Sporting
Awhile back I was talking with Boyd Pfeiffer about the advent of spinning tackle. I had assumed, incorrectly as it turned out, that it was a relatively modern innovation, coming around only as of perhaps the 1930’s or 1940’s.  Boyd mentioned that spinning tackle was available in the very late 19th century, but wasn’t used much…
Read More2013 Expo Contracts
Over 10 times larger than any other custom rod building event, the International Custom Rod Building Exposition is far and away the largest event held for the custom rod building craft and industry. Â The 10th annual edition will be held in Winson-Salem, NC on February 23 and 24, 2013. Exhibitor contracts will begin mailing first…
Read MoreNew Issue
The Volume 15 #3 issue of RodMaker was mailed June 1st. Most subscribers will receive it during the 3rd and 4th weeks of June. Enjoy.
Read MoreThe “Experiment” Turns Twelve.
On June 7th, 2001, at 11:24 PM, Wendy Woudstra of Pairowoodies.com made a test post on a new type of forum for custom rod builders. There had never been anything like it before, nor since. At the outset I wanted to provide a public forum for the exchange of custom rod building information that was…
Read MoreSpecial Expo Lodging Rates Now Available
The two host hotels for the 2013 International Custom Rod Building Exposition are now booking rooms for the upcoming event. Â The Embassy Suites and Marriot, each just across the street from the Expo facility (Benton Convention Center) are offering special rates for Expo attendees. You may expedite room booking and receive the special room rate…
Read MoreFirsts
This year, 2012, RodMaker Magazine celebrates its 15th anniversary. Looking back, RodMaker brought many “firsts†to the rod building craft. I’d like to mention a few of them here. 1998 – RodMaker becomes the first full size publication for custom rod builders. RodMaker also becomes the first custom rod building publication available by subscription, outside…
Read MoreA Fun Time
I have been fortunate enough to fish all over the world. I’ve taken Blue Marlin (a 650+ pounder), Tuna, Swordfish, Cobia (a 72 pounder), Wahoo, etc., etc., but my favorite fishing is fly rodding for smallmouth bass on mountain rivers. I like being in the water. I like the fight of a smallmouth on a…
Read MoreRodMaker Wood Turning Seminar
On May 5th, 2012, rod builders with an eye on learning wood turning met at the RodMaker Offices and Shop in High Point, NC. With one exception, all were first timers at the lathe. And with that one exception, none of the others even owned a lathe. Master wood turner and wood turning teacher…
Read MoreExpo Update
Spent the day in Winston-Salem visiting the Benton Convention Center again. We have set out the floor plan and have included a casting lane this year. I also spent some time touring the main hotels and have to say they are very elegantly appointed and well equipped with about every amenity you can imagine.…
Read More2013 Expo a Go!
There is a saying to effect that success breeds success. Certainly there is some truth to this and the most recent string of highly successful International Custom Rod Building Expositions bears this out. On Saturday of the most recent edition of the Expo, I was visited by no less than three representatives of city visitor/convention…
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