Thorne Brothers Custom Rod & Tackle - a legacy of innovation in fishing.

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Founded in 1981, Thorne Brothers Custom Rod & Tackle emerged from a shared passion between brothers Paul and Gregg Thorne.  After acquiring a do-it-yourself rod kit in the late 1970s, their obsession with crafting fishing rods took shape.  In 1981 they launched OT Custom Rod Works with local Craftsman Harley Ogata. 

 

By 1983, they rebranded as Thorne Brothers Custom Rod & Tackle, quickly becoming a hallmark of quality craftsmanship in the Midwest.

Thorne Brothers thrived on a blend of artistry and technical skill.  They pioneered the development of the first graphite ice fishing rods, a groundbreaking advancement in sensitivity and durability.  Alongside their rod work, they expanded into specialty retail, opening The Fly Angler, a dedicated fly-fishing store that offered rod-building and fly-tying workshops.  they also launched the Muskie Fever mail order catalog, catering to angler seeking hard-to-find muskellunge tackle and accessories

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In 1993, the Thorne Brothers sold their retail operations to pursue new ventures. Gregg served as regional manager for both Cortland Line company and Diamondback Rods, involving extensive overseas travel to advance rod design.

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In 2008, he joined PRADCO Fishing and later became Lindy Brand Manager in 2013, where he contributed to lure design, marketing, and packaging initiatives

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In 2016, Gregg launched Elliott Fishing Rods, reigniting his passion for rod making.

 

By 2018, Paul had joined him to co- found Two Brothers Innovations, designing and marketing more than 65 fishing rod models under the Elliot and 2B Fishing brands. Among their innovations is Syncork, a synthetic cork material that is 30% lighter and 40% denser than natural cork, offering superior sensitivity and durability