handed the reins over to his son Nick.
It was about 42 years ago while lake trout fishing in Port Austin, Michigan, I started making downrigger releases using Muler electrical clips. At that time, we were fishing trout and salmon tournaments and this release let us know we had a hit before the line was released thus giving us a heads-up and allowing us to catch more fish. I never anticipated making this a life-changing business at the time since I was doing well as a mechanic for Detroit Edison. The simple electrical clip evolved into injection molding of the release and expanding into several other models based on this clip. Moving forward a few years we built the mini release to offer to companies already making in-line boards. After showing no interest in the mini release, we began a 2 year project to build our own in-line planer board. In the early 90’s The In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail was just starting and besides competing in the tournaments, we started supplying the anglers with product. With the help of Gary Parsons, Keith Kavajecz, Mark Romanack and premier tool maker Mike Zelkowski, we fine tuned the Off Shore OR12 Side Planer into the quality board we are known for. Along the way, we made numerous other products which form the company it is today.
After all these years and a lot of help from many people we have a company that I am very proud of. Now is the time to turn it over to my son Nick. I have utmost confidence that it will be in good hands. He has been involved in the company since it started and understands the entire process. It’s time for me to retire and enjoy life with more traveling and more time in Cancun.
I want to thank all of you for your support for the past 42 years. It has meant a lot to me. The “Chairman of the Boards” is signing off!
