Dear Rod Building Friends,

In 1978 I had the privaledge to submit drawings to Mr. Clemens for his book "Advanced Custom Rod Building". I have not built rods since 1982 and am now getting back into the art. Can anyone tell me if Mr. Clemens is still living and is he still in business. I would very much like to make contact with him if possible.

Please reply to artframedesign@aol.com or to this site.

Thanks,
Charlie

To the best of my Kknowledge, Dale is still amongst the living, but he sold his business to Dick French. The business is at the present defunct, but is coming back soon.

I was wondering what was happening with Dick and the business.
I spoke to Rose last summer and heard about Clemens Custom being disolved.
I hope all is well with everyone.

Good luck in your search and thanks for the drawings,
John

Dale Clemens is retired and in living in FL.

Henry is correct. Dale lives just south of me in Marco Island and he had to give up rod building because his arthritis was getting to be too much.

Actually guys,
Dale does still build rods. I just finished a three hour interview with him that will be published in an upcoming issue of Rodmaker. He in fact told me that he does still build rods, and trys to teach a rodbuilding class every couple of years for his local fishing club. He did however have to give up fly casting because of arthritis problems in his elbow and shoulder.
Dale's new passion however is woodturning. I have seen some of his turnings, and let me tell you, he is a very VERY talented wood turner....unbelievable eye for form and detail.
The interview is very interesting, and I think you guys will enjoy it very much. I just wish we had about 12 pages to allot to it in the mag, as there was not enough room to print the whole thing!!!


Andy Dear
Lamar Reel Seats
www.lamarreelseats.com

Andy- I think bowl turning would be a better reply -I think he has given up some of the more fanciful thread work- The man looks great- perhaps better then his photos on his books as you said very interesting and look forward to the article.
John

John,
Dale sent me some pics of some spindle turned Christmas ornaments with the main body of the ornament being a Sea Urchin.....they were truly works of art.

Andy

Good Day to all you gentlemen,

I work for New Win Publishing, proud publisher of Dale P. Clemens' "The New Advanced Custom Rod Building". I wanted to let you know his book is still "alive and kicking." It is a great resource for many rod enthusiasts and continues to sell well.

It is available through Amazon or your local Barnes and Nobles or Border's. ISBN # 0832904368. If some of you also teach rod building you might consider it as a textbook for your class. It is filled with detail and amazingly well written.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me at the above e-mail address.

Hope you continue to enjoy rod building!!!