Fishing craftsmanship: from the garage to an international brand

In the latest episode of the Wild Fish Stories Podcast, we hosted Maciej Przybylski from the Perch Professor brand. It was a conversation that opened our eyes to the challenges of scaling artisanal fishing tackle production.

Maciej, along with Mr. Darek, created a brand that is now recognized throughout Poland. But as it turns out, a large company was not their initial goal at all. The story began with a simple need - to create a lure that would allow them to fish better than those available on the market, in less accessible places, and simply in their own way!

We talked about the journey from the first mold to a brand that has expanded internationally, and about the problems plaguing modern artisanal production.

The True Genesis of Craftsmanship

We didn't expect such honesty right from the start. Maciej told us frankly what distinguishes true craftsmanship from what we see on Facebook groups today.

"First, I wanted to have the lure I dreamed of, and only then hand that lure over to others."

This is precisely the ideal scenario we discussed during the recording. A craftsman first fishes, tests, refines - and only then sells. Not the other way around. Maciej competed in tournaments, so he had a natural opportunity to confront his lures with reality. This gave him an advantage over those who immediately jump into selling.

We concluded that this is the foundation of true craftsmanship - one's own need as a starting point.

The Problem with Modern "Artisans"

And here's a problem we noticed during the conversation. Maciej frankly described what's happening in the industry today.

"One day they boast about a sculpted mold. Two days later, these lures are already for sale."

The pace is insane, but the quality often suffers. People think it's enough to copy a shape, add their color, and they already have a product. Meanwhile, a true lure takes months (if not years!) of testing, corrections, and refinement.

Maciej aptly noted that fish in a frenzy will bite on anything - even a piece of carrot or a YouTube logo. But does that mean every piece of rubber is a good lure? Of course not. A true lure must work in various conditions, for different anglers.

A New Definition of Success

A key point raised by our guest was the evolution of thinking about success. Initially, it was enough for him to make a lure for himself. Today, he thinks globally.

"Success in the industry for me would definitely be creating a global brand, no longer just a brand recognized only in the Polish market."

This makes sense. The Polish market has its limitations, especially in such a niche category as perch lures. To grow, one must think about Europe, about Western and Northern markets. This demonstrates mature business thinking.

-We also noticed that Perch Professor consciously doesn't spread themselves thin. They focus on perch, and at most, trout. This is a smart strategy - it's better to be an expert in one field than mediocre in ten.

The Philosophy of the Universal Lure

In our opinion, what distinguishes Perch Professor is their approach to lure design. Maciej described a philosophy that sounds simple but requires extensive knowledge.

"It's about that higher purpose, that it should be a lure that the average casual angler, who just goes to the water once in a while, can use."

At the same time, an advanced angler should be able to get the maximum out of the same lure. This is a difficult task - to create something that is simple for an amateur but offers possibilities for an expert. It requires a deep understanding of both the mechanics of the lure and the psychology of different types of anglers.

Honestly? We believe this is what distinguishes brands that will survive from those that will disappear after a season. A true lure must have soul and thoughtful design.

Flooded Market and Endless Searches

From our experience after the Rybomania Fair, an interesting topic emerged. Michał pointed out the absurd number of lures available on the market, and at the same time, the continuous search by anglers.

"Listen, there's an absurd number of these lures and everything else. This market is flooded with plastic, wobblers, and everything, and at the same time, people are still looking for something new, something better."

Maciej explained this with passion and competition among anglers. Everyone wants to fish better than their friend, everyone is looking for that magical lure that will give them an advantage. And as the number of anglers increases and fish decrease, the pressure is even greater.

We also noticed an interesting trade show trick - lures under UV lamps look spectacular, but in normal light, they don't. This shows how easy it is to "hook" an angler on a visual effect. True quality only reveals itself on the water.

FAQ

How to distinguish a true artisan from someone who just wants to make a quick buck?

Check if the lure maker actually fishes with it and tests it themselves. A true artisan has stories, photos from fishing spots, and opinions from other anglers. Avoid those who sell lures the day after creating them.

Why doesn't Perch Professor make pearl lures, even though there's demand for them?

"Mr. Darek said no, and that's final." They don't chase trends; they do their own thing.

Is it worth investing in expensive artisan lures?

If they come from a proven manufacturer who fishes and tests them personally - absolutely yes. A true artisan lure often surpasses mass-produced ones in quality and thoughtful design.

How do UV lures perform in practice?

According to Maciej, at greater depths they can make a difference, but most of us fish in shallow waters where the effect is minimal. Often, it's more of a hook for the angler than for the fish.

Source

• Wild Fish Stories Podcast, episode with Maciej Przybylski (Perch Professor)

Summary

Our conversation with Maciej opened our eyes to the true nature of artisanal fishing tackle production. It's not a business for everyone - it requires passion, patience, and above all, one's own experience on the water.

We clearly see a division between true artisans who first test on the water, check, modify, fish, and only then sell, and those who seek a quick profit. The former build brands for years, the latter disappear after a season.

The future belongs to brands that think globally but maintain local authenticity. The guys from Perch Professor show how to go from a personal need to a recognizable brand, without losing the soul of craftsmanship.