Our story is one of resilience and purpose. In May 2023, our founder Derek Mortensen faced an unimaginable tragedy. While celebrating his eldest son's high school graduation, Derek, his wife Kirstin, and their children Saige and Spencer were involved in a devastating car accident caused by a drunk driver. The crash took the lives of Kirstin and 11-year-old Saige, leaving Derek with severe injuries. Thankfully, Spencer walked away with minor injuries, and their oldest daughter Jenn was not in the vehicle at the time.
This heart-wrenching event inspired Derek to honor his loved ones by creating Survivor Rods. Fishing was a cherished activity for Derek and Saige, and it became a way to keep their memory alive. Our mission is to craft custom fishing poles that not only meet your unique needs but also create lasting memories with your loved ones.
At Survivor Rods, we believe in turning tragedy into action. The drunk driver responsible for the accident had a blood alcohol level of .355, a suspended license, and expired insurance. This has fueled Derek's commitment to spreading the vital message: "Do Not Drink and Drive." To further this mission, a percentage of every sale is donated to initiatives aimed at keeping drunk drivers off the streets.