Built in the Shop,
Proven on the Water
Family, Fishing, and a Simple Idea
Designed for the days that matter most.
When I’m not at my day job as a lineman, you can usually find me out on the water. For me, fishing isn’t just a hobby—it’s how I spend quality time with my wife and my grandkids.
But I realized I was spending more time fighting my equipment than watching my sonar. I grew tired of constantly wrestling with a manual handle and making endless adjustments every time the wind picked up or the boat drifted. I needed a way to stay on the fish without having to keep a hand on the pole at all times.
Years of Testing (Just for Me)
I didn’t set out to start a business.
I built the first First Mate XT years ago just to solve my own problem. I wanted a wireless, hands-free way to rotate my transducer so I could focus on the fishing.
I’ve been using my own setup for years now, through every kind of weather and condition. It wasn’t until my friends saw it in action and tried it themselves that things changed. They were tired of the “manual struggle” too, and they eventually talked me into building a few for them. Their excitement is what turned this personal project into a small side business.
Truly Handmade
Quality gear, built one at a time.
When you buy a First Mate XT, you’re not getting something off a massive assembly line. Each one is a "side-project" of mine, built by hand with the same care I put into the one on my own boat. Because this is a small-scale operation, I don't have the massive overhead of the big-name brands. That allows me to keep my costs down and pass those savings directly to you. My goal is simple: to provide fellow anglers with a high-quality, reliable product at a price that makes sense.
My Personal Promise
Angler to Angler.
Customer satisfaction is my top priority. Since my name is on every unit that leaves my shop, I want to make sure you’re as happy with yours as I am with mine. If you’re looking for a simple, rugged, and affordable way to get the most out of your live sonar, I’m proud to offer you the First Mate XT.
The Community
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