British Columbia made fishing reels
PEETZ Reels ... Victoria BC Canada made from the early 1920's to present
founded by Boris Cecil Peetz 1883 - 1954
Three early Peetz handmade salmon reels
Boris Peetz came to Canada from Russia in 1910 and in 1911 came across the country via train to Vancouver, then on to Victoria. He was an accomplished silversmith and worked for a number of years in the jewellery trade , eventually establishing his own jewellery repair and manufacturer business.
Boris became well acquainted with handlining for salmon around the Victoria waters and enjoyed fishing for sport and recreation.... It was during these early days he realized there was a need for sturdy fishing tackle that was sought by a wave of anglers coming to Vancouver Island seeking the great Chinook salmon.
This wave of anglers was dazzled by stories of huge salmon caught close to shore, like the one Sir Richard Musgrave landed in 1896 at the mouth of the Campbell River. This story of a 70+ pound Chinook Salmon caught on relatively light tackle was reported in "The Field Magazine" that year in October.Vibrations of this catch were felt around the world and each summer angling tourists began flocking to this mecca.
2 special wax/plaster casts of this amazing salmon were made. One stayed in Victoria to be displayed for many years in the Royal BC Museum, and the other followed Sir Richard to London was finished by the great firm of Roland Ward and today the fish is housed at the British Museum of Natural history.
Some time in the early 1920's Boris began making fishing reels that were similar to the British wood (Scarborough) salmon reels available at the time, but with his amazing design and engineering skills, made improvements to the wooden reel that would launch him into the history books. Though mainly made from mahogany , other were made from Beech, walnut, cherry and possibly any durable wood available.
The first Peetz reels were named "The Pacific Reel " which was stamped into the metal strap, the earliest known being a Scarborough rendition (no check mechanism) , then later reels took the form of the above "Y back" also incorporating an ingenious counter system for measuring line.
Borris, assisted by his family , Ivan, Bud, Judy made countless 1000's of reels over his life along with building rods , lead slip weights and spoons.
Interestingly , some 90 years later as I write this , many ,many Peetz reels and weights are still in use and in fact the company is still in business (owned by Bill Hoosan) producing these iconic fishing reels.
( This company was sold in 2023 so as I get more info the story will be updated )
Boris Peetz came to Canada from Russia in 1910 and in 1911 came across the country via train to Vancouver, then on to Victoria. He was an accomplished silversmith and worked for a number of years in the jewellery trade , eventually establishing his own jewellery repair and manufacturer business.
Boris became well acquainted with handlining for salmon around the Victoria waters and enjoyed fishing for sport and recreation.... It was during these early days he realized there was a need for sturdy fishing tackle that was sought by a wave of anglers coming to Vancouver Island seeking the great Chinook salmon.
This wave of anglers was dazzled by stories of huge salmon caught close to shore, like the one Sir Richard Musgrave landed in 1896 at the mouth of the Campbell River. This story of a 70+ pound Chinook Salmon caught on relatively light tackle was reported in "The Field Magazine" that year in October.Vibrations of this catch were felt around the world and each summer angling tourists began flocking to this mecca.
2 special wax/plaster casts of this amazing salmon were made. One stayed in Victoria to be displayed for many years in the Royal BC Museum, and the other followed Sir Richard to London was finished by the great firm of Roland Ward and today the fish is housed at the British Museum of Natural history.
Some time in the early 1920's Boris began making fishing reels that were similar to the British wood (Scarborough) salmon reels available at the time, but with his amazing design and engineering skills, made improvements to the wooden reel that would launch him into the history books. Though mainly made from mahogany , other were made from Beech, walnut, cherry and possibly any durable wood available.
The first Peetz reels were named "The Pacific Reel " which was stamped into the metal strap, the earliest known being a Scarborough rendition (no check mechanism) , then later reels took the form of the above "Y back" also incorporating an ingenious counter system for measuring line.
Borris, assisted by his family , Ivan, Bud, Judy made countless 1000's of reels over his life along with building rods , lead slip weights and spoons.
Interestingly , some 90 years later as I write this , many ,many Peetz reels and weights are still in use and in fact the company is still in business (owned by Bill Hoosan) producing these iconic fishing reels.
( This company was sold in 2023 so as I get more info the story will be updated )
Below are 2 examples of a beautiful Wood/Brass trolling reels made in England but sold exclusively by a local Victoria BC firm "Wilson & Lenfesty"
The ad was found in a 1935 copy of the VSIAA yearbook and reads "The New Chinook Reel"
Beautiful grained hardwood, cast and machined brass fittings and bulbous genuine horn handles.
They don't often show up and this is likely because they were costly salmon reels.
The example shown on the left has the original gold foil decal on the face and is loaded with wire trolling line. (Commonly used on these big wood reels)
They are both stamped made in England and the left example also bears the Alcock's Reddich stamp.
The ad was found in a 1935 copy of the VSIAA yearbook and reads "The New Chinook Reel"
Beautiful grained hardwood, cast and machined brass fittings and bulbous genuine horn handles.
They don't often show up and this is likely because they were costly salmon reels.
The example shown on the left has the original gold foil decal on the face and is loaded with wire trolling line. (Commonly used on these big wood reels)
They are both stamped made in England and the left example also bears the Alcock's Reddich stamp.
Nicolas Lupkoski photo, some of his reels and an invoice envelope.
More BC made fishing reels
Hardy Bros. Alnwick Northumberland 1870's-present
This world famous company tends to be one of the most collected and famous of all the fishing categories.
My first Hardy Marquis , purchased in the late 70's is still going strong and has many siblings.
The company got its start as primarily a gunmaker /distributer and this rare" Martini action" rook rifle ca. 1880 proudly bearing the Hardy Bros. Alnwick logo is testiment to their early standard of quality.
The rifle is also very accurate when the obcelete ammo can be found.
This world famous company tends to be one of the most collected and famous of all the fishing categories.
My first Hardy Marquis , purchased in the late 70's is still going strong and has many siblings.
The company got its start as primarily a gunmaker /distributer and this rare" Martini action" rook rifle ca. 1880 proudly bearing the Hardy Bros. Alnwick logo is testiment to their early standard of quality.
The rifle is also very accurate when the obcelete ammo can be found.
There has been much written about this firm, and is easy to research if you desire.
The photos are from my personal (ongoing) collection. I love the pre WWII era of individually bench made fly reels and seek them out wherever I travel. Many are stamped inside by their maker which identifies the machinist that built them.
No other reels sound or feel quite like a HARDY!
The photos are from my personal (ongoing) collection. I love the pre WWII era of individually bench made fly reels and seek them out wherever I travel. Many are stamped inside by their maker which identifies the machinist that built them.
No other reels sound or feel quite like a HARDY!
Hardy Bro's produced scores of catalogues .... Here's a selection ranging from 1017 to 1964
