Mud Hole Custom Tackle has been bringing custom rod building and tackle crafting to young Americans for more than a decade. (Photo courtesy of Mud Hole)
August 31, 2021
By Game & Fish Staff
Sharing the passion of fishing with the next generation can come in a variety of forms.
Crickets, floats and bluegills teach fishing basics (of course, later, it's plastic worms and bass). Hands-on instruction in equipment maintenance, boat trailering, pre-trip preparation, and the like, builds skills and good habits. Your own conduct around young anglers promotes stewardship of the resource and responsible behavior.
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Mud Hole Custom Tackle , well respected for its do-it-yourself rod-building products, has its own way of promoting the future of fishing by bringing rod building and tackle crafting to young America for more than a decade.
Since its inception more than 13 years ago, the Mud Hole Education Program , with hands-on activities that promote classroom engagement, has reached more than 650 institutions and 30,000 students in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
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The program gives students a cool introduction to the world of fishing that fosters a life-long passion, or potentially even a career.
"We've been working closely with teachers and school organizations throughout the United States for over a decade, teaching students valuable life skills, and in many cases, providing an avenue to earn required academic credits in their science and agriculture programs," Mud Hole Vice President of Operations Brook Oliva said. "Rod building is the core of our business, and we are always excited to bring this craft to kids. Whether they pursue rod building as a pathway to a career in the hunting and fishing industry, or if they simply gain a lifelong passion, Mud Hole is happy to play a small part in their development."
The Mud Hole Education Program has reached more than 650 institutions and 30,000 students in 13 years. (Photo courtesy of Mud Hole) Build a Quality Rod With Mud Hole's reputation, students can count on building a quality rod in the classroom. In a review of Mud Hole's MHX rod-building kit earlier this year, Game & Fish's Dr. Todd A. Kuhn came away impressed: "Production model rods are great — and I'll always have plenty with me — but if I can design and build my own rod for the tactics and techniques I use the most, well, why not? Besides, that sense of satisfaction and accomplishment I got when catching fish on a rod I built myself is almost as powerful as the surge of a big bass," Kuhn wrote.
Mud Hole offers a complete syllabus-to-diploma program for schools, clubs, scouts and other qualified groups. The idea is to make rod building a fun and rewarding experience. This year, Mud Hole is offering new classroom-focused education kits, as well as new resources to assist teachers through the curriculum.
Mud Hole works closely with educators and youth groups, such as Boy Scouts of America and 4-H, with discounted pricing on equipment and supplies needed in the classroom, and online training for teachers.
Students learning the art of rod building often gain a lifelong passion. (Photo courtesy of Mud Hole) "With teachers time stretched, classroom sizes growing and funds spread thin in Wildlife, Recreation and Outdoor activities, the need for extra student hands-on activities will dramatically keep students engaged," the company says on its website. "With the addition of Rod Building and Tackle Crafting in the classroom, teachers will be able to spark the students' interest in not only a new hobby but an extra career choice to offer them. After preliminary discussions and demonstrations, students become extremely interested in the hands-on activities of building fishing rods and crafting tackle. Basic rod kits and tackle crafting kits are needed to start the program with the purchase of basic equipment that will be used for many years to help additional students reach new goals."
Mud Hole offers a complete syllabus-to-diploma rod-building program. (Photo courtesy of Mud Hole) As a top supplier of tools, supplies, components, and education content, Mud Hole says it's uniquely positioned to engage kids and create an educational experience through rod building.
"It's an honor for me to work directly with the teachers who bring this important skillset to students across the country," said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole's Education Program Director. "I lead online rod-building workshops each month dedicated to teachers, and I attend state-level teacher conventions throughout the year. We have even set up a Mud Hole Education Program Facebook group as a platform for educators to share their experiences and techniques with each other. It's an amazing community, and I am so proud to support it."
Video: Meet the Instructors of Mud Hole's rod-building classes
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Learn more about Mud Hole’s education programs today by contacting todd@mudhole.com or calling (866) 790-7637 x112.
About Mud Hole Custom Tackle
Mud Hole Custom Tackle, based in Oviedo, Florida, is the world’s largest supplier of rod building & tackle crafting goods and instruction. From rod building and repairing, to fly tying and lure building, Mud Hole is the leading e-retailer and mail order supplier to hobbyists, small manufacturers, and large OEMs, worldwide. Offering a superior shopping experience at mudhole.com , rapid fulfillment, stellar customer service, and world class online content and instruction, Mud Hole Custom Tackle is the trusted source for the rod building and tackle crafting community.
