One of the most exciting aspects of the fishing industry is the ability for small businesses to succeed. Whether it’s painting lures, building rods, guiding operations, or local bait shops there are success stories dotted across the country. One of these success stories comes straight out of Pierre, South Dakota, and that’s JB Designs Custom Rods.
“Josh Bible is probably one of the most detail-oriented individuals I know, and when he sets his mind to something there is no doubt he’s going to do it at a very high level,” says Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “I’ve been fortunate to watch JB Designs from the beginning, and it’s a success story to be proud of.”
Bible’s business began as a hobby in 2018 following a difficult year.
“It started with wanting to build a couple of memorial rods for my stepson, Hunter Propst, and his grandfather, walleye fishing legend Bob Propst Sr., who we lost in 2017,” according to Bible.
As Bible continued to build rods, his business began to build as well.
“This hobby quickly escalated as I started to build a few rods for myself and a few close friends,” continues Bible. “After a couple years and a countless number of rods later, I decided to go ahead and try my hand at offering them to the public.”
While Bible continued to gain more experience and improve the quality of rods, he sought feedback from many anglers as well.
“My first experience with Josh’s rods was the pheasant opener in 2021 when Josh, Bob Propst Jr, Mason Propst, and I went out to do a testing session,” recalls Harrington. “Josh had five rods, all of different variations, and wanted our feedback on all of them.”
A strong fall jigging bite led to a number of fish being sampled, and plenty of feedback from all anglers in the boat.
“This was such an eye-opening experience for me, because I had brought my favorite factory jigging rod with me, and admittedly was a bit skeptical, but after about 15 minutes of fishing I realized I could never use it again,” jokes Harrington. “I literally had to relearn how to jig because the sensitivity was so much greater!”
As more rods were built, and more feedback was received, Bible’s line continued to expand.
“I have been mainly building rods for walleye fishing to include jigging and bottom bouncing rods. I have also ventured into ice rods as well,” continues Bible. “I like to build a rod with clean lines and use the most lightweight components that I can.”
The lightweight nature of the rods is what makes them extremely sensitive and able to feel the lightest of bites.
“Josh completely changed how I look at rod and reel set ups, and I ended up buying smaller, lightweight reels because the rods themselves were so light,” expands Harrington. “I’d never realized how big a role weight plays in a rod, but once you feel it the difference is unbelievable.”
The feedback received along the way is what has turned great rods into truly incredible rods.
“The only thing that may surpass Josh’s attention to detail is his willingness and ability to take feedback,” states Harrington. “He wants our opinions on the handles, guides, every little detail he’s thinking about and most importantly he cares what we think too.”
As Bible’s business has continued to expand, so have the opportunities for anglers to purchase one of his rods. There are four different models available for purchase at local retailers, including Lynn’s DakotaMart in Pierre, with options for both bottom bouncing and jigging.
The JB Designs Walleye Depth Strike Bottom Bouncing rods were the first production rods available for purchase. These are 7’6” medium power, moderate fast action, and rated for 8-15 pound line.
After receiving extremely positive reviews, three jigging style rods were added to the production line as well.
“I am extremely excited to introduce the first three spinning rods to be added to the Walleye Series,” states Bible. “We have a 6 ‘6” Light, Fast, a 6’ 9 ” Medium Light, Extra Fast, and a 7 ‘2” Light, Fast. All three rods are designed for jigging minnows or plastics, but they can also be used for different presentations as well.”
The four rods combine to build a versatile lineup of walleye rods.
“When you look at walleye fishing, whether it’s on the Missouri River, Glacial Lakes, or really anywhere across the Midwest, these four rods are going to cover most of your needs throughout a given season,” continues Harrington. “I’ve been fortunate to use all of them, and they truly are the real deal.”
In addition to the Depth Strike Bottom Bouncer and Light Bite Jig Stick, Harrington has used both the Sharpe Elite and Oahe Platinum custom rods as well.
“My first rod Josh built for me was a Sharpe Elite, and I think that’s what has been the coolest to see is how he’s built from there,” elaborates Harrington. “My next rod was an Oahe Platinum, and now he’s got the entire Walleye Series. It’s so cool to see all the progress he’s made just over the past few years.”
The number of rods available means there’s something for every angler.
“Whether you love bottom bouncing or pitching jigs, you really need to give these rods a try,” states Harrington. “You’re going to find they take your fishing to the next level, at least they sure did for me.”
The attention to detail, feedback, and time on the water are what has made these rods one of the top options on the market.
“What I appreciate most about Josh is that first and foremost he’s an angler, he tests his rods every time he’s on the water, he’s fishing them a variety of different ways, and he’s constantly tinkering and using that experience to make an even better product,” concludes Harrington. “These rods are literally built by a fisherman for fisherman, and I think that’s the intangible factor that’s made them elite.”
That fisherman continues to build rods, test rods, and strive to make the best possible product.
“After extensive testing and refinement, I’m confident these rods rival top brands,” states Bible. “A huge thank you to my loyal customers for their support – I couldn’t have made it this far without you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!”
Anglers interested in Bible’s rods can find more information on his Facebook page, JB Designs – Custom Rods. Rods are also available at Lynn’s Dakotamart in Pierre and Lured In in Ogallala, Nebraska.
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