Rod Building Challenge

Rod Building Competition 2024 Edition

We are back for another amazing year of Australian rod building. This year we have made some changes, allowing more flexibility in the build to show your true creativeness and functionality. We have upped the prize value, and we have added an amateur division for amateur rod builders for anyone who has not sold a rod as a starting point to get into rod building or hone your skills in. 

Rod Builders Challenge Division Rules

Upon registration you will get a link for $100 voucher to use on any Fuji products to help make the build cheaper and cover freight to send to us. There is a cash component for 1st place now and we will keep the rod and it will be put in a “Rod Building Hall of Fame Display”. 

Prizes will be awarded for places first, second and third, fourth and fifth. First place will receive a $1000 Cash and a $1000 rod building gift certificate from Fuji, second place $750, third $500, fourth $250 and fifth $250. 

Fuji are the major sponsor of the competition. The Fuji components are to be purchased through Frogleys Offshore. The discount for rod builders is $100 of their normal pricing with shipping included. This is only open to Australian based rod builders. You are limited to one kit only for the competition. and is valid from the link upon completion of the registration form at the bottom of the website.

• You must use Fuji guides and tips (there are no exclusions)
• You must use Fuji reel seats (except if you use aluminium reel seats or above size 28)
• Build the rod as you think it should be built
• No social media posting of your work before the competition.
  

Points will be awarded in a 1-10 format on the following areas.

• Appearance
• Feel
• Grips
• Guide Placement
• Guide Straightness
• Threadwork
• Finish Application
• Design
• Choice and flow of components
• Innovation
• Handle Design

Rod Builders Amateur Division Rules

To enter this division, you must have not sold a built rod for over 10 years to anyone including Friends and Family. This is a amateur division and as such if you have sold a custom rod before you are not eligible for this category.

Upon registration you will receive an link to get a estuary kit with CG3 blank, Fuji O ring guides and grips as well as Erskin 3337 epoxy for a heavily discounted price of $100, that’s over 50% off, from there you can also purchase any thread colours you need. 

Amateur prizes are for first, second and third. First place $500 RRP voucher to build your ultimate rod, second place $200 voucher and third $100 voucher.

Fuji are the major sponsor of the competition. You are limited to one kit only for the competition and must use all the components supplied on the build, judging will be more on placement and looks of the rods for this category.

• You must use all components in the kit supplied (there are no exclusions)
• Build the rod as you think it should be built
• No social media posting of your work before the competition.

Points will be awarded in a 1-10 format on the following areas.

• Appearance
• Grips
• Guide Placement
• Guide Straightness
• Threadwork
• Finish Application

General Info for the Competition

The top ten Rod Building Division only will be displayed and judged at the 2024 Australian Fishing Tackle Trade Show on the Gold Coast. A preliminary judging will take place at the Fuji Australia head office, 6 Piper Drive Ballina NSW 2478 by a committee of leading Australian tackle industry persons on July 30th 2024. The Amateur division will take place in Ballina on August 1st in Ballina by Fuji / Frogleys Staff. Rods will be sent at the builder’s expense and received by July 15th 2024. All rods will be returned at Frogleys Offshore expense.

Winners will be announced on the Custom Built Fishing Rods website and the Custom Rod Builders facebook page, and will be showcased on Fuji’s website and social media.

If you have any questions please contact Frogleys Offshore 02 6681 3988.

* Rods are to be received at Frogleys Offshore head office by July 15th 2024.

Information on what information and where to send rods will be sent with kits purchased from Frogleys Offshore along with a copy of the rules and judging sheets.