Expert Custom Rod Building Seminar: Elevate Your Craft With Advanced Techniques

Join us for an exclusive weekend dedicated to the mastery of custom rod building—where the artistry of angling meets technical precision. The 2026 Advanced Rod Building Seminar brings together respected builders and industry experts to demonstrate advanced techniques refined through years of hands-on experience.

Engage with leaders and innovators from the rod building community as they share insights, demonstrate techniques, discuss materials, and answer your questions in a focused, education-first environment.

This is more than just a seminar. It’s a rare opportunity to uncover advanced techniques, connect with fellow builders, and take advantage of event-exclusive product discounts—all in a structured, immersive setting designed specifically for serious rod builders.

We’re catering to every aspect of your experience, offering a Friday evening reception and dinner catered by Mission BBQ, Saturday lunch, and refreshments throughout the event—all for a seminar fee of only $100.

Location

Curt Baker Memorial Education Center
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

2133 Component Loop, Suite 1001

Oviedo, FL 32765

Dive into a focused two-day schedule packed with insights, innovation, and inspiration.

FRIDAY, June 12th

Kick off the seminar at 12:00 PM with an afternoon of advanced instructional sessions, each presented in a focused one-hour format with structured transition time to allow for movement and setup.

12:00 PM - Stacked & Braided Leather Grips - Wes Christy

1:00 PM - Tiger Wraps - Mike Osborne

2:00 PM - Metal Inlays In Grips - Mary Christy

3:00 PM - Various Types Of Guides & Their Usage In Spacing - Mike Kosiba

4:00 PM - Power Wrapping & Power Finishing Techniques - Wes Christy

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Social & Showroom Time

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM - Reception – Dinner – Social

Catered by Mission BBQ

Friday evening provides a relaxed opportunity to network with fellow rod builders, presenters, and the Mud Hole team.

SATURDAY, June 13th

Saturday unfolds with a full day of advanced instruction, designed for builders ready to refine techniques and elevate performance-driven design. Each session is led by a single presenter, allowing for deeper instruction, clearer communication, and improved focus throughout the day.

9:00 AM - Thread Fades & Shading Affects - Mike Garone

10:00 AM - Creative Handles - Chris Cassell

11:00 AM - Decorative Thread Layout & Wraps Session 1 - Mary Christy

12:00 PM – 1:30 P.M. - Lunch & Showroom Time

1:30 PM - Decorative Thread Wraps Session 2 - Mary Christy

2:30 PM - Long Salt Rods - Chris Cassell

3:30 PM - Feather Inlays - Mike Garone

4:30 PM - Q & A Panel - Hunter McKamey, Chris Adams, Bob McKamey

5:30 PM - Adjourn

What’s Included

Two full days of advanced custom rod building education
12 focused instructional sessions
Friday reception and dinner
Saturday lunch
Coffee and refreshments throughout the event
Event-exclusive product discounts
Curated swag bag with Mud Hole merchandise and select vendor items

Who Should Attend

This seminar is designed for:

Experienced and advanced custom rod builders
Builders who have completed classes and want to go further
Performance-focused anglers building custom equipment
Serious hobbyists and small-shop builders

While all skill levels are welcome, this event is positioned for those ready to go beyond the fundamentals.

2026 Advanced Seminar Cancellations & Refunds

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after June 1, 2026. Due to catering commitments and event preparation, all cancellation requests must be submitted prior to this date.

Sign Up Today!

Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your custom rod building skills with focused, advanced instruction in a professional, structured environment.

Seats are limited to 50 attendees (expandable to 60 if capacity allows).

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Advanced Rod Building Techniques Seminar