How-to • Tips & Tricks • Viewer Q & A
Join the Mud Hole Custom Tackle team for exclusive live stream rod building shows, behind the scenes content, Q & A sessions, and much more!
Recent & Upcoming Episodes
Episode #130
Rod Repair Q&A
Episode #129
2026 Ultimate Rod Showdown
Episode #128
50 Years of Rod Building
Episode #127
The BIG Finish 2025
Episode #126
Trick or Trout
Episode #125
Marbling Q&A
Episode #124
Refurbed Rods Q&A
Episode #123
Turning Handles Q&A
Episode #122
Guides Q&A
Episode #121
Rod Blank Q&A
Episode #120
Ultimate Rod Showdown
Episode #119
Cross Wraps
Episode #118
Power Wrapping!
Episode #117
The Big Finish Show 2024
Episode #116
Rod Building Q&A
Episode #115
Decorative Dragon Scales
Episode #114
Custom Musky Rods
Episode #113
Decorative Guide Wraps
Episode #112
Broken Rod Repair
Episode #111
Custom Grip Tips
Episode #110
Axis Vs. Spine
Episode #109
Crankin' Hawgs
Episode #108
Fade Wraps
Episode #107
Tsuka 2 Complete Carbon Handle
Episode #106
Ramped Up Rods
Episode #105
The Big Finish Show 5.0
Episode #104
Q&A
Episode #103
Monster Decorative Builds
Episode #102
Hard Water Hammers
Episode #101
Live #101: Rod Building 101
Episode #100
100th Episode Special
Episode #99
Travel Rods
Episode #98
Guide Repair
Episode #97
Under Wraps
Episode #96
Grip Repair
Episode #95
Taming Tiger Wraps
Episode #94
A Fresh Coat
Episode #93
Rod Building Q&A
Episode #92
Return of the Fly
Episode #91
Turk's Head Knots
Episode #90
Smallmouth Builds
Episode #89
Bobbin' and Weavin'
Episode #88
Bait Finesse Rods
Episode #87
Slow Pitch Jigging
Episode #86
Reel Seat Repair
Episode #85
Flawless Diamond Wraps
Episode #84
Balanced Builds
Episode #83
Stuck on Decals
Episode #82
The Big Finish Show
Episode #81
Another Crappie Show
Episode 129
2026 Ultimate Rod Showdown
It’s time to crown the winners of the 2026 Mud Hole Rod Building Challenge. After months of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation from builders around the world, we’re showcasing the Top Ten Finalists and the incredible custom rods they created using this year’s mystery blank. Join Chris and Hunter as they break down each build, highlight the techniques and materials that made them stand out, and share the inspiration behind these one-of-a-kind rods. From intricate details to fishable performance, these builds are true works of art. Tune in to celebrate the builders pushing custom rod building forward, and get inspired for your next custom build.
Live #129: 2026 Ultimate Rod Showdown
16 models available
10 models available
6 models available
Mud Hole Live:
Planning to Production
Meet the Hosts
Host
Chris Adams
Chris Adams, originally from Jacksonville, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as a content specialist and co-host for Mud Hole Live. Beyond the studio, Chris is an avid angler with a penchant for the elusive bonefish, often found on the flats with his latest fly rod in hand. His passion for fishing isn't just a hobby; it's a lifestyle that has taken him on adventures across Central and South America, where he's honed his rod building and fishing skills amidst some of the world's most challenging and rewarding waters.
Read more
Host
Hunter McKamey
Hunter McKamey, hailing from Shelbyville, TN, has fishing in his blood, growing up as the son of a custom rod building supplier. As one half of the revered Mud Hole Live hosting team, Hunter has turned his lifelong passion for fishing into a career, having been an avid angler since he was able to grip a fishing pole. His unique background, combining a deep-rooted love for fishing with an intimate understanding of the tackle industry from a young age, has shaped him into a respected figure in the fishing community. Hunter's expertise and enthusiasm for angling shine through in each and every episode of Mud Hole Live.
Read moreContact Us
Do you have a show suggestion?
We value your feedback! If you have an idea for a show topic, or something you'd like to see demonstrated, drop us a line!
Share pictures, get build tips, and tell fishing tales with nearly 50,000 members worldwide!