Les Davis

In 1932, a brilliant fishing innovator from Tacoma named Les Davis forever changed the art of salmon fishing. His masterpiece, the Les Davis Herring Dodger, was an ingenious metallic flasher that gracefully undulated through the waters, leading the way for a baited herring. This revolutionary lure would go on to entrance countless salmon over the coming decades, becoming a legend in Pacific Northwest waters.
The impact of Davis's innovation was so profound that even today, walking into any tackle shop and asking for a "Number 0 Les Davis" brings instant recognition – a testament to its enduring legacy. His contribution to the sport was so significant that Tacoma honored him by naming a fishing pier after him.
Under the guidance of visionaries like Les Davis, the fishing tackle industry flourished during the golden age of salmon fishing, reaching its zenith in the 1970s. During this time, the Davis company stood proudly as what many believed to be the world's premier tackle manufacturer. However, as with many great local enterprises, the tide of corporate consolidation eventually came calling. In 1986, the company was acquired by Luhr Jensen & Sons, an industry giant that had already gathered over 40 manufacturers under its wings during a two-decade expansion.