At its one-of-a-kind 5,000 square foot Rod Building Education Center in Oviedo, FL, Mud Hole Custom Tackle welcomed the North East Rod Builders (NERBs) to enjoy a weekend of rod building education and activities. The NERBs, heavily focused on the artistic elements of custom fishing rods such as intricate thread wraps and custom handles, escaped the cold weather of the greater New York area for the warmth of the Florida sunshine to learn and receive feedback from their peers, check out the latest rod building tools and components, and enjoy the camaraderie of the custom rod building community.  

Mud Hole Education Center

Devoted to rod building, tackle crafting, and the outdoor lifestyle, Mud Hole opened its new 76,000 square foot headquarters in 2020. Beyond the fishing village-themed showroom, state-of-the-art production studio, and advanced fulfillment center, the facility also includes the 5,000 square foot Rod Building Education Center. This expansive seminar space is home to Mud Hole’s local rod building classes and hosts groups like the NERBs, advanced seminars, banquets, meetings, and fishing clubs throughout the year.“Having the NERBs visit Mud Hole is always a pleasure. We have a longstanding relationship with Billy and the whole team, and it’s great to have another opportunity to host them here in Oviedo” said Brook Oliva, Vice President of Operations at Mud Hole Custom Tackle. “The rod building community is a tight knit one, and it continues to grow because of organizations like the NERBs, who have a tremendous passion for sharing their craft.” 

NERBs

Billy Vivona and the North East Rod Builders are a group of custom fishing rod builders who have a true passion for the craft of custom rod building. What makes the NERBs special is the passion of its members, who push each other higher & higher and further & further away from building inside “the box”.  Each member puts forth a great deal of pride in their work, and it shows in the final result when that last coat of epoxy is put on the custom fishing rod.“It’s always a great experience when we come down to Florida and visit with the Mud Hole team and this beautiful facility.” said Billy Vivona, NERBs founder and author of the popular rod building book “Decorative Wraps”. “We started the NERBs over a decade ago as a way to share and learn from our fellow rod builders in the northeast. Who would have imagined how popular custom rod building would become, and how many anglers and builders the NERBs and Mud Hole would reach over the years!”The Mud Hole workshop in Oviedo is only one of many stops on the NERBs Gathering Schedule. If you would like to learn more about the NERBs, their events, and their members, visit http://www.northeastrodbuilders.com or https://www.facebook.com/thenerbs on Facebook.