By Edie Grossfield
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
Mel Dickie, of Rochester, is a longtime, well-respected craftsman of custom fishing rods.
The retired insurance agent and World War II veteran spends his weekdays at Wild Goose Sports on North Broadway making bait-casting, fly-fishing, walleye and muskie rods. He’s been working at the small fishing/hunting shop for 17 years.
How long have you been making fishing rods?
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For some 20 years on an active basis, although I’ve made them on and off since 1950 when I first got out of the service. I remember the first one I made was for my dad.
How did you get into doing it?
It just kind of happened. I started doing it many years ago. But in the last 20 years, I bought some books and videos and went to rod-builders meetings to learn how to do some of the sophisticated work.
How many rods have you built?
I’m not sure. I imagine I’ve done about 100 a year for 20 years; maybe more.
Why do you work here instead of in your home?
I started at home, but then I had so many people stopping at my house, my wife said "you gotta get out of here."
How much are your fishing rods?
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They start at $90 and go up to $400 for bamboo. But most are $100 to $125. I’ve tried to keep it so more people can buy them and enjoy them.
Are you busy year-round?
Unfortunately, yes. I’d like to slow down, but I don’t want to turn people down.
Why do you like building fishing rods?
I’m working with people who are interested in fishing or are buying it for a gift, and I get to know who’s fishing where. It’s a people business, same as my insurance business. And I enjoy the artistry of it, and trying new patterns.
When did you start fishing?
My first memory is from when I was 4 or 5 years old, fishing with my dad. And we drove all the way up North in a Model T Ford. See, I was born in 1920. My dad tied a line on each corner of the row boat and my brother and I held the lines. And we were catching northerns, just trolling, with my dad rowing the boat.
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