About the Anchor Fishing Brand
Founded in 1978 by Ross Keightley, Anchor Tackle emerged in the South East of England, crafting fishing weights within the confines of a modest workshop. Leaning on his engineering background, Ross ingeniously devised specialised machinery that revolutionised the weight-making process, surpassing the conventional manual pouring technique. This pivotal shift marked the inception of a culture of continuous innovation that endures to this present day.
Following the triumphant debut of Ross's initial carp weights, prominent figures in the carp fishing realm gravitated toward him, requesting an assortment of black-painted weights. The company's production peaked during the mid-1980s, churning out over 10,000 carp weights daily. However, challenges lay ahead. The Consumer Protect Act of 1987 ushered in non-toxic regulations that prohibited the use of lead in fishing weights.
To adhere to these regulations, Anchor initially introduced a super dense alloy bomb, while simultaneously exploring lead-free split shot alternatives. Regrettably, the high iron content of these split shots rendered production costs unsustainable, leading to their swift removal from the production line. Likewise, tin-based shots posed issues due to their excessive hardness, causing angler complaints about damaging their fishing lines. Consequently, these shots were also discontinued shortly after their introduction.
Unfazed by setbacks, Ross forged ahead and patented the innovative 'Double-Cut' principle. This transformative approach converted rigid tin shots into easily manipulable ones that maintained central balance without harming delicate lines. The success of this 'Double-Cut' technique propelled them ahead, even as other weight manufacturers floundered, cementing its enduring prominence.
A family affair, Anchor Tackle's reins were taken up by Ross's son, Arun, who now serves as the Managing Director. Following in his father's footsteps of tackle innovation, Arun devised a unique corn bait with specific buoyancy characteristics, neither popping up nor sinking too rapidly. This 'Critical Corn' invention met with resounding acclaim, marking a pivotal element of the comprehensive modernisation spearheaded by Arun, firmly establishing the business in the 21st century and diversifying its offerings to include exceptional baits alongside its renowned weights.
In the wake of 'Critical Corn's' introduction, Anchor's imitation bait range expanded significantly. From a single offering, the company now boasts an extensive array of over 70 bait types and hues.
Undoubtedly, they remain unwaveringly committed to pioneering breakthroughs in the face of adversity, consistently providing anglers with indispensable products. With an in-house engineering approach, all items are meticulously manufactured under the vigilant gaze of the Keightley family, ensuring unparalleled quality. Having outgrown its origins in South London, Anchor Tackle currently operates from a facility in Wiltshire, ceaselessly crafting new products to captivate anglers across the nation.