SPFF’s 2026 ROD BUILDING CLASS
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, January 3 & 4, 2026, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
WHAT: SATURDAY: Locate rod blank spine, assemble reel seat, wood
insert, cork handle, guides, hook keeper, tip top.
SUNDAY: Thread wrapping & epoxy coating to complete your rod.
WHERE: Rick Russo’s Workshop
10500 Boulder Ridge Terrace, Chatsworth, CA 91311
CLASS SIZE: The class is limited to 6 students
REGISTRATION: There is no on-line registration.
Contact mperatis@aol.com to sign up for the class.
CLASS FEE: $175, see below.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR: The class will be taught by Chiaki Harami, a member of Southern Sierra Fly Fishers, Pasadena Casting Club, Santa Clarita Casting Club and Deep Creek Fly Fishers. He’s a skilled and experienced rod building instructor who has taught classes for many Southern California clubs, including SPFF.
MESSAGE FROM CHIAKI:
STUDENTS NEED TO BRING:
➤ A 10 ft. or longer tape measure.
➤ Reader Glasses
➤ Pen and paper for taking notes.
I will supply everything else: rod blank, reel seat, wood insert, cork handle, guides, hook keeper, tip top, thread, epoxy, masking tape and various small tools and supplies. You will be building on a 4 pc. 9 ft. 5 wt. Batson, Rainshadow blank. The purpose of the class is for you to learn how to build a rod and as a by-product, you will end up with a very usable fly rod. Everyone in this class will have access to my private “stash” of very special agate stripping guides. You will also have a choice of thread color.
The class fee is $175. Please bring cash, check or I can take Zelle or Venmo. The class fee includes payment for the wrapping jig and a drying motor that you'll use for this class and for your future rod building. If you feel you don't want to continue building rods, you can return these for a $50 refund. You can decide after you completed your rod. I’ll explain this in better detail in class.
Please let me know if you have any questions: Cell (818) 968-6872
SPFF WILL PROVIDE:
➤ Tables & Chairs
➤ Bottled Water
➤ Lunch