I've heard many people talk about how difficult it is for those of us involved in the rod building craft to gain any sort of editorial attention from the "BIG" magazines because of the huge dollars rod factories spend on advertising. Generally, I have found that to be true, but today I have to eat those words thanks to our pro staffer Bernie Schultz. Bernie is currently on Toledo Bend fishing the B.A.S.S. Elite Series tournament but before he left he wrote an article titled Build Your Own Rod: Part 1 (Part 2 appears next week). The article broke today on Bassmaster.com and although it makes short work of a big subject it is a very nice chunk of publicity for a craft that seldom enjoys any exposure at this level. Bassmaster has over a half million hits a month and Bernie's column link is on PAGE 1! We wanted to thank Bernie for his efforts to expose "regular" fishermen to the satisfaction and enjoyment that comes from building your own rod. [www.bassmaster.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/07/2012 05:57PM by Jim Ising.

That's a really NICE shot in the arm, not only for Fuji but, as well as, every other component or blank Mfgr in our industry.

Very cool!!!!!!!!

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

I didn't see any thing about - Builders

Bill - willierods.com

Bill's got a point. An article about how easy it is to build your own rod certainly doesn't help out builders trying to make a few bucks making custom rods.

You want to see articles that talk about the fine points that only skilled custom builders can accomplish in order to make rods superior to what can come out of the mass produced factories.

Bill's got a point. An article about how easy it is to build your own rod certainly doesn't help out builders trying to make a few bucks making custom rods.

You want to see articles that talk about the fine points that only skilled custom builders can accomplish in order to make rods superior to what can come out of the mass produced factories.

The article wasn't aimed at advertizing for seasoned builders but it does mention the fact that one may need to hire one IF
one isn't interested in building a rod for themselves. The article IS aimed at those who, are not satisfied with the offerings of the major MFGR's
and might be thinking about doing it for themselves instead of buying "off the rack".

This benifits all of us builders by bringing the craft closer to the forefront and hopefully kicking some of the "fence sitters" to take up the craft which
will increase sales of blanks and components and allow for better pricing for all in the long run. Also, a better market share, should enhance the insentive
for the developement of newer & better components for ALL.

Just my 2 cents anyway

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