Tackle Tactics: A Legacy of Fishing Excellence
When Gareth Williams launched the family fishing tackle business, Tackle Tactics, in Brendale, Brisbane, Queensland, back in 1999, manufacturing fishing line was likely far from the forefront of his plans. However, destiny had other ideas.
Fascinated by the expertise embedded within Australian manufacturing and its significant influence on the tackle industry, AFTA’s Chair Bob Baldwin took the opportunity to visit Tackle Tactics during a recent visit to Brisbane. During this visit, he observed the detailed process of transforming raw materials into finished products in the production of Platypus fishing line.
Within the bustling factory, rolls upon rolls of custom-woven multi-strand braid and raw materials awaited their turn on machines that hum steadily for 12 hours a day, four days a week. These formidable devices churn out endless spools of line adhering to the rigorous IGFA-rated standards.
The Platypus fishing line extrusion setup is truly an engineering marvel. Despite Gareth’s acquisition of the Platypus brand in 2019, the roots of this manufacturing miracle trace back to 1898. It all began when Scottish rope maker George Ross McPherson founded his workshop, which eventually evolved through generations into Australian Monofil, before being acquired by Tackle Tactics in 2019—a testament to an enduring Australian legacy spanning 127 years.
For the past 38 years, Pete Glover has overseen the production facility at both Tackle Tactics and Australian Monofil, ensuring the creation of top-notch Australian-made fishing line. Today, Tackle Tactics employs 24 dedicated staff members, with a significant number solely focused on the Platypus production processes.
Every year, the extrusion facility crafts an impressive distance of monofilament fishing line and leader, while the weaving machines produce equally astounding lengths of multi-strand braid, serving not only the Australian market but also reaching international shores.
Proudly sold under the Platypus brand, these lines represent a century-old commitment to quality and innovation – they are 100% Australian-made.