Long-range fishing pioneer and legendary figure Bill Poole has died
Bill Poole, one of the leading pioneers of San Diego's sportfishing industry and a legendary figure in the saltwater fishing community, died Wednesday night after a lengthy bout with lung cancer. He was 87.
Poole, a prolific boat builder and iconic captain, started with a barge after World War II and either built or had a hand in the construction of many of the San Diego-based long-range vessels that comprise the world's largest and most sophisticated sportfishing fleet.
Among those still operating are the Royal Polaris, Polaris Supreme, Holiday, American Angler, Searcher and the Royal Star.
Poole, who was actively fishing last year, was famously quoted as saying, "It doesn't matter how much money you make, how many cars you drive or how expensive your house is -- when you step onto a boat to fish, the fish don't give a damn."
His passing leaves a deep void in the Southern California saltwater fishing community and especially in San Diego.
Said Bob Fletcher, a former captain and longtime president of the Sportfishing Assn. of California: "We lost one of the real monster pioneers in sportfishing last night. I've known him for most of my life and nobody else had that kind of impact on our industry."
Poole co-owned Fisherman's Landing, from where many of the vessels he built still run. Paul Morris, general manager of the landing, added: "I've worked with him for 42 years and he was like a father to me. He was one of these guys who would talk to the employees like they were one of the guys. He treated them like they were part of the group."
A memorial service for Poole is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 25.
-- Pete Thomas
he was a great man and a wonderful uncle and i want to say three words to express his life. hip hip horray. love you don
Posted by: don andre | February 01, 2010 at 07:51 AM
Well from the East Coast. My Condolences to the Poole Family and EXCEL members. As a child I only heard about this magical boat, as I got older and saved my money I was able to board this boat 3 times for the most epic fishing I could ever imagine. Truly a legend I hear. Its sad losing such a legend
Posted by: Michal Nowak | October 25, 2009 at 04:12 PM
TO : Bill Poole, My deepest regards to the family, Thank you Bill for making my life so much better by providing a fishing operation in San Diego that's in a class by itself,Ive always looked forward to getting out of the rat race and going fishing and you 've provided that, you'll be deeply missed , but never forgotten -- you've given us all the gift of fishing - God bless you , your family and those that will carry on your legacy -- Chris
Posted by: Chris Edmondson | October 23, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Bill Poole will will be terribly missed by myself and my husband, Captain Randy Dalo who runs the Holiday out of Point Loma Sportfishing. We have known Bill for what seems like ever. You just don't have a conversation about fishing in San Diego without Bill's name coming into play. My father, Captain Bud Graves fished with Bill for many years, back in the day when Fishermans Landing was a dirt lot and Florentino's was right next door.
Our family sends our sincere condolences to Ingrid and all of the family in this tough time they now face. Please know that your in our hearts...God Bless
Posted by: Karen Dalo | October 22, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Bill Poole will always be remembered as a pioneer in sportfishing. Bill's work ethic, foresight and commitment to excellence made him the best of the best.
I will always remember Bill for what he so quietly accomplished with his wife Ingrid. Whether it was funding trips for kids to go fishing for the first time or taking wounded warriors on a fishing trip, Poole's alturism shinned through.
Bill will not only be missed by me personally, but he will be missed by several generatios of fishermen who need him more now than ever. Thank you Bill for all that you did to make our sport so great and thank you for opening your heart to so many others. The world is a better place because you were here Bill.
Posted by: Philip Friedman | October 22, 2009 at 01:10 PM