I was wondering if there was a group of rod builders that get together on a regular basis in the Long Island or Queesn areas.

If so I would be interested in learning more about them.

Thank You
Rob

Go to Stripersonline.com and scroll down to rodbuilding ask around for AL Goldberg He is a Longtime builder that has rod building classes in that area

Check the Rod Builders' Directory here on this site. You may find some other builders local to you and might be able to set up a group.

.......................

Thanks for the input.

Rob

It's been long enough - I'm gonna try and start a local Rodbuilding club in the New York area. There are so many builders in this area interested in learning new techniques, etc - but no organization. Hopefully by year's end, something will be formed. There are other local clubs which are quite succesful, I spent some time this weekend discussing how to go about setting a club such as this up, pro's con's etc - with the people who run one of the clubs, so I have some ideas.

Keep it non affiliated with any national type clubs and you'll attract more people. Most of us don't mind a simple type club but as soon as you make it an offshoot of a larger national club or group with dues, etcetera then you have what will always be a very small and closed group.

Count me in if you start anything....

No dues??
I think we should have to bring Billy a Sic guide and varnish a rod on every visit so he can get all those GUSAs finished on time!
I'd be interested in getting into some sort of builders group.
Keep me posted and let me know if you need any help Bill!!

I'm in the Manhattan area and might be interested depending on what would be involved. I would not join either of the national rod building organizations that presently exist though. Would prefer a more informal group if at all possible.

No dues - you know what, I'm not in favor of any dues either. BUT, the Tri-State clubs charges a $20 annual fee, they have people auditting books to ensure all the money collected by the club, are used by the club. So everyone is comfy knowing nobody is making a dime.

Informal doesn't work. I've held 4 get togethers at my house, but what happens is 15 people show up the first time, then 3 the next. More interest has to be shown by people other than myself. Also, when I ask what topics we want to cover, people have to come up with something. I had a great time each time, but it's more a hang out session.

Central Florida Rodcrafters has been a successful rod building club in Orlando, FL since the early 1990s. The only affiliation with any national group is the permission to use Rodcrafters in the name. Some CFR members are members of other groups, but most are not. Dues are $15/year and cover a monthly newsletter, dinners for speakers, discounts to seminars, and a collection of rod building references and materials. We have an ALPs printer, a collection of fly lines for test casting, and a reference library of books, magazines, and videos. One thing to consider for your group will be a regular meeting location. For the past several years we have been meeting at a local rod building shop, so we have the ability to do some pretty detailed demonstrations at our meetings.

Mike, is that the club that meets at Curt's home? The biggest problem in NY is finding a meeting place that is free, or even affordable. Thanks for putting this up there, I know the clubs that are out there are succesful, that can be used as a model, but people are going to have to give a little to get a lot.

Curt's club is Suncoast Rodcrafters. They officially meet once a month at a fishing supply shop, but a small group meets each week at his house. Our club has been able to get meeting rooms at the public library. They are free but you have to reserve way in advance.

You guys got it together down there. Soon enough, we'll have something in place up here. Will be in contact with you guys, thanks.

Hi Billy,

Nice to finally put a face with your name. Saw some photos taken this past weekend. Nice beard! Better watch that it doesn't get caught in your chuck!
Sorry I couldn't make it to the "meeting"....would have been nice to see everyone.

Rose

jeez, how did i miss this thread? i gotta check here more regularly.
yup count me in on any club here in ny, ill pay my dues.
rob, hope to meet ya sometime.
and billy, even those informal get togethers (with the amazing food) work well as a "rodbuilder mixer" of sorts. lol. id pay!

I like the feel of hardwood flyrod handles but I am still looking for a good inexpensive finish to coat them with. Does anyone have any suggestions?