The NERBs

The NERBs Gatherings offer custom rodbuilders an exciting opportunity to learn more about the craft, receive feedback and inspiration from their peers, check out components and blanks, meet many builders – some of the best builders in the world attend gatherings on a routine basis. To top it off, every gathering features great food and beer.

Admission for 2021 gatherings will be $40-50 (non-refundable unless you cancel 2 days  prior) and includes food/drink.  Payments  made to xlrods@yahoo.com via Paypal.  If you’re on the fence about attending, check out the pictures and comments from the April 11, 2015 gathering where builders attended from as far as Kentucky and Canada: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.966814730030423&type=1

Contact xlrods@yahoo.com to sign up

2022 Wrapping Season Schedule

List of potential venues: Mudhole Florida, Anglers Resource Alabama, Swampland Rods Louisiana, Chicago, Wisconsin, Fort Myers FL, Richmond VA, Bridgeport CT, Grumpys NJ, Garone’s Custom Rods NJ
November 6  – NJ – Decorative Wraps class
November 7  – NJ – Decorative Wraps class
December 11 & 18 – NJ – Decorative Wraps class (Full)
December 12 & 19 – NJ – Decorative Wraps class (Full)
January 2 – Staten Island, NY Beginner’s Gathering (limited to 12)
January 8 – Staten Island, NY
January 15
January 17
January 22
January 29
February 5 – Grumpys Tackle, Seaside, NJ
February 12
February 19
February 21
February 26-27 ICRBE Wnston-Salem, NC
March 5
March 12
March 19
March 26
April 2 Angler’s Resource/Fuji. Foley, AL
April 9
April 23
April 30 Swampland Rods, Lafayette, LA

Here are a couple of comments from those who have recently attended gatherings:

Steve S: Guys, I went to my first NERBs gathering just a couple of months ago (I would be going Saturday were it not for work) and if you are a rod builder at any level or just considering getting started I strongly advise attending an event. I’ve been building my own rods for years and build a very simple product designed for function and not ornate at all’ that being the case I thought a gathering would be of little value to me, I could not have been more wrong. I thought it might be intimidated by the other builders (certainly more skilled then me) but that wasn’t the case, everyone there is more than happy to help and there is plenty to learn so no matter what your level is you might be able to improve your process. These meetings are filled with information, humor and some insanely good food and drink. I regret not being able to attend but if you are free by all means go.

David T: “I took a Class at a tackle shop for $125 to learn how to build a pole. I followed up taking another class on Decorative wrap basics for $75.00. Got me started….
Now I’ve attended 4 NERBs Gatherings $20.00 each with plenty of Food. So for $80.00 I’ve learned from Billy: 

• How to Mount Grips Easier by Grooving Grip.
• Applying Tip Top Easy with no Mess.
• Creating and Marking out a decorative wrap without Scratching into the Blank.
• Wrapping Decorative wraps in Bands of 2 now 4.
• How to create Custom Grips with EVA.
• How to do Trim Bands better. 
• And ate at least $25 worth of food at each event.

Why wouldn’t you Attend?”