Four years ago Scott Belisle thought of a way to make a lighter, sturdier fishing rod. When he lost his job as a land surveyor last January, he decided to pursue it. And now outdoorsmen across the country want to buy his products.
So far Belisle and his White Haven-based Lehigh Fishing Co. have developed five models of carbon-fiber fishing rods. Unlike other fishing rods made of the same material, he says the fibers are pulled tightly in a way that makes them extra sensitive. Belisle said he’s received positive feedback from other fishermen who have tried them out. They’re light enough for older fishermen to use all day without wearing their arms out, and they’re sensitive enough to detect small fish at the end of a hook.
Belisle plans to develop more than 20 other types of fishing rods, including some for ice fishing and big-game fishing. He’s committed to using only American suppliers for his products.
“These aren’t going to be the kinds of fishing rods that you’ll buy at Walmart or Kmart,” he says. “These are going to be higher-end rods.”
MetroAction, a northeastern Pennsylvania nonprofit, has given Lehigh Fishing an $18,000 loan. Belisle put $30,000 of his own money into the venture and expects to receive more financing for startup costs within a few weeks. Once the company gets going, he has about 40 orders to fill from as far away as Oregon and Washington state.
Belisle, an avid fisherman and bow hunter, also plans to use carbon fiber to make hunting arrows and shafts for hockey sticks and golf clubs. Eventually he hopes to launch a line of fishing apparel like waders, shirts and backpacks.
Source: Scott Belisle, Lehigh Fishing Co.
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen