Our Story: Where Music Meets Maritime Tradition

Born from a deep love for both the ocean's rhythm and the melody of craftsmanship, Reel Riff Gear is more than a company – it's a testament to passion. Our founder, a master craftsman with over two decades of Maritime fishing experience and a background in professional musicianship, began this journey by fusing his seemingly disparate worlds. The result? Uniquely designed, high-performance fishing equipment that sings with personality.

Founder, John Maxwell, intricately crafting a fishing rod with musical notes subtly integrated into the design, a classic acoustic guitar visible in the background workshop, warm lighting from a window overlooking Halifax Harbour.
John Maxwell, combining his two passions in our Halifax workshop.

From Hobby to Halifax's Heartbeat

What started as a personal quest to build better, more beautiful fishing gear evolved with the unwavering support of the Halifax community. Early challenges in blending intricate musical motifs with robust fishing functionality were met with innovation and perseverance. Each custom rod and artisanal lure tells a story, a symphony of resilience and dedication. We've grown from a humble workshop to a cornerstone of Nova Scotia's vibrant fishing culture, always with an ear to the community and an eye on the horizon.

Inspired by the Northumberland Strait and Bluegrass Riffs

Our inspiration is as deep as the Atlantic and as rich as a bluegrass riff. The rugged beauty of the Nova Scotian coastline, the pulse of the tides, and the rich tapestry of local fishing traditions inform every design. We believe that true craftsmanship resonates, whether it's expressed through the perfect arc of a custom rod or the soulful strum of a guitar. Reel Riff Gear is where these passions converge, creating gear that enhances not just the catch, but the entire experience.

Meet Our Master Craftsmen and Fishing Experts

Our team is the heart of Reel Riff Gear, a collective of dedicated artisans and seasoned anglers committed to unparalleled quality and innovative design.

John Maxwell, founder of Reel Riff Gear, holding a custom fishing rod with a subtle musical note inlay, smiling in a well-lit workshop.
John Maxwell

Founder & Lead Rod Builder

With over 25 years of experience in both competitive fishing and instrument making, John personally oversees all custom rod projects. His fusion of art and angling has set the standard for our unique creations.

  • Master Rod Builder Certification
Sarah Jenkins, a skilled artisanal lure crafter, meticulously painting intricate details onto a fishing lure in a bright studio, surrounded by various lure molds and vibrant paints.
Sarah Jenkins

Artisanal Lure Specialist

Sarah brings a painter's eye and an angler's intuition to every lure. Her designs are not only visually stunning but also scientifically proven to attract the most elusive species, drawing inspiration from marine life and classical music.

  • Fine Arts Degree (NSCAD)
David Nguyen, a fishing gear repair technician, expertly examining a fishing reel, with various tools laid out on his workbench in a service bay.
David Nguyen

Gear Repair & Maintenance Head

A meticulous engineer and lifelong fisherman, David ensures every piece of gear leaves our workshop performing at its peak. His expertise extends from vintage reels to the latest electronic fishing instruments, often humming jazz tunes while he works.

  • Certified Fishing Tackle Technician

Our Values and Commitment to Excellence

At Reel Riff Gear, our passion extends beyond crafting exceptional fishing equipment; it encompasses a dedication to our community, our environment, and the timeless art of angling.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

Every rod, every lure, is a masterpiece. We meticulously blend traditional techniques with modern innovation, ensuring unparalleled quality and performance that stands the test of time and tide.

Environmental Stewardship

We are guardians of the ocean. Our commitment includes sourcing sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and actively participating in local conservation efforts to protect Nova Scotia's pristine waters for generations to come.

Community & Education

We believe in sharing knowledge. Through workshops and local partnerships, we foster a thriving fishing community, empowering anglers of all skill levels with the expertise and equipment they need to succeed.

A serene panoramic view of the Halifax coastline, with a fishing boat gently cruising near the shore under a clear blue sky, emphasizing the natural beauty Reel Riff Gear is committed to preserving.
Inspired by and dedicated to Nova Scotia's breathtaking coastal environment.

Behind the Scenes: Our Halifax Workshop

Step into the heart of creation. Our Halifax workshop is where innovation takes shape, where raw materials transform into tools of art and functionality.

A brightly lit workshop interior, showcasing a craftsman's hands carefully wrapping guide rings onto a custom fishing rod, with various tools and spools of thread neatly organized on a wooden workbench.
Precision and passion in every detail.

A Hub of Creativity and Precision

Our workshop, nestled in the vibrant community of Halifax, is designed for both meticulous craftsmanship and inspired creativity. Here, state-of-the-art machinery works in harmony with traditional hand tools, allowing our artisans to bring visionary concepts to life. Every station is organized for efficiency, from the rod-building lathes to the custom lure painting booth.

  • Rigorous Quality Control at Every Stage
  • Dedicated Areas for Custom Consultations
  • Sustainable Material Storage & Management
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The exterior of the Reel Riff Gear workshop, a modern industrial building with large windows, near the Halifax harbour, with a subtle 'Reel Riff Gear' sign, reflecting the coastal environment.
Facade of our welcoming workshop in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Supporting Nova Scotia's Fishing Community

Our roots run deep in the vibrant soil of Nova Scotia, and we believe in giving back to the community that inspires us. Reel Riff Gear actively engages in initiatives that foster growth, education, and preservation.

Youth Fishing Programs

Sponsoring and organizing 'Catch & Create' workshops for local youth, introducing them to both responsible angling and creative lure crafting.

Coastal Conservation Efforts

Partnerships with local environmental groups for shoreline clean-ups and marine habitat restoration projects across Nova Scotia.

Local Tournament Sponsorship

Proud sponsors of several annual Halifax fishing tournaments, promoting healthy competition and community spirit, with custom Reel Riff Gear prizes.

A group of smiling children and teenagers, guided by an adult, learning to cast fishing lines from a dock in a calm Nova Scotia bay, with fishing rods and safety vests visible.
Inspiring the next generation of anglers in Nova Scotia.

Ready to experience the Reel Riff difference?

Visit our workshop or schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your custom fishing gear needs.

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