In 1934, Eddie Wigston founded a retail store in the town of New Norfolk situated on the Derwent River (a popular trout fishing district) 22 miles upstream from Hobart, the Capital of Tasmania.

As a keen marksman and an avid fisherman he operated the business known as E.L. Wigston selling radios, firearms and fishing equipment until he was joined by sons Ian and Garth. The Wigston family are keen anglers and during the 1960's considerable time was spent experimenting with home made fishing lures. Over the convivial glass of beer at the local club one Friday evening during the late 70's, the concept of mass production of lures was discussed at length by Eddie, Ian and Garth.

The Lure

The Lure was to consist of a hollow weighted torpedo shaped central core surrounded with plastic including curved wings out each side. A wire loop with hook coupled was to be fitted through the core. Various patterns, colours and designs to be painted on the exterior.

A Name

A name for the lure was all important and finally the selection of "Tasmanian Devil" (after an agressive indigenous Tasmanian Marsupial) was chosen. The "Tassie Devil" as it is more affectionately known, was born. Toward the end of 1979, production finally commenced. The early versions of the lure were very quickly snapped up as demand began to exceed supply. From humble beginnings with a hand made product, development of suitable equipment and technology more appropriate to the task of increased production was introduced. Eddie continued in the role of Chief Lure Tester until his passing in 1990.

Our Market

Export of the lure was achieved with introduction into the New Zealand market in 1984. As trout fishing is a world wide sport and pastime, word began to spread with overseas anglers fishing Australian and New Zealand waters, using the lure in their own countries with the same success. Demand increased with the Tasmanian Devil now available in more than 35 Countries.

The "Tassie" that was introduced in 1979 is now still available as our most popular size, weighing 13.5 grams. Three other models have been developed with 7, 26 and now 20 gram versions added to the range. Colour combinations total more than 100 colours options to cater for all possible conditions.

The 20 gram Dual Depth version was released in September 1998 and has proven to be an extremely popular addition to this range of best selling Australian manufactured fishing lures.

More recently a new concept of an all metal lure has been introduced. Known as the Salty Tasmanian Devil, this version has proven extremely popular and is available in a range of 4 colours and 2 sizes.

Wigston's Lures are proud of the market penetraion and the success that Tasmanian Devil's have achieved due to the excellent distribution of our enthusiastic distributors throughout the World who continue to supply satisfied anglers with one of the most affordable and successful lures used today.

Distributor Information

Wigston's Lures welcome enquiries regarding Wholesale Distribution. For further details email, write or call Wigston's Lures at the contact details below.

WIGSTON'S LURES 28 Gepp Parade, Derwent Park 7010, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA. Email: sales@wigstonslures.com.au Phone: (03) 6273 4744 Fax: (03) 6273 4770 International Phone: +61 3 6273 4744 Fax: +61 3 6273 4770