Crossroads auction is no more

[Richard Lodge]

I had a good talk with Crossroads owner Steve Starrantino today. He just returned from two weeks in the Philippines, and plans to move there permanently. The last Crossroads auction was, indeed, the last one, and he has no plans to relaunch the company.
He said he started Crossroads in 2012 out of a desire to bring back the traditional, live, on-site tackle auction, and he made a go of it for a few years. In the end, he said he loved the work but just didn't see the growth in interest in collecting of quality fishing rods, reels and related items, and decided there are enough good things drawing him to the Philippines to make the move. I first came to know Steve when he ran the Armchair Angler bookselling business and I'm happy to say I expanded my small, but enjoyable library of fishing books through purchases I made from him over the years. I met him at Lang's auction in Boxborough one year, too, and it's always nice to put a name and a face together.
That was another thing Steve lamented in our conversation today: the lack of in-person camaraderie and sharing of interests and knowledge that makes a hobby that much better.
"If everybody's going to sit behind a computer and call it a hobby, I think they're wrong. There has to be a coming together to really have the best experience," he said.
Thanks for a good run, Steve, and good luck!
Richard

[john elder]

Well said, Richard. I only met Steve once and had several email exchanges, but he ran a good show that i know many, especially one the Eastern side of the country, will miss.

[RonG]

Steve was a real gentleman. I bought and sold through Crossroads and always enjoyed it. Good luck in your new life !