I just wanted to send a Thank You out to Bill Batson and the Batson Team. We're having a gathering of rod builders October 27th in Peosta, IA and Bill was kind enough to send a care package for show and tell / door prizes. Boy was I pleasantly surprised when the package arrived at my door, there were catalogs, Alps hardware, Alps head stock upgrade, Alps guides, rod blanks and many other pieces. I looked the package over and there were quite a few new pieces that I haven't noticed in their catalog before, the one that caught my eye was the new Alps fly rod seat. I couldn't leave that alone and had to turn an insert out of acrylic for it. Two of the blanks are the RX8 Walleye rods and one for the Musky guys, it looks like a great fit for the Northern builders and bending the blanks they are a fantastic product. The Batson Team is truly a stand up bunch and I can't say enough good about Bill and the company as a whole.
If any one is interested in attending, the gathering is open to all builders and all skill levels; there is no charge for the event. The date is Oct 27th at the Swiss Valley Nature Center in Peosta, IA. I encourage every one attending to bring along a rod that they have built and show it off. I also would like to see builders bring any extra pieces or blanks that you want to get rid of and we will have an impromptu swap meet at noon. Lunch will be provided with a donation taken to defray expenses. If you are interested in attending please contact me at
Hellsangler@live.com . Thanks again to the Batson Family for the care package and supporting the Tri-State builders. Mark Blabaum
