Nick Kross (Krasadakis) from Crete moved to Australia at the age of 21 and started making rods and reels in Brisbane in the 1920’s, possibly the first Australian to manufacture both rods and reels. In 1924 he made two patent applications, the first was for a screw less dirt-proof handle for fishing reels Pat App 18609 and the other being for a press down release lock for a casting reel Pat App 20528. His first reels were of a unique design. He continued making a variety of reels until around 1948 with his two sons Doug and Nick Jnr. According to Nick Jnr, he gave up manufacturing reels and focused making fishing rods. They were involved in two companies Queensland Sporting Goods Manufactory Ltd (1930) and Empire Fishing Tackle. Recently I acquired a Nick Kross reel with “Improved ACME senior” stamped on the back which appears to correspond with an ad in June 1928.
This article appeared in the Queensland Times 21st September 1949:
QLD. TIMBER FISHING RODS GO OVERSEAS
YARRAMAN, Sept.19 – Visiting Yarraman over the week-end in an effort to secure supplies of suitable timber for their fishing rod factory in Brisbane, Mr. N. Kross and his two sons gave some interesting sidelights on their work. Made of wholly Australian timbers, mostly Queensland , their rods have a wide market, being sent to South Africa, New Zealand, Tasmania and other southern States, and even to the United States of America. Securing the requisite grade of timber for this exacting work is the chief problem, and they have to make trips to various parts of the State, selecting the woods required. Timber they find eminently suitable for the rods is spotty gum from the Monto district, mulgs spear wood, lancewood from western areas, and red and black wattle from the coastal scrubs and hills. The logs used must have straight grain, be free of knots and twists, and measure about 9in. or over across. They are cut in lengths of 3ft. or 6ft. They said a sample of local green- heart (a scrub wood) appeared excellent and they hoped to secure also supplies of suitable wattle from the Benerkin district.