Although also feeling obligated, I sincerely WANT to thank those of you who have helped me shorten my rodbuilding learning curve by answering my (multitude of) newbie questions and enduring my “Habitual Over-Thinking”. I would have never guessed a properly constructed custom rod would out-perform a counter-part store-bought rod by such a huge margin.
I finally got the opportunity to experience the performance of six spinning rods I built by fishing them in the High Sierra on a family and extended family trip. While the majority of my time was devoted to helping my grand kids and others requiring assistance, I did find some time to wet my own line now and then.
For more than 35 years, it has been a rare case to not catch fish at Weir Pond, my favorite spot on Bishop Creek. While the small dam has created a fly fisherman’s paradise, I use it with my spinning gear if not over-crowded with fly guys. Although 8-10in trout is the norm, I have caught a few 14 inchers. I have never been able to cast far enough to explore a certain gap in the reeds on the far side that I figured was holding the really big fish. No flotation craft, even float tubes, are allowed and the water in the middle too deep for waders, so my target on the other side of the pond had always remained a mystery, until now! My first cautious cast flew almost as far as I had ever been able to cast previously. The second cast flew over the opening of the gap in the reeds, over the still water behind it and into the reeds on the far side; 40ft farther than I had ever been able to cast before! If that wasn’t reward enough, I hooked a nice 16in rainbow as well.
First and foremost, I am NOT saying I build a better rod than any of you, almost the contrary; I am still learning. What I am saying is that the unselfish release of personal experience and exploration of rodbuilding by many of you has given me the gift of building rods with some outrageous attributes. I do not need to name names; you know who you are and are the ones constantly on the site helping anyone and everyone. I will make one exception though; Norman Miller. He has withstood hours of my rambling on the phone, emails and on the site as well. I consider him a true friend and cherish that friendship as well as all I have learned from him. You other guys ain’t too bad either!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

By the way, I was using 50-60 year old, NOS, vintage FG Conolon blanks with my CARL ferrule system as compared to my previous, sub $75.00 CF rods.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Mark, I have always enjoyed your posts. Norm has been a Godsend!

Well I guess I have to chime in. When I first started building, same thing so many questions. Mark you were my first one on one contact, and lead me to Norm. I to have had many personal contacts with him. He truly is passionate about the craft, and will go out of his way to help in any way! My first 6 build were 5'6" UL trout rods. Norm helped me all the way thru the first couple, even sent me (2) sets of guides, and placement instructions. The first build following Norm's advice, I placed the guides, and thought what the heck is this (rapid reduction). After the build and fishing it, I was sold! And built 3 others for friends I have fished for trout for 45+ years. They all said they needed a magnifying glass to thread the line, it is now all their go to rods. So I to give a SHOUT OUT to Norm, which I also consider a good friend, and hope to one day fish with. Like Mark said you all help with the learning curve THANK You all!

Norm's having a good day.

Jim,
I cannot imagine Norman ever having a bad day!!!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Lynn and Don,
I am sure Norman is following this thread but is too humble to reply. I can guarantee that he takes immense satisfaction in helping anyone and everyone and that assistance is backed by 40 years of experience = one can bet their last dollar the advise is right-on-the-money! Heck, Norman builds more than 200 per year; most of us will never catch-up with his knowledge, insight and understanding of the craft. Are you blushing, Norman?

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

While were at it..

Id be lost without him.. I dont even know how its possible for one man to be this generous, kind, knowledgeable, patient, and understanding.. Norm is extremly good at boosting confidence as well.. I am going to throw a line in with him probably in spring... Nothing's planned yet, but i need to shake his hand..

Norm, if you are reading...
You say you ha e no artistic talent.. Look around... This is your talent.. A true master of the craft.. Your always there to answer questions.. And usually go incredibly in depth.. Even if its a question ive asked multiple times.. I know you dont want fame... But you should be noted in rod building history as a true promoter of the trade.. Your a great teacher.. (Sorry ;) professor)

I cant leave everyone else out though.. Roger you have been a big help... Lynn, sorry buddy your stuck with me for life... Tom, keep the good times rollin'...

I could go on for days.. Thank you all!

Touché, Anthony!!!!!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Oh, you guys!!