Schneider Fishing Lines, a family-owned Australian institution for more than 70 years, has been bought by Colin and Karen Burdon, owners of the iconic Reidy’s Lures Limited — a lure manufacturing company based in Darwin.
The purchase goes against the general flow in as much as it comes at a time when many Australian companies seem to be falling into foreign ownership. But Colin and Karen are passionately Australian, and Colin talks with pride about acquiring the iconic business, and of plans for its growth both in Australia and internationally.
“My wife and I are extremely proud that we have two quality brands based in Darwin. Our Reidy Lures factory employs six people, and we feel good about the fact that we make most of our lures here, at a time when most popular lures are manufactured overseas.”
Colin described the July 2020 purchase of Schneider Fishing Lines as a great acquisition, adding that the name Schneider was huge in the industry and would open the market further
for Reidy’s Lures. “Reidy’s is a small company mostly known as a maker of barramundi lures, although our lure range is much broader, and the Schneider acquisition opens us up to the wider fishing world.
Colin said Schneider braid is eight ply (eight carrier, which means eight strands) in hot pink colour. Independent tests undertaken at the Platypus line factory in Brisbane of 24 different braids put Schneider on top in strength test.
Schneider braid is produced in the U.S. while monofilament including leader and fluorocarbon are made in Europe.
Colin said that Schneider Fishing Lines had been on the company’s radar following a chance meeting at the AFTA trade show many years ago.
“We met Kim and Jacki, the daughters of company owner, Bob Gossage, and struck up a friendship,” he explained. “About five years ago I mentioned to them that, if their dad ever wanted to sell, then he should let us know as we would be interested. “In 2019, their dad passed away, so the girls and their elderly mum lost the passion for the business and decided to contact us. Darwin is now home to the only Schneider line company in the world,” Colin said.
“Since taking over Reidy’s Lures, I have been guided by many anglers who only use Schneider leader line when targeting barramundi in the Northern Territory because of its strength, reliability and quality.”
Colin said that there is growth to be had with Schneider but added: am an advocate of ‘If it’s not broken, don’t fix it’. So we will be intent on delivering to the market the same quality products that they are used to.” “We will, however, add to the brand. I see a good market in the growing billfish sector in Cairns and down the east and west coasts of Australia along with the popular tuna scene in the southern states. We also have plans to introduce it to international markets and have some things set for New Zealand as we speak.”
Reidy’s has had sales in Asia and the South Pacific Islands and Colin is keen to continue that and would like to expand into the American and European markets.
iconic brand that is immensely popular amongst barra anglers.
Reidy’s has had sales in Asia and the South Pacific Islands and Colin is keen to continue that and would like to expand into the American and European markets.
“We believe that we have two quality brands that have excelled in harsh Australian conditions, so to venture into bigger markets would be great,” he said.
http://www.reidyslures.com/