From Fishing to Hunting: Tyler’s First Turkey Hunt and the Journey into Rod Building
At Tag End Tackle, we love sharing stories of outdoor adventures—whether it’s fishing, hunting, or just getting outside to appreciate nature. In the latest episode of Tag End Talk, I sat down with my brother, Tyler, as he took on his first turkey hunt and reflected on how it compared to fishing. We also talked about his growing passion for rod building and how anglers can benefit from learning basic repair skills.
This episode was packed with lessons, humor, and a few unexpected challenges, including blackberry bushes and deep streams. Here’s a recap of our conversation, with some key takeaways for hunters and anglers alike.
Fishing vs. Hunting: What’s More Accessible?
As lifelong anglers, hunting wasn’t always on our radar. While fishing offers quick and easy access—just grab a rod and head to the nearest body of water—hunting requires a lot more planning, travel, and preparation.
Tyler reflected on how he got into hunting after initially giving it up in high school. The logistics, regulations, and effort involved had once turned him away, but seeing me dive into hunting sparked his interest again. This time, he approached it differently—learning the rules, getting his gear in order, and committing to making time for it.
For those considering hunting, Tyler’s story is a great example of how past experiences don’t have to define your future outdoors. With the right preparation, getting started (or restarted) can be easier than you think.
The First Turkey Hunt: Challenges and Success
One of the biggest differences between fishing and hunting is the unpredictability of the experience. With fishing, if nothing is biting, you can always switch spots or techniques. With hunting, you may spend hours in the field without even seeing your target.
Our turkey hunt was no exception. What started as a straightforward trip quickly turned into an adventure, involving:
- Thick blackberry bushes that left us scratched up
- Crossing what we thought was a small stream, which turned out to be deep enough to fish in
- Losing sight of each other while tracking a scattered flock
But the payoff was worth it. Tyler bagged his first turkey, and the adrenaline rush of the moment made all the hard work worthwhile. Like many first-time hunters, he’s now hooked.
For those new to hunting, the biggest takeaway here is persistence. Conditions won’t always be ideal, and success isn’t guaranteed, but every hunt teaches you something new.
Rod Building: Why More Anglers Should Learn It
After talking about the hunt, we switched gears to discuss Tyler’s recent deep dive into custom rod building. As someone who loves tinkering and working with his hands, he wanted to understand what makes a high-quality rod and how he could improve or repair his own gear.
Tyler recently attended a rod-building seminar with Gary Loomis, one of the most respected names in the industry. What started as a curiosity turned into a valuable skill—one that can help anglers save money, maintain sentimental gear, and fine-tune their rods for specific techniques.
Here’s why learning basic rod repair can benefit any angler:
- Fixing a damaged rod – Instead of replacing an expensive rod, simple repairs like replacing a guide or tip can keep it in action.
- Customizing gear – Change out grips, reel seats, or guides to match your fishing style.
- Preserving sentimental rods – If you’ve inherited a rod with personal significance, learning how to refurbish it can keep it fishable for years to come.
Tyler’s long-term goal is to start building custom rods for other anglers. If you’ve ever considered investing in a custom rod built to your exact specifications, he’s definitely someone to watch.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from the Field and Future Plans
This episode of Tag End Talk was all about stepping out of your comfort zone—whether it’s trying a new outdoor pursuit or picking up a new skill like rod building. Tyler’s experience shows that hunting and fishing share more similarities than differences—both require patience, preparation, and the willingness to learn from every outing.
For anglers who have never considered hunting, it might be worth giving it a try. And for those who love fishing, learning rod repair could be the next skill to add to your arsenal.
Want to hear the full conversation? Check out the podcast episode here:
Listen to Tag End Talk – Episode 2
Let us know in the comments—have you ever tried hunting? Would you be interested in building your own fishing rods?