About Us

Steady Strain Lures started in Fall 2025 with a simple idea and a lifelong love of fishing.

I’m Denver Burkley, the owner and operator of Steady Strain Lures. I currently serve on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Boatswain’s Mate. No matter where the Navy has taken me, fishing has always been a constant — freshwater and saltwater, lakes, bays, dams, and even off the back of a guided missile destroyer in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Fishing has always been how I slow things down. It’s where I go to clear my head, reset, and enjoy something simple after long days and long weeks. Over time, that became more than just a hobby — it became a reminder of how I want to live.

Military life is demanding. It’s fast-paced, high-pressure, and often nonstop. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that when we stay too busy for too long, we burn out. We start feeling unfulfilled, disconnected, and lose sight of our purpose day to day. Taking things in stride — one moment at a time — isn’t a weakness. It’s how you stay grounded.

That belief is where the name Steady Strain comes from. It’s not just a fishing term; it’s a way of living. Not too much pressure, not too little. Just enough strain to keep growing and moving forward without becoming overwhelmed or complacent.

That mindset carries into everything I do. I’ve learned to slow things down, pay attention to the details, and stop measuring life by how much I can cram into a day. When everything becomes a rush, it’s easy to miss the moments that actually matter. Taking the time to be present — whether that’s on the water, at work, or with the people around you — is something I’ve come to value deeply.

Steady Strain Lures isn’t about hype or flash. It’s about enjoying the time on the water, respecting the process, and staying connected to what matters — both in fishing and in life.

Thanks for being here.

Feel the Strain.