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Doc Ski


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Who is this Doc Ski Character
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Well first I will give you the canned version.   We all know how hard it is to talk about ourselves.

Doc Ski Bio  Doc Ski aka James Labanowski is known both to the world of sport fishing and rod building.  Born and raised in California, Doc received his nick name because he was a Hospital Corpsmen in the US Navy.  He retired in 1985 as a Chief which is no small task in itself.  Even prior to retirement Doc had been written up in several sport fishing Magazines and papers for his unique style with thread art on Custom fishing rods.  Now residing in Oxnard he officially opened Doc Ski Rods when he retired from the Navy.   Also recognized in the industry for his fishing abilities and tackle innovations.  Doc is renouned for modifications in long range tackle and one of the most successful wahoo lures on the market. Using golf as an analogy, Doc tries to explain that each rod has a purpose for fishing just as each club has a purpose for golfing.  Having the correct tool means more success in any venture.  Doc has been wrapping rods since the age of eight after being taught  the basics of replacing guides by his father. He has received advice and guidance from such well known people as Jean and John Harrington of Harnell fame and Leon Todd (owner of CalStar Rods).  Doc was first recognized for his thread artistry using techniques such as cross wrapping diamonds. chevrons, box patterns and his recent work with the tiger wrapping techniques published by Scott Throop.   Doc Ski has become world famous for his intricate weaving designs. His weaving artistry has been compared to painting with thread.  Doc can create a life-like action picture of a Tuna with a water splash at Alijos Rocks jumping to take a kite bait. He has also weaved a perfect replica of the Purple Heart Medal in picture like detail. Many of his designs can use up to 600 threads. Doc exclaims that the possibilities of weaving designs are endless. This is well demonstrated by his sample cases of over 500 different designs. An Individual weaving design may take over 40 hours to complete and yet be only about 1 ½ long.   Doc has dedicated himself to passing on his art forms to all who would like to learn how to do them. Sharing his expertise now is an endeavor Doc finds more fulfilling than creating his thread art originally.  Doc Ski is often found at trade shows in California where he demonstrates his artistic talents and teaches his craft to others.Recognized by the Guild at the Conclave in 2007 as one of the Legends of rodbuilding.  Doc feels this to be one of his most valued accomplishments.  He says Having ones peers recognize not just contributions to the art and craft but the teaching and sharing of a new generation, I cant think of a more humbling honorFor the most part Doc has retired from the commercial end of custom rod building yet he remains active in developing new techniques, patterns and Charities he has been involved with for some time.

 Contact info:
James Labanowski
Doc Ski Rods
2271 Mariposa Dr.Oxnard, Ca 93036
Email:  docski377@aol.comDoc Ski

Always think Progress not Perfection

Now that being said I love my Family, My Country, Fishing, Lure Making, Fly Tieing, Occasional Beer, and of course making Artsy Fartsy Custom Rods.    I wanted to chronical my life in micro- with picture but dont know how to do that in this part of the site.  Any hints?  Remember computers and I dont see eye to eye.

These are kind of in crono order.

Fishing has always been my addiction even when young.
I had my studly days.
Dad and I often enjoyed a good hunt with our buddies.
Getting new stripes was always fun to share with the family.
The addiction continuses
Oh yes, I used to have hair
Sometimes you just have to have a dream
Rodbuilding is a wonderful craft and fun if you let it be.
As an artist I always have something ON my mind.
What I look like after a really tough weave.

Of yes if you havent guess it yet I love to act silly.

-- Edited by Doc Ski at 19:48, 2008-08-02

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It is about Progress and not perfection.
Terry Jones


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Send your pic to me Doc...I'll take care of it for you! Great Bio!

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Doug Moore


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Welcome Doc, its great and an honor to have you around here. Your talents have and are an inspiration to us all. We look forward to meeting you one day!


Christ Doc, that Mono Blond, for a minute I thought I use to know her! LOL!






-- Edited by Doug Moore at 21:55, 2008-08-02

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Doc Ski


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Things like that can kinda scare ya huh?

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Terry Jones


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Those are too funny Doc! I like the pants in the 5th image! Do you still wear them???haha

I can paste the last pic up as your avatar! Or the one with the hair?


Thanks! Your a brave man!

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Doc Ski


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Yep still wear stuff like that.  I won an award the the Expo at NC last year at the banquet for the most outrageous outfit.  It was flag pants and flag shirt.  Really upset Billy V.


I might have a better picture for the avatar.



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Jim Lueck


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Doc, I'd like to echo the sentiments by Terry and Doug. Having you be a part of all this is a geniune treat for me and certainly I'm not alone. Your way of sharing the craft, be it with an experienced pro or the new guy who has no idea who you are, is an example to us all. The way you offer suggestions,tips or advice without sounding critical or condescending is another attribute of yours that I respect and the craft as a whole,  would be better served to emulate. Thanks Doc............... Guild Legends rod builder.....How cool is that.........Jim



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Mark Blabaum


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Doc, I'm glad to see you here and just want to add that you are true to your word and always willing to share your knowledge. Your a good friend and I'm glad that I've gotten to know you, Putter and Stan through the K4K program. I'm looking forward to our next meeting. Mark


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Kevin Graybeal


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ROFLMAO! God, I love this guy!
 Great Bio Doc... I'm sooo glad to see you finally recognized as a Legend in our craft... it was long overdue. Though you have made many great contributions to rod building as a whole (not JUST weaving), one thing you have taught us ALL is that we must not take things too seriously, and to learn to laugh at ourselves. And I thank you for that.

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Terry Jones


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Amen Kevin!

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Raymond Adams


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Jim Lueck wrote:

Doc, I'd like to echo the sentiments by Terry and Doug. Having you be a part of all this is a geniune treat for me and certainly I'm not alone. Your way of sharing the craft, be it with an experienced pro or the new guy who has no idea who you are, is an example to us all. The way you offer suggestions,tips or advice without sounding critical or condescending is another attribute of yours that I respect and the craft as a whole,  would be better served to emulate. Thanks Doc............... Guild Legends rod builder.....How cool is that.........Jim


I could not have said it any better Jim.

Love the Bio Doc!




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Scott Kleppe


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Heres another of Doc....

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Kevin Graybeal


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Love that pic! No wonder you get all the Ladies, Doc!

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Doc Ski


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Kevin, it is not as easy as it used to be, I have gained weight. Boy I just knew that picture would surface some day. Tom is a dead man. LOL

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Trey Shaw


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Doc, it is an honor to have you in our club and I GREAT pleasure to get to know a little bit about a leader in the rod building craft such as yourself. Looking forward to getting to know you better.

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