ken sent me a copy of his new dvd yesterday, and just wanted to let everyone know that in my opinion, it is a real winner. if you do any salt water fly fishing this dvd has got tons of tips. i admit it, i wasn't too impressed w/the "studio" his first dvd was shot in, but this is a whole different thing. he has lots to show to the beginners, in detail, and even though i don't do this type of fishing, it was fun to watch, and a qualty production. thanks ken!

Thanks John - I learned a lot from the first one (dogs and telephones in the background) , cluttered work area, show the step-by-step to completion... I think I'm closing in on what I hope will be the best series of DVDs on rod building.

John and Ken,
What is on the DVD? Is there a section on choice of rods, flies, casting? Whet our appitite.
Cheers, Ellis

where do I sign up!!! to get one!!!

Ellis -
This one is focused on ONE rod / One rod blank and "cradle to grave" using as many off-the-shelf components as possible to make for an easy assembly for a saltwater (or heavy freshwater) 10-11 wt fly rod using common workshop tools. The rod is built on an American Tackle ATX rod blank, American Tackle cork/wood foregrip, TiG single foot guides with double casting guides as strippers (full, detailed parts list) The DVD also includes sections on finding / using the spine; a measured guide placement as a starting point; illustrates wrapping, finishing, trim bands and some other goodies - including clips of a similar rod at work on mahi-mahi in Mexico - compliments of the new owner. I dropped off several cases with American Tackle / Mudhole at the show in Charlotte this past weekend so I doubt it will be listed on any sites for awhile. I suppose if you called Scott at
Mudhole he'd be able to get them out to anyone who wants it.

the dvd shows ken building a salt water fly rod, in a logical sequence, ie: handle, reel seat, fore grip etc etc. he shows you how to mount, tie, glue, wrap, you name it, the whole thing. if you are a beginner, you learn how to wrap a guide, either by hand or w/power, do the tie off loop, cut and hide the tag end etc. too much detail to go into here, but the camera shots are clear, its subtitled for people like me that destroyed their hearing over the years w/out using ear protectors at the range, the components used are listed by brand/ type/size etc so you don't have to wonder "where do i get that or what the heck is it". and it has advanced "tricks" that can be used if you want or not. like i have said, i have never gone salt water fly fishing and probably won't but it was fun to watch all the same. the best line in the whole thing was why he uses his thumbnail for a burnisher. where/how to get a copy is for ken to say, i have no idea. john

I am sure we could start a new thread on reasons for using the thumbnail as a burnisher. Personally I am convinced that mine are off training stray single edged razors to position themselves in the best position to slice open random appendages. Honestly on a good day I can usually find one burnishing tool, and its probably epoxied to the bench.........LOL

Thanks Ken and John,
Even when you think you know everything about building rods, you can still learn from other rodbuilders. I am looking forward to viewing your DVD. At this point in my life I am not concerned with the number of fish I catch, rather how I catch them. Saltwater fly fishing has really taken hold on the Texas coast so I looking forward to learning as much as I can both in catching fish and in the building of saltwater flyrods. Also, I can't think of a better gift for a nephew that lived with us while going to college. He is just now starting to flyfish saltwater. This coming week he will build his first 9 wt. Life just keeps getting better.
Cheers, Ellis