For Immediate Release
[Oviedo, Fl, March 22nd, 2023] - American Tackle Co is proud to host and sponsor the 2023 International Rod Building Challenge! This year’s World Champion is Gary Allner of the UK. Gary was able to showcase multiple different techniques while keeping the rod extremely functional. Second place went to Stephanie Aderhold, the first woman to be a part of the top 3, with her amazing marbling technique. Third place was awarded to Gary Pugh with an amazing, stabilized wood rod.
This year’s competition was the largest on record with over 100 mystery blanks being sent out all over the world from Europe, South America, and Asia. This year’s 10 finalists used different components, styles, and colors to really showcase the skill that these rod builders have. “The use of so many different components was amazing to see. There was not a single component used twice by anyone.”, said Kevin Landers of American Tackle Co.
The winner, Gary Allner, said this about his build. “I wanted to include something about my English background. We have a saying in England, ‘see a penny, pick it up, all day long, you’ll have good luck,’ and I added a penny to the butt. It must have worked.” His build incorporated a two-thread tiger pattern overlayed by a Scottish Tartan, which joined under the reel seat.
The competition rods are based on the basics of rod building. From the appearance, functionality, grips, guide placement and straightness, threadwork, finish, cleanliness, design, the flow of components, innovation, and handle design. Each of these categories receives points from 1-10 per category by a judge, with a perfect score being 110.
Our Judges this year range from rod builders, media, and industry leaders. The judge's backgrounds help determine from multiple points of view what is important to rod building. Judges range from World Champions Mark Crouse and Nuno Paulio to Brook Olivia, the president of Mud Hole, to Phil Wolf of Coastal Angler. The judges lent their knowledge and understanding of the rod-building craft to make this the tightest scoring event in history.
For any questions about this event or any other events, please contact Kevin Landers at American Tackle Co 407-706-0321 Ext. 1219
For additional photos, please contact Kevin Landers at American Tackle Co
Kevin@americantackle.us
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The International Rod Building Challenge is the world’s largest rod-building contest. The competition has existed for 19 years, with multiple world champions and an ever-growing international competitor. Each year a blank is sent to rod builders to build on. Each builder will use their skill as a rod builder to determine the use case and then build the best rod they can. With a balance of functionality and artistry, rod builders are free to explore components, designs, and techniques that complement the rod and to demonstrate their skill as a builder. Every year has grown in competitors, prizes, and skills. The winner is crowned and known as the year's World Champion Rod Builder. Rods are sent in and then initially judged at the International Custom Rod Building Expo, where the final 10 are picked by the committee and then judged by our final judges. This event starts in July with the design of the blank, shipped in November, and the Winner will be announced in March. This is truly a competition that places the best rod builders in the world against each other to showcase the skill, artistry, design, and functionality of rod building.
