Vintage fishing tackle Nanaimo enthusiasts and collectors, mark your calendars! The West Coast Fishing Lure Collectors Club is officially bringing the heat this January with the 2027 Winter Fishing Tackle Sales and Show. If you have ever held an old wooden lure and wondered about the hands that carved it, or heard the distinct click of a 50-year-old reel and felt the quality of mid-century engineering, this is the event for you.

A Deep Dive into West Coast Fishing Heritage

Nanaimo has always been a hub for Pacific Northwest angling history. From the early days of commercial salmon trolling to the golden era of recreational sport fishing, the gear used on Vancouver Island tells a story of innovation and artistry. The 2027 Winter Fishing Tackle Sales and Show isn’t just a market; it’s a living museum where you can handle the artifacts of our shared maritime past.

For those searching for vintage fishing tackle in Nanaimo, this show offers a rare opportunity to see items that haven’t been out of private collections in decades. We are expecting a massive turnout of vendors and hobbyists displaying everything from rare “plug” lures to iconic brass reels that still function as perfectly as the day they were manufactured.

What You Will Find at the Show

• Collectible Lures: Look for iconic brands, as well as locally crafted BC treasures.
• Antique Reels: Whether you love the classic look of a Hardy fly reel or the heavy-duty builds of vintage Penn trollers, there will be plenty to inspect.
• Vintage Rods: From split-cane bamboo to early fiberglass models, find a rod that brings back the nostalgia of a simpler time on the water.
• Nautical Ephemera: Old catalogs, vintage fishing photos, and antique tackle boxes that are works of art in their own right.

Why Collect Vintage Fishing Gear?

Collecting vintage tackle is more than just a hobby; it’s about preservation. In an era of mass-produced plastic, there is something deeply satisfying about the weight of a solid brass reel or the vibrant, hand-painted patterns on a cedar lure. Many of the items found at the Vintage Fishing Tackle Nanaimo show were built to last multiple lifetimes.

For new collectors, this event is the perfect place to start. You’ll be surrounded by experts who can help you identify marks, date specific pieces, and explain the “why” behind certain designs. Whether you want to start a display for your office or you’re looking for a vintage setup to actually take out on the water, the community here is incredibly welcoming.

Event Details: Save the Date

Join us in the Banquet Room for a morning of browsing, trading, and storytelling. We’ve made sure there is “something for every tackle enthusiast,” from high-end rarities to affordable starter pieces.

• Date: Saturday, January 9, 2027
• Time: Doors open at 9:00 AM
• Location: Days Inn Nanaimo, 809 Island Highway, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K1
• Admission: By donation (supports future club events!)
• Perks: Free coffee and donuts are provided to keep you fueled while you browse, plus exciting door prizes!

Legendary Vancouver Island Brands to Watch For

• PEETZ Reels (Victoria): The crown jewel of Island collecting. These mahogany and brass Nottingham-style reels have been made in Victoria since 1925.
• Tomic Lures (Gold River): Founded by Tom Shardlow, these are the quintessential West Coast plugs. Collectors hunt for early hand-painted wooden Tomics from the Gold River era.
• Buzz Bomb (Courtenay/Royston): A true local invention by Rex Field. Look for early “Field family” era casts and original vintage card-back packaging.
• Herting & Island Plugs (Comox & Campbell River): Legendary wooden salmon plugs that were the backbone of the Tyee fishing scene. Their distinct shapes and paint jobs are highly sought after.
• Scotty (Sidney): Before the downriggers, Blayney Scott was making iconic lures in Sidney. Early 1950s and 60s Scotty tackle represents the birth of BC’s modern tackle industry.
• Sylvester’s (Victoria): A heritage brand known for spoons and spinners that were staples in every South Island tackle box for decades.

Connect with the Club

If you have a collection you’d like to sell, or if you are looking for a specific piece of vintage fishing tackle Nanaimo history, reach out to our organizer. We are always looking for new members and fresh stories to add to our club’s legacy.

Contact: Grant Luscombe
Email: lusc0155@telus.net

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