News

US-based R L Winston Rod Co and its sister Bauer reels brand have been acquired by a new entity, owned by businessman and passionate fly angler Lance Robertson.

The company, based in Twin Bridges, Montana, makes Winston fly rods, Bauer fly reels and Winston polarised sunglasses.

Lance explained: “My family and I are excited to have the opportunity to be part of the Winston family. We look forward to helping people enjoy their outdoor pursuits and build cherished memories through great products.

“We look forward to our stewardship of the company as those before us have done, maintaining the company as a family-owned business since its founding.

“We are focused on maintaining the innovative spirit of the company and products of the highest quality. In addition, we will be purposeful in engaging our customers early in our tenure to understand how best the company can serve their needs in the future.”

He added: “The R L Winston Rod Company has a compelling team in place, delivering among the best rods and reels they have ever produced, positioning the company well for a bright future.

“We anticipate the entire Winston team remaining with company moving forward. As part of the announcement, I would like to share that Andy Wunsch, general manager, will continue with the company in the role of president and general manager.”

Andy Wunsch said: “I am really excited about the future for Winston. Having been here for almost two years, we have an amazing team that takes great pride in their work. We look forward to continuing building outstanding products to be sold by the finest retailers in the world.”

David “I also want to thank David for his many years of leadership at R.L. Winston and the great pride he has maintained in the company and its products over his long tenure,” said Robertson. “We are pleased that David Ondaatje, who bought the business back in 1991 from Tom Morgan, will continue to serve the company as an advisor for the next year.

David said: “It has been an honour to have been involved with Winston for more than three decades, and to have worked with outstanding people committed to making the world’s best fly rods every day.

“It’s a rare thing to get to say you’re involved with a company that makes the best product of its kind in the world. I’ve been lucky enough to do that for 35 years."

Winston sells its award-winning deep green fly rods, Bauer fly reels and now polarised sunglasses across the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, Scandinavia, South America and elsewhere.