THE Australian Rod Building Challenge is back for another year.
Custom rod builders are being encouraged to enter this year’s competition with generous prizes on offer and winning rods being displayed at this year’s AFTA tackle show on the Gold Coast.
Full details of the challenge below.
Everyone starts with any blank from the Samurai CG3 stable. You decide how best to use it. Completed rods will be judged at the Fuji Australia head office, 6 Piper Drive Ballina NSW 2478 by a committee of leading Australian tackle industry persons on August 3rd 2023. Rods will be sent at the builder’s expense and received by July 15th 2023.
Fuji is the major sponsor of the competition. The blank and Fuji components are to be purchased through Frogleys Offshore direct for $100 (AUD) in Australia with shipping included (Excludes Torzite guides). This is only open to Australian based rod builders. You may purchase multiple kits with a limit of two per customer.
- You must use at least 50% of the chosen blank
- You must use Fuji guides and tips (ex Torzite)
- 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
- Rods will be graded on overall appearance and functionality
- 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
Prizes will be awarded for places first, second and third, fourth and fifth. First place will receive a $1000 rod building gift certificate from Fuji/Frogleys Offshore, second place $500, third $300, fourth $150 and fifth $150.
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. All rods will be displayed at the 2023 Australian tackle trade show at the Fuji stand and sent back (at Fuji’s cost) after the event.
If you have any questions please contact Frogleys Offshore 02 6681 3988.
To order online follow these steps
- Go to the Frogleys offshore Fuji products website frogleysoffshore.com.au or click here
- Select the guides and tip you want
- Select your blank from the CG3 range
- Once completed click on the Proceed to checkout link in the top left of the screen
- Before you submit, add voucher code under the order summary. Code is 2023RBCOMP. That will change the invoice total to $0. Then submit your order.
- Fill in your details as prompted. Fill in Independent Tackle store question as Rod Building Competition, NOT your local tackle store.
- Once completed click submit. Make sure you include a physical delivery address for the blank
- We will receive your order and will call you for payment of the $100 for guides/tip and blank. If there are any additional items we will charge you accordingly, and then ship your order.
* Rods are to be received at Frogleys Offshore head office by July 15th 2023.