Robert William Jansen's Obituary
Robert Jansen, legendary fisherman, master lure designer, owner of Seamaster Fly Fishing Reels, and lifelong believer that no fish was too smart for him, has officially reeled in his final catch. He passed on May 24th, 2026, at 1:31pm surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a wake bigger than any boat he ever owned and enough fishing stories to last several lifetimes.
Known far and wide as a master angler and one of the great personalities in saltwater fly fishing, Robbie built Seamaster into what many called the world’s finest fly fishing reel. He designed saltwater lures that fooled fish smarter than most people and spent decades chasing blue marlin, dolphin, tuna, tarpon, bonefish, permit, and anything else willing to put up a fight. His love for fishing started long ago when he proudly caught his very first “snappacuda”, a fish tale his mother loved to tell. He was also a proud sponsor of the Redbone Superfly Tournament in the Florida Keys, where he made lifelong friends and probably exaggerated the size of at least a few fish.
Robbie found peace on the water. Whether he was chasing fish offshore or fine-tuning the next Seamaster reel, he believed in doing things the right way. He was known for being incredibly precise about every reel that carried the Seamaster name because if it had his name on it, it had to be perfect. Anything less simply was not acceptable to him.
Robbie was also the life of the party everywhere he went. He loved deeply, laughed loudly, and if it were up to him, every fishing trip would last just a little bit longer. Whether at the dock, at a tournament, or around friends and family, Robbie had a way of making people smile and turning ordinary moments into stories that would be told for years.
Above all else, family meant everything to Robbie. He never missed a birthday, never forgot to check in on the people he loved, and was the kind of man who showed up when you needed him most. His presence, loyalty, and love for his family will be remembered just as much as his legendary fishing stories.
He survived by his loving wife, Deanna Jansen; Mother Donna Jansen, (Chuck Frow), his oldest son “Little Robbie” Rob (Beth) Jansen, youngest son Andrew Jansen; and his beloved grandchildren Lillie, Sophie, Beau, and Sawyer, who knew that Papa’s fishing stories got at least 5% bigger every time he told them.
Friends say heaven got one hell of an upgrade at the marina. Somewhere right now, Robbie is probably arguing with Saint Peter because heaven’s tackle shop doesn’t carry Seamaster reels.”
Tight lines forever, Robbie.
A true legend never really leaves the water.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?