PEETZ Outdoors Ltd is not closing this coming fall after all

Interesting. Is that the same RVP that created the line of Tomic plug colours? I think he was on here for a while too but maybe left for a while?
Yes that’s him. He’s been involved with numerous lures and also has been very involved with other fish related gear for other BC manufacturers. Now it’s his time to put his own mark on fishing equipment. Let the creative and artistic juices flow.
 
It's official, from their FB page:

***PEETZ Outdoors Welcomes New Owners***
***Iconic Local Brand Changes Hands on October 1, 2023***

PEETZ Outdoors Ltd. (PEETZ) is pleased to announce that Robert Van Pelt and Terry Vanak will take over operations of the company commencing on October 1, 2023.

For nearly four decades, Rob has been deeply involved with Vancouver Island’s fishing community. His diverse experience ranges from acting as retail sales manager for Pacific Net & Twine in Parksville, guiding fishing enthusiasts in near and remote locations around the Island, and operating his own tackle and sinker manufacturing business. Beyond fishing, Rob is an enthusiastic supporter for island hatcheries and other fishing initiatives through his Fish Army Fishing Club. “Given my deep-rooted passion and history with fishing on Vancouver Island, taking the helm for the PEETZ brand feels like a homecoming. I'm eager to uphold and expand this iconic brand's legacy, ensuring that the next generation of local and North American fishing aficionados have access to the finest locally-crafted reels, tackle, and gear.”

Marc Hoelscher and Zabin Somani, the outgoing owners, are deeply grateful for the support they have received from the local community over the past 9 years. “It's heartwarming and reassuring to know that Boris Peetz's legacy is in the hands of Rob and Terry, who are not only avid fishermen, but also deeply committed to all that the brand represents. We wholeheartedly believe that the fishing community will embrace them and continue to support the brand that holds such a special place in the Island's heart.”

PEETZ will continue operations in Victoria at 2740 Rock Bay Avenue. The company will celebrate 100 years of fishing excellence in 2025.

About PEETZ

PEETZ is one of the world's oldest makers of fine fishing reels. First established in 1925 by Boris Peetz, the company has been making high-quality mahogany and brass fishing reels, and a range of specialised fishing tackle and accessories for generations of sports fishermen in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. PEETZ has earned a reputation for exceptional workmanship and for delivering durable, quality products that provide the very best user experience.

For more information please contact Robert Van Pelt at 250-734-3328
 
Today is a truly exhilarating moment for me, as the newest owner of PEETZ Outdoors, to stand before you. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and kind words that have come my way since taking the helm of this iconic brand.

In less than two short years, we will be celebrating 100 years of continuous service in the fishing community – a truly remarkable milestone. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue serving so many amazing people, both locally and abroad. I must admit, it feels like an impossible dream come true.

This journey has been made possible with the help of my business partner, whose support has been invaluable. I cannot stress enough how much this opportunity means to me. Throughout my entire life, my focus has been on making tackle right here on Vancouver Island, and now, I have the chance to continue that legacy with PEETZ Outdoors.

Vancouver Island has long been renowned for its fishing community and the exceptional craftsmanship of its tackle manufacturers. It is an immense honor to be a part of that tradition, to contribute to the rich history of our local tackle industry.

I am humbled by the chance to meet and know so many legendary tackle makers who have shaped our fishery and our community. I look back fondly on a bygone era when manufacturers respected and collaborated, when they lent a helping hand to one another. It is my mission to carry on that spirit, to pay homage to the craftsmanship that has made PEETZ Outdoors a trusted name.

In a world that often prioritizes mass production and profit, I am committed to preserving the true art of tackle making. With PEETZ Outdoors, we will continue to offer handmade mahogany trolling reels and fishing tackle of the highest quality – just as this iconic brand has done for nearly a century.

As we approach our centenary, I invite you all to join me in celebrating this incredible milestone. Together, let us raise our glasses to 100 years of service, innovation, and camaraderie in the fishing community. I am honored to be a part of the PEETZ family, and I thank you for your unwavering support. Cheers to the next 100 years of PEETZ Outdoors!

Robert Van Pelt - President
PEETZ Outdoors


peetz-about.png
 
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Can't wait to get my refurbished real back ! Putting it on my restored Kelsey Bay rod I got for my 16th birhday. Glad I hung onto it. If it works as well as I hope, I'll get my other Peetz reels done !!
Perfect combination imho, it must have been about 1974/75 when my Dad brought home the Kelsey bay(ceramic eyes) for himself and the Cowichan (anodized eyes) for me!(thanks Dad) Always looking in old rod bins for either. Back then we fished Dacron line on the Peetz to a chain swivel with 15' of mono to the Roy Smith flasher, hung a 1.5 lb ball weight of the swivel on a modified single hook, slipped the hook out of the swivel and the eyes on these rods would let the swivel through. He liked them because the fiberglass went straight thru the cork butt and had excellent action for an eight foot rod and a small boat. Best Regards (please post a picture eh! when its together)
 
Should get a Peetz reel in the Victoria Pacific Salmon foundation Gala silent auction, would probably raise some good bidding and PR.
 
Should get a Peetz reel in the Victoria Pacific Salmon foundation Gala silent auction, would probably raise some good bidding and PR.
I am thrilled to be here and have the opportunity to talk about PEETZ and our passion for supporting important salmon and community fundraising efforts. At PEETZ, we have a long-standing history of backing the incredible work accomplished by the PSF and numerous other organizations. And let me tell you, our focus will continue to be on these vital initiatives in the future.

Now, if you have heard of PEETZ or know anything about us, you will understand that our dedication lies in making a difference. And when it comes to salmon, count me in on any exciting venture that can help make a positive impact. It is a cause that sets our hearts racing, and we are always ready to lend a helping hand whenever we can.

But it doesn't stop there. Supporting the development of salmon abundance in British Columbia is an ongoing mission for us. We are committed to collaborating with multiple groups that strive towards this shared goal. The Pacific Salmon Foundation, of course, is one of the amazing organizations on our extensive list. PEETZ will be there, doing our utmost to contribute to their noble cause.

Now, for those of you who want to keep up with the incredible work we do, I invite you to check out our Instagram page "fisharmy.ca". There, you'll find a world of exciting updates, captivating stories, and inspiring images that showcase our dedication to preserving our precious salmon.

In conclusion, let's band together, passionate and determined, on this journey of safeguarding the future of salmon in British Columbia. With PEETZ by your side, supporting you and these incredible organizations like PSF, we can make a real difference. Join us, and together, let's create a legacy of abundance for generations to come.
 
I am thrilled to be here and have the opportunity to talk about PEETZ and our passion for supporting important salmon and community fundraising efforts. At PEETZ, we have a long-standing history of backing the incredible work accomplished by the PSF and numerous other organizations. And let me tell you, our focus will continue to be on these vital initiatives in the future.

Now, if you have heard of PEETZ or know anything about us, you will understand that our dedication lies in making a difference. And when it comes to salmon, count me in on any exciting venture that can help make a positive impact. It is a cause that sets our hearts racing, and we are always ready to lend a helping hand whenever we can.

But it doesn't stop there. Supporting the development of salmon abundance in British Columbia is an ongoing mission for us. We are committed to collaborating with multiple groups that strive towards this shared goal. The Pacific Salmon Foundation, of course, is one of the amazing organizations on our extensive list. PEETZ will be there, doing our utmost to contribute to their noble cause.

Now, for those of you who want to keep up with the incredible work we do, I invite you to check out our Instagram page "fisharmy.ca". There, you'll find a world of exciting updates, captivating stories, and inspiring images that showcase our dedication to preserving our precious salmon.

In conclusion, let's band together, passionate and determined, on this journey of safeguarding the future of salmon in British Columbia. With PEETZ by your side, supporting you and these incredible organizations like PSF, we can make a real difference. Join us, and together, let's create a legacy of abundance for generations to come.
Well said ❤️
 
I am thrilled to be here and have the opportunity to talk about PEETZ and our passion for supporting important salmon and community fundraising efforts. At PEETZ, we have a long-standing history of backing the incredible work accomplished by the PSF and numerous other organizations. And let me tell you, our focus will continue to be on these vital initiatives in the future.

Now, if you have heard of PEETZ or know anything about us, you will understand that our dedication lies in making a difference. And when it comes to salmon, count me in on any exciting venture that can help make a positive impact. It is a cause that sets our hearts racing, and we are always ready to lend a helping hand whenever we can.

But it doesn't stop there. Supporting the development of salmon abundance in British Columbia is an ongoing mission for us. We are committed to collaborating with multiple groups that strive towards this shared goal. The Pacific Salmon Foundation, of course, is one of the amazing organizations on our extensive list. PEETZ will be there, doing our utmost to contribute to their noble cause.

Now, for those of you who want to keep up with the incredible work we do, I invite you to check out our Instagram page "fisharmy.ca". There, you'll find a world of exciting updates, captivating stories, and inspiring images that showcase our dedication to preserving our precious salmon.

In conclusion, let's band together, passionate and determined, on this journey of safeguarding the future of salmon in British Columbia. With PEETZ by your side, supporting you and these incredible organizations like PSF, we can make a real difference. Join us, and together, let's create a legacy of abundance for generations to come.

Drove by the shop today and remembered the thread about closing, nice to come on here and see that it is in fact not closing. Glad you guys have decided to take it on.
 
A long, long time ago, in 1953-54, I was a 19-year-old Victorian College student all the way from Belfast in Northern Ireland. And, of course, I was even then a passionate fisherman so the Island was indeed a paradise. That soon brought me to Brentwood and to the start of a friendship with Jim Gilbert and also to the Peetz shop in Victoria where I was welcomed, if I remember correctly, by Judith Peetz. The attached photos are of winter fishing in Saanich inlet and of one of many salmon taken the following summer while trolling with the tackle so traditional in those distant days: Peetz reel with extension handle, wire line, big chrome flasher and stripteaser.......great days and the finest of rods and reels
 

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A long, long time ago, in 1953-54, I was a 19-year-old Victorian College student all the way from Belfast in Northern Ireland. And, of course, I was even then a passionate fisherman so the Island was indeed a paradise. That soon brought me to Brentwood and to the start of a friendship with Jim Gilbert and also to the Peetz shop in Victoria where I was welcomed, if I remember correctly, by Judith Peetz. The attached photos are of winter fishing in Saanich inlet and of one of many salmon taken the following summer while trolling with the tackle so traditional in those distant days: Peetz reel with extension handle, wire line, big chrome flasher and stripteaser.......great days and the finest of rods and reels

My grandfather fished Saanich Inlet in the 30s thru to the 50s with similar gear - Peetz reels, wooden rods, wire line and 1 to 2 lbs weights. He and his buddies switched to cast iron window sash weights on a quick release -- a non-reusable pre-downrigger system for playing the fish without the weight!

He could afford a Brentwood cottage and a 26-28 foot launch on a postman's salary in the 30's, because the value of everything crashed - anybody with a steady job was "rich".
 
A long, long time ago, in 1953-54, I was a 19-year-old Victorian College student all the way from Belfast in Northern Ireland. And, of course, I was even then a passionate fisherman so the Island was indeed a paradise. That soon brought me to Brentwood and to the start of a friendship with Jim Gilbert and also to the Peetz shop in Victoria where I was welcomed, if I remember correctly, by Judith Peetz. The attached photos are of winter fishing in Saanich inlet and of one of many salmon taken the following summer while trolling with the tackle so traditional in those distant days: Peetz reel with extension handle, wire line, big chrome flasher and stripteaser.......great days and the finest of rods and reels
Peter, thank you for your post, I especially enjoyed the photos. Did that pull-over sweater survive by chance? It looked amazing. I collect anything related to the halcyon days of Saanich Inlet fishing, an absolute passion of mine. Best, Tim
 

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