First I want to start of by thanking Bret of ( Carolina Custom Rods ) for all his help and dedication to helping me become a rod builder. He is truely devoted and proactive to spreading his knowlege of building rods to others soley for his passion of rod building. For all those out there doing the same, thank you very much. "WE" new builders young and old, appreciate it very much.

That's what is funny, I hear all this talk about how secretive it was back in the day. Really not to long ago!! I understand the mind set in being protective about stuff but today with the internet there are no secrets!! Though with people like Tom who spend who knows how much time putting together the show and magazine and dealing with the site the sharing thing has to happen.I don't know what I would have done if there was no RBO or HP show or RBM. I might still be fumbling around in my basement trying to figure stuff out!!

I know first hand.. I started building( and in fact went to the High Point show before I ever spun a rod for real ) and a year or so later met Billy Vivona and the NERB guys at High Point. They treated me like an equal no matter my knowledge! I have since just being a part of the group learned so much and have seen people learn so much just from the little bit of info that is shared. One of the first things Billy said to me was.." Were the NERBS we share info about rod building with others" Hmmmmmm Brilliant Idea!!

I think these are the reasons rod building is as popular as it is now! People like Bret mentioned above and Billy and certainly Tom have made it an effort to get this info into the hands of people! It is first and foremost a hobby (even if you make a living at it..) that you could stop tommorrow but the friends made are for a lifetime. I've been into alot of things and never met people like I have met in the rod building hobby/industry.

Yeah I cant wait to attend my first expo in 2012. and get to some of these events I keep hearing about!

It was secretive back int he day (70's ad 80's), not because it was a conspiracy, but because there was no internet (Thank you Al Gore). When I got started, it was difficult to learn as I had to order books, travel many states to find my Mentors, etc. No email, no forums, no pictures. I feel the problem with todays wealth of information on the net is actually too much information. Too much of people that have no real experience posting incorrect information and others doing research and following in their footsteps. But, thats part of learning. Make the mistakes and learn from them vs. reading and reading and reading and not doing, doing, doing.

Enjoy it folks. Its a craft that will treat you well!

Kevin, it's scary some of the stuff people recommend. I also learned reading books which gave me a strong knowledge base right off the bat. I then found forums and attended seminars, and did a TON of trial and lots of error. Far too many people EXPECT you to share your knowledge and error with them, many do not even acknowledge with a thank you.

You are correct Billy, and I guess even I have been remiss in thanking you for your input on the Hercules blanks and other stuff! Hopefully I can return the favor someday! IMHO, the proper course of action should be 1) Read the book(s), try it, ask questions and then continue trying. It absolutely drives me batty when I get the email saying "I read on XYZ that I should do this or that", and they refuse to put the thread to blank and try! I can't tell you how many "mistake" blanks I have thrown int he corner with mistakes that were easier to abandon than undo! LOL. Its all part of the learning curve!

Kevin

#######
Check out the new website!

www.anglersenvy.com

LOL!! Dude, you're polite and always show appreciation. I love getting the same question from teh same person a yer later...I'm like I remember you asking me this a year ago, why don't you remember my answer? lol.

Well said Andrew. I have great appreciation for guys that helped me, like Tim Knox, Lance Dupre, Walker Nelson, & Joe Robertson. And all the information I have found scrounging through the forums. I was pretty much internet taught at first and made several phone calls after several mistakes. I don't personally know any builders in south Mississippi. But it was just something that intrigued me after reading war stories of plastic bait makers. I figured with my luck, the worst I could do was stab myself. These guys were always willing to help me out though.

HAHA very glad to see the response to this post. I'm glad to see the appreciation from others out there.

I am a nuclear electrical technician and novice rod builder, I can tell you first hand to "Trust but Verify", that is a motto we live by and anyone who takes blanket information as truth is foolish. I also appreciate all who enter and help inform the artist who create these fishing masterpieces! Good to be on board! Remember, Trust but Verify!

Bert (OFC RODS & PLUGS) Crystal River, Fl.