Berkley Fishing Products

The Berkley story is deeply rooted in the spirit of the American Dream—a story of humble beginnings, perseverance, innovation, and the belief that hard work can lead to extraordinary success. What began as a small passion-driven venture has grown into one of the most respected names in fishing, built on dedication, resilience, and strong partnerships with anglers around the world.

Berkley’s journey began in June of 1937 in Spirit Lake, Iowa, when 16-year-old Berkley Bedell invested $50 earned from his paper route to start selling hand-tied fishing flies to local tackle shops and visiting anglers. Working out of his upstairs bedroom, using materials as simple as feathers from backyard chickens and hair clipped from the family dog, Berk crafted flies designed to tempt bluegill and bass from their underwater cover. That small operation became the foundation of The Berkley Fly Company.

By 1939, the business had grown rapidly. Upon graduating high school, Berkley was employing several local women who produced flies, silkworm gut, and cable wire leaders from their homes. As demand increased, the company quickly outgrew the family basement and living room, expanding into the second floor of a local grocery store—where ingenuity prevailed, including makeshift air conditioning using ice-filled tubs and fans.

From its earliest days, Berkley has remained committed to research, development, and innovation, a philosophy that continues to define the brand today. This dedication has led to some of the most influential products in fishing history, including Berkley Trilene®, Lightning Rod®, PowerBait®, FireLine®, Gulp!®, and Gulp! Alive®. Each innovation reflects Berkley’s ongoing mission to help anglers fish smarter, more effectively, and with greater confidence.

Today, Berkley’s story is not just about its founder—it is about the dedicated employees, loyal customers, and passionate anglers who were willing to take risks, push boundaries, and shape the future of fishing together.