Reel Riff Gear

Harmonize Your Angling: Custom Fishing Gear with a Rhythmic Soul

At Reel Riff Gear, we blend the timeless artistry of rod building and lure crafting with the passionate spirit of music, creating fishing experiences as unique as Halifax itself. Discover unparalleled performance and a connection to the sea, tuned perfectly to your style.

Design My Dream Rod Explore Workshops
Trusted by 500+ Nova Scotia Anglers | Featured in Halifax Today | Founding Member, Maritime Fishing Guild

Trusted Craftsmanship. Proven Results.

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Custom Rods Crafted

Over 500 personalized fishing rods since 2018
4.9/5

Google Reviews

Google Reviews 4.9 out of 5 stars

Certified Quality

Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership Certified

Distinguished in Local Press

Halifax Herald newspaper feature logo

Your Partner in Unforgettable Fishing

From personalized equipment to vital knowledge, Reel Riff Gear offers everything a passionate angler needs, all crafted with expertise in Halifax.

Custom Rod Building

Personalized rods, built to your exact specifications, fishing style, and Nova Scotia's unique waters. Experience a rod that feels like an extension of yourself.

Craft My Rod

Artisanal Lure Crafting

Hand-painted, perfectly balanced lures designed to entice local species. Each one a tiny work of art, a deadly attraction on its own.

See Lure Collection

Music-Themed Accessories

Explore our exclusive line of fishing accessories inspired by the world of music. Unique, functional, and conversation-starting gear.

Discover Accessories

Expert Gear Repair

Don't replace, repair! Our skilled technicians breathe new life into your beloved rods and reels, ensuring peak performance for years to come.

Schedule Repair

Educational Workshops

Sharpen your skills with our hands-on workshops. Learn rod building, lure tuning, advanced casting, and Nova Scotia fishing techniques from the pros.

View Workshop Dates

Premium Fishing Gear

Shop a curated selection of high-quality fishing instruments and ready-to-fish gear, chosen for durability and performance in Atlantic Canada.

Shop Premium Gear

Design Your Dream Rod

Bring your vision to life. Our interactive configurator lets you visualize and select every component of your custom rod.

Prefer a one-on-one? Book a consultation.

Custom fishing rod being designed with selected components
Visual representation updates as you select options.

Immerse yourself in the details. From reel seat to tip-top, visualize your perfect fishing instrument.

The Hands Behind the Harmony

Andrew 'Riff' Thompson, founder of Reel Riff Gear, working on a custom fishing rod in his Halifax workshop.

Andrew "Riff" Thompson: Founder & Master Craftsman

With over two decades navigating Nova Scotia's demanding waters and a lifetime immersed in music, Andrew recognized a profound connection between the two passions. He combines the precision of a luthier with the nuanced understanding of an avid angler to craft fishing instruments that sing with performance.

  • 20+ Years Maritime Fishing Experience
  • Committed to Sustainable Sourcing of Local Materials
  • Background as a Professional Musician & Instrument Builder
  • Certified Master Rod Builder

"Every rod, every lure – it's a sonnet inspired by the ocean, played on the strings of craftsmanship."

Experience the Craft Firsthand

We invite you to visit our Halifax workshop, see the process, and chat with our team. Feel the dedication in every detail.

Plan Your Workshop Visit

Master Your Craft: Upcoming Workshops

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine advanced techniques, our expert-led workshops provide invaluable insights and hands-on experience.

Workshop participant hand-painting a fishing lure

Art of Lure Painting & Tuning

Learn the secrets to creating irresistible custom lures, from pigment blending to balancing the perfect swim action. All materials included.

Jul 20, 2024 Beginner
Details & Register
Instructor guiding a student in advanced fishing rod wrapping

Advanced Rod Building: Wraps & Finishes

Dive deeper into complex thread wraps, custom handles, and flawless epoxy finishes. Elevate your rod building to a professional level.

Aug 10, 2024 Intermediate
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Group of anglers practicing coastal casting techniques on the Nova Scotia shore

Coastal Casting & Technique Masterclass

Optimize your casting for specific Nova Scotia coastal conditions. Learn about targeting Striped Bass, Mackerel, and Cod from shore.

Sep 07, 2024 All Levels
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More Than Gear: It's an Anthem

Our unique music-themed accessories fuse your passion for angling with the rhythm of life. Find exclusive items that resonate with your soul.

Guitar pick shaped fishing lure with a subtle sound chamber and musical note details
"Strum Bait" Lure: Guitar pick design with internal rattle.
Vintage amplifier themed tackle box with functional knobs and faux speaker grille
"Amped-Up Tackle Box": Robust storage with retro amp aesthetics.
Fishing reel with custom engraving of a treble clef and musical notes
"Treble Reel": Precision reel with custom musical motif engraving.
Fishing rod handle with a beautifully crafted wooden grip, stained and polished like a guitar neck
"Fretboard Grip": Ergonomic handle, sculpted like a vintage guitar neck.
Collection of small fishing accessories including bobbers shaped like music notes and guitar pick weights
Assorted music-themed bobbers, weights, and tool holders.
Luxury gift set for an angler-musician, featuring a custom lure, engraved multi-tool, and a branded capo-style line cutter
"Maestro's Catch" Gift Set: Curated for the discerning musician-angler.
Explore the Full Collection

Fish Smarter: Your Halifax Local Guide

Equip yourself with local knowledge. Our guide helps you select the perfect gear for Nova Scotia's diverse fishing environments.

Interactive Map Coming Soon!

For now, explore our recommendations below.

Placeholder map of Nova Scotia fishing regions with points of interest

The Halifax Harbour offers excellent opportunities for Striped Bass and Mackerel. We recommend a 7'6" medium-heavy custom rod paired with our "Bluefin Beat" jig-style lures for optimal results during tidal flows.

Check local regulations for catch limits.

For the freshwater enthusiast, rivers like the Sackville and Musquodoboit are prime for Trout and Atlantic Salmon. Our ultralight custom rods, paired with delicate, hand-tied artistic flies or small spinners, provide the precision needed.

Fly fishing season and regulations vary seasonally.

Beyond the coastline, the deep waters of the Atlantic beckon. Tuna, Cod, and Haddock require robust gear. We craft heavy-action offshore rods designed for brute strength and endurance, paired with durable, weight-forward trolling lures.

Consider multi-day charters for optimal offshore experiences.

Prioritizing Conservation

We advocate for responsible angling. Learn about sustainable practices through our workshops.

Explore Conservation

Stewards of the Sea: Our Commitment

Our passion extends beyond crafting exceptional gear; it embraces the responsibility to preserve Nova Scotia's majestic marine environments for generations to come.

Local & Sustainable Sourcing

We prioritize local, ethically sourced materials, minimizing our carbon footprint and supporting Nova Scotia's craft economy.

Repair-First Philosophy

Extending the life of your gear means less waste. Our robust repair services are central to our sustainable ethos.

Conservation Education

Every workshop includes principles of sustainable fishing, catch-and-release techniques, and responsible water stewardship.

Our Impact Towards a Greener Future

Materials Sourced Locally: 75%

Gear Repaired vs. Replaced Annually: 180+ Items

Partners in Preservation

We proudly collaborate with organizations dedicated to protecting Nova Scotia's aquatic ecosystems.

Nova Scotia Rivers Alliance logo Halifax Ocean Defenders logo

Your Questions, Our Expertise

Find answers to common questions about our custom gear, workshops, and services. Still curious? We're here to help.

A typical custom fishing rod takes between 4-6 weeks from initial consultation to final delivery. This includes design finalization, material sourcing (especially for unique components), expert craftsmanship, and meticulous finishing processes. We prioritize quality and precision over speed to ensure your rod is perfect. Expedited options may be available upon request.

Pricing for custom rods and lures depends on several factors: the type and quality of blank, reel seat, handle materials (e.g., cork, EVA, exotic wood), guide specifications (e.g., stainless steel, titanium), complex custom thread wraps, and personalized engravings. Generally, custom rods start around $350 CAD, with artisanal lures ranging from $35-$75 CAD. We provide a transparent, detailed quote after your initial design consultation, ensuring you understand every component of the cost.

All Reel Riff Gear custom rods come with a lifetime warranty on craftsmanship and component integrity under normal fishing conditions. Lures are warranted against manufacturing defects for one year. We also offer comprehensive repair services for all fishing gear, regardless of where it was purchased. Our technicians will assess the damage and provide a quote for repair, aiming to extend the life of your cherished equipment.

Absolutely! Reel Riff Gear offers private workshop bookings for groups, corporate team-building events, and special occasions. We can customize the workshop content, from basic rod building and lure crafting to advanced casting clinics, to suit your group's skill level and interests. Please contact us directly with your preferred date, group size, and desired focus for a personalized quote and scheduling options.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

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Let's Create Your Next Masterpiece

Ready to elevate your fishing experience? Connect with the Reel Riff Gear team in Halifax today. We're eager to hear your vision.

Call Us Now

(902) 555-1234

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[email protected]

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Book a Consultation

Personalize your gear with our team.

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Visit Our Halifax Workshop

789 Osprey Lane, Unit 10B, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3L 4K6, Canada

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