Mastering Rod Building

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Jim Schottenham of the American Museum of Fly Fishing, along with returning guest Bernie Schultz, about vintage fishing tackle, collecting, restoration, and why fishing history still matters to modern rod builders and anglers.

Jim shares how he became interested in early American reels, especially side mount reels, and how that passion led him to Lang’s Tackle Auction and later to his role as curator of the American Museum of Fly Fishing. He also gives listeners a look inside the museum’s collection, including historic rods, reels, flies, tackle artifacts, and its growing online database.

Bill, Jim, and Bernie discuss what rod builders should know when someone brings in an old bamboo, fiberglass, or unusual vintage rod for repair or restoration. They cover why condition, originality, provenance, and proper identification matter, and Jim points listeners toward resources like the American Museum of Fly Fishing and his personal site, Side Mount Reels, for learning more about early American reel history.

Bernie adds the lure collector’s perspective, explaining why original paint, packaging, and rarity are so important. He also talks about collecting early Florida lures, Pflueger, Heddon, Shakespeare, and other historic tackle, while sharing more of his own vintage tackle writing and collecting interests at Bernie Schultz Fishing.

The conversation also covers insurance, documentation, auction values, museum donations, early rod and lure materials, and the importance of preserving fishing history. The episode closes with a live unboxing of Bernie’s 1920 Creek Chub Husky Muskie, giving listeners a real-time look at the excitement behind vintage tackle collecting. Overall, this episode is a fun and detailed look at fishing history, craftsmanship, collecting, and the innovations that helped shape modern rod building.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]

American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]

Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]

Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]

Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]

Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Aleks Maslov of Composite Ventures, North Fork Composites, Edge Rods, and Striker Rods about one of the biggest rod building conversations in years: Air Carbon Mesh. The episode digs into what Air Carbon Mesh is, where it came from, why it has created so much interest among rod builders, and whether it represents a major shift in how custom rods may be built moving forward.

Aleks explains how Air Carbon Mesh grew out of a much longer history of carbon fiber experimentation, including Gary Loomis’ work with paper carbon scrim, hoop strength, resin systems, and lightweight blank construction. He breaks down why controlling ovaling and improving strength-to-weight performance are so important in rod blank design, and how Air Carbon Mesh eventually moved from an internal blank material to something builders could use for guide wraps.

Bill and Aleks also walk through the practical side of using Air Carbon Mesh, including why fiber orientation matters, how to cut the material, how many wraps are needed around a guide foot, and why color preserver or polycrylic is used as an activator rather than as a traditional color-preserving step. They also cover common mistakes, including using the wrong solvents, overcomplicating the process, or judging the material without following the proper application steps.

The conversation then moves into the larger debate around Air Carbon Mesh and what it means for custom rod building. Bill and Aleks discuss why some builders see it as an exciting new tool, while others worry it could take away from traditional thread work. Rather than treating it as a replacement for craftsmanship, they frame Air Carbon Mesh as another option for builders, especially those interested in faster guide work, guide repair, lightweight builds, accessibility, or new decorative possibilities.

On the industry side, Aleks explains why labor is such a major factor in rod manufacturing and why factories have been looking for better ways to attach guides for years. The episode also touches on future possibilities, including colored Air Carbon Mesh, Air Carbon blank designs, faster finish systems, and even new developments with linen blanks. Overall, this episode is a deep dive into innovation, tradition, performance, and where rod building may be headed next.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]

American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]

Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]

Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]

Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]

Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Mike McFarland of McFarland Rod Company about how he got started in fly fishing and rod building, how he eventually began designing and rolling his own blanks, and why slower, more responsive fly rods still matter in a market dominated by fast-action graphite.

Mike shares how growing up in central Pennsylvania and discovering trout rising in a local stream pushed him toward fly fishing, rod building, and eventually blank design. What started with building rods from catalog blanks turned into a much deeper pursuit of taper design, fiberglass experimentation, and eventually acquiring the former Diamondback rolling equipment to launch his own blank-making operation.

They break down how McFarland developed custom fiberglass and graphite tapers, what goes into designing a blank from the ground up, and how Mike now works with other small builders to create exclusive blank models in low-volume runs. Along the way, they discuss the importance of taper over hype, the realities of maintaining blank-rolling equipment, and why custom small-batch design still fills an important niche in modern rod building.

On the performance side, Mike explains why he prefers softer rods for both fishing and casting, how fiberglass and graphite differ in feel and application, and why he believes glass rods are especially underrated in longer trout and saltwater setups. The conversation also touches on E-glass versus S-glass, tournament casting, saltwater fly rod design, and why the right rod should match real fishing conditions rather than just casting trends. 

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]

American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]

Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]

Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]

Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]

Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Bill Oyster of Oyster Bamboo about his experience taking the Oyster Bamboo Rodbuilding Class in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and what makes the week so memorable for rod builders, anglers, and first-time bamboo students alike.

Bill shares how years of hearing about the class finally led him and others to commit, and how the experience exceeded expectations from the moment it began. What stood out most was not just the chance to build a bamboo fly rod by hand, but the way Oyster and his team have refined the class into a highly organized, approachable, and deeply enjoyable learning experience.

They break down what students actually do during the six-day class, how the instruction is structured to make a complex craft accessible, and why the process works so well for people with very different levels of skill and experience. Along the way, they discuss the class atmosphere, the camaraderie that develops among students, the personalization options that make each rod unique, and why so many participants sign up for another class before they leave.

On the bamboo side, Oyster explains why these rods should be understood as serious fishing tools rather than fragile relics, how bamboo fits into American fly-fishing heritage, and why the appeal goes far beyond nostalgia. The conversation also explores engraving, rod design choices, balance and fishability, and the deeper satisfaction that comes from fishing a rod you built yourself from raw cane.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]

American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]

Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]

Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]

Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]

Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Captain John Irwin of Fly Right Charters about matching rods, reels, line, and technique into a complete fishing system for inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing.

John shares how a lifetime of fishing, from freshwater and fly fishing as a kid to guiding full time in the Charleston area since 2002, shaped his approach to tackle selection and made versatility a core part of his business. As a guide who splits time between fly and conventional fishing, he brings a broad perspective to building outfits that truly fit the application.

They break down how he thinks about pairing rods and reels for real world performance, including why longer, softer tipped spinning rods help cast light artificials farther to spooky shallow water fish, why shorter rods shine around docks and close targets, and how reel size, spool design, braid, and leader choice all work together to improve casting, balance, and fishability.

On the broader tackle side, John explains why durability and system balance matter more than specs on paper, how he rigs for everything from redfish and sheepshead to cobia and bottom species, and why investing in quality reels that can be serviced over time pays off for anglers and rod builders alike.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

• Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]
• American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]
• Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]
• Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]
• Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]
• Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Tommy Farmer of Carolina Cast Pro about building true long-distance surf casting setups for big red drum—rods, reels, rigs, and the casting mechanics behind them.

Tommy shares how a 1996 trip to Cape Point, including landing a 45-inch drum and watching champion caster Mike Langston bomb a cast, sparked his path into competitive distance casting and surf fishing.

They break down the real-world system: why overhead (revolving-spool) reels outcast spinning when set up right, why Tommy prefers 20–25 lb mono with a 50–60 lb shock leader, and how compact fish-finder “8-and-bait” rigs help maximize distance without helicoptering.

On the rod-building side, Tommy explains why heavy surf rods need leverage (longer handles set to the angler), how guide placement can change how a blank loads, and the five fundamentals he teaches: footwork, body rotation, arms, acceleration, and the importance of 45 degrees.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

• Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]
• American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]
• Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]
• Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]
• Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]
• Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with master bamboo rod builder and engraver Bill Oyster of Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods about bamboo craftsmanship, building rods at the highest level, and the weeklong class in Blue Ridge, Georgia that fulfills Bill’s 30-year dream of making a split-cane fly rod.

Bill and Bill walk through how Oyster got his start—from fly fishing as an escape after bicycle racing and a life-changing accident, to teaching himself bamboo rodmaking from books, building his first 7-foot 3/4-weight, and eventually turning a surprise wave of early orders into a full-time shop.

They also break down what makes Oyster’s classes unique—finishing a complete rod in six days with all tools and materials provided, optional upgrades like engraving and extra tips, and the community aspect that keeps students coming back year after year.

They close with a quick history lesson on split-cane bamboo as an American-born craft, plus why modern bamboo rods belong in today’s fishing—including serious saltwater applications like redfish, specks, and beyond—and tease a follow-up episode after Bill and Aaron complete the class.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

• Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]
• American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]
• Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]
• Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]
• Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]
• Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with David Boyle of ThreadCentral about what’s new at ICRBE 2026 under new ownership and why the EXPO remains the can’t-miss event in custom rod building.

Bill and David break down the expanded show footprint with more floor space, two exhibit halls, dedicated seminar areas, and two Learning Center spaces designed for hands-on demos and better learning.

They also cover the weekend logistics—dates, hours, tickets (including online pre-purchase for faster entry), the RodMaker subscriber reception Saturday night, and a stacked vendor lineup—then invite listeners to stop by and say hello at the show.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

• Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]
• American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]
• Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]
• Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]
• Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]
• Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Kevin Brotz of Get Bit Outdoors about new rod-building innovations—especially the Next Level and Halftime finishes—and why stability, clarity, and reduced yellowing matter.

Bill shares his firsthand experience building a full rod in one day using Halftime, and the two cover practical application tips for smoother finish results. Kevin also introduces Lockdown paste for tough, flexible bonds (great for demanding builds like slow-pitch jigging), plus new Get Bit products like a 20-inch wrapper bed extension and beginner-friendly R&R kits.

They also touch on Kevin’s specialized alligator hunting rods he uses of Florida gator hunts, and wrap with a nod to the value of community learning and honest feedback.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

• Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]
• American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]
• Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]
• Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]
• Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]
• Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]

In this episode, Bassmaster Elite Series angler Beau Browning joins us to break down everything anglers need to know about crankbait rods, from choosing the right rod blank to customizing the perfect setup. Beau shares his pro-level insights on the best rod specifications for crankbaits, including action, power, line weight, lure weight, tip taper, and rod weight. We also dive into handle design, including reel seats, rear grips, fore grips, and butt caps, and explore which guide train layouts perform best for crankbait fishing.

For anglers interested in building custom crankbait rods, Beau explains thread selection, epoxy choices, and key considerations that influence durability and sensitivity. He also highlights top off-the-shelf crankbait rod options for those who prefer to buy rather than build. To wrap up, Beau discusses cross-technique versatility, revealing which other fishing styles a crankbait rod can excel at.

Follow Beau Browning on Bassmaster.com, Instagram @beaubrowningfishing, and check out his partners like Z-Man Fishing Products for more pro bass fishing insight.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

• Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • [email protected]
• American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • [email protected]
• Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • [email protected]
• Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • [email protected]
• Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • [email protected]
• Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — [email protected]