As a percentage of the total number of fishing
rods sold each year, custom rods make up a very
tiny number of that total. Likewise, the number
of fishermen who build their own rods is also a
puny percentage of the total number of people who
participate in fishing. Sure, the numbers of
custom rods and custom rod builders are large
enough in themselves to support a small industry
of dealers and manufactures, but that's about it.
No large areas of growth nor any real increase
in interest among fishermen to own or build a
custom rod in ages.
For the most part, no one is this industry has
ever really tried to encourage anyone to build
their own rod. Or to buy a custom rod. At least
not on any scale large enough to create a spike
in the numbers. And that's a shame as it would
be so easy to do that you could conceivably double
the demand for custom rods and certainly add many
hundreds of new custom rod builders in just a year's time.
Let's say a couple guys spent a weekend photographing
the steps involved in making a custom rod. A set of
slides would then be produced. Then, a narrative was
written which would explain what was taking place in
each slide. The steps to building a custom rod would
be explained, along with the advantages of building
your own, or just the benefits of owning a quality
custom rod.
This custom rod building presentation could be produced
in some number of copies and would be available to rod
builders, or dealers, or manufacturers who might wish
to use it. There are thousands of fishing clubs across
the US and Canada just aching to get something like this
on their monthly programs. Even large scale events like
the various fishing shows that take place during the
winter each year would love to have such a program
to offer along with other programs they already have
at their events. (I have spoken with some and they
expressed genuine enthusiasm for such a rod building
program.)
Unlike a hands-on rod building class, which is limited
by the number of instructors and the various tasks
which must be performed by the class participants,
the program I am speaking of could be deliver to 5
or 500 viewers at one time. And just by one presenter!
The narrative would negate the need for the presenter
to be a great public speaker, although some ad-libing
would only add to the overall presentation. Of the
tens of thousands of fishermen who might view this
program each year, some would decide to take a
hands-on class, others would strike out on their own
and try their hand at building that first rod. Many
others, who might not want to actually build their own,
might just decide that they do want to own a custom rod
and come see you about that. In fact, the single
greatest result from such a program, I believe,
would be a giant increase in demand for custom rods
in general. In the end, the custom rod builders craft
wins all the way around - the dealers and manufacturers
get more business and the custom rod builders, those
who build professionally, get more orders.
Far too often I have watched those in this industry fight
over enlarging their piece from the same sized pie,
usually to the detriment of their competitors or vice
versa. Their energies would be far better spent in
trying to bake a larger pie. This presentation would
effectively bake a larger pie.
The program I have outlined above could easily double
the demand for custom rods in a single year. It would
be inexpensive to produce, present and maintain. Of
course, without any large national rod building
organization or industry trade group, who will step
forward and get the ball rolling? Don't look at me - I
came up with the idea and will let those in the industry
wise enough to see the enormous potential of this thing
take the first step. I hope they will. The benefits
for the entire craft would be huge. ~ TK
Publishers note:
If you have any tips or techniques, send them
along! Help out your fellow rodmakers!
~ Publisher, FAOL
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