Charlie Crosby is devastated that he lost his custom made fishing rod while fishing on the banks of the Nottawasaga River in Wasaga Beach.

He believes the person who found the rod intends to return it to its owner but so far they have been unable to connect.

Crosby, a Barrie resident, was fishing at a local hot spot behind the water treatment plant, off what is known as Fisherman's Road, on Nov. 9.

At 10 a.m. he packed up to go home and somehow left without his fishing rod.

The next day, his friend was listening to a Barrie radio station when he heard a caller from Wasaga Beach report on air that he had found a very unique rod.

"He said he had found a fishing rod and he had never seen anything like it before and it is something special," said Crosby.

The friend didn't even know that Crosby had lost his rod but called his home to report the call.  

They figure it was Crosby's handmade three-piece float fishing rod with a Duncan reel that was given to him by his wife for the couple's 20th anniversary six years ago. The reel was made by one of Crosby's friend and there are only 20 in existence.

Although it is has monetary value it is its sentimental value that is keeping Crosby awake at night.

He said the rod is like an extension of his arm, something other anglers may be able to relate to.

The caller didn't want to broadcast his name and phone number over the air but according to Crosby, he did leave it with the staff, however they were unable to locate the contact information when Crosby called the station.

"I'm so close to this thing but so far away," said Crosby.

He said he does have insurance but it is not a matter of money.

Crosby has been frantically trying to locate the mysterious caller that found his rod. He has been putting up posters around Wasaga Beach, the Barrie radio station has repeatedly aired spots about the rod and he is prepared to offer a reward.

"Tell me what you want for the rod and reel and I'll pay you, that's how badly I want to get this thing back," said Crosby. "I am desperate."

Anyone with any information about the missing fishing rod and its finder is asked to call 728-6636.