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.

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