“I was tired of buying rods made in China, only to see them break, so I started looking into custom rods,” says Baird. “Seeing the cost, I decided to try and build some myself. I watched videos, bought books … even stalked veteran builder Doc Ski for his insights on the craft. By 2010, I was practicing the basics — building various styles of rods for friends and family. Through their feedback, my skills quickly improved. Baird met the owners of Avalon Bait & Tackle and started doing their rod repairs and custom builds in her spare time. She’s been working with them ever since.

Although rod building provides Baird with a supplemental income, her true profession is serving as Senior Oncology Pharmacist at a regional medical center in Pensacola.