GAOS 2018

Rod Bates

Koinonia Guide Company


Rod Bates was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and, just by looking at his name, you know he was born to fish! Although he doesn’t remember the times his parents took him river bank fishing when he was in diapers, the photos cannot be denied. Rod is a Christian and he is the owner of Koinonia Guide Service. Koinonia was started in 1999 and they offer guided fishing trips for smallmouth bass, catfish and panfish. Rod enjoys helping people become successful at catching fish. It is the mission of Koinonia Guide Service to provide their clients a safe, productive and memorable experience while exposing them to Gods Wonderful Creation. Rod is a Proud Pro Staff Member of fantastic national companies like Bass Pro Shops, Mercury Marine, PLANO Tackle Systems, PRADCO, St. Croix, Team Catfish, Frabill and Lowrance. He is also sponsored by great local companies like Fitt Premium Lures, AlumaRyder Boats and Snagler Tackle Company. These relationships allow Rod to field test new products and report back to the companies. Rod’s love of fishing is not limited to river fishing as he has expanded his guide business to include exotic trips to such places as Alaska and Cost Rica. The Alaska Trip is an annual event where the group primarily targets Halibut and Salmon. Rod’s love of fishing is not limited to the Susquehanna River. For more than a decade Rod has taken groups to Alaska on fishing trips. He has also expanded his business to include trips to Venezuela and Costa Rica. Rod is currently on the Pro Staff for Bass Pro Shops and gets many opportunities to try new products and do instructional demonstrations in the store and at outdoor shows.

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