Page 14 - Crappie NOW - February 2019

by Tim Huffman

Industry Pioneer…Buck Simmons That pole was a big seller because at that
“Buck Simmons time it was the lightest pole available.
recently received the “Jigging was getting really big in
Lifetime Achievement Arkansas, and those fishermen wanted
Award from Crappie something lighter they could fish with all
Masters and was day long. We made one stiffer than a fly
inducted to the Legends rod and with eyes. Once the word got out,
of the Outdoors Hall we started selling them. We called it our
of Fame. Buck has Buck’s Graphite Jigging Pole.”
designed, improved Business strength? “From day one, we
and made cutting-edge had inventory. Some companies don’t. I
fishing poles for many always took pride in that.”
decades. His BGJP Other comments about your career?
pole, Buck’s Graphite Jig Pole, forever “I really had fun. I traveled with business
changed crappie fishing. He has made friends. I got to fish a lot especially when
our fishing more efficient, enjoyable, and travelling. Fishing at home was usually
has always supported crappie magazines work because I was trying to improve the
and tournaments. If you have held a long poles.”
pole for crappie or bluegill fishing, it was Any advice? “It’s simple. Live by the
developed by, or at least influenced by, golden rule. Do unto others as you would
Buck Simmons.” …Tim Huffman have them do unto you.”
Buck was born in 1937. His fishing hero
Wilson “Buck” Simmons, long-time owner is a friend named Cotton. American heroes
of BnM Pole Company, started working are Ronald Regan and John Wayne. His
after school in the summer when he was 12 favorite food is fried chicken. Sport team,
years old. He went to Mississippi State and Mississippi State basketball. Favorite
spent two years in Turkey while serving in hobbies include his dogs, goats and horses.
the Army, then returned to work. Pet peeve: liars. Biggest crappie, several
The BnM story? Simmons says, “It over three pounds.
started as the Broom and Mop Company. How would you like to be remembered?
We had broken broom handles we couldn’t “As being the man who developed the best
use, and somebody suggested we attach product that improved the way people catch
them to bamboo poles for bream fishing. crappie.”
We retailed them for $1.50, and that was
a lot of money back then. In about 1957, *Profile from Tim Huffman’s book,
we started making jointed poles. Our next Limiting Out for Crappie. Kindle ebook; or
pole was our first fiberglass called the Little paperback available from Amazon.
Jewel for bream. Next came the Cadillac
that was a fiberglass telescopic for crappie.

14 Crappie NOW February 2019