International Custom Rod Builders Expo: A huge success.
The International Custom Rod Builders Expo was a massive success! This was my first year in attendance, and I could not have had a better experience. As a custom rod builder, sometimes it is very difficult to see as many products in person, and the Expo completely solves that.
Take rod blanks for example. You might read the specs of a given rod blank and think that it might be the perfect option for a desired fishing rod build. You buy the rod blank, wait for it to be shipped in, and one it arrives you get to test the bend and action, only for it to not be what your were really looking for. What then? Do you return it and get a new rod blank, or do you build it anyway? The rod building convention gave me the option to put my hands on THOUSANDS of components in person.
Couple this with educational seminars where you can see techniques that may have challenged you in the past, or be able to ask expert rod builders those tough questions that you may have a hard time finding a strait answer too (rod building forums can be full of debate and drama). If you’re a rod builder or even just an angler with the opportunity to attend it greatly benefits you to attend even just once. The wealth of knowledge you gain access to is beyond any dollar amount.
Here’s a few highlights from a personal standpoint:
Meeting other builders that I have developed relationships with online and finally getting to meet them in person was amazing.
Getting to speak directly to and ask questions to the pillars of the industry such as Tom Kirkman, Bill Falconer, The Batson Crew, The Mudhole Crew, and Joe from HFF Custom Rods was an absolute joy.
Meeting the crew from CTS Fishing, a rod blank manufacturer from New Zealand and getting to talk a little rugby with them. New Zealanders are genuinely some of the kindest and nicest people you will ever meet. Ever.
Seeing the Rod Building Competition, where completed rods are submitted on a mystery blank, all in the vision of completing the most functional but more beautiful rod possible.
Learning about new techniques that I can’t wait to try on my own upcoming rod builds.
All in all ICRBE 2025 was a massive success in my book and hope to attend again next year!
