All,
This board and RodMaker magazine have and will continue to be a great thing for rod building. I don't think I need to stress that to too many of you here. But, let me state, that spending some time with an experienced rod builder is just as priceless. I made the trek to Baton Rouge today (150 miles one way) and met with Mr. Bill Stevens. For the first time ever, I saw a custom rod that I didn't build and boy was I impressed. He is decades ahead of me both literally and conceptually. He is truly a unique thinker and builder. I learned more in a few hours today than I've learned in 10 years of experimenting on my own. For those using this board or any board for that matter, please understand that anybody can post any kind of information on the internet. There's a wealth of information out there and it goes both ways, good and bad. It's not always sound info and sometimes we need to weed through a little hubbub to get to the good stuff. I think even Tom K has stated that in a few articles in RodMaker. You need to visit and get to know an experienced builder that can show you how and why their claims work. You may find, like I did, that among 8 cylinders you're only hittin on 5, so to speak.

What did I take away from today? Question conformity. Question the standard. Find out why and, by cracky, know that what you do is for a darn good reason that's gonna make your product better. I learned the real difference between assembling a rod (what I've been doing) and actually constructing a high performance fishing tool. I learned that I'm not gonna be able to compete with the production rod companies' maketing of flashy colors, keen shelf positioning, extensive distribution channels, and promotions but, I can compete in the perfomance arena. And likely come out the winner.
Thank you Bill.
Now to get to the show.

By the way, if you go to see Bill and he takes you to lunch, don't forget where you parked.

greg
i see them swampboys are at it again it seems that bill and lance are what this hobby and web site are all about ,every time i read a post someone has gotten help from them !!! and come out a better builder,bill has helped me more than once and now iam building so many micro 8 footers i cant keep one on my boat,so i know theres a lot of builder both new and exp they can help great guysthanks from tx to the swampboys
capt alan
gottafish customs

I've been building over 30 yrs. and I've never met another builder that I couldn't learn something from. It's what makes this craft move foreward.

Greg thanks - I enjoyed the day as well - I absolutely love it when there are additional trucks in my driveway that display the Rodbuilding Symbol!

I need to set one thing straight - rodbuilding medication was in total control (obsessive compulsive dissorder - when we walked outside after lunch I was looking for the horse and buggy!