After realizing the actual topic that started this thread,
I too wanted to give my thanks to all of the participents
who helped bring the article in RM to fruition.
OUTSTANDING!! Can't wait to read the 2nd part !!

Putting my hands together to everyone!!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

I have let my subscription expire (I'm correcting that) so I will have to read the article as soon as I catch up on my back issues. Meanwhile,let me make a few comments on what I have read here.
I agree that where you are located makes a big difference. I do a lot of local business here in north Mississippi, but I also travel to Mn,Wi and Iowa every year and I have a son in N. GA. and do some business in his area. In the fly fishing people and the bass fishing people are definitely dealing with 2 different type of personalities and reguire different approches. Bass fishermen, if they are pro or semi pro are sponsered by large companies and receive a lot of free gear from them as promotions. It's very hard to compete with this, but it can be done through better design and quality. Fly fishermen seem to have more appreciation for the finer artistic aspect of a rod as well as the performance.
I do both types of rods but put more wood and inlays etc. in my fly rods. Latley I have seen this begin to change a bit and have done some bass and muskie rods in wood and cork combinations.
This is just the view from my end . I do appreciate the info and input on pricing, incidentally my rods have a fixed pricing with my time and the price of the components figured in. I am retired and only trying to stay busy and suplement my income a bit with something I love to do.

That was in the first article, Bob.

.............

Tom
Your getting better with age Ha Ha I just got mine last night.

Just buzzing over the artical. Very interesting. I did not even think people would get that kind of money and use those ( el cheapo ) guides. I myself would never consider those. If I get some one wanting such a cheap rod, knowing they will be back, I send them to Wally World.