Andy Dear | Thursday, 17 September 2020
More than once I have alluded to the fact that one of the most interesting and satisfying parts of working in the fishing industry is getting to know the interesting people involved in our craft. Two years ago I ran up on someone who might just be one of the most talented artists that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. His name is Jared DuCote, and alongside his father Bob DuCote, they own DuCote Custom Lures here in San Antonio, TX.
I met Jared through a cold call that I made when I was looking for someone to evaluate a prototype epoxy clear coat I had developed for the custom fishing lure market. After Jared and I exchanged pleasantries over the phone, he invited me to pay him and his dad a visit at their home studio to discuss what they needed in a clear coat. Jared and I hit it off immediately, and he and his father have both become not only good customers but also good friends.
That was two years ago now, and I have to say that during the time I have known Jared, I am continually blown away by the level of raw artistic talent that he has been blessed with. And, his fishing lure designs are just the tip of the iceberg in his repertoire. His work in more traditional mediums is absolutely mind-blowing in the level and complexity of its detail. In fact, they are so realistic that some of his paintings could easily be mistaken for photographs, or in the case of his fishing lures, LIVE BAIT.
Recently the conservation group Ducks Unlimited took notice of Jared's undeniable talent and has commissioned him to do several waterfowl related paintings for their auctions and fundraisers. For those of you not familiar with DU, they are one of, if not THE original conservation group here in America, and have built the archetype that all conservation groups now model themselves after. An invitation to become a painter for DU is an honor of the highest order, and an opportunity to be thrust into some very elite company.
For the last year or so now Jared and I have made it a point to have lunch together almost weekly. As our friendship has evolved, those times we break bread together have seen our topics of conversations become less about fishing lures and rod building, and more about family problems, occupational issues, life stresses, and the ever-looming topic of what we'd really like to do when we grow up. My friendship with Jared is just another prime example of how my life has been deeply enriched by the folks that I have had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with through my career in fishing.
To read more about the DuCotes, or to become more acquainted with their work, you can visit their website here. https://ducotecustomlures.com/
Hope that all of you are having a great week,
Andy