If you have ever watched someone in their backyard, casting a fishing rod while fiddling around with bits of masking tape where the guides on the rod are located, you were probably looking at a custom rod builder. It's really funny to watch him during the winter time, when there is 4 feet of snow on the ground, and he knows his neighbors are going to think he is nuts if they see him!
For this individual, there are a number of thoughtful and different gift ideas. First off, if he lives in a cold climate, fingerless gloves come in real handy for those cold winter days when he has to deliver a rod to a customer, but still needs to test cast it.
If the custom rod builder doesn't already have a copy, All New Advanced Custom Rod Building by Dale Clemens would make a great gift! This book is jam packed full of information, and the custom rod builder will refer to it often.
There are a couple of great organizations that are helpful to rod builders, and perhaps the gift of membership could be considered. RodCrafters has been around for sometime, and membership comes with a quarterly journal with articles written by other custom rod builders.
The Custom Rod Builders Guild also offers different levels of membership, and any serious rod builder really should join this organization. Perhaps an associate membership as a gift might be welcomed. Why not consider paying for attendance at the Guild's Year 2000 conclave to be held in Nashville? If your considering a gift for someone who is just getting into rod building, the Guild will be providing lessons during the conclave. Those who are receiving the lessons will take home a completed rod they have built during the event with guidance from the pros.
You could also consider the gift that keeps on coming every month with a subscription to Rod Maker magazine. This magazine is published with full color photos, excellent articles and great commentary for those interested or active in the craft of custom rod building.
Throw some containers of U-40 Rod Bond in the stocking along with some thread finish and color preserver, available from Custom Tackle Supply or some of the other custom tackle supply shops.
Gifts For Novices
For The Fly Tying Bench
Custom Rod Builders
General Always Useful Gifts
Last Week On All-About Flyfishing:
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Thoughts of a Chicken Rancher. Doc tells it like it is.