I began bass fishing about 10 years ago. Like many others, I initially purchased some low priced baitcasting equipment. Needless to say, I soon learned the difference between low price and good value. Someone once said "The sweetness of low cost is soon replaced  by the bitterness of poor quality." I found this to be particularly true of fishing equipment, especially rods and reels.

I've always worked with my hands. I'm a certified car nut and have been since my teens. In fact, my primary jobs during college involved working on cars. I started working on my own reels many years ago when I couldn't afford to pay anyone else to repair them. As I upgraded my baitcasting equipment over the years, I couldn't keep myself from taking my new reels apart to try to make them cast smoother and farther. As with any mechanical skill, practice makes perfect, and my own reels were the perfect training grounds. I also began building my own rods because I could not find the rods I wanted at a price I was willing to pay.

I discovered the Bass Fishing Home Page web site in the summer of 2000. I read the many posts and absorbed all of the information I could find, particularly concerning rods and reels. I tried to contribute when I could. I noticed that most of the serious bass fishermen had their equipment professionally serviced. I had been looking for a small business opportunity that would have portability and could provide some extra income after retirement. I investigated the possibilities with Connie Kilpatrick of Lake Fork Tackle Repair and Bob Barker of Buck Creek Rod and Reel Repair. Both were very helpful and forthright in telling me the pros and cons of the business.  It seemed to be a good fit for me, especially considering my mechanical background.

In March of 2002, Connie's health caused her to close her business. When she offered me the opportunity to purchase her business, I jumped at it. The result is Heartland Tackle Service. I hope you'll allow me to help you to keep your precision fishing equipment in top working condition.

I do have a full-time day job which helps send my kids to college and provides medical insurance. I'm easiest to reach in the evenings. Feel free to call me at (316) 684-8905 after 5 p.m. Central Time or any time on weekends. You can also email me at any time at [email protected]