A special announcement 2024

.ghoti. reply :

A few years ago, I started a project to build rods for members with military service. We built a few with member donations. And then the idea just stalled.

Glenn suggested we should start this up again, so we did. Glenn reached out to Batson Enterprises to see if they wanted to be a part of this, and they graciously agreed to donate everything needed to build four rods, to get us up and running. They deserve a huge round of applause for supporting this project. Special thanks goes to Bill Batson, and his entire crew for their generosity.

I contacted some guys about building rods, and got Scott Hovanec, Mike Lawson(DVT), Ronnie Van Huss(Alpster) to join me. We built four rods using Rainshadow Immortal blanks, and components from Batson Enterprises. Another special round of applause to Scott, Mike and Ronnie for joining me in this project. Many thanks gentlemen.

We have started shipping these first rods, and they should be arriving soon at the doorsteps of the first four BassResource members who have past or current military service on their resumes. I expect to see posts from four surprised BR members in the near future. They do not know what's coming their way. I've seen some pics. There are some fine lookin sticks going out.

Now, this time, I would like to keep this going. I told Glenn I would build as many as we could raise money for. I am asking for any and all BassResource members to consider making a donation, so we can keep this going. It doesn't need to be a big donation. A few bucks from a bunch of members will go a long way, if we all get together. Roadwarrior agreed to be the "bank" last time we did this. I'm hoping he will do it again. Hint, hint, Brother Kent!

There are alot of BassResource members who either have served, or are currently serving. Let's come together, and say thanks this way.

They certainly deserve it, don't you think?

Edit: just heard from Scott. I received an Immortal blank. Scott got a Revelation blank. Dont know what Ronnie and got. Sorry for the confusion. I assumed since I had an Immortal, they would all be that. You would think at my age i would not assume anything!

-------------------------

Here's how YOU can be a part of this great project!

A-Jay reply :

I like the idea & the sentiment behind it.

Please let me know how we can donate.

A-Jay

lonnie g reply :

applause to you ghoti! even tho i never served, i have the greatest respect for all whom are or have. great idea! let us know how to help . it would be an honor.

Catt reply :

On 5/18/2017 at 10:05 AM, A-Jay said:

I like the idea & the sentiment behind it.

Please let me know how we can donate.

A-Jay

Let me know

ScottDB reply :

Will be checking for an update to see how I can donate! I like this a lot.

Hooligan reply :

Dig it. I'm in.

BassWhole! reply :

Thank you so much for thinking of, and acting on behalf of our brave men and women of our armed forces. I can't tell you how much these actions mean to us. Sure the goodies are great, but more importantly, knowing that people are thinking of us and appreciate our efforts, makes us proud, motivates us, and lift our spirits, often when we need it most. As a personal note, we received an unsolicited priority box full of Christmas decorations from a group in Michigan while on deployment to Africa, which made being away from our families just a little easier for our shop.

crypt reply :

I'm in....................son is currently active duty. let me know where to give. thanks.

roadwarrior reply :

I will be the banker. You can participate by check or PayPal. Send me a PM and I will send

you my mailing address, cell phone number and PayPal information. I will also start a thread

acknowledging donors unless you wish to be anonymous. I will not be posting the amount donated,

so whatever you would like to contribute is GREATLY appreciated.

-Kent

S Hovanec reply :

I think this topic should be pinned so it doesn't drop off the page.

.ghoti. reply :

On 5/18/2017 at 9:01 PM, roadwarrior said:

I will be the banker. You can participate by check or PayPal. Send me a PM and I will send

you my mailing address, cell phone number and PayPal information. I will also start a thread

acknowledging donors unless you wish to be anonymous. I will not be posting the amount donated,

so whatever you would like to contribute is GREATLY appreciated.

-Kent

Thank you, brother. Just for that I will bring a special bottle of manly spirits next month when we hit the White River. A 21yr old single malt sounds about right, eh?

On 5/18/2017 at 9:35 PM, S Hovanec said:

I think this topic should be pinned so it doesn't drop off the page.

I think you are correct, sir.

NHBull reply :

Awesome, and looking forward on how to donate

Semper-Fi

.ghoti. reply :

On 5/18/2017 at 9:39 PM, NHBull said:

Awesome, and looking forward on how to donate

Semper-Fi

Look about four posts up, and you will find out how.

Glenn reply :

I want to salute the the 4 warriors honored with these rods, and the members who built their rods:

Warrior Branch Builder

Sam Army S Hovanac

AJ Coast Guard Alpster

Clayton86 National Guard Ghoti

Oregon Native Navy Mike (Delaware Valley Tackle DVT)

I can't tell you how proud I am of these folks - both who served, and who took the time to build the rods. SALUTE!

And again, many MANY thanks to Batson Enterprises for donating all the rod components for all the rods!

Y'all are too awesome for words.

J Francho reply :

Congrats and thank you to all!

S Hovanec reply :

I've been sitting on these pics for a couple weeks because I couldn't post them til the project was announced. Since my forte is cork and reel seats, I declined the pre-fab grips and did my own thing.

Please excuse all the fuzz on the rod. The microfiber towel I wiped it with seemed to deposit more dust than it removed!

Butt cap with Army insignia inlay.

I wanted to do more with the grip but a technique I have been experimenting with wasn't working out .

The reel seat hardware provided wouldn't work with my plans of using acrylic, so I substituted in Fuji SK2 hardware.

I had a bit of scrap left from the reel seat, so I turned a matching winding check.

Slogan decal provided by Batson.

Personalized decal by Decal Connection.

Alps guides provided by Batson.

Lucky Craft Man reply :

This is Awesome!!! Great way to honor some of the people who protect us and keep us free.

Scott, that is INCREDIBLE (as always). I hope the other guys post pictures of their rods as well. I love looking at custom work.

XpressJeff reply :

Roadwarrior, Please send me the address for donations sir!

GREAT idea!

A-Jay reply :

After landing a new home state smallie PB earlier today, I didn’t think my day could really get any better, but it did. Big Time !

There, sitting on my stoop, was the unmistakable white pvc tube that can really only be one thing – A new rod.

“ I didn’t order a rod ?” I said out loud as I pulled in the drive. . . . . .

Thank you Glenn & Bass Resource and obviously a very special “Well Done” is in order for @Alpster for a truly quality and ‘made for me’ custom build and one of a kind rod. Please know – you made this Retired Coast Guardsman very happy.

I don’t talk about my Coast Guard career much on the forum, but truth be told, everything I have & everything I am as a Man, I owe to that service. It literally saved me. As a younger human I had made some poor decisions that were leading me in the wrong direction. The best thing I ever did was take the oath of enlistment and commit myself to the cause.

The journey lasted over 28 years. Crazy how it flew by and much of it now seems like a dream. All my assignments were up & down the east coast from Maine to South Carolina; each saw me conducting & or planning Search & Rescue, participating in Federal Law Enforcement, Drug Enforcement, Migrant interdiction, even did 2 tours as a Drill Instructor – which was demanding & very rewarding. Saved some people, caught some bad guys & worked alongside and learned from some of the most honorable, committed & dedicated humans I could have ever imagined; even managed to have some fun along the way. All the while I had the distinct honor of having the privilege of making the sacrifice to serve this great country. I’d do it all over again in one second.

I am very proud of my service and having such a wide array of assignments is in line with the Coast Guard’s motto of Semper Paratus – meaning Always Ready. It’s a tough thing to do – being always ready. But even now, that phase is something I live by and still strive for every day. That fact that you chose to inscribe this on my rod means more to me than you will ever know. I get choked up just typing that.

So THANK YOU One & ALL – This high speed Rain Shadow Blank, with it’s very Killer reel seat & split grip will no doubt be my New Jig Rod.

A-Jay

jbw252 reply :

Wow - great job to all involved. And a big thanks to all who served.

clayton86 reply :

I reveived my rod last night, I was told it showed up Friday however I was away at paddlefest. I didn't even know it was there or in its way I happened to be walking to the bedroom after a long day and seen the tube leaning in he corner and knew it was a rod.

I knew .ghoti. Had mentioned and sent me some baits in the past saying they were from sponsors as a thank you to our vets and that another package was on it's way. I was not however expecting this custom rod. I was completely speechless.

I took some pictures last night but they don't do it any justice I'll post some tonight after work with a little more detail and some words worked up because I'm still in shock and I thank you everyone.

XpressJeff reply :

A well deserved CONGRATULATIONS to the deserving recipients!

Freedom is NOT free, and thank you for your sacrifices!

Hez reply :

Awesome guys! Congratulations, and thank you for your service.

Great job to the ones who facilitated this impressive gesture of gratuity.

This is one of the things that makes this organization special.

Al Perry reply :

What a great idea !!! Thanks for those helping out with this project...Our bass club, Anglers of Christ, had our 7th Annual "HOT" Tournament last weekend and raised over $1100 to help out those that have served our country or still serving the USA...By the way HOT = Helping Our Troops...Opelousas Lighthouse Mission was the recipient of this years monies.

So, how do we go about making a donation ???

jbw252 reply :

On 5/23/2017 at 12:23 AM, Al Perry said:

So, how do we go about making a donation ???

Check the ninth post in this thread. PM @roadwarrior for his Paypal address.

.ghoti. reply :

Clayton, I have a few pics. I will try to get them up later tonight.

CTBassin860 reply :

Incredible idea.Those rods looks great guys.A huge thanks to the men and women of our armed forces.I will certainly be chipping in.

RMax reply :

This is so cool! Those are beautiful rods, good job builders!

clayton86 reply :

here's some of the pics and a little something about the build Gary .ghoti. Did for me.

Im still a little lost for words and might be a bit rambling but I'll do my best I just did a practice run on this post on FB expressing my gratitude.

This took me by total surprise and honestly couldn't have came at a better time as I have been battling some severe depression lately and this really picked me up when I have been feeling down.

This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. I don't even know where to begin to thank everyone who has donated and helped with these builds. Gary did a great job on the rod and I almost don't want to use it as it's much nicer then my fleet of veritas rods but it was built to be used and I plan on breaking it in tomorrow on some river small mouth.

Im still a little lost for words as there is more bouncing in my head about this than I'm able to put into words on here.

Now for some pics I took after work today they don't do it justice.

It won't let me do the pic of the spiral wrapped guides

lonnie g reply :

On 5/20/2017 at 2:54 AM, S Hovanec said:

I've been sitting on these pics for a couple weeks because I couldn't post them til the project was announced. Since my forte is cork and reel seats, I declined the pre-fab grips and did my own thing.

Please excuse all the fuzz on the rod. The microfiber towel I wiped it with seemed to deposit more dust than it removed!

Butt cap with Army insignia inlay.

I wanted to do more with the grip but a technique I have been experimenting with wasn't working out .

The reel seat hardware provided wouldn't work with my plans of using acrylic, so I substituted in Fuji SK2 hardware.

I had a bit of scrap left from the reel seat, so I turned a matching winding check.

Slogan decal provided by Batson.

Personalized decal by Decal Connection.

Alps guides provided by Batson.

the personal touches are awesome! great craftsmanship! what an awesome way to say thanks to our heros.

.ghoti. reply :

Clayton, you did a better job taking pics than I did, so I wont post any.

That is a Rainshadow Immortal blank, 7'2", MF, 1/4 - 3/4oz, 10 - 17lb. That would be the classic Loomis MH-F, but Batson calls it a medium. I would call it a mag-medium. It should be good for any plastic/jig applications, except for heavy cover pitching or punching. I have built several rods on Immortal blanks, and they are at the top of my list. I used Alps F series titanium frame guides in a simple spiral configuration. An Alps Textouch reel seat, with Alps grips and winding checks finish it off. I used the Alps grips because they sent me some. I prefer to make my own. I like designing and making custom cork grips, but I felt like I should use what they donated. The grips are a very firm EVA, with rubberized cork ends. Very nice in the hands. If you like building with premade grips, these would be a very good choice. I just looked, and they have quite a few options for grips, butt caps and trim pieces in their catalog. Check them out sometime.

I took a page out of Scott's play book, using some old Gudebrod red thread, and finished them without color preserver. I dont have a pic that shows it, but they are a nice transparent red. Looks like cherry cool-aid, with the dark chrome blank and titanium guide feet showing through.

I have enjoyed being a part of this project, working alonside some very talanted guys. Looks like we have some donations ready to start coming in to help us continue this thing. I hope we can keep this going for a long time. I will build as many rods as we can raise money for.

clayton86 reply :

First fish on the rod I received from Gary. Caught on a siebert outdoors sniper jig in 5/16oz.

The rod is unbelievably comfortable casts a mile and the sensitivity is out of this world. I still want to get a new reel for it I have a gen 1 revo s on it now thinking of trying a kastking or sticking with my revos and getting a premier, alt or mgx.

Again thank you @.ghoti. and everyone else who has mad it possible

Lucky Craft Man reply :

On 5/24/2017 at 10:12 AM, clayton86 said:

First fish on the rod I received from Gary. Caught on a siebert outdoors sniper jig in 5/16oz.

The rod is unbelievably comfortable casts a mile and the sensitivity is out of this world. I still want to get a new reel for it I have a gen 1 revo s on it now thinking of trying a kastking or sticking with my revos and getting a premier, alt or mgx.

Again thank you @.ghoti. and everyone else who has mad it possible

Nice! You know how to break in a rod right with a Smallmouth! No need to waste the christening process on an inferior fighting green fish.

Batson reply :

Here at Batson Enterprises, we’ve always been proud supports for causes related to the military and we couldn’t have been happier the provide blanks and components to these builders when asked. Thanks for the builds, they look great!

.ghoti. reply :

On 5/26/2017 at 4:41 AM, Batson said:

Here at Batson Enterprises, we’ve always been proud supports for causes related to the military and we couldn’t have been happier the provide blanks and components to these builders when asked. Thanks for the builds, they look great!

We are delighted you were generous enough to donate, and ship, free of charge, enough stuff to build four rods. I can't thank you enough for stepping up and helping us jumpstart this project.

We are going to keep it going this time. And, I plan to use Rainshadow blanks, Textouch reels seats, Alps or Forecast winding checks and Alps guides for all of the rods I build for this project.

Too date, I've built two casting and one fly rod on Eternity blanks; three casting and five spinning on Immortal blanks; and two casting rods on Revelation blanks. I have nothing but good things to say about Baston products.

Oregon Native reply :

Just saw all your postings on this (my bad) and had to chime in. FIRST....thank you to everyone who had a hand in this....very much. To be outside working on the boat and the postman walks up and hands me a rod tube!?!?!?!? I too thought I haven't ordered a rod in years. So I was shocked and looked at the return address and saw that it was from Mike at "Delaware Tackle DVT" I called him and asked is this real....mistake...whats going on! It is a beauty and now my official chatterbait rod as it seems to be perfect for this. I was almost (was) in tears and had to look up to our heavens and say thank you too. God sure knows our hearts.....OMG. I know I have said this a couple times but will have to get wife or son to help me in the picture department.

Oh.....the rod is a Rainshadow ... REVELATION.

It also says on the side....NON SIBI SED PATRIAE......I need to call mike again and ask what this means.

Again I most humbly thank you all....Tight Lines

jbw252 reply :

Non sibi sed patriae is a Latin phrase meaning "not for self, but country". Congrats @Oregon Native, and thank you for your dedicated service.

Oregon Native reply :

On 5/28/2017 at 9:03 PM, jbw252 said:

Non sibi sed patriae is a Latin phrase meaning "not for self, but country". Congrats @Oregon Native, and thank you for your dedicated service.

Oh wow....goose bumps....thank you

KurtActual reply :

Holy smokes guys. 6:40 AM and there is a lump in my throat. What a badass way to recognize some selfless members of this community.

I was given a box of flies on Veteran's day last year, and it's been one of the greatest gifts that has kept on giving.

Those rods will be heirlooms!

Looking forward to more sponsors and warriors in the future!

Bulletman20XD reply :

I just became a member yesterday and ran across this thread today and read every post. Things like this break down the heart of this old soldier and as I write this, it's hard to hold back my tears. People have no idea how much it means to a vet to see/hear appreciation as it is given to us. More and more I shop and see stores, restaurants etc.. giving discounts to active duty and vets. I am a member of the Army Bass Anglers Pro Staff and I too donate to several charities that assist our Wounded Warriors. It's my way of saying thanks to my brothers (and sisters) in arms who have been wounded in combat. Many in our great country have no idea of the sacrifices our military must make as "Volunteers" on a daily basis. The long hours, 30 day training exercises, the deployments, moving our family away from our homes every 2-3 years, the mental and physical fatigue, and the worst being, the uncertainty if we'll make it home alive. Personally my service cost me my first marriage and almost my second. A back injury in 1989 will haunt me the rest of my life but these are nothing compared to what some others have endured.

I want to thank each and every one of you who were involved in this unselfish gift to our vets--I am sure those who received a rod will cherish them for the rest of their life!

Hooah!

Damn Yankee reply :

Semper fi

geo g reply :

Congrats guys, that is a wonderful gesture for the guys that put their life on the line for this country. How long does it take to make one of these rods? Thanks for taking the time and effort to make their day.

Fish n Things reply :

Very good idea. I am only a couple days into this forum, as I'm not really computer savvy. I am currently AD USAF been in for 7 yrs. I will be looking into how to donate as soon as the day is over. Thank you for your service.

shovelmouth83 reply :

i have to say it is very nice to do this. there re many things out there but this is amazing.

D0331J reply :

Sad to see that this idea appears to have tapered off. Would love to see more vets thanked for their service with something that brings them a little R&R.

J Francho reply :

It's still an active project.

D0331J reply :

Oops, my mistake. By the dates on the posts it looked like it tapered off. I'll read through it again and see about donating to this cause

.ghoti. reply :

Donations continue to trickle in. I have a rod nearly finished at this time. It will be shipped sometime next week? We have enough cash on hand to build another which I will start on soon.

I have paying customers to finish some rods for before starting another one of these.

Rahlow reply :

Awesome.

I know this next question might be awkward, so a PM may be the best from one of the builders to give an idea of what the cost is to cover the expenses of 1 rod??

Mobasser reply :

Let us know. Great idea. I support our military men past and present 100%.

Bigbruce reply :

This community amazes me sometimes. I’m a newcomer, but what a great gesture. I love the Army rod, however I’m a little partial. Congrats to the guys with new rods, you deserve it for your selfless service to our nation.

Glenn reply :

Here's how YOU can be a part of this great project!

Daniel Abram reply :

I know this post is a old one from. What I can tell. Is there any way I can purchase one of these pools? I am a disabled veteran of operation desert storm. I would love to have one if they are still available. Thanks for any info.

.ghoti. reply :

On 3/19/2019 at 9:51 AM, Daniel Abram said:

I know this post is a old one from. What I can tell. Is there any way I can purchase one of these pools? I am a disabled veteran of operation desert storm. I would love to have one if they are still available. Thanks for any info.

Contact this guy.

http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

Mike will build you anything you want.

Daniel Abram reply :

On 3/21/2019 at 12:21 AM, .ghoti. said:

Contact this guy.

http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

Mike will build you anything you want.

Thank you I sent him a message I really appreciate it.

10527

A special announcement 2024

related General Bass Fishing Forum topic

previous topic

next topic

most viewed General Bass Fishing Forum topic