Mastering Rod Building

On this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, we sit down with AFTCO's Robby Gant to explore the deep history of one of fishing's most iconic brands. We trace AFTCO’s journey from its groundbreaking origins in rod components, discussing what made their roller guides revolutionary, to its evolution into a full-fledged fishing lifestyle brand. Robby shares the story behind their ico...

Join host Bill Falconer as he welcomes Andrew Tsui , founder of the Ike Jime Federation , for an in-depth discussion on Ike Jime and Shike Jime—revolutionary fish care techniques that elevate seafood quality and ensure humane harvesting. Discover the science behind rigor mortis, the impact of proper fish handling on flavor and safety, and practical tips for anglers looking to improve their catch....

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building, host Bill Falconer sits down with renowned craftsman Mark Blaum for an in-depth exploration of artistry, innovation, and tradition in custom rod building. Broadcasting from the heart of the rod building community, Bill and Mark trace Mark’s evolution from a passionate woodworker and pen turner to a world-class creator of segmented wood handles—pieces that...

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building, host Bill Falconer welcomes Steve and Joe Haywood—the father-son team behind HFF Custom Rods —for a special look at family legacy, innovation, and the future of custom rod building. Broadcasting from their Michigan showroom, Bill, Steve, and Joe trace the Haywood family’s journey from consulting careers to building one of the fastest-growing, most communi...

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building, host Bill Falconer welcomes two pivotal guests: Roger Seiders, the legendary founder of Flex Coat, and Brooke Oliva, president of Foundation Outdoor Group—the new stewards of the iconic brand. After nearly five decades at the helm, Roger reflects on Flex Coat’s origins, its impact on the rod building community, and the personal journey that led to this ma...

This week on the show, we go  Inside the Blank . We’ve assembled a powerhouse panel with three of the leading minds in rod development— Rob Jenkins, Benny Ortiz, and Jorge Polo —to talk about the complex engineering behind slow pitch rods. They pull back the curtain on modern blank design, revealing why the blank itself, not the components, is the true heart of slow pitch performance. From the cor...

This week on the show, we’re joined by Todd Vivian , a respected leader in rod design and innovation, to talk all things travel rods . With more anglers looking for gear that can go anywhere without sacrificing performance, travel rods are having a serious moment—and Todd breaks down why. From the rise in demand to the engineering behind a great multi-piece rod, we explore how these rods are desig...

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building , host Bill Falconer is joined by Tom Kirkman, founder of the International Custom Rod Building Exposition (ICRBE), and David Boyle, who will be taking over ownership and management of the event beginning in 2026. After more than two decades of organizing the world’s largest custom rod building expo, Tom reflects on the growth, impact, and enduring appeal...

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast , host Bill Falconer sits down with Steve Long, Assistant Director of the Outdoor Scholars Program at the University of Montevallo. They explore how the program has rapidly grown into a national model for developing the next generation of outdoor professionals, thanks in part to its top-tier bass fishing team and commitment to career readiness....

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast , host Bill Falconer sits down with Bill Batson of Batson Enterprises for a wide-ranging discussion on the evolving landscape of custom rod building. The focus is on Batson’s recent launch of 25 new rod blank models, with standout additions like multi-piece travel rods and extended-length jigging blanks that cater to the growing demands of mode...

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast , host Bill Falconer is joined by veteran custom rod builder and retired mechanical engineer Mick Danek. With 69 years of rod building experience and six patents from his automotive career, Danek brings a unique perspective to the science of blank performance. The conversation focuses on True Natural Frequency (TNF)—a dynamic measurement of a r...

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building , host Bill Falconer sits down with Casey Portier, owner of Voodoo Custom Rods, to trace his journey from frustrated angler to custom rod builder and successful retailer. Casey shares how a disappointing rod purchase sparked his interest in building his own, eventually leading to the creation of Voodoo Rods—a business now known not just for its custom buil...

In this heartfelt episode of Mastering Rod Building , host Bill Falconer welcomes longtime rod building veterans Bob McKamy, Buzz Butters, and Todd Vivian to celebrate the life and legacy of Curt Baker, a beloved figure in the rod building community. The conversation is filled with personal stories and memories that highlight Curt’s deep commitment to education, his patient and generous spirit, an...

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building , host Bill Falconer sits down with Carl Schmidt from Fisherman's Landing in San Diego to explore the rich sport fishing culture of Southern California. Carl shares the history of Fisherman’s Landing and its reputation for pioneering long-range trips, including an upcoming four-day adventure aboard the Pacific Queen , sponsored by Angler’s Resource. Th...

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building , host Bill Falconer sits down with Mike Lum, the director of fundraising for Friends of Rollo and Captain Rollo's Kids at Sea, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving underprivileged children their first ocean fishing experience. Mike discusses the origins of the charity, which was founded in 1999, and its remarkable success in taking over 150,0...

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building, host Bill Falconer previews an exciting upcoming rod-building event in Alabama, highlighting the key presenters, vendors, and the amenities that attendees can look forward to. The conversation then shifts to an insightful interview with Dylan Weir and Blaine Kinney of Coastal Worldwide, expert land-based shark fishing guides on the northern Gulf Coast. Dy...

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building , host Bill Falconer welcomes Tom and Caroline Lewis, founders of the Kids Can Fish foundation. Caroline, with her father Tom’s support, created the foundation to introduce children and young women to the joys of fishing and the outdoors. They discuss their mission to break down barriers to fishing by offering free, fully equipped camps and share inspiring...

Host Bill Falconer is joined by  Bill DePriest  and  Mike Bohn  to discuss the upcoming Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show in Costa Mesa, CA. Taking place  March 6-9, 2025 , at the  Orange County Fair & Event Center , this massive event spans eight buildings and features over  600 exhibitors , including top tackle brands, custom bait makers, boat manufacturers, and more. Beyond the general sportf...

In this episode of Mastering Rod Building, host Bill Falconer welcomes one of the hottest names in professional angling, 2025 Elite Series angler Easton Fothergill. Easton’s rapid rise in the fishing world—from high school tournaments in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to dominating the Opens with two wins and an Angler of the Year title—has positioned him as a top contender on the Elite Series. They div...

Join host Bill Falconer on the Mastering Rod Building Podcast for a deep dive into precision trolling—a technique designed to target fish at exact depths. Inspired by listener interest, Bill invites expert Tom Kirkman, founder of TK Rods and editor of RodMaker Magazine , to break down the essentials of precision trolling. Learn how anglers in the Great Lakes region use specialized rods, crankbaits...

On this episode, Bill Falconer interviews guest Randy "Buzz" Butters, an experienced rod builder and instructor. Buzz covers the topic of ice rod building. Buzz explains how to select the right blank, guides, and components for different ice fishing techniques and target species. Building ice rods requires special techniques to stabilize the blank during wrapping to prevent bending. Buzz h...

This episode features an interview with Tim Frost, who runs the  Line Laboratory website  and  Youtube channel  that provides extensive, objective testing data on fishing lines. Tim started the project during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Australia when he had time to research and test different fishing lines. He was frustrated by the discrepancies between advertised and actual line specifications, so...

This episode introduces Dan O'Kane, the founder of Uncle D's Custom Rods and the non-profit organization Josie's Gift. Dan shares his journey into rod building, starting with buying custom rods as anniversary gifts for his wife. He then met Josie Perea, a young girl battling cancer, and built her a special "Tiny Dancer" custom rod. This inspired Dan to form Josie's Gift , w...

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building podcast, Bill Falconer continues his conversation with Amir Azzabi, the founder of Bait Finesse Empire. They discuss the effectiveness of bait finesse systems (BFS) for fishing, including Bill's recent experience using BFS setups on the White River in Arkansas. The duo shares insights on BFS rods and reels, their applications in trout and bass fish...

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer interviews Amir Azzabi, founder of Bait Finesse Empire , a tackle shop dedicated to Bait Finesse System (BFS) fishing. They discuss the history and evolution of BFS fishing, which focuses on ultra-light baitcasting with specialized rods and reels. Amir explains how BFS originated in Japan and its growth in the U.S. and Southeast...