A Local Solution to a Global Problem
Along the Gulf Coast, one innovative Corpus Christi start-up is making waves with an environmentally conscious approach to fishing gear. Save the Wave Tackle, founded by local entrepreneur Andrew Crane, is turning the tide against plastic pollution by transforming discarded beach plastics into colorful, functional fishing lures. What began as a college project at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has evolved into a mission-driven business with a dual purpose: protect the environment and serve the fishing community.
From Class Project to Coastal Impact
Andrew Crane’s journey began in the classroom, but his impact now reaches miles of local shoreline thanks to his Corpus Christi start-up, Save the Wave Tackle. His idea was simple yet powerful: collect plastic litter from area beaches and give it a second life as something valuable. However, Crane quickly realized that simply removing waste and transferring it to landfills wasn’t a sustainable solution.
“It’s great to collect the trash,” Crane explained. “But if we’re just moving it from beach to landfill, then all you’re doing is relocating the problem.”
Instead, through his start-up, he chose to close the loop—transforming pollution into purpose.
Navigating Early Challenges
Crane’s early days weren’t without obstacles. He needed specialized machinery to melt down and mold plastic into fishing lures. The timing was everything. Crane secured the necessary equipment just before President Donald Trump’s administration enacted sweeping tariffs.
“We got our order in 14 days before the tariffs took effect,” he recalled. “If we hadn’t, the price would’ve jumped significantly.”
Despite this financial curveball, Crane persevered. Now, he estimates that over 1,200 pounds of plastic are currently sitting at his shop, ready to be repurposed into lures that will soon find their way back to the sea—this time in the hands of anglers.
Cleaning the Coast, One Pound at a Time
Crane isn’t alone in his efforts. Friends of Padre, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving local beaches, works closely with Save the Wave Tackle. Vice President Tyler Thorsen has spent countless hours organizing cleanups along the Texas coastline. For him, the issue is deeply personal and visual.
“This is what gets around the necks of fish and birds,” Thorsen said, holding up a tangled piece of plastic debris. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Thorsen sees excellent value in Crane’s initiative—not just as a cleanup solution but as a full-circle community effort.
“It’s kind of ironic,” Thorsen said. “All the plastic coming in from the sea goes to making these recycled lures that go out and catch fish from the sea.”
Fishing for Change
Beyond the environmental impact, Save the Wave Tackle highlights the power of local entrepreneurship and innovative thinking. The business highlights sustainability in an industry not often associated with green practices.
By repurposing materials that would otherwise pollute the ocean, Crane allows anglers to fish responsibly and make a difference—one cast at a time.
Looking Ahead
The future looks promising for Save the Wave Tackle. With growing community support and a warehouse full of potential, Crane is casting a broader net—both literally and figuratively. His efforts show how one small idea, rooted in education and local pride, can ripple outward and create positive change for the environment and future generations.