Forecast: rod guides, reel seats and grips for rod building

The story of Forecast starts with Bob Batson. He built his first rods in his living room on Maui. In 1982 he opened Phantom Custom Rods, and his rods made a name across Hawaii. He later left the islands and ran a major rod component company for ten years.

In 2000, Bob and Connie Batson founded Batson Enterprises in Sequim, Washington. Their first employees were their son Bill and their nephew Karry. The company relies on a network of manufacturing partners around the world. Forecast became its component brand, next to ALPS components and Rainshadow blanks.

Bill Batson now runs the company, which is still family owned. In May 2022, his father joined the Hall of Legacy Legends of the Custom Rod Builders Guild. Forecast still designs guides, reel seats, grips and trim parts for spinning, casting and fly fishing.