MEET THE MAKER
Last Cast Rod Co. is the brainchild of Daniel Mastrobuono, an avid fisherman and a master craftsman. Daniel has been crafting custom rods for Charter Captains and novices alike, all with the goal of creating a high quality product that can withstand any adventure.
Daniel comes by his fishing obsession naturally - stemming from a long line of passionate Florida fisherman. He’s grown up fishing the same waters his father and grandfather fished, so he is keenly positioned to create the equipment necessary to provide clients with everything they need to be successful.
What does “Last Cast” mean?
In 1973, my grandfather, Richard “Dick” Mastrobuono took my dad and his friends to a place that would change the course of their lives forever. They went to a small commercial fishing town on the end of Pine Island, Florida called Bokeelia (Bow-Key-Lee-Uh). In the 70’s, Bokeelia was an area untouched by time and lacking many modern conveniences but great fishing. My Grandfather would take the group of kids, in a 14 foot jonboat and drop them off strategically across different bays and bars for them to wade and throw artificial lures at the mangroves until the long summer days came to an end. When my Grandfather recognized it was time to pack up and head in for the evening, he would exclaim “Last cast…. kiss my ass”. This phrase was created as an invitation to the fishing gods to grant one more opportunity with rules by which the exclaimer must abide. The rules are as follows: If on the last cast you get a hit, you get to cast one more time, If you catch a fish you get more casts, If you even suspect that a fish was interested in your lure or bait you can cast again. My dad, his brothers, and his friends would mimic my Grandfather and apply the rules much more liberally than intended, often staying out in the water well past dark when the fishing was good or the hopes were still high. These moments are ones that my Dad still recalls frequently, always reminded of his time with his Dad and his friends. My Grandfather, known as the “King of Bokeelia” by those who loved him, passed in 2001. His ashes were spread in the waters where he made so many memories and where we still fish today.
Last Cast Rod Company was created to honor the love and devotion to family, the water, and the outdoors exemplified by my Father and Grandfather. It is my way of sharing the story of my family, and for me to always make sure my Grandfather gets to fish every day through the hands of our customers. So do me a favor, when you are at the end of your day fishing, don’t forget to say “Last Cast”.
-Daniel Mastrobuono