About Us

The original concept behind what can be referred to as a toggle action release mechanism was invented by Paul Cronk. His original prototypes presented challenges to cost-effective manufacturing and the repeatability of operation. These challenges were overcome with inventive solutions developed by Ian Lowrey. Active Anchors as a company was formed early in 2024.

The way Active Anchors came about is a long and convoluted story. The details of which might make for a reasonable novel. Nonetheless, in the interests of keeping it short and therefore sweet, the only thing that anyone really needs to be aware of is our commitment to this project and why it means what it does.

We know what it is to see fishing and boating as a way of life. We have lived it, at times thought we might drown for it, and breathed in plenty of ocean air. The following background may give some idea of where the “salt in the veins” has come from. 

Paul Cronk as a boy

A few years later 

 

Paul grew up in Tweed Heads with his family home located on the waterfront near the mouth of the Tweed river where fishing, boating & diving were everyday activities. When he was old enough, Paul spent countless nights out in his small tinny chasing Jewfish in the local channels & eddies where effective anchoring & mooring were essential survival skills. 

Ron Cronk on World of Boats 

Paul’s father (Ron Cronk) was also a keen fisherman and member of the local fishing club where he had consistent success at club, state and national levels. In fact Ron & his best mate Len Thompson were forces to be reckoned with in club fishing circles where they dominated the sport through the late 50’s to early 70’s.

Their success was underpinned by passion & innovation leaving such legacies as “the side-cast” (Alvey) fishing reel, “the gang of hooks” (2,3 & 4 hooks interlinked) and the “running sinker with swivel & trace rig” (the most recognisable & basic fishing rig in common use today). 

Don Lowrey with a bone fish

Ian’s father, Don Lowrey (himself the son of a trawler captain) was a science teacher and avid biologist in working life. However, as a devout angler and diver, he would be on the water, or in it, every chance he got. He fished all over the globe and wrote articles for most of the large circulation Australian fishing publications.

A Westralian Dhu Fish after work - his own words "The shoes are plastic, they move though the water really well"
On many occasions he put his life on the line to save others. Although he could be a hard man, he was also very fair. To provide some insight, he once asked Ian “how you going”?  Not good, Ian answered. What’s wrong?  Don asked. “Well , I’ve lost my job and my girlfriend has left”.  “That's a great tragedy” Don replied. “But don't worry, you're in luck... the Tailor are running at Scarborough”.

Ian Lowrey with a Spanish Mackerel

a few years later - West Australian Dhufish