Walter Strom Middle School’s eighth-grade fly fishing unit offers students a hands-on introduction to both craftsmanship and outdoor recreation. Throughout the course, students learn the complete process of building a functional fly rod—from understanding each component to gaining experience with the specialized tools required.
Under the guidance of teacher Brandon Taylor, students explore reel seats, guides, blanks, thread, epoxy, wrapping techniques, and finishing processes. Every piece of equipment and all materials are sourced from Mudhole Custom Tackle in Florida, a company known for its high-quality rod-building supplies. This ensures that each student works with professional-grade components as they learn the craft.
Rod building requires precision, patience, and problem-solving, making the unit an opportunity for students to develop practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. Taylor emphasizes the personal connection students form with their finished rods, explaining, “This is a special class to teach as students get to build a fly rod that they can be proud of since they put in the hard work and dedication to build them.”
By the end of the unit, each student walks away with a custom-built fly rod and a sense of accomplishment that reflects their effort and attention to detail. The program continues to stand out as a unique and rewarding part of the eighth-grade experience at Walter Strom Middle School.