2025 Rod Building Challenge Results

The 2025 Rod Building Challenge built on last year’s success, with the Amateur division continuing to grow in popularity. It was fantastic to see so many first-time entrants showcasing their creativity and skill, reinforcing that the future of rod building is in good hands. In the Professional division, competition remained fierce, with a high standard of craftsmanship making for an incredibly close finish once again.

The amateur winners are taking home a rod building voucher from Fuji / Frogleys Offshore valued at $500, $200 and $100 respectively. The winners are:

1st – Jackson Kennedy

2nd – Mark Kennedy

3rd – Drew White

The professional division taking home $1000 cash and a $1000 rod building certificate with the others in the top 5 taking a Fuji / Frogleys Offshore voucher valued at $750, $500, $250 and $250 respectively. The winners are:

1st – SJS Custom Fishing Rods – Stacey Smith

2nd – Custom Rods by Matty Fritz – Matthew Fritz

3rd – Mullet Eye Rods – Andrew Prosser

4th – GMS Custom Rods – Guy Struthers

5th – MH Rods – Matthew Hammond

Details of rods and interviews below.