Episode Details

In this episode of the Mastering Rod Building Podcast, Bill Falconer talks with Bob Hryszko of Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park, New Jersey, about his path into custom rod building, Northeast saltwater fishing, and the rod designs that have evolved around those fisheries. Bob shares how he went from fishing factory rods to learning the craft from the late Grumpy and eventually becoming part owner of the tackle shop.

Bill and Bob discuss Northeast surf fishing for striped bass and bluefish, including the importance of casting distance, rod loading, guide layouts, and matching a surf rod to the angler. Bob also talks about ODM surf blanks, including the Genesis and Evolution series, and why different blanks, actions, and lengths work for different fishing situations.

The conversation also covers fluke fishing, blackfish, offshore tuna, and the wide range of rods required for Northeast saltwater fishing. Bob explains why he prefers moderate-action rods for heavy fluke fishing, glass or glass-like rods for blackfish, and different setups depending on whether anglers are fishing from the beach, a boat, or heavy structure.

Bill and Bob also discuss distance casting, the growth of nearshore bluefin tuna fishing in New Jersey, FUJI’s New Guide Concept, and the influence of builders like Mike Hickey and Jim Ising on modern spinning-rod guide layouts. Throughout the episode, Bob emphasizes learning from experienced builders, matching the rod to the fishery, and sharing that knowledge with the next generation of rod builders.

You can learn more about Grumpy’s Tackle on their website and follow them on Facebook.

Mastering Rod Building is brought to you by Anglers Resource — your source for genuine Fuji Tackle components.

Where to buy genuine FUJI®️ rod components (Area Distributors)

Japan: FIRST Corporation — https://first-fuji.co.jp/ • mail@first-fuji.co.jp

American Continent (North & South America): Anglers Resource — https://anglersresource.net/ • info@anglersresource.net

Oceania: Frogleys Offshore — https://fujitackle.com.au • enquiries@frogleysoffshore.com.au

Spain/Czech/Finland/Sweden/Estonia/Latvia/Poland/Denmark/Belgium/Germany/Netherlands/Ireland/Luxembourg/France/Portugal/UK/Norway/Belarus/Ukraine/Russia:: CALICO S.A. (Kalikunnan) — https://kalikunnan.com/ • fuji@calico.es

Europe: MAJORA Intelligent Fishing (FUJI Tackle Italy) — https://www.fujitackle.it • info@fujitackle.it

Asia: KOWA Company, Ltd. — fujitackle@kowa.co.jp