Rod Bates

Harrisburg, PA

Mention the name "Rod Bates" around the tackle shops, marinas and sporting goods stores of the Susquehanna Valley, and people think of… well… we're not sure WHAT they think of. BUT… mention the name "Rod Bates" around the restaurants, snack bars and ice cream parlors of the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, area and right away people know who you are talking about. He's the only guy I know, who has his own permanently reserved table at some of the finer eating establishments in town. BUT… mention the name of "Rod Bates" and the words "nice guy", "good Christian", "family man", "honesty", "sense of humor", "bass angler", "top notch guide" and just about every other "good" adjective you can think of and they all fit. And you get that impression the moment that you meet up with him.

Rod Bates was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and by his name alone, you know he was BORN to fish. Get it? "Rod" (fishing rod) and "Bates" (like in fishing baits). Although he doesn't remember the times his parents would take him riverbank fishing, when he was still in diapers, the photographic proof cannot be denied.

At the age of sixteen, and with the independence that comes with a driver's license, Rod began his journey onto, and love of, the Susquehanna River. With his flat-bottomed boat and 9.9 horse outboard, he spent many hours, days and weeks exploring and appreciating this great river and it's awesome fishery. Rod's love of the battling Smallmouth Bass grew, as his experience and knowledge of the "Bronze Bomber" grew. And as time passed, and Rod became more proficient at catching these elusive creatures, he became more and more in demand by friends and associates, to take them fishing and show them the ways of the wily bass. Rod began to realize he enjoyed teaching others how to catch fish, as much as he enjoyed catching them himself.

Rod decided he needed a better "bassin' boat" if he was going to pursue this desire to share his fishing knowledge with others. A boat that was better suited for the shallow water, rapids and rocks of the Susquehanna River and a boat that would provide safety and comfort for three or four persons. In 1998 Rod met up with local river expert and professional angler Jay Boettner, and quickly developed a lasting friendship (We're still not sure if that is a GOOD thing or not). Jay is another member of our "Pro Staff" now, and his knowledge and expertise of fishing the Susquehanna River is second to NONE. Jay is also the General Manager of Hall's Marine South of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the "fishing headquarters" for most of the areas "river rats". Jay convinced Rod to purchase an outboard jet powered, aluminum bass rig. Jay also began tutoring Rod on boating and fishing knowledge.

Not long afterward, Rod met up with professional angler and multiple "World Record" holder Will Whitehead (better known locally as the "Fishin' Gypsy") and quickly established the fact that they had a lot in common (fishing and eating) and soon developed a lasting friendship. Will is also a member of our "Pro Staff" and regularly contributes his knowledge and expertise to our "Fishing Tips" section.

With this additional mentoring and knowledge, and properly equipped "River Bassin' Rig", Rod had the confidence to establish his guide business. In 1999 Rod began "Koinania Guide Service" (Koinania means "Fellowship" in Greek). Rod specializes in family outings and teaching youngsters the ways of the river and productive fishing methods. He prides himself in creating family memories for his clients, and teaching older and youthful clients alike, the love and respect that he feels for his beloved Susquehanna River. Rod has hosted many "high profile" clients and professional anglers in his short career as river guide. However, his true love still rests with sharing his skills and knowledge with kids, father and son outings and even mother and daughter pairings.

Rod's love of fishing isn't limited to the Susquehanna River. Each year he puts together a group of "diehards" and plans, coordinates and hosts a seven-day trip to Alaska for Salmon and Halibut fishing. He also enjoys fishing for other river species, inshore and offshore saltwater fishing and most importantly, he enjoys spending time in a boat with his lovely wife Linda and daughters Kristen and Britney. The feeling is mutual, as the girls all enjoy an outing with dad and love to fish.

Rod's love of fishing, teaching and family is equal only to his love of life and his love of Jesus Christ. Rod is a good Christian person, who is a pleasure to be around and share a boat with. If you are looking for a guide you can take your children, wife and/or best friends with, Rod Bates is definitely the man for the job. It is my pleasure to call him "friend" and to have him as a member of the E-Bait Express "Pro Staff".