Well, you made it, 2025 is here! As the calendar resets, we are always flooded with these “New Year, New You” resolutions. There is no reason for a new you, but a new hobby could be fun, right?
Since you are here either you have either already begun your journey into rod building or you are doing all the possible research before jumping in. Just go ahead and jump in and join us. We aren’t just saying that to sell you stuff, it is really fun, challenging at times but keep reading as I am going to mention a bunch of resources you can use along the way.
How Did You Get Into Rod Building
For many of the longtime readers and viewers of Mud Hole Live, they have most likely heard my story of how I got into rod building. I will keep it short, but you will see where I am going with this.
As a Floridian, we are lucky to be able to fish year-round and have lakes, rivers and oceans all at our disposal. I grew up near the coast, so it wasn’t a stretch to fish for bass in the St. John’s River, Redfish in the Intracoastal waterway and then kingfish or snapper in the same weekend. It seems unheard of, but we are very lucky.
As I grew up, my fishing grew out of something I enjoyed doing and into a career. As a professional guide and tournament angler I walked into Mud Hole with a handful of my bass rods with notes on what I liked and what I did not like. I was met with a smiling Bob McKamey and with almost every rod building question was answered with, yes, you can do that. I was hooked immediately. From choosing my blank, to picking the reel, guides and the handle type, Bob helped me get the right tools for the job and I was headed back home to get started. Thank was over 10 years and countless rod builds ago.
I tell that story because no matter what your goals or needs are when considering rod building, the answers are almost always, yes, you can do that.
Rod Building Resources
Don’t want to take my word for it? Here is a great place to look as you begin or continue your rod building journey.
Mud Hole Live’s Rod Building Workshop Group – This is a collection of over 44,000 members that are a great mix of beginners to experts. No question is off limits, and you will always find someone willing to help.
Speaking of Mud Hole Live, do you know we have been producing a live show right from Mud Hole for 7 years? We have cataloged 117 episodes that discuss anything and everything rod building.
Did you happen to get a new RBS Pro Power Wrapper for Christmas this year? Well, be sure to join us for Episode 118 titled “Power Wrapping”. We understand making the move to a power wrapper might seem daunting at first, but the RBS PRO G2 Power Wrapper is a versatile machine many rod builders can’t live without. Join Hunter and I as we walk you through the features and benefits of using a power wrapper. We will have the RBS Pro on the bench as we wrap guides, turn cork handles, and make arbors live! So if you just bought a Power Wrapper or on the fence about it, do not miss this show!
Want to Become a Better Rod Builder?
Maybe you have been involved in rod building for a little bit but feeling like you are in a rut or want to learn more. Mud Hole hosts an Advanced Seminar here at our education center each year. Although it is already sold out for January of 2025, that should give you an idea of its popularity. We have special guests and instructors giving all the tips and tricks on custom handle work, thread inlays, marbling and so much more.
In addition to the advanced seminar hosted at Mud Hole our classes travel the nation each year teaching rod building. From North Carolina, to Minnesota, out to Washington and down to California our traveling team of instructors make it fun and easy. So, grab a friend and come to learn rod building, you might be able to brush up on a few skills too!
Get out of Your Comfort Zone
As we mentioned classes above, it is easy to only build one type of rod depending on where you live or the species you chase. In recent years we have had requests to have classes gear to a specific type of custom fishing rod. For example, have you always wanted to learn how to fly fish? Ever built a fly rod? If the answer is no to both, we will be traveling to Charlotte, NC February 7-9 to teach a fly rod specific class. You could learn to build a custom fly rod and then head off into the beautiful Carolina mountains to chase trout!
Introduce Someone to Rod Building
If you are here and already involved into rod building, isn’t time you helped someone else get involved? You might be surprised how quickly some rod building can turn into some family bonding. Have you always wanted a boat and maybe your significant other says no? Well, what if that significant other got into rod building and fishing there is a better chance of a boat in your future. Ok, I am kidding. Well, just a little bit.
Yes, this redfish was caught on my Chris Adams Technical Flats 7’2” Light Spinning Rod Kit.
Jokes aside, we are seeing more families and couples getting involved into rod building. We have had them in classes and even one of the best Facebook Groups, The Southern Rod Builders was created and is run by Wes and Mary Christy. If you have not joined their group, be sure to do so. They do great online demonstrations, host a podcast and are just great rod builders and better people.
Get the Kids Involved
I have such fond memories of fishing with my dad. We would spend afternoons in the summer pond hopping after he got back from work and took out our 17 foot boat on the weekends. I would not trade those memories for anything. Whether you are just fishing or rod building, get the youngster involved. They will remember it forever.
Some people say it is never too late but it is also never too early to get involved in rod building. You have seen the quote, “take a kid fishing”, well here is a chance to introduce a young angler to rod building. Did you know Mud Hole has an education program that is in over 700 schools nationwide? We provide interested teachers or youth group leaders comprehensive lesson plans that include a warm-up, guided instruction, educator notes, and instructional videos, all tailored to meet specific learning objectives. In addition, we provide students and teachers rod building blueprints to give a visual representation of the rod they are constructing. Plus, Mud Hole Education Program catalog offers a range of universal rod kits designed to help you catch fish no matter where you are. Let your students’ creativity shine through with decals and marbling. Plus, don't forget to explore our fly tying and tackle crafting kits!
