25 years ago it all started.
In an earlier Facebook post I mentioned how 25 years ago I was getting ready to go on a Crappie fishing trip to Mississippi. I had not been Crappie fishing much at this time so I needed a couple of Crappier rods for the trip. I remember going to different buddies houses and asking to check out the Crappie rods they were using so I could see what I wanted. As I held each of these rods I started to get rather disappointed in the difference in quality between my Bass rods (I used to love to Bass fish) and the Crappie rods on the market. I kept asking “why isn’t there a better, more stout Crappie rod?” I figured I couldn’t be the only one thinking like this. Turns out there wasn’t really anything out there on the market that was near the quality I wanted. We were headed to Lake Washington to tackle monster Crappie with I was sure was weak inferior tackle. “How on earth were we going to get these fish in the boat with this?”
It’s funny how a story like this comes to us at a strange time. I actually just remembered it the other day and here I am 3 years into a Crappie rod business with a sole purpose of making hard core Crappie fisherman happy and designing the ultimate, lightweight, strong and durable Crappie rod. I guess I have been frustrated longer than I thought. Part of it must have been that I came from Bass fishing and knowing that there was every conceivable design, weight, action and you could buy a rod that felt like a broomstick to sling in a 5 lb Bass if need be.
There was definitely a gap in the market for a new company with a very different outlook and a drive that focuses on nothing more than creating customer satisfaction and a Crappie rod that is like nothing else on the market. It is by far the most challenging adventure of my life and I hope to be around for many years to come. I am getting better everyday and talking with the absolute best customers on the planet. I love being able to talk fishing with new people on a daily basis. I am still working a full time job for the time being as I don’t want to take anything from the business for a while till I build up greater buying power. So hopefully you all are enjoying the ride as much as I am. Together we will make the absolute best rods on the water. I am always working on new rod designs and trying to figure out better ways to focus on the customer experience. So I just wanted to say “Thank You” and without the trust of many great Crappie fisherman/customers I would still be cussing my Crappie rods. Always remember to take those kids fishing and be courteous on the water. Oh, and release those pigs for another day. Andy Lehman.