Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Some years ago, there was a television commercial that featured a kid sitting on a dock and directly Roland Martin arrives. The kid asked Roland how he could learn how to catch fish. I am unable to remember the channel or the exact dialog, but do not suppose it matters.

The scene is the kid is on the dock as Roland arrives in his boat, and the kid, who is perhaps 8 to 10 years old asked Roland how to catch fish, or something like that. Roland Martin takes out a package of plastic worms and tosses them over to the kid, who is both amazed and is quite appreciative of this gift. I think Roland said something on the order, of “you don’t work for them, they work for you.”

It is an excellent commercial on several levels when one looks at it critically. First, there is the attention that Roland pays the kid, and not only does Roland answer, he gives the Kid something to follow up on answering the kid’s needs. It shows that Roland is friendly, and willing to take time to help the kid and supply an answer in the way of some free lures to follow up on the help.

The entire commercial leaves one with a warm feeling and for me a resolve to do the same if the situation arises where I can, and in the future do the same as Roland had done by example.

I do not know if you have ever seen this commercial, or what your reaction was, but hopefully it was both something your remembered and gave you inspiration to help any young person who asks you for help. Just Sayin…RJS

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

I finally found the quote that the lad asks Roland, how do you work those things? And that’s Roland said,” you don’t work them, they work for you!” Just sayin...RJS

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

I vaguely remember the commercial, but the message was there. I was a huge fan of Roland’s TV show, along with Bill Dance, Al Lindner and now Hank Parker. These guys have all been there...and done that! They were champion fishermen and now are beyond the look at me and what I did. They now share info and tips to help others catch fish. Sure, they are sponsored, but I would much prefer to learn from them than watch people play poker or cornhole on TV on a rainy or snowy day. Now, remembering all the tips is the hard part...

Golfish1951 Loc: North Carolina

Let me tell you this, if Roland Martin speaks you need to listen! Freshwater, Saltwater, pond, lake, river, stream, no matter the species, you need to listen.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vuth8lYdxO0

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

Brings to mind the Coke commercial with Mean Joe Green and a kid.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Yes. That was a good one

Kansas Boy Loc: Dorothy's Home State

I got a good one, about what a nice guy Roland is. True story. My older brother and I took our boys to a Sport Boat & Travel show in Wichita, Kansas. While we were talking to Roland, my son who was probably about 10 years old, backed into a display board of Roland's favorite crank baits he uses. We all turned around and here was my son with several treble hooks stuck to his jacket. And of course the more he struggled the more lures he got attached to. Roland immediately told my son it was okay, and just stand still. He removed all the lures and was chuckling the whole time. No big deal at all. I tried to apologize and he said no apology needed, he's just a kid. My son is 44 now and still remembers this story.
I wonder if Roland would remember, we sure do. What a great guy and a great fisherman from our neighbor state Oklahoma.

fishinphil

do you really think that roland will remember some kid from 33 years ago?

Dwieds Loc: Richmond Va. and Smith Mountain Lake Va.

Ya’ll don’t forget old Jimmy Houston too. He’s another one of the old pioneers.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Yes, what I really liked about Bill Dance was he published a series of "outtakes" where something wrong happened and the take was flubbed. Once he got into a nest of hornets, another time banged his chin against the trailer hitch, and I believe I saw one where he fell out of the boat! Just Sayin...RJS

Golfish1951 Loc: North Carolina

I would bet Roland remembers that “event” with your son.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Too bad he didn’t just tell your son to wear them proudly and leave them all attached for your Son.

Westcoaster Loc: Fairfield, CA.

Check out U tube. Type in any of their names and there is a world of amazing videos available.

Geomike Loc: Forest Ranch, CA

Hey RJ. The ad was for Gary Yamamoto soft plastic baits. I think for Senkos. I remember it well. "You don't work them, they work for you!"