For a few years now, I have purchased around a dozen reels and rods each year as gifts for children of clients, or for kids who may, for many reasons — not have anyone who could teach them to fish.
These are generally SouthBend Microlites coupled with an Eagle Claw fiberglass rod.
When ordering a few more a couple of weeks ago, I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask SouthBend if they would consider donating (15) combinations to Alan's "Discover Angling" group for the kids.
I provided links to our website — and to the Discover Angling Website also. Along with 501C3 info, and organization goals and guidelines.
Last Thursday, SouthBend happily confirmed that they would be glad to provide some nice setups for the kids — along with the invitation to set up a deep discount plan for Discover Angling future purchases, if needed.
So I contacted Alan, and he was contacting the other (2) principals on the Board.
In the meantime, (15) 5' fiberglass rods and (15) Microlite reels show up on the UPS truck yesterday.
I will spool them up with 6# Trilene XT, provide a practice casting plug, and get them up to Alan's in the next couple of weeks.
So, please keep SouthBend products and their good company in mind when any of these types of gear are needed.
They did not have to do anything — but they stepped up and did — with no hesitation or even the shipping cost.
Best,
Fred
Fred,
Thank you soooo much for putting the time and effort into organizing this! And, also for your generous donation of time and supplies (spooling and line). I know the boss will appreciate it, but more importantly the kids. We, (all us reel nuts), need to remember that these kids are the future... Lets get them fishing! Thanks for the reminder, I need to figure out a way to pay it forward again, like all you guys have taught/helped me!
Your the man Fred!!! AWESOME.
Brett
Nice going Fred. Dominick
Great work Fred!
Thanks for doing this and thanks to South Bend...good stuff!
Sal
Great Cause, Great Job...and a big Hand to South Bend for stepping up !!
That's great, thank so very much!
Way to go Fred & South Bend for getting this done! I have a Shredder SB spinning rod I bought a few years ago when a rod I had planned to use on a fishing trip got damaged in transport, and it has been a good addition to my user rods.
Frank
Alright Southbend! A rod n' reel favorite of mine since I's a kid. I had the microlite until I gave it to my Son-in -law for his and the daughter's backpacking excursions.
That is awesome of Southbend!!!
I suppose now we can plan fresh water fishing excursions.
Thank you Fred in being the conduit for the support of Discover Angling by Southbend.
One more reason to love a historic fishing tackle company...bravo South Bend! 8)
Keeping kids in the fishing circle is what life is all about. Well done SB & Fred, and Alan for having the appropriate entity available!
Class act move, Fred and South Bend.
Cheers to good people doing good things,
Dom
You are the man Fred !!
My hat is off to you
Ted
Pure Class! ;)
Thanks Fred and South Bend!
wow, thanks for sharing the good action from this great brand
I have at least 3 rods and few south Bend reels that I keep for my family to use when we go fishing from shore on the rocks or pier, they are really tough for kids use.
Thank you Fred! Thank you South Bend! Looks like I'll buy a South Bend rod or two because of their philanthropy.
Way to go guys!! I am a big advocate of helping young anglers. For past 6 years I have been giving 2-3 rods & reels to young anglers. I was buying Mitchell 204 & 308's for this purpose, now a day ebay is out of hand with the prices. I do still have a couple flea market vendors, that give me good deals. I build UL rods, nothing fancy just very fish able. Thanks to a friend I met in a rod building site he gets me blanks cheap the last day of a national show. We have kid trout redoes in the area, if I see a youngster with a rig not par, I give them one. Along with a little history of the Mitchell reel, most older than their dads.
walmart has combos and just before winter they clear them out, I usually buy all they have for the kids fishing events my club hosts.
Walmarts are so short of help, they have not clearanced out much in the way of fishing the last year or so. Hope it changes!
Frank