On Monday, I put in an order for 50 copies of Boyd Pfeiffer's book, Complete Book of Tackle Making. It contains what I think is an excellent chapter or two on rod building, along with other chapters on lure making, etc. These copies will be sent to the libraries that you fellows were kind enough to provide the addresses of. I still have to check to make sure the people responsible will put them into their systems, but so far most are excited to have these books. I can fill most all the ones that you sent a couple weeks back.

In the next 30 days I'll have up a website for the RodMaker Public Library Rod Building Program. This is only about 5 years overdue, but I will get it done in the next 30 days. It will list the libraries that have been given rod building books along with the short list of donors to the program and how others can get involved.

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The 2007 International Custom Rod Building Exposition has been booked and finalized. The new website will go online Monday morning (or sooner). I have just a few more things to work out with the host hotel before I release the site to the public.

I have been asked if there will continue to be a rod building show of some type in Charlotte. No, probably not. Barry has never been able to pull off a successful large scale rod building show on his own and at this time, it would appear that he won't try it in Charlotte next year. Most likely scenario is that he'll piggyback his Fly Fishing Show onto the Rod Building Exposition in High Point, NC. From what I understand, he will not be back in Charlotte with either. This could change, of course, and I'll know more when Barry returns from his fishing vacation in mid-April. I would be happy to provide space for him to do his Fly Fishing Show in our facility. He's coming down to take a look and will make up his mind at that time.

Everything about the 2007 event (rod building) will be bigger and better, by a long shot. Without the monetary constraints I've been under the past 3 years, I can now do a much bigger show but at the same time, reduce the booth and admission fees for all you guys. This sort of thing isn't necessarily easy, but I've been doing this for several years now and really know how to get things done. I think those of you who have been to any of the past 3 events are going to be more than a little surprised when you see just how much better the 2007 event will be.

I'll announce when the new website is ready. Should be Monday at the latest.

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