W.J. Paul
Kingston, Ontario

     There seems to be very little information on this early Canadian tackle maker.  What information that has been gleened so far came from CAFTA researcher and collector Ken Kerr.  According to Ken, he is listed in a Canadian directory, and both the 1901 and 1911 Census' of Canada as a 'tobacconist'. It was common at this time for store owners like this to sell fishing tackle.  Ken suggests that W.J. Paul probably had the spoons made for him and simply provided the marketplace.  In a 1901 census of Kingston, a William J Paul is listed on September 17, 1866 at the age of 34.  William Paul was married to Elizabeth Paul who was also 34.  These dates would suggest that Paul was producing his baits at a very late time of his life, or someone in his family took over the business and kept the W.J. Paul name on the spoons...who know.  This is another story that will come to fruition as Ken Kerr explores and researches the history further.  Look for Ken Kerr's work in CAFTA newsletters.  Thanks again Ken.

Photo courtesy of Jason Halliday

W.J. Paul Spinner Lure A very small size W.J. Paul spinner with very clear and obvious stamping