As long as I can remember I have loved to fish. This has worked out well having spent most of my life in Western Canada, primarily Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon.

While the other kids were at the pinball arcades and reading comics I spent my time at the local sporting goods stores. I would be checking out the new lures and tackle or enjoying a big stack of old Outdoor Life and Field and Stream magazines.

Then it would be on the bicycle and out to my favorite fishing holes.

When I was about 12, I remember finding an old fly rod at the cabin. With much reading and some scary practice, eventually learned how to fly fish, adding a new technique to my repertoire. Then when I was 16, I took a fly tying course with a friend which still remains a loved hobby, and I have had the opportunity to teach fly tying over the years to pass along the enjoyment of the craft.

Early on in my fishing days hand lining was always a winter activity for ice fishing. I was always crafting a new ice fishing rig or two each season, similar in fashion to the hand fisherman units. In the summer months I used to put these units in my survival packs when I was out in the bush, but never used them much as I always seemed to already have a fishing rod in hand.

Right after high school my folks moved to Southeast Asia, and I had the opportunity to go hand lining for grouper and catfish in the South China Sea. It was a great experience and a lot of fun.

Though a craft still practiced and standard in many parts of the world, hand lining has been in the shadows in North America, though it is a great skill to have both for survival and sport.

When I started making the newer styles of my hand fisherman product a few years ago, it was both a challenge and a lot of fun getting back into the older and traditional methods of fishing.

What could any fisherman want more than a completely new venue to master.

Ok, well as my wife says, I might be a little obsessed, that would explain the trout I have tattooed on my shoulder.

I have spent a lot of time in my garage (also known as our factory) trying to perfect the shape of our units, trying different lines and rigging configurations. Time well spent in my books, but many hours over the scroll saws and sanding machines. Even now with our newer units coming from a C & C machine, many hours are still spent by my wife Tracey and business partner Tony for final sand and finish, as well as assembly of the products.

Yup, you got it, this is me Tony … coming soon.