About Local Hooker Rods
Thanks for taking the time to visit Local Hooker Rods. We live and breathe fishing. Not only do we build the finest saltwater rods on the market, we fish them as well!
After boating and fishing in Chatham, Cape Cod for most of his life, owner Bob Jenkins decided it was time he started a serious saltwater rod company. Bob knew he needed to create high-quality, flexible and durable rods in order to catch serious fish. He accomplished this by using the finest first-class materials available on the market today.
Each rod is hand built in the United States by a master rod craftsman. The rod blank has a slightly stiffer and softer side along its length when flexed. The stiffer side is known as the backbone or "spine." This is one of the key components in determining the quality of the rod.
The majority of mass-produced rods are assembled without consideration for the placement of the spine in relation to the guides. In less expensive rods this is deliberately done to decrease assembly time and lower production costs. Every one of our rods is built with the guides placed precisely along the effective spine of the blank. The effective spine is located using the entire parabolic curve in the blank, under full load, not just at the tip. This unique configuration allows the softer side of the rod to flex toward the direction of pull (your fish), significantly reducing torque and keeping the rod from wanting to "flip over" in your hands when under the load of a fighting fish. Our design allows you to fight with just your fish, not your rod too.
The design of Local Hooker Rods equals better action and less fatigue on your arms. Less pull and a more flexible, balanced rod gives our users a better fishing experience altogether.
We never take shortcuts on our rods. They are an investment that pays off over time. Remember the saying, “Life's Too Short to Drink Cheap Wine”
Have some fun! Remember to send us pictures of you and your Local Hooker Rod; we'll post them on the site.
Get Bent!
Bob Jenkins, Owner
Hookers
Although many explorers and fishermen had sailed our waters in the 1500s, Bartholemew Gosnold is credited with the "European discovery" of New England decades later. He named this great coast "Cape Cod" and made note in his logbooks about the plentiful "codfyshes" which "pestered" his ship.
Fishing has always figured prominently in our history and fortunes. The fate of Cape Cod has always been linked to the sea. For centuries the local men in search of a livelihood have turned to the waters around Cape Cod.
These fishermen are also known as “hookers”...
“Hook–er”
Pronunciation: [hook-er]
Noun: Nautical
1. Slang: any old-fashioned or clumsy vessel
2. Any fishing vessel working with hooks and lines rather than nets
3. A person or thing that hooks
Pro-Staff Hookers
Captain Kevin Malone
Captain Kevin Malone is a licensed Captain by the U.S. Coastguard and has a lifetime of experience running charter fishing boats. Capt. Kevin uses LOCAL HOOKER RODS exclusively on the Diablo. He specializes in the Acid-Wrap rods both for in-shore and off-shore fishing. The fast and capable Diablo gets out to the fishing grounds fast and comfortably. Twin 250 HP Cummins engines, running eco friendly bio-diesel, provide reliability, fuel efficiency and speed.
Captain Jack Sprengel
Captain Jack Sprengel owns and operates East Coast Charters LLC out of Warwick, Rhode Island. He's been fishing, diving and navigating the waters of the U.S. Eastern Seaboard for nearly 20 years.
Nicknamed the Jesse James of angling he's known for his edgy style and unique approach to the sport. He has worked in the Marine/Sport Fishing industry since the age of 14. The Captain has also pursued an education majoring in fisheries science that has allowed him to develop an in-depth knowledge that covers a broad range of angling specialties. Whether it's wading streams for brook trout, or trolling Atlantis for Giant Bluefin he's out there doing it, every day.
Mike Nash
Mike Nash is a commercial fisherman on Cape Cod. He grew up on the South Shore and has fished the waters from Scituate to Cape Cod for 34 years. Mike's grandfather was a lobsterman and took him out as a young boy. He's always been passionate about fishing both fresh and salt water. Two years ago he bought his first Local Hooker fishing rod and has since purchased six more for the various types of fishing he does. “I have a hooker for all occasions, from the canal to the beach, river fishing and fresh water. A fisherman has to know one important thing; is the rod you are using fit for how you are going to use it. There are people that call me a very aggressive fisherman because of the way I fish and the amount of fish that I catch. This has been the best season I have ever had with the highest number of fish caught in one season (over 230 stripers) and I attribute that to using the Local Hooker Rods. Most of the catch being striped bass and a few blues. The point is that when you use a product that you can trust, there are no limitations, and that's why I use and stand firmly behind Local Hooker Rods!”
Captain Brian Patterson
Captain Brian Patterson: Fishing since he was the age of 4, Brian has spent the last 9 years guiding others to catch the many species that the east coast has to offer. He has been featured on two covers of On The Water magazine, two TV shows as well as multiple publications. He specializes in Fly Fishing and Light tackle and is fully licensed and insured. Look for The On The Water TV episode featuring Patterson Guide Services this spring!
