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Sent to more than<br />
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120 countries<br />
every month<br />
november <strong>2023</strong><br />
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TACKLE DOWN UNDER<br />
How did the Australian<br />
tackle trade show go this<br />
year? PAGE 10<br />
ITALIAN FLAIR<br />
Italy has so much to offer<br />
the trade and anglers alike.<br />
PAGE 24<br />
EFTTEX <strong>2023</strong> HAILED<br />
A SUCCESS BUT<br />
MAKES NO PROFIT<br />
Despite the European<br />
tackle trade show,<br />
EFTTEX, being<br />
lauded as a success this summer<br />
in Budapest, the organisers have<br />
confirmed it made no profit.<br />
It’s a blow to the European<br />
Fishing <strong>Tackle</strong> <strong>Trade</strong><br />
Association (EFTTA) – which<br />
owns the EFTTEX trademark<br />
but did not organise the<br />
<strong>2023</strong> venture – as it had been<br />
promised profits from the show<br />
to help its work in lobbying<br />
the European Parliament to<br />
help secure the future of the<br />
industry.<br />
EFTTA CEO Olivier<br />
Portrat told TTW: “Apparently,<br />
no profit has been generated<br />
and no money will be handed<br />
over to EFTTA.”<br />
Istvan Pal, an EFTTA board<br />
member and one of the show<br />
organisers through EFFTEX<br />
Ltd/Hungary, (EFTTEX Kft)<br />
which was formed specifically<br />
to run the event, explained to<br />
TTW: “EFTTEX <strong>2023</strong> was<br />
revived with very good success.<br />
“In total, 1,170 visitors came<br />
to Budapest from 67 countries.<br />
The last EFTTEX prepandemic<br />
in Amsterdam had<br />
1,636 visitors including 494<br />
retailers; in Budapest we had<br />
589 visitors wearing Retailer or<br />
Wholesaler-Retailer badges.<br />
“In post-show contact with<br />
visitors/exhibitors (over 400<br />
surveys were completed) the<br />
show was rated 4.17 out of<br />
five and industry publications<br />
including TTW have said it<br />
exceeded expectations for many.<br />
“When EFTTA Ltd closed<br />
its books, only 75 per cent of the<br />
prepayments that the Londonbased<br />
company received for<br />
EFTTEX 2020 were returned<br />
to those companies that had<br />
prepaid for that show.<br />
• Continued on page 8<br />
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<br />
PROFESSIONALS IN OVER 120 COUNTRIES EVERY MONTH
NOVEMBER<br />
<strong>2023</strong><br />
<strong>Tackle</strong><strong>Trade</strong><br />
www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
Editor:<br />
John Hunter<br />
THE SEARCH<br />
FOR TRUTH AND<br />
ACCOUNTABILITY<br />
04<br />
+44 7990 542958<br />
john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk<br />
A journalist all his life and with 20-plus years<br />
of international business magazine experience,<br />
John was the founding editor of TTW and has<br />
now returned to the helm. He has helped<br />
many brands launch and grow over the years<br />
through B2B publications and via his own<br />
consultancy business.<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
North America:<br />
Bart Manganiello<br />
+1 914 722 7601<br />
bartalm@optonline.net<br />
For over 38 years, Bart has been working with<br />
trade magazines, 34 in the tackle industry.<br />
Since 2001, he has been TTW’s North American<br />
Director, providing the best communication<br />
programs to companies, helping them connect<br />
with current and prospective trade partners<br />
around the world.<br />
Rest Of The <strong>World</strong>:<br />
Guido Knegt<br />
+39 3475036436<br />
guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk<br />
A born and bred Dutchman, he spent five<br />
years travelling the world as a scuba-diving<br />
instructor and English teacher before settling<br />
down in Sardinia. Guido previously worked for<br />
TTW between 2014 and 2017.<br />
China: Robert Li<br />
Li Ziwei<br />
+86 13451914155<br />
robert.li365@gmail.com<br />
Li Ziwei (Robert) has been working as news<br />
editor for over 20 years. He founded the most<br />
influential Chinese fishing forum in the Straits<br />
and successfully organised many industry<br />
events. His love for culture and tourism has led<br />
him to devote his entire life to the exchanges<br />
between China and southeast Asia.<br />
Magazine Manager<br />
Justin Fox<br />
+44 7813 327966<br />
justin.fox@dhpub.co.uk<br />
A hugely experienced communicator with<br />
more than 20 years at parent company DHP,<br />
Justin knows what it takes to grow brands<br />
and businesses across the tackle sector.<br />
Sub Editor: David Haynes<br />
Art Editor: Paul Evans<br />
Editorial Design: Brad Sharp<br />
DHP LTD<br />
Editorial, administration, subscriptions and<br />
accounts to: DHP Ltd, 1st Floor, Nene House,<br />
Sopwith Way, Daventry, NN11 8EA, UK<br />
www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
We all know that EFTTEX<br />
and EFTTA have not<br />
been happy bedfellows in<br />
the last year and you can be sure we<br />
haven’t heard the last of this.<br />
The European Fishing <strong>Tackle</strong> <strong>Trade</strong><br />
Association – keen to carry on its<br />
crucial work protecting the sport’s<br />
future through its work at the highest<br />
levels of the European Union – had<br />
distanced itself from the EFTTEX<br />
Show organisers, based in Hungary.<br />
Indeed, TTW ran a story to that<br />
effect at the end of last year – albeit<br />
with couple of enforced changes to<br />
the article as it was about to go to<br />
press.<br />
It seems that the original intention<br />
to have nothing to do with the show<br />
was watered down somewhat after<br />
TTW contacted the various parties for<br />
comment.<br />
What was eventually agreed was<br />
that, while EFTTA would retain<br />
the EFTTEX trademark and name,<br />
it would allow EFTTEX Kft in<br />
Hungary to use it to set up and run<br />
the <strong>2023</strong> event in Budapest.<br />
However, in return, it was also<br />
agreed that all profits from the show<br />
would be donated to EFTTA to help<br />
with its important industry work,<br />
safeguarding the interests of European<br />
fishing tackle businesses.<br />
Except – there was no profit. The<br />
organisers say they ploughed in far<br />
more cash (much of it their own)<br />
than they received from exhibitors for<br />
stands and visitors for tickets.<br />
3,511<br />
6,466<br />
But that only tells half the story.<br />
Figures privately reported to TTW<br />
seem to be at odds with the official<br />
spending account, which raises more<br />
than a few questions although it<br />
must be stressed these have not been<br />
officially verified.<br />
At the same time, we have the<br />
organisers of the Budapest show<br />
initially declaring they would not run<br />
another EFTTEX but now claiming<br />
the positive response in <strong>2023</strong> has<br />
encouraged them to reconsider and, at<br />
worst, present options and alternatives<br />
to the EFTTA board.<br />
TTW understands these may<br />
include a choice of venues in both<br />
western and eastern Europe and<br />
autumn dates rather the traditional<br />
summer ones.<br />
So, will there be an EFTTEX 2024<br />
and who will be running it? As TTW<br />
went to press we were still waiting on<br />
an answer but, by the time you read<br />
this, all may have become clearer!<br />
Quite what the EFTTA board, let<br />
alone the industry at large, makes of<br />
all this is still to be determined but it<br />
seems set for some kind of showdown.<br />
Meanwhile, TTW will also have<br />
been at the AFFTA Confluence event<br />
in Salt Lake City – born from the<br />
ashes of the 2022 IFTD Show – and<br />
you can look forward to a report from<br />
that in due course.<br />
John Hunter<br />
Editor
NOVEMBER<br />
<strong>2023</strong><br />
18<br />
24<br />
16<br />
10<br />
Contents<br />
08 NEWS<br />
Mustad partners with Flyfish Europe for<br />
growth while the latter adds Whiting<br />
Farms to its portfolio, plus plenty of other<br />
industry news…<br />
10 TACKLE DOWN UNDER<br />
How did the Australian Fishing <strong>Trade</strong><br />
Association’s show go in August? We have<br />
a full report of the event, the gala dinner<br />
and awards.<br />
16 ITALIAN LINE MAKER GOING GREEN<br />
Plastools, which scooped four awards at<br />
EFTTEX <strong>2023</strong>, has been making waves with<br />
biodegradable packaging on its range of<br />
fishing lines.<br />
18 SPOTLIGHT ON… FLY TYING<br />
Flytying is a crucial money spinning sector<br />
but the array of materials and accessories<br />
is bewildering. We demystify some of it for<br />
you…<br />
20 SHOP WINDOW<br />
Hardened anglers love tying their own<br />
flies. But, to do so, they need access to<br />
great materials and tools. Are you stocking<br />
the right gear?<br />
06 www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
30<br />
22 SEMPERFLI MAKES SELECTIONS<br />
SIMPLE<br />
Fly tying materials supplier Semperfli has<br />
a clever and simple system designed to<br />
remove the hidden set-up costs of taking<br />
on new items.<br />
24 DOING BUSINESS WITH… ITALY<br />
Home to many well-known brands, Italy is<br />
renowned as a major player in the industry<br />
while also offering countless fishing<br />
opportunities.<br />
28 ST. CROIX MARKS 75 YEARS<br />
St. Croix Rod has been marking three<br />
quarters of a century in business<br />
throughout <strong>2023</strong>. TTW looks back at the<br />
history of this US manufacturer.<br />
30 KEEPING KEY FLY BRANDS AFLOAT<br />
When Ben Gehrke struggled to find his<br />
favourite fly tying materials his quest led<br />
to him buying an entire materials brand<br />
and more…<br />
34 ZENAQ GUIDES YOU TO INNOVATION<br />
The Japanese brand’s RG guides first<br />
appeared in 2007 but they continue to<br />
evolve to ensure rods will always perform<br />
at their best.<br />
36 MAKING ECO-FRIENDLY GEAR THE<br />
NORM<br />
GT-Bio is at the forefront of<br />
environmentally friendly products in<br />
fishing. CEO Armando Sousa explains what<br />
this means for his business and the trade.<br />
40 WHY CHOOSE CHINA FISH 2024?<br />
At long last China Fish 2024 is finally on<br />
the horizon. How and why should you get<br />
involved in one of the most crucial trade<br />
shows in the world?<br />
42 MAKING CONTACT<br />
More great gear you should consider<br />
stocking. Having the latest equipment can<br />
drive customers to your outlet.<br />
44 WHY LEAD-FREE FEEDERS ARE THE<br />
FUTURE<br />
Environmental consciousness plays<br />
a leading role in Energofish’s product<br />
development process. Its latest offering is<br />
Go Green Feeders.<br />
36<br />
50 LAST CAST<br />
UK angler and Farlows marketing executive<br />
Lucy Bowden explains why more women<br />
are getting into fishing and how it has<br />
become more accessible.
Super<br />
Heat Dissipation<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Super<br />
Low-Friction<br />
Super<br />
Hardness<br />
Super<br />
Lightness
EFTTEX <strong>2023</strong> HAILED A SUCCESS<br />
BUT MAKES NO PROFIT<br />
• Continued from page 3<br />
“Despite the fact it had no<br />
legal obligation, EFTTEX Ltd/<br />
Hungary accepted parts of these<br />
prepayments for stand payments<br />
for its exhibitors in <strong>2023</strong>.<br />
“The volume of the accepted<br />
credits exceeded the EFTTA<br />
total membership amount by<br />
20 per cent. The EFTTEX Kft<br />
owners invested their private<br />
money and worked totally for<br />
free covering even the costs they<br />
had related to EFTTEX travel as<br />
well as paying full price for their<br />
booths.<br />
“Although the owners<br />
aimed to produce additional<br />
cash to be transferred, there is<br />
no additional cash payment from<br />
EFTTEX to EFTTA possible<br />
from this first edition.”<br />
EFTTA and EFTTEX<br />
had been seen as two separate<br />
entities since 2021, when the<br />
EFTTA AISBL board (the new<br />
organisation based in Brussels<br />
following the dissolution of the<br />
Istvan Pal<br />
London company) agreed that<br />
it could not rely on monies from<br />
the show to finance its work.<br />
This split was further evident<br />
at the end of last year, when<br />
EFTTA formally distanced itself<br />
from the organisers of EFTTEX.<br />
At the time, CEO Olivier<br />
Portrat stated: “EFTTEX<br />
Trading (EFTTEX Kft) does<br />
not organise the EFFTEX show<br />
on behalf of EFTTA AISBL<br />
but for the benefit of EFTTA.<br />
The profit of the show is being<br />
Olivier Portrat<br />
forwarded to EFTTA and used<br />
to save the future of recreational<br />
angling in Europe by our<br />
lobbying work.”<br />
However, it appears there is<br />
no profit from the <strong>2023</strong> show<br />
to hand over, to the surprise of<br />
many.<br />
PLANNING AHEAD<br />
There have also been many<br />
questions over plans for a 2024<br />
event. Initially, Istvan and<br />
EFTTEX Kft had said it would<br />
not be running future events but<br />
is unclear if that position has<br />
changed.<br />
Istvan revealed: “As promised,<br />
the surveys completed onsite and<br />
after the event will give the basis<br />
of the offer EFTTEX Trading<br />
(EFTTEX Kft) to present to<br />
EFTTA board, the owner of<br />
the EFTTEX trademark. Over<br />
400 surveys were completed.<br />
Based on the results, the current<br />
organisers will present their offer<br />
for licensing the EFTTEX name<br />
for the next edition.<br />
“I can’t reveal the location yet,<br />
I can only say it is not Budapest,<br />
as a big number of trade<br />
members opted for a different<br />
place. Although Budapest as a<br />
meeting point was a clear success,<br />
most of the trade members<br />
wanted the organisers to consider<br />
western European locations<br />
too. So we will present an offer<br />
including dates and location to<br />
the board.”<br />
St. Croix goes back to school of bass<br />
St. Croix, the parent company to St. Croix<br />
Rod, SEVIIN reels, Rod Geeks and more,<br />
has announced a three-year partnership<br />
with the US Collegiate Bass Fishing<br />
Championship School of the Year.<br />
The deal with the University of<br />
Montevallo includes two-year sponsorship<br />
of the university’s Falcons Fishing Team<br />
and a six-month internship at St. Croix<br />
for one of the team’s student athletes.<br />
Jesse Simpkins, St. Croix vice-president<br />
of marketing, said the agreement<br />
represents great opportunities for both<br />
organisations.<br />
He explained: “The University of<br />
Montevallo gets a lot of well-deserved<br />
attention for the accomplishment of its<br />
bass-fishing team.<br />
“But behind all the titles and honours<br />
the Falcons have earned on the water,<br />
there’s a wonderful university supporting<br />
the personal and professional growth of<br />
these young people, many of whom aspire<br />
to work in the fishing industry after<br />
graduation.<br />
“We’re providing<br />
one of them with an<br />
immersive six-month<br />
internship within our<br />
marketing department<br />
for which they’ll<br />
receive both real-world<br />
experience and college<br />
credit for their work.<br />
“But, beyond<br />
that, we have a<br />
variety of additional<br />
marketing projects and<br />
opportunities planned<br />
that will allow participation and growth<br />
for as many Falcons team members who<br />
want to get involved in the day-to-day<br />
marketing activities that help fuel the<br />
growth of our brands.”<br />
The partnership also includes direct<br />
support to the 2021/2022 MLF National<br />
School of the Year, 2022/<strong>2023</strong> Bassmaster<br />
Team of the Year, and 2022/<strong>2023</strong> MLF<br />
National Champions in the form of<br />
product sponsorship.<br />
St. Croix Falcons fishing<br />
“St. Croix Rod and SEVIIN Reels will<br />
be sponsors of the Montevallo Falcons<br />
Fishing Team in name, meaning that<br />
we’re providing rods and reels to the team<br />
to use as they see fit,” he added.<br />
“We’re not dictating their use by any<br />
individual team member; we want and<br />
expect to earn the right to be in their<br />
hands and on their decks.”<br />
stcroixrods.com<br />
08 www.tackletradeworld.com
Mustad partners with Flyfish<br />
Europe for greater reach<br />
Legendary fly hooks<br />
manufacturer Mustad has<br />
partnered with the fly<br />
specialists at Flyfish Europe<br />
to offer tackle across the<br />
European market. From<br />
September 1st, Flyfish Europe<br />
– which distributes respectable<br />
brands in the segment all over<br />
Europe – has added Mustad as<br />
its first hook manufacturer.<br />
With this major joint<br />
venture, fly tyers will find<br />
Mustad hooks in local shops<br />
everywhere.<br />
Since Mustad began hook<br />
production in 1877, fly hooks<br />
have been a large part of the<br />
Mustad hook selection and the<br />
brand has stood as a key player<br />
in the production of premium<br />
hooks.<br />
Mustad’s iconic styles<br />
recently received a refresh with<br />
the Heritage Fly Hook series<br />
released with new technologies<br />
and sustainable packaging.<br />
“Mustad’s fly hook reach will<br />
be expanded 20-fold with this<br />
new agreement,” said Eddie<br />
Payton, marketing manager for<br />
Mustad EMEA<br />
“The angling passion, fishing<br />
knowledge, and industry<br />
relationships that the Flyfish<br />
Europe team have established<br />
are irresistible to the Mustad<br />
brand. We look forward to<br />
exceptional growth in serving<br />
retailers across the region.”<br />
Founded in 2002, Flyfish<br />
Europe has exclusively<br />
supplied the market with 15<br />
high-end fly fishing brands<br />
including Simms, Bajio,<br />
Scott Fly Rods and many<br />
others. With the recent<br />
announcement of cooperation<br />
with premium tying feathers<br />
expert Whiting Farms, Flyfish<br />
Europe adds another piece of<br />
the puzzle to reach enthusiasts<br />
of both crafts – fly fishing and<br />
fly tying.<br />
“We are thrilled to introduce<br />
Mustad fly hooks to our<br />
repertoire. The brand strength<br />
and high-quality products are<br />
iconic among fly fishermen<br />
and -women, giving us a<br />
running start,” added Flyfish<br />
Europe managing director<br />
Jarle L Krtistansen.<br />
“Our connections and<br />
dedicated experience to fly<br />
fishing will give Mustad hooks<br />
the edge when introducing to<br />
shops and end consumers.”<br />
www.mustad-fishing.com<br />
<strong>2023</strong>-24<br />
Over 1,400 New<br />
Line Items in our<br />
<strong>2023</strong>-2024 Catalog<br />
14,600+ Products<br />
Available for your<br />
Fly Tying Shops Walls!<br />
Microflex Soft<br />
Hackle Chenille<br />
Available in 5 sizes and<br />
31 Great Colors!<br />
EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTION<br />
DEAL FOR FLY MATERIAL FIRM<br />
Both US-based fly tying materials supplier Whiting Farms and<br />
distributor Flyfish Europe are looking at great new prospects<br />
following their recent agreement.<br />
Having dealt with multiple European distributors and dealers<br />
in the past, Tom Whiting is pleased to be working with a single<br />
distributor capable of effectively serving the European market in its<br />
entirity. Tom, who founded Whiting Farms back in 1989, explained:<br />
“Jarle L. Kristiansen, the MD of Flyfish Europe, and I go way back.<br />
I’ve followed the rise of his distribution company and know how<br />
highly regarded, efficient and smooth it has become.<br />
“By teaming up with Flyfish Europe we’ll be able to serve retailers<br />
across Europe in a transparent, cost-effective and coherent way that<br />
will benefit everyone involved.”<br />
Jarle is looking forward to building stock and getting the ball<br />
rolling with his team.<br />
He added: “Whiting fits well into our line-up of high-end fly<br />
fishing brands. Knowing Tom’s dedication to quality, I’m happy<br />
to offer the stock-, distribution- and dealer web solutions that his<br />
products so sorely deserve within the European market. It’s going<br />
to be a win-win situation, not only for Flyfish Europe and Whiting,<br />
but also for the European retailers and end consumers.”<br />
www. flyfisheurope.com
AUSTRALIAN TRADE SHOW<br />
BRINGS SMILES ALL ROUND<br />
The return of the Australian Fishing <strong>Trade</strong><br />
Association’s trade show in August brought<br />
smiles to the industry as buyers and sellers<br />
gathered on the Gold Coast to do business.<br />
The three-day event attracted several<br />
hundred stores and buyers on the first two<br />
days followed by thousands of members<br />
of the public on the final day as the show<br />
threw open its doors to consumers.<br />
AFTA president Michael Starkey said:<br />
“Wow, what a show we’ve seen this year; the<br />
support from exhibitors has been fantastic<br />
with the show floorspace selling out weeks<br />
early. We saw many retailers visit the show<br />
and take advantage of the attendance<br />
incentive.<br />
“The trade show calendar offered plenty<br />
of networking opportunities, from the show<br />
itself, AFTA’s AGM, Happy Hour and the<br />
Gala Dinner & Awards Night, which was<br />
the biggest that AFTA has ever seen with<br />
400 people attending for four hours of<br />
drinks and socialising. The support from the<br />
Victorian Government and Brandscope for<br />
the dinner was fantastic.<br />
“The incredible sponsorship from the<br />
Queensland Government enabled AFTA to<br />
offer free entry to all members of the public.<br />
The lines were long and at times the hall<br />
was packed.<br />
“There’s already plenty of talk for the<br />
2024 show; if you missed it in <strong>2023</strong>, start<br />
planning now to ensure you don’t do that<br />
again!”<br />
Among those attending was government<br />
fisheries minister Mark Furner who also<br />
attended the gala dinner as well as officially<br />
opening the public day.<br />
He said: “Anglers and fishing enthusiasts<br />
like myself were out in force on the Gold<br />
Coast for the Australian Fishing <strong>Trade</strong><br />
Association <strong>Tackle</strong> Show.<br />
10 www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
“This popular event showcases so many<br />
outstanding fishing and marine products, all<br />
under the one roof.<br />
“As the Minister for Fisheries, I’ll<br />
continue to champion our world-class<br />
fisheries sector and the outstanding produce<br />
it delivers to our plates.”<br />
In a first for the organisers, AFTA’s<br />
AGM was held on the first trade day of the<br />
show at the Let’s Fish Australia stage and<br />
was immediately followed by Happy Hour.<br />
The meeting was attended by 48<br />
members, representing 16 wholesale<br />
companies, 12 retailers and one media<br />
business.<br />
There were three positions on the board<br />
up for nomination this year, with Ben<br />
Scales, Alicia Bolitho and Kord Luckus all<br />
re-elected.<br />
Once again AFTA’s Gala Dinner was<br />
sold out – twice! This meant the organisers<br />
had to request a larger room at the venue<br />
and that evening more than 400 fishing<br />
industry members filled the room.<br />
The Seven Network’s Paul Burt was MC<br />
for the evening while AFTA president<br />
Michael Starkey delivered a quick update<br />
about what the board has been working on<br />
over the past 12 months.<br />
The AFTA Hall of Fame welcomed its<br />
newest inductee, Bill Classon, the executive<br />
team from WARFFA was recognised by<br />
the industry for their contribution over the<br />
past 12 months and product, stand and best<br />
store awards were also handed out.<br />
Meanwhile, Victorian Fishing Authority’s<br />
Caitlin Berecry-Brooks presented some<br />
interesting insights on the Women in<br />
Recreational Fishing and Boating network.<br />
The Best In Show product awards<br />
were voted on by the retailers who<br />
attended the <strong>2023</strong> trade show, while the<br />
Best Stand awards were voted on by the<br />
Victorian Fisheries Authority and Women<br />
in Recreational Fishing and Boating<br />
(WIRFAB).<br />
The Best <strong>Tackle</strong> Store award was voted<br />
on by AFTA member wholesalers prior to<br />
the show.<br />
You can see all the award winners at<br />
www.afta.net.au/<strong>2023</strong>-awards<br />
THE SHOW IN NUMBERS<br />
Day 1 – Thursday<br />
285 buyers<br />
143 stores<br />
691 attendees<br />
Day 2 – Friday<br />
275 buyers<br />
139 stores<br />
748 attendees<br />
Day 3 – Saturday<br />
17 buyers<br />
10 stores<br />
4,854 public registered<br />
2,620 public attended<br />
3,067 attendees<br />
Total Unique Retail Stores<br />
174 stores<br />
Number of Days Stores Attended<br />
One day: 65<br />
Two days: 114<br />
Three days: 8<br />
AFTA <strong>Tackle</strong> Show 2024 is scheduled<br />
for August 15th – 17th at the Gold Coast<br />
Convention & Exhibition Centre
Academy opens doors to<br />
Texas anglers once more<br />
US retail chain<br />
Academy Sports +<br />
Outdoors has added its<br />
109th location in Texas,<br />
with the opening of its<br />
first store in Kyle.<br />
The 56,000 sq<br />
ft store brings a<br />
wide assortment of<br />
sports and outdoors<br />
merchandise to the<br />
area, along with big<br />
brands in the outdoor<br />
recreation sector such<br />
as Shimano and YETI,<br />
alongside Nike, The<br />
North Face and many<br />
more.<br />
This is the fifth store<br />
Academy has opened in <strong>2023</strong><br />
with plans to open up to 140<br />
new stores by the end of 2027.<br />
Sam Johnson, Academy’s<br />
executive vice-president of<br />
retail operations, said: “As<br />
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON THE<br />
LINE TO TAKE US KIDS FISHING<br />
We all know that taking kids fishing just a<br />
few times creates a lifelong love of the sport<br />
and a new US bill aims to support this to the<br />
tune of $2 million.<br />
The Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act<br />
could help nurture the next generation<br />
of anglers and, therefore, potential tackle<br />
customers, which is why it is being backed<br />
by US trade body the American Sportfishing<br />
Association.<br />
Studies indicate that just a little bit of<br />
time outside daily at a young age has a<br />
wide array of benefits including improved<br />
physical and mental health and a better<br />
understanding of the importance of<br />
conservation. Fishing is a perfect way to<br />
spend time outdoors, is relatively easy and<br />
when learned at a young age, provides a<br />
lifetime of enjoyment.<br />
The act, if approved, would create a $2<br />
million grant program to fund communitybased<br />
schemes that take children on fishing<br />
trips in coastal or Great Lakes waters.<br />
Academy Sports + Outdoors<br />
expands in our home state, we<br />
are thrilled to bring more sports<br />
and outdoor fun to the Kyle<br />
community. We look forward<br />
to providing a new convenient<br />
location for the best sports and<br />
This bill will give access to the water to<br />
youth who otherwise may never learn to fish<br />
or appreciate the outdoors and is seen as a<br />
great first step towards encouraging kids to<br />
fish.<br />
The ASA is urging all US-based tackle<br />
businesses, guides and anglers to write to<br />
members of Congress and share the bill on<br />
social media and with customers to ease its<br />
passage through the system.<br />
The ASA said: “Studies indicate that<br />
children that spend time fishing receive<br />
substantial physical and mental health<br />
benefits compared to other children.<br />
“Studies also show that 86 per cent of<br />
anglers have gone fishing before the age<br />
of 12, meaning that if you don’t go fishing<br />
while you’re still a kid, the odds are low that<br />
you ever will.<br />
“Introducing new anglers – particularly<br />
young people – to recreational fishing is one<br />
of the overarching goals of the ASA.”<br />
www.asafishing.org<br />
outdoors equipment, at a great<br />
value, so that families can get<br />
to the fun faster.”<br />
Originally founded in 1938<br />
as a family business in Texas,<br />
Academy has grown to 273<br />
stores across 18 states.<br />
THE BEST<br />
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Phone: 001 (870) 425-9500<br />
Fax: 001 (870) 425-9599<br />
E-Mail: wapsi@wapsifly.com<br />
Website: www.wapsifly.com
NEWS IN BRIEF<br />
Finding a way<br />
Raymarine, a global leader in highperformance<br />
marine electronics for<br />
the recreational boating and other<br />
markets, has seen its partnership<br />
with autonomous boat navigation<br />
provider Avikus continue to grow.<br />
Several major boatbuilders<br />
having agreed to integrate<br />
Raymarine x Avikus NeuBoat Dock<br />
technology into their next model<br />
year.<br />
Meanwhile, Raymarine and<br />
Avikus have just unveiled the<br />
NeuBoat Dock camera system at<br />
major international shows.<br />
Serving the Rockies<br />
The opening of the 130,000 sq<br />
ft Outdoor <strong>World</strong> will mark the<br />
sixth Bass Pro Shops location in<br />
Colorado, as it continues to expand<br />
its presence to serve the Rocky<br />
Mountain region.<br />
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny<br />
Morris said: “We are very excited<br />
to announce this new location<br />
and continue to strengthen our<br />
relationship with the western<br />
sportsmen and women of Colorado<br />
and beyond.<br />
“This new store will make it<br />
easier for the people and families<br />
who love to hunt the mountains<br />
and high plains of the West and<br />
fish its rich streams to spend time<br />
together in the great outdoors.”<br />
Peli CEO on the<br />
case<br />
Peli Products, known for its rugged,<br />
mission-critical protective cases,<br />
coolers, and temperature-controlled<br />
packaging, has named James ‘JC’<br />
Curleigh as chief executive officer.<br />
With over 30 years’ experience in<br />
high-profile brands including M&M<br />
Mars, Salomon Sports, TaylorMade<br />
Golf, Keen footwear, Levi’s and most<br />
recently Gibson guitars, he is wellequipped<br />
to help lead Peli to new<br />
heights.<br />
The firm says his visionary<br />
leadership and ability to adapt to<br />
changing market dynamics align<br />
seamlessly with its commitment to<br />
delivering exceptional products and<br />
experiences to its global customer<br />
base.<br />
MOST US ANGLERS AWARE<br />
OF CONSERVATION NEEDS<br />
The majority of US anglers understand that<br />
their fishing licence fees play an important part<br />
in wildlife conservation, which helps ensure the<br />
future of their sport.<br />
That’s according to the results of a study<br />
by the Recreational Boating & Fishing<br />
Foundation (RBFF), which is designed to<br />
learn more about the connection consumers<br />
are making between fishing, boating and<br />
conservation.<br />
Conducted every three years, the study’s<br />
findings showcase steady progress in RBFF’s<br />
goal to drive awareness of the conservation<br />
efforts resulting from fishing and boating<br />
participation. RBFF will use data from<br />
the survey to inform actions that continue<br />
resonating with consumers.<br />
Among the key findings were that four in<br />
five anglers know the benefits fishing licence<br />
fees bring to wildlife conservation (up from<br />
two in three in the 2019 survey).<br />
Anglers’ awareness that some of this licence<br />
cash is used for conservation is also strong and,<br />
again, above the 2019 levels.<br />
However, the research also showed that<br />
less than 30 per cent of anglers felt that<br />
conservation was a motivation to go fishing;<br />
most saying that enjoying the outdoors and<br />
spending time with family and friends were<br />
key reasons to pick up a rod and reel.<br />
That said, it was clear that conservation is<br />
a passion shared by the vast majority of those<br />
who go fishing – 92 per cent agreed they want<br />
to help protect and preserve waterways and 91<br />
per cent care about healthy fish populations<br />
and public access to fishing.<br />
The study also showcased that learning about<br />
the link between licence fees and conservation<br />
increased the likelihood of families going<br />
fishing and that more communication about<br />
the sport’s benefits should be targeted via<br />
online and social media platforms.<br />
Dave Chanda, RBFF’s president and CEO,<br />
said: “This study shows RBFF’s efforts to<br />
improve education around the ties between<br />
licensing and conservation have been<br />
consistent and effective.<br />
“Education is key to continuing to grow<br />
conservation awareness. Emphasising this link<br />
will build momentum in the next generation<br />
of anglers and boaters since this knowledge<br />
increases the likelihood of participation.”<br />
www.www.takemefishing.org/specialreport<br />
UK tackle trade stalwart Ricky Teale passes<br />
<strong>Tackle</strong><strong>Trade</strong> <strong>World</strong> recently<br />
learned that Ricky Teale<br />
had sadly passed away,<br />
aged 56. Ricky was a top<br />
UK match angler but it<br />
was in the tackle industry<br />
that he really made his<br />
mark. He began working<br />
at Preston Innovations<br />
back in the 1990s and<br />
turned what was then a<br />
small company into one<br />
of the biggest match<br />
brands in Europe with the<br />
introduction of countless<br />
new, innovative products.<br />
He also launched the<br />
Sonubaits brand as well as<br />
other non-match brands<br />
in the Preston Innovations<br />
stable such as Korum and<br />
Avid.<br />
He also had spells with<br />
Fox International where<br />
he created the Matrix<br />
brand and more recently<br />
Ricky Teale (left).<br />
he worked for Zebco<br />
before his last job role as<br />
European project manager<br />
at global tackle giant<br />
Daiwa.<br />
Ricky leaves his wife<br />
Kath, son Dale and<br />
daughter Kimi and our<br />
sincere condolences go<br />
out to all his family and<br />
friends. He was a popular<br />
character in the tackle<br />
trade and he will be<br />
deeply missed by all those<br />
that knew him.<br />
Ricky Teale<br />
1967-<strong>2023</strong><br />
12 www.tackletradeworld.com
Quantum leap for<br />
industry veteran<br />
Mark Talwin<br />
<strong>Tackle</strong> brand Quantum, part<br />
of Rather Outdoors, has<br />
added industry veteran Mark<br />
Talwin to its team in the role<br />
of senior product engineer.<br />
With over a decade of<br />
fishing reel engineering<br />
excellence behind him, Mark<br />
and the team are poised to<br />
write an exciting new chapter<br />
for Quantum in the USA<br />
and deliver a new era of<br />
innovation.<br />
Quantum’s senior vicepresident<br />
Mike Rice said:<br />
“This brand has a rich<br />
history and a name that still<br />
resonates with avid anglers.<br />
With such an accomplished<br />
engineer like Mark joining<br />
the team, we are laser focused<br />
on Quantum’s future.”<br />
Mark added: “I’m<br />
extremely excited to join the<br />
massive amount of talent<br />
that is now under one roof<br />
and driven toward one goal.<br />
Quantum has all the pieces<br />
of the puzzle to deliver the<br />
best saltwater gear on the<br />
market.”<br />
Mark grew up in<br />
Columbia, South Carolina,<br />
where he and his wife<br />
Brittany now raise their<br />
young son, James. When he<br />
is not designing reels for<br />
Quantum, you will find him<br />
putting them to work on his<br />
home waters of Lake Murray<br />
or along the coast of the<br />
southeast.<br />
www.quantumfishing.com<br />
NO ’BULL’ FROM DAIWA<br />
Daiwa’s latest saltwater-grade Bull Steel bladebait takes a freshwater<br />
favourite out to sea.<br />
For decades, freshwater anglers have cast, jigged and trolled these<br />
hyperactive tight-wobblers like the Heddon Sonar for everything<br />
from walleyes to spotted bass.<br />
However, the lures and associated techniques haven’t really<br />
penetrated the saltwater market… until now.<br />
Cast and retrieved or dropped and pumped, Bull Steel emits a<br />
sonic typhoon that fish can hear from afar. In fact, you can adjust the<br />
sweet siren song by tying to one of its two cut outs, each creating a<br />
unique underwater dining experience for the fish.<br />
Its attractiveness is further enhanced with electric flashes as it<br />
shakes violently from side to side. And its baitfish inspired silhouette<br />
is instantly recognised by reef fish and pelagic species alike.<br />
It’s available in in 1oz (30g) and 1.5oz (45g) sizes and four<br />
colours.<br />
YAMAHA MOTORS<br />
INTO SALTWATER TEST<br />
FACILITY<br />
Yamaha Motor Corporation USA has purchased a Florida marina<br />
with the aim of converting it into the Yamaha Offshore Endurance<br />
Center (YOEC).<br />
The facility at Fort George Island marina will serve as a testing<br />
base for Yamaha Marine products including outboards, sport boats<br />
and WaveRunners. It includes a 36,500 sq ft warehouse and marina<br />
building as well as a 7,200 sq ft office and event space.<br />
“The YOEC complements our test centres in Alabama and<br />
Kennesaw while adding greater capacity and capability. It also<br />
supports Yamaha Marine global testing plans by expanding<br />
opportunities to develop products,” said Ben Speciale, president of<br />
Yamaha US Marine Business Unit.<br />
“The environment provided by this location will allow us to focus<br />
on durability and reliability testing for larger engines, systems and<br />
boat hull designs in an offshore environment. It will also include<br />
an immersive team centre designed to inspire future engineering<br />
talent.”<br />
Earlier this year, Yamaha completed the expansion of its<br />
freshwater test facility in Bridgeport, Alabama, adding 5,900 sq ft of<br />
office space and 8,000 sq ft of labs and storage.<br />
In addition, it recently finalised the construction of a new Marine<br />
Innovation Center in Georgia.<br />
www.daiwa.us
ANDREW BLAZES A TRAIL AS<br />
HEAD OF MOUNTS FIRM<br />
Boat and rod mounts and accessories<br />
specialist Railblaza has announced<br />
current US president Andrew<br />
Moczygemba as its global CEO.<br />
The former chief operating officer,<br />
based in Houston, Texas, has been a key<br />
part of the company’s organisational<br />
transformation and enhanced<br />
profitability in recent times across<br />
various sectors.<br />
Peter Tinholt, Railblaza director and<br />
partner at private equity fund Oriens<br />
Capital, said: “Andrew’s dedication,<br />
strategic prowess and effective leadership<br />
align deeply with Railblaza’s ethos. His<br />
visceral knowledge of the market and our<br />
products will help the business achieve<br />
its ambitious goals. His passion for the<br />
outdoors is pivotal for the advancement<br />
of the organisation.”<br />
Prior to joining Railblaza in 2014,<br />
Andrew served as the new business<br />
advisor and vice president of business<br />
development at YakGear, Inc.<br />
He has consistently exhibited<br />
substantial competence in corporate<br />
strategy as the company transitions<br />
toward a more focused, growth-centric<br />
business.<br />
Railblaza chairman Nigel Jeffries<br />
added: “It’s particularly pleasing that<br />
we can promote from within. Andrew<br />
has proven his ability to drive growth,<br />
face challenges head-on and adopt an<br />
entrepreneurial approach. The board took<br />
careful consideration of Andrew’s location<br />
in the US. We concluded that this was<br />
not only appropriate but advantageous for<br />
future business opportunities.”<br />
With over two decades of experience,<br />
his diverse background spans the outdoor<br />
industry – including retail giant Bass Pro<br />
Shops and former Texas-based paddle<br />
sports maven Austin Canoe & Kayak.<br />
Meanwhile, Ross Pratt, executive<br />
director and Railblaza founder backed<br />
Andrew’s elevated position: “After<br />
working with Andrew for the last 10<br />
years, his knowledge and belief in the<br />
brand have been inspiring. His experience<br />
in the outdoor industry is robust, and he<br />
has all the skills to lead a strong team.”<br />
intl.railblaza.com<br />
Mazzaferro lines up fluorocarbon launch<br />
Brazilian line manufacturer<br />
Mazzaferro has released its<br />
latest fluorocarbon, Trilon,<br />
which has been developed as<br />
a main line or leader for all<br />
fishing needs.<br />
Trilon fluorocarbon is<br />
said to boast high abrasion<br />
and knot resistance. The<br />
crystalline aspect of the line<br />
means it is almost totally<br />
invisible in water, while<br />
the resistance to the knot<br />
is at least 70 per cent of its<br />
linear resistance, a very high<br />
parameter for the market of<br />
leaders.<br />
The high sensitivity derived<br />
from its rigidity, and the<br />
uniformity of the diameter<br />
along the line gives it an<br />
excellent tensile strength.<br />
This latest product is<br />
another demonstration<br />
of Mazzaferro’s vision to<br />
be recognised as a market<br />
leader in fishing products,<br />
maintaining its 70-year<br />
tradition and pioneering<br />
spirit, while constantly<br />
seeking innovation and<br />
sustainability.<br />
The company, which<br />
was the first synthetic line<br />
industry in Brazil, is known<br />
for a wide range of quality<br />
lines such as Araty, Grilon,<br />
Trilon and Dourado, each<br />
with a focus on quality and<br />
durability to meet the needs<br />
of both professional and<br />
amateur fishermen.<br />
CEO Maurizio Mazzaferro<br />
said: “The company<br />
recognises the importance of<br />
innovation and technology<br />
to remain competitive in the<br />
market. It constantly seeks<br />
to update its production<br />
processes, invest in new<br />
manufacturing and research<br />
technologies, in addition to<br />
being attentive to industry<br />
trends and customer needs.”<br />
www.mazzaferropesca.com.br<br />
14 www.tackletradeworld.com
Our Heartfelt Thanks for Being with China Fish All the Way<br />
Getting Back to Your Business at<br />
February 21-23, 2024<br />
New China International Exhibition Center<br />
Beijing, China<br />
Registration is Open<br />
On-line registration<br />
http://web.chinafishshow.org/chinafish_reg<br />
Any questions or more information<br />
LiJiang@chinafish.cn<br />
www.chinafishshow.org<br />
+86-13810708871<br />
WeChat Registration<br />
CHINAFISH1991
FEATURE<br />
Plastools<br />
Plastools lines up eco-friendly<br />
packaging for products<br />
Italian line manufacturer Plastools has plenty of reasons to celebrate.<br />
Not only has it begun using biodegradable packaging on its range of fishing lines, including<br />
several new ones, it also scooped four awards at EFTTEX <strong>2023</strong> this summer.<br />
Plastools has become a pioneer in its<br />
field as well as leading the way with<br />
eco-friendly solutions. Not only<br />
does it make and supply around<br />
200 different fishing line products but it uses<br />
a wide selection of packaging made from<br />
biodegradable materials, not to mention<br />
plastic-free OEM yarns.<br />
CEO Moira Dal Pozzo explained: “At the<br />
recent EFTTEX <strong>2023</strong>show, we launched<br />
several new products, but most importantly<br />
we launched – and have been the pioneers<br />
of – BIO packaging.<br />
“We were able to showcase many qualities<br />
of these BIO raw materials we exhibited<br />
such as the use of bamboo, hemp, coffee<br />
and wood, giving our OEM monofilaments<br />
compostable or biodegradable or biobased<br />
packaging.<br />
“We are the only business in the fishing<br />
market to offer our customers fully<br />
biodegradable packaging, thanks to our inhouse<br />
plastic moulding department where<br />
we can create any object in biodegradable<br />
material with our exclusive recipes.<br />
“In addition to BIO packaging we offer<br />
our customers their OEM yarns which<br />
are completely plastic free, alongside<br />
new generation monofilaments such as<br />
Zero Memory, High Visibility and KS<br />
Fluorocarbon lines, which won EFTTEX<br />
<strong>2023</strong> Best Product awards.<br />
16 www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
Leading the way<br />
Zero Memory, as you might imagine, is a<br />
completely memory-less line that stunned<br />
EFTTEX visitors, with little elasticity and<br />
excellent abrasion resistance, especially at the<br />
knot.<br />
It’s an extruded thread with advanced<br />
technology using three molecules, which<br />
ensures the complete absence of memory,<br />
super abrasion resistance and high knot<br />
strength.<br />
It is said to be excellent for all types<br />
of fishing, from small fish to monsters.<br />
Available in diameters from 0.14mm to<br />
1.20mm and in exclusive OEM colours, it’s<br />
specially designed to satisfy every angler in<br />
any discipline.<br />
High Visibility is another line with the<br />
same Zero Memory characteristics along a<br />
with super-visible colour for every type of<br />
fishing that requires high visibility out of the<br />
water.<br />
At the same time, in the water it<br />
disappears, like a nylon crystal. It, too, boasts<br />
high abrasion resistance as well as high knot<br />
strength.<br />
Meanwhile, KS Fluorocarbon is perfect<br />
for sea fishing since it is extremely salt<br />
resistant, making it more than suitable for<br />
inland waters.<br />
This high-knot-strength fluorocarbon is<br />
supple and not too soft, making it suitable<br />
for all types of fishing and, above all, excellent<br />
value for money.<br />
Tried and trusted<br />
Having also picked up the Best Stand award<br />
at EFTTEX <strong>2023</strong>, Moira is in no doubt that<br />
Plastools is the perfect line partner for brands<br />
and companies.<br />
She added: “Plastools has been successfully<br />
operating for 55 years in the manufacturing of<br />
OEM fishing lines and our latest catalogue has<br />
a whole lot of new items to discover, including<br />
many monofilaments which can be customised<br />
with your design. And don’t forget our new<br />
BIO packaging too, helping you ‘go greener’ at<br />
the same time!”<br />
PLASTOOLS<br />
www. plastools.it<br />
PLASTOOLS FACT FILE<br />
• 2,500 sq/m headquarters in Italy<br />
• 100% Italian processing<br />
• 800 sq/m nylon processing<br />
• 800 sq/m plastic processing<br />
• 100 sq/m ISO 2062 test office line<br />
• 300 sq/m commercial, graphic,<br />
accounting and management offices<br />
• 400 sq/m unloading and loading of<br />
goods<br />
• 200 types of monofilaments available<br />
• 60 types of reels and packaging
Nico, Sunseri<br />
Pyramid Lake, Nevada<br />
www.adamsbuiltfishing.com
SPOTLIGHT ON...<br />
FLY TYING<br />
SPOTLIGHT ON<br />
FLY TYING<br />
HAVE YOU GOT FLY MATERIALS ALL TIED UP?<br />
Hardened anglers will tell you there is nothing like catching a fish on a fly you have<br />
tied yourself. This skill is also a great way to save money and fill fly boxes in the off<br />
season. But, to do so, they need access to great materials and tools.<br />
There is no doubt that a self-tied<br />
fly pattern – especially one that<br />
fools fish time and again – makes<br />
for a wonderful feeling. Indeed, for many,<br />
it’s all part of the experience and is almost<br />
as crucial as landing the fish itself.<br />
At the same time, being able to tie<br />
consistently is a brilliant way to fill fly<br />
boxes when you can’t get out on the water<br />
and it certainly can save these advocates<br />
some money. Indeed, some get so good<br />
they might even be supplying retailers!<br />
At first glance, tying flies looks<br />
awkward, fiddly and time-consuming and<br />
it’s true a certain amount of practice may<br />
be required, but the fact is that anyone<br />
can do it and it doesn’t require a mountain<br />
of kit.<br />
With a simple vise – which acts as<br />
your hook clamp and your base to begin<br />
– scissors and some basic tools, you’re all<br />
set to tie your own flies; all you need are a<br />
selection of cool materials and some hook<br />
patterns.<br />
18 www.tackletradeworld.com
SPOTLIGHT ON...<br />
FLY TYING<br />
TOOLED UP<br />
The most important tool in your fly tying armoury will be the vise,<br />
which typically forms the foundation for anyone’s fly-tying career.<br />
Choosing your first vise is pretty straightforward but, once you get<br />
going, it’s likely you’ll find it will become a firm friend as you work<br />
your way up through the features and price tags.<br />
Key things for buyers will include including hook size compatibility,<br />
jaw types, base types and rotary features, among others.<br />
A bobbin or bobbin holder retains the spool of thread while you are<br />
tying. This ensures a good grip for the best wrapping and thread tying<br />
as well as controlling the tension. Some bobbins incorporate tension<br />
adjusters, ceramic inserts and even disc brakes.<br />
A dedicated fly tying pair of scissors is also useful, since they have<br />
been designed with fine points and edges for cutting delicate material.<br />
Some tyers will use both long- and short-bladed versions.<br />
Another handy tool is the bodkin, which boasts several uses, such as<br />
freeing trapped fibres, splitting thread or even making holes through<br />
material strips.<br />
Other specialist items needed may include a whip finishing tool, a<br />
selection of clamps, a dubbing spinner, hair stacker and hackle pliers.<br />
In addition, it’s also handy as a retailer to stock a supply of glues<br />
or resins – UV, superglue and head cement – and even marker pens,<br />
which are used to colour the tying thread on a fly’s head.<br />
MATERIAL OPTIONS<br />
Now we’ve covered the basic tools, it’s just<br />
as important to stock a great and varied<br />
selection of materials.<br />
First, a tyer will need to select the correct<br />
hook pattern for their needs, determined<br />
by target species or type of fly required. As<br />
a retailer, stocking the best quality hooks<br />
makes sense and you can justify this by<br />
explaining that the hook is the main contact<br />
between fish and angler and really cannot<br />
afford to fail.<br />
You’ll also need to source various shapes,<br />
colours and sizes of beads, with brass or<br />
tungsten being the most obvious ones,<br />
allowing for additional weight to be added<br />
to flies. Countersunk beads are the most<br />
popular as they bed down nicely on to most<br />
hooks.<br />
A range of different coloured eyes is also a<br />
must, as is a wide selection of wire – copper,<br />
gold, black and silver especially – for bodies<br />
and abdomens and don’t forget lead wire for<br />
additional weight.<br />
Dubbing wrapped around the thread can<br />
help create a fly’s thorax or abdomen and<br />
you can make this easy for customers with<br />
multiple dubbing dispensers.<br />
Arguably the king of materials for<br />
the discerning tyer are feathers – you’ll<br />
undoubtedly need to source cock hackle,<br />
coloured marabou, peacock and pheasant.<br />
And then there are hairs like bucktail, deer<br />
and elk hair, not to mention zonker strips<br />
for added movement and even hare’s masks,<br />
while chenille is perfect for quickly creating<br />
bodies on streamers such as Woolly Buggers,<br />
baitfish imitations and large nymphs.<br />
Add some flash for extra sparkle and you<br />
have most bases covered for keen fly tyers of<br />
all abilities.<br />
If all this seems a bit overwhelming, the<br />
other trick would be to stock ready supplied<br />
fly tying kits, as these will offer the most<br />
useful tools along with basic materials such<br />
as feathers, wires, threads and even glue.<br />
They’re a great introduction for the<br />
newcomer and you can always help them<br />
upgrade their gear as time goes on and they<br />
really get into tying – and catching on – their<br />
own flies.<br />
www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
19
SPOTLIGHT ON...<br />
FLY TYING<br />
VENIARD<br />
FLY TYING KITS<br />
The <strong>2023</strong> anniversary edition of the top selling<br />
Premium kit has recently been revamped, with new<br />
sleeve, revised materials and now including the<br />
superb quality, gold loop tool kit, it will leave any fly<br />
tyer completely satisfied.<br />
The top of the range Pinnacle kit includes a<br />
comprehensive selection of both modern and<br />
traditional materials. With vise and tools included,<br />
there is enough in this super storage box to keep any<br />
fly tyer happy for many an hour.<br />
The Barry Ord Clarke Fly Tying Material Pack has<br />
all the materials required to tie all 12 patterns in the<br />
accompanying book. With QR code links to instruction<br />
videos, this is the most comprehensive starter kit/<br />
book combination available.<br />
Any of these kits would make a great Christmas gift.<br />
www.veniard.com<br />
SEMPERFLI<br />
CLASSIC WAXED THREAD<br />
Why are fly tyers converting in their droves on to Semperfli’s Classic<br />
Waxed Thread?<br />
When you see the newly released colours these are real winners<br />
to meet massive worldwide demand!<br />
This is the highest quality waxed thread! From a huge colour<br />
range, these new shades – burnt orange, rusty brown, watery olive<br />
and wood duck – are described as incredible by the Semperfli team.<br />
They offer fantastic value for money with 240 yards/220 metres<br />
per spool, making it cheaper by the metre!<br />
It’s easy to split, beautiful to tie with and, as it’s spooled so<br />
perfectly, it comes off the spool perfectly too – so no tangles here!<br />
In stock and ready for dispatch worldwide.<br />
www.semperfli.net<br />
HARELINE DUBBIN<br />
MICROFLEX SOFT HACKLE CHENILLE<br />
Hareline’s innovative Microflex Soft Hackle Chenille was meticulously crafted<br />
to provide anglers with an exceptionally supple and pliable synthetic chenille<br />
reminiscent of natural feathers.<br />
This versatile material is offered in a diverse range of sizes and vibrant<br />
colours, ensuring you have the perfect options at your disposal.<br />
Its user-friendly nature allows for easy tying and, when folded back as you<br />
wrap it, you’ll create irresistibly pulsating fly patterns that entice fish to strike<br />
and hold. Just a few wraps are all it takes, much like winding a soft hackle collar.<br />
Available to all Hareline dealers worldwide.<br />
www.hareline.com<br />
20 www.tackletradeworld.com
SPOTLIGHT ON...<br />
FLY TYING<br />
CASCADE CREST TOOLS<br />
CHENILLE SELECTIONS<br />
The wait is over. Tired of searching for chenille or<br />
waiting forever for a order? Cascade Crest Tools has<br />
acquired two modern chenille machines and they are<br />
up and running, producing New Age, Tinsel, Mottled<br />
Chenille and solid-coloured chenille.<br />
Cascade Crest Tools has a full range of sizes available<br />
and will make custom colour combinations for you. It is<br />
also the owner and distributor for Estaz chenilles.<br />
flytying@cascadecrest.com<br />
DR SLICK<br />
BLACK WIDOW SCISSOR RANGE<br />
This wicked cool looking series revolves around the time savings and ergonomics of<br />
a bent shaft instrument.<br />
The loops on the super sharp razor scissors are raised and exposed, allowing the<br />
user to simply put their fingers into the loops without having to slide them across<br />
the bench to get them in hand or worse, dropping them on the floor!<br />
For those who keep scissors in hand while tying, the bent shaft is more ergonomic<br />
than a straight shaft and follows the contours of your hand. Less hand fatigue equals<br />
more flies leaving the vise. Available in three sizes: 3.75in, 4in and 4.5in.<br />
www.drslick.com<br />
UNI PRODUCTS J.G. Cote Inc.<br />
1004 Principale<br />
Ste-Melanie, QC. Canada JOK 3AO<br />
Tel: 450-889-8054<br />
Toll-Free: 1-877-889-8054<br />
Fax: 450-889-5887<br />
Email: info@uniproducts.com<br />
NEW FROM UNI<br />
UNI SOFT WIRE EXTRA SMALL GAUGE # 36 0.006 INCH<br />
UNI-PRODUCTS<br />
MOHAIR (2-PLIES) CAMEL<br />
UNI-Products, a world leader in the supply of spooled fly-tying<br />
materials, announces the addition of UNI-Mohair (2-Plies)<br />
Camel.<br />
The mohair fibres do not absorb water. It has long fibres<br />
and the 29 colours offered by UNI Products make it possible to<br />
create the perfect body: Beige, Black, Brown, Camel, Charcoal,<br />
Cream, Dark Brown, Dark Olive, Fl. Green, Fl. Orange, Fl. Red,<br />
Fuchsia, Golden Brown, Gold, Green Highlander, Gray, Kelly<br />
Green, Light Blue, Light Cahill, Light Gray, Maroon, Olive, Orange,<br />
Purple, Red, Rusty Brown, Tan, White and Wine.<br />
Making realistic dubbed bodies in a single step or combing<br />
out a few fibres at the back to simulate a trailing shuck are just<br />
two of the many possible uses. In addition to regular singlecolor<br />
packaging, UNI-Mohair (2-Plies) is available in a combo<br />
package of 20 spools.<br />
Look to UNI-Products for the best in speciality fly-tying<br />
materials and accessories.<br />
www.uniproducts.com<br />
BLACK YELLOW<br />
SILVER<br />
OLIVE<br />
AXXEL-MINI FLASH TINSEL<br />
UNI-MOHAIR<br />
UNI-STRAP<br />
FUCHSIA IRON GRAY<br />
CAMEL<br />
Look to UNI for the best in spooled fly-tying materials!<br />
www.uniproducts.com
FEATURE<br />
Semperfli<br />
DEALERS OFFERED<br />
SIMPLE WAY TO BUY INTO<br />
SEMPERFLI MATERIALS<br />
Adding new brands or products to your retail offering is crucial for every dealer and<br />
shop but the costs – of both stock and set up of information – can be very high. Fly tying<br />
materials supplier Semperfli has a system designed to remove the hidden set up costs of<br />
taking on new items.<br />
British fly tying materials<br />
manufacturer and supplier<br />
Semperfli has always prided itself<br />
on helping dealers get the most<br />
their partnership.<br />
It offers a range of resources through its<br />
Onboarding program to encourage new<br />
retail outlets as well as help existing ones<br />
when new items are available.<br />
This was especially important recently<br />
when the company unveiled its biggest ever<br />
single product launch just a few months<br />
back.<br />
To help further, the Yorkshire, Englandbased<br />
supplier has now added a Shopify<br />
export option, available directly through its<br />
dealer log in.<br />
The Shopify export system offers two<br />
CSV files available for download, which<br />
automatically add every Semperfli product<br />
required to a dealer’s Shopify e-commerce<br />
store.<br />
Dealers can choose from a ‘products as<br />
variants’ export, where each item is grouped<br />
under a parent – for example Classic<br />
Waxed 8/0 has all of the individual CWT<br />
8/0 grouped under its parent – and a ‘full<br />
products’ export, where every item appears as<br />
a unique one in the retail store.<br />
Every hour these export files are updated<br />
22 www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
automatically and are always available to<br />
download. And, since they are CSV files,<br />
dealers can edit and make manual changes<br />
as required.<br />
Since Semperfli is constantly updating the<br />
raw data and images, using these resources<br />
means your e-commerce site is always fully<br />
up to date.<br />
SMOOTHING THE BUMPS<br />
Semperfli director Andy Kitchener explained:<br />
“We all know that there are two big expenses<br />
for retailers whenever they take on a new<br />
brand – the cost of initial stock can be quite<br />
high but the most expensive is often the<br />
administrative costs of simply adding all<br />
of the product data into their own EPOS<br />
system.<br />
“We don’t see why that should be a<br />
barrier so, in order to help with this, we have<br />
developed a full Shopify feed, which allows<br />
Semperfli dealers to quickly and easily add<br />
off the products, their images and attendant<br />
information on to their website quickly and<br />
easily, usually within minutes.”<br />
He continued: “If certain products are<br />
not relevant to your market you can remove<br />
these manually. But remember, with our large<br />
stocks we can get products to you rapidly<br />
in most countries worldwide so having all<br />
products online enables you to sell products<br />
that you may not realise fly tyers want in your<br />
country. We can rapidly deliver for back-toback<br />
orders.<br />
“We really felt it was necessary to help<br />
reduce the huge costs for our partners taking<br />
our products and the system includes every<br />
item in every colour and/or size, with all the<br />
relevant information in the correct fields, not<br />
to mention images for their website.”<br />
A TRUSTED PARTNER<br />
Semperfli is considered one of the most<br />
innovative and fastest growing fly tying<br />
manufacturers in the world, based around<br />
its four core values of quality, customer<br />
service, innovation and passion.<br />
Alongside its UK head office and<br />
manufacturing facility in the UK,<br />
Semperfli boasts a dedicated team with<br />
full inventory at its US office in Idaho.<br />
It is regularly congratulated on its<br />
extensive stock availability and prompt<br />
delivery service, not to mention the<br />
quality of its materials.<br />
You can see the Shopify feed in action<br />
here: youtu.be/-idefySyUoc<br />
SEMPERFLI<br />
www.semperfli.net
STOPPIONI s.n.c. Firenze Italy<br />
Tel.+39 0558739615 -Fax +39 0558739648 stonfo@stonfo.com<br />
MEMBER<br />
PRO MATCH CATAPULTS<br />
Competition catapults with soft touch<br />
handle. Allow maximum precision<br />
with a minimum quantity of bait.<br />
Equipped with elastic saving Ptfe<br />
bushes.<br />
MAXI CATAPULTS<br />
Aluminium catapults with anatomic plastic handle<br />
and soft rubber groundbait pouch.<br />
Designed to deliver a large quantity of bait at long<br />
distance.<br />
Art.356 Art.357 Art.358<br />
Art.340<br />
Art.341<br />
www.stonfo.com<br />
FoundationOutdoorGroup.com
DBW...<br />
ITALY<br />
D O I N G B U S I N E S S W I T H . . .<br />
ITALY<br />
With some well-known brands, which have been at the forefront of<br />
European fishing for decades, Italy is renowned as a major player in<br />
the recreational angling industry while its geography lends itself to a<br />
wide range of disciplines too.<br />
L<br />
akes, rivers, canals and the<br />
sea combine to make Italy a<br />
brilliant place to go fishing,<br />
while a number of well-known<br />
brands also call the country<br />
their home.<br />
Depending on your location,<br />
you can target everything from<br />
trout to carp and predators like<br />
pike and perch in freshwater,<br />
while sea fishing can bring you<br />
everything from sea bass and<br />
mackerel to grouper, barracuda<br />
and, of course, tuna.<br />
Freshwater anglers will<br />
require an annual licence<br />
(visitor or tourist licences are<br />
also available) and must be a<br />
member of the Federazione<br />
Italiana della Pesca Sportiva<br />
(www.fipsas.it), which manages<br />
over 90 per cent of Italy’s<br />
inland waters.<br />
On top of the licence fee,<br />
you will also most likely have<br />
to buy a day ticket or similar<br />
to go fishing and local rangers<br />
are often the people in charge<br />
of this.<br />
Conversely, no licence is<br />
required for sea fishing so<br />
anglers are able to join a deepsea<br />
fishing excursion or can<br />
hire boats. It is also particularly<br />
good news for those visiting<br />
on vacation, as sometimes<br />
restrictions can put them off.<br />
With its many types<br />
of water, it is perhaps not<br />
surprising that Italy caters for<br />
all sorts of angling disciplines<br />
from light rock, deep sea<br />
fishing off its coast, lure fishing<br />
on its large freshwater lakes,<br />
specimen carp and freshwater<br />
match fishing; honed on this<br />
abundance of water, Italy’s<br />
24 www.tackletradeworld.com
DBW...<br />
ITALY<br />
match fishing team has<br />
historically been one of the<br />
best in the world.<br />
Italy boasts a large number<br />
of tackle manufacturers, who<br />
produce rods, lures, reels,<br />
terminal tackle and top end<br />
fishing poles. From an import<br />
point of view there are many<br />
opportunities available in Italy<br />
to source products. On the flip<br />
side of this, the opportunity is<br />
also there to do business the<br />
other way.<br />
All of the major brands<br />
and suppliers have a strong<br />
presence in tackle shops here,<br />
including Shimano, Daiwa and<br />
a number of Pure Fishing’s<br />
portfolio of brands.<br />
Meanwhile, many of Italy’s<br />
domestic brands have also<br />
done well in other European<br />
countries, most notably<br />
Lineaeffe, Maver, Colmic,<br />
Stonfo, Trabucco, Molix and<br />
Milo.<br />
Another leading the<br />
charge is Plastools, which<br />
manufactures around 200<br />
different fishing line products.<br />
It has also recently introduced<br />
a selection of packaging, using<br />
biodegradable materials as well<br />
as plastic-free OEM yarns.<br />
Indeed, it uses raw materials<br />
such as bamboo, hemp, coffee<br />
or wood, and offers its OEM<br />
monofilaments in compostable,<br />
biodegradable or bio-based<br />
packaging.<br />
Meanwhile, one Italian<br />
company – the NEXT Group<br />
– founded by experienced<br />
industry professionals, has<br />
been increasing its global<br />
presence as a designer of point<br />
of sales and show displays, rod<br />
and reel racks and in-store<br />
sales projects.<br />
A TOUR OF ITALY<br />
As mentioned, fishing<br />
opportunities abound in Italy,<br />
thanks to some huge lakes in<br />
the north, well-known rivers<br />
www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
25
DBW...<br />
ITALY<br />
Lake Garda<br />
such as the Po and Tiber plus<br />
the fifth longest coastline in<br />
Europe, facing east, south<br />
and west and covering the<br />
Tyrrhenian, Ligurian, Ionian<br />
and Adriatic Seas.<br />
The lakes – such as<br />
Maggiore, Como and Garda<br />
– boast spectacular scenery,<br />
crystal clear waters, a luxury<br />
lifestyle feel plus fishing<br />
for species including trout,<br />
grayling, zander, pike, perch<br />
and whitefish, with fly fishing<br />
being the method of choice.<br />
Head to the one of the<br />
1,000 or so rivers and you<br />
can do battle with everything<br />
from chub, pike, perch and<br />
asp to carp and catfish, not to<br />
mention trout for fly anglers<br />
in the more mountainous and<br />
northern areas.<br />
At the same time, of course,<br />
you can enjoy the culture for<br />
which Italy is rightly famous.<br />
THE MARKET<br />
Italy is home to between<br />
two and 2.5 million anglers,<br />
of which a majority – an<br />
estimated 1.5 million – will<br />
spend their time targeting<br />
saltwater species.<br />
Of course, the Italian<br />
dominance in freshwater<br />
competition fishing is well<br />
documented and it has led to<br />
individual champion anglers<br />
like Roberto Trabucco and<br />
Emilio (Milo) Colombo<br />
founding their own very<br />
successful tackle brands.<br />
In terms of tackle outlets, it<br />
is estimated there are around<br />
1,500 tackle shops across<br />
the country, covering pretty<br />
much every discipline. While<br />
there are some larger general<br />
sport and outdoor players like<br />
Decathlon, the big dedicated<br />
tackle chain is known as<br />
Paradiso del Pescatore.<br />
There are also a number<br />
of key organisations, who<br />
work hard to protect an<br />
industry said to be worth<br />
around €2 billion. These<br />
include FIPO (Federazione<br />
Italiana Produttor Operatori<br />
Articoli Pesca Sportiva) and<br />
FIOPS (Federazione Italiana<br />
Operatori Pesca Sportiva).<br />
FIOPS was founded by<br />
some of the largest Italian<br />
fishing companies (Colmic,<br />
Tubertini, Trabucco and<br />
Olympus) with the aim of<br />
grouping and coordinating<br />
all the existing producers<br />
and service providers traders<br />
in the recreational angling<br />
sector as well as individual<br />
anglers.<br />
FIOPS’ main aim is to<br />
protect and promote the<br />
sport in marine waters and<br />
inland Italian waters while<br />
also promoting the defence,<br />
respect and improvement of<br />
the environment, ecosystems<br />
and fish fauna.<br />
Roberto Trabucco<br />
Milo Colombo<br />
26 www.tackletradeworld.com
FACT FILE<br />
Capital: Rome<br />
Area: 301,340 sq km (116,350 sq miles)<br />
Population: 58.85 million (2022 estimate)<br />
Currency: EURO €<br />
GDP: $2.169 trillion (<strong>2023</strong> estimate)<br />
Time Zone – CEST/GMT+1<br />
Internet Domain - .it<br />
International Dialling Code - +39<br />
HOW DO THEY FISH?<br />
MATCH FISHING, CARP FISHING, SPINNING, FEEDER,<br />
LIGHT ROCK FISHING, BOAT AND CATFISH FISHING.<br />
DBW...<br />
ITALY<br />
MAIN ITALIAN<br />
MANUFACTURERS/WHOLESALERS<br />
Tubertini – www.tubertini.it<br />
Trabucco – www.trabuccofishing.com<br />
Colmic – www.colmic.it<br />
Lineaeffe – www.lineaeffe.it<br />
Milo – www.milo.it<br />
Maver – www.maver.net<br />
Stoppioni / Stonfo – www.stonfo.com<br />
Plastools – www.plastools.it<br />
MAIN ITALIAN RETAILERS / CHAINS<br />
Decathlon, Bricchi Pesca, New Airone Sport, La Mincio,<br />
Paradiso del Pascatore<br />
CONTACTS<br />
FIPO – www.fipopesca.it<br />
FIOPS – www.fiops.it<br />
FIPSAS – www.fipsas.it<br />
T A R G E T S P E C I E S<br />
FRESHWATER - CARP, BARBEL, BREAM, PIKE, BASS, ZANDER, CATFISH<br />
SALTWATER - SEA BREAM, SEA BASS, TUNA<br />
I N D U S T R Y V I E W P O I N T<br />
FEDERICO FERRARI, The NEXT group<br />
Federico Ferrari is one of the<br />
best known and best-connected<br />
people in the Italian tackle<br />
trade.<br />
“I think the Italian tackle<br />
market is worth somewhere<br />
between 2.5 to 3 billion right<br />
now.<br />
“Like many countries,<br />
following Covid-19 in 2020 and<br />
2021, there is no doubt many<br />
tackle companies and shops<br />
enjoyed great results as more<br />
anglers wanted to practise their<br />
hobby.<br />
“Unfortunately, in both 2022<br />
and now <strong>2023</strong> we have also<br />
been facing a not inconsiderable<br />
recession. All of our tackle shops<br />
are overstocked and are further<br />
being affected by inflation due<br />
to the turmoil in Ukraine, the<br />
cost of energy and other factors.<br />
“As with many sectors, not<br />
just the fishing tackle market,<br />
we are suffered a double-digit<br />
decrease in turnover, in general.”<br />
www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
27
FEATURE<br />
ST. CROIX’S<br />
75 YEARS<br />
OF SERVICE<br />
TO ANGLERS<br />
St. Croix Rod has been marking its 75th anniversary<br />
throughout <strong>2023</strong>. TTW looks back at the history of<br />
this American manufacturer and the changes it has<br />
gone through in the last three quarters of century.<br />
St. Croix<br />
Much has changed in 75<br />
years but the hands-on<br />
element – in this case sizing<br />
ferrules – is still vitally<br />
important for the company.<br />
We’re proud of our 75<br />
years in business and the<br />
control we command over<br />
our rod-manufacturing<br />
process – handcrafting the ‘Best Rods on<br />
Earth’ in the two most advanced fishing<br />
rod factories in the world,” explained St.<br />
Croix CEO, Scott Forristall.<br />
“We’re also proud that we’ve been<br />
owned by the same family for the last 46<br />
of those years. Most of all, though, we’re<br />
grateful to you – our anglers – for the<br />
trust and confidence you’ve placed in us<br />
to add value to your precious time and<br />
experiences on the water.”<br />
A LOOK BACK<br />
Founded by brothers Bob and Bill<br />
Johnson in 1948, St. Croix originally<br />
made and sold landing nets. The Johnsons<br />
soon learned how to make cane fishing<br />
poles more portable by cutting them<br />
into three pieces and joining them back<br />
together with brass ferrules.<br />
St. Croix Rod has made fishing rods in<br />
the tiny Northwoods community of Park<br />
Falls, Wisconsin, continuously since that<br />
time.<br />
When the company experienced<br />
financial difficulties in 1960, Gordon<br />
Schluter – a Park Falls businessman<br />
and community leader – invested in the<br />
company and became CEO, revitalising it<br />
before it was subsequently sold in 1965.<br />
Schluter then moved to New Mexico<br />
to pursue other business opportunities. In<br />
his absence, low-priced foreign markets<br />
28 www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
and higher domestic costs pushed the<br />
company he’d worked so hard to fix<br />
towards bankruptcy in just a decade.<br />
At a time when he could have settled<br />
into a comfortable retirement, he returned<br />
to Park Falls, re-engaged with St. Croix<br />
and eventually purchased the company,<br />
hiring his sons Paul, Jeff, and David,<br />
who – along with their father – saved the<br />
company once again.<br />
Gordon would eventually get his<br />
retirement in the 1990s and transfer<br />
ownership of the company to his three<br />
sons and daughter, Pam Smylie.<br />
The four siblings have owned St. Croix<br />
ever since, shaping and leading the iconic,<br />
American fishing brand that millions of<br />
anglers have come to trust and rely upon<br />
today. All four children have also since<br />
retired, stepping back from the day-today<br />
operations of St. Croix Rod, but<br />
continuing to exercise leadership on the<br />
company’s board of directors, along with<br />
Pam’s husband, chairman of the board,<br />
John Smylie.<br />
ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD<br />
Today, St. Croix is run by CEO Scott<br />
Forristall, a former executive for two top<br />
fly fishing companies. He is assisted by vice<br />
presidents Jason Brunner, Alex Ogurek, Paul<br />
Rybak, Steve Self and Jesse Simpkins.<br />
St. Croix owns and operates the two<br />
most technologically advanced fishing<br />
rod factories in the world, one in Park<br />
Falls, Wisconsin and a duplicate facility in<br />
Fresnillo, Mexico.<br />
The materials, equipment, procedures and<br />
passions are the same at each factory. The<br />
only difference is the 32 sets of hands that<br />
craft each and every St. Croix rod before it<br />
reaches each angler.<br />
St. Croix currently offers over 800<br />
different fishing rods, each one meticulously<br />
engineered and painstakingly handcrafted by<br />
passionate St. Croix team members to give<br />
you – the anglers – the upper hand on the<br />
water.<br />
Scott added: “Anniversaries are fun to<br />
celebrate, and we’re certainly proud of our 75<br />
years in business but the future will always<br />
remain most important. We move forward<br />
each and every day here at St. Croix.<br />
“We take the best moments of discovery,<br />
learn from the rest, and move on to<br />
tomorrow where the materials, technologies<br />
and processes may change but the goal<br />
remains the same: keeping anglers at the<br />
centre of everything we do, and handcrafting<br />
the ‘Best Rods on Earth’ that improve the<br />
angling experience.”<br />
ST. CROIX<br />
www.stcroixrods.com<br />
The materials,<br />
equipment,<br />
procedures<br />
and passions<br />
are the same<br />
at each St.<br />
Croix factory –<br />
this is the Park<br />
Falls facility.
FEATURE<br />
KEEPING<br />
MUCH-LOVED<br />
FLY BRANDS<br />
AFLOAT<br />
When Ben Gehrke struggled to get hold of his favourite fly tying materials his quest to track<br />
down remaining stock led him to buying the entire brand and it proved to be a stepping<br />
stone to saving another key name too.<br />
Ben Gehrke has always been<br />
on or around water. Whether<br />
working as a mariner or fly<br />
fishing since he was a small<br />
child, his love of water and of the great<br />
outdoors has led him on many adventures.<br />
But one of his most recent involved<br />
two key names in the fly tying world –<br />
Lagartun and RaidZap – and his efforts<br />
to save both from disappearing forever<br />
from the industry.<br />
STARTING OUT<br />
Hailing from Maple Ridge, just outside<br />
Vancouver in Canada, Ben started his<br />
working life as a deckhand on the tug<br />
boats on the Fraser River and up and<br />
down the British Columbia and USA<br />
coastlines before gaining his captain’s<br />
qualifications.<br />
In his twenties he got back into<br />
fishing and found himself working at a<br />
tackle shop in Vancouver – talking, tying<br />
and educating people to make the best<br />
decisions on where they would go and<br />
what they would use for flies, rods and<br />
general tackle.<br />
Ben revealed: “This eventually led me<br />
into tying flies commercially for the shop<br />
and some private clients. It was during<br />
this time that I started to really grow as<br />
an angler and a fly tyer and started to<br />
tie Spey, Dee and some classic patterns.<br />
I also started to use a lot of Lagartun<br />
products and instantly fell in love with<br />
them because, in my view, they are the<br />
best on the market.<br />
“Eventually, I found out that Lagartun<br />
was no more. The doors were closed and<br />
the rumour mill had all kinds of stories as<br />
to why the business had disappeared.<br />
“A friend of mine encouraged me to<br />
contact the company directly, because I<br />
was extremely worried that I would never<br />
be able to use their beautiful tinsels and<br />
other products ever again.<br />
“I called every fly shop on the west<br />
coast of Canada and the United States<br />
to buy up every spool of Lagartun that I<br />
could find – around $5,000 at the time.”<br />
THE HAND OF FATE<br />
But his quest ended with the remaining<br />
partner in the business, who – having<br />
lost her husband two years before – had<br />
decided to finally hang up her hat.<br />
Ben revealed: “I finally decided to make<br />
the jump and drive down all the way to<br />
Arizona to see her to purchase what I<br />
thought would be a lifetime supply of<br />
30 www.tackletradeworld.com
Ben Gehrke<br />
FEATURE<br />
tinsel, just for myself.<br />
“After a 22-hour drive, I arrived early<br />
in the morning and was asleep in my<br />
vehicle when Marggie – the owner –<br />
pulled up.<br />
“She invited me inside, and I started<br />
to look around at all the machinery, the<br />
raw goods, the finished goods, everything<br />
that was inside the building, and I was<br />
extremely excited, because up to that<br />
point I had never seen so many materials<br />
in one place, let alone my favourite ones.<br />
“But it was clear that the business was<br />
still totally viable but she was not going<br />
to be the one to do it. So we ended up<br />
making a deal that I would purchase the<br />
company.<br />
“I was so nervous and excited my heart<br />
was literally beating out of my chest and<br />
when I called my wife to explain to her<br />
what I had done, she was excited, but<br />
thought that I was crazy.<br />
“That evening I went and rented a<br />
U-Haul trailer and spent the next five<br />
days meticulously loading all of the<br />
product and machines that I could carry.”<br />
However, he was in for a surprise<br />
when he reached the Canadian border<br />
as he needed to produce an itinerary of<br />
all the products he was bringing into the<br />
country.<br />
He recalled: “I spent the next eight<br />
hours in the middle of the summer heat<br />
unpacking the U-Haul trailer that I had<br />
so carefully loaded and I had to inventory<br />
every single item and product that was in<br />
the truck and trailer and sort out where it<br />
came from.<br />
“I had had little to no sleep, had no<br />
food and no water and, by the time that<br />
I made it back inside with my list, one<br />
customs guy felt pretty bad for me and,<br />
thankfully, helped me navigate how to<br />
import all the items into the computer<br />
system.<br />
“It took some time and patience on my<br />
part, but also my family because I was<br />
working so hard and so long hours but<br />
eventually I did put out all the fires, sort<br />
out all the issues and we were back at it.<br />
“As word got out that the business<br />
was back up and running, even after a<br />
hiatus of about two years, most of the<br />
distributors jumped<br />
back on board and<br />
started ordering<br />
product again.”<br />
MOVING<br />
FORWARD<br />
After a few years<br />
of success, Ben<br />
began distributing<br />
other product lines<br />
including Fair Flies,<br />
Stealth, a range of<br />
feathers, Omni spool<br />
and RaidZap.<br />
He continued:<br />
“About two years ago I had a conversation<br />
with the previous owner of RaidZap (UV<br />
glue) and he was experiencing some issues<br />
and he wanted to sell the business.<br />
“After some short discussions, we struck<br />
up a deal and now I had another company<br />
to run.<br />
“We took some time and found a way to<br />
improve the formula, which I didn’t think<br />
was possible because at that time it was the<br />
best on the market.<br />
“Biodegradable, environmentally friendly,<br />
would never yellow, 100 per cent tack<br />
free and most, importantly, it didn’t make<br />
anybody sick. There are no harsh chemicals<br />
in the resins that will give people chemical<br />
burns or allergic reactions and, as yet, I<br />
still have yet to hear of a single case of any<br />
issues.”<br />
When not chasing steelhead on rivers in<br />
the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find Ben out<br />
on the ocean and fishing the flats.<br />
“This is the first place that I started<br />
to use the RaidZap products, and was<br />
so impressed with them that I started<br />
to distribute them in my business and<br />
eventually bought the company. There<br />
simply is nothing like it on the market.<br />
“We are continually evolving and always<br />
looking at ways to improve things and, as<br />
a result, we will be coming out with more<br />
products after they are thoroughly tested.”<br />
Today, both Lagartun tying materials and<br />
RaidZap resins and bobbins are available to<br />
Europe through Denmark’s The Fly Co, too.<br />
BEN GEHRKE<br />
www.raidzap.com<br />
www.lagartun.com<br />
www.flyco.dk<br />
www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
31
FEATURE<br />
ZENAQ<br />
ZENAQ<br />
GUIDES YOU<br />
TO THE LATEST<br />
INNOVATION<br />
Only the most innovative ideas can change the world and ZENAQ’s original guide system<br />
brings out the fullest potential of spinning rods. While its RG guides first appeared in 2007<br />
they continue to evolve to ensure rods will always perform at their best.<br />
ZENAQ’s RG guide system<br />
fully resolves the downsides of<br />
using PE line and maximises its<br />
benefits with perfect cast feel<br />
and sensitivity, as well as decreased line<br />
problems.<br />
In 2007, the RG guide system was born<br />
as a new guide setting concept with its<br />
innovative form and excellent performance<br />
and it continues to evolve.<br />
BUTT GUIDE<br />
With an intimate understanding of the<br />
characteristics of PE line, Zenaq’s RG<br />
butt guide has been chosen with a high<br />
foot frame that perfectly positions the<br />
ring to tame line spirals coming off the<br />
spool instantaneously.<br />
NARROW GUIDE SETTING<br />
The RG guide system calls for<br />
approximately twice as many running<br />
guides. Due to the guides’ proximity to<br />
one another, line shoots from one to the<br />
next as straight as possible to minimise<br />
air resistance, improve cast smoothness<br />
and decrease the rate of tangles. The<br />
narrow setting brings many more<br />
advantages to anglers.<br />
ASSIST GUIDE<br />
The “Assist Guide” is placed close to the<br />
top guide and prevents line from wrapping<br />
around the tip perfectly. Even on windy<br />
days, you can concentrate on fishing without<br />
having line trouble.<br />
PERFECT CAST<br />
The small calibre butt guide suppresses line<br />
34 www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
spirals instantaneously while the narrow<br />
setting allows PE to shoot straight through<br />
the entire guides with absolutely minimal<br />
friction. This system greatly decreases<br />
resistance on the line due to strong winds<br />
and rain.<br />
INTUITIVE LURE ACTION<br />
By minimising line slackness, the RG<br />
guide system greatly improves delicacy<br />
and precision in lure control.<br />
Lures are now that much more<br />
responsive to the slightest rod movements<br />
so the angler can impart more and more<br />
exact action to their lure with much less<br />
effort than before.<br />
SENSITIVITY AND POWER<br />
The narrow setting means that there are<br />
many guides on the rod, and those many<br />
guides serve as many sensors. It brings better<br />
information from underwater like movement<br />
of fish, the lure and even the effects of tides.<br />
The RG’s greater sensitivity is second to<br />
none.<br />
Due to the narrow setting, PE line very<br />
closely follows the natural curve of the<br />
rod when bent. As a result, more of the<br />
blank’s power can be accessed, which allows<br />
the angler to set the hook more resolutely<br />
and fight fish with proper pressures while<br />
absorbing surges that might break the line.<br />
In addition, the RG guide system decreases<br />
PE line troubles dramatically.<br />
The frequent guide spacing and small ring<br />
diameter work in unison to suppress line<br />
oscillation even the thinnest PE lines.<br />
On top of that, the assist guide set at the<br />
very tip virtually eliminates all line wrapping<br />
around the tip.<br />
ZENAQ<br />
www. zenaq.com
Best tinsel and<br />
braid available<br />
Rock hard UV glue!<br />
Dealer inquiries welcome<br />
E-mail: john@flyco.dk<br />
The Fly Company – www.flyco.dk<br />
European fly-tying and fly-fishing distributor<br />
R<br />
R
FEATURE<br />
Armando Sousa and<br />
Albino Marques with the<br />
range of GT-Bio products.<br />
MAKING<br />
ECO-FRIENDLY GEAR<br />
THE NORM IN THE<br />
TACKLE MARKET<br />
More and more tackle brands have started talking about being environmentally friendly as<br />
they realise the future of the sport and the industry is in their hands. GT-Bio is one that has<br />
been making waves in this area since its inception. We spoke to CEO Armando Sousa about<br />
what that means for his business and the trade at large.<br />
36 www.tackletradeworld.com
GT-Bio<br />
FEATURE<br />
TTW: HOW DID YOU GET INTO<br />
LURE FISHING AND THE SUPPLY<br />
OF INNOVATIVE FISHING TACKLE?<br />
ARMANDO SOUSA: My journey<br />
began very young with a genuine passion<br />
for fishing and a deep concern for the<br />
environment. My family have always<br />
enjoyed fishing and my interest in fishing<br />
with artificial lures started at a young age.<br />
I took a decision to make my passion my<br />
job and for more than 10 years now I have<br />
been a distributor of several fishing brands<br />
in the Portuguese market. Through this<br />
experience I have gained some important<br />
knowledge and connections. This has given<br />
me a full understanding of how the market<br />
operates not only in Portugal but in Europe<br />
and across the globe.<br />
I noticed that fishing brands haven’t<br />
historically been particularly worried<br />
about the environment. Despite talking<br />
about pollution, plastic waste and the way<br />
the world is changing, there is very little<br />
tangible action under way to tackle the<br />
problems.<br />
There is an opportunity to do something<br />
GT-Bio head<br />
office and factory<br />
new and different, to make a positive<br />
impact on the environment, using leadfree<br />
materials and eco-friendly plastics<br />
and utilising the innovative technology we<br />
have to produce high quality eco-friendly<br />
solutions to angling enthusiasts worldwide.<br />
WE SEEM TO BE HEARING MORE<br />
AND MORE ABOUT GT-BIO. WHY<br />
IS THIS?<br />
Probably because the market has been<br />
looking for a brand of this type for a while.<br />
We put our best efforts into bringing<br />
something new and different to our industry.<br />
In the beginning we wanted to build a<br />
reputation as a developer and supplier of<br />
innovative and eco-friendly fishing products,<br />
and as interest grew, this sparked fresh<br />
conversations in the fishing industry and<br />
beyond.<br />
Our products have a significant impact,<br />
both for their striking appearance and for<br />
their technical attributes. They are, of course,<br />
very effective and will catch all species!<br />
All of our lures<br />
originate with a<br />
careful and wellstudied<br />
design process<br />
to ensure a natural action. Each product is<br />
made with lead-free weights, with the latest<br />
generation of eco-friendly plastics using a<br />
new nanotechnology natural colour system.<br />
All of this combines to create something<br />
different, more natural, more realistic and<br />
environmentally friendly. Fishermen test our<br />
products and discover that this new fishing<br />
concept is more effective and produces great<br />
results.<br />
WHAT MAKES GT-BIO<br />
DIFFERENT FROM OTHER LURE<br />
FISHING BRANDS?<br />
GT-Bio stands out as a brand that<br />
embraces innovation while maintaining<br />
a strong commitment to quality and<br />
environmental responsibility, using the<br />
ultimate technology to produce the best<br />
eco-friendly lure fishing products from<br />
Portugal.<br />
GT-Bio products offer anglers the chance<br />
to contribute to the global action that our<br />
world needs, using eco-friendly products.<br />
YOU SAY YOUR PRODUCTS ARE<br />
ECO-FRIENDLY, WHAT DOES THIS<br />
ACTUALLY MEAN?<br />
It means that our products are designed<br />
to have the least possible impact on the<br />
environment. We have achieved this by<br />
eliminating lead in more than 90 per<br />
cent of our lures, by using less than 20<br />
per cent of last generation eco-friendly<br />
plastic (without BPAs, PBTs, phthalates,<br />
endocrine disruptors or arsenic). We also<br />
use recycled plastic in the packaging and<br />
natural colours with non-toxic pigments,<br />
without any impact on the environment.<br />
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO GIVE<br />
ANGLERS THE CHANCE TO HELP<br />
THE ENVIRONMENT?<br />
This is essential because their efforts<br />
can lead to improved conservation and an<br />
increase in sustainable fishing practices.<br />
This can also help to promote community<br />
education and help to to preserve fishing<br />
traditions for the benefit of both present<br />
and future generations.<br />
Anglers buying the GT Bio products<br />
can feel confident that they are<br />
proactively preserving the environment<br />
www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
37
FEATURE<br />
Injection batch before assembly<br />
while enjoying exceptional fishing<br />
experiences.<br />
CAN YOU OUTLINE THE<br />
RESEARCH YOU HAVE<br />
UNDERTAKEN TO MAKE YOUR<br />
LURES SO EFFECTIVE?<br />
The development of our baits is<br />
focused on analysing prey and predators.<br />
We try to give our lures the most natural<br />
presentation of the prey they imitate.<br />
This applies to shape and colour and also<br />
the vibrations that each prey emits.<br />
Today’s technology allows us to<br />
evaluate the vibrations of a prey and<br />
compare it digitally with the vibration of<br />
a bait, modifying the bait until it matches<br />
the vibration of the natural prey. As a<br />
consequence, our lures vibrate like the<br />
original prey.<br />
Another important part of our research<br />
and development are the colours we use.<br />
We study each prey in its true form and<br />
analyse light and refraction in everyday<br />
fishing situations. We use an innovative<br />
nanotechnology system to create dynamic<br />
and very natural colour schemes.<br />
Our lure colour ranges take into<br />
account different fields such as night<br />
fishing or fishing in deep waters or in<br />
bright conditions.<br />
WE UNDERSTAND THE GT-BIO<br />
ROLLER SHAD HAS CAUGHT MANY<br />
RECORD SIZED FISH. WHAT DO<br />
YOU ATTRIBUTE THIS TO?<br />
The Roller Shad is a very special bait<br />
created to imitate a real shad, with very<br />
natural colours, a lead-free jig head and a<br />
very strong hook, ready for the big fish!<br />
The lead-free jig head is made using a<br />
zinc alloy, which gives it a less dense and<br />
slower presentation. This means that the<br />
shad has more time in the strike zone.<br />
Based on our team’s field research the<br />
results have meant more and bigger fish.<br />
We have many followers also recording<br />
bigger and better catches and this<br />
information is penetrating all platforms<br />
of social media and angling publications.<br />
During one of our first action videos,<br />
38 www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
we recorded an incredible moment.<br />
Whilst the lure was being retrieved it was<br />
joined by an entire shoal of the baitfish it<br />
was designed to imitate. This was a great<br />
testimonial that we had achieved our goal<br />
and the first time we had witnessed this<br />
behaviour.<br />
It was as though the shoal was<br />
following the lure for protection, a very<br />
unique and satisfying moment for us and<br />
one which demonstrates how perfect the<br />
Roller Shad’s swimming action is.<br />
WHERE ARE YOUR BIGGEST<br />
MARKETS AND WHERE ARE YOU<br />
LOOKING TO EXPLORE?<br />
We are actively seeking opportunities<br />
to expand and make our products fully<br />
available in other environmentally<br />
conscious markets around the world.<br />
Our commitment to sustainability<br />
and innovation drives us to explore<br />
new regions and work towards making<br />
a positive impact on global fishing<br />
practices.<br />
Our current focus lies in Europe,<br />
where we have a wide distribution<br />
chain implemented and we are trying<br />
to find the right partner for some<br />
important markets where environmental<br />
responsibility is high. Such countries<br />
include France, Germany and<br />
Scandinavia, where we believe we can<br />
have a good impact with our products.<br />
At same time we are open to proceed<br />
with countries in other continents –<br />
Africa, the Americas, Oceania and Asia<br />
are on our list.<br />
TELL US ABOUT YOUR IDEAL<br />
FISHING DAY…<br />
My ideal fishing day is simple. I like<br />
to choose a serene and untouched fishing<br />
location, using eco-friendly gear, catching<br />
and releasing some good fish. Ideally<br />
this experience is shared with family and<br />
friends for optimum enjoyment.<br />
I try to align the joys of fishing with<br />
GT-Bio’s core values: environmental<br />
responsibility and sustainable practices.<br />
It’s all about creating a harmonious<br />
relationship with nature and contributing<br />
to the preservation of our precious<br />
ecosystems.<br />
CLEARLY YOU<br />
ARE PIONEERING<br />
ECO-FRIENDLY<br />
FISHING,<br />
DO YOU<br />
THINK OTHER<br />
BRANDS CAN<br />
FOLLOW?<br />
Absolutely! GT-<br />
Bio’s commitment to<br />
providing innovative<br />
and environmentally friendly products<br />
for fishing demonstrates that sustainable<br />
practices are not only possible but also<br />
essential in today’s fishing world.<br />
We encourage and welcome other<br />
brands to join us in this journey towards<br />
a more sustainable fishing industry. By<br />
working together, we can collectively<br />
make a significant positive impact on our<br />
oceans and the entire planet. Sustainable<br />
practices are not just beneficial for the<br />
environment but also for the longterm<br />
success and growth of the fishing<br />
industry as a whole.<br />
WHAT ARE THE PLANS FOR GT-<br />
BIO IN THE FUTURE?<br />
GT-Bio will continue to invest in<br />
research and development to enhance our<br />
existing products and create new cuttingedge<br />
alternatives for lure fishing, reducing<br />
the impact on marine life and habitats.<br />
Our short-term plan is to expand<br />
our range of eco-friendly lures and<br />
accessories for lure fishing. Alongside<br />
this, we have some pioneering soft lures<br />
in development. This includes a totally<br />
new range of soft lures for EGI and a<br />
new range for black bass fishing.<br />
We are also looking to produce some<br />
plastic free hard lures and some leadfree<br />
jigging and shore jigging lures. We<br />
have the prototypes and should be in<br />
a position to showcase most of these<br />
between 2024 and 2025.<br />
We expect to present a new rod range<br />
for lure fishing, with our own concepts,<br />
that have been developed over the last<br />
two years.<br />
In the medium term we are continuing<br />
to develop a biodegradable soft plastic<br />
and we expect to have the first of these<br />
lures launching soon. It’s an exciting<br />
time!<br />
GT-BIO<br />
www.gt-bio.net
100 YEARS SERVING THE FLY FISHING TRADE<br />
Why settle for less?<br />
TOP QUALITY FLY-TYING MATERIALS SINCE 1923<br />
With our traditional approach to business,<br />
straightforward family values and a real<br />
desire to ensure customers are 100%<br />
satisfied, <strong>2023</strong> sees Veniard celebrating its<br />
100th anniversary in the fly fishing trade.<br />
Contact us now to open your account on:<br />
sales@veniard.com<br />
+44 (0)208 684 2288<br />
See our comprehensive range of fly-tying<br />
materials and kits at<br />
www.veniard.com<br />
‘Tied to Quality’ for 100 years<br />
A GROUNDBREAKING SERIES OF GUIDES AND TOPS,<br />
TONY ENGINEERING, PATENT PENDING!<br />
TONY HUANG<br />
PACBAY MINIMA - X offers an unparalleled level of durability, solving the problems commonly associated with inner rings<br />
popping out or getting crushed. Through extensive reform and innovation, PACBAY MINIMA - X is constructed using highstrength<br />
, one-piece stainless steel. Both the guides and tops utilize mirror polishing, multi-layer Hard Chrome plating, and<br />
Titanium plating processes, resulting in corrosion resistance, low friction, and high thermal conductivity. As a result , the friction<br />
force during long-distance casting or retrieving is significantly reduced.<br />
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<br />
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<br />
these guides are ideal for lure anglers, particularly carp anglers who often face issues with the #50 stripper guide getting damaged during transportation.<br />
With PACBAY MINIMA - X, this problem has been entirely eliminated.<br />
In summary, PACBAY MINIMA - X guides and tops are renowned for their exceptional durability and ability to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.<br />
This innovation in the fishing world, through the abandonment of ceramic and stainless-steel rings, allows fishermen to bid farewell to the nightmares of<br />
ring breakages, crushing, and detachment.<br />
Build Great Fishing Rods<br />
www.fishpacbay.com<br />
info@fishpacbay.com
FEATURE<br />
WHY CHOOSE<br />
CHINA FISH 2024?<br />
We seem to have been waiting a long time but China Fish 2024 is finally on the horizon. How<br />
and why should you get involved in one of the most important trade shows in the world?<br />
Ever since it started way back in<br />
1991, China Fish has witnessed<br />
almost all the development<br />
of the Chinese fishing tackle<br />
industry, and has been a main path to<br />
introduce this equipment to the world.<br />
It’s also proved to be a great way strength<br />
to push Chinese fishing tackle innovation<br />
and creation.<br />
And then, there are the CGC Show<br />
and CGC Expo, organised by China Fish<br />
in Weihai.<br />
What do the buyers think of the<br />
shows? The organisers recall an encounter<br />
with two international buyers discussing<br />
trade events. The elder buyer told the<br />
other: “China Fish is a must-attend show,<br />
the quality of exhibitors and products<br />
are better, and there are more interesting<br />
products to see.”<br />
40 www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
WHY CHOOSE CHINA FISH 2024?<br />
Here are six key reasons to do so:<br />
CHINA FISH IS A TRADE-ONLY<br />
SHOW, OPEN TO REGISTERED<br />
BUYERS NOT THE PUBLIC<br />
Over 95 per cent of the exhibitors of<br />
China Fish are manufacturing enterprises,<br />
who have their own factories, and are able<br />
to take all kinds of overseas orders. Most<br />
of them are experienced with the overseas<br />
market, so they know well the demands<br />
from the buyers and market procedures.
China Fish<br />
FEATURE<br />
CHINA FISH 2024 IN BRIEF<br />
• Dates: February 21st to 23rd, 2024<br />
• Venue: New China International<br />
Exhibition Center, Beijing, China<br />
• Event location: Hall E1, Hall E2<br />
• Number of exhibitors: 550<br />
• Web: www.chinafishshow.org<br />
• Email: Lijiang@chinafish.cn<br />
• WeChat: CHINAFISH1991<br />
These groups, who can speak English as<br />
well, keep all their time and space for the<br />
registered buyers during the show.<br />
All products exhibited at the show are<br />
for the international markets, for buyers<br />
from about 80 countries and regions<br />
around the world, who are wholesalers,<br />
retailers, industry organisations and<br />
online stores, all within the sport fishing<br />
arena.<br />
The organiser has been trying to build<br />
China Fish as a first-class international<br />
show for fishing tackle. So you can see a<br />
reasonable number of exhibitors, who are<br />
selected specially for the overseas market<br />
in a good trade business environment<br />
with healthy competition.<br />
CHINA FISH BEST PRODUCT<br />
SHOWCASE<br />
Thanks to the innovation and creation of<br />
associates within the trade, the Chinese<br />
fishing tackle industry develops fast.<br />
Each year, about 200 products regarded<br />
as the most competitive from over 100<br />
exhibitors are gathered together in a<br />
dedicated area within the event. Indeed,<br />
it’s fair to say many brands have been<br />
planning for this showcase for quite some<br />
time.<br />
The Best of China Fish are voted by<br />
all the international buyers anonymously<br />
onsite. And the winners will be<br />
announced at the special show banquet.<br />
IT IS A GREAT INDUSTRY<br />
GATHERING TO CREATE<br />
AND STRENGTHEN YOUR<br />
RELATIONSHIPS<br />
Each year, there will be around 15 per<br />
cent new exhibitors and international<br />
buyers who join China Fish alongside<br />
the regular ones. So at the beginning of<br />
each year, it is the best place to make<br />
new friends and meet old partners in the<br />
industry.<br />
All the winners and nominees of<br />
the Best Product Showcase and all the<br />
international buyers are invited to the<br />
buffet banquet at the show to witness the<br />
announcement and awards presentations,<br />
which is the climax to the gathering.<br />
SHOW SERVICES<br />
For the convenience of buyers to visit<br />
China Fish, the event organiser provides<br />
visa invitation letters to those who need<br />
to apply for a visa to China, and buyers<br />
can book China Fish hotels at group-rate<br />
price; some of them even provide free<br />
airport shuttles. All buyers booking China<br />
Fish hotels can take free show shuttles.<br />
It also provides interpreters<br />
for different language speaking<br />
buyers, including Arabic,<br />
English, French, German,<br />
Italian, Japanese, Korean,<br />
Spanish and more.<br />
CHINA FISH ALL-IN-ONE<br />
PLATFORM<br />
For additional support to the<br />
in-person China Fish, the<br />
organiser has built a platform<br />
containing 7,801 products in 22<br />
categories from 580 companies.<br />
Registered buyers can source<br />
these items before the show to<br />
make a plan for their visit, not to<br />
mention continuing their trade<br />
discussions after the show by viewing the<br />
online stores, products, making inquiries,<br />
placing an order or simply chatting to<br />
suppliers.<br />
The exhibitors on this platform update<br />
their products from time to time, so<br />
it’s recommended that you check back<br />
regularly.<br />
Apart from the show itself, this<br />
platform can provide a service for the<br />
whole year in a very cost-effective way.<br />
HOTEL COUPONS<br />
To thank everyone for their support of<br />
China Fish and to celebrate the reunion<br />
after the pandemic, China Fish will<br />
provide hotel coupons to all the buyers<br />
booking the official show hotels. All<br />
buyers who have registered for China<br />
Fish 2024 and booked its hotels will<br />
have the chance to get the coupons. But<br />
remember that, since the number of<br />
rooms is limited, you should register and<br />
book hotels as early as possible.<br />
REGISTER FOR CHINA FISH 2024<br />
For buyers who visited China Fish before,<br />
simply send the attendee name(s) by<br />
email or WeChat if there is no change to<br />
your last registration information.<br />
For first-time buyers, please log on to<br />
the registration page: chinafishshow.org/<br />
chinafish_reg<br />
www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
41
MAKING<br />
CONTACT<br />
Making Contact<br />
1<br />
2<br />
Want your products to<br />
be seen by thousands of<br />
potential buyers… FREE<br />
of charge? Then get in<br />
touch, we’d love to hear<br />
from you.<br />
1 FLYING FISHERMAN<br />
SAND BANK SUNGLASSES<br />
2 DAIWA<br />
EXCELER REELS<br />
3<br />
3 STONFO<br />
ANTI TANGLE MICRO CLIPS<br />
JOHN HUNTER<br />
+44 7990 542958<br />
john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk<br />
Contact John directly for details of<br />
how to send your product and a<br />
short description to <strong>Tackle</strong> <strong>Trade</strong><br />
<strong>World</strong>’s office.<br />
Flying Fisherman has added two<br />
more colourways to the Action<br />
Angler Series Sand Bank sunglasses<br />
frame style. These provide<br />
generous polarised protection<br />
from the elements in a square<br />
wrap frame design with AcuTint<br />
lenses that are impact and scratch<br />
resistant, reduce glare, and block<br />
100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays.<br />
The colours are matte black with<br />
green-mirror AcuTint lenses and<br />
matte black with yellow-amber<br />
AcuTint lenses. The polarised lens<br />
system enhances colour contrast,<br />
sharpens optical clarity and makes<br />
colours appear more vivid, adding<br />
to fishing productivity for anglers<br />
who benefit from seeing below the<br />
surface of the water.<br />
www.flyingfisherman.com<br />
Daiwa has made significant<br />
improvements to its ultra-popular<br />
Exceler family that offer striking<br />
good looks, smooth performance<br />
and a confident drag in a smartly<br />
priced reel<br />
These now feature an upgrade<br />
to a Zaion V carbon fibre body,<br />
plus an Airdrive rotor and bail,<br />
making them lighter than their<br />
older cousins.<br />
Its machined aluminium<br />
handle is a comfortable, strong<br />
connection to the main gear of the<br />
spinning reel while the retooled<br />
Exceler is extremely smooth,<br />
thanks to its five ball bearings and<br />
one roller bearing to maximise<br />
performance, all in a range priced<br />
at around $100 and offered in<br />
sizes from 1000 to 6000.<br />
www.daiwa.us<br />
These extremely small, anti-tangle<br />
swivel clips are made of selflubricating<br />
plastic material.<br />
The fully machined accessories<br />
are said to be ideal for either<br />
general feeder and competition<br />
fishing.<br />
Lightweight and very strong,<br />
they don’t affect the cast in any<br />
way and are produced in two<br />
different sizes.<br />
www.stonfo.com<br />
42 www.tackletradeworld.com
Classifieds<br />
SPLIT RING<br />
PLIERS<br />
CLASSIFIEDS<br />
UNIQUELY DIFFERENT (NEW-PATENTED)<br />
The EASIEST... The FASTEST...<br />
The BESTEST...<br />
for changing hooks or spinner blades<br />
visit www.Texas<strong>Tackle</strong>.com for demo video<br />
WHOLESALE ONLY<br />
4 Sizes<br />
www.Texas<strong>Tackle</strong>.com<br />
RIGS !!!!<br />
TO BOOK THIS SPACE CONTACT:<br />
NORTH AMERICA<br />
BART MANGANIELLO<br />
T: +1 914 722 7601<br />
E: bartalm@optonline.net<br />
REST of WORLD<br />
GUIDO KNEGT<br />
T: +39 347 503 6436<br />
E: guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk<br />
COMING UP…<br />
JANUARY 2024<br />
Ad Copy: <strong>November</strong> 17th, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Mailed: December 6th, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Special issue: 2024 Product Showcase<br />
Spotlight: Boat Accessories<br />
Doing Business With: Taiwan<br />
FEBRUARY 2024<br />
CHINA FISH 2024 PREVIEW<br />
Ad Copy: December 15th, <strong>2023</strong><br />
Mailed: January 3rd, 2024<br />
Special issue: Bass Fishing<br />
Spotlight: Reels<br />
Doing Business With: Great Lakes<br />
MARCH 2024<br />
Ad Copy: January 26th, 2024<br />
Mailed: February 14th, 2024<br />
Special issue: Fly Fishing<br />
Spotlight: Rods<br />
Doing Business With: Scandinavia<br />
To submit news or editorial for<br />
any of these issues, contact:<br />
To advertise or discuss a marketing campaign in any of these editions,<br />
contact our business development team:<br />
EDITOR<br />
JOHN HUNTER<br />
T: + 44 (0)7990 542958<br />
E: john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk<br />
NORTH AMERICA<br />
BART MANGANIELLO<br />
T: +1 914 722 7601<br />
E: bartalm@optonline.net<br />
REST of WORLD<br />
GUIDO KNEGT<br />
T: +39 347 503 6436<br />
E: guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk
FEATURE<br />
Energofish<br />
LEAD-FREE FEEDERS<br />
OFFER THE SUSTAINABLE<br />
FUTURE OF FISHING<br />
Environmental consciousness plays a leading role in the product development processes of<br />
Hungarian tackle manufacturer Energofish and several environmentally friendly products<br />
have appeared in recent years, with the latest being its Go Green feeders.<br />
Energofish prides itself on<br />
bringing environmentally<br />
friendly tackle to the market;<br />
products like the lead-free Go<br />
Green weights, shopping bags made of<br />
non-woven material and the completely<br />
paper-based, degradable maggot boxes.<br />
These items help both anglers and<br />
retailers to be more environmentally<br />
conscious, which is one of the biggest<br />
tasks of humanity in the 21st century.<br />
But, of course, product development<br />
cannot stop for a minute, because both<br />
the needs of anglers and the rules of<br />
commercial lakes or natural waters are<br />
changing continuously. To meet these<br />
expectations is the key to success in out<br />
industry, which is why the developers at<br />
Energofish have worked really hard this<br />
year as well.<br />
A GREENER METHOD<br />
A few weeks ago, the Go Green range<br />
was expanded with some equipment for<br />
the fans of the probably most popular<br />
technique – Method feeder fishing.<br />
Different kinds of Method flat feeders<br />
44 www.tackletradeworld.com<br />
have arrived and all, without exception,<br />
are made from totally lead-free materials.<br />
These are the perfect tools for sustainable<br />
Method feeder fishing, so retailers<br />
and anglers, who are environmentally<br />
conscious, can use them.<br />
The family of Go Green Method flat<br />
feeders currently consist of four different<br />
elements. All of them are professional<br />
equipment, suitable for both casual or<br />
match anglers. These feeders are available<br />
in various sizes, offering a “green”<br />
alternative for all the segments of this<br />
discipline.<br />
The form of Go Green Method flat<br />
feeders is modern, thoughtful and fully<br />
planned according to the experience of<br />
Energofish’s professional anglers; that<br />
is why these products catch the eyes of<br />
consumers in tackle shops and serve the<br />
needs of anglers on the bank.<br />
Besides the trendy shape of these<br />
feeders, their most important element<br />
is the weight fixed in the rear. These<br />
weights are made from 100 per cent ecofriendly<br />
materials, devoid of tungsten and<br />
lead. Instead, they have been moulded<br />
from a completely environmentally<br />
friendly zinc alloy. In case of a breakage,<br />
they don’t damage the environment and<br />
provide a solution even for waters where<br />
the use of drop-off rigs is regulated.<br />
Taking everything into account, both<br />
anglers and retailers must pay more and<br />
more attention to environmental issues,<br />
that is why, distributing and using fishing<br />
stuff like Carp Expert Go Green Method<br />
flat feeders is the only proper attitude to<br />
reach sustainable fishing in the future.<br />
ENERGOFISH<br />
www.energofish.com
Power-Pole<br />
ANGLERS HONOUR THE MOVE ZR<br />
Having already won an award at ICAST <strong>2023</strong> for its Move ZR trolling motor,<br />
Power-Pole has now gone one better by scooping the event’s Anglers’ Choice<br />
Award, voted for by anglers themselves.<br />
FEATURE<br />
Although awards at ICAST<br />
are voted on by the trade,<br />
after the event the organisers,<br />
the American Sportfishing<br />
Association, invite consumers to decide<br />
on their own favourite from the winners<br />
from the New Product Showcase Best of<br />
Category votes back in July.<br />
With the results now in, the second<br />
annual Anglers’ Choice Award has gone<br />
to Power-Pole’s new trolling motor –<br />
the Move ZR.<br />
Robert Shamblin, vice-president,<br />
sales and marketing, for Power-Pole,<br />
said: “We won the Best of Category<br />
award at ICAST for Best Motorised<br />
Boating Accessory but this is extra<br />
special. We couldn’t be more excited.”<br />
ICAST draws thousands of tackle<br />
buyers and media members each July<br />
to the Orange County Convention<br />
Center in Orlando, Florida for the<br />
world’s largest sportfishing trade how.<br />
It’s where hundreds of manufacturers<br />
debut tackle, gear, accessories and<br />
apparel in the highly anticipated New<br />
Product Showcase.<br />
The dedicated display area on the<br />
show floor showcases hundreds of the<br />
best of the best in new fishing product<br />
innovation; all competing against each<br />
other to take home one of 37 Best<br />
of Category trophies along with the<br />
overall Best Of Show honour. The<br />
Power-Pole Move ZR was this year’s<br />
winner in the Best Motorized Boating<br />
Accessory category.<br />
Blake Swango, ASA’s vice-president<br />
for trade show and membership, added:<br />
“The New Product Showcase is the<br />
recreational fishing industry’s equivalent<br />
of the Oscars.<br />
“Because ICAST is a trade event and<br />
not open to the public, we decided to<br />
launch the<br />
Anglers’<br />
Choice<br />
Award, giving everyone<br />
with a passion for<br />
fishing a chance to<br />
join in the excitement<br />
that defines ICAST.<br />
“It’s my pleasure to<br />
congratulate Power-Pole’s<br />
Move ZR for winning<br />
the second annual<br />
Anglers’ Choice<br />
Award.”<br />
You can see Robert<br />
Shamblin with the<br />
award and discover<br />
more about the<br />
Move ZR<br />
by visiting:<br />
tinyurl.<br />
com/46jymx8r<br />
POWER-POLE<br />
www. power-pole.com
THE NATIONAL FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP<br />
(XINJIANG SHULE STATION) CONCLUDED<br />
SUCCESSFULLY<br />
On August 24, the <strong>2023</strong> "Almighty King" National<br />
Fishing Championship (Shule Station, Xinjiang)<br />
came to an end at Shule Impression Fishing Center.<br />
Cui Ri won the championship with a total weight<br />
of 2.3 kilograms, while Liu Wenxuan and Zhang<br />
Longlong won the runner-up and third place<br />
respectively.<br />
Cui Ri, a second-level competitive fishing master<br />
from Heilongjiang and the champion of this site,<br />
said: "In today's game, because it rained in the<br />
morning, the weather was cold, and the weather<br />
was hot in the afternoon, which caused the air<br />
pressure to drop, the temperature difference to<br />
change greatly, and the fish did not open their<br />
mouths. Like this The competition can't wait. I<br />
finally caught the fish by fishing for grass carp.<br />
It was my first time to come to Xinjiang. I drove<br />
4,800 kilometers away to see the scenery of the<br />
motherland. The people of Xinjiang are really warm<br />
and hospitable. , I will come again next time there is<br />
a national competition.”<br />
Liu Wenxuan, a first-level competitive fishing<br />
master from Gansu, won the runner-up at this site.<br />
He said: "The weather temperature changes greatly<br />
and the fish condition deteriorates, which is a severe<br />
challenge for the players. I use floating, flying lead,<br />
and bait... I tried all the methods, but the fish just<br />
wouldn’t open its mouth, so there was nothing I<br />
could do, but luckily, I still caught one.”<br />
"This fishing competition has gathered many fishing<br />
experts to enhance friendship, compete in style,<br />
and achieve good results in fishing. It also promotes<br />
the continuous development of Shule culture and<br />
tourism industry." said Shi Zehua, President of the<br />
China Fishing Sports Association, "People from<br />
all over the country 500 fishing enthusiasts from all<br />
over the world showed their personal competitive<br />
level and style in the competitive arena."<br />
The successful holding of the National Fishing<br />
Championship is of great significance to promoting<br />
the rapid development of national fitness in<br />
Shule County, prospering mass cultural and<br />
sports activities, enhancing the national physique,<br />
improving the level of competitive fishing,<br />
and promoting rural tourism through sports<br />
competitions.
FISHING COMPETITION AT LONGQUAN LAKE IN<br />
WENSU, CHINA CONCLUDED SUCCESSFULLY<br />
On August 27, the closing ceremony of the <strong>2023</strong> China Wensu Longquan Lake Fishing Competition<br />
was held in Longquan Lake Park. After two days of intense and fierce competition, Shanxi Shenju Team<br />
won the championship with 10 points. Feida Rice Team of Wensu County, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang<br />
and Sichuan Xiaozhiqiang Team won the runner-up and third place respectively.<br />
This fishing competition is part of Wensu County’s comprehensive implementation of the Autonomous<br />
Region Party Committee’s cultural enrichment project and the strategy of revitalizing Xinjiang through<br />
tourism, promoting the integrated development of culture and tourism, adhering to the people’s<br />
livelihood to promote high-quality development of the tourism industry, inheriting and carrying<br />
forward China’s excellent traditional culture, and enhancing Wensu County’s An important measure<br />
to influence the influence of Suxian County and the popularity of Longquan Lake 3A-level scenic<br />
spot, more fully demonstrate the tourism characteristics of Wensu, promote the in-depth integrated<br />
development of leisure fishery and cultural tourism industries, and build Wensu into a first-class and<br />
nationally renowned leisure tourism destination in Xinjiang. great significance.
CAA AND TAOBAO JOINTLY HOST CHINA<br />
FISHING COMPETITION<br />
On September 12, the "China<br />
Fishing Sports Association and<br />
Taobao Live <strong>2023</strong> National<br />
Fishing Competition " cosponsored<br />
by CAA, Dezhou<br />
Lingcheng District People's<br />
Government, and Taobao was<br />
grandly held at the Lijin Lake<br />
Fishing Center in Lingcheng<br />
District, Dezhou, Shandong. It<br />
is an innovation that the China<br />
Fishing Association, local<br />
government, and an online<br />
platform jointly organize the<br />
competition. It aims to rely on the traffic superposition effect of the Taobao live broadcast platform and<br />
form a traffic matrix for event promotion through the popularity of fishing masters and experts. While<br />
actively promoting fishing, it will also bring attention traffic to the host area and help promote the urban<br />
tourism industry. develop.<br />
The China Fishing Sports Association and Taobao Live <strong>2023</strong> National Fishing Competition have invited<br />
a total of 30 teams each from the Chinese Fishing Masters Team and the Chinese Fishing Masters,<br />
together with 40 teams from the public registration, with a total of 200 members participating. They<br />
shared millions of PV Taobao live broadcast traffic voucher incentives through the Taobao anchor APP,<br />
and broadcast the entire game from multiple perspectives.<br />
The competition events of this CAA&Taobao Live Broadcast <strong>2023</strong> National Fishing Competition are<br />
5.4-6.3 meter hand pole team fishing mixed fish total weight competition, two games, each competition<br />
lasts 3 hours. Lingcheng District Lijin Lake Fishing Center released more than 300,000 kilograms of<br />
carp and crucian carp at a high density for this competition, allowing members of the participating<br />
teams to enjoy the speed and passion of a fishing competition.<br />
The participating teams went through two exciting and<br />
fierce competitions in one day. In the end, the Wuhan<br />
Keyou Qingge team surprisingly won the championship<br />
with a total catch of 209.3 kilograms; the Shaanxi Yudao<br />
Zhijian No. 2 team came in second with a total catch of<br />
201.6 kilograms; and the Jia Diao Ni Wuer team caught<br />
a total of 183.9 kilograms. Won third place. The total<br />
amount of fish caught in this Texas Fishing Competition<br />
once again achieved good results, with the top three<br />
finalists catching more than 100 kilograms per person.
CHINA FISHING TACKLE INDUSTRY SCIENCE AND<br />
TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION CONFERENCE HELD<br />
On September 10, the first "China Fishing<br />
<strong>Tackle</strong> Industry Science and Technology<br />
Innovation Conference" series of events was<br />
held in Weihai City, Shandong Province.<br />
More than 160 people from nearly a hundred<br />
companies in China's fishing tackle industry<br />
and specially invited experts gathered at the<br />
innovation conference to write a new chapter<br />
in promoting the high-quality development of<br />
China's fishing tackle industry.<br />
Yi Xiaoli, Chairman of the China Stationery<br />
and Sports Products Association, delivered<br />
a speech on behalf of the organizers of the<br />
conference and held an unveiling ceremony<br />
for "Weihai, the Fishing <strong>Tackle</strong> Capital of China". Representatives from JD.com and Amazon shared their<br />
speeches on the current "Big Data Analysis of Fishing <strong>Tackle</strong> Market Consumption" and "Global Demand for<br />
Amazon Fishing <strong>Tackle</strong> Categories and Product Selection Operation Suggestions."<br />
Professor Zhu Tianyang of Beijing University of Chemical Technology and Professor Chu Dianhui of Harbin<br />
Institute of Technology made special reports on "China's Fishing Gear Design Trends" and "Industrial Internet<br />
Application in the Fishing <strong>Tackle</strong> Industry" respectively.<br />
The conference released the "Proceedings of the China Fishing <strong>Tackle</strong> Industry Science and Technology<br />
Innovation Conference 2020-2021" and issued award certificates. Three first-prize paper representatives gave<br />
special speeches.<br />
The meeting emphasized that during this critical period, companies in the fishing tackle industry must more<br />
deeply understand and implement the spirit of the country's<br />
"Outline of Quality Power", strengthen the development<br />
concept of quality power, focus on technological innovation<br />
as the traction, promote industrial transformation and<br />
upgrading, and transform from extensive, medium and low<br />
High-end, low value-added and weak brands are moving<br />
towards intensive, clustered, high value-added, mid-tohigh-end<br />
and branding. In the era of global stock economy,<br />
we strive to enhance the competitiveness and voice of my<br />
country's fishing tackle industry, fishing tackle companies<br />
and fishing tackle brands.
FEATURE<br />
Last Cast<br />
experience to not only be enjoyable but safe<br />
too. Gone are the days where you’d wear<br />
children’s clothes or a man’s size small, with<br />
many brands including Patagonia and Simms<br />
offering specific clothing and waders for<br />
women.<br />
ACCESSIBILITY AND FACILITIES<br />
With the internet, accessibility to<br />
information about fishing is vast and you can<br />
find your nearest water or angling coach with<br />
a few clicks of a button. Social media and the<br />
rise in female angling influencers are really<br />
helping to drive this change. When I first<br />
started out, social media didn’t exist!<br />
Facilities at fisheries now cater around<br />
families and women, which has a great<br />
impact on ladies taking up the sport.<br />
LAST CAST...<br />
WHY IS FISHING<br />
MORE ACCESSIBLE<br />
FOR WOMEN NOW?<br />
It seems more women than ever are going fishing. Lucy<br />
Bowden, a well-known UK angler and marketing executive<br />
at key UK-based business the Farlows Group, explains why<br />
this might be happening.<br />
Thirty years ago, when I started<br />
fishing, it wasn’t ‘fashionable’,<br />
it was very much perceived as<br />
an old man’s sport and was very<br />
male-dominated. I very rarely saw another<br />
female on the bank. Thankfully today this<br />
has changed and, whilst I don’t think we’re<br />
where we need to be, we’re certainly on the<br />
right path.<br />
CULTURE AND ROLE MODELS<br />
One of the reasons I set up the Fishing For<br />
Everyone Ladies Fishing Club in 2009 and<br />
subsequently became an angling coach was to<br />
try and change the perception of fishing and<br />
introduce more ladies to it. Today, similar<br />
to women’s football, there are many more<br />
female role models in the sport, which in<br />
turn is helping to change the perception of it<br />
and inspire more ladies to think about giving<br />
it a go.<br />
CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT<br />
Whilst women don’t need specific fishing<br />
equipment to go fishing, they do need<br />
clothing and waders to fit them for the<br />
THE TACKLE INDUSTRY<br />
I’m proud to work for a company, the<br />
Farlows Group (owners of both the Farlows<br />
and Sportfish brands), which is hugely<br />
forward-thinking in its approach not only<br />
to getting more females into fishing but also<br />
introducing the next generation into the<br />
sport.<br />
We don’t just talk about it, we action it.<br />
From working with both male and female<br />
content providers, showcasing imagery of real<br />
women who fish and welcoming blog articles<br />
from females in the sport.<br />
We’ve also just released eight Sportfish<br />
videos fronted by me to get more ladies into<br />
fly fishing. In addition to this, we’ve teamed<br />
up with Country Girls UK and Women<br />
Who Work in Fieldsports to communicate<br />
the message that fishing is for ladies.<br />
WHY SHOULD WOMEN TAKE UP<br />
FISHING<br />
Why not! There’s no reason they can’t. I’ve<br />
always had a motto that no matter your age,<br />
race, gender or ability, anyone can fish and<br />
fishing is great for so many aspects of your<br />
life, including both your mental and physical<br />
health.<br />
In a recent study, over 97 per cent<br />
of Sportfish customers agreed that fly<br />
fishing significantly improves their mental<br />
health, with more than 98 per cent saying<br />
it significantly improves their general<br />
wellbeing.<br />
Don’t underestimate the impact fishing<br />
can have on your physical health either –<br />
getting out by the water, into green spaces<br />
and with nature is good for you. You can also<br />
put some miles in!<br />
Lastly, fishing can be very social. Many<br />
anglers fish with their families, friends or are<br />
part of a fishing club.<br />
FARLOWS GROUP<br />
www.farlows.co.uk<br />
50 www.tackletradeworld.com
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