Ted "Tibor" Juracsik

Few individuals have had as profound an impact on saltwater fly fishing as Ted “Tibor” Juracsik. Born in Hungary, Juracsik honed his skills as a tool-and-die maker before fleeing from the Hungarian Revolution to the United States in 1956. After establishing a successful machine shop, a chance meeting with legendary angler Billy Pate in the Florida Keys changed the trajectory of his life—and the future of fly fishing. Recognizing the shortcomings of contemporary fly reels, Juracsik applied his engineering expertise to design the Billy Pate Fly Reel, the first anti-reverse fly reel built to withstand the powerful runs of big game fish. Its success revolutionized saltwater fly fishing, leading Juracsik to launch Tibor Reels in 1995. With a reputation for durability and precision, Tibor Reels have been responsible for more than 1,000 IGFA World Records, more than any other fly reel brand in history. Juracsik’s contributions extend beyond reel design. A lifelong angler, he remains deeply connected to the sport, spending much of his time on the water refining his craft. His legacy is defined not only by innovation but by a steadfast commitment to craftsmanship, ensuring that every reel bearing the Tibor name is still proudly made in the USA.