Mastering Rod Building

Bill Falconer
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Discover the art and craft of rod building with host Bill Falconer. Get insider tips from experienced rod builders, industry insiders, and experienced anglers on building custom fishing rods with the latest trends. Learn how to match technique-specific fishing rods with different fishing conditions and how to maintain and repair them.

  1. Rod Recipes - Fiberglass Fishing Rods with Mike McFarland

    HACE 4 H

    Rod Recipes - Fiberglass Fishing Rods with Mike McFarland

    In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Mike McFarland of McFarland Rod Company about how he got started in fly fishing and rod building, how he eventually began designing and rolling his own blanks, and why slower, more responsive fly rods still matter in a market dominated by fast-action graphite. Mike shares how growing up in central Pennsylvania and discovering trout rising in a local stream pushed him toward fly fishing, rod building, and eventually blank design. What started with building rods from catalog blanks turned into a much deeper pursuit of taper design, fiberglass experimentation, and eventually acquiring the former Diamondback rolling equipment to launch his own blank-making operation. They break down how McFarland developed custom fiberglass and graphite tapers, what goes into designing a blank from the ground up, and how Mike now works with other small builders to create exclusive blank models in low-volume runs. Along the way, they discuss the importance of taper over hype, the realities of maintaining blank-rolling equipment, and why custom small-batch design still fills an important niche in modern rod building. On the performance side, Mike explains why he prefers softer rods for both fishing and casting, how fiberglass and graphite differ in feel and application, and why he believes glass rods are especially underrated in longer trout and saltwater setups. The conversation also touches on E-glass versus S-glass, tournament casting, saltwater fly rod design, and why the right rod should match real fishing conditions rather than just casting trends.  Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components. Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors) Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jp American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.net Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.au Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.es Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.it Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp

    1 h 16 min
  2. What We Learned at The Oyster Bamboo Rodbuilding Class

    23 MAR

    What We Learned at The Oyster Bamboo Rodbuilding Class

    In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Bill Oyster of Oyster Bamboo about his experience taking the Oyster Bamboo Rodbuilding Class in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and what makes the week so memorable for rod builders, anglers, and first-time bamboo students alike. Bill shares how years of hearing about the class finally led him and others to commit, and how the experience exceeded expectations from the moment it began. What stood out most was not just the chance to build a bamboo fly rod by hand, but the way Oyster and his team have refined the class into a highly organized, approachable, and deeply enjoyable learning experience. They break down what students actually do during the six-day class, how the instruction is structured to make a complex craft accessible, and why the process works so well for people with very different levels of skill and experience. Along the way, they discuss the class atmosphere, the camaraderie that develops among students, the personalization options that make each rod unique, and why so many participants sign up for another class before they leave. On the bamboo side, Oyster explains why these rods should be understood as serious fishing tools rather than fragile relics, how bamboo fits into American fly-fishing heritage, and why the appeal goes far beyond nostalgia. The conversation also explores engraving, rod design choices, balance and fishability, and the deeper satisfaction that comes from fishing a rod you built yourself from raw cane. Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components. Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors) Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jp American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.net Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.au Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.es Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.it Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp

    49 min
  3. Matching A Reel To A Rod | Shimano's Advice For Rodbuilders

    10 MAR

    Matching A Reel To A Rod | Shimano's Advice For Rodbuilders

    In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Captain John Irwin of Fly Right Charters about matching rods, reels, line, and technique into a complete fishing system for inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing. John shares how a lifetime of fishing, from freshwater and fly fishing as a kid to guiding full time in the Charleston area since 2002, shaped his approach to tackle selection and made versatility a core part of his business. As a guide who splits time between fly and conventional fishing, he brings a broad perspective to building outfits that truly fit the application. They break down how he thinks about pairing rods and reels for real world performance, including why longer, softer tipped spinning rods help cast light artificials farther to spooky shallow water fish, why shorter rods shine around docks and close targets, and how reel size, spool design, braid, and leader choice all work together to improve casting, balance, and fishability. On the broader tackle side, John explains why durability and system balance matter more than specs on paper, how he rigs for everything from redfish and sheepshead to cobia and bottom species, and why investing in quality reels that can be serviced over time pays off for anglers and rod builders alike. Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components. Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors) Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jpAmerican Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.netOceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.auSpain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.esEurope: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.itAsia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp

    59 min
  4. Rod Recipes – Surf Casting Rods with Tommy Farmer

    24 FEB

    Rod Recipes – Surf Casting Rods with Tommy Farmer

    In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Tommy Farmer of Carolina Cast Pro about building true long-distance surf casting setups for big red drum—rods, reels, rigs, and the casting mechanics behind them. Tommy shares how a 1996 trip to Cape Point, including landing a 45-inch drum and watching champion caster Mike Langston bomb a cast, sparked his path into competitive distance casting and surf fishing. They break down the real-world system: why overhead (revolving-spool) reels outcast spinning when set up right, why Tommy prefers 20–25 lb mono with a 50–60 lb shock leader, and how compact fish-finder “8-and-bait” rigs help maximize distance without helicoptering. On the rod-building side, Tommy explains why heavy surf rods need leverage (longer handles set to the angler), how guide placement can change how a blank loads, and the five fundamentals he teaches: footwork, body rotation, arms, acceleration, and the importance of 45 degrees. Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components. Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors) Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jpAmerican Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.netOceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.auSpain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.esEurope: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.itAsia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp

    1 h 21 min
  5. Building Tradition: The Art Of Bamboo Rods With Bill Oyster

    10 FEB

    Building Tradition: The Art Of Bamboo Rods With Bill Oyster

    In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with master bamboo rod builder and engraver Bill Oyster of Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods about bamboo craftsmanship, building rods at the highest level, and the weeklong class in Blue Ridge, Georgia that fulfills Bill’s 30-year dream of making a split-cane fly rod. Bill and Bill walk through how Oyster got his start—from fly fishing as an escape after bicycle racing and a life-changing accident, to teaching himself bamboo rodmaking from books, building his first 7-foot 3/4-weight, and eventually turning a surprise wave of early orders into a full-time shop. They also break down what makes Oyster’s classes unique—finishing a complete rod in six days with all tools and materials provided, optional upgrades like engraving and extra tips, and the community aspect that keeps students coming back year after year. They close with a quick history lesson on split-cane bamboo as an American-born craft, plus why modern bamboo rods belong in today’s fishing—including serious saltwater applications like redfish, specks, and beyond—and tease a follow-up episode after Bill and Aaron complete the class. Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components. Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors) Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jpAmerican Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.netOceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.auSpain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.esEurope: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.itAsia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp

    1 h 22 min
  6. New Era, Same Passion: Meet David Boyle, the New Owner of ICRBE

    27 ENE

    New Era, Same Passion: Meet David Boyle, the New Owner of ICRBE

    In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with David Boyle of ThreadCentral about what’s new at ICRBE 2026 under new ownership and why the EXPO remains the can’t-miss event in custom rod building. Bill and David break down the expanded show footprint with more floor space, two exhibit halls, dedicated seminar areas, and two Learning Center spaces designed for hands-on demos and better learning. They also cover the weekend logistics—dates, hours, tickets (including online pre-purchase for faster entry), the RodMaker subscriber reception Saturday night, and a stacked vendor lineup—then invite listeners to stop by and say hello at the show. Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components. Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors) Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jpAmerican Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.netOceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.auSpain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.esEurope: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.itAsia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp

    18 min
  7. Level Up Your Builds - Get Bit Outdoors Shares What's New

    20 ENE

    Level Up Your Builds - Get Bit Outdoors Shares What's New

    In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Kevin Brotz of Get Bit Outdoors about new rod-building innovations—especially the Next Level and Halftime finishes—and why stability, clarity, and reduced yellowing matter. Bill shares his firsthand experience building a full rod in one day using Halftime, and the two cover practical application tips for smoother finish results. Kevin also introduces Lockdown paste for tough, flexible bonds (great for demanding builds like slow-pitch jigging), plus new Get Bit products like a 20-inch wrapper bed extension and beginner-friendly R&R kits. They also touch on Kevin’s specialized alligator hunting rods he uses of Florida gator hunts, and wrap with a nod to the value of community learning and honest feedback. Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components. Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors) Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jpAmerican Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.netOceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.auSpain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.esEurope: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.itAsia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp

    1 h 12 min
  8. Rod Recipes with Beau Browning – Crankbait Rods

    7 ENE

    Rod Recipes with Beau Browning – Crankbait Rods

    In this episode, Bassmaster Elite Series angler Beau Browning joins us to break down everything anglers need to know about crankbait rods, from choosing the right rod blank to customizing the perfect setup. Beau shares his pro-level insights on the best rod specifications for crankbaits, including action, power, line weight, lure weight, tip taper, and rod weight. We also dive into handle design, including reel seats, rear grips, fore grips, and butt caps, and explore which guide train layouts perform best for crankbait fishing. For anglers interested in building custom crankbait rods, Beau explains thread selection, epoxy choices, and key considerations that influence durability and sensitivity. He also highlights top off-the-shelf crankbait rod options for those who prefer to buy rather than build. To wrap up, Beau discusses cross-technique versatility, revealing which other fishing styles a crankbait rod can excel at. Follow Beau Browning on Bassmaster.com, Instagram @beaubrowningfishing, and check out his partners like Z-Man Fishing Products for more pro bass fishing insight. Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components. Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors) Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jpAmerican Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.netOceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.auSpain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.esEurope: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.itAsia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp

    1 h 23 min
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Discover the art and craft of rod building with host Bill Falconer. Get insider tips from experienced rod builders, industry insiders, and experienced anglers on building custom fishing rods with the latest trends. Learn how to match technique-specific fishing rods with different fishing conditions and how to maintain and repair them.

Información

  • Creador
    Bill Falconer
  • Años de actividad
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodios
    81
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Mostrar sitio web
    Mastering Rod Building

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