Expo Seminar Presenters Over the Years...
JIM
UPTON
"The Dragon Master" himself, Jim is the inventor of the Wonder Weaver Tool and highly regarded as one
of the top thread artists of all time. Jim also presents our basic rod building seminars each morning.
GARY LOOMIS
Gary has a long and well known career in the custom rod building field.
Beginning with Lamiglas in the 1970's, through Loomis Composites, G. Loomis, Inc. and now North Fork Composites, he has
been responsible for some of the greatest advancements in composite rods and blanks over the past 30 years.
KEN PRESTON
Ken loves to teach rod building and has the credentials
to match! With experience in building all rod types for a variety of clientele, Ken uniquely interacts with rod builders of
all skill levels in helping them to build better rods.
MIKE BARKLEY
Mike has become
well known for his beautiful handle work with wood and cork. Always happy to share his techniques, Mike is teaching a new
generation of rod builders how to build stellar grips and handles.
RALPH O'QUINN
Few people alive share
Ralph's intimate knowledge of epoxy finish and adhesives. In addition, Ralph is perhaps the top person working in the
field of repair and multi-piece rod construction.
DR. WILLIAM HANNEMAN
Inventor of the "Common Cents
System," the world's first truly objective and relative system of measurement for fishing rods and blanks, Dr. Hanneman's
impact on the craft continues to grow.
STEVE GARDNER
Building
for the tough tournament bass anglers, Steve has developed many unique components and methods for creating exceptional comfort,
functionality and sensitivity in fishing rods. If you have had the pleasure of using one of his "Vibronic Custom Rods"
then you will have some idea of the innovation he has brought to our craft.
BILLY VIVONA
Extremely well known among
the younger rod building thread artists, Billy is the author of the most recent and expansive book on decorative cross
wraps. His work with EVA grip inlays is also nothing short of amazing.
MORRIS SCHLESINGER
One of the wood turning
craft's most accomplished artists, Morris brings a wealth of information and ability to custom rod building.
KEVIN KNOX
One of the first to successfully use abalone on a custom fishing rod, Kevin has spent numerous
hours perfecting this technique which brings one of nature's most beautiful materials into the realm of fishing rod decoration.
Truly a new and fascinating medium for the modern craft of rod building.
JIMI ELLIS
Well known for his work
with "Decal Connection" Jimi understands not only how to make decals, but how to apply them as well! If you've
ever had trouble applying or using decals on your custom rods, Jimi has the answer that will correct nearly any decal problem.
DENNIS PAPIKE
A veteran custom rod builder with fantastic all around ability, Dennis will appear this year with
Jim Upton in our basic rod building seminars.
CAPTAIN MIKE PEDERSEN
Considered an expert
in the field of deep water jigging rods, Mike was also one of the first people to attempt and perfect the making of unique
foam core, carbon and glass sleeved rod grips. He has developed several exciting new grip and handle techniques.
JASON BRUNNER
The head rod and blank designer at St. Croix Rod Company, Jason has taken blank design and manufacturing
to a new level. Jason is always happy to share his considerable expertise with any custom rod builder.
MARK
CROUSE
Mark is a well known and highly creative custom rod builder
who is extremely competent in all aspects of the rod building craft. He is equally adept at decorative thread work and the
fabrication of handle and seat components.
