Join host Bill Falconer on the Mastering Rod Building Podcast for a deep dive into precision trolling—a technique designed to target fish at exact depths. Inspired by listener interest, Bill invites expert Tom Kirkman, founder of TK Rods and editor of RodMaker Magazine, to break down the essentials of precision trolling. Learn how anglers in the Great Lakes region use specialized rods, crankbaits, and depth control strategies to optimize catches, and why rod speed, spiral wraps, and line counter reels are crucial for success. Tom also shares an invaluable pro tip: swapping out treble hooks for circle hooks to drastically improve strike-to-hookup ratios.

Whether you're a veteran rod builder or just curious about this advanced fishing method, this episode delivers insights you won’t want to miss. Plus, get a preview of Tom’s upcoming seminar at the International Custom Rod Building Expo, where he'll showcase the benefits of spiral wrap rods. Tune in now to gain an edge on your next fishing adventure!

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

On this episode, Bill Falconer interviews guest Randy "Buzz" Butters, an experienced rod builder and instructor. Buzz covers the topic of ice rod building. Buzz explains how to select the right blank, guides, and components for different ice fishing techniques and target species. Building ice rods requires special techniques to stabilize the blank during wrapping to prevent bending. Buzz has taught thousands of students to build rods over the past 40 years, including through his work with Mud Hole. He discusses the challenges of building ice rods, which are short, thin, and flexible compared to open water rods. Ice rod blanks are made differently than typical tubular blanks, using a solid extrusion process. Buzz shares a DIY tool he developed to hold the blank steady. Other topics covered include guide selection, line choices, safety considerations for ice fishing, and recommendations for pre-built ice rods from manufacturers. Buzz provides detailed, practical advice for those new to ice rod building.

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

This episode features an interview with Tim Frost, who runs the Line Laboratory website and Youtube channel that provides extensive, objective testing data on fishing lines. Tim started the project during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Australia when he had time to research and test different fishing lines. He was frustrated by the discrepancies between advertised and actual line specifications, so he built his own equipment to meticulously measure and compare line diameter, roundness, breaking strength, and abrasion resistance.

The Line Laboratory website now has a wealth of data on braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon lines from many manufacturers. Tim shares how he developed his testing methods and equipment, and discusses the varied responses he's received from brands when presenting his findings. He explains how the data can help anglers choose the right line for their needs, rather than relying solely on marketing claims. The host, Bill Faulkner, praises the thoroughness and transparency of Tim's work and encourages listeners to support the project by sending in line samples for testing.

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

This episode introduces Dan O'Kane, the founder of Uncle D's Custom Rods and the non-profit organization Josie's Gift. Dan shares his journey into rod building, starting with buying custom rods as anniversary gifts for his wife. He then met Josie Perea, a young girl battling cancer, and built her a special "Tiny Dancer" custom rod. This inspired Dan to form Josie's Gift, which builds personalized custom rods for children with serious illnesses. Dan provides insights on building durable, kid-friendly rods that cater to their unique preferences. The episode highlights the importance of community support and corporate sponsors that have helped Josie's Gift grow. Dan discusses plans to expand the organization nationally and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families through the joy and impact of custom fishing rods.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.