Mark Newcombe began building rods several years ago after he was diagnosed with cancer.  It was then and there that he decided he was going to start enjoying himself and the corporate world would have to live without him.  He took stock of his life and found fishing to be his major passion, so every possible minute was spent fishing.  As his angling skills increased so did his desire for better equipment, then it hit him. Mark stated, "I'm wanted to build my own rods just the way I want them."  So began his rod building journey.

Don Morse is an avid outdoorsman.... fishing, hunting, camping. He started fishing with his dad when he was 2 years old and has been hooked ever since. He began fly tying when he was 12 and built his first rod in 1999, just before a Canadian pike fishing trip.  Don commented, "There was no greater feeling than reeling in big fish on a rod that I built. That started the rod building craze."  

Don began making his own tackle 10 years later. Don continued,"Catching fish on a rod that you built and a lure that you made is a thrill that only select people get to experience." 

Don founded the group "Michigan Rod Builders" in 2011 and organizes a large gathering every spring with seminars, advice, food and a good time. 

Don stated,"Being born and raised in Michigan has given me the opportunity to fish for MANY freshwater species...largemouth, smallmouth, bluegill, catfish, pike, carp, salmon, trout, crappie, walleye, perch and a bunch of others that were not targeted. I have to say that my favorite species to catch is the one that lives in the water and swims."

Don continued,"I do build rods that are "plain jane" fishing rods but my passion is building rods with the WOW factor involved. Rods with snake heads, snake skin, themes, decorative wraps, pictures of children and grandchildren, etc."