In the early 1970s, a former Maine guide started making ice fishing tip ups.
What made his stand out?
When tripped, the flag flies 40" above the ice!
In the early 1970s, former Maine guide Bill Hubbard, started making and selling tip ups. His operation, H & J Lure Co, was located in Westfield, MA in a building once owned by U.S. Line Co.
Formerly known as United States Whip Company, U.S. Line was a large manufacturer of fishing line. In order to expand its ice fishing program, U.S. Line acquired the tip up portion of H & J Lure Co. As a result of an existing relationship, 40 Up Tackle Co became a division of U.S. Line.
For many years 40 Up manufactured and sold tip ups to U.S. Line Co. and its distributors. U.S. Line was sold to The Woodstock Line Company in Putnam CT who continue to operate and are being updated. 40 Up was left as a lone small business.
The most recent owners of 40 Up continued operation until 2019. This included expanding their product line with an assortment of fishing supplies. Whip City Tool & Die Corp of Southwick, MA continued to be a long-time provider of metal stampings (parts) to 40 Up Tackle. Time came for the owners to sell 40 Up. While there was at least one attempt to by another to run 40 Up, ultimately it was Whip City Tool & Die Corp who were able to take ownership of this historical local business.
Since its purchase of 40 Up Tackle Company, Whip City Tool & Die Corp has worked hard to revitalize a once booming business. Moving its aged equipment from the basement of a century old building to its new home was a challenge. Attempting a new business venture during the pandemic has also brought its own set of delays. But Theodore Roosevelt once said "Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty..." We hope you will continue this journey with us.
Ice Fishing Metal Reels for Tip Ups
40 Up Tackle Company hopes that we live up to its historic name. We have a passion for making what is old new again. We will continue to rebuild what was once a thriving business.
We appreciate your patience while we learn the ropes. We are now working on getting our tip ups sold throughout New England.
Work in progress
40 Up Tackle Co a division of Whip City Tool & Die
PO BOX 99, 813 College Highway, Southwick MA 01077
Copyright © 2022 40 Up Tackle Company
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You can't buy tip ups directly from us, but you can find out more about our our newly reintroduced traps and where to buy them. Look at our Where to Buy page and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Take some time to rediscover 40 Up Tackle Company.
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