Tackle Trade World - November 2023

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november 2023 

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TACKLE DOWN UNDER 

How did the Australian 

tackle trade show go this 

year? PAGE 10 

ITALIAN FLAIR 

Italy has so much to offer 

the trade and anglers alike. 

PAGE 24 

EFTTEX 2023 HAILED 

A SUCCESS BUT 

MAKES NO PROFIT 

Despite the European 

tackle trade show, 

EFTTEX, being 

lauded as a success this summer 

in Budapest, the organisers have 

confirmed it made no profit. 

It’s a blow to the European 

Fishing Tackle Trade 

Association (EFTTA) – which 

owns the EFTTEX trademark 

but did not organise the 

2023 venture – as it had been 

promised profits from the show 

to help its work in lobbying 

the European Parliament to 

help secure the future of the 

industry. 

EFTTA CEO Olivier 

Portrat told TTW: “Apparently, 

no profit has been generated 

and no money will be handed 

over to EFTTA.” 

Istvan Pal, an EFTTA board 

member and one of the show 

organisers through EFFTEX 

Ltd/Hungary, (EFTTEX Kft) 

which was formed specifically 

to run the event, explained to 

TTW: “EFTTEX 2023 was 

revived with very good success. 

“In total, 1,170 visitors came 

to Budapest from 67 countries. 

The last EFTTEX prepandemic 

in Amsterdam had 

1,636 visitors including 494 

retailers; in Budapest we had 

589 visitors wearing Retailer or 

Wholesaler-Retailer badges. 

“In post-show contact with 

visitors/exhibitors (over 400 

surveys were completed) the 

show was rated 4.17 out of 

five and industry publications 

including TTW have said it 

exceeded expectations for many. 

“When EFTTA Ltd closed 

its books, only 75 per cent of the 

prepayments that the Londonbased 

company received for 

EFTTEX 2020 were returned 

to those companies that had 

prepaid for that show. 

• Continued on page 8 

S E N T T O M O R E T H A N 1 8 , 5 0 0 T A C K L E I N D U S T R Y 

PROFESSIONALS IN OVER 120 COUNTRIES EVERY MONTH

NOVEMBER 

2023 

TackleTrade 


EDITORIAL 

Editor: 

John Hunter 

THE SEARCH 

FOR TRUTH AND 

ACCOUNTABILITY 

04 

+44 7990 542958 

john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk 

A journalist all his life and with 20-plus years 

of international business magazine experience, 

John was the founding editor of TTW and has 

now returned to the helm. He has helped 

many brands launch and grow over the years 

through B2B publications and via his own 

consultancy business. 

ADVERTISING 

North America: 

Bart Manganiello 

+1 914 722 7601 

bartalm@optonline.net 

For over 38 years, Bart has been working with 

trade magazines, 34 in the tackle industry. 

Since 2001, he has been TTW’s North American 

Director, providing the best communication 

programs to companies, helping them connect 

with current and prospective trade partners 

around the world. 

Rest Of The World: 

Guido Knegt 

+39 3475036436 

guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk 

A born and bred Dutchman, he spent five 

years travelling the world as a scuba-diving 

instructor and English teacher before settling 

down in Sardinia. Guido previously worked for 

TTW between 2014 and 2017. 

China: Robert Li 

Li Ziwei 

+86 13451914155 

robert.li365@gmail.com 

Li Ziwei (Robert) has been working as news 

editor for over 20 years. He founded the most 

influential Chinese fishing forum in the Straits 

and successfully organised many industry 

events. His love for culture and tourism has led 

him to devote his entire life to the exchanges 

between China and southeast Asia. 

Magazine Manager 

Justin Fox 

+44 7813 327966 

justin.fox@dhpub.co.uk 

A hugely experienced communicator with 

more than 20 years at parent company DHP, 

Justin knows what it takes to grow brands 

and businesses across the tackle sector. 

Sub Editor: David Haynes 

Art Editor: Paul Evans 

Editorial Design: Brad Sharp 

DHP LTD 

Editorial, administration, subscriptions and 

accounts to: DHP Ltd, 1st Floor, Nene House, 

Sopwith Way, Daventry, NN11 8EA, UK 


We all know that EFTTEX 

and EFTTA have not 

been happy bedfellows in 

the last year and you can be sure we 

haven’t heard the last of this. 

The European Fishing Tackle Trade 

Association – keen to carry on its 

crucial work protecting the sport’s 

future through its work at the highest 

levels of the European Union – had 

distanced itself from the EFTTEX 

Show organisers, based in Hungary. 

Indeed, TTW ran a story to that 

effect at the end of last year – albeit 

with couple of enforced changes to 

the article as it was about to go to 

press. 

It seems that the original intention 

to have nothing to do with the show 

was watered down somewhat after 

TTW contacted the various parties for 

comment. 

What was eventually agreed was 

that, while EFTTA would retain 

the EFTTEX trademark and name, 

it would allow EFTTEX Kft in 

Hungary to use it to set up and run 

the 2023 event in Budapest. 

However, in return, it was also 

agreed that all profits from the show 

would be donated to EFTTA to help 

with its important industry work, 

safeguarding the interests of European 

fishing tackle businesses. 

Except – there was no profit. The 

organisers say they ploughed in far 

more cash (much of it their own) 

than they received from exhibitors for 

stands and visitors for tickets. 

3,511 

6,466 

But that only tells half the story. 

Figures privately reported to TTW 

seem to be at odds with the official 

spending account, which raises more 

than a few questions although it 

must be stressed these have not been 

officially verified. 

At the same time, we have the 

organisers of the Budapest show 

initially declaring they would not run 

another EFTTEX but now claiming 

the positive response in 2023 has 

encouraged them to reconsider and, at 

worst, present options and alternatives 

to the EFTTA board. 

TTW understands these may 

include a choice of venues in both 

western and eastern Europe and 

autumn dates rather the traditional 

summer ones. 

So, will there be an EFTTEX 2024 

and who will be running it? As TTW 

went to press we were still waiting on 

an answer but, by the time you read 

this, all may have become clearer! 

Quite what the EFTTA board, let 

alone the industry at large, makes of 

all this is still to be determined but it 

seems set for some kind of showdown. 

Meanwhile, TTW will also have 

been at the AFFTA Confluence event 

in Salt Lake City – born from the 

ashes of the 2022 IFTD Show – and 

you can look forward to a report from 

that in due course. 

John Hunter 

Editor

NOVEMBER 

2023 

18 

24 

16 

10 

Contents 

08 NEWS 

Mustad partners with Flyfish Europe for 

growth while the latter adds Whiting 

Farms to its portfolio, plus plenty of other 

industry news… 

10 TACKLE DOWN UNDER 

How did the Australian Fishing Trade 

Association’s show go in August? We have 

a full report of the event, the gala dinner 

and awards. 

16 ITALIAN LINE MAKER GOING GREEN 

Plastools, which scooped four awards at 

EFTTEX 2023, has been making waves with 

biodegradable packaging on its range of 

fishing lines. 

18 SPOTLIGHT ON… FLY TYING 

Flytying is a crucial money spinning sector 

but the array of materials and accessories 

is bewildering. We demystify some of it for 

you… 

20 SHOP WINDOW 

Hardened anglers love tying their own 

flies. But, to do so, they need access to 

great materials and tools. Are you stocking 

the right gear? 

06 www.tackletradeworld.com 

30 

22 SEMPERFLI MAKES SELECTIONS 

SIMPLE 

Fly tying materials supplier Semperfli has 

a clever and simple system designed to 

remove the hidden set-up costs of taking 

on new items. 

24 DOING BUSINESS WITH… ITALY 

Home to many well-known brands, Italy is 

renowned as a major player in the industry 

while also offering countless fishing 

opportunities. 

28 ST. CROIX MARKS 75 YEARS 

St. Croix Rod has been marking three 

quarters of a century in business 

throughout 2023. TTW looks back at the 

history of this US manufacturer. 

30 KEEPING KEY FLY BRANDS AFLOAT 

When Ben Gehrke struggled to find his 

favourite fly tying materials his quest led 

to him buying an entire materials brand 

and more… 

34 ZENAQ GUIDES YOU TO INNOVATION 

The Japanese brand’s RG guides first 

appeared in 2007 but they continue to 

evolve to ensure rods will always perform 

at their best. 

36 MAKING ECO-FRIENDLY GEAR THE 

NORM 

GT-Bio is at the forefront of 

environmentally friendly products in 

fishing. CEO Armando Sousa explains what 

this means for his business and the trade. 

40 WHY CHOOSE CHINA FISH 2024? 

At long last China Fish 2024 is finally on 

the horizon. How and why should you get 

involved in one of the most crucial trade 

shows in the world? 

42 MAKING CONTACT 

More great gear you should consider 

stocking. Having the latest equipment can 

drive customers to your outlet. 

44 WHY LEAD-FREE FEEDERS ARE THE 

FUTURE 

Environmental consciousness plays 

a leading role in Energofish’s product 

development process. Its latest offering is 

Go Green Feeders. 

36 

50 LAST CAST 

UK angler and Farlows marketing executive 

Lucy Bowden explains why more women 

are getting into fishing and how it has 

become more accessible.

Super 

Heat Dissipation 

 

 

 

Super 

Low-Friction 

Super 

Hardness 

Super 

Lightness

EFTTEX 2023 HAILED A SUCCESS 

BUT MAKES NO PROFIT 

• Continued from page 3 

“Despite the fact it had no 

legal obligation, EFTTEX Ltd/ 

Hungary accepted parts of these 

prepayments for stand payments 

for its exhibitors in 2023. 

“The volume of the accepted 

credits exceeded the EFTTA 

total membership amount by 

20 per cent. The EFTTEX Kft 

owners invested their private 

money and worked totally for 

free covering even the costs they 

had related to EFTTEX travel as 

well as paying full price for their 

booths. 

“Although the owners 

aimed to produce additional 

cash to be transferred, there is 

no additional cash payment from 

EFTTEX to EFTTA possible 

from this first edition.” 

EFTTA and EFTTEX 

had been seen as two separate 

entities since 2021, when the 

EFTTA AISBL board (the new 

organisation based in Brussels 

following the dissolution of the 

Istvan Pal 

London company) agreed that 

it could not rely on monies from 

the show to finance its work. 

This split was further evident 

at the end of last year, when 

EFTTA formally distanced itself 

from the organisers of EFTTEX. 

At the time, CEO Olivier 

Portrat stated: “EFTTEX 

Trading (EFTTEX Kft) does 

not organise the EFFTEX show 

on behalf of EFTTA AISBL 

but for the benefit of EFTTA. 

The profit of the show is being 

Olivier Portrat 

forwarded to EFTTA and used 

to save the future of recreational 

angling in Europe by our 

lobbying work.” 

However, it appears there is 

no profit from the 2023 show 

to hand over, to the surprise of 

many. 

PLANNING AHEAD 

There have also been many 

questions over plans for a 2024 

event. Initially, Istvan and 

EFTTEX Kft had said it would 

not be running future events but 

is unclear if that position has 

changed. 

Istvan revealed: “As promised, 

the surveys completed onsite and 

after the event will give the basis 

of the offer EFTTEX Trading 

(EFTTEX Kft) to present to 

EFTTA board, the owner of 

the EFTTEX trademark. Over 

400 surveys were completed. 

Based on the results, the current 

organisers will present their offer 

for licensing the EFTTEX name 

for the next edition. 

“I can’t reveal the location yet, 

I can only say it is not Budapest, 

as a big number of trade 

members opted for a different 

place. Although Budapest as a 

meeting point was a clear success, 

most of the trade members 

wanted the organisers to consider 

western European locations 

too. So we will present an offer 

including dates and location to 

the board.” 

St. Croix goes back to school of bass 

St. Croix, the parent company to St. Croix 

Rod, SEVIIN reels, Rod Geeks and more, 

has announced a three-year partnership 

with the US Collegiate Bass Fishing 

Championship School of the Year. 

The deal with the University of 

Montevallo includes two-year sponsorship 

of the university’s Falcons Fishing Team 

and a six-month internship at St. Croix 

for one of the team’s student athletes. 

Jesse Simpkins, St. Croix vice-president 

of marketing, said the agreement 

represents great opportunities for both 

organisations. 

He explained: “The University of 

Montevallo gets a lot of well-deserved 

attention for the accomplishment of its 

bass-fishing team. 

“But behind all the titles and honours 

the Falcons have earned on the water, 

there’s a wonderful university supporting 

the personal and professional growth of 

these young people, many of whom aspire 

to work in the fishing industry after 

graduation. 

“We’re providing 

one of them with an 

immersive six-month 

internship within our 

marketing department 

for which they’ll 

receive both real-world 

experience and college 

credit for their work. 

“But, beyond 

that, we have a 

variety of additional 

marketing projects and 

opportunities planned 

that will allow participation and growth 

for as many Falcons team members who 

want to get involved in the day-to-day 

marketing activities that help fuel the 

growth of our brands.” 

The partnership also includes direct 

support to the 2021/2022 MLF National 

School of the Year, 2022/2023 Bassmaster 

Team of the Year, and 2022/2023 MLF 

National Champions in the form of 

product sponsorship. 

St. Croix Falcons fishing 

“St. Croix Rod and SEVIIN Reels will 

be sponsors of the Montevallo Falcons 

Fishing Team in name, meaning that 

we’re providing rods and reels to the team 

to use as they see fit,” he added. 

“We’re not dictating their use by any 

individual team member; we want and 

expect to earn the right to be in their 

hands and on their decks.” 

stcroixrods.com 

08 www.tackletradeworld.com

Mustad partners with Flyfish 

Europe for greater reach 

Legendary fly hooks 

manufacturer Mustad has 

partnered with the fly 

specialists at Flyfish Europe 

to offer tackle across the 

European market. From 

September 1st, Flyfish Europe 

– which distributes respectable 

brands in the segment all over 

Europe – has added Mustad as 

its first hook manufacturer. 

With this major joint 

venture, fly tyers will find 

Mustad hooks in local shops 

everywhere. 

Since Mustad began hook 

production in 1877, fly hooks 

have been a large part of the 

Mustad hook selection and the 

brand has stood as a key player 

in the production of premium 

hooks. 

Mustad’s iconic styles 

recently received a refresh with 

the Heritage Fly Hook series 

released with new technologies 

and sustainable packaging. 

“Mustad’s fly hook reach will 

be expanded 20-fold with this 

new agreement,” said Eddie 

Payton, marketing manager for 

Mustad EMEA 

“The angling passion, fishing 

knowledge, and industry 

relationships that the Flyfish 

Europe team have established 

are irresistible to the Mustad 

brand. We look forward to 

exceptional growth in serving 

retailers across the region.” 

Founded in 2002, Flyfish 

Europe has exclusively 

supplied the market with 15 

high-end fly fishing brands 

including Simms, Bajio, 

Scott Fly Rods and many 

others. With the recent 

announcement of cooperation 

with premium tying feathers 

expert Whiting Farms, Flyfish 

Europe adds another piece of 

the puzzle to reach enthusiasts 

of both crafts – fly fishing and 

fly tying. 

“We are thrilled to introduce 

Mustad fly hooks to our 

repertoire. The brand strength 

and high-quality products are 

iconic among fly fishermen 

and -women, giving us a 

running start,” added Flyfish 

Europe managing director 

Jarle L Krtistansen. 

“Our connections and 

dedicated experience to fly 

fishing will give Mustad hooks 

the edge when introducing to 

shops and end consumers.” 

www.mustad-fishing.com 

2023-24 

Over 1,400 New 

Line Items in our 

2023-2024 Catalog 

14,600+ Products 

Available for your 

Fly Tying Shops Walls! 

Microflex Soft 

Hackle Chenille 

Available in 5 sizes and 

31 Great Colors! 

EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION 

DEAL FOR FLY MATERIAL FIRM 

Both US-based fly tying materials supplier Whiting Farms and 

distributor Flyfish Europe are looking at great new prospects 

following their recent agreement. 

Having dealt with multiple European distributors and dealers 

in the past, Tom Whiting is pleased to be working with a single 

distributor capable of effectively serving the European market in its 

entirity. Tom, who founded Whiting Farms back in 1989, explained: 

“Jarle L. Kristiansen, the MD of Flyfish Europe, and I go way back. 

I’ve followed the rise of his distribution company and know how 

highly regarded, efficient and smooth it has become. 

“By teaming up with Flyfish Europe we’ll be able to serve retailers 

across Europe in a transparent, cost-effective and coherent way that 

will benefit everyone involved.” 

Jarle is looking forward to building stock and getting the ball 

rolling with his team. 

He added: “Whiting fits well into our line-up of high-end fly 

fishing brands. Knowing Tom’s dedication to quality, I’m happy 

to offer the stock-, distribution- and dealer web solutions that his 

products so sorely deserve within the European market. It’s going 

to be a win-win situation, not only for Flyfish Europe and Whiting, 

but also for the European retailers and end consumers.” 

www. flyfisheurope.com

AUSTRALIAN TRADE SHOW 

BRINGS SMILES ALL ROUND 

The return of the Australian Fishing Trade 

Association’s trade show in August brought 

smiles to the industry as buyers and sellers 

gathered on the Gold Coast to do business. 

The three-day event attracted several 

hundred stores and buyers on the first two 

days followed by thousands of members 

of the public on the final day as the show 

threw open its doors to consumers. 

AFTA president Michael Starkey said: 

“Wow, what a show we’ve seen this year; the 

support from exhibitors has been fantastic 

with the show floorspace selling out weeks 

early. We saw many retailers visit the show 

and take advantage of the attendance 

incentive. 

“The trade show calendar offered plenty 

of networking opportunities, from the show 

itself, AFTA’s AGM, Happy Hour and the 

Gala Dinner & Awards Night, which was 

the biggest that AFTA has ever seen with 

400 people attending for four hours of 

drinks and socialising. The support from the 

Victorian Government and Brandscope for 

the dinner was fantastic. 

“The incredible sponsorship from the 

Queensland Government enabled AFTA to 

offer free entry to all members of the public. 

The lines were long and at times the hall 

was packed. 

“There’s already plenty of talk for the 

2024 show; if you missed it in 2023, start 

planning now to ensure you don’t do that 

again!” 

Among those attending was government 

fisheries minister Mark Furner who also 

attended the gala dinner as well as officially 

opening the public day. 

He said: “Anglers and fishing enthusiasts 

like myself were out in force on the Gold 

Coast for the Australian Fishing Trade 

Association Tackle Show. 


“This popular event showcases so many 

outstanding fishing and marine products, all 

under the one roof. 

“As the Minister for Fisheries, I’ll 

continue to champion our world-class 

fisheries sector and the outstanding produce 

it delivers to our plates.” 

In a first for the organisers, AFTA’s 

AGM was held on the first trade day of the 

show at the Let’s Fish Australia stage and 

was immediately followed by Happy Hour. 

The meeting was attended by 48 

members, representing 16 wholesale 

companies, 12 retailers and one media 

business. 

There were three positions on the board 

up for nomination this year, with Ben 

Scales, Alicia Bolitho and Kord Luckus all 

re-elected. 

Once again AFTA’s Gala Dinner was 

sold out – twice! This meant the organisers 

had to request a larger room at the venue 

and that evening more than 400 fishing 

industry members filled the room. 

The Seven Network’s Paul Burt was MC 

for the evening while AFTA president 

Michael Starkey delivered a quick update 

about what the board has been working on 

over the past 12 months. 

The AFTA Hall of Fame welcomed its 

newest inductee, Bill Classon, the executive 

team from WARFFA was recognised by 

the industry for their contribution over the 

past 12 months and product, stand and best 

store awards were also handed out. 

Meanwhile, Victorian Fishing Authority’s 

Caitlin Berecry-Brooks presented some 

interesting insights on the Women in 

Recreational Fishing and Boating network. 

The Best In Show product awards 

were voted on by the retailers who 

attended the 2023 trade show, while the 

Best Stand awards were voted on by the 

Victorian Fisheries Authority and Women 

in Recreational Fishing and Boating 

(WIRFAB). 

The Best Tackle Store award was voted 

on by AFTA member wholesalers prior to 

the show. 

You can see all the award winners at 

www.afta.net.au/2023-awards 

THE SHOW IN NUMBERS 

Day 1 – Thursday 

285 buyers 

143 stores 

691 attendees 

Day 2 – Friday 

275 buyers 

139 stores 

748 attendees 

Day 3 – Saturday 

17 buyers 

10 stores 

4,854 public registered 

2,620 public attended 

3,067 attendees 

Total Unique Retail Stores 

174 stores 

Number of Days Stores Attended 

One day: 65 

Two days: 114 

Three days: 8 

AFTA Tackle Show 2024 is scheduled 

for August 15th – 17th at the Gold Coast 

Convention & Exhibition Centre

Academy opens doors to 

Texas anglers once more 

US retail chain 

Academy Sports + 

Outdoors has added its 

109th location in Texas, 

with the opening of its 

first store in Kyle. 

The 56,000 sq 

ft store brings a 

wide assortment of 

sports and outdoors 

merchandise to the 

area, along with big 

brands in the outdoor 

recreation sector such 

as Shimano and YETI, 

alongside Nike, The 

North Face and many 

more. 

This is the fifth store 

Academy has opened in 2023 

with plans to open up to 140 

new stores by the end of 2027. 

Sam Johnson, Academy’s 

executive vice-president of 

retail operations, said: “As 

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON THE 

LINE TO TAKE US KIDS FISHING 

We all know that taking kids fishing just a 

few times creates a lifelong love of the sport 

and a new US bill aims to support this to the 

tune of $2 million. 

The Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act 

could help nurture the next generation 

of anglers and, therefore, potential tackle 

customers, which is why it is being backed 

by US trade body the American Sportfishing 

Association. 

Studies indicate that just a little bit of 

time outside daily at a young age has a 

wide array of benefits including improved 

physical and mental health and a better 

understanding of the importance of 

conservation. Fishing is a perfect way to 

spend time outdoors, is relatively easy and 

when learned at a young age, provides a 

lifetime of enjoyment. 

The act, if approved, would create a $2 

million grant program to fund communitybased 

schemes that take children on fishing 

trips in coastal or Great Lakes waters. 

Academy Sports + Outdoors 

expands in our home state, we 

are thrilled to bring more sports 

and outdoor fun to the Kyle 

community. We look forward 

to providing a new convenient 

location for the best sports and 

This bill will give access to the water to 

youth who otherwise may never learn to fish 

or appreciate the outdoors and is seen as a 

great first step towards encouraging kids to 

fish. 

The ASA is urging all US-based tackle 

businesses, guides and anglers to write to 

members of Congress and share the bill on 

social media and with customers to ease its 

passage through the system. 

The ASA said: “Studies indicate that 

children that spend time fishing receive 

substantial physical and mental health 

benefits compared to other children. 

“Studies also show that 86 per cent of 

anglers have gone fishing before the age 

of 12, meaning that if you don’t go fishing 

while you’re still a kid, the odds are low that 

you ever will. 

“Introducing new anglers – particularly 

young people – to recreational fishing is one 

of the overarching goals of the ASA.” 

www.asafishing.org 

outdoors equipment, at a great 

value, so that families can get 

to the fun faster.” 

Originally founded in 1938 

as a family business in Texas, 

Academy has grown to 273 

stores across 18 states. 

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Website: www.wapsifly.com

NEWS IN BRIEF 

Finding a way 

Raymarine, a global leader in highperformance 

marine electronics for 

the recreational boating and other 

markets, has seen its partnership 

with autonomous boat navigation 

provider Avikus continue to grow. 

Several major boatbuilders 

having agreed to integrate 

Raymarine x Avikus NeuBoat Dock 

technology into their next model 

year. 

Meanwhile, Raymarine and 

Avikus have just unveiled the 

NeuBoat Dock camera system at 

major international shows. 

Serving the Rockies 

The opening of the 130,000 sq 

ft Outdoor World will mark the 

sixth Bass Pro Shops location in 

Colorado, as it continues to expand 

its presence to serve the Rocky 

Mountain region. 

Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny 

Morris said: “We are very excited 

to announce this new location 

and continue to strengthen our 

relationship with the western 

sportsmen and women of Colorado 

and beyond. 

“This new store will make it 

easier for the people and families 

who love to hunt the mountains 

and high plains of the West and 

fish its rich streams to spend time 

together in the great outdoors.” 

Peli CEO on the 

case 

Peli Products, known for its rugged, 

mission-critical protective cases, 

coolers, and temperature-controlled 

packaging, has named James ‘JC’ 

Curleigh as chief executive officer. 

With over 30 years’ experience in 

high-profile brands including M&M 

Mars, Salomon Sports, TaylorMade 

Golf, Keen footwear, Levi’s and most 

recently Gibson guitars, he is wellequipped 

to help lead Peli to new 

heights. 

The firm says his visionary 

leadership and ability to adapt to 

changing market dynamics align 

seamlessly with its commitment to 

delivering exceptional products and 

experiences to its global customer 

base. 

MOST US ANGLERS AWARE 

OF CONSERVATION NEEDS 

The majority of US anglers understand that 

their fishing licence fees play an important part 

in wildlife conservation, which helps ensure the 

future of their sport. 

That’s according to the results of a study 

by the Recreational Boating & Fishing 

Foundation (RBFF), which is designed to 

learn more about the connection consumers 

are making between fishing, boating and 

conservation. 

Conducted every three years, the study’s 

findings showcase steady progress in RBFF’s 

goal to drive awareness of the conservation 

efforts resulting from fishing and boating 

participation. RBFF will use data from 

the survey to inform actions that continue 

resonating with consumers. 

Among the key findings were that four in 

five anglers know the benefits fishing licence 

fees bring to wildlife conservation (up from 

two in three in the 2019 survey). 

Anglers’ awareness that some of this licence 

cash is used for conservation is also strong and, 

again, above the 2019 levels. 

However, the research also showed that 

less than 30 per cent of anglers felt that 

conservation was a motivation to go fishing; 

most saying that enjoying the outdoors and 

spending time with family and friends were 

key reasons to pick up a rod and reel. 

That said, it was clear that conservation is 

a passion shared by the vast majority of those 

who go fishing – 92 per cent agreed they want 

to help protect and preserve waterways and 91 

per cent care about healthy fish populations 

and public access to fishing. 

The study also showcased that learning about 

the link between licence fees and conservation 

increased the likelihood of families going 

fishing and that more communication about 

the sport’s benefits should be targeted via 

online and social media platforms. 

Dave Chanda, RBFF’s president and CEO, 

said: “This study shows RBFF’s efforts to 

improve education around the ties between 

licensing and conservation have been 

consistent and effective. 

“Education is key to continuing to grow 

conservation awareness. Emphasising this link 

will build momentum in the next generation 

of anglers and boaters since this knowledge 

increases the likelihood of participation.” 

www.www.takemefishing.org/specialreport 

UK tackle trade stalwart Ricky Teale passes 

TackleTrade World recently 

learned that Ricky Teale 

had sadly passed away, 

aged 56. Ricky was a top 

UK match angler but it 

was in the tackle industry 

that he really made his 

mark. He began working 

at Preston Innovations 

back in the 1990s and 

turned what was then a 

small company into one 

of the biggest match 

brands in Europe with the 

introduction of countless 

new, innovative products. 

He also launched the 

Sonubaits brand as well as 

other non-match brands 

in the Preston Innovations 

stable such as Korum and 

Avid. 

He also had spells with 

Fox International where 

he created the Matrix 

brand and more recently 

Ricky Teale (left). 

he worked for Zebco 

before his last job role as 

European project manager 

at global tackle giant 

Daiwa. 

Ricky leaves his wife 

Kath, son Dale and 

daughter Kimi and our 

sincere condolences go 

out to all his family and 

friends. He was a popular 

character in the tackle 

trade and he will be 

deeply missed by all those 

that knew him. 

Ricky Teale 

1967-2023 


Quantum leap for 

industry veteran 

Mark Talwin 

Tackle brand Quantum, part 

of Rather Outdoors, has 

added industry veteran Mark 

Talwin to its team in the role 

of senior product engineer. 

With over a decade of 

fishing reel engineering 

excellence behind him, Mark 

and the team are poised to 

write an exciting new chapter 

for Quantum in the USA 

and deliver a new era of 

innovation. 

Quantum’s senior vicepresident 

Mike Rice said: 

“This brand has a rich 

history and a name that still 

resonates with avid anglers. 

With such an accomplished 

engineer like Mark joining 

the team, we are laser focused 

on Quantum’s future.” 

Mark added: “I’m 

extremely excited to join the 

massive amount of talent 

that is now under one roof 

and driven toward one goal. 

Quantum has all the pieces 

of the puzzle to deliver the 

best saltwater gear on the 

market.” 

Mark grew up in 

Columbia, South Carolina, 

where he and his wife 

Brittany now raise their 

young son, James. When he 

is not designing reels for 

Quantum, you will find him 

putting them to work on his 

home waters of Lake Murray 

or along the coast of the 

southeast. 

www.quantumfishing.com 

NO ’BULL’ FROM DAIWA 

Daiwa’s latest saltwater-grade Bull Steel bladebait takes a freshwater 

favourite out to sea. 

For decades, freshwater anglers have cast, jigged and trolled these 

hyperactive tight-wobblers like the Heddon Sonar for everything 

from walleyes to spotted bass. 

However, the lures and associated techniques haven’t really 

penetrated the saltwater market… until now. 

Cast and retrieved or dropped and pumped, Bull Steel emits a 

sonic typhoon that fish can hear from afar. In fact, you can adjust the 

sweet siren song by tying to one of its two cut outs, each creating a 

unique underwater dining experience for the fish. 

Its attractiveness is further enhanced with electric flashes as it 

shakes violently from side to side. And its baitfish inspired silhouette 

is instantly recognised by reef fish and pelagic species alike. 

It’s available in in 1oz (30g) and 1.5oz (45g) sizes and four 

colours. 

YAMAHA MOTORS 

INTO SALTWATER TEST 

FACILITY 

Yamaha Motor Corporation USA has purchased a Florida marina 

with the aim of converting it into the Yamaha Offshore Endurance 

Center (YOEC). 

The facility at Fort George Island marina will serve as a testing 

base for Yamaha Marine products including outboards, sport boats 

and WaveRunners. It includes a 36,500 sq ft warehouse and marina 

building as well as a 7,200 sq ft office and event space. 

“The YOEC complements our test centres in Alabama and 

Kennesaw while adding greater capacity and capability. It also 

supports Yamaha Marine global testing plans by expanding 

opportunities to develop products,” said Ben Speciale, president of 

Yamaha US Marine Business Unit. 

“The environment provided by this location will allow us to focus 

on durability and reliability testing for larger engines, systems and 

boat hull designs in an offshore environment. It will also include 

an immersive team centre designed to inspire future engineering 

talent.” 

Earlier this year, Yamaha completed the expansion of its 

freshwater test facility in Bridgeport, Alabama, adding 5,900 sq ft of 

office space and 8,000 sq ft of labs and storage. 

In addition, it recently finalised the construction of a new Marine 

Innovation Center in Georgia. 

www.daiwa.us

ANDREW BLAZES A TRAIL AS 

HEAD OF MOUNTS FIRM 

Boat and rod mounts and accessories 

specialist Railblaza has announced 

current US president Andrew 

Moczygemba as its global CEO. 

The former chief operating officer, 

based in Houston, Texas, has been a key 

part of the company’s organisational 

transformation and enhanced 

profitability in recent times across 

various sectors. 

Peter Tinholt, Railblaza director and 

partner at private equity fund Oriens 

Capital, said: “Andrew’s dedication, 

strategic prowess and effective leadership 

align deeply with Railblaza’s ethos. His 

visceral knowledge of the market and our 

products will help the business achieve 

its ambitious goals. His passion for the 

outdoors is pivotal for the advancement 

of the organisation.” 

Prior to joining Railblaza in 2014, 

Andrew served as the new business 

advisor and vice president of business 

development at YakGear, Inc. 

He has consistently exhibited 

substantial competence in corporate 

strategy as the company transitions 

toward a more focused, growth-centric 

business. 

Railblaza chairman Nigel Jeffries 

added: “It’s particularly pleasing that 

we can promote from within. Andrew 

has proven his ability to drive growth, 

face challenges head-on and adopt an 

entrepreneurial approach. The board took 

careful consideration of Andrew’s location 

in the US. We concluded that this was 

not only appropriate but advantageous for 

future business opportunities.” 

With over two decades of experience, 

his diverse background spans the outdoor 

industry – including retail giant Bass Pro 

Shops and former Texas-based paddle 

sports maven Austin Canoe & Kayak. 

Meanwhile, Ross Pratt, executive 

director and Railblaza founder backed 

Andrew’s elevated position: “After 

working with Andrew for the last 10 

years, his knowledge and belief in the 

brand have been inspiring. His experience 

in the outdoor industry is robust, and he 

has all the skills to lead a strong team.” 

intl.railblaza.com 

Mazzaferro lines up fluorocarbon launch 

Brazilian line manufacturer 

Mazzaferro has released its 

latest fluorocarbon, Trilon, 

which has been developed as 

a main line or leader for all 

fishing needs. 

Trilon fluorocarbon is 

said to boast high abrasion 

and knot resistance. The 

crystalline aspect of the line 

means it is almost totally 

invisible in water, while 

the resistance to the knot 

is at least 70 per cent of its 

linear resistance, a very high 

parameter for the market of 

leaders. 

The high sensitivity derived 

from its rigidity, and the 

uniformity of the diameter 

along the line gives it an 

excellent tensile strength. 

This latest product is 

another demonstration 

of Mazzaferro’s vision to 

be recognised as a market 

leader in fishing products, 

maintaining its 70-year 

tradition and pioneering 

spirit, while constantly 

seeking innovation and 

sustainability. 

The company, which 

was the first synthetic line 

industry in Brazil, is known 

for a wide range of quality 

lines such as Araty, Grilon, 

Trilon and Dourado, each 

with a focus on quality and 

durability to meet the needs 

of both professional and 

amateur fishermen. 

CEO Maurizio Mazzaferro 

said: “The company 

recognises the importance of 

innovation and technology 

to remain competitive in the 

market. It constantly seeks 

to update its production 

processes, invest in new 

manufacturing and research 

technologies, in addition to 

being attentive to industry 

trends and customer needs.” 

www.mazzaferropesca.com.br 


Our Heartfelt Thanks for Being with China Fish All the Way 

Getting Back to Your Business at 

February 21-23, 2024 

New China International Exhibition Center 

Beijing, China 

Registration is Open 

On-line registration 

http://web.chinafishshow.org/chinafish_reg 

Any questions or more information 

LiJiang@chinafish.cn 

www.chinafishshow.org 

+86-13810708871 

WeChat Registration 

CHINAFISH1991

FEATURE 

Plastools 

Plastools lines up eco-friendly 

packaging for products 

Italian line manufacturer Plastools has plenty of reasons to celebrate. 

Not only has it begun using biodegradable packaging on its range of fishing lines, including 

several new ones, it also scooped four awards at EFTTEX 2023 this summer. 

Plastools has become a pioneer in its 

field as well as leading the way with 

eco-friendly solutions. Not only 

does it make and supply around 

200 different fishing line products but it uses 

a wide selection of packaging made from 

biodegradable materials, not to mention 

plastic-free OEM yarns. 

CEO Moira Dal Pozzo explained: “At the 

recent EFTTEX 2023show, we launched 

several new products, but most importantly 

we launched – and have been the pioneers 

of – BIO packaging. 

“We were able to showcase many qualities 

of these BIO raw materials we exhibited 

such as the use of bamboo, hemp, coffee 

and wood, giving our OEM monofilaments 

compostable or biodegradable or biobased 

packaging. 

“We are the only business in the fishing 

market to offer our customers fully 

biodegradable packaging, thanks to our inhouse 

plastic moulding department where 

we can create any object in biodegradable 

material with our exclusive recipes. 

“In addition to BIO packaging we offer 

our customers their OEM yarns which 

are completely plastic free, alongside 

new generation monofilaments such as 

Zero Memory, High Visibility and KS 

Fluorocarbon lines, which won EFTTEX 

2023 Best Product awards. 


Leading the way 

Zero Memory, as you might imagine, is a 

completely memory-less line that stunned 

EFTTEX visitors, with little elasticity and 

excellent abrasion resistance, especially at the 

knot. 

It’s an extruded thread with advanced 

technology using three molecules, which 

ensures the complete absence of memory, 

super abrasion resistance and high knot 

strength. 

It is said to be excellent for all types 

of fishing, from small fish to monsters. 

Available in diameters from 0.14mm to 

1.20mm and in exclusive OEM colours, it’s 

specially designed to satisfy every angler in 

any discipline. 

High Visibility is another line with the 

same Zero Memory characteristics along a 

with super-visible colour for every type of 

fishing that requires high visibility out of the 

water. 

At the same time, in the water it 

disappears, like a nylon crystal. It, too, boasts 

high abrasion resistance as well as high knot 

strength. 

Meanwhile, KS Fluorocarbon is perfect 

for sea fishing since it is extremely salt 

resistant, making it more than suitable for 

inland waters. 

This high-knot-strength fluorocarbon is 

supple and not too soft, making it suitable 

for all types of fishing and, above all, excellent 

value for money. 

Tried and trusted 

Having also picked up the Best Stand award 

at EFTTEX 2023, Moira is in no doubt that 

Plastools is the perfect line partner for brands 

and companies. 

She added: “Plastools has been successfully 

operating for 55 years in the manufacturing of 

OEM fishing lines and our latest catalogue has 

a whole lot of new items to discover, including 

many monofilaments which can be customised 

with your design. And don’t forget our new 

BIO packaging too, helping you ‘go greener’ at 

the same time!” 

PLASTOOLS 

www. plastools.it 

PLASTOOLS FACT FILE 

• 2,500 sq/m headquarters in Italy 

• 100% Italian processing 

• 800 sq/m nylon processing 

• 800 sq/m plastic processing 

• 100 sq/m ISO 2062 test office line 

• 300 sq/m commercial, graphic, 

accounting and management offices 

• 400 sq/m unloading and loading of 

goods 

• 200 types of monofilaments available 

• 60 types of reels and packaging

Nico, Sunseri 

Pyramid Lake, Nevada 

www.adamsbuiltfishing.com

SPOTLIGHT ON... 

FLY TYING 

SPOTLIGHT ON 

FLY TYING 

HAVE YOU GOT FLY MATERIALS ALL TIED UP? 

Hardened anglers will tell you there is nothing like catching a fish on a fly you have 

tied yourself. This skill is also a great way to save money and fill fly boxes in the off 

season. But, to do so, they need access to great materials and tools. 

There is no doubt that a self-tied 

fly pattern – especially one that 

fools fish time and again – makes 

for a wonderful feeling. Indeed, for many, 

it’s all part of the experience and is almost 

as crucial as landing the fish itself. 

At the same time, being able to tie 

consistently is a brilliant way to fill fly 

boxes when you can’t get out on the water 

and it certainly can save these advocates 

some money. Indeed, some get so good 

they might even be supplying retailers! 

At first glance, tying flies looks 

awkward, fiddly and time-consuming and 

it’s true a certain amount of practice may 

be required, but the fact is that anyone 

can do it and it doesn’t require a mountain 

of kit. 

With a simple vise – which acts as 

your hook clamp and your base to begin 

– scissors and some basic tools, you’re all 

set to tie your own flies; all you need are a 

selection of cool materials and some hook 

patterns. 



FLY TYING 

TOOLED UP 

The most important tool in your fly tying armoury will be the vise, 

which typically forms the foundation for anyone’s fly-tying career. 

Choosing your first vise is pretty straightforward but, once you get 

going, it’s likely you’ll find it will become a firm friend as you work 

your way up through the features and price tags. 

Key things for buyers will include including hook size compatibility, 

jaw types, base types and rotary features, among others. 

A bobbin or bobbin holder retains the spool of thread while you are 

tying. This ensures a good grip for the best wrapping and thread tying 

as well as controlling the tension. Some bobbins incorporate tension 

adjusters, ceramic inserts and even disc brakes. 

A dedicated fly tying pair of scissors is also useful, since they have 

been designed with fine points and edges for cutting delicate material. 

Some tyers will use both long- and short-bladed versions. 

Another handy tool is the bodkin, which boasts several uses, such as 

freeing trapped fibres, splitting thread or even making holes through 

material strips. 

Other specialist items needed may include a whip finishing tool, a 

selection of clamps, a dubbing spinner, hair stacker and hackle pliers. 

In addition, it’s also handy as a retailer to stock a supply of glues 

or resins – UV, superglue and head cement – and even marker pens, 

which are used to colour the tying thread on a fly’s head. 

MATERIAL OPTIONS 

Now we’ve covered the basic tools, it’s just 

as important to stock a great and varied 

selection of materials. 

First, a tyer will need to select the correct 

hook pattern for their needs, determined 

by target species or type of fly required. As 

a retailer, stocking the best quality hooks 

makes sense and you can justify this by 

explaining that the hook is the main contact 

between fish and angler and really cannot 

afford to fail. 

You’ll also need to source various shapes, 

colours and sizes of beads, with brass or 

tungsten being the most obvious ones, 

allowing for additional weight to be added 

to flies. Countersunk beads are the most 

popular as they bed down nicely on to most 

hooks. 

A range of different coloured eyes is also a 

must, as is a wide selection of wire – copper, 

gold, black and silver especially – for bodies 

and abdomens and don’t forget lead wire for 

additional weight. 

Dubbing wrapped around the thread can 

help create a fly’s thorax or abdomen and 

you can make this easy for customers with 

multiple dubbing dispensers. 

Arguably the king of materials for 

the discerning tyer are feathers – you’ll 

undoubtedly need to source cock hackle, 

coloured marabou, peacock and pheasant. 

And then there are hairs like bucktail, deer 

and elk hair, not to mention zonker strips 

for added movement and even hare’s masks, 

while chenille is perfect for quickly creating 

bodies on streamers such as Woolly Buggers, 

baitfish imitations and large nymphs. 

Add some flash for extra sparkle and you 

have most bases covered for keen fly tyers of 

all abilities. 

If all this seems a bit overwhelming, the 

other trick would be to stock ready supplied 

fly tying kits, as these will offer the most 

useful tools along with basic materials such 

as feathers, wires, threads and even glue. 

They’re a great introduction for the 

newcomer and you can always help them 

upgrade their gear as time goes on and they 

really get into tying – and catching on – their 

own flies. 


19


FLY TYING 

VENIARD 

FLY TYING KITS 

The 2023 anniversary edition of the top selling 

Premium kit has recently been revamped, with new 

sleeve, revised materials and now including the 

superb quality, gold loop tool kit, it will leave any fly 

tyer completely satisfied. 

The top of the range Pinnacle kit includes a 

comprehensive selection of both modern and 

traditional materials. With vise and tools included, 

there is enough in this super storage box to keep any 

fly tyer happy for many an hour. 

The Barry Ord Clarke Fly Tying Material Pack has 

all the materials required to tie all 12 patterns in the 

accompanying book. With QR code links to instruction 

videos, this is the most comprehensive starter kit/ 

book combination available. 

Any of these kits would make a great Christmas gift. 

www.veniard.com 

SEMPERFLI 

CLASSIC WAXED THREAD 

Why are fly tyers converting in their droves on to Semperfli’s Classic 

Waxed Thread? 

When you see the newly released colours these are real winners 

to meet massive worldwide demand! 

This is the highest quality waxed thread! From a huge colour 

range, these new shades – burnt orange, rusty brown, watery olive 

and wood duck – are described as incredible by the Semperfli team. 

They offer fantastic value for money with 240 yards/220 metres 

per spool, making it cheaper by the metre! 

It’s easy to split, beautiful to tie with and, as it’s spooled so 

perfectly, it comes off the spool perfectly too – so no tangles here! 

In stock and ready for dispatch worldwide. 

www.semperfli.net 

HARELINE DUBBIN 

MICROFLEX SOFT HACKLE CHENILLE 

Hareline’s innovative Microflex Soft Hackle Chenille was meticulously crafted 

to provide anglers with an exceptionally supple and pliable synthetic chenille 

reminiscent of natural feathers. 

This versatile material is offered in a diverse range of sizes and vibrant 

colours, ensuring you have the perfect options at your disposal. 

Its user-friendly nature allows for easy tying and, when folded back as you 

wrap it, you’ll create irresistibly pulsating fly patterns that entice fish to strike 

and hold. Just a few wraps are all it takes, much like winding a soft hackle collar. 

Available to all Hareline dealers worldwide. 

www.hareline.com 



FLY TYING 

CASCADE CREST TOOLS 

CHENILLE SELECTIONS 

The wait is over. Tired of searching for chenille or 

waiting forever for a order? Cascade Crest Tools has 

acquired two modern chenille machines and they are 

up and running, producing New Age, Tinsel, Mottled 

Chenille and solid-coloured chenille. 

Cascade Crest Tools has a full range of sizes available 

and will make custom colour combinations for you. It is 

also the owner and distributor for Estaz chenilles. 

flytying@cascadecrest.com 

DR SLICK 

BLACK WIDOW SCISSOR RANGE 

This wicked cool looking series revolves around the time savings and ergonomics of 

a bent shaft instrument. 

The loops on the super sharp razor scissors are raised and exposed, allowing the 

user to simply put their fingers into the loops without having to slide them across 

the bench to get them in hand or worse, dropping them on the floor! 

For those who keep scissors in hand while tying, the bent shaft is more ergonomic 

than a straight shaft and follows the contours of your hand. Less hand fatigue equals 

more flies leaving the vise. Available in three sizes: 3.75in, 4in and 4.5in. 

www.drslick.com 

UNI PRODUCTS J.G. Cote Inc. 

1004 Principale 

Ste-Melanie, QC. Canada JOK 3AO 

Tel: 450-889-8054 

Toll-Free: 1-877-889-8054 

Fax: 450-889-5887 

Email: info@uniproducts.com 

NEW FROM UNI 

UNI SOFT WIRE EXTRA SMALL GAUGE # 36 0.006 INCH 

UNI-PRODUCTS 

MOHAIR (2-PLIES) CAMEL 

UNI-Products, a world leader in the supply of spooled fly-tying 

materials, announces the addition of UNI-Mohair (2-Plies) 

Camel. 

The mohair fibres do not absorb water. It has long fibres 

and the 29 colours offered by UNI Products make it possible to 

create the perfect body: Beige, Black, Brown, Camel, Charcoal, 

Cream, Dark Brown, Dark Olive, Fl. Green, Fl. Orange, Fl. Red, 

Fuchsia, Golden Brown, Gold, Green Highlander, Gray, Kelly 

Green, Light Blue, Light Cahill, Light Gray, Maroon, Olive, Orange, 

Purple, Red, Rusty Brown, Tan, White and Wine. 

Making realistic dubbed bodies in a single step or combing 

out a few fibres at the back to simulate a trailing shuck are just 

two of the many possible uses. In addition to regular singlecolor 

packaging, UNI-Mohair (2-Plies) is available in a combo 

package of 20 spools. 

Look to UNI-Products for the best in speciality fly-tying 

materials and accessories. 

www.uniproducts.com 

BLACK YELLOW 

SILVER 

OLIVE 

AXXEL-MINI FLASH TINSEL 

UNI-MOHAIR 

UNI-STRAP 

FUCHSIA IRON GRAY 

CAMEL 

Look to UNI for the best in spooled fly-tying materials! 

www.uniproducts.com

FEATURE 

Semperfli 

DEALERS OFFERED 

SIMPLE WAY TO BUY INTO 

SEMPERFLI MATERIALS 

Adding new brands or products to your retail offering is crucial for every dealer and 

shop but the costs – of both stock and set up of information – can be very high. Fly tying 

materials supplier Semperfli has a system designed to remove the hidden set up costs of 

taking on new items. 

British fly tying materials 

manufacturer and supplier 

Semperfli has always prided itself 

on helping dealers get the most 

their partnership. 

It offers a range of resources through its 

Onboarding program to encourage new 

retail outlets as well as help existing ones 

when new items are available. 

This was especially important recently 

when the company unveiled its biggest ever 

single product launch just a few months 

back. 

To help further, the Yorkshire, Englandbased 

supplier has now added a Shopify 

export option, available directly through its 

dealer log in. 

The Shopify export system offers two 

CSV files available for download, which 

automatically add every Semperfli product 

required to a dealer’s Shopify e-commerce 

store. 

Dealers can choose from a ‘products as 

variants’ export, where each item is grouped 

under a parent – for example Classic 

Waxed 8/0 has all of the individual CWT 

8/0 grouped under its parent – and a ‘full 

products’ export, where every item appears as 

a unique one in the retail store. 

Every hour these export files are updated 


automatically and are always available to 

download. And, since they are CSV files, 

dealers can edit and make manual changes 

as required. 

Since Semperfli is constantly updating the 

raw data and images, using these resources 

means your e-commerce site is always fully 

up to date. 

SMOOTHING THE BUMPS 

Semperfli director Andy Kitchener explained: 

“We all know that there are two big expenses 

for retailers whenever they take on a new 

brand – the cost of initial stock can be quite 

high but the most expensive is often the 

administrative costs of simply adding all 

of the product data into their own EPOS 

system. 

“We don’t see why that should be a 

barrier so, in order to help with this, we have 

developed a full Shopify feed, which allows 

Semperfli dealers to quickly and easily add 

off the products, their images and attendant 

information on to their website quickly and 

easily, usually within minutes.” 

He continued: “If certain products are 

not relevant to your market you can remove 

these manually. But remember, with our large 

stocks we can get products to you rapidly 

in most countries worldwide so having all 

products online enables you to sell products 

that you may not realise fly tyers want in your 

country. We can rapidly deliver for back-toback 

orders. 

“We really felt it was necessary to help 

reduce the huge costs for our partners taking 

our products and the system includes every 

item in every colour and/or size, with all the 

relevant information in the correct fields, not 

to mention images for their website.” 

A TRUSTED PARTNER 

Semperfli is considered one of the most 

innovative and fastest growing fly tying 

manufacturers in the world, based around 

its four core values of quality, customer 

service, innovation and passion. 

Alongside its UK head office and 

manufacturing facility in the UK, 

Semperfli boasts a dedicated team with 

full inventory at its US office in Idaho. 

It is regularly congratulated on its 

extensive stock availability and prompt 

delivery service, not to mention the 

quality of its materials. 

You can see the Shopify feed in action 

here: youtu.be/-idefySyUoc 

SEMPERFLI 

www.semperfli.net

STOPPIONI s.n.c. Firenze Italy 

Tel.+39 0558739615 -Fax +39 0558739648 stonfo@stonfo.com 

MEMBER 

PRO MATCH CATAPULTS 

Competition catapults with soft touch 

handle. Allow maximum precision 

with a minimum quantity of bait. 

Equipped with elastic saving Ptfe 

bushes. 

MAXI CATAPULTS 

Aluminium catapults with anatomic plastic handle 

and soft rubber groundbait pouch. 

Designed to deliver a large quantity of bait at long 

distance. 

Art.356 Art.357 Art.358 

Art.340 

Art.341 

www.stonfo.com 

FoundationOutdoorGroup.com

DBW... 

ITALY 

D O I N G B U S I N E S S W I T H . . . 

ITALY 

With some well-known brands, which have been at the forefront of 

European fishing for decades, Italy is renowned as a major player in 

the recreational angling industry while its geography lends itself to a 

wide range of disciplines too. 

L 

akes, rivers, canals and the 

sea combine to make Italy a 

brilliant place to go fishing, 

while a number of well-known 

brands also call the country 

their home. 

Depending on your location, 

you can target everything from 

trout to carp and predators like 

pike and perch in freshwater, 

while sea fishing can bring you 

everything from sea bass and 

mackerel to grouper, barracuda 

and, of course, tuna. 

Freshwater anglers will 

require an annual licence 

(visitor or tourist licences are 

also available) and must be a 

member of the Federazione 

Italiana della Pesca Sportiva 

(www.fipsas.it), which manages 

over 90 per cent of Italy’s 

inland waters. 

On top of the licence fee, 

you will also most likely have 

to buy a day ticket or similar 

to go fishing and local rangers 

are often the people in charge 

of this. 

Conversely, no licence is 

required for sea fishing so 

anglers are able to join a deepsea 

fishing excursion or can 

hire boats. It is also particularly 

good news for those visiting 

on vacation, as sometimes 

restrictions can put them off. 

With its many types 

of water, it is perhaps not 

surprising that Italy caters for 

all sorts of angling disciplines 

from light rock, deep sea 

fishing off its coast, lure fishing 

on its large freshwater lakes, 

specimen carp and freshwater 

match fishing; honed on this 

abundance of water, Italy’s 


DBW... 

ITALY 

match fishing team has 

historically been one of the 

best in the world. 

Italy boasts a large number 

of tackle manufacturers, who 

produce rods, lures, reels, 

terminal tackle and top end 

fishing poles. From an import 

point of view there are many 

opportunities available in Italy 

to source products. On the flip 

side of this, the opportunity is 

also there to do business the 

other way. 

All of the major brands 

and suppliers have a strong 

presence in tackle shops here, 

including Shimano, Daiwa and 

a number of Pure Fishing’s 

portfolio of brands. 

Meanwhile, many of Italy’s 

domestic brands have also 

done well in other European 

countries, most notably 

Lineaeffe, Maver, Colmic, 

Stonfo, Trabucco, Molix and 

Milo. 

Another leading the 

charge is Plastools, which 

manufactures around 200 

different fishing line products. 

It has also recently introduced 

a selection of packaging, using 

biodegradable materials as well 

as plastic-free OEM yarns. 

Indeed, it uses raw materials 

such as bamboo, hemp, coffee 

or wood, and offers its OEM 

monofilaments in compostable, 

biodegradable or bio-based 

packaging. 

Meanwhile, one Italian 

company – the NEXT Group 

– founded by experienced 

industry professionals, has 

been increasing its global 

presence as a designer of point 

of sales and show displays, rod 

and reel racks and in-store 

sales projects. 

A TOUR OF ITALY 

As mentioned, fishing 

opportunities abound in Italy, 

thanks to some huge lakes in 

the north, well-known rivers 


25

DBW... 

ITALY 

Lake Garda 

such as the Po and Tiber plus 

the fifth longest coastline in 

Europe, facing east, south 

and west and covering the 

Tyrrhenian, Ligurian, Ionian 

and Adriatic Seas. 

The lakes – such as 

Maggiore, Como and Garda 

– boast spectacular scenery, 

crystal clear waters, a luxury 

lifestyle feel plus fishing 

for species including trout, 

grayling, zander, pike, perch 

and whitefish, with fly fishing 

being the method of choice. 

Head to the one of the 

1,000 or so rivers and you 

can do battle with everything 

from chub, pike, perch and 

asp to carp and catfish, not to 

mention trout for fly anglers 

in the more mountainous and 

northern areas. 

At the same time, of course, 

you can enjoy the culture for 

which Italy is rightly famous. 

THE MARKET 

Italy is home to between 

two and 2.5 million anglers, 

of which a majority – an 

estimated 1.5 million – will 

spend their time targeting 

saltwater species. 

Of course, the Italian 

dominance in freshwater 

competition fishing is well 

documented and it has led to 

individual champion anglers 

like Roberto Trabucco and 

Emilio (Milo) Colombo 

founding their own very 

successful tackle brands. 

In terms of tackle outlets, it 

is estimated there are around 

1,500 tackle shops across 

the country, covering pretty 

much every discipline. While 

there are some larger general 

sport and outdoor players like 

Decathlon, the big dedicated 

tackle chain is known as 

Paradiso del Pescatore. 

There are also a number 

of key organisations, who 

work hard to protect an 

industry said to be worth 

around €2 billion. These 

include FIPO (Federazione 

Italiana Produttor Operatori 

Articoli Pesca Sportiva) and 

FIOPS (Federazione Italiana 

Operatori Pesca Sportiva). 

FIOPS was founded by 

some of the largest Italian 

fishing companies (Colmic, 

Tubertini, Trabucco and 

Olympus) with the aim of 

grouping and coordinating 

all the existing producers 

and service providers traders 

in the recreational angling 

sector as well as individual 

anglers. 

FIOPS’ main aim is to 

protect and promote the 

sport in marine waters and 

inland Italian waters while 

also promoting the defence, 

respect and improvement of 

the environment, ecosystems 

and fish fauna. 

Roberto Trabucco 

Milo Colombo 


FACT FILE 

Capital: Rome 

Area: 301,340 sq km (116,350 sq miles) 

Population: 58.85 million (2022 estimate) 

Currency: EURO € 

GDP: $2.169 trillion (2023 estimate) 

Time Zone – CEST/GMT+1 

Internet Domain - .it 

International Dialling Code - +39 

HOW DO THEY FISH? 

MATCH FISHING, CARP FISHING, SPINNING, FEEDER, 

LIGHT ROCK FISHING, BOAT AND CATFISH FISHING. 

DBW... 

ITALY 

MAIN ITALIAN 

MANUFACTURERS/WHOLESALERS 

Tubertini – www.tubertini.it 

Trabucco – www.trabuccofishing.com 

Colmic – www.colmic.it 

Lineaeffe – www.lineaeffe.it 

Milo – www.milo.it 

Maver – www.maver.net 

Stoppioni / Stonfo – www.stonfo.com 

Plastools – www.plastools.it 

MAIN ITALIAN RETAILERS / CHAINS 

Decathlon, Bricchi Pesca, New Airone Sport, La Mincio, 

Paradiso del Pascatore 

CONTACTS 

FIPO – www.fipopesca.it 

FIOPS – www.fiops.it 

FIPSAS – www.fipsas.it 

T A R G E T S P E C I E S 

FRESHWATER - CARP, BARBEL, BREAM, PIKE, BASS, ZANDER, CATFISH 

SALTWATER - SEA BREAM, SEA BASS, TUNA 

I N D U S T R Y V I E W P O I N T 

FEDERICO FERRARI, The NEXT group 

Federico Ferrari is one of the 

best known and best-connected 

people in the Italian tackle 

trade. 

“I think the Italian tackle 

market is worth somewhere 

between 2.5 to 3 billion right 

now. 

“Like many countries, 

following Covid-19 in 2020 and 

2021, there is no doubt many 

tackle companies and shops 

enjoyed great results as more 

anglers wanted to practise their 

hobby. 

“Unfortunately, in both 2022 

and now 2023 we have also 

been facing a not inconsiderable 

recession. All of our tackle shops 

are overstocked and are further 

being affected by inflation due 

to the turmoil in Ukraine, the 

cost of energy and other factors. 

“As with many sectors, not 

just the fishing tackle market, 

we are suffered a double-digit 

decrease in turnover, in general.” 


27

FEATURE 

ST. CROIX’S 

75 YEARS 

OF SERVICE 

TO ANGLERS 

St. Croix Rod has been marking its 75th anniversary 

throughout 2023. TTW looks back at the history of 

this American manufacturer and the changes it has 

gone through in the last three quarters of century. 

St. Croix 

Much has changed in 75 

years but the hands-on 

element – in this case sizing 

ferrules – is still vitally 

important for the company. 

We’re proud of our 75 

years in business and the 

control we command over 

our rod-manufacturing 

process – handcrafting the ‘Best Rods on 

Earth’ in the two most advanced fishing 

rod factories in the world,” explained St. 

Croix CEO, Scott Forristall. 

“We’re also proud that we’ve been 

owned by the same family for the last 46 

of those years. Most of all, though, we’re 

grateful to you – our anglers – for the 

trust and confidence you’ve placed in us 

to add value to your precious time and 

experiences on the water.” 

A LOOK BACK 

Founded by brothers Bob and Bill 

Johnson in 1948, St. Croix originally 

made and sold landing nets. The Johnsons 

soon learned how to make cane fishing 

poles more portable by cutting them 

into three pieces and joining them back 

together with brass ferrules. 

St. Croix Rod has made fishing rods in 

the tiny Northwoods community of Park 

Falls, Wisconsin, continuously since that 

time. 

When the company experienced 

financial difficulties in 1960, Gordon 

Schluter – a Park Falls businessman 

and community leader – invested in the 

company and became CEO, revitalising it 

before it was subsequently sold in 1965. 

Schluter then moved to New Mexico 

to pursue other business opportunities. In 

his absence, low-priced foreign markets 


and higher domestic costs pushed the 

company he’d worked so hard to fix 

towards bankruptcy in just a decade. 

At a time when he could have settled 

into a comfortable retirement, he returned 

to Park Falls, re-engaged with St. Croix 

and eventually purchased the company, 

hiring his sons Paul, Jeff, and David, 

who – along with their father – saved the 

company once again. 

Gordon would eventually get his 

retirement in the 1990s and transfer 

ownership of the company to his three 

sons and daughter, Pam Smylie. 

The four siblings have owned St. Croix 

ever since, shaping and leading the iconic, 

American fishing brand that millions of 

anglers have come to trust and rely upon 

today. All four children have also since 

retired, stepping back from the day-today 

operations of St. Croix Rod, but 

continuing to exercise leadership on the 

company’s board of directors, along with 

Pam’s husband, chairman of the board, 

John Smylie. 

ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD 

Today, St. Croix is run by CEO Scott 

Forristall, a former executive for two top 

fly fishing companies. He is assisted by vice 

presidents Jason Brunner, Alex Ogurek, Paul 

Rybak, Steve Self and Jesse Simpkins. 

St. Croix owns and operates the two 

most technologically advanced fishing 

rod factories in the world, one in Park 

Falls, Wisconsin and a duplicate facility in 

Fresnillo, Mexico. 

The materials, equipment, procedures and 

passions are the same at each factory. The 

only difference is the 32 sets of hands that 

craft each and every St. Croix rod before it 

reaches each angler. 

St. Croix currently offers over 800 

different fishing rods, each one meticulously 

engineered and painstakingly handcrafted by 

passionate St. Croix team members to give 

you – the anglers – the upper hand on the 

water. 

Scott added: “Anniversaries are fun to 

celebrate, and we’re certainly proud of our 75 

years in business but the future will always 

remain most important. We move forward 

each and every day here at St. Croix. 

“We take the best moments of discovery, 

learn from the rest, and move on to 

tomorrow where the materials, technologies 

and processes may change but the goal 

remains the same: keeping anglers at the 

centre of everything we do, and handcrafting 

the ‘Best Rods on Earth’ that improve the 

angling experience.” 

ST. CROIX 

www.stcroixrods.com 

The materials, 

equipment, 

procedures 

and passions 

are the same 

at each St. 

Croix factory – 

this is the Park 

Falls facility.

FEATURE 

KEEPING 

MUCH-LOVED 

FLY BRANDS 

AFLOAT 

When Ben Gehrke struggled to get hold of his favourite fly tying materials his quest to track 

down remaining stock led him to buying the entire brand and it proved to be a stepping 

stone to saving another key name too. 

Ben Gehrke has always been 

on or around water. Whether 

working as a mariner or fly 

fishing since he was a small 

child, his love of water and of the great 

outdoors has led him on many adventures. 

But one of his most recent involved 

two key names in the fly tying world – 

Lagartun and RaidZap – and his efforts 

to save both from disappearing forever 

from the industry. 

STARTING OUT 

Hailing from Maple Ridge, just outside 

Vancouver in Canada, Ben started his 

working life as a deckhand on the tug 

boats on the Fraser River and up and 

down the British Columbia and USA 

coastlines before gaining his captain’s 

qualifications. 

In his twenties he got back into 

fishing and found himself working at a 

tackle shop in Vancouver – talking, tying 

and educating people to make the best 

decisions on where they would go and 

what they would use for flies, rods and 

general tackle. 

Ben revealed: “This eventually led me 

into tying flies commercially for the shop 

and some private clients. It was during 

this time that I started to really grow as 

an angler and a fly tyer and started to 

tie Spey, Dee and some classic patterns. 

I also started to use a lot of Lagartun 

products and instantly fell in love with 

them because, in my view, they are the 

best on the market. 

“Eventually, I found out that Lagartun 

was no more. The doors were closed and 

the rumour mill had all kinds of stories as 

to why the business had disappeared. 

“A friend of mine encouraged me to 

contact the company directly, because I 

was extremely worried that I would never 

be able to use their beautiful tinsels and 

other products ever again. 

“I called every fly shop on the west 

coast of Canada and the United States 

to buy up every spool of Lagartun that I 

could find – around $5,000 at the time.” 

THE HAND OF FATE 

But his quest ended with the remaining 

partner in the business, who – having 

lost her husband two years before – had 

decided to finally hang up her hat. 

Ben revealed: “I finally decided to make 

the jump and drive down all the way to 

Arizona to see her to purchase what I 

thought would be a lifetime supply of 


Ben Gehrke 

FEATURE 

tinsel, just for myself. 

“After a 22-hour drive, I arrived early 

in the morning and was asleep in my 

vehicle when Marggie – the owner – 

pulled up. 

“She invited me inside, and I started 

to look around at all the machinery, the 

raw goods, the finished goods, everything 

that was inside the building, and I was 

extremely excited, because up to that 

point I had never seen so many materials 

in one place, let alone my favourite ones. 

“But it was clear that the business was 

still totally viable but she was not going 

to be the one to do it. So we ended up 

making a deal that I would purchase the 

company. 

“I was so nervous and excited my heart 

was literally beating out of my chest and 

when I called my wife to explain to her 

what I had done, she was excited, but 

thought that I was crazy. 

“That evening I went and rented a 

U-Haul trailer and spent the next five 

days meticulously loading all of the 

product and machines that I could carry.” 

However, he was in for a surprise 

when he reached the Canadian border 

as he needed to produce an itinerary of 

all the products he was bringing into the 

country. 

He recalled: “I spent the next eight 

hours in the middle of the summer heat 

unpacking the U-Haul trailer that I had 

so carefully loaded and I had to inventory 

every single item and product that was in 

the truck and trailer and sort out where it 

came from. 

“I had had little to no sleep, had no 

food and no water and, by the time that 

I made it back inside with my list, one 

customs guy felt pretty bad for me and, 

thankfully, helped me navigate how to 

import all the items into the computer 

system. 

“It took some time and patience on my 

part, but also my family because I was 

working so hard and so long hours but 

eventually I did put out all the fires, sort 

out all the issues and we were back at it. 

“As word got out that the business 

was back up and running, even after a 

hiatus of about two years, most of the 

distributors jumped 

back on board and 

started ordering 

product again.” 

MOVING 

FORWARD 

After a few years 

of success, Ben 

began distributing 

other product lines 

including Fair Flies, 

Stealth, a range of 

feathers, Omni spool 

and RaidZap. 

He continued: 

“About two years ago I had a conversation 

with the previous owner of RaidZap (UV 

glue) and he was experiencing some issues 

and he wanted to sell the business. 

“After some short discussions, we struck 

up a deal and now I had another company 

to run. 

“We took some time and found a way to 

improve the formula, which I didn’t think 

was possible because at that time it was the 

best on the market. 

“Biodegradable, environmentally friendly, 

would never yellow, 100 per cent tack 

free and most, importantly, it didn’t make 

anybody sick. There are no harsh chemicals 

in the resins that will give people chemical 

burns or allergic reactions and, as yet, I 

still have yet to hear of a single case of any 

issues.” 

When not chasing steelhead on rivers in 

the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find Ben out 

on the ocean and fishing the flats. 

“This is the first place that I started 

to use the RaidZap products, and was 

so impressed with them that I started 

to distribute them in my business and 

eventually bought the company. There 

simply is nothing like it on the market. 

“We are continually evolving and always 

looking at ways to improve things and, as 

a result, we will be coming out with more 

products after they are thoroughly tested.” 

Today, both Lagartun tying materials and 

RaidZap resins and bobbins are available to 

Europe through Denmark’s The Fly Co, too. 

BEN GEHRKE 

www.raidzap.com 

www.lagartun.com 

www.flyco.dk 


31

FEATURE 

ZENAQ 

ZENAQ 

GUIDES YOU 

TO THE LATEST 

INNOVATION 

Only the most innovative ideas can change the world and ZENAQ’s original guide system 

brings out the fullest potential of spinning rods. While its RG guides first appeared in 2007 

they continue to evolve to ensure rods will always perform at their best. 

ZENAQ’s RG guide system 

fully resolves the downsides of 

using PE line and maximises its 

benefits with perfect cast feel 

and sensitivity, as well as decreased line 

problems. 

In 2007, the RG guide system was born 

as a new guide setting concept with its 

innovative form and excellent performance 

and it continues to evolve. 

BUTT GUIDE 

With an intimate understanding of the 

characteristics of PE line, Zenaq’s RG 

butt guide has been chosen with a high 

foot frame that perfectly positions the 

ring to tame line spirals coming off the 

spool instantaneously. 

NARROW GUIDE SETTING 

The RG guide system calls for 

approximately twice as many running 

guides. Due to the guides’ proximity to 

one another, line shoots from one to the 

next as straight as possible to minimise 

air resistance, improve cast smoothness 

and decrease the rate of tangles. The 

narrow setting brings many more 

advantages to anglers. 

ASSIST GUIDE 

The “Assist Guide” is placed close to the 

top guide and prevents line from wrapping 

around the tip perfectly. Even on windy 

days, you can concentrate on fishing without 

having line trouble. 

PERFECT CAST 

The small calibre butt guide suppresses line 


spirals instantaneously while the narrow 

setting allows PE to shoot straight through 

the entire guides with absolutely minimal 

friction. This system greatly decreases 

resistance on the line due to strong winds 

and rain. 

INTUITIVE LURE ACTION 

By minimising line slackness, the RG 

guide system greatly improves delicacy 

and precision in lure control. 

Lures are now that much more 

responsive to the slightest rod movements 

so the angler can impart more and more 

exact action to their lure with much less 

effort than before. 

SENSITIVITY AND POWER 

The narrow setting means that there are 

many guides on the rod, and those many 

guides serve as many sensors. It brings better 

information from underwater like movement 

of fish, the lure and even the effects of tides. 

The RG’s greater sensitivity is second to 

none. 

Due to the narrow setting, PE line very 

closely follows the natural curve of the 

rod when bent. As a result, more of the 

blank’s power can be accessed, which allows 

the angler to set the hook more resolutely 

and fight fish with proper pressures while 

absorbing surges that might break the line. 

In addition, the RG guide system decreases 

PE line troubles dramatically. 

The frequent guide spacing and small ring 

diameter work in unison to suppress line 

oscillation even the thinnest PE lines. 

On top of that, the assist guide set at the 

very tip virtually eliminates all line wrapping 

around the tip. 

ZENAQ 

www. zenaq.com

Best tinsel and 

braid available 

Rock hard UV glue! 

Dealer inquiries welcome 

E-mail: john@flyco.dk 

The Fly Company – www.flyco.dk 

European fly-tying and fly-fishing distributor 

R 

R

FEATURE 

Armando Sousa and 

Albino Marques with the 

range of GT-Bio products. 

MAKING 

ECO-FRIENDLY GEAR 

THE NORM IN THE 

TACKLE MARKET 

More and more tackle brands have started talking about being environmentally friendly as 

they realise the future of the sport and the industry is in their hands. GT-Bio is one that has 

been making waves in this area since its inception. We spoke to CEO Armando Sousa about 

what that means for his business and the trade at large. 


GT-Bio 

FEATURE 

TTW: HOW DID YOU GET INTO 

LURE FISHING AND THE SUPPLY 

OF INNOVATIVE FISHING TACKLE? 

ARMANDO SOUSA: My journey 

began very young with a genuine passion 

for fishing and a deep concern for the 

environment. My family have always 

enjoyed fishing and my interest in fishing 

with artificial lures started at a young age. 

I took a decision to make my passion my 

job and for more than 10 years now I have 

been a distributor of several fishing brands 

in the Portuguese market. Through this 

experience I have gained some important 

knowledge and connections. This has given 

me a full understanding of how the market 

operates not only in Portugal but in Europe 

and across the globe. 

I noticed that fishing brands haven’t 

historically been particularly worried 

about the environment. Despite talking 

about pollution, plastic waste and the way 

the world is changing, there is very little 

tangible action under way to tackle the 

problems. 

There is an opportunity to do something 

GT-Bio head 

office and factory 

new and different, to make a positive 

impact on the environment, using leadfree 

materials and eco-friendly plastics 

and utilising the innovative technology we 

have to produce high quality eco-friendly 

solutions to angling enthusiasts worldwide. 

WE SEEM TO BE HEARING MORE 

AND MORE ABOUT GT-BIO. WHY 

IS THIS? 

Probably because the market has been 

looking for a brand of this type for a while. 

We put our best efforts into bringing 

something new and different to our industry. 

In the beginning we wanted to build a 

reputation as a developer and supplier of 

innovative and eco-friendly fishing products, 

and as interest grew, this sparked fresh 

conversations in the fishing industry and 

beyond. 

Our products have a significant impact, 

both for their striking appearance and for 

their technical attributes. They are, of course, 

very effective and will catch all species! 

All of our lures 

originate with a 

careful and wellstudied 

design process 

to ensure a natural action. Each product is 

made with lead-free weights, with the latest 

generation of eco-friendly plastics using a 

new nanotechnology natural colour system. 

All of this combines to create something 

different, more natural, more realistic and 

environmentally friendly. Fishermen test our 

products and discover that this new fishing 

concept is more effective and produces great 

results. 

WHAT MAKES GT-BIO 

DIFFERENT FROM OTHER LURE 

FISHING BRANDS? 

GT-Bio stands out as a brand that 

embraces innovation while maintaining 

a strong commitment to quality and 

environmental responsibility, using the 

ultimate technology to produce the best 

eco-friendly lure fishing products from 

Portugal. 

GT-Bio products offer anglers the chance 

to contribute to the global action that our 

world needs, using eco-friendly products. 

YOU SAY YOUR PRODUCTS ARE 

ECO-FRIENDLY, WHAT DOES THIS 

ACTUALLY MEAN? 

It means that our products are designed 

to have the least possible impact on the 

environment. We have achieved this by 

eliminating lead in more than 90 per 

cent of our lures, by using less than 20 

per cent of last generation eco-friendly 

plastic (without BPAs, PBTs, phthalates, 

endocrine disruptors or arsenic). We also 

use recycled plastic in the packaging and 

natural colours with non-toxic pigments, 

without any impact on the environment. 

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO GIVE 

ANGLERS THE CHANCE TO HELP 

THE ENVIRONMENT? 

This is essential because their efforts 

can lead to improved conservation and an 

increase in sustainable fishing practices. 

This can also help to promote community 

education and help to to preserve fishing 

traditions for the benefit of both present 

and future generations. 

Anglers buying the GT Bio products 

can feel confident that they are 

proactively preserving the environment 


37

FEATURE 

Injection batch before assembly 

while enjoying exceptional fishing 

experiences. 

CAN YOU OUTLINE THE 

RESEARCH YOU HAVE 

UNDERTAKEN TO MAKE YOUR 

LURES SO EFFECTIVE? 

The development of our baits is 

focused on analysing prey and predators. 

We try to give our lures the most natural 

presentation of the prey they imitate. 

This applies to shape and colour and also 

the vibrations that each prey emits. 

Today’s technology allows us to 

evaluate the vibrations of a prey and 

compare it digitally with the vibration of 

a bait, modifying the bait until it matches 

the vibration of the natural prey. As a 

consequence, our lures vibrate like the 

original prey. 

Another important part of our research 

and development are the colours we use. 

We study each prey in its true form and 

analyse light and refraction in everyday 

fishing situations. We use an innovative 

nanotechnology system to create dynamic 

and very natural colour schemes. 

Our lure colour ranges take into 

account different fields such as night 

fishing or fishing in deep waters or in 

bright conditions. 

WE UNDERSTAND THE GT-BIO 

ROLLER SHAD HAS CAUGHT MANY 

RECORD SIZED FISH. WHAT DO 

YOU ATTRIBUTE THIS TO? 

The Roller Shad is a very special bait 

created to imitate a real shad, with very 

natural colours, a lead-free jig head and a 

very strong hook, ready for the big fish! 

The lead-free jig head is made using a 

zinc alloy, which gives it a less dense and 

slower presentation. This means that the 

shad has more time in the strike zone. 

Based on our team’s field research the 

results have meant more and bigger fish. 

We have many followers also recording 

bigger and better catches and this 

information is penetrating all platforms 

of social media and angling publications. 

During one of our first action videos, 


we recorded an incredible moment. 

Whilst the lure was being retrieved it was 

joined by an entire shoal of the baitfish it 

was designed to imitate. This was a great 

testimonial that we had achieved our goal 

and the first time we had witnessed this 

behaviour. 

It was as though the shoal was 

following the lure for protection, a very 

unique and satisfying moment for us and 

one which demonstrates how perfect the 

Roller Shad’s swimming action is. 

WHERE ARE YOUR BIGGEST 

MARKETS AND WHERE ARE YOU 

LOOKING TO EXPLORE? 

We are actively seeking opportunities 

to expand and make our products fully 

available in other environmentally 

conscious markets around the world. 

Our commitment to sustainability 

and innovation drives us to explore 

new regions and work towards making 

a positive impact on global fishing 

practices. 

Our current focus lies in Europe, 

where we have a wide distribution 

chain implemented and we are trying 

to find the right partner for some 

important markets where environmental 

responsibility is high. Such countries 

include France, Germany and 

Scandinavia, where we believe we can 

have a good impact with our products. 

At same time we are open to proceed 

with countries in other continents – 

Africa, the Americas, Oceania and Asia 

are on our list. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR IDEAL 

FISHING DAY… 

My ideal fishing day is simple. I like 

to choose a serene and untouched fishing 

location, using eco-friendly gear, catching 

and releasing some good fish. Ideally 

this experience is shared with family and 

friends for optimum enjoyment. 

I try to align the joys of fishing with 

GT-Bio’s core values: environmental 

responsibility and sustainable practices. 

It’s all about creating a harmonious 

relationship with nature and contributing 

to the preservation of our precious 

ecosystems. 

CLEARLY YOU 

ARE PIONEERING 

ECO-FRIENDLY 

FISHING, 

DO YOU 

THINK OTHER 

BRANDS CAN 

FOLLOW? 

Absolutely! GT- 

Bio’s commitment to 

providing innovative 

and environmentally friendly products 

for fishing demonstrates that sustainable 

practices are not only possible but also 

essential in today’s fishing world. 

We encourage and welcome other 

brands to join us in this journey towards 

a more sustainable fishing industry. By 

working together, we can collectively 

make a significant positive impact on our 

oceans and the entire planet. Sustainable 

practices are not just beneficial for the 

environment but also for the longterm 

success and growth of the fishing 

industry as a whole. 

WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR GT- 

BIO IN THE FUTURE? 

GT-Bio will continue to invest in 

research and development to enhance our 

existing products and create new cuttingedge 

alternatives for lure fishing, reducing 

the impact on marine life and habitats. 

Our short-term plan is to expand 

our range of eco-friendly lures and 

accessories for lure fishing. Alongside 

this, we have some pioneering soft lures 

in development. This includes a totally 

new range of soft lures for EGI and a 

new range for black bass fishing. 

We are also looking to produce some 

plastic free hard lures and some leadfree 

jigging and shore jigging lures. We 

have the prototypes and should be in 

a position to showcase most of these 

between 2024 and 2025. 

We expect to present a new rod range 

for lure fishing, with our own concepts, 

that have been developed over the last 

two years. 

In the medium term we are continuing 

to develop a biodegradable soft plastic 

and we expect to have the first of these 

lures launching soon. It’s an exciting 

time! 

GT-BIO 

www.gt-bio.net

100 YEARS SERVING THE FLY FISHING TRADE 

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With our traditional approach to business, 

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Contact us now to open your account on: 

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See our comprehensive range of fly-tying 

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TONY HUANG 

PACBAY MINIMA - X offers an unparalleled level of durability, solving the problems commonly associated with inner rings 

popping out or getting crushed. Through extensive reform and innovation, PACBAY MINIMA - X is constructed using highstrength 

, one-piece stainless steel. Both the guides and tops utilize mirror polishing, multi-layer Hard Chrome plating, and 

Titanium plating processes, resulting in corrosion resistance, low friction, and high thermal conductivity. As a result , the friction 

force during long-distance casting or retrieving is significantly reduced. 

If you’ve ever experienced the nightmare of losing or breaking your inner ring while battling a tough fish, you’ll appreciate the superiority of PACBAY 

MINIMA - X. Currently, we offer sizes ranging from #05 to #20, with plans to expand up to #50. More sizes and models will be available soon. We believe 

these guides are ideal for lure anglers, particularly carp anglers who often face issues with the #50 stripper guide getting damaged during transportation. 

With PACBAY MINIMA - X, this problem has been entirely eliminated. 

In summary, PACBAY MINIMA - X guides and tops are renowned for their exceptional durability and ability to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions. 

This innovation in the fishing world, through the abandonment of ceramic and stainless-steel rings, allows fishermen to bid farewell to the nightmares of 

ring breakages, crushing, and detachment. 

Build Great Fishing Rods 

www.fishpacbay.com 

info@fishpacbay.com

FEATURE 

WHY CHOOSE 

CHINA FISH 2024? 

We seem to have been waiting a long time but China Fish 2024 is finally on the horizon. How 

and why should you get involved in one of the most important trade shows in the world? 

Ever since it started way back in 

1991, China Fish has witnessed 

almost all the development 

of the Chinese fishing tackle 

industry, and has been a main path to 

introduce this equipment to the world. 

It’s also proved to be a great way strength 

to push Chinese fishing tackle innovation 

and creation. 

And then, there are the CGC Show 

and CGC Expo, organised by China Fish 

in Weihai. 

What do the buyers think of the 

shows? The organisers recall an encounter 

with two international buyers discussing 

trade events. The elder buyer told the 

other: “China Fish is a must-attend show, 

the quality of exhibitors and products 

are better, and there are more interesting 

products to see.” 


WHY CHOOSE CHINA FISH 2024? 

Here are six key reasons to do so: 

CHINA FISH IS A TRADE-ONLY 

SHOW, OPEN TO REGISTERED 

BUYERS NOT THE PUBLIC 

Over 95 per cent of the exhibitors of 

China Fish are manufacturing enterprises, 

who have their own factories, and are able 

to take all kinds of overseas orders. Most 

of them are experienced with the overseas 

market, so they know well the demands 

from the buyers and market procedures.

China Fish 

FEATURE 

CHINA FISH 2024 IN BRIEF 

• Dates: February 21st to 23rd, 2024 

• Venue: New China International 

Exhibition Center, Beijing, China 

• Event location: Hall E1, Hall E2 

• Number of exhibitors: 550 

• Web: www.chinafishshow.org 

• Email: Lijiang@chinafish.cn 

• WeChat: CHINAFISH1991 

These groups, who can speak English as 

well, keep all their time and space for the 

registered buyers during the show. 

All products exhibited at the show are 

for the international markets, for buyers 

from about 80 countries and regions 

around the world, who are wholesalers, 

retailers, industry organisations and 

online stores, all within the sport fishing 

arena. 

The organiser has been trying to build 

China Fish as a first-class international 

show for fishing tackle. So you can see a 

reasonable number of exhibitors, who are 

selected specially for the overseas market 

in a good trade business environment 

with healthy competition. 

CHINA FISH BEST PRODUCT 

SHOWCASE 

Thanks to the innovation and creation of 

associates within the trade, the Chinese 

fishing tackle industry develops fast. 

Each year, about 200 products regarded 

as the most competitive from over 100 

exhibitors are gathered together in a 

dedicated area within the event. Indeed, 

it’s fair to say many brands have been 

planning for this showcase for quite some 

time. 

The Best of China Fish are voted by 

all the international buyers anonymously 

onsite. And the winners will be 

announced at the special show banquet. 

IT IS A GREAT INDUSTRY 

GATHERING TO CREATE 

AND STRENGTHEN YOUR 

RELATIONSHIPS 

Each year, there will be around 15 per 

cent new exhibitors and international 

buyers who join China Fish alongside 

the regular ones. So at the beginning of 

each year, it is the best place to make 

new friends and meet old partners in the 

industry. 

All the winners and nominees of 

the Best Product Showcase and all the 

international buyers are invited to the 

buffet banquet at the show to witness the 

announcement and awards presentations, 

which is the climax to the gathering. 

SHOW SERVICES 

For the convenience of buyers to visit 

China Fish, the event organiser provides 

visa invitation letters to those who need 

to apply for a visa to China, and buyers 

can book China Fish hotels at group-rate 

price; some of them even provide free 

airport shuttles. All buyers booking China 

Fish hotels can take free show shuttles. 

It also provides interpreters 

for different language speaking 

buyers, including Arabic, 

English, French, German, 

Italian, Japanese, Korean, 

Spanish and more. 

CHINA FISH ALL-IN-ONE 

PLATFORM 

For additional support to the 

in-person China Fish, the 

organiser has built a platform 

containing 7,801 products in 22 

categories from 580 companies. 

Registered buyers can source 

these items before the show to 

make a plan for their visit, not to 

mention continuing their trade 

discussions after the show by viewing the 

online stores, products, making inquiries, 

placing an order or simply chatting to 

suppliers. 

The exhibitors on this platform update 

their products from time to time, so 

it’s recommended that you check back 

regularly. 

Apart from the show itself, this 

platform can provide a service for the 

whole year in a very cost-effective way. 

HOTEL COUPONS 

To thank everyone for their support of 

China Fish and to celebrate the reunion 

after the pandemic, China Fish will 

provide hotel coupons to all the buyers 

booking the official show hotels. All 

buyers who have registered for China 

Fish 2024 and booked its hotels will 

have the chance to get the coupons. But 

remember that, since the number of 

rooms is limited, you should register and 

book hotels as early as possible. 

REGISTER FOR CHINA FISH 2024 

For buyers who visited China Fish before, 

simply send the attendee name(s) by 

email or WeChat if there is no change to 

your last registration information. 

For first-time buyers, please log on to 

the registration page: chinafishshow.org/ 

chinafish_reg 


41

MAKING 

CONTACT 

Making Contact 

1 

2 

Want your products to 

be seen by thousands of 

potential buyers… FREE 

of charge? Then get in 

touch, we’d love to hear 

from you. 

1 FLYING FISHERMAN 

SAND BANK SUNGLASSES 

2 DAIWA 

EXCELER REELS 

3 

3 STONFO 

ANTI TANGLE MICRO CLIPS 

JOHN HUNTER 

+44 7990 542958 

john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk 

Contact John directly for details of 

how to send your product and a 

short description to Tackle Trade 

World’s office. 

Flying Fisherman has added two 

more colourways to the Action 

Angler Series Sand Bank sunglasses 

frame style. These provide 

generous polarised protection 

from the elements in a square 

wrap frame design with AcuTint 

lenses that are impact and scratch 

resistant, reduce glare, and block 

100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. 

The colours are matte black with 

green-mirror AcuTint lenses and 

matte black with yellow-amber 

AcuTint lenses. The polarised lens 

system enhances colour contrast, 

sharpens optical clarity and makes 

colours appear more vivid, adding 

to fishing productivity for anglers 

who benefit from seeing below the 

surface of the water. 

www.flyingfisherman.com 

Daiwa has made significant 

improvements to its ultra-popular 

Exceler family that offer striking 

good looks, smooth performance 

and a confident drag in a smartly 

priced reel 

These now feature an upgrade 

to a Zaion V carbon fibre body, 

plus an Airdrive rotor and bail, 

making them lighter than their 

older cousins. 

Its machined aluminium 

handle is a comfortable, strong 

connection to the main gear of the 

spinning reel while the retooled 

Exceler is extremely smooth, 

thanks to its five ball bearings and 

one roller bearing to maximise 

performance, all in a range priced 

at around $100 and offered in 

sizes from 1000 to 6000. 

www.daiwa.us 

These extremely small, anti-tangle 

swivel clips are made of selflubricating 

plastic material. 

The fully machined accessories 

are said to be ideal for either 

general feeder and competition 

fishing. 

Lightweight and very strong, 

they don’t affect the cast in any 

way and are produced in two 

different sizes. 

www.stonfo.com 


Classifieds 

SPLIT RING 

PLIERS 

CLASSIFIEDS 

UNIQUELY DIFFERENT (NEW-PATENTED) 

The EASIEST... The FASTEST... 

The BESTEST... 

for changing hooks or spinner blades 

visit www.TexasTackle.com for demo video 

WHOLESALE ONLY 

4 Sizes 

www.TexasTackle.com 

RIGS !!!! 

TO BOOK THIS SPACE CONTACT: 

NORTH AMERICA 

BART MANGANIELLO 

T: +1 914 722 7601 

E: bartalm@optonline.net 

REST of WORLD 

GUIDO KNEGT 

T: +39 347 503 6436 

E: guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk 

COMING UP… 

JANUARY 2024 

Ad Copy: November 17th, 2023 

Mailed: December 6th, 2023 

Special issue: 2024 Product Showcase 

Spotlight: Boat Accessories 

Doing Business With: Taiwan 

FEBRUARY 2024 

CHINA FISH 2024 PREVIEW 

Ad Copy: December 15th, 2023 

Mailed: January 3rd, 2024 

Special issue: Bass Fishing 

Spotlight: Reels 

Doing Business With: Great Lakes 

MARCH 2024 

Ad Copy: January 26th, 2024 

Mailed: February 14th, 2024 

Special issue: Fly Fishing 

Spotlight: Rods 

Doing Business With: Scandinavia 

To submit news or editorial for 

any of these issues, contact: 

To advertise or discuss a marketing campaign in any of these editions, 

contact our business development team: 

EDITOR 

JOHN HUNTER 

T: + 44 (0)7990 542958 

E: john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk 

NORTH AMERICA 

BART MANGANIELLO 

T: +1 914 722 7601 

E: bartalm@optonline.net 

REST of WORLD 

GUIDO KNEGT 

T: +39 347 503 6436 

E: guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk

FEATURE 

Energofish 

LEAD-FREE FEEDERS 

OFFER THE SUSTAINABLE 

FUTURE OF FISHING 

Environmental consciousness plays a leading role in the product development processes of 

Hungarian tackle manufacturer Energofish and several environmentally friendly products 

have appeared in recent years, with the latest being its Go Green feeders. 

Energofish prides itself on 

bringing environmentally 

friendly tackle to the market; 

products like the lead-free Go 

Green weights, shopping bags made of 

non-woven material and the completely 

paper-based, degradable maggot boxes. 

These items help both anglers and 

retailers to be more environmentally 

conscious, which is one of the biggest 

tasks of humanity in the 21st century. 

But, of course, product development 

cannot stop for a minute, because both 

the needs of anglers and the rules of 

commercial lakes or natural waters are 

changing continuously. To meet these 

expectations is the key to success in out 

industry, which is why the developers at 

Energofish have worked really hard this 

year as well. 

A GREENER METHOD 

A few weeks ago, the Go Green range 

was expanded with some equipment for 

the fans of the probably most popular 

technique – Method feeder fishing. 

Different kinds of Method flat feeders 


have arrived and all, without exception, 

are made from totally lead-free materials. 

These are the perfect tools for sustainable 

Method feeder fishing, so retailers 

and anglers, who are environmentally 

conscious, can use them. 

The family of Go Green Method flat 

feeders currently consist of four different 

elements. All of them are professional 

equipment, suitable for both casual or 

match anglers. These feeders are available 

in various sizes, offering a “green” 

alternative for all the segments of this 

discipline. 

The form of Go Green Method flat 

feeders is modern, thoughtful and fully 

planned according to the experience of 

Energofish’s professional anglers; that 

is why these products catch the eyes of 

consumers in tackle shops and serve the 

needs of anglers on the bank. 

Besides the trendy shape of these 

feeders, their most important element 

is the weight fixed in the rear. These 

weights are made from 100 per cent ecofriendly 

materials, devoid of tungsten and 

lead. Instead, they have been moulded 

from a completely environmentally 

friendly zinc alloy. In case of a breakage, 

they don’t damage the environment and 

provide a solution even for waters where 

the use of drop-off rigs is regulated. 

Taking everything into account, both 

anglers and retailers must pay more and 

more attention to environmental issues, 

that is why, distributing and using fishing 

stuff like Carp Expert Go Green Method 

flat feeders is the only proper attitude to 

reach sustainable fishing in the future. 

ENERGOFISH 

www.energofish.com

Power-Pole 

ANGLERS HONOUR THE MOVE ZR 

Having already won an award at ICAST 2023 for its Move ZR trolling motor, 

Power-Pole has now gone one better by scooping the event’s Anglers’ Choice 

Award, voted for by anglers themselves. 

FEATURE 

Although awards at ICAST 

are voted on by the trade, 

after the event the organisers, 

the American Sportfishing 

Association, invite consumers to decide 

on their own favourite from the winners 

from the New Product Showcase Best of 

Category votes back in July. 

With the results now in, the second 

annual Anglers’ Choice Award has gone 

to Power-Pole’s new trolling motor – 

the Move ZR. 

Robert Shamblin, vice-president, 

sales and marketing, for Power-Pole, 

said: “We won the Best of Category 

award at ICAST for Best Motorised 

Boating Accessory but this is extra 

special. We couldn’t be more excited.” 

ICAST draws thousands of tackle 

buyers and media members each July 

to the Orange County Convention 

Center in Orlando, Florida for the 

world’s largest sportfishing trade how. 

It’s where hundreds of manufacturers 

debut tackle, gear, accessories and 

apparel in the highly anticipated New 

Product Showcase. 

The dedicated display area on the 

show floor showcases hundreds of the 

best of the best in new fishing product 

innovation; all competing against each 

other to take home one of 37 Best 

of Category trophies along with the 

overall Best Of Show honour. The 

Power-Pole Move ZR was this year’s 

winner in the Best Motorized Boating 

Accessory category. 

Blake Swango, ASA’s vice-president 

for trade show and membership, added: 

“The New Product Showcase is the 

recreational fishing industry’s equivalent 

of the Oscars. 

“Because ICAST is a trade event and 

not open to the public, we decided to 

launch the 

Anglers’ 

Choice 

Award, giving everyone 

with a passion for 

fishing a chance to 

join in the excitement 

that defines ICAST. 

“It’s my pleasure to 

congratulate Power-Pole’s 

Move ZR for winning 

the second annual 

Anglers’ Choice 

Award.” 

You can see Robert 

Shamblin with the 

award and discover 

more about the 

Move ZR 

by visiting: 

tinyurl. 

com/46jymx8r 

POWER-POLE 

www. power-pole.com

THE NATIONAL FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP 

(XINJIANG SHULE STATION) CONCLUDED 

SUCCESSFULLY 

On August 24, the 2023 "Almighty King" National 

Fishing Championship (Shule Station, Xinjiang) 

came to an end at Shule Impression Fishing Center. 

Cui Ri won the championship with a total weight 

of 2.3 kilograms, while Liu Wenxuan and Zhang 

Longlong won the runner-up and third place 

respectively. 

Cui Ri, a second-level competitive fishing master 

from Heilongjiang and the champion of this site, 

said: "In today's game, because it rained in the 

morning, the weather was cold, and the weather 

was hot in the afternoon, which caused the air 

pressure to drop, the temperature difference to 

change greatly, and the fish did not open their 

mouths. Like this The competition can't wait. I 

finally caught the fish by fishing for grass carp. 

It was my first time to come to Xinjiang. I drove 

4,800 kilometers away to see the scenery of the 

motherland. The people of Xinjiang are really warm 

and hospitable. , I will come again next time there is 

a national competition.” 

Liu Wenxuan, a first-level competitive fishing 

master from Gansu, won the runner-up at this site. 

He said: "The weather temperature changes greatly 

and the fish condition deteriorates, which is a severe 

challenge for the players. I use floating, flying lead, 

and bait... I tried all the methods, but the fish just 

wouldn’t open its mouth, so there was nothing I 

could do, but luckily, I still caught one.” 

"This fishing competition has gathered many fishing 

experts to enhance friendship, compete in style, 

and achieve good results in fishing. It also promotes 

the continuous development of Shule culture and 

tourism industry." said Shi Zehua, President of the 

China Fishing Sports Association, "People from 

all over the country 500 fishing enthusiasts from all 

over the world showed their personal competitive 

level and style in the competitive arena." 

The successful holding of the National Fishing 

Championship is of great significance to promoting 

the rapid development of national fitness in 

Shule County, prospering mass cultural and 

sports activities, enhancing the national physique, 

improving the level of competitive fishing, 

and promoting rural tourism through sports 

competitions.

FISHING COMPETITION AT LONGQUAN LAKE IN 

WENSU, CHINA CONCLUDED SUCCESSFULLY 

On August 27, the closing ceremony of the 2023 China Wensu Longquan Lake Fishing Competition 

was held in Longquan Lake Park. After two days of intense and fierce competition, Shanxi Shenju Team 

won the championship with 10 points. Feida Rice Team of Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang 

and Sichuan Xiaozhiqiang Team won the runner-up and third place respectively. 

This fishing competition is part of Wensu County’s comprehensive implementation of the Autonomous 

Region Party Committee’s cultural enrichment project and the strategy of revitalizing Xinjiang through 

tourism, promoting the integrated development of culture and tourism, adhering to the people’s 

livelihood to promote high-quality development of the tourism industry, inheriting and carrying 

forward China’s excellent traditional culture, and enhancing Wensu County’s An important measure 

to influence the influence of Suxian County and the popularity of Longquan Lake 3A-level scenic 

spot, more fully demonstrate the tourism characteristics of Wensu, promote the in-depth integrated 

development of leisure fishery and cultural tourism industries, and build Wensu into a first-class and 

nationally renowned leisure tourism destination in Xinjiang. great significance.

CAA AND TAOBAO JOINTLY HOST CHINA 

FISHING COMPETITION 

On September 12, the "China 

Fishing Sports Association and 

Taobao Live 2023 National 

Fishing Competition " cosponsored 

by CAA, Dezhou 

Lingcheng District People's 

Government, and Taobao was 

grandly held at the Lijin Lake 

Fishing Center in Lingcheng 

District, Dezhou, Shandong. It 

is an innovation that the China 

Fishing Association, local 

government, and an online 

platform jointly organize the 

competition. It aims to rely on the traffic superposition effect of the Taobao live broadcast platform and 

form a traffic matrix for event promotion through the popularity of fishing masters and experts. While 

actively promoting fishing, it will also bring attention traffic to the host area and help promote the urban 

tourism industry. develop. 

The China Fishing Sports Association and Taobao Live 2023 National Fishing Competition have invited 

a total of 30 teams each from the Chinese Fishing Masters Team and the Chinese Fishing Masters, 

together with 40 teams from the public registration, with a total of 200 members participating. They 

shared millions of PV Taobao live broadcast traffic voucher incentives through the Taobao anchor APP, 

and broadcast the entire game from multiple perspectives. 

The competition events of this CAA&Taobao Live Broadcast 2023 National Fishing Competition are 

5.4-6.3 meter hand pole team fishing mixed fish total weight competition, two games, each competition 

lasts 3 hours. Lingcheng District Lijin Lake Fishing Center released more than 300,000 kilograms of 

carp and crucian carp at a high density for this competition, allowing members of the participating 

teams to enjoy the speed and passion of a fishing competition. 

The participating teams went through two exciting and 

fierce competitions in one day. In the end, the Wuhan 

Keyou Qingge team surprisingly won the championship 

with a total catch of 209.3 kilograms; the Shaanxi Yudao 

Zhijian No. 2 team came in second with a total catch of 

201.6 kilograms; and the Jia Diao Ni Wuer team caught 

a total of 183.9 kilograms. Won third place. The total 

amount of fish caught in this Texas Fishing Competition 

once again achieved good results, with the top three 

finalists catching more than 100 kilograms per person.

CHINA FISHING TACKLE INDUSTRY SCIENCE AND 

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION CONFERENCE HELD 

On September 10, the first "China Fishing 

Tackle Industry Science and Technology 

Innovation Conference" series of events was 

held in Weihai City, Shandong Province. 

More than 160 people from nearly a hundred 

companies in China's fishing tackle industry 

and specially invited experts gathered at the 

innovation conference to write a new chapter 

in promoting the high-quality development of 

China's fishing tackle industry. 

Yi Xiaoli, Chairman of the China Stationery 

and Sports Products Association, delivered 

a speech on behalf of the organizers of the 

conference and held an unveiling ceremony 

for "Weihai, the Fishing Tackle Capital of China". Representatives from JD.com and Amazon shared their 

speeches on the current "Big Data Analysis of Fishing Tackle Market Consumption" and "Global Demand for 

Amazon Fishing Tackle Categories and Product Selection Operation Suggestions." 

Professor Zhu Tianyang of Beijing University of Chemical Technology and Professor Chu Dianhui of Harbin 

Institute of Technology made special reports on "China's Fishing Gear Design Trends" and "Industrial Internet 

Application in the Fishing Tackle Industry" respectively. 

The conference released the "Proceedings of the China Fishing Tackle Industry Science and Technology 

Innovation Conference 2020-2021" and issued award certificates. Three first-prize paper representatives gave 

special speeches. 

The meeting emphasized that during this critical period, companies in the fishing tackle industry must more 

deeply understand and implement the spirit of the country's 

"Outline of Quality Power", strengthen the development 

concept of quality power, focus on technological innovation 

as the traction, promote industrial transformation and 

upgrading, and transform from extensive, medium and low 

High-end, low value-added and weak brands are moving 

towards intensive, clustered, high value-added, mid-tohigh-end 

and branding. In the era of global stock economy, 

we strive to enhance the competitiveness and voice of my 

country's fishing tackle industry, fishing tackle companies 

and fishing tackle brands.

FEATURE 

Last Cast 

experience to not only be enjoyable but safe 

too. Gone are the days where you’d wear 

children’s clothes or a man’s size small, with 

many brands including Patagonia and Simms 

offering specific clothing and waders for 

women. 

ACCESSIBILITY AND FACILITIES 

With the internet, accessibility to 

information about fishing is vast and you can 

find your nearest water or angling coach with 

a few clicks of a button. Social media and the 

rise in female angling influencers are really 

helping to drive this change. When I first 

started out, social media didn’t exist! 

Facilities at fisheries now cater around 

families and women, which has a great 

impact on ladies taking up the sport. 

LAST CAST... 

WHY IS FISHING 

MORE ACCESSIBLE 

FOR WOMEN NOW? 

It seems more women than ever are going fishing. Lucy 

Bowden, a well-known UK angler and marketing executive 

at key UK-based business the Farlows Group, explains why 

this might be happening. 

Thirty years ago, when I started 

fishing, it wasn’t ‘fashionable’, 

it was very much perceived as 

an old man’s sport and was very 

male-dominated. I very rarely saw another 

female on the bank. Thankfully today this 

has changed and, whilst I don’t think we’re 

where we need to be, we’re certainly on the 

right path. 

CULTURE AND ROLE MODELS 

One of the reasons I set up the Fishing For 

Everyone Ladies Fishing Club in 2009 and 

subsequently became an angling coach was to 

try and change the perception of fishing and 

introduce more ladies to it. Today, similar 

to women’s football, there are many more 

female role models in the sport, which in 

turn is helping to change the perception of it 

and inspire more ladies to think about giving 

it a go. 

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT 

Whilst women don’t need specific fishing 

equipment to go fishing, they do need 

clothing and waders to fit them for the 

THE TACKLE INDUSTRY 

I’m proud to work for a company, the 

Farlows Group (owners of both the Farlows 

and Sportfish brands), which is hugely 

forward-thinking in its approach not only 

to getting more females into fishing but also 

introducing the next generation into the 

sport. 

We don’t just talk about it, we action it. 

From working with both male and female 

content providers, showcasing imagery of real 

women who fish and welcoming blog articles 

from females in the sport. 

We’ve also just released eight Sportfish 

videos fronted by me to get more ladies into 

fly fishing. In addition to this, we’ve teamed 

up with Country Girls UK and Women 

Who Work in Fieldsports to communicate 

the message that fishing is for ladies. 

WHY SHOULD WOMEN TAKE UP 

FISHING 

Why not! There’s no reason they can’t. I’ve 

always had a motto that no matter your age, 

race, gender or ability, anyone can fish and 

fishing is great for so many aspects of your 

life, including both your mental and physical 

health. 

In a recent study, over 97 per cent 

of Sportfish customers agreed that fly 

fishing significantly improves their mental 

health, with more than 98 per cent saying 

it significantly improves their general 

wellbeing. 

Don’t underestimate the impact fishing 

can have on your physical health either – 

getting out by the water, into green spaces 

and with nature is good for you. You can also 

put some miles in! 

Lastly, fishing can be very social. Many 

anglers fish with their families, friends or are 

part of a fishing club. 

FARLOWS GROUP 

www.farlows.co.uk 


The Carp Expert Rapid PVA Rig Kit 

for PVA BOMB products is available. 

Partners Wanted! 

Energofish Ltd. is looking for new Partners all over the World. 

Free delivery on orders over €300. Click here to start your 

registration and other details. 

NETHERLANDS 

GERMANY 

SWEDEN 

POLAND 

FRANCE 

ITALY 

INFO@ENERGOFISH.COM 

WWW.ENERGOFISH.COM

Tackle Trade World - November 2023

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