Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to build and repair a fishing rod. The unit focuses on establishing rod requirements, sourcing appropriate components and equipment, and selecting an appropriate design before building, repairing and trialling the rod.

No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to personnel working as fishing rod builders and repairers within the recreational fishing industry. It also applies to individuals working in customer service roles in fishing and tackle shops, fishing tour guides and sports fishermen.

This unit may also apply to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

Prerequisite units 

Nil

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to build a fishing rod.

1.1. Confirm client requirements .

1.2. Determine a rod design  which meets client requirements, target species, habitat application and line class according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.3. Choose appropriate rod blank, rod components , materials  and construction methods.

1.4. Source rod building equipment , components and materials according to organisational policies and procedures.

2. Construct a rod.

2.1. Locate rod spine.

2.2. Place grips onto the rod.

2.3. Position and place reel seat and guides.

2.4. Apply binding  to the rod and burnish threads.

2.5. Apply filler and finish coat.

3. Repair a fishing rod.

3.1. Confirm client repair requirements.

3.2. Determine a rod repair technique which will restore the rod's original design parameters and quality of finish.

3.3. Carry out appropriate repairs according to organisational policies and procedures.

4. Trial the fishing rod.

4.1. Inspect  the finished rod to ensure it meets design parameters and quality of workmanship.

4.2. Trial  and evaluate  the fishing rod to ensure suitability of intended use according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.3. Identify improvements or modifications to the fishing rod and implement if necessary.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to interact with clients and suppliers of fishing rod building equipment, components and materials
• problem-solving skills to:

• respond to technology advancements
• determine techniques to use when building or repairing fishing rods
• decide on appropriate rod building and repair equipment and materials

• literacy skills to read, interpret and implement rod building and repair information, instructions and material data sheets
• planning and organising skills to:

• source rod building and repair equipment and materials
• ensure all gear and equipment is in good working order

• numeracy skills to calculate and estimate material quantities and lengths
• maintenance and repair skills to check, prevent and repair common fishing gear and equipment faults and deficiencies
• self management skills to:

• review and reflect on own performance
• set goals to improve techniques.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all activities
• fishing industry terminology related to rod building and repair to communicate with clients and suppliers
• rod building and repair techniques to enable selection and application of appropriate techniques
• tools, equipment and material types, characteristics and technology used for rod building and repair, and the advantages and disadvantages of the range of equipment
• rod designs and suitability for targeted species and the fishing habitat
• rod binding and finishing techniques to enable construction and repair of high quality rods.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• demonstrates knowledge of the techniques which apply to the design, construction and repair of fishing rods and selects appropriate equipment and materials
• constructs and repairs fishing rods using a range of current industry designs, construction and repair methods, tools, equipment and materials
• inspects and trials fishing rods to ensure their suitability and effectiveness and identifies potential improvements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure construction and repair of multiple fishing rods to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a workshop suitable for the construction and repair of fishing rods
• required rod building equipment, tools, components and materials
• an appropriate site to evaluate the fishing rods compliance with client requirements and design and construction parameters.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of fishing rod construction and repair techniques and materials
• observation of trialling and evaluating rods
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Guidance information for assessment 

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Client requirements  may include:

• size, weight, length, colour
• decorative binding
• fishing location or environment
• targeted species
• selected reel, tackle and rigging
• timeframe
• price range.

Rod designs  may include:

• beach or surf rods
• estuary rods
• boat rods
• game rods
• trolling rods
• spinning rods
• fly rods
• one piece rods
• multiple piece rods.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations
• marine regulations
• fishing regulations and restrictions.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety:
• use, maintenance, repair and storage of rod building equipment, components and materials
• manufacturer's design specifications and recommendations for equipment use.

Rod building components and materials  may include:

• rod blanks
• rod joiners, ferrules
• guides or runners
• hook keepers
• tips
• reel seats
• handles and grips
• gimbals and butt caps
• binding threads and braids
• adhesives
• thread preservers
• filler compound
• rod paints
• rod finishing lacquers and sealers.

Rod building equipment  may include:

• spine finders
• rod building lathe
• thread wrappers, rollers and jigs
• tread tensioners
• dryers
• finishing motors and chucks.

Inspections  may include:

• quality of finish
• quality of binding
• placement of guides, grips and reel seat
• quality of overall workmanship.

Trial and evaluate  may include:

• feel of the rod and balance
• casting action
• handles intended line weight or class.

Unit sector 

Outdoor Recreation

Co-requisite units 

Competency field