Page 8 - 2025 Batson Master Catalog

Bob Batson | June 30, 1947 - May 11, 2003

The Vision Continues

By Bill Batson
As the son of Bob Batson, I grew up on a ranch on “Ulupalakua,” Maui. My father was a Paniolo (cowboy). We lived a very simple lifestyle and
fished for much of our food. I would not be the man I am today without the Hawaiian experience.

Some of my most memorable times were fishing with my father. My favorite was fishing off the rocks at night for Ulua. I vividly recall my first
Ulua gaffing experience. My blood was pumping, my headlamp was shaking. I was hanging over the side of the cliff with waves crashing into
me. Dad was saying “He’s close, keep your eyes peeled.” There it was, a huge Ulua. I buried the gaff deep on my first try. I yelled “Dad, I got it!”
He told me to hold on, he was coming. To this day I get goosebumps thinking about it. I still have the picture hanging in my office. It’s one of the
highlights of my life.

In Maui, my father opened a shop called Phantom Custom Rods. He built some of the finest fishing rods in Hawaii. He was featured on the show
“Fishing Tales” and was also featured in the book Fishing Hawaii Style.

In 1990, Bob left Hawaii and went to work for a very prominent company in California. Eight years later my father transferred eight families from
California to work in Sequim, Washington. Sequim is known as being in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains.
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