J.W. Young & Sons, a brief history

Since 1884, Handcrafted British Reels with a Story Worth Owning


For over 142 years, J.W. Young & Sons reels have been handcrafted in the English counties of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, trusted on riverbanks, cherished in collections, and passed down through generations. What began there as a single craftsman’s obsession with precision has become one of Britain’s most respected reel-making legacies.

A Legacy Forged in British Craftsmanship


.W. Young & Sons reels have been made in the idyllic English counties of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire since 1884 and are regarded by those who know as the benchmark of reel-making excellence. The tradition and heritage of hand-built British engineering is as real today as it has ever been, with a stable of modern classics now being created at the Gloucestershire-based works in Tewkesbury. Owning a reel from the J.W. Young & Sons range means becoming part of more than 142 years of angling heritage.




James William Young gave his name to the J.W. Young & Sons brand at the tender age of just 24. Born in Redditch in 1870, the son of a fishing reel maker, he was destined to make reels. From an early age, he displayed a natural talent for innovation, with a flair for design and a keen eye for aesthetics. Perhaps his greatest legacy is the Allcock Aerial. Instrumental in its early development, Aerial reels are widely regarded as the epitome of centrepin design, and any Aerial — regardless of its age or condition — remains a highly collectible prize.


Owing to his precocious talent for design, James William Young quickly rose to become Head of Reel Production at Allcocks in Redditch. During this period, he made the decision to establish his own business, creating reels for Allcocks and other companies to market. His sons, Howard and James, joined him after leaving school, helping to grow the business into a thriving and respected enterprise.



Tragically, James William Young died following an accident while on holiday on the Isle of Man in 1921. Howard and James continued to run the now-successful business from the Mayfield Works, located on the site of an old apple orchard in Redditch.


In 1940, they were joined by their brother Edward E. Young, just as fishing reel production was halted. The business was placed at the disposal of the Ministry of Aircraft Production, where it went on to manufacture one of the most significant wartime components of all, the firing button used in the legendary Spitfire fighter.

Production of reels resumed immediately after the end of the war, marked by the development of the Ambidex,  an unusual departure for the company as a fixed spool reel. Despite the success of this model, J.W. Young & Sons remained firmly rooted in centrepin production, with notable reels including the Gildex, Rapidex, Trudex, Windex, Seldex and Landex. These post-war models went on to define Young’s reputation for balance, reliability, and longevity, and many remain actively fished and collected today

Passing the Craft Forward

In 1965, Jim Young, a qualified engineer and grandson of James William Young, was at the helm of the company when it was purchased by the renowned American firm Noris Shakespeare. The two companies continued working together, manufacturing fishing reels and spools and ensuring that the standards associated with the J.W. Young & Sons name were maintained.

In 2001, J.W. Young & Sons was acquired by Masterline International Ltd, a world-famous brand within the fishing industry. One of their employees, Chris Miles, had joined Masterline at the age of 17 and would go on to become the Master Reel Maker for Young’s reels.


Following the demise of Masterline in 2020, Chris Miles and his partner, Vicki Haines (...now Vicki Miles!) , made the bold decision to acquire the J.W. Young & Sons brand, ensuring that its legacy would continue in the hands of those who understood it best.


Chris Miles brings decades of hands-on experience and deep technical knowledge to J.W. Young & Sons, ensuring that every stage of reel manufacture meets the highest standards of excellence. All reels are manufactured, engineered, and hand-assembled in the UK, with final inspection personally overseen by Chris. 

Once satisfied that a reel displays workmanship of the highest order, Chris signs the certificate of authenticity that accompanies each piece, a mark of accountability, skill, and pride in the craft.


Alongside this, Vicki Miles brings a clear focus on the identity, heritage, and future direction of the brand. She ensures that the history of J.W. Young & Sons is accurately represented, its values remain central to everything the company does, and the brand continues to evolve without losing what makes it distinctive. Her role bridges past and present, shaping how Young’s reels are understood, valued, and carried forward by the next generation of anglers.


If you would like to read a more comprehensive, in-depth and researched history of this famous British brand, try Elwyn Attwood's J.W. Young and Son, published by the Medlar Press.


Unlike many vintage reels, Young’s reels were built to be used — a quality that continues to underpin their collectability today

Interesting historical J.W. Youngs documents

J.W. Young & Sons: A Legacy of Handcrafted Excellence in Centrepin Reels

Since 1884, J.W. Young & Sons has been synonymous with handcrafted centrepin fishing reels, prized by anglers around the world.


In 2001, production moved to Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and in 2020 the company entered a new chapter when Chris and Vicki Miles took ownership, relocating to a traditional factory setting. Their shared aim has remained clear: to uphold the great British tradition of reel-making while allowing the brand to grow and reach new audiences worldwide.


Tradition Meets Innovation

J.W. Young & Sons’ reputation is built on two principal centrepin reel designs: true-pin reels, where the spool rotates directly on the central pin, and bearing-based centrepins, offering a more modern interpretation of a classic design. Demand for Young’s reels continues to grow, particularly across North America, Europe, and Asia.

The Craftsmanship Behind Every Reel

Chris Miles is a master reel maker with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, having honed his skills under the guidance of Jim Young, grandson of founder James William Young, and Garry Mills. Every reel that leaves the factory is manufactured, hand-assembled, and inspected by Chris himself. Each one carries its own serial number, a signed certificate of authenticity, and a British handmade padded pouch to protect its hand-polished finish.


While Jim Young is no longer actively involved in day-to-day production, his more than 60 years of reel-making experience remains invaluable. Chris and Vicki continue to consult him regularly, and he still receives one of the first reels from each new model for his personal collection.


The J.W. Young & Sons brand remains unmistakably British and highly sought after worldwide. With growing international demand and carefully considered new releases ahead, the future of J.W. Young & Sons is built on the same principles that have guided it since 1884: craftsmanship, integrity, and enduring quality.