National Rodbuilding Show - Charlotte, NC 2006

Custom Fishing Rods by Swampland Rods

"Katrina Series"

Swampland Rods of Houma, Louisiana will proudly display handcrafted "Katrina Series" technique specific rods at the Charlotte Show. Our lifestyles were severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina and the circumstances of its terrible aftermath. Our fishing world will probably never be same. Each of these rods is accompanied with a detailed Certificate of Origin containing rod details and original photographs of the storm damage. These rods will be in our booth primarily for "peer" review by the rodbuilding community. If one sells to a passerby it will be as we say in Louisiana "Lagniappe!

Several of the people mentioned on this page were invited to "Pass a Good Time" with us at our fishing camp in Port Sulphur, Louisiana. As luck would have it Andy Dear, Lamar Manufacturing, dined, laughed, rested and fished with Bill Stevens six days before the monster struck and was the last person to ever enjoy the facilities and hospitality of the Swamp Boyz marsh home. It is now seven months after the storm and no attempts have been made, as yet, to restore the area. No power, no gas, no food, no marinas, no ice, no commercial shrimping, no nothing!

This wonderful craft has provided a solid rock for us to lean on since the storm. The Certificate for each rod can be viewed in the "Book of Rods" on the Rod Rack at the Show. This is not a production run - all are different and all are handcrafted.

We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the people listed below for their direct contributions to these rods. Without the efforts of the individuals and manufactures listed we probably would be straightening cane poles for bream fishermen. When you think about it, our craft is really supported by a long list of very devoted people.

American Tackle - Joe Mehan - Titans, cork
Allstar - Sharon Johnson - Help in getting started - wish you were back!
Batson - Bill & Keri -Textured Seats, Blanks, Hkpr, TiCh Guides
Custom Tackle - Bob McKamey - Expedited Service on all of the above
Decal Connection - Jimi Ellis -Artwork & Decals
Donjer Products - Jill Goldman - Flock, Adhesives, Application Devices
Flexcoat - Roger Seider -Arbors, Tools Finishes
Fuji -Anon -Alconite Guides
JB Rods - Jesse Buky - Encapsulations - Guidance
Revolver Rods - Rich Forhan -Techniques and Inspiration
Lamiglas -Todd Vivian - Premium Signature 700 Poppng Rod Blanks
Lamar Mfg. - Andy Dear -Mandrels, Lathe Work, ExoticWood, Threadmaster
State of Texas - Gerald McCastland - Competetion and challenge.
Mudhole - Tom McNamara & Team - - Expedited Service on all of the above
Pac Bay - Rodwrappers and dryers
Tronkak U-40 - Ralph O'Quinn - Rod Bond, LS Supreme

A special note of thanks goes to Tom Kirkman for providing the venues that support the craft. Without Rodmaker Magazine, Rodbuilding.org and the National Rodbuilding Show in Charlotte our world would certainly be much different.

Come by our booth - check out the rods - let us know what you think - let the manufacturers know what their stuff looks like. All the people listed above will be at the Show except Roger and Jill and we will attempt to get an original of this sheet copied and autographed, by all, to send to Roger.

Swampland Rods




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/22/2006 08:11PM by Bill Stevens.