Where did 2024 go? It seems each year goes by quicker than the one before. We have a lot to be thankful for here at Mud Hole and the team worked incredibly hard to assure our customers have the best products, tools and information to become better rod builders.
Without patting ourselves on the back too much let’s revisit some of the standout products from the year. Some were developed and tested in-house and others by one of our many brand suppliers. From blanks to components and tools to equipment 2024 was one for the books.
Let’s dive into the best from 2024!
TSUKA 2
I think it is safe to say one of the biggest products here at Mud Hole from this year was the award winning Tsuka 2 handle from American Tackle. Not only is it on the leading edge of design and materials but the versatility of the Tsuka 2 is something often overlooked. Yes, it is incredibly light, yes it looks cool, but not only can you use it on a new custom build but you can also retrofit an existing rod with the Tsuka 2. Use it to repair a handle section or give new life to your favorite fishing rod. If you do not have a Tsuka 2 yet, you can grab on in spinning or casting in either matte 3K or forged carbon finish.
Shiroi Components
Since we are talking about American Tackle and carbon fiber, the introduction of the Shiroi line of components really made a splash. We all have built on white rod blanks but never had the option of carbon handles, reels seats and trim pieces in all white. They are striking, very durable and make for a unique custom build that really turn heads. Check out the full line of Shiroi Components from reel seats, to handle parts and even pick up a matching white rod blank from MHX!
GAHO Reel Seats
Let's stay in the handle section and talk about one of the newest additions to the catalog and that is GAHO. A newcomer to the international rod component market, GAHO introduces custom builders to a new standard of premium-quality carbon reel seats with exceptional value. Utilizing advanced compressed carbon technology (CCT) and innovative design and manufacturing processes, GAHO delivers sleek, modern, lightweight reel seats that are both highly sensitive and remarkably durable. With a versatile selection of lightweight, high-quality carbon fiber reel seats for spinning and casting rods, backed by years of expertise in innovative design and manufacturing, I can promise there is a GAHO seat to match your needs.
Fuji Reel Seats
Last but certainly not least Fuji dropped some cool new TCH Reel Seats this year. With a dozen new options from casting to spinning and even seats aimed at vertical jigging, they are light, strong and have unique ergonomic shapes. Fuji's new flagship reel seats THC, which stands for Titanium Carbon Hybrid technology offers cutting edge materials and performance with a name you can trust. Along with new shapes Fuji has added additional sizes designed to keep up with the blank technology and allows builders to minimize arboring and provide a more secure fit.
Rod Guides
This year we saw some introductions into the rod guides category from both industry leaders American Tackle and Fuji. From guide sets to individual we welcomed in some sure fire best sellers.
American Tackle Guides
Continuing as an industry leader American Tackle introduced their TiForged Double Footed Air guides with matching tip tops this year. From sizes 50 down to 6 these are the first guide train of its kind utilizing slim profile, snagless TiForged frames combined with hard stainless-steel rings. These guide frames are light weight and durable with zero ring loss, the perfect Air design option for rods that want that step above the rest. Perfect for use as spinning or casting in both freshwater and saltwater applications. Rod builders can create a custom guide train with just double-footers or match with the single TiForged Air running guides. Plus, looking ahead to 2025, we will see more options come into the popular TiForged Air line up!
American Tackle Guide Kits
Bob "the Kit Builder" Mckamey has been hard at work this year, simplifying the process of selecting the perfect guide set for your custom rod. For the first time, guide sets are organized by the most commonly used reel sizes, ensuring optimal performance. These TiForged High-Frame Spinning Guide Kits provide improved casting distance and reduced risk of wind knots. Available in black or polished frames with Duralite or Nanolite options, each set includes properly sized guides to suit spinning reels ranging from 1000 to 5000 series.
Single Microwave Guides
Not only have added kits but we have taken certain guides only found in kits and now split them up so rod builders can use the individual Microwave guides to make their own custom guide set. From the stripping guides to the transition guides and even down to the runners, create you own custom microwave kit from scratch!
Fuji Guides
This past September Fuji added a new color! The BB Shiny Dark Gray frames are now a part of 12 of their most popular guide families and 3 tip tops, all featuring the renowned Alconite guide ring. This new frame color complements the existing CC Silver Matte and BC Matte Gray Options. We all heard the comments about when Fuji discontinued their black frame color but this is as close as it can get! Check out the new color today!
New Rod Blanks
MHX Rod Blanks
New to the MHX line up are two options that are centered around throwing chatterbaits and crankbaits. First, the new Bushido Moving Bait Series are a very unique series due to their construction. The tip section, crafted from fiberglass, delivers durability and responsive action, keeping anglers in tune with their bait's movements. Meanwhile, the mid and butt sections, constructed from graphite, provide a lighter yet more powerful backbone for battling fish in heavy cover. Designed specifically for anglers using diving crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, and vibrating jigs, these blanks are built to perform. The result, an all-around great casting rod designed to make you a better angler with your favorite moving baits!
In addition to the Moving Bait Series, MHX broadened the line-up of their famous Crank Bait Series of Blank. The CB line as we call them, feature innovative designs and softer tip flex actions, perfectly suited for a wide range of crankbaits across various depths. These multi-modulus blended graphite blanks are at least 40% lighter than fiberglass, offering exceptional sensitivity. If you’re after longer casts, better hook-ups, and more fish in the boat, these crankbait blanks are your perfect match! Now with a total of 19 models and many of them coming in 14 Metallic colors, the MHX Crank Bait series is the most complete in the industry.
Tools and Equipment
We understand at the tools and equipment needed to build custom fishing rods can be a very important part of the process. In addition, we have a large customer base that builds rods professionally so we have to be sure we develop products that are innovated, easy to use and durable for a high output workshop.
Extreme Reamers
For 2024 CRB introduced the 18" Extreme Reamers, featuring extended length and reduced taper for improved control, precise contouring on thinner blanks, and deeper access for longer grips. These versatile solid glass reamers can be used as hand tools for delicate tasks or mounted in a drill for heavy-duty work.
CRB Inletting Tool
The CRB Pro Inletting tool is a must-have for your rod building bench. From creative inlays in cork and eva to adding an inlet to your fly rod grip this tool ensures precision and ease when paired with a high-speed drill or lathe. With interchangeable blades for up-locking seat diameters (.760–.950) and a 6mm anodized aluminum sleeve for clean cuts, it fits .250” cork grips or larger with tape arboring. An extended shaft stabilizes cutting, delivering flawless inlets consistently. Finished in CRB PRO Blue, the set includes a zippered case, hex key, and extra set screws.
Pro Paste
Geared for the professional builders CRB has also increased their container size of Pro Paste. It might not appear to be something to get excited about but for many rod builders buying in bulk helps them save money and stay organized. Plus, the fewer containers creates fewer waste, so now you can buy 32oz, 64oz and 128oz tubs of ProPaste!
Supply Kits
As I mentioned before we strive to make rod building easier, more enjoyable and as efficient as possible. Along with our kits we have implemented new software that allows us to bundle certain products while giving you the option to pick sizing and quantities.
For example, The Pro Products Deluxe Supply Kit has been upgraded to provide rod builders with more of the essential materials they need, along with customizable options to suit individual preferences. The kit includes workshop staples like razor blades, mixing cups with sticks, and foil dishes, plus the flexibility to choose custom quantities of ProKote Thread Finish, ProPaste Epoxy, and CRB Finishing Brushes. With 30 variations available, you can stock your workshop precisely how you want. Best of all, the kit saves you money, offering a 10% discount compared to purchasing items individually.
Signature Rod Kits
Before I let you go we should mention the Signature Series kits that were created during 2024. For those that follow along on social media you remember we brought in Jim Crowley to our Pro Team this past year. From his knowledge in fishing, rod building, tackle crafting and just all around great guy, we knew he would be an awesome additional to an already strong team. It was only right to sit down with Jim and pick his brain on what he liked to fish and why.
So, after our meeting, we added a line of Jim Crowley Signature Series Kits that feature two spinning rods and a casting rod, all of which Jim can't live without. From a 7'4" Bladed Jig Rod to a Jerkbait and Ned Rig Rod Crowley has you covered for any body of water bass might swim. Honestly, that is selling them short, his 6'8" Medium Jerkbait rod makes an incredible inshore rod for redfish and sea trout.
Although our list could continue we will let you get back to celebrating the holidays and the new year! Just as 2024 was incredible around Mud Hole, we are looking forward to a wonderful 2025. Thank you again for your business and we will continue to work hard to create products and provide the best service possible.
See you next year!
