R.I.P Bill Poole

**Ali** · Oct-22-2009, 11:29 AM

Wow. The death of an Icon...

RIP Mr. Poole

Bada Bing · Oct-22-2009, 11:29 AM

Wow, that's sad, truly an icon in this town and in the industry. My condolences to friends and family.

FishingVideos.com · Oct-22-2009, 11:42 AM

<i><a href="http://www.fishingvideos.com">Bill Roecker</a></i>

<a href="http://fishingvideos.com/news/media/2009images/20091022-BillPoole-2003-sm.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://fishingvideos.com/news/media/2009images/20091022-BillPoole-2003-sm.jpg" align="right" width="300" height="200" hspace=7 vspace=7 alt="Bill Poole passed away October 22, 2009"></a>Bill Poole’s office manager Betty Stein had sad news for the fishing community October 22. After fighting lung cancer for many months, Bill passed away during the previous night.

The news touches almost everyone in the saltwater sportfishing business. Poole was a pioneer and instrumental in establishing the long range fishing industry and all its related service businesses. Bill personally “brought up” many of the fleet’s best-known skippers, and he designed and built the majority of the boats still in operation.

Bill Poole was not only an icon known to all, his generosity extended to lending a helping hand to his competitors. Many, if not most of the present operations were begun or assisted at some point with his financial aid and his expertise in fishing and business.

<a href="http://fishingvideos.com/news/media/2009images/20091022-BillPooleBluefin-sm.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://fishingvideos.com/news/media/2009images/20091022-BillPooleBluefin-sm.jpg" align="left" width="133" height="200" hspace=7 vspace=7 alt="Bill Poole passed away October 22, 2009"></a>No one in southern California sportfishing was better known than Bill Poole. He spent much time with his beloved Safari Club, and built a legendary collection of game mounts. He supported all manner of programs to sponsor fishing for those new to the sport, and he was a superb fisherman in his own right. No matter if you were a 25-year long range skipper or a first-timer on a boat, Bill Poole had something to teach, whether it was about fishing technique or just getting along with others.

According to Betty Stein, there will be a memorial for Bill Poole November 25. More information will be released as it becomes known. Meanwhile, the San Diego docks are in mourning for the greatest fisherman of all.

**Marcus** · Oct-22-2009, 11:50 AM

Wow, sad to hear he has passed on.

God speed and catch a cow on the other side.........

YANK N CRANK #2 · Oct-22-2009, 11:53 AM

RIP Bill Poole...

paulskier · Oct-22-2009, 11:53 AM

R I P Bill Poole

Paul

WIDEOPENBITE · Oct-22-2009, 11:54 AM

A true loss to the sportfishing community.

spike · Oct-22-2009, 12:06 PM

A pillar, icon, & legend of the fishing community. He will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.

jimm · Oct-22-2009, 12:18 PM

Had the pleasure of working for Bill Poole. He was an awesome human being. Wonderful to work for and be around. When I would bring my family down to see the Excel, he was always gracious and accommodating. What we do today is due largely to what he has accomplished over his career. He will be sorely missed. God Bless Bill Poole and his family.

chuckrac · Oct-22-2009, 12:18 PM

Every Ocean Fisherman should thank Bill Poole for the wonderful growth of this industry.

I knew Bill Poole since he was a sport fishing boat Captain.

A nicer guy never walked the deck...EVERY FISHERMAN should post his thanks on BLOODY DEECKS to the passing of a truly great man!

His friend

Chuck Racoosin

chuckrac

jimm · Oct-22-2009, 12:19 PM

Had the pleasure of working for Bill Poole. He was an awesome human being. Wonderful to work for and be around. When I would bring my family down to see the Excel, he was always gracious and accommodating. What we do today is due largely to what he has accomplished over his career. He will be sorely missed. God Bless Bill Poole and his family.

KuttySark · Oct-22-2009, 12:23 PM

I can't help but to think of the symbolism of the great Bill Poole passing away as our fishing grounds were being taken from us. We too will have to venture far into Mexico to fish, to the waters that Bill scouted very early on in his career.

I had the opportunity about 15 years ago to be the galley assistant on the Excel for a trip that Bill rode on. Despite his success and wealth, and the fact that he was on his own boat, he was very gracious, respectful and nice to everyone - passengers and crew alike (rarer than you imagine on the sport boats).

Rest in Peace Mr. Poole.