In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, we are joined by Mike Hickey, a veteran surf rod builder with over 35 years of experience. Mike takes us through the fascinating evolution of surf fishing gear, reminiscing about the days when homemade rods featured guides held on with electrical tape, and contrasting them with today's advanced setups using modern braided lines. He emphasizes the importance of considering the type of rod and reel a customer intends to use when setting up surf rods. A critical piece of advice Mike offers is the need for builders to experiment with different guide placements. This testing helps to minimize line slapping and control oscillation, ultimately enhancing casting performance.

Mike also shares his insights on setting up spinning rods compared to conventional rods, offering techniques to achieve long-distance casting. For beginner rod builders, he suggests starting with simple setups and gradually optimizing them through rigorous field testing. Throughout the discussion, Bill highlights the significant impact braided lines have had on the sport, allowing anglers to catch large fish with modern, lightweight gear. Both hosts take a moment to commend Mike’s bakery for its delicious treats, underscoring Mike’s practical and straightforward approach to rod building that prioritizes simplicity and extensive testing in real-world conditions.

Enjoy the show!