Can fishing reels be a luxury item? They can be when they are created by talented artisans.
Canadian fishing gear company PEETZ, recently unveiled its 2016 limited edition Chain of Life reels hand-carved by renowned Kwagiulth artist and master carver Jason Henry Hunt. A total of 90 “Orca, Salmon & Moon” mahogany and brass reels have been created. The annual reel designs focus on West Coast animal species that rely on healthy Pacific salmon stocks for their existence.
In this design, Orca is represented as the primary totem and the reel depicts an Orca hunting salmon under a full moon. The moon is represented by a beautiful piece of abalone shell (sourced as a by-product of the sustainable New Zealand “Pāua” abalone fishery).
According to Mr. Hunt, “I wanted to incorporate the moon in this 2016 design because it is a symbol of transformation and a guiding light in the darkness. It is my vision that this reel design reflects our capacity to transform our thoughts and bring about long lasting change that will ensure the future health of the Pacific Northwest’s precious salmon resources for all dependent species.”
This beautiful First Nations design is available as a limited release of 90 reels for PEETZ fans and West Coast art collectors worldwide. Each reel is individually hand carved using traditional tools, numbered and signed by Mr. Hunt. They sell for over $600 each.
Six additional reels have been commissioned as uniquely embellished “Artist’s Proofs”, and will not be available for sale; these special reels have been reserved to support the fundraising efforts of organizations focused on salmon conservation and habitat rehabilitation. The first two Orca, Salmon & Moon Artist Proof reels were donated to the Pacific Salmon Foundation for the 2016 West Coast Resorts Salmon Masters Dinner & Auction. The reels sold at auction for $4500 each.
PEETZ mahogany and brass reels are produced in limited numbers by hand using traditional methods and is believed to be the only remaining manufacturer of Nottingham-style wood reels in the world.
For more details, visit: www.peetzoutdoors.com/collections/all/peetz-artist-series
