I AM LOOKING FOR A ROD BUILDING SCHOOL TO TEACH ME HOW TO BUILD ROD FOR A SMALL SHOP. I AM SELF TAUGHT AND WOULD LIKE TO BE MORE PROFFESIONAL A THE ART. THANKS DARREN

Sadly, there is no such thing for rod building. Not yet anyway. If you are seriously interested in becoming more adept at various facets of rod building, then the National Rod Builders Show in Charlotte, NC on February 26 & 27, 2005 offers the most comprehensive rod building seminars and demonstrations you'll find anywhere.

Looking at your IP address, I can tell it would be a long trip for you, but if you really want to improve in a single weekend, it might just end up being some of the best money you ever invested. We had a couple guys out from Alaska last year and they both told me it was money well spent.

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where are you from Darren?

Darren, maybe folks could email you names of rodbuilders they know in Alaska. If you get responses of others in your area, try to get together,even if its only two of you. (Two rodbuilders in one room, exchanging ideas, tips etc.. is an Event!)

Also check out Tackle Works on the left for builders in your area

Also the rod builders directory on this very site! There are some other guys listed in AK!

I LIVE ON THE KENAI PENNISULA NEAR ANCHOR POINT ALASKA I HAVE A SMALL CHARTER BUSINESS AND WOULD LIKE TO TRY BUILDING RODS IN THE WINTER .

You'd probably have trouble finding any sort of school or show in that area. So you can always fall back on a good book or video. The book called Rod Building Guide written by Tom Kirkman would be the best $15 you could spend. I can't imagine any rod building class covering as much material as that book does.

Flex Coat has a video called How We Do It and it shows the basics of assembling a custom rod. Either one would get you started on the right foot. It's not that hard when you come right down to it.

Darren, I live in Peters Creek, Alaska, north of Anchorage. There are a couple of shops within the Anchorage area. I will email you the particulars.

Hi Darren,

As Patrick was saying, several shops in Anchorage might help you out. I know Mt View Sports still holds a rod building class. Three Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla holds them as well. I know a few steelhead fishermen who could maybe persuaded to give you a one on one course for a night or two's lodging, too.

STEVE I WILL BE IN ANCHORAGE ON FRIDAY WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO THOSE SHOPS IF IT WORKS OUT

Right on darren. Hope the roads are ok! SHeeeeesshhhhh.... raining all day Tuesday and Wednesday, some snow now, Wednesday. Don't know how long since you've been in Wasilla, but its only 40 minutes from Anchorage now, if roads arent' icy. Lots of great improvements in the road! If you make it up to 3 Rivers, tell the guys who you are and they'll pass the word to me... I'm close, so I might even be able to chat with you.