Why I Started Old 18 – A Mission Bigger Than Fishing
I didn’t start Old 18 just to sell fishing rods.
I started it because I believe in what fishing represents. The quiet. The challenge. The patience. The battle. And the moment of peace when everything else fades away and it’s just you, the water, and what you’re made of.
For me, fishing isn’t just a hobby. It’s a metaphor for life.
And the gear you take into that moment matters.
A Different Kind of Brand
I’m not a professional angler. I’m a retired Navy SEAL. I’ve led warriors in real fights, across four wars, and trained the next generation through some of the toughest training pipelines in existence.
I know what gear failure feels like—and I know the kind of grit that gets you through it.
Old 18 Outfitters was born out of that mentality. I wanted to build rods that didn’t just look good on a shelf but stood up in real conditions. Not fragile toys. Not overpriced marketing fluff. Just high-performance, honest gear for guys who still show up and fight the grind.
What Does “Old 18” Mean?
The name isn’t random. “Old 18” was the call sign of a small group of U.S. soldiers who stood their ground in a lopsided battle that history forgot.
Outnumbered. Outgunned. And they held.
That story stuck with me. Because sometimes you’re not the biggest, or loudest, or flashiest—but you still stand your ground. That’s the spirit behind every rod we make.
Who We’re For
We’re not chasing clout.
We’re not sponsoring everyone with a camera.
We’re here for the everyday warrior. The dad who works all week and finds peace on the water Saturday morning. The veteran who needs to breathe. The guy who just wants gear that won’t quit.
We see you. We build for you.
Join the Mission
Old 18 isn’t about us. It’s about you. It’s about reclaiming a little stillness, a little grit, and a whole lot of purpose.
So grab your gear. Take the shot. Get on the water.
And know we’ve got your back.
Thanks,
Old 18 Rods - Built for the fight. Balanced for the win.
