Roger, with over 55 years of experience as a custom rod builder, shares his journey into fishing, starting with a memorable encounter with a PICO perch at his granddad's pond. He reminisces about his early fishing adventures in Texas and how a trip to Galveston with a friend sparked his interest in rod building after seeing fishermen with homemade Calcutta fishing rods. From there, Roger details the fascinating history of how the global brands of Flex Coat and YETI were founded and grew into what they are today. Tune in to hear more about Roger's beginnings and his journey in rodbuilding.

Bill Falconer interviews Bill Batson, owner of Batson Enterprises, about his 45-year career in the fishing industry. Batson shares how he got into rod building at age 12 after seeing his father build rods. They discuss Batson's extensive rod collection and the history of companies like Pacific Bay and Woodland, Washington. Batson Enterprises manufactures over 700 rod blanks annually and supports veterans through donations and classes. They discuss favorite Batson blanks, applications like slowpitch jigging rods, and modernizing companies with new tools. Both express optimism about growing the industry through passion and community outreach programs like Find a Rod Builder.

This episode features legendary custom rod builder Jim Trelikes. Jim has over 49 years of experience and is known for techniques like the dragon scale wrap and JTOB designs. He discusses his early years building rods in his father's tackle shop at age 12 and how he developed various techniques over the decades to meet customer needs. Jim and the host reminisce about their fishing experiences in San Diego and the evolution of gear. Jim shares stories of developing new techniques like the olive branch and dragon scale to solve color combination requests. They discuss the influence of West Coast builders on the industry and how Jim's generosity in sharing knowledge has helped many. The host praises Jim's artistic eye and ability to combine elaborate inlays cohesively from butt to tip. Jim emphasizes the importance of finishing work and advises rod builders. The episode concludes with Jim sharing the story of his pet dove Groot and his contributions to the rod building community over 49 years.

Dr. Dylan Kiene, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Alabama, discusses his research on southern flounder populations in Alabama. Dylan has recently gotten into rod building and he has dialed in how to make the perfect flounder rod. Dylan's rod building expertise helps target specific species like flounder and Dylan gives great insight on how and why he builds his flounder rods. He recommends light tackle with an emphasis on sensitivity. His tagging studies using acoustic transmitters have provided valuable data on flounder migrations. The population has rebounded due to regulatory changes like size limits and seasonal closures. Dylan emphasizes releasing larger breeder fish to support the fishery. He describes flounder life history, including environmental sex determination. Dylan's otolith studies aim to determine if there are separate flounder contingents with different migration patterns. Angler participation in tagging and data reporting is encouraged to aid fisheries management. Responsible harvesting practices and supporting conservation efforts can help sustain flounder and other important recreational fisheries.

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building podcast, we sit down with Mary McIntyre Christy, a seasoned custom rod builder with 13 years of experience. As a brand ambassador for Foundation Outdoor Group and American Tackle, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. She's the founder of decorativestudio.net, your one-stop destination for rod building tools, supplies, lessons, and more.

Mary's journey into rod building is unique—introduced to the craft by her husband West, despite never having fished before, she quickly found her passion. Starting with decorative wraps to enhance rod aesthetics, Mary has since mastered all facets of rod building.

Tune in as Mary shares her insights into developing thread tension, wrapping techniques, and her innovative approaches to rod design. Discover her step-by-step guides to techniques like Chevron wraps and delve into the creative process behind her stunning rod creations.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Mary McIntyre Christy, co-founder of the Southern Rod Builders group on Facebook, as we explore the artistry and craftsmanship behind custom rod building.

This podcast episode features Australian software developer David Boyle discussing his programs Visual Wrap and Visual Weave. David shares how he got into rod building and developed the software to aid in intricate thread wrapping and weaving designs. The software allows users to create custom patterns, tweak colors, and view accurate 3D renderings before starting a project. David also invented "wrap sticks" to simplify learning cross-wrapping techniques.

David partnered with Mary McIntyre Christie to create the resource website Thread Central, offering the software, pattern libraries, Mary's online courses, and tools. Bill emphasizes the value of collaboration and growing the rod-building community. While David moves to Australia, he remains dedicated to supporting users and innovating new features to push the craft forward. Both speakers express passion for rod building and appreciation for the community.

The podcast discusses whether a beginner can build a fishing rod as good as a factory rod on their first attempt. Tom Kirkman agrees it's possible if the builder has good hand skills and common sense. He emphasizes starting simply with basic equipment like cardboard or wood blocks, thread spools, and brushes. Taking a class can help reduce fear and ensure success.

Kirkman advises focusing on functionality over aesthetics when first starting out. Information overload should be avoided. He recommends books by Boyd Pfeiffer and his own guide as good starting resources. Builders should aim to copy an existing rod design or enjoy the process rather than stress over decorative techniques.

With practice, most builders can create a rod as good as a factory version within a few tries. Diligence, quality control, and not rushing the process are important. Some days everything goes wrong, so it's okay to take a break from the project. Resources like Rodmaker Magazine provide inspiration for all skill levels. Connecting with local groups offers support. Overall, rod building is an accessible and relaxing hobby for skilled hands.

This episode features Mike Ward from Back Creek Custom Rods and Custom Colored Guides. Mike discusses how he got into fishing and rod building, and how he started experimenting with custom coloring guides in 2021. He explains the difference between anodizing titanium and powder coating stainless steel guides. Anodizing titanium provides a durable color that cannot chip or peel, but the color options are limited. Powder coating allows for a wider range of colors but requires more labor and care. The podcast concludes with information on finding Mike at upcoming events like ICRBE and tips for learning from other builders at rod building gatherings.

This episode of the Mastering Rod Building podcast features Justina "The Juice" Edwards, who has worked at St. Croix Rods for 14 years. Justina is known for her incredibly fast rod-wrapping speed and her ability to teach rod-building to kids. She discusses how she gets kids interested in the craft, starting by having them wrap a single guide. Justina shares that patience is key and that starting the wrap is often the hardest part for newcomers. She recommends upcoming rod-building events, including the International Custom Rod Builders Expo in February and classes in Wisconsin. Justina also fishes and is building a few rods of her own currently. The episode provides useful tips on engaging youth in rod building and the outdoors.

On this episode, Bill Falconer talks with Don Shafar from Backbone Custom Rod Company, discussing the intricate process of custom painting rod blanks and reel seats. Don emphasizes the importance of using high-quality materials, paints and safety precautions to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. He outlines a convenient process for customers to have their blanks shipped to him for painting, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience. The interview sheds light on the art and craftsmanship of custom rod painting, highlighting the significance of adhering to safety precautions and providing a convenient process for customers to have their blanks painted with precision and care. The conversation dives deep into the process of painting fishing rod blanks and reel seats, emphasizing the need to understand materials and the cleaning process for expensive equipment like water airbrushes and precision HVLP mini guns. Insights on the nuances of painting reel seats are shared, emphasizing the need for priming and allowing sufficient curing time before building the rods. Bill and Don discuss experiences with painting various patterns and designs, stressing the importance of practice and experimentation, especially when painting blanks, and offer advice for troubleshooting potential issues. Lastly, Don Shafar also highlights the importance of patience and thorough preparation, encouraging individuals to conduct tests before painting actual rods. Bill acknowledges the excitement and satisfaction that custom-painted blanks and reel seats can bring to rod builders and customers, highlighting the potential for unique aesthetic effects to captivate enthusiasts. Enjoy the show.

This episode discusses the International Custom Rod Building Exposition (ICRBE), which is considered the "Super Bowl" of custom rod building. Hosted by Tom Kirkman, editor of Rod Maker magazine, the ICRBE has been held annually since 2004 in various locations, but has found its home in Winston-Salem, NC since 2013. Tom discusses the history of the expo, from its origins as a small side event at fly fishing shows to growing into the largest custom rod building event in the world. Key details covered include the strategic location chosen to be centrally located for most US rod builders, timing in late February to avoid conflicts, and world-class facilities. Attendees can see all the top blank manufacturers, component suppliers, learn from expert seminars, and test equipment. It's also become an industry trade show where companies meet. Tom stresses the value of learning from and networking with hundreds of fellow rod builders. Details are provided on tickets, schedules, and the Rod Maker magazine subscriber reception with huge prize giveaways. The 2024 ICRBE will take place February 24-25 in Winston-Salem.

This episode of the Mastering Rod Building features an interview with John Cates, the Director of Operations at Flex Coat. John discusses the history of Flex Coat and how it started making rod building supplies. He talks about some of Flex Coat's most popular products, like their thread coatings, epoxies, and rod wrapping equipment. John also shares stories about how he got involved with Flex Coat and working with the founder Roger Seiders. The interview covers new products from Flex Coat like their DC motors that are more versatile for wrapping and finishing. John offers advice for using Flex Coat's self-adjusting chucks and explains how to easily align rods. He highlights Flex Coat's commitment to customer service and helping any rod builder with problems.

Welcome to Mastering Rod Building, where we dive deep into the world of rod building, from crafting techniques to the business side of the industry. In this episode, host Bill Falconer talks with Jake "Mullet Man" Hutcheson, a social media and content creation expert in the rod building industry. They discuss strategies for leveraging platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to reach a wider audience, engage potential customers, and drive business growth. They also share personal experiences, success stories, and practical advice for aspiring rod builders looking to harness the power of social media. Join us as we explore the intersection of rod building, digital marketing, and the ever-evolving landscape of social media. Enjoy the show!

Show Overview

01:00 Meet Jake "Mullet Man" Hutcheson.

05:56 Repairing rods is a good skill-building option.

13:54 Social media's impact on fishing rod builders.

16:33 Social media is powerful for rod builders.

24:00 Creating authentic fishing videos for social media.

27:05 TikTok algorithms curate personalized content feed.

33:37 Custom rod building involves understanding the angler.

40:08 Stranger became dear friend; soft spot for veterans.

44:13 Kentucky man specializes in catfish fishing rods.

51:58 Using phone for content creation is effortless.

54:40 Online rod building community connects, supports, thrives.

01:02:51 Consistent content release improves algorithm response.

01:07:53 Platform's potential for revenue and support.

01:13:16 Podcast listeners aware of exciting new wardrobe.

01:18:54 Encouraging people to explore rod building resources.

01:20:38 Grateful for mentor, inspired by passion and success.

Herb Ladenheim is an expert on striped bass fly fishing and rod building. He grew up fishing in Queens, NY, and got into rod building in his 20s. Though he took breaks from the hobby, he rediscovered it while vacationing in Watch Hill, RI later in life. Herb has extensive experience fishing for stripers from boats and from the shore, including time living on a sailboat in Martha's Vineyard. Some of his early memories include fishing for striped bass as a teenager using sandworms for bait in Little Neck Bay. Herb now builds rods for top anglers like Chico Fernandez and distributes CTS blanks in North America. He shares his expertise on topics like rod actions, line weights, guides, grips, and more for building the ideal striped bass fly rod.

To contact Herb Ladenheim email him at hladen@hotmail.com.

This episode of the mastering rod building podcast features Gavin Falk from St. Croix Rods. Join us as Gavin shares his expertise on musky fishing gear and techniques. He discusses the ideal rod lengths, actions, and power for techniques like bucktails, inline spinners, topwaters, and large rubber baits. Gavin also provides recommendations for reels, line, leaders, hooks, and other tackle, as well as offering tips for safely handling and releasing musky. Whether you're a novice or an experienced musky angler, this week's show is a valuable resource for those looking to learn more about effective musky fishing equipment and strategies.

Andy Dear is a pioneer in the rod-building industry who developed many tools, materials, and techniques still used today. In this episode, he discusses the origins of carbon fiber grips, exotic cork materials, and epoxy finishes like Thread Master and Gen 4. Andy continues to worked with formulators to develop purpose-built rod-building products instead of repackaging materials originally designed for other purposes. Andy discusses collaborating with other innovators and sharing knowledge to advance the craft. Andy continues to develop new rod building products today under the Axis Outdoor Brand, including a brand new next generation color preserver that will be released around the same date as this podcast. Andy and his products can be found at Axis Outdoor Company.

In this episode, Chiara Sonzogni, who transitioned from the oil and gas sector to join AB1 Tackle, dives deep into the company's innovative approach to high-performance fishing products. AB1 revolutionizes fishing gear by integrating advanced materials such as titanium and carbon fiber, initially used in the oil and gas industry, ensuring unmatched corrosion resistance, durability, and lightweight performance.

Bill and Chiara explore the extensive customization opportunities that AB1 offers, emphasizing the aesthetic appeal and functional design in custom rod building. They touch on trends like anodizing and laser engraving, underscoring the unique, high-end look achieved through anodized and powder-coated guides. A significant portion of the discussion highlights the in-house production of AB1's components, ensuring quality and performance, particularly the redesigned roller guides with innovative floating feet technology.

Delving into specifics, the duo discusses the various roller guides and reel seats designed to harmonize, providing smooth, consistent action. The conversation covers the intricacies of material suitability for different rod classes and the seamless blend of strength, flexibility, and lightness in carbon fiber and titanium components. They emphasize the practical benefits these materials bring, such as reduced weight and enhanced corrosion resistance.

The episode also shines a spotlight on AB1's pioneering work in creating durable, lightweight fishing butts and other components, including the unique features of their carbon fiber reel seats and the engineering marvel behind their redesigned rod holder. Overall, AB1 is portrayed as a trailblazer in providing high-quality, specialized rod components for discerning stand-up and offshore anglers, offering a blend of style, performance, and durability.

In this insightful episode, listeners dive deep into the world of rod building innovations with the innovative rod builder himself, Rich Forhan. An Air Force veteran with a passion for the craft, Rich shares his journey, which has become a source of inspiration for many, including a fellow rod builder who has meticulously studied Forhan’s techniques for two years. The discussion traces back to the fishing origins and techniques of John, who developed his love for the outdoors while growing up in East St. Louis and later on a farm near New Athens, Illinois. He recalls being introduced to fly fishing at a young age by his father and his subsequent immersion into bass fishing. The conversation delves into technical aspects, highlighting the speaker's rod building innovations developed through intense study and practice. These include the proprietary spiral wrap setup and the groundbreaking locking wrap, which have revolutionized both competitive and recreational fishing. Reflecting on the broader impacts in the field, the discussion touches on how questioning traditional approaches has led to significant advancements in rod design and manufacturing. The speaker, drawing parallels from his experiences flying fighter jets, emphasizes efficiency and a form-following-function philosophy in rod building.

The discussion rounds out with some thought-provoking insights into the mechanics behind rod failure, emphasizing the significance of understanding rod design physics. It also honors the lasting legacy of figures like Kirkman and Rich Forhan in the industry, highlighting their emphasis on practicality over aesthetics and their forward-looking views on the role of materials science in future innovations.

The episode closes with contemplative reflections on the future of bass fishing, the evolution of gear, and potential upcoming innovations. It underscores the importance of shared knowledge, with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Rich Forhan’s contributions to the fishing community and the broader industry. Rich's passion for fishing, his successful transition from hobbyist to entrepreneur, and his encouraging words for aspiring enthusiasts, encapsulate a narrative of dedication and the continual pursuit of innovation. Listeners are also given a chance to further support and delve deeper into Rich's journey through his book, "Magic Wands and Legacy."

In this podcast episode, host Bill Falconer is joined by Vic Cutter, a legendary figure in the rod-building industry. Cutter’s rod-building career spans several influential companies, including Fenwick, Pure Fishing, and Pacific Bay International. His passion for rod building stemmed from a desire to create rods that were not readily available in the market. Cutter emphasizes the importance of quality control and customer service in the rod building industry. His extensive experience and knowledge have contributed significantly to the world of rod building.