Custom Fishing Rods by Ralph

Attendance: Mike, Reed, Jaime, Chris, Phil T., Phil M., Marty, Ann, Jack, Ralph and guest: Bev and Tina
50/50 Draw: Phil M.
Happy Buck: Jack, Reed, Tina, Phil T., Chris, (2) Phil M., Ann, Mike, Jaime,

Discussion on the possible early open of this years fishing opener.
The spaghetti feed will be at the school on April 30th just before the mixed blood theater presentation. The dinner will be from approximately 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Each member should bring a pan of bars or cookies for desserts.

285 dozen roses were sold. It was suggested that we do roses for valentines day because there is no full-time florists in the area.
Bobber cooler ready to go for the regional conference.
Phil M. made a motion to donate $100 to 180 tour. Phil T. second. All in favor. Jaime will contact Sara Jeanne to provide logo.


Ralph:
Asked about fishing rods with guides placed around the rod not straight down the rod. The new design has the guides starting at the top of the rod and ending up on the bottom. The concept is to avoid line rubbing. The new design may not be the best option for casting but works well in other situations to project the fishing rod. Many rods are build in factories and attention is not paid to the spine of the rod. In the rod building class at the school we learn that the spine of the rod is important and you pay attention to it while building.

Ralph displayed ways to decorate the rods - his example was a butt wrap. This technique makes the rod special for gift giving.
Ralph had a collection of ice fishing rods that he designed, one was constructed with a broken pool cue. Ralph also demonstrated a custom ice rod that fishes on its own, the design prevents the rod from getting pulled into the hole.


On another note:
A new superintendent will be in place at Lake of the Woods School this coming July.

The Rotary was introduced to a new fish measuring tape for a boat. We may market them as Rotary Rulers - a new fundraiser.