Just a recap on the Jan. 26th rod builder’s day held in Green Bay Wisconsin. We had about 40 rod builders attend throughout the day. There were demonstrations on feather inlays, blank repairs, trim wraps, painting rod blanks, turning cork handles, making decals, wooden and antler inserts, and building rod turning machines. A local builder brought in about a dozen rods to show some examples of decorative butt wraps. Easily the best I have ever seen!!!!! In addition to Wisconsin rod builders we had builders from Minnesota and Iowa attend.

On a commercial note, I know of several rod builders who were not familiar with Rod Maker magazine told me they would be getting subscriptions when they read through the issues on display. And Mr. Morton’s Vertical Spine Finder, demo was a big hit. I expect some of the suppliers will see an increase in those sales very soon. Considering this was the first event of this type that I help organize I thought it went pretty good. There is no lack of interest with learning rod building techniques. The hard part is finding the rod builders to let them know about it. I hope to continue this event once a year in Green Bay. I also would like to expand the event to one new area in Wisconsin each year. Perhaps Milwaukee, Madison, and the Eau Clare areas would be popular. To those that attended, thank you. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Buzz Butters

Way to go Buzz!

How did you promote this event? Like you said, the hard part can be finding the builders. What worked for you?

Buzz -

For the future events, I have gotten the okay from several local shops here in the Saint Paul, Minnesota to "advertise" for the next one. One shop gets alot of rodbuilding traffic, so I think we can get the word out to even more people.

Thanks again for the get together.

Dave

Hi Rick,
Thank you for the atta-boy. Well, I did a number of things. I found the largest sport shop in my area (1 hour drive one way) that sold rod buidling supplies. they advertised in several local papers and had handouts at their counter.

I also got several builders by posting notices on the Guild board, this board, and RodCrafters.

Then I went to local fishing club internet boards like FFF, TU, Walleyes For Tomorrow ect., got a few from there also.

I also hit some general fishing boards that were specific to waters in my area but not affiliated with any clubs. Got a few there too.

I even tracked down a WI builder that had a "letter to the editor" in the latest issue of RodMaker (I'm a cop so tracking down people with little information is my job)

I hope word-of-mouth will help for next year. In March I am going to demo rod buiding at FLY FISH WISCONSIN. I will have an address/email sign up sheet for rod builders that want to attend future rod building events.

Buzz

I was there Buzz, and hats off to you and "big Chris". After building
rods for nearly 35 years I thought I probably knew most of the
techniques and methods of rod building. Boy, was I surprised!
I really enjoyed seeing the wrapping jigs and lathes. My equipment
is "early Jurassic" and after the seminar plan several updates to
my equipment! The feather inlay was super! Never thought about feathers before. Enjoyed meeting some of my fellow builders and
also talking with Bob, owner of the tackle shop about the business.
Having previously owned a bait & tackle shop and currently work
part time in one, I was impressed with Bob not only as a business
man but personally as well. All in all, a day well spent and the food
in Green Bay ain't bad either! Good show!!!!!

John

I was there also Buzz. It was well worth the drive from Minnesota. The topics were very good and covered well.
I just wanted to thank you for all the work.
I am looking forward to the next one.

Rob