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.

This is the updated Rosetta Chart. The previous one had a line shift error near the last third of the chart which moved everything from that point down off by .5 ERN. This one is correct.I have also included the earlier direct cents-to-ERN on the same chart for those who have asked for it.I have looked over the chart but may have missed something here or there. Anyone that finds any discrepancies please let me know. Thanks.

This is the simple business card being distributed in quantity to hundreds of tackle shops throughout North America.

Poor man's dust collector - 3M Filtrette furnace filter taped to back of cheap box fan. Remarkably effective on fine dust.

Bad photo - sorry. Better ones will be in the next RodMaker. Just a little different take on a feather inlay - all grizzy hackles 360 degrees around rod. Looks like it's still on the "bird."

Rod Spec Sheet

Dr. Bill's "Rosetta Stone" chart for the Common Cents System

PVC pipe supported at front by U-bolt. Rear is raised or lowered by turning the large eye-bolt. This allows leveling of the first foot of rod or blank.

Easy set up for the Hanneman Common Cents System. 1" pegboard grid makes for easy measuring.

Truck bed is 6' long. Rack is 8' long for better boat support. Truck bed and tailgate can still be used when kayaks are on board.

Standard CarTop type kayak foam block. 1 inch PVC pipe holds the pre-slotted/bored block in place. Will not slip when Kayak in on top, and can be replaced if need be. Center was cut on corner of building to accept kayak keels.