Section: lures-of-the-north
Bill RiversLucky StrikeHalf-Wave |  |
| In Canada's North, where world-class lake trout are an obsession, the Lucky Strike Half-Wave has become the standard by which other lures are judged - and most simply don't measure up. | |
| Producing a wide range of fishing lures, landing nets, and the famous Lucky Strike wooden plugs which initially launched the company, the Lucky Strike Bait Works has evolved as Canada's oldest and largest tackle manufacturer. With the Lucky Strike name and logo affixed to an extremely successful array of spoons, spinners, and wobblers, Lucky Strike Bait Works Ltd. has continued to create quality lures for 75 years. |  Lucky Strike Baitworks website |
 | A love of fishing, the unique ability to fashion wooden fishing lures by hand, and the drive to succeed launched a pre-depression hobby into a successful business. Frank (Rusty) Edgar, the company's founder, spent countless hours in his workshop in Peterborough, ON, fashioning prototype baits from hardwood broom handles. At first, Edgar sold only a few baits from his tackle box to interested anglers, but, in 1931, a small display of his carved plugs in a local barber shop caught the attention of DFS, Toronto, a tackle distributor and prompted an order for 10 000 lures. The business grew steadily and the company name, Lucky Strike, was chosen from contest entries. Today, the manufacture of Lucky Strike products takes place in Peterborough, ON, still managed as a family business. However, the goal has always been the same: designing and producing quality fishing tackle. |
| The Half-Wave, one of the company's most successful lures, is available in two bright finishes - nickel & gold. It's gill-like appearance and hypnotic flutter are the keys to its consistent success. Throughout the North, the 4-1/2" (1-1/4 oz.) Half-Wave is a favourite with big-fish enthusiasts, and has recently (1997) taken lake trout topping 70 lb.
Special thanks to Lucky Strike Bait Works Ltd. for their assistance with this feature. |