Charlie Sexton has been building custom fishing rods for over 30 years. He was introduced to the craft through a paperback book from Gudebrod in 1975. Subsequently he read two Dale Clemens books on rod building and an instruction book on thread art. In 1980 he joined The Rod Crafters' and attended his first rod seminar in 1982. Since then, Charlie has attended every Rod Crafters / Guild seminars except two. In 1983, Charlie showed Dale Clemens some wooden reel seat inserts he had made and Dale asked Charlie to demonstrate. Since then, Charlie has tried to demonstrate something new every year. His friend, Bernie Cohen, has named him the "Rube Goldberg" of rod crafting for his continuing efforts in lathe tool design and miscellaneous gadgets to aid the rod crafter. Most of his innovations are made from parts most guys find in their garage.

Charlie continues to improve his skills while teaching his Family and friends. His grandson, Chaz, has attended seminars and assisted in demonstrations. Another grandson, Dakota, has just built his first rod with Charlie. Charlie has also held small seminars for friends who are eager to learn the craft and share his enthusiasm.

Charlie retired in 1986 after flying for 32 years with Eastern Airlines He was married to the late Mary Sexton for over 50 years and has two grown sons and four grandchildren. In addition to rod building, Charlie is an avid golfer enjoying a 12 handicap and occasionally scoring his age!