In this month's BASS Times, pg 10 "Rods and Reels: Losing Weight" our very own Bill Stevens is quoted saying.. now hold on because this is earth shattering stuff.. something I've never heard Bill say (stop the snickering)...

"Take a close look in the bottom of a pro's boat... If you see some 'plain Jane' stealth black rods with no glitzy logos... the angler has taken advantage of the services of a custom rod builder..."

Now we know why Bill is chasing the electric decals... he's ensuring his future of his own stealth rods!

Congrats on the article Bill!

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I missed it when I skimmed through the article the 1st time through the magazine. I don't think more could have been said to further our cause than Bill did in those few sentences. A word from the writer giving credit to custom rod builders for the advances mentioned that the OEM manufacturers are now using would have been nice. But as Bill said..those seeking the largest possible edge over their competition......are going custom-some at the risk of being discovered by their sponsors.

I'm with Alex........Good job, Mr. Bill

Wonder if he mentioned Micro Guides????? What a boost to this craft!!! Be prepared folks, the words out now!!!!!

Bill in WV

Bill is right. I am selling more rods to guides with rod sponsors than anyone else. These are the people that appreciate truly customized fishing equipment.. I take the ideas that they have for their own rods and incorporate into the rods I build for the weekend fishermen. Works out great for me.
Pat

Mucho Kudos Bill, Really well done Maestro.

Bill Stevens is a very fine "Am-Bassador" for the art of custom rod building. His efforts for promoting this craft are endless. I for one, appreciate all that he does in striving to spread the word and stay on the cutting edge of building custom rods. Thank You - Mr. Bill !!

Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply

Bill Stevens although sometimes out spoken, is well spoken and has been doing a lot more to further this craft then most builders will ever know.

I had some additional comments; But Bob McKamey covered it about as well as it could be said.

WOOHOOO Bill. Congrats my friend.....being a TBF guy I don't get bass time's...I'll have to scrounge up a copy somewhere.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

Congrats Bill. It's hard to believe you would use words like those. My favorite is when he says "Now listen to me closely!". LOL Keep up the good work man.

David Page
E-town, KY.

I feel pressed to make this comment concerning Bill and his knowledge and ability to promote this craft. At the ICRBE in 2008 Bill did a seminar on marketing. Including myself and Steve Gardner there were only about 15 - 20 folks sittling in that room. Folks, IMHO, you did yourself a vast disservice missing that seminar. That room should have been filled to capacity. I'm positive Steve will agree that Bill certainly has his finger on the heartbeat of Rod Building. Especially the Bassin' side.

Bill in WV



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/06/2009 02:03PM by William Bartlett.

Thanks Bill,

You have been a great inspiration and a pioneer to alot us. Keep up the great work. I have been trying to transition this into the musky fiishing world but they are a hard sell. Has been a tuff sell just to get them to try the urethane foam grips. I speak from experience,my son in law is one of the top musky guides in the upper midweast and he wants me to make a new rod for my daughter so I am going to go micro on him. I bet he will be using that rod more than she will.

Best of Luck
Jeff Leonard

Muskyfsh