Bill and Cora Edgar

Bill and Cora Edgar operated Lucky Strike Bait Works Ltd., a family-owned Canadian manufacturer and one of North America’s oldest and largest tackle and landing net manufacturers. Bill’s parents, Frank “Rusty” and Elsie Edgar, founded the company in 1929 making wooden plug baits out of broom handles. His hobby quickly evolved into a booming business after a Toronto company purchased his lures. By 1939, manufacturing transitioned from a garage to a full workshop. The company has since expanded its plant size and products many times over, and today, it produces more than 2,000 products in a 22,000 square foot modern plant. Bill and Cora, after working with Bill’s parents for many years, assumed leadership of the business in 1965. Bill’s experience in the tool and die industry furthered plant efficiencies by building new machines and tweaking old ones. While Cora’s knowledge of machines and the business itself enabled her to train staff and offer suggestions for improving innovation. The number of long-serving employees speaks to the culture of family and support that the Edgars’ created. Lucky Strike has 17 dedicated employees – several that have been with the company for many years. Under Bill and Cora’s leadership, Lucky Strike often gave back to the community through the sponsorship of a variety of local non-profit organizations and events. Bill and Cora are enjoying retired life and are pleased that their daughter Mary and her husband Kim have taken over the business, which is now being led by their son Dustin – the fourth generation. The Edgars’ knowledge and relationship with the fishing community has earned Lucky Strikes recognition and respect with fishing enthusiasts and industry manufacturers.