Mastering Rod Building

In this podcast episode, host Bill Falconer is joined by Vic Cutter, a legendary figure in the rod-building industry. Cutter’s rod-building career spans several influential companies, including Fenwick, Pure Fishing, and Pacific Bay International. His passion for rod building stemmed from a desire to create rods that were not readily available in the market. Cutter emphasizes the importance of quality control and customer service in the rod building industry. His extensive experience and knowledge have contributed significantly to the world of rod building.

Welcome back, avid anglers and rod building enthusiasts, to another exciting episode of Mastering Rod Building! I’m your host, Bill Falconer, and today, we have a true legend in the fishing world joining us. Get ready to be captivated by the wealth of knowledge and experiences shared by the one and only Gary Loomis, the mastermind behind G Loomis and a true pioneer in the industry.

In today’s episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Gary Loomis, the “rod father of carbon fiber.” From revolutionizing carbon fiber rod blanks to making groundbreaking innovations, Gary’s contributions have forever shaped the world of rod building. We’ll discuss his role in introducing carbon fiber to an OEM environment when it was not easily accessible and his involvement in designing and manufacturing rod blanks with North Fork Composites and Edge Rods.

If you’re an angler who’s been hooked on fishing and has a deep appreciation for quality fishing rods, this episode is custom-made for you. Join us as we delve into the wonders of the innovative materials, technical advancements, and unforgettable moments Gary Loomis has brought to the fishing world. And remember, if you don’t know who Gary Loomis is, you might need to reel back and catch up before joining in on this conversation. So, grab your favorite rod, cast off with us, and let’s dive into the captivating world of rod building with the one and only Gary Loomis on Mastering Rod Building!

In this episode, host Bill Falconer welcomes Jason Brunner, the VP of Research and Development at St. Croix Rods, as a guest. The episode delves into the engineering, composition, and manufacturing of fishing rod blanks.

Jason Brunner takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of rod manufacturing as we dive deep into the innovative processes and technologies that make St. Croix rods stand out from the rest. From discussing their state-of-the-art factory to exploring the intricacies of rod engineering and composition, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to uncover the secrets behind creating the perfect fishing rod.

During our conversation, Jason shares insights into St. Croix's revolutionary changes to their manufacturing process, including ground-breaking advancements such as IPC and ART. We also explore the importance of quality control and attention to detail, as St. Croix goes above and beyond to ensure their rods meet the highest standards.

But that's not all! We also delve into the fascinating world of curing processes and how they impact the overall performance of the rods. Jason unveils St. Croix's meticulous approach to crafting each handle and reel seat, ensuring a seamless transition and ergonomic design.

As we navigate through this intriguing discussion, you'll discover St. Croix's deep commitment to quality and craftsmanship, which sets them apart as leaders in the industry. We'll also touch on the exciting collaboration between St. Croix Rods and rod geeks, providing custom rod builders with access to St. Croix Rod blanks through a cutting-edge facility in Mexico.

So, whether you're a seasoned rod builder or simply curious about the art and science behind creating exceptional fishing rods, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to be inspired and educated as we embark on this rod-building adventure with Jason Brunner and St. Croix rods. Let's dive in!

On this episode, we talk with Aaron Lowe. Aaron is the North American director of sales for Anglers Resource, the exclusive distributor for Fuji Products in North America and now AB1 products in North America. This is another new product showcase that is a game changer and a significant innovation in reel seat design and technology. Plus, we talk about the new Titanium Carbon Hybrid Series Reel seats or the FUJI TCH real seats.

Today we're going to be discussing everything that you need to know about How to Select Guides and Set Up Guide Trains with Mike Garone, of Garone Custom Rods and Tackle. 

Mike, before we tackle this topic, tell us a little bit about how you started Garone Custom Rods and tackle and how long you’ve been in the custom rod building game. 

Mike, before we can pick guides and guide trains, we need to understand what our choices are. Let’s review the various styles and their advantages/disadvantages. 

• Single foot
• Double foot
• Roller
• etc.

Now that we’ve got the styles in order, let’s talk about materials and the pros and cons of each. 

• Stainless steel
• Coated steel
• Titanium
• Is there a best finish for Fishing Rod Guides?

What should I consider when ordering guides? 

• Application
• Best fishing rod guides for braided lines
• Best fishing rod guides for saltwater
• frame material
• Application

Why is setting up the perfect guide train important?

When you are setting up your guide train for your custom fishing rod, what are the options to choose from and why would you choose one over the other?

Pros and cons to each guide train:

1. Conventional Guide Train

2. New Guide Concept

3. Micro Guide Train

4. Spiral or Acid Wrap Guide Train

5. Double-Footed Guide Train

6. Single-Footed Guide Train

Mike, you’ve done a great job of explaining the various types of guides and guide train choices that are out there and why someone would want to choose one or the other in their next purchase or build. If folks want to get in touch with you at Garone Custom Rods and tackle, what’s the best way to do that?

Check out Garone Custom Rods >>>

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

Welcome to Mastering Rod Building , the show that delves into the world of fishing gear and techniques. Today, we're diving deep into the realm of slow pitch jigging rods with the expert rod builder, Rob Jenkins. Exploring the significance of having a dedicated rod for slow pitch jigging. Rob Jenkins sheds light on the nuances and benefits of using a specialized rod for this technique.

Segment 2: Elements of a Good Slow Pitch Jigging Rod

Unpacking the key features that define a high-quality slow pitch jigging rod.

Rob shares his insights on rod length, power, and action, helping listeners understand what to prioritize.

Segment 3: Spinning vs Casting: Which Suits Slow Pitch Jigging Better?

The age-old debate of spinning vs casting reels for slow pitch jigging.

Rob Jenkins provides his perspective on whether there's a clear winner in this debate.

Segment 4: Choosing the Right Rod Length for Slow Pitch Jigging

Exploring the ideal rod length for successful slow pitch jigging.

Rob Jenkins breaks down the factors that influence this decision.

Segment 5: Navigating Slow Pitch Jigging Rod Action

Understanding the concept of rod action in slow pitch jigging.

Rob explains his rule of thumb for selecting the right action and when deviations might be necessary.

Segment 6: Ideal Power Rod for Slow Pitch Jigging

Demystifying the concept of rod power in the context of slow pitch jigging.

Rob shares his expertise on selecting the perfect power rod for this technique.

Segment 7: Building Your Own Slow Pitch Jigging Rod

The allure of custom-building your own slow pitch jigging rod.

Rob discusses the advantages of tailoring rod elements for specific fishing conditions.

Segment 8: Crafting the Perfect Slow Pitch Jigging Rod

Delving into slow pitch jigging rod blanks and the role of taper.

Rob Jenkins offers insights into the thought process behind selecting rod guides and guide trains.

Segment 9: Navigating Slow Pitch Jigging Rod Handles and Grips

Exploring the design choices for rod handles and grips in slow pitch jigging.

Rob shares his preferences for materials and styles that enhance the fishing experience.

Segment 10: Decoding Slow Pitch Jigging Rod Reel Seats

Understanding reel seat options for slow pitch jigging rods.

Rob Jenkins discusses his preferred choices and the reasoning behind them.

Segment 11: Top Picks: Buying the Best Slow Pitch Jigging Rods

For those who prefer buying over building, Rob recommends top slow pitch jigging rod models.

A comprehensive rundown of spinning and casting rod options for all budget ranges.

Segment 12: Exploring Additional Applications

Considering the versatility of slow pitch jigging rods beyond their primary use.

Rob Jenkins discusses other fishing techniques where a slow pitch jigging rod can excel.

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

On this episode of Mastering Rod Building, host Bill Falconer is interviewing Landon Myers representing G Loomis today. Landon joined G Loomis from the Space Dynamics Lab in March of 2020. As a design engineer, he has since been promoted to a design engineer specialist. He holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from Utah State. And he also has a an Outdoor Industry Association sustainable product design and supply chain certificate. Bill and Landon discuss that G Loomis had a big a big win in the Best of Show category at iCast 2023 for a brand new rod using some new proprietary technology. They go in depth about what makes G Loomis rods stand out in the fishing rod industry and why G Loomis uses Fuji components.

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

In this episode, Bill Falconer welcomes Aaron Lowe, Director of Sales at Angler's Resource, to discuss the new UltraPoly Thread from Fuji. Aaron highlights the lack of a high-quality thread option since Gudebrod Thread Company went out of business and the benefits of Fuji UltraPoly, such as its consistent diameter, excellent lay, and wide range of colors. Fuji has almost doubled its color count from 24 to 44, providing more options for rod builders. The transcript emphasizes the consistency and strength of UltraPoly thread, making it a reliable choice for rod wrapping.

They also cover the launch of 24 new colors in the UltraPoly and NCP threads, including greens, purples, yellows, browns, tans, and a new Carolina blue. These colors will be available in different spool sizes, with some lighter colors exclusive to NCP to ensure visibility on darker blanks. Additionally, there are six limited edition Prisma Colors, chameleon-style threads that change colors when viewed from different angles. Bill Falconer explains the difference between UltraPoly and NCP threads, highlighting the usefulness of NCP for maintaining light colors on dark blanks.

Aaron drops some inside info on plans for more new colors in the future based on customer suggestions, with the goal of providing a wide selection to meet the needs of rod builders. Check out this fun and information-packed episode showcasing the excitement surrounding the Fuji UltraPoly Thread and its versatility for beginner to professional custom rod builders.

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

On the Mastering Rod Building podcast, host Bill Falconer welcomes Tom Kirkman, Editor of RodMaker Magazine, to discuss custom fishing rod handles and grips. Tom shares his story of getting into the rod-building world and the magazine he founded. He explains the difference between grips and handles and the various types available, including full grips, split grips, pistol grips, and more. Tom and Bill then dive deeper into the details of the materials available, including cork, EVA foam, rubber, hypalon, and carbon fiber, and more. The distinction between them is discussed in addition to the factors to consider when choosing a grip/handle, such as texture, shape, durability, sensitivity, ergonomics, and personal preference. 

Check out the 2023 International Custom Rod Building Exposition here >>> icrbe.com

Buy Fishing Rod Ergonomics by Tom Kirkman >>>

Pick up a subscription to Rodmaker Magazine >>>

Thanks for listening to the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, the best and most professional podcast full of experienced and elite craftsman advice you need to make an informed choice when selecting a grip or handle for your next custom fishing rod build or purchase.

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

Welcome to Mastering Rod Building, the ultimate podcast for crafting your dream fishing rod. Today's episode host Bill Falconer talks with Elite Series Pro Angler Kyle Welcher about power fishing and using and building frogging rods. They'll discuss why having a dedicated rod for power fishing and frogging is essential, the elements of a good frog rod blank, handle and grip options, reel seat types, guide choices, and what Kyle considers top picks when purchasing a frogging rod. They will also cover which types of other lures can be used with a frog rod, what line he uses, and all other gear Kyle uses to dominate the Elite Series.

Learn More About Kyle Welcher

Follow Kyle's angling adventures by clicking here and check out his YouTube channel. 

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