The Winners Are In!
1st Place - Gary Pugh
Mr. Pugh's masterful mix of threadwork, marbling and inlays nabbed this year's top honors
The winner of the 2025 Mud Hole Rod Building Challenge is none other than Gary Pugh! A custom rod builder who is no stranger to the competition, Pugh has consistently demonstrated his skills and creativity over the years. Having previously secured two impressive 3rd place finishes, this long-awaited 1st place victory makes the moment even more special. It’s a well-earned win that speaks volumes about his dedication, craftsmanship, and passion for rod building. Gary had this to say:
"Another great year with the Rod Building Challenge. This year, as in the past, there were some amazing builds. You can tell the rod builders pushed themselves to come up with some unique builds. To me, it's fun to see what you can come up with, trying different techniques to build your best possible rod for the Challenge. Thanks again to Mud Hole for having it!!"
This year’s competition featured some of the most creative and technically advanced rod builds we’ve seen to date, and Gary’s entry truly stood out among a field of incredibly talented builders. From innovative designs to flawless execution, his rod combined originality with expert-level craftsmanship—exactly what the Challenge is all about.
Congratulations once again to Gary Pugh on claiming the top spot in this year’s Mud Hole Rod Building Challenge! Your dedication and artistry continue to inspire fellow builders across the rod building community.
2nd Place - Don Livingston
"Thank you for sponsoring this rod-building challenge. This is the 4th year I've submitted a rod. I hope this challenge continues as it serves as a way for me to push myself out of my comfort zone and has significantly contributed to creating my style for building custom fishing rods!"
3rd Place - Kyle Watson
"After four years of competing, I'm proud to have won 3rd place. The competition pushes me to think outside the box, try new techniques, and refine my skills...every year, this competition helps me grow as a builder and keeps the passion for rod crafting alive."
And That's a Wrap
Stay tuned for details on the 2026 Mud Hole Rod Building Challenge!
How It Works
Completed rods will be judged at ICRBE 2025 in Winston Salem, NC, to select the top ten. These ten rods will then return to Mud Hole headquarters in Oviedo, FL, for the final round of judging. The announcement of the top three competitors will then be broadcast live. Winning entries will also be shared across social media platforms and top industry forums for the entire rod building community to enjoy. In addition, the top three rods will be prominently displayed in the Mud Hole showroom for a period of six months and then returned to the builders.
The judging process is transparent and fair. The top ten rods from all entries will be chosen by a committee of custom rod builders, separate from the judges. The contest judges will score each of the top ten rods to determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Competition rods will be graded on overall appearance and functionality.
Shipping Info
If you are not bringing the rod to the ICRBE, entries must be received by Mud Hole no later than February 3rd, 2025.
Ship to: Mud Hole Rod Building Contest
2133 Component Loop, Suite 1001, Oviedo, Fl 32765
Attn: Kevin Landers MHRBC
Damage Disclaimer
By participating in this contest, entrants acknowledge and agree to the following:
- Product Shipping: Entrants are responsible for the safe and timely shipment of products to Mud Hole. Proper packaging and insurance are strongly recommended.
- Shipping Damage: Entrants assume full responsibility for any product damage during shipping to Mud Hole.
- Product Condition: Upon receipt, Mud Hole will inspect the products for damage. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear will be the entrant’s responsibility.
- Return Shipping: Mud Hole will be responsible for returning the products. However, we cannot guarantee against damage during return shipping.
It is strongly recommended that entrants insure the products during their initial shipment to us.
I've had a blast being part of the competition these past three years. My first year, I was over the moon when my rod made it into the top 10—I hadn't even been to any rod building shows to see how my work stacked up! The next two years, I landed in 3rd place, and I couldn't be more thrilled to have placed so high among builders from all over the world. I'm excited to see what I might create for this year's competition. If you're a builder, I highly recommend jumping in—it'll make you even better!
The competition was where my growth as a rod builder truly began. Each year, I could see my mistakes and work on improving them. I believe that participating in the International Custom Rod Building challenge is both educational and enjoyable, as it encourages you to push your boundaries and try new techniques.
For the past three years, the rod building challenge has been exactly that—a 'Challenge' that pushes me out of my comfort zone to explore new ideas and develop innovative techniques in the world of custom rod building.
I highly recommend entering this challenge to anyone. Trust me, you'll learn new things, push yourself to improve, and most importantly, have a lot of fun!
Join the Facebook Group!
Join the Mud Hole Live Rod Builders' Workshop Group for the latest updates on the Mud Hole Rod Building Challenge, and share your creations when you're done!
Join NowAbout Cashion
Cashion Carbon Fiber fishing rod blanks are designed and manufactured in Sanford, NC. Cashion stands for American Made, Material Science Technology, and the Craftsmen to build detailed oriented carbon fiber fishing rod blanks. Cashion is obsessed with attention to detail and especially at the molecular level. Cashion carbon blank design has focused at the molecular level to utilize epoxies that excel at encapsulating and physically bonding to high performance carbon fiber.
MATERIAL SCIENCE is at the heart of everything Cashion designs and builds.
FAQ
You may have questions about the Mud Hole Rod Building Challenge. No worries, here are some frequently asked questions and answers!
How many blanks can I buy?
One per person; you must use at least 50% of the blank for the rod.
Can I bring my rod to ICRBE instead of shipping it?
Of course!
Who are the judges?
To maintain fairness and transparency, judges will be announced in March. The judges include master rod builders, media, anglers, and respected people from across the fishing community.
When can I post pictures of my rod?
Photos can be posted once the top ten are announced after ICRBE. If you are not selected as part of the top ten, you can share pictures of your rod. If you are a part of the top ten, you can share photos after the announcement of the top three.
What parts can I use?
The only part that must be used is the Cashion mystery blank. Participants may use any other supplies and/or components.
Why can't I use my own blank?
One of the most significant skills of a rod builder is determining their design based on the characteristics of the blank. Keeping the same blank across the competition keeps the competition fair and impartial.
Is the Mud Hole Rod Building Challenge a continuation of the former International Rod Building Challenge?
Yes. As the world leader in custom rod building, Mud Hole is the driving force behind the competition. As in previous years, rod builders from across the globe are encouraged to compete and showcase their rod building skills with the goal of being recognized as the world's best in our craft.
How do I sign up?
By purchasing the Cashion mystery blank, you have signed up to compete.
Can I paint the blank?
Absolutely! You have creative freedom regarding the rod's aesthetics. For a valid entry, you must use 50% of the blank.
Can I submit parts other than just the rod?
No. This is a rod-building contest, and to keep it fair, it is just about the custom-built rod.
Who can I talk with if I have other questions?
Feel free to email: mhrbc@mudhole.com
Contact Us
Any Additional Questions?
Any questions or concerns can be emailed to mhrbc@mudhole.com or by filling out our contact form:
