Dateline: 02/05/00

Back in August, I wrote an article announcing that the Custom Rod Builders Guild would be holding their first annual conclave in February 2000. Well, the time is almost upon us and it's a good opportunity to update you on the events that are being planned.

I spoke with the Guild's founder, Tom Greek earlier this week, and he was pretty excited about how things are coming together. I will be heading to Nashville next week to attend the seminar as well and am really looking forward to it.

For those of you that are new visitors to this site, the conclave will be held February 17th to the 20th. Tom indicated that the events on Thursday begin in the evening and will revolve mainly be an introductory time of 'fellowship' at the registration and 'Founders Open House'. The real events begin on Friday morning.

There is an impressive line-up of product demonstrations and information sessions. According to Tom, Lamiglas will be sending along a representative with a sampling of some of their latest rod blanks. I would love to take a look at their new Perigee series. As well, Ralph O'Quinn of Trondak, who is as far as I am concerned the most knowledgable man with respect to rod repairs, epoxies, and finishes will be giving away some of his wisdom during a presentation on rod finishing and rod repair. Ralph spent a great deal of his life working in the aero-space industry, most of it as a research engineer and wrote many process specifications for structural adhesives. He knows what he is talking about!

I understand that representatives from Mudhole Custom Tackle, Anglers Workshop, as well as Custom Tackle Supply will also be in attendance. There are some whispers suggesting there could be some excellent deals to be had at the Conclave! Bob McKamey, owner of Custom Tackle Supply will be presenting a sessions on 'Flyrods A to Z' and 'Intermediate Rodbuilding'. Bob has been in this business for over 20 years, so you can be assured you will learn a lot from him.

Another reason that I am really looking forward to the conclave is the fact that Harold Demarest will be there. Those of you that build bamboo rods will of course be very familiar with Mr. Demarest, as he has been the biggest importer of the best Tonkin Cane for many years. He of course will be speaking about bamboo. The actual art of building cane rods will be presented by Stan Smartt.

Another excellent aspect of the Conclave is that there will be a great deal of information for rod builders who build rods not just for a hobby, but as a means to earn income. Tom Kirkman, publisher of Rod Maker Magazine will be offering his advice on 'The Federal Sportfishing Tax' and there are three Marketing classes also planned.

Tom Greek has done a fantastic job in putting together a tremendous line-up for rodbuilders. But what about those who are interested in learning to build a rod, but don't know where to start? Tom has thought of you, too! There will be rodbuilding classes, where you can build a rod and take it home with you after the weekend! The nice thing about this is that you will be learning to build rods from professionals who have been doing this for years. There is simply no better opportunity to learn how to begin at this craft. Many years ago, I met Don Morton of Alabama and I can vouch for this man's ingenious ability to develop tools from household items that are so useful to the rod building craft. Don will also be attending the conclave and you have a wonderful opportunity to glean advice and direction that would probably take you many many years of trial and error.

I hope to see you there!

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