The New Improved West Coast Custom Rod Show

DocSki · Dec-29-2008, 07:12 PM

Hi Gang,

Just an update on the 2009 WCCFRS May 2nd in Costa Mesa. This year’s event is shaping up nicely. Our main vendors are back and we have additional booth space available for new vendors as well. We are now finalizing the floor plan for the Rod Builder Booths and demo areas.

As you may already know, we have leased a larger building for this year’s event to allow for more booth and seminar space. We will be doubling the seminar area size from last year, which will allow us to run two classes at once, plus we have allowed space for ongoing “up close” demos throughout the day.

Joining our staff this year is Terry Henson, who will be organizing the Educational portion of the Show. Terry is the owner of Henson Rods in La Verne, CA., Terry’s rods have been seen on the cover of RodMaker Magazine and in the hands of “distinguished” fishermen around the world. His work will blow your mind and Terry is very open to sharing his techniques with fellow builders.

Another addition this year will be some pretty cool door prizes. There’s nothing to buy to get in the drawings except your ticket at the door. Drawings will go on throughout the day with the “Grand Prize” being drawn at the end of the show. We’ll have an updated list of prizes on the website in the next few weeks.

**Here’s some general information for those who didn’t make it to the show last year**

Rod Builders: For those of you interested in selling your Custom Rods, Rod Builders can sell or take orders on custom rods from their tables for only $125. We’ll deliver the fishermen to you, and the Manufacturers will have all of the latest and greatest in blanks and components on display for your potential customers to choose from. Talk about a captive audience. This is the best bang a Professional Builder can get for his marketing buck ANYWHERE. I’m available to help any of you who want to exhibit, by answering your questions, or making suggestions on how to make the most of your time displaying at the show.

Not ready for a booth, but would still like to show off your work? I plan on having space in my booth for new and old builders to display a rod for FREE (except shipping or your entry to the show). This is a chance for anyone to strut their stuff. It is not a competition, just a way to show others what you can do. Even if you can’t make it for the show, we would like it if you sent a rod to us to put on display. I think the idea is to show the width and breath of techniques and the amount of builders there are out there. Anyone across the nation is invited to join in. My suggestion would be to send us the rod in a stout PVC tube and include a return label and the postage needed to do it. The will be cared after like they are my own. Anyone interested please contact me for more information. Come on and join us please, I really want it to be fun.

Fishermen: This is the place to learn anything and everything about fishing rods! There will be rod builders and component designers on-hand who will gladly explain anything from what makes one action or type of rod better for a specific species or angling technique, to what guide ring materials are best suited to your needs. Fishing rods are first and foremost a tool, and the more you know about your tools, the more effective you will be with them!

There’s a lot more to a custom fishing rod than picking your favorite colors. A Professional Rod Builder will fit the rod to both you and your style of fishing, as well as provide you with choices and recommendations on the most up to date materials available to make your fishing experience more productive and enjoyable.

Ever wonder what exactly goes into building a rod? Ever had the desire to learn how to build your own but didn’t know where to begin? Come sit in on any of the free seminars ranging from basic rod building to advanced thread art. Books, video's and rod kits for those just starting out will be available and on sale! The general fishing public is welcomed, and strongly urged to attend this event!
Drop me a line if you have any questions. Dont forget I have a little write up on how to strut your stuff in a show.

Zombie · Dec-29-2008, 07:24 PM

Doc,
Just sent my stuff in to Laurie and for info I'm building and donating a trolling rod for the raffle. Laurie was nice enough to provide the rollers. Very much looking forward to it. Randy.

Jighead · Dec-29-2008, 07:29 PM

I am definitely going to this one.

venturarodlure · Dec-29-2008, 07:45 PM

Doc. I want to go, but I think it might be best for us to just be spectators and give you a rod to display. Or should we get a small booth and bring maybe ten rods to try to sell. I'm torn. Need your help again...

marlyn · Dec-29-2008, 08:03 PM

doc,will there be different rod lathes on display and for sale?

**Fuji_Pedler** · Dec-29-2008, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marlyn

doc,will there be different rod lathes on display and for sale?

Last year, there were at least six different Power Wrapper models on Display/For sale and probably as many Hand Wrappers.

graya · Dec-29-2008, 08:32 PM

Hi Doc can us hobby wannabe rod builders take a rod to display so others that want to get into the hobby can look at or does this only apply to comercial builders.

venturarodlure · Dec-29-2008, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graya

Hi Doc can us hobby wannabe rod builders take a rod to display so others that want to get into the hobby can look at or does this only apply to comercial builders.

Guadalupe,
I wouldn't call you a "wannabe" rod builder my any means. Your rods kick ass!

fishpainter · Dec-29-2008, 11:04 PM

last year was cool for sure..Thanks Doc.

DocSki · Dec-30-2008, 09:09 AM

Hi John, tough call. I personally think you would do well to start showing. The coast of the builder booths at this show are the lowest in the industry. Most spaces at shows run from 500 to 1200 bucks(FHS) Making such a commitment is usually about a 3 year deal before things start to roll. Dont forget the lures you make too John. I am thinking that all falls under your business. I for one would like to see you and Mary get your feet wet.

As to the Rods displayed in the booth next to mine. You all are welcome to participate and anyone in rod building anywhere is welcome to join. I think it will be fun for the pro and the hobbiest alike

On the wrappers, Mark has chimed in and dont forget he can order anything. Sure hope you all join in this year and bring your fishing buddies

BakerStBobby2 · Feb-27-2009, 07:39 AM

Doc,
As requested,I will have a few rods for you to show off in the booth. Can't wait!!!

DocSki · Feb-27-2009, 08:11 AM

That will be great Bobby. We have so much talent here in the western half of the country and I think it will be awesome for guys to show what they do from the hobbiest to the pros. It is also a great way to get ideas for new things to try. Last year I was amazed at the enthusiasum I saw on everyones faces.