In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building podcast, Bill Falconer continues his conversation with Amir Azzabi, the founder of Bait Finesse Empire. They discuss the effectiveness of bait finesse systems (BFS) for fishing, including Bill's recent experience using BFS setups on the White River in Arkansas. The duo shares insights on BFS rods and reels, their applications in trout and bass fishing, and how the right rod action and reel tuning can greatly enhance casting accuracy and fish control. They also touch on the importance of specialized BFS gear and Amir’s team of experts, like Jimmy and Hunter, who test these products in real-world fishing conditions. Bill and Amir dive into rod length, handle types, guides, and reel setups, offering practical advice for anglers interested in BFS. With a focus on precision and efficiency, this episode is a deep dive into BFS gear and its growing popularity in the U.S.

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer interviews Amir Azzabi, founder of Bait Finesse Empire, a tackle shop dedicated to Bait Finesse System (BFS) fishing. They discuss the history and evolution of BFS fishing, which focuses on ultra-light baitcasting with specialized rods and reels. Amir explains how BFS originated in Japan and its growth in the U.S. and Southeast Asia. They dive into the advantages of BFS over spinning setups, including better sensitivity and accuracy, and share tips on choosing the right line, leader, and knots for BFS fishing. The episode highlights BFS's versatility for various species, from bass to saltwater fish, and offers resources for anglers looking to learn more.

On this episode Bill Falconer sits down with Tom Kirkman to discuss The 2025 International Custom Rod Building Exposition. is the premier event for rod builders, taking place February 22-23, 2025 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The event features over 30-50 exhibitors showcasing the latest rod building components, equipment, and techniques. Attendees can participate in seminars led by industry experts on topics like guide placement, grip coloring, and more. A highlight is the Rod Maker magazine subscriber reception on Saturday night, which includes giveaways of high-value prizes like rod blanks and equipment. The event is easily accessible, with hotels connected to the convention center, and offers great deals on products for attendees. Whether you're a seasoned rod builder or just getting started, the International Custom Rod Building Exposition is a must-attend event to learn, network, and be inspired.

The episode features an interview with Pietro Moro, the owner and president of Moro Assessoria in Brazil. Pietro shares the history of how he got into rod building, starting at just 9 years old. He discusses the challenges of building a rod building community in Brazil due to a closed economy and limited access to components. Over time, Pietro helped grow the industry by introducing Fuji products and teaching others the craft.

Pietro is an accomplished angler who has won numerous tournaments in Brazil. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the local fisheries and techniques to design effective custom rods. Pietro also discusses the development of his F3 custom blanks, which are tailored to Brazilian fishing conditions. Additionally, he shares details about a unique silicone shrimp lure he created.

The conversation covers Pietro's experiences visiting Fuji's R&D center in Japan, which he found to be an impressive and innovative facility. Looking to the future, Pietro is excited about advancements in rod building materials and technologies, believing the next few years will bring significant improvements in rod performance and design.

On this episode, Bill interviews Captain Bobby Abruscato. Capt. Bobby is a legendary fisherman and rod builder from the northern Gulf Coast region. Bobby shares his approach to building rods for different fishing applications, such as popping corks, top water fishing, and jigging. He highlights the importance of using high-quality materials and customizing rods to meet the specific needs of his charter clients and his own tournament fishing. Bobby also discusses the benefits of custom-built rods, including the ability to tailor the rod's action and length to specific fishing techniques. He shares his background, including growing up on Dauphin Island and transitioning from college to becoming a full-time fishing guide. Bobby is an accomplished tournament angler, with 19 pro redfish tournament wins and four Alabama inshore trail championships. He discusses his long-term involvement in rod building and his mentorship by the late Jim Ising. Bobby recounts how he developed his passion for fishing as a child and how he eventually became a professional guide, much to his father's initial disapproval. He explains how he met Jim Ising, who became a close friend and mentor, and how this relationship led to Bobby's interest in rod building. Bobby emphasizes his focus on building rods for function rather than form, ensuring they are effective fishing tools. Throughout the conversation, Bobby shares memorable fishing experiences, including a trip with Jim Ising where they caught a 26-pound blackfish, and a charter trip where a client, Butch Theory, outfished the experienced anglers. Bobby emphasizes the value of learning from every fishing experience and the importance of custom-built rods in enhancing fishing performance and overall enjoyment of the sport.

On this episode, Bill Falconer interviews Tom Kirkman with RodMaker Magazine to discuss the topic of rod action, power, and speed, and how to objectively measure and understand these characteristics using the "Common Cents System" developed by Dr. William Hanneman. The system provides a universal, relative scale to compare rod blanks across manufacturers and categories. It involves measuring the weight required to deflect the rod tip a specific distance, which gives the "Effective Rod Number" for power and the "Action Angle" for initial flex. This allows anglers and rod builders to match rods to their preferences and needs, rather than relying on subjective marketing terms. The podcast also discusses how trimming rod blanks affects action and power, and the importance of understanding rod speed and efficiency.

On this episode Bill Falconer interviews Steve Grant, the sales manager at REC-COM Outdoors. They cover the importance of proper equipment maintenance, especially for rods and lines. Steve explains that many line issues customers report are actually caused by problems with the equipment, such as guides not rolling properly or improper knot tying. He shares examples of investigating line failures and tracing them back to user error. They discuss best practices for maintaining rods, including cleaning with Dawn soap, checking guides, and using the right lubricants. Steve recommends changing monofilament line annually and braided line every other year, depending on usage. He also advises proper storage to protect against UV exposure and temperature changes. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the critical role of diligent equipment care in ensuring fishing success, especially for high-stakes tournament fishing.

Bill Falconer interviews James Tannahill, a new rod builder and Marine Corps/law enforcement veteran who has dealt with PTSD. James shares his military and law enforcement background, including his roles and experiences. He discusses the impact of his law enforcement work on his mental health and the development of his PTSD. James describes his journey to seeking help at the VA and discovering rod building as a therapeutic hobby. He explores the resources and support he has found in the rod building community, emphasizing the importance of asking questions and not being intimidated as a new builder. Bill and James both encourage listeners to reach out for support if struggling with PTSD or interested in rod building. James plans to continue building rods and sharing his journey to inspire others.

On this episode, Bill sits down with Chuck and Debbie Brown from Decal Connection. Chuck and Debbie have been long-time supporters of the rod building community, providing high-quality custom decals for rod builders. They purchased the business in 2005 and have since transitioned from water-slide to peel-and-stick decals, which offer faster application and better durability.

Decal Connection can produce custom decals in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs to fit rod builders' needs. They emphasize the importance of proper surface preparation, such as applying a coat of finish, to ensure the decals adhere properly. They also provide guidance on sizing logos and artwork to work well on the small surface area of a rod.

The Browns are happy to work with customers, even those trying to print their own decals, to help them achieve the best results. They caution against using copyrighted artwork without permission. Overall, Decal Connection is praised for their expertise, customer service, and commitment to supporting the rod building community.

 In this episode, we sit down with Jim "The Dragon Master" Upton, a legendary custom rod builder with a career spanning back to the 1970s. Known for his pioneering work, Upton is the author of "A Guide to Thread Weaving for the Custom Rod Builder" and the inventor of the Wonder Weaver, a revolutionary tool for 360-degree weaving around a rod blank.

Upton shares his journey into fishing and rod building, including his innovative contributions to light line marlin fishing and his creation of intricate dragon-themed weaves, such as the iconic "Baby Dragon." He also reflects on his gradual shift away from active rod building and fishing, and discusses his plans for his book and the Wonder Weaver.

Throughout the episode, Upton's deep knowledge, technical expertise, and humble approach shine through, solidifying his reputation as a true master of the craft. Don't miss this insightful conversation with a living legend in the rod building community!