For many years, Gene Bullard was a force in the tackle industry. His Bullard International in Dallas, Texas, was one of the leading sources of custom rod supplies. Some of you may remember Diamond II rod finish. Bullard International is gone, but some of us – including Ralph O'Quinn and Roger Seiders – are wondering if Gene is still with us. If you have knowledge of Gene Bullard, please respond.
Thanks,
Clyde Dent

I too had heard that Gene passed away. He used to call me in the afternoons (evenings his time), in the early eighties when I had the Phantom Rod Shop on Maui. He would just want to talk about Hawaii fishing, and the rods that we would build for the different applications. I still have some of the old tip top melt glue that he offered in those days. Good guy!

Guys - I too have many fond memories of Gene. I never met the man in person, but called him once when I was stationed Guatanamo Bay Cuba between 1974 -75. I had been making my own rods for several years and used the old two part decoupage coatings on my rods long before Flex-coat came about. WE talked about that and my lack of access to material to build rods at the base. He asked me what I might need - I answered.

The next log flight that came in a month later had six "sample" rod blanks, reel seats, grips, guides, etc. I built rods for the fishermen at the base for two years before being transferred. All of the stuff was Free, get it Free - he was someone who appreciated the guys in the military, told me so and showed me as well others on the base at that time. I have never forgotten that! He made my 27 years of time in service worthwhile. I always felt like he showed i was appreciated for my sacrifies in being away from home and family. Back then not many of us were looked at like military people are today - and I for one am glad it has finally come around full circle. The warriors of today are my children and some of yours to. Gene honored me then and now I return that honor to him as best I can with this small email to those of you who still remember him to!!

God Bless Us All, God Bless Gene Bullard and his generosity, and God Bless you guys for remembering him.

Ron Beagles
oldsalt@ev1.net
Tomball, Texas
USCG Retired

Hi Clyde, The last I heard Gene was alive living with his sister but it's been a while. I'll check with my former rep in Texas who visited Gene once in a while. Gene was a brilliant guy we did a ton of business with him. I couldn't believe the amount of stuff he moved. What a character he was. There are tons of Gene Bullard stories out there most of them true. Warmest regards to all for Thanksgiving. See you at the Conclave. Joe Meehan, Amtak Components.

Mr.Bullard was one fine gentleman. I didn't have a chance to meet him but I sure talked to him a lot about blanks,guides,finish,etc. I was in the USAF and a career type; flight engineer. Fairly new to rod building and he helped me many times with special military discounts and plenty of sound advice. A jewel of a gent! I too heard that he'd passed away. He deserves to be fondly remembered by us all,I think.
Speaking of early providers of rod building supplies what's the story on J Lee Cuddy of Maimi? Warren