What it Takes: To build a rod making business

For this month's edition of What it Takes, I interviewed my one and only brother. Jackson is two and a half years older than me and has a serious addiction... ice fishing. For Jackson, ice fishing is the most anticipated outdoor winter activity. Now, he is taking things a step further by making custom rods for others who enjoy the sport.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the sport of ice-fishing, let me tell you a little bit about it. North Dakota's cold winter temperatures freeze the area's lakes. However they aren't frozen solid. Under the ice aquatic species like Northern Pike, walleye and perch continue to feed all winter long.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department recommends walking out on the ice only when it is four inches or thicker. In order to break through the ice (and get to the fish underneath) ice anglers drill a hole using an ice auger. The result is a hole just perfect for dropping a line and reeling in a catch. The rods used in ice fishing are shorter than your average fishing pole and are extremely sensitive and flexible.

Jackson says he can't remember the first time he went ice fishing, but our parents say he was two years old. The picture below shows just how ready he was for the experience. "He takes ice-fishing very seriously" was the original Facebook photo description.

Now Jackson is building upon his passion, starting a business and developing some new skills. His inspiration came last winter when he broke yet another of our dad's rods.

"I began to wonder if I could build my own rods with the hope they would last a lifetime," says Jackson.

As he learned more about the rod making process, Jackson realized this could be a good opportunity to not only make quality rods, but to also make money.

As we know, it takes money to make money. For Jackson to get set up, he needed at least 5 feet of work space and plenty of room for organizing all his supplies. This work area also required good lighting and a consistent temperature of 70-80 degrees. He also needed supplies like rod blanks, handle sets, guides, colored thread, adhesives and epoxy to serve as the basis of rod production.

Quickly the question became how could he make the initial purchases and set up a business. In fact it became an obsession, and by spring Jackson had all his business details on paper.

Our parents were impressed by Jackson's discipline. They were also aware that Jackson needed an activity to keep him busy during the global pandemic. When the United States government distributed economic relief stimulus checks to households this spring, Mom and Dad decided to invest in the business. With $500 in hand, Jackson converted part of his room into a workshop and ordered a rod making kit. Soon he was perfecting the process.

The rod making process includes seven steps:

• Splining the rod: This is how Jackson finds the natural bend in the rod and ensures sensitivity.

• Applying decorative wrap: Many people like to customize their rods with color accents. Jackson can make impressive designs using just colored thread and epoxy. This has quickly become his favorite part in the process (as shown above).

• Assembling the handle: Currently Jackson uses handles made from EVA foam or cork. Because the cork handles are the most expensive part of the assembly, Jackson would like to someday make his own handles on a lathe.

• Wrap hook-keeper and eye-set: This is the longest active part of the process, as Jackson wraps the eye-sets with colored thread and epoxy. Properly setting the eye in place requires attention to detail and patience.

• Attaching tip top guide: The final part of assembly includes attaching the tip top guide to the rod with an adhesive. Jackson adds a bead of epoxy for good measure.

• Applying epoxy over guide foot and thread: This requires a steady hand and a rotating drying system to produce a smooth and professional looking finish.

• Drying and Curing: The most time consuming part of the process, the rod dries and cures in the rotating rod drying system for 12 to 16 hours.

It is detailed work with plenty of room for error, but Jackson hasn't been entirely on this own in his learning. By ordering his kit and supplies from an online distributor, Jackson is able to access online tutorials and live videos that focus on how to build a quality rod. He says it's a lot like having a mentor. Above all else, Jackson says he has gained a lot of patience and self motivation while learning to make rods.

Jackson now has a small inventory in stock and available for purchase at Cash and Carry Lumber in New Rockford, and he will be offering custom rods in 2021. Basic rods are priced at $50 each. For more information, call Jackson at (701) 399-9117 or email him at [email protected].