Tom Kirkman

Mid way down an aisle on Saturday morning at the National Rod Builders Show in Charlotte NC.

The "Newb's" first (custom) fly rod fish. Average Carolina striped bass. Got 125 of these in one day between the two of us.

23.5 inch long, 8lb + smallmouth bass caught in Virginia.

Rejected cover shot for latest issue of RodMaker Magazine. Shows basic, simple custom made EVA grips. Combining various combinations and colors results in an almost unlimited array of designs anyone can make. Very easy to do.

For those wondering about the NPS seats that CTS announced last week, this is what they look like.........

Taken early Sunday morning before the doors opened.

RainShadow brought their "factory." Or at least it seemed like it. About anything and everything a builder could ask for.

Due to an a family illness, Ralph O'Quinn was not able to make the show. Joe Kassuba did a more than admirable job standing in for Ralph.

Jesse Buky showing his line of encapsulated hosels and caps to interested builders on Sunday. On Sunday, you could actually get up close and personal with people. Saturday was tough - just so many people.

Jim in the Renzetti booth explaining the Wonder Weaver.

Sunday was a much calmer day. Here's a shot from Sunday afternoon after the crowd had thinned.

The small rack of rod blanks from Mud Hole. Just a small portion of the supplies they trucked in.

Mark Crouse built a special commemorative rod on behald of the late Bob Batson. It was presented to son Bill Batson, in the Rainshadow booth.

Bob McKamey selling a few rod building items.