22 November 2024

Nestled in the heart of Bavaria, just an hour from Munich and with the majestic Alps in close reach, a family tradition of rod building has flourished for decades. It all began with Karl Bartsch in 1990, and today, his daughter Melanie, along with her husband Sebastian, continue to inspire anglers across Germany – and beyond into Austria, Switzerland and France – by passing on their unique craft.

Learning the Art from an Early Age

Growing up surrounded by the artistry of rod building, Melanie began assisting participants at her father’s courses at just six years old. “My father never showed me directly; I learned by observing,” she recalls. Those early experiences became her foundation, turning her into a skilled rod builder who now runs the family business. Over the years, they’ve taught more than 10,000 enthusiasts how to construct their very own rods, hosting workshops that range from small groups to larger clubs, with materials for everything from fly rods to ocean rods.

Innovation Meets Craftsmanship: Sebastian’s Championship Achievements

Sebastian adds another layer of innovation to the craft. His technical mind and drive for creativity led him to win the German rod building championship three years in a row. He approaches each competition with a goal to create something quite different from everyone else. Within the championship’s strict 10-hour timeframe, Sebastian manages to accomplish intricate designs, including custom handle work and detailed cross windings, which captivate both spectators and fellow competitors alike.

Expanding the Family Business

In 2019, Melanie officially took over the family business, expanding services to include custom rod builds, conversions and repairs. “Many rod builders only build rods,” she notes, “but anglers often struggle to find someone willing to repair their damaged rods. That’s where we step in.”

A Creative Household with a Legacy in the Making

Their household buzzes with creativity, including the soothing presence of feline sisters Nero and Twinny and young Luna, who, like her mother Melanie once did, observes and checks on rods in her own sweet way, keeping the family legacy alive.

The workshop, located in the basement of their home, is a testament to Melanie and Sebastian’s dedication. In one room, they meticulously craft handles using cork, EVA, and even birch bark. Another room is dedicated to rod construction, where up to 16 rods can be worked on simultaneously. The course room is equipped to host up to 8 participants, where they guide anglers in building their own custom rods.

The Joy of Crafting One-of-a-Kind Rods

The joy they get from creating each unique rod is apparent. Melanie loves designing the rods – choosing the components, developing a visual concept, and collaborating with the customers to make their vision a reality. Seeing the satisfaction in a customer’s eyes when they finally hold their one-of-a-kind rod makes all the hard work worthwhile. Sebastian, meanwhile, thrives in the finer details, excelling in the patience and skill required for complex winding patterns and handle-making.

Currently, they’re working on two special projects: building a series of 150 custom rods for a fishing club, each individually labelled with the member’s name. It’s projects like these that set their workshop apart, adding personal touches to every creation.

Advice for Aspiring Rod Builders

For aspiring rod builders, their advice is simple: “Take a course. There’s so much to learn, and it’s more fun to share the experience with others.” Whether it’s discussing techniques or swapping fishing stories, the camaraderie of their workshops keeps both beginners and experienced builders coming back for more.

Stay tuned, as their journey is about to take another exciting turn with the launch of their Instagram and Facebook pages, where they’ll showcase their latest creations and offer glimpses into the workshop that continues to inspire and innovate.

Photos: Melanie Kiebist