About Us
Doug Roberts Jr.
Ever since I can remember, I have loved fishing. It all started when my grandfather took me. We would get all the tackle ready the night before, making sure the rods were clean, the line was in good condition, the hooks were sharp, and the appropriate boxes were filled with the right tackle. For me, that was just as important as going out and fishing the next day. Throughout the entire process, we were able to enjoy each other's company. At around the age of 10, I started tying flies with him, and it was the same joy. Getting everything as perfect as possible to catch fish was that much more gratifying. As I grew older, choosing the spots, prepping the gear, and making weights, jigs, lures, and flies just wasn't enough anymore. I decided to take it another step further and started building rods. The anticipation of preparing for fishing and the constant pursuit of perfection brought me great excitement.
Out of all the tackles, the rod is the most intimate to me. It is the one piece that becomes an extension of you and what you hold onto. I try to integrate artwork into my rods to help express the individual buying it and create a rod that will function better than any you have ever used before. The night before a fishing trip, you likely gather your rods, choose lures, plan where you will go, and chart out the day. This is often just as exciting as the actual fishing. Then, when you are there at the moment, you know you can rely on your tackle and that your rod will perform.
"Whether you fish alone with a friend or family member, there is a joy that will last a lifetime and your rod will be there with you."
- Tight Lines Friends
Chuck Smith
I was born with fishing in my blood. As a child, my father was president of Southeastern Bassmaster Association™, and I grew up listening to fishing tales from many of the greats. While living the majority of my life on or near water around the country, I saved mowing money and bought my first boat at age 14. Later, I joined the Air Force and married my beautiful wife. We managed six wonderful children and now have eight grandkids with two more on the way.
I have been fortunate enough to bass fish from Oregon to California, Maryland to Florida, and everywhere in between. Currently, I am fishing in the Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail and by God's grace have made it to the national finals. This could result in a birth into the Bassmaster Classic™. I am also fishing the Solo Pro Tournament Series for the central United States.
Matt (Royal Slammer) Price
I did not start fishing till the end of 2007. I bought a new boat and joined a fishing club. Having put 4,000 hours on her in 4 years and catching heaps of fish, I started a new journey - the International Game Fishing Association, and have 6 different Royal Slams:
- Billfish (9 different species)
- Tuna (8 different species)
- Shark (9 different species)
- Salmon (6 species)
- Bass (8 species)
- Trout (7 species)
I decided to be first in the world with all 6. There's only about 200 people in the world with any of them, so to be first in the world was going to be a huge challenge. I had to work 2 jobs to pay for it and sacrifice a lot but 6 years later became the first to do it. I have gotten to fish some incredible places around the world and want to inspire others to pursue their dreams and/or fishing.
Douglas approached me to be a pro angler for him. We discussed a rod that would be perfect for light tackle fishing but strong enough to handle big fish on light gear. The other requirement was it had to be compact so I could carry it in my bag. That's the benefit of dealing with great custom rod makers as they will tailor make it to your needs. Looking forward to putting it through its paces and am glad to be a part of the team.
William Vest
I grew up on a small farm in Oklahoma. Hunting and fishing had been a passion of mine. It seemed like a natural thing that I thought everyone did. It was not until I got older that I realized it was not as common as I thought.
From a young age I had caught many bass over 8lbs and could not get enough of it. As I got older and wanted to push my fishing to the next level, I quickly realized buying a boat was not in my current cards; however, kayaks caught my interest. It was not long before I was running local kayak tournaments and jackpots in the kayak fishing world. That has led to such a passion that I ended up buying a house at my favorite lake to fish with my kayak. After many years, I have taken a step back from leading, but my passion for kayaks and fishing hasn’t slowed down. I have a love for this niche market and the people who are part of it.
One thing is for sure, kayak fishing anglers are different and I am proud to be part of this movement. It's currently growing faster than ever and getting people into the sport that never would have had the opportunity before.
Rohan Ramsingh
I am a true water enthusiast with a heart that beats to the rhythm of the waves – a genuine water baby in the blood and a soul dedicated to the art of fishing. From my earliest memories, the call of the water has been irresistible; a magnetic force pulling at the core of my being. It's been joked about throughout my family that I learned the art of fishing before taking my first steps.
Fishing isn't just a hobby; it's a sanctuary for me as a U.S. Army Veteran and a place where I find peace and recharge my soul. Battling PTSD, I have discovered solace in the tranquil waters, a source of calmness that keeps me centered. Growing up surrounded by water and blessed with a family that not only understands but accommodates my passion for fishing, my journey is one intertwined with the soothing ebb and flow of nature. Service to my country has left its mark and yet, with a resilient spirit, I actively seek the lightest, most streamlined gear; a testament to my commitment to the sport.
This premium equipment not only reflects a dedication to efficiency but also ensures that each cast is maximized, enabling me to reel in larger fish with minimal fatigue – a dance with the elements that bring me unparalleled joy. With a line cast into the water and eyes fixed on the prize, my avid angler mind is always on the lookout for opportunities to pursue the next big catch. Fishing isn't just a pastime; it's a passion I am eager to share. Through imparting knowledge and love for the sport, I aspire to inspire future generations, casting a legacy as vast and enduring as the waters I hold dear.