Mud Hole Journal

News

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Jumpstart the New Year with Rod Building

Jumpstart the New Year with Rod Building

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? Sin...

Product NewsBrand Changes at Mud Hole

Brand Changes at Mud Hole

Mud Hole Custom Tackle is proud to be part of the world’s largest supplier of custom rod building and tackle crafting components, supplies, equipment, and instruction, Foundation Outdoor Group.  W...

ComponentsGAHO Delivers Top-Tier, Affordable Carbon Reel Seats

GAHO Delivers Top-Tier, Affordable Carbon Reel Seats

Almost every angler and rod builder is looking for sensitivity, feel, weight reduction, strength, durability, and affordability in their fishing rod - and its components. Check out all the major...

Products

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Choosing the Right All-In-One Rod Kit

Choosing the Right All-In-One Rod Kit

This one is exciting. The release of the latest All-In-One-Kits from Mud Hole. I know there might be a misconception that we just pile some stuff in a box and call it a kit, but that could not be f...

Sticky Situation - All About Adhesives

Sticky Situation - All About Adhesives

For many rod builders the term epoxy gets thrown around a lot. Some might say epoxy, referring to the bonding adhesive when mounting handles and reel seats and they might also say epoxy when talkin...

ComponentsMetal VS Nylon Reel Seats

Metal VS Nylon Reel Seats

As we have mentioned in the past, there are not too many hard and fast rules in custom rod building but from our experience and the experience of those who have come before us we try to pass along ...

Rod Recipes

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Spring on the Fly: Building a Trout Fly Rod

Spring on the Fly: Building a Trout Fly Rod

There’s something truly special about standing in a trout stream during spring. With trout rising, wildflowers blooming, and the wilderness waking up after winter, it feels like pure magic. For fly...

Top Rod Blanks for Crappie Rods

Top Rod Blanks for Crappie Rods

Well, hopefully spring has sprung in your part of the world. I can promise we are already having plenty of days where the mercury is rising quickly. We recently got the guys together that know a th...

Build for Forward Facing Sonar

Build for Forward Facing Sonar

Fishing with forward-facing sonar (FFS) has revolutionized the way anglers locate and catch fish. This technology provides real-time, high-resolution images of underwater environments, allowing fis...

Tips & Tricks

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Can A Decorative Wrap Weigh You Down?

Can A Decorative Wrap Weigh You Down?

Decorative thread wraps are a popular way to personalize a custom fishing rod, and many builders should really be called artists for their abilities. We see intricate designs ranging from simple tr...

The Crankbait Controversy: Are You Using the Wrong Action?

The Crankbait Controversy: Are You Using the Wrong Action?

Throwing a crankbait is one of the most effective and universal techniques for catching bass. Whether you are targeting largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass, using the right rod for crankbaits c...

Rod HandlesBuilding a Classic - Proper Pistol Grip Assembly

Building a Classic - Proper Pistol Grip Assembly

Fishing and making lasting memories go hand and hand. Many of us cannot tell you what we ate for lunch yesterday but take us back to our childhood fishery and we can recall all our catches!  I reme...