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RISAA presents a double header

Making lures and fishing rods

The Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association is featuring two Rhode Island craftsmen to explain how they build rods and lures when the group has its next seminar, Monday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.

Steve Medeiros, president of RISAA, explains:

“Advantages of a Custom Rod” will be presented by Robert Barlas, the owner of Wickford Rodworks. Bob has been building and repairing rods for ten years. 'It's really a hobby that has gone out of control,' he said. 'What was once something to pass the time during the winter months has turned into a full time job.'

"Bob is mostly self taught. He learned by reading every book, magazine and internet article he could find, but he also gained help from a few rod builders who were willing to share their knowledge. Through practice and careful listening to what fishermen wanted, he has been able to fill some voids over what is available in mass-produced rods. In his seminar, Bob will explain the options and components available with a custom rod, and the care that a custom rod builder takes in assembly and turning of a work of art.

"Then, 'Building & Swimming a Classic Metal-lipped Swimmer' will be presented by Armand Tetreault, the owner of Rhode Island Poppers and Atlantic Offshore Lures. Armand founded Rhode Island Poppers five years ago, with humble beginnings creating classic wooden bluefish poppers. Those lures have changed dramatically since then. Today, he designs and his family builds a complete line of inshore and offshore tackle, Atlantic Offshore Lures. Because many of his customers still favor the original wooden lures, Armand still makes them, but these days his efforts are devoted to the development and testing of new products. In this seminar, Armand will describe how a metal-lipped swimmer is built, and for those who want to try making their own lures, he'll give a few pointers on how to turn wood bodies, what hardware to use, how to seal and paint them and where to find the items you will need. He'll also give some advice on properly swimming them.

"The seminar is held at the West Valley Inn on Blossom Street in West Warwick and is open to the public. A $10 donation to the RISAA Marine Fisheries Scholarship Fund is requested from nonmembers."

For more information and directions visit RISAA’s website, www.risaa.org.

Posted by Tom Meade  at 10:23 AM | Permalink