Tackle Trade World - February 2024

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18,500
TACKLE INDUSTRY
PROFESSIONALS
IN OVER
120 COUNTRIES
EVERY MONTH
FEBRUARY 2024

COMMITTED TO INCREASING YOUR BUSINESS GLOBALLY
www.tackletradeworld.com
ONE MORE TURN
Rapala VMC boss Lars
Ollberg unveils his
strategy plan.
PAGE 18
HUGE OPPORTUNITY
The Great Lakes are a
fantastic region to do
business with.
PAGE 28
Hanna Bossow Vestergaard
Mads Pedersen
FLY FISHING LAUNCH SEEKS
TO CHANGE THE GAME
Backed by some of the
most experienced
professionals in the
business, Catch Fly Fishing
Partners has been launched as
a European fly fishing
distributor to challenge the
status quo.
Aiming to build a company
based on core values and
creating the right conditions
for its partners to succeed, the
Danish-based newcomer has
been set up by industry experts
Hanna Bossow Vestergaard and
Mads Pedersen.
They explained: “When this
branch of this company was
formed, one thing was very
clear to the owner group; we
want to make a difference, and
to do that, we need to be more
than just a company – we have
to emphasise the very core of
fly fishing, share knowledge
and passion, so that the fly
fishermen out there can relate
and identify with the company
– and then we have to give that
little bit more.”
Furthermore, the values that
Catch Fly Fishing Partners
hold at its core are recruitment,
conservation and access, as it is
these values that are essential
for fly fishing and the industry
itself.
The company name reflects
its philosophy of the company
– to be a solid partner for
dealers and suppliers alike.
Hanna said: “Making a
start-up business has been in
my mind for some time. With
my previous experience, I have
a firm idea about how I want
it to look and how to be at
service for our partners.
“When I got the offer to
partner up with a group of
fly fishermen with the same
ideology, I could not refuse.
• Continued on page 8
S E N T T O M O R E T H A N 1 8 , 5 0 0 T A C K L E I N D U S T R Y
PROFESSIONALS IN OVER 120 COUNTRIES EVERY MONTH

FEBRUARY
2024
TackleTrade
www.tackletradeworld.com
EDITORIAL
Editor:
John Hunter
04
+44 7990 542958
john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk
A journalist all his life and with 20-plus years
of international business magazine experience,
John was the founding editor of TTW and has
now returned to the helm. He has helped
many brands launch and grow over the years
through B2B publications and via his own
consultancy business.
ADVERTISING
North America:
Bart Manganiello
+1 914 722 7601
bartalm@optonline.net
For over 38 years, Bart has been working with
trade magazines, 34 in the tackle industry.
Since 2001, he has been TTW’s North American
Director, providing the best communication
programs to companies, helping them connect
with current and prospective trade partners
around the world.
Rest Of The World:
Guido Knegt
+39 3475036436
guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk
A born and bred Dutchman, he spent five
years travelling the world as a scuba-diving
instructor and English teacher before settling
down in Sardinia. Guido previously worked for
TTW between 2014 and 2017.
China: Robert Li
Li Ziwei
+86 13451914155
robert.li365@gmail.com
Li Ziwei (Robert) has been working as news
editor for over 20 years. He founded the most
influential Chinese fishing forum in the Straits
and successfully organised many industry
events. His love for culture and tourism has led
him to devote his entire life to the exchanges
between China and southeast Asia.
Magazine Manager
Justin Fox
+44 7813 327966
justin.fox@dhpub.co.uk
A hugely experienced communicator with
more than 20 years at parent company DHP,
Justin knows what it takes to grow brands
and businesses across the tackle sector.
Sub Editor: David Haynes
Art Editor: Paul Evans
Editorial Design: Brad Sharp
DHP LTD
Editorial, administration, subscriptions and
accounts to: DHP Ltd, 1st Floor, Nene House,
Sopwith Way, Daventry, NN11 8EA, UK
www.tackletradeworld.com
KEEP CALM AND
CARRY ON…
Last month I mentioned the problems
the tackle trade looked set to face in
2024.
With retailers still overstocked following
the end of Covid-19 and the global
economy seemingly in a lengthy rut, it was
tough to talk up chances of improvement
and recovery in the short term.
However, our story that one of the
biggest fishing tackle businesses – Rapala
VMC Corporation – is revamping its
Global Management Team and planning to
invest time, effort and resources in growing
its market share hints at something far
more positive.
Indeed, it has also revealed it feels that
the overstocking situation will improve
somewhat in the coming months.
Talking to a few others in the industry,
there does appear to be a little more
optimism around at the start of 2024
compared with the end of 2023.
Of course, time will tell but this month
(February) sees the return of China Fish,
which will doubtless be a good barometer
of how the industry is really feeling about
things.
One positive is that – having had
several years enforced absence through the
aforementioned Covid-19 and associated
travel restrictions – China Fish is gearing
up for a bumper show, with a record
number of exhibitors set to attend.
Sure, the “bounceback effect” will have
played a major part but businesses wouldn‘t
commit money and staff to attend such an
3,511
6,466
event during a tough financial period if
they didn’t sense some hope on the horizon.
The more tackle companies I talk to, the
more positive I am starting to get.
And being in the eyeline of potential
buyers – whether at shows like China Fish
or ICAST or advertising through the pages
of Tackle Trade World or utilising its farreaching
direct e-shots – has never been
more important.
As we eventually emerge from a
challenging time, buyers will be seeking
trusted and high-profile suppliers.
Those that have invested in keeping
their presence front and centre rather than
battening down the hatches or laying low,
will certainly reap the rewards.
Who’s going to seek suppliers they
assume have gone away because they have
been invisible for a while?
So my message is simple – be bold, be
brave, keep investing in your business and
its marketing and planning.
If it’s good enough for the industry
giants, it’s got to be good enough for the
rest of us.
And don’t forget, Guido, Bart and I
are always here to help you promote your
business to thousands of customers around
the world in a myriad of ways – just get in
touch via the panel on the side of this page;
we’d love to chat over your ideas.
John Hunter
Editor

FEBRUARY
2024
24
28
18
16
Contents
08 NEWS
Rapala VMC appoints global management
team and unveils forward-thinking
strategy as it looks to the future.
11 SIMMS GIVES BACK TO FISHERIES
Wader and apparel maker Simms Fishing
Products has launched a platform to give
back to multiple conservation and fishery
groups.
16 GET SET FOR ICAST
Registration for the world’s largest
sportfishing show, ICAST 2024, in Florida
this summer opens mid-February and is
free to buyers.
18 RAPALA VMC BOSS TURNING THE TIDE
Lars Ollberg, Rapala VMC president and
CEO, explains why things had to change
and outlines his strategy for future growth
in key markets.
33
24 SPOTLIGHT ON… REELS
With a few exceptions, reels are a crucial
part of any fishing setup but there are so
many types. Which should you choose?
26 SHOP WINDOW
We have a quick look at the some of the
latest reels on the market right now and
why they might deserve a place on dealers’
shelves.
28 DOING BUSINESS WITH… THE GREAT
LAKES
Everything about the Great Lakes region
is huge, including its sheer size, fishing
opportunities and value to the North
American economy.
32 MAKING CONTACT
More of the latest tackle and equipment
destined to get your customers spending
their cash and keeping your tills ringing.
38
33 HARRIER LANDS FOR SUPER LIGHT
JIGGING
With light action jigging tackle growing in
popularity among saltwater anglers, Daiwa
has developed its Harrier Super Light
Jigging rods.
38 WHY RELIX IS A RELIABLE PARTNER
Having trusted partners is key. Relix is a
name backed by more than 30 years of
manufacturing experience, with customers
all over the world.
40 TESTED TO THE LIMIT
Japanese rod maker Zenzaq’s SINPAA
concept is an offshore casting rod
unashamedly designed for anglers who
want the best.
06 www.tackletradeworld.com

Super
Heat Dissipation
Super
Low-Friction
Super
Hardness
Super
Lightness

FLY FISHING LAUNCH SEEKS
TO CHANGE THE GAME
• Continued from page 3
“When making a completely
new company from scratch it
seems easier to form it in the
direction we want.
“Going into new partnerships
has been an exciting part of our
short journey. It will be built
with passion, determination
and respect for ourselves and
our business partners. I believe
strongly in our setup and the
skills represented within.”
Her partner, Mads Pedersen,
added: “Sometimes ambitions,
values and goals align and
everything falls into place. This
is exactly how I feel about our
new team and our collective
approach to the fly fishing
industry.
“I am confident that we can
provide both large and small
brands in the fly fishing world
with the best conditions for
success throughout Europe.
“Historically, many successful
wholesale businesses have been
based in the Nordic region, and
with our location in Denmark,
we are strategically positioned.
Surrounded by excellent fishing
waters and neighbouring
countries, it’s natural that
our part of the world attracts
numerous fly anglers.”
And in a key move, it has
already announced a major
partnership, adding the
prestigious Nautilus Reels brand
as the first in its portfolio.
Hanna explained: “I am
tremendously happy to partner
up with Kristen Mustad and the
Nautilus brand. It hit close to
home as my own reel collection
is primarily from Nautilus. I
respect the products and I am
proud to represent them again
to the European dealers.”
Nautilus Reels’ Kristen
Mustad shared in the
enthusiasm, stating: “We are
looking forward to working
with Hanna again. She is a
powerhouse and will be a
perfect fit for Nautilus in this
market.”
www.catchffp.com
Key changes to move
Rapala VMC forward
Tackle giant Rapala VMC has made
major changes and appointments to its
global management team as it focuses on
growing both existing business and new
market opportunities.
The company says that the current
overstock situation created in the
aftermath of Covid-19 appears to be
improving, while more markets are
opening up.
Its One More Turn strategy is designed
to identify key areas of profitability while
allowing it to be flexible and react swiftly
to market changes.
It also aims to identify and make
greater efficiencies in production
and processes, improve the customer
experience and involve employees in
more decision making as well as utilising
the skills of outside experts where
appropriate.
Last year’s launch of the CrushCity
soft plastic lures has gone down well and
the company is looking to invest further
in the massive North American market,
allowing it to become more competitive.
Meanwhile, it will look to gain more
market share in Europe while using a
localised approach to determine specific
product lines for Asia, South America
and Africa.
08 www.tackletradeworld.com
The updated Global Management
Team charged with taking forward
includes chief financial officer Jean-
Philippe Nicolle, who has taken on
the role of chief operating officer,
responsible for business performance,
finance control and internal auditing.
Miikka Tarna, who has been with the
company since 2010, replaces him as
chief financial officer, stepping up from
deputy.
After six years with the business,
Tuomas Akkanen joins the Global
Management Team as executive vice
president, head of group supply chain
and winter sports.
Päivi Ohvo, formerly head of HR
and managing director of Marttiini Oy,
becomes executive vice president, human
resources,
Tuomo Leino has been appointed
executive vice president, general counsel
while Joni Tuominen is named as
executive vice president, global business
development and IT.
All report directly to Rapala VMC
president and chief executive officer
Lars Ollberg, who said: “I want to
congratulate new Global Management
Team members for their appointments.
I [also] want to remind everyone of the
Lars Ollberg, Rapala VMC
president and CEO
work ahead. This team, together with
the robust, experienced and professional
local managers will ensure the success of
Rapala VMC in the years to come.”
Among the many brands in the Rapala
VMC Corporation roster are:
Rapala, VMC, Sufix, Storm, Blue Fox,
Luhr Jensen, Williamson, Dynamite
Baits, Mora Ice, StrikeMaster, Marttiini,
Peltonen and 13 Fishing as well as
Okuma in Europe.
It posted net sales of €274 million in
2022, employing around 1,500 people in
approximately 40 countries.
www.rapalavmc.com

TV and radio star boosts
Mud Hole team
Mud Hole Custom Tackle, a
leader in custom rod building
components, supplies, equipment,
and instruction, has welcomed
fishing broadcaster Jim Crowley
to its team of brand ambassadors.
As a tournament angler, on-air
personality, writer and custom
rod builder, Jim has been in the
fishing industry for over three
decades. His down-to-earth
brand of instruction and fishing
knowledge is enjoyed by anglers
and rod builders of all levels.
Brook Oliva, president and
COO at Foundation Outdoor
Group, Mud Hole’s parent
company, said: “We are delighted
to bring Jim onboard to help
promote rod building to his
large and diverse audience. We’re
excited that he will be sharing his
rod building experience on behalf
of Mud Hole.”
Jim hosts Jim Crowley
Outdoors on Wired2Fish TV
as well as his podcast, Slickfish
Radio and all of his shows are
100 per cent fishing content.
From lure and rod building
to fishing tips and techniques,
his passion is to help the viewer
become a better angler.
Jim added: “I’m thrilled to be
working with Mud Hole as a
brand ambassador. [It] is known,
worldwide, for exceptional
products, education and
outstanding customer service. I’m
looking forward to sharing my
rod building experience with my
viewers throughout 2024.”
He also connects with his
audience on YouTube and
through his growing social media
presence.
www.mudhole.com
2023-24
Over 1,400 New
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Available for your
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UK TRADE BODY ADDS
EXPERIENCE AT THE TOP
The commercial manager of
Daiwa Sports UK, Martin Greene,
has been elected as the new vice
chairman of the UK industry body,
the Angling Trades Association.
He takes over from Mike Heylin
who has stepped down after a
three-year stint in the role to
become an honorary member.
Martin was elected to the ATA
board earlier this year, succeeding
Robin Morely as the Daiwa Sports
representative, with Robin now also
an honorary member after many
years of valuable service to the
association.
Martin has been involved in the
trade for over 25 years and with
Daiwa for 18 of those. He brings a
wealth of knowledge to the board,
both in terms of both industry
knowledge and angling skills.
Martin brings with him a
significant insight into the world
of angling retail, having worked for
high profile retailers over a number
of years in addition to spending
some time on the road as territory
sales manager for Leeda.
After joining Daiwa Sports UK,
he spent 11 years as an account
manager using his business skills
Martin Greene
and angling retail experience
to develop strong business
relationships right across the UK,
something that will be incredibly
valuable in his new role as vice
chair.
ATA chair Andrew Race said:
“Martin’s industry knowledge and
experience of fish and fisheries
will be invaluable to ATA going
forward as we seek to re-establish
the framework needed to protect
fisheries and generate engagement
with angling. Martin’s energy and
passion has been very welcome at
recent board meetings.”

ROD LICENCES FUND
£21 MILLION FISHERIES
INVESTMENT
The UK’s Environment Agency has shared
how rod licence sales in England and Wales
have helped it splash almost £21 million on
investment in fisheries over the last year or
so.
Its 2022/23 Annual Fisheries Report
details the various ways rod licence income
– generated from over 900,000 licence sales –
has been spent.
The report reveals that £20,900,000 in
income from fishing licences was further
boosted by £1,400,000 of government
funding.
This has been reinvested to maintain,
improve and develop fisheries, carry out
surveys of fish stocks and improvements
to habitats not to mention supplying and
restocking more than 450,000 coarse fish.
One of the key projects largely funded
through this money is the Environment
Agency’s National Fisheries Laboratory,
which works to identify, monitor and limit
the current and future threats such as fish
diseases and non-native species on fisheries
and the environment.
In 2022/23, £562,000 was invested
into the laboratory, which allowed for the
assessment of 112 fish mortality events
relating to potential fish diseases. In addition,
40 health checks were carried out to enable
safe stocking of over half a million fish
and over 1,500 queries were responded to
in support of national incidents, fishery
management advice and guidance.
Throughout the year, the EA has worked
with over 1,000 partners including The
Angling Trust, The Wild Trout Trust and the
Freshwater Biological Association, delivering
projects
such as the
Get Fishing
campaign and
the Anglers
Riverfly
Monitoring
Initiative,
welcoming
new anglers to the sport and helping to
increase the involvement in citizen science.
Heidi Stone, the Environment Agency’s
fisheries manager, said: “Funding from
fishing licence money feeds into every aspect
of an angler’s experience, improving fish
stocks, providing new facilities, and helping
to protect our environment. Our fisheries
staff also use their expertise to support wider
environmental work with specialist advice
and guidance.
“It is great to see the work that we have
been able to carry out with our partners,
using the money made to invest directly back
into our fisheries and angling services.”
Funded directly by fisheries licence
income, the Fisheries Improvement
Programme (FIP) has backed 198 projects
to improve and protect rivers, construct fish
passes and enhance stillwater fisheries.
In addition, 39,159 fishing licence checks
were carried out by Environment Agency
enforcement teams with the support of the
Angling Trust Voluntary Bailiff Service
(VBS). In all 1,949 offence reports were
issued while 265 anglers were prosecuted for
fishing without a licence.
You can read the full report at shorturl.at/
amCT1
FFI seeks
to replace
president
Patrick Berry
Fly Fishers International has
announced the departure of its
president and CEO, Patrick Berry,
who has been in the role since 2019.
The US-based organisation – which
is dedicated to engaging, teaching
and inspiring the global fly fishing
community while aiding conservation
efforts – was due to confirm an
interim leadership plan as TTW went
to press.
Dave Peterson, chairman of
FFI’s board of directors, said: “We
appreciate Patrick’s dedication and
diligence throughout his time with
FFI. Patrick’s time here has been
a period of immense change and
forward-thinking progress, and we
wish him well as he moves to a new
organisation.”
Patrick started a new role as
president and CEO of Backcountry
Hunters and Anglers, from January
1st.

Simms launches give-back platform
Simms Fishing Products,
the manufacturer of waders,
outerwear, footwear, and
technical fishing apparel, has
launched a platform to give
back to multiple conservation
groups supporting healthy and
sustainable fisheries.
The brand has initiated four
give-back campaigns on their
ecommerce site and is funding
GRUNDÉNS HAS
SUSTAINABLE
PACKAGING IN THE BAG
Grundéns.com
NGO partners via a one per
cent contribution of sales at no
cost to the consumer.
Funding generated through
this ecommerce platform is in
addition to Simms’ ongoing
support of key conservation
initiatives such as Trout
Unlimited’s Gallatin Home
Rivers Initiative and Montana
Freshwater Partner’s Give
Fishing apparel and footwear
producer Grundéns is now
using Vela packaging for
its complete apparel line,
improving upon its previous
bio-degradable packaging.
Vela bags are weatherresistant,
durable, FSC-
Certified paper bags that are
kerbside recyclable.
Each year, 500 billion
plastic bags are used
worldwide with only one per
cent of those being recycled.
Many of the rest end up in
the world’s oceans, where it’s
estimated that there will be
more plastics than fish by 2050.
By switching to Vela bags, Grundéns says it makes it easier for
consumers to recycle their packaging, improving upon the current
biodegradable bags.
Ash Williams, Grundéns’ vice-president of marketing, said:
“We view our approach to sustainability as a continuous journey,
with incremental steps being taken to help us reduce our overall
carbon footprint. One important step was partnering with Vela to
ensure all our apparel comes in recyclable packaging.
“The Vela bags are transparent so consumers can see the
products and, with the ability to place these bags in kerbside
recycling, it means we’re giving consumers the ability to upcycle
packaging rather than putting them in the trash.”
A major step forward in using Vela bags is the FSC-Certified
paper source, which is grown and the bags produced in the
region Grundéns manufactures its products, reducing the overall
carbon footprint both in production and shipping of packaging.
They are also weather-resistant and durable enough to withstand
transportation through the supply chain.
This packaging project is intended to be open source, with
information about the supplier printed on the packaging itself.
Grundéns encourages other brands to follow suit and eliminate
single use plastic bags from their supply chains by using solutions
such as recyclable packaging.
Back to the Yellowstone efforts
among others.
As an industry leader,
supporting healthy and
sustainable fisheries has
always been a key component
of Simms’ mission. This new
platform provides a mechanism
for Simms to augment its
long-standing commitment to
protecting and preserving the
natural resources the fishing
community relies on for
recreation, personal fulfilment,
and emotional well-being.
“Simms has always been
committed to protecting the
future of fishing. In addition
to advocacy and volunteerism,
funding non-profit partners is a
key aspect of that conservation
approach,” said Strick Walker,
Simms’ CMO.
“Giving one per cent of our
ecommerce sales is a way for
us to be transparent, to engage
with consumers, and raise
awareness for organisations
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we feel are making a positive
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At checkout on
simmsfishing.com, consumers
can choose to contribute one
per cent of their purchase to
one of the four campaigns at
no additional cost.
Each campaign has an
associated fundraising goal
and, once achieved, the
campaign will either start
over or be replaced with a
new campaign from another
501c non-profit organisation
selected by Simms. Non-profit
organisations and campaigns
will rotate throughout the year.
For the initial kick-off,
Simms has selected the
American Saltwater Guides
Association (ASGA), Captains
for Clean Waters (CFCW),
Trout Unlimited (TU) and the
Coastal Cutthroat Coalition
(CCC).
www.simmsfishing.com
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Hansen boards X
Shore
Innovative Swedish fully electric
boat and tech company X Shore
has appointed René Hansen as its
chief executive officer.
René steps into his new role
at an exciting time after the firm
introduced two groundbreaking
boats, the X Shore Pro and X
Shore 1. He brings operational and
strategic experience from his time
in the snowboarding, recycling,
digitalisation of farming and
energy industries.
More stores for
Academy
US retail giant Academy Sports +
Outdoors opened seven new stores
across five different states at the
end of the year.
With the recent store openings
in Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, Austin,
West Palm Beach, Christiansburg,
Harlingen and Springfield, it is on
course to hits its expansion goal of
opening a total of 120 to 140 new
stores by the end of 2027.
KastKing bosses it
Tackle brand KastKing has hired
marketing and social media
powerhouse R J Macalanda as
its social media and influencer
strategist.
RJ has seen an explosive growth
of his own start-up fishing brand,
Fish Boss, reaching 100,000
followers in five months, and a
total of 58 million views.
He will continue to direct the Fish
Boss brand while working full-time
on KastKing’s marketing and social
media.
Boating leader
passes
Boating and marine brand IMTRA
Corporation and its employeeowners
are saddened by the
passing of William “Bill” Farnham,
former owner and long-time leader.
He began his 28-year tenure as
CEO when he took over from his
father who started the firm. His
influence still thrives within its
culture today.
Reuben Heaton scales
up with competitionlevel
Fish Measures
Since the introduction of its first scales in
the late 1920s, UK manufacturer Reuben
Heaton has gained a reputation worldwide
for accurate reliable and weighing equipment
and its scales are regularly used for high-level
competitions and world record claims around
the globe.
Over the last 10 years, the company has
also supported angling events where length
rather than weight has been the determining
factor, with the company designing and
manufacturing its own fish measures to suit
the requirements of the competition arena.
Its latest commercially available measures
utilise the same designs as used for the
current competition circuit. The result is
a range of British made fully calibrated
competition level fish measures that will be
available through angling retailers for the first
time.
The new measures are backed by same
warranty and aftersales service as its
renowned scales and weighing accessories and
are designed to achieve the same reputation
for accuracy and reliability as those at all
levels of competition, including IGFA world
record requirements.
Anglers will be able to purchase the new
fish measures safe in the knowledge that
they can be accepted by event organisers as
accurate and compatible with both visual and
app-based recording processes used by event
organisers and record committees.
Each batch of printed FM measures is
checked using traceable calibrated measuring
equipment ensuring an accuracy greater than
1 part in 500 (approximately 0.1 per cent of
range).
Manufactured from durable reinforced nonstretch
vinyl with high-contrast UV stable
inks, the measures offer good readability
especially for competition adjudication
where photography, in all weather and
light conditions, is the common method of
recording fish capture.
A positioning guide for correct fish
position also appears on the new measures
making them compatible with the standard
European left to right competition format
and all measures are manufactured using
wipe clean non-absorbent materials for ease
of maintenance and prevention of disease
transfer.
Selected FM measures are available in an
adhesive format, fully laminated, UV stable
and made from non-stretch non-absorbent
material backed with waterproof adhesive.
These adhesive-based measures will appeal to
anglers as they will adapt to most measuring
board and unhooking mat designs as well as
individual own-build applications.
reubenheaton.com
12 www.tackletradeworld.com

Farlows goes back to archives for collection
Fishing and country sports
supplier Farlows has gone back
through the history books to
inspire its Archive Collection of
T-shirts and caps.
The company is very proud of
is heritage and growth, which
started in 1840, and has dived
back into its rich history to
create the prints and logos for
this special collection.
The T-shirts are made using
organic cotton and organic
vegetable and plant-based dyes,
while the caps are manufactured
with recycled plastic to form
the peak of the cap and the
adjustment strap.
For both products, Farlows
has chosen to use a garment
dye method that ensures
minimal waste during the dying
and production process. The
US tackle
industry body
the American
Sportfishing
Association
has urged
the trade
and anglers
alike to lobby
government
over a new
bill designed
to increase
Glenn Hughes
access to the
outdoors.
Late last
year, House Committee
on Natural Resources
chairman Bruce Westerman
and ranking member Raúl
Grijalva introduced the
Expanding Public Lands
Outdoor Recreation
Experiences (EXPLORE)
Act.
This bipartisan legislation
is a companion bill to the
Senate’s America’s Outdoor
Recreation Act. Together,
they will expand access and
create new opportunities for
company believes it is
responsible for achieving
the highest standards of
environmental practice
and for operating in a
sustainable manner, so
felt it was important to
incorporate these standards
into this collection.
Inspired patterns include
the Fly Repeat Blueprint –
an illustration from an old
collection of Farlows flies;
Heron, which is the front
cover of a 1920s tackle
catalogue; Heron Fly Line,
which was used on 1930s
fly line packaging while
the Hook is taken from a
Farlows labelling logo from
the 1990s.
www.farlows.co.uk
aSa EXploRES SuppoRt
FoR moRE accESS
Americans to get outside and
enjoy the unparalleled beauty
of our public lands.
ASA president Glenn
Hughes said: “Congress has
a tremendous opportunity
to bolster the nation’s $1.1
trillion outdoor recreation
economy through passage of
the EXPLORE Act.
“Well managed and
accessible federal lands are
vital to recreational fishing
and boating, which is the
largest contributor to the
outdoor recreation economy.”

Z-MAN FISHING LURES
MORE TALENT TO TEAM
Responding to continued
growth and dynamic product
development, lure and terminal
tackle brand Z-Man has added
two positions to its roster of
talent.
Back in July, six-year Z-Man
veteran and previous sales
manager Ryan Harder was
promoted to the company’s
newly created brand manager
position. A lifelong angler with
decades of experience in fishing
retail and sales, Ryan assumed
a critical role, bridging the gap
between product development,
marketing and sales teams.
Filling his vacant sales
manager position is Brandon
McKellar, who has joined the
Z-Man staff at its home office in
Ladson, South Carolina. He will
work directly with national sales
manager Glenn Young.
“Ryan has been a huge help to
me over the years,” said Glenn,
who has guided Z-Man’s sales
team since 2009.
“So, we feel really fortunate
to have found Brandon to step
in and contribute immediately.
Brandon’s professional,
outgoing, easy-going nature is
already proving to be a great
fit for our team. Like everyone
here at Z-Man, he’s a diehard
angler. Beyond that, his diverse
background will serve him well
while running a sales territory.”
Brandon, a native of rural
South Carolina, added: “All
those years, I lived 10 minutes
down the road from the
lake where the ChatterBait
rose from a local legend to
a worldwide fish-catching
sensation. Pretty cool how
things have come full circle,
placing me with the same
great company who continues
creating new, fish-catching
ChatterBaits to this day.”
Among his many
responsibilities as sales manager,
Brandon will serve as first
point of contact for Z-Man’s
six sales rep groups in the US
and Canada as well as its major
distributors. In addition, he’ll
provide sales and promotional
support at annual tradeshows
and sportfishing conventions.
Brandon McKellar
Costa outlines protection
work in key report
Marking its 40th anniversary year, USbased
eyewear brand Costa Sunglasses has
released a comprehensive report into its
ongoing commitment to conservation and
sustainability.
Its second edition Protect Report
captures the brand’s work during 2021
and 2022, along its community of anglers,
adventure seekers, partners, retailers and
pros, to protect waterways and to conserve
the life within.
From building responsibly made gear, to
its Kick Plastic and OneCoast initiatives
and strong partnerships with missionaligned
conservation organisations, Costa
continues to lead the charge in pursuit of its
higher calling.
Alongside these, the report also
highlights purpose-built products like the
Untangled Collection, made from recycled
fishing nets, integrated programs such as
Trout Unlimited Costa 5 Rivers program
and Costa Compete + Conserve in the bass
space.
There are also details of international
work like the Marlin Fly Project,
mission-aligned conservation partners,
as Costa supports more than 40 coastal
and freshwater organisations as well as
showcasing how it has met all 17 United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Costa brand director Jed Larkin
explained: “We recognise the important
role businesses can play in protecting and
preserving our natural resources for future
generations, and we take that responsibility
to heart.
“We pride ourselves on working just as
hard to protect our watery world as we do
to discover new ways to experience it, and
much like the first edition, this report takes
that work and puts it into writing.”
www.costadelmar.com
14 www.tackletradeworld.com

DAIWA TATULA ELITE SPINNING REELS
HALF THE FRAME
ALL THE CAPACITY
FEATURING
ZAION® Ultra Compact Frame
ZAION®AIRDRIVE® ROTOR
Solid AIRDRIVE® BAIL
A7075 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
TOUGH DIGIGEAR
2 Ball Bearing Supported Advanced
Tournament Drag System (ATD)
For more info visit: Daiwa.us
FULL RANGE OF TERMINAL TACKLE AND ACCESSORIES
It’s a
family
thing
EST.
1958
F J Neil has been family owned and operated since the
1950s… and is still going strong! Under the Dolphin brand
we supply all types of terminal tackle and accessories, from
traditional bamboo poles to the latest rigs and lures.
• Competitive pricing
• Large stock inventory – no order delays
• Rapid turnaround • Export specialists
• Able to source any special requirements
FOR FULL TRADE DETAILS
PLEASE CONTACT US AT CANEFISH@AOL.COM / +1 631-957-1073
FJ NEIL COMPANY INC, 1064 ROUTE 109, PO BOX 617, LINDENHURST, NY 11757-0617 USA
We are looking for experienced agents or distributors for the European market. If qualified, email Neil Miritello at nmfjn@aol.com

FEATURE
ICAST
Are you ready to
register for ICAST?
Have you made plans yet to attend the largest sportfishing trade show in the world?
Registration for ICAST 2024, taking place in Orlando, Florida, this summer, opens in mid-
February.
Before the booths are built, the
banners strung and thousands
congregate at the largest
sportfishing trade show,
every person in attendance will begin
the journey to Florida by registering
for the show and making their hotel
arrangements.
Although the show doors don’t
physically open until July, from mid-
February onward, industry insiders will
be able to register for their place on the
show floor featuring the best in fishing
tackle, apparel and lifestyle products that
populate the annual trade show produced
by the American Sportfishing Association
(ASA).
At this event – running from July
16th to 19th at the Orange County
Convention Center in Orlando, Florida,
innovations from poppers to propellers
can be found wedged between a village of
industry professionals who have dedicated
their lives to life between the waves.
ICAST has become the only definitive
trade show for business owners searching
for the latest fishing and boating products
to offer their customers.
From household names like Shimano,
Abu Garcia and Mercury to upstart
manufacturers with niche products,
16 www.tackletradeworld.com
ICAST showcases new products designed
for the needs of nearly any customer base
anywhere in the world.
Last year, representatives from 80
countries made their way there to join a
crowd of more than 13,000 like-minded
buyers, media and manufacturers to get
a first-hand glimpse of the show for
themselves.
Doubling down on fly fishing
Attendees are getting excited to see what
is in store for ICAST 2024. Last year
the Fly Shop made its debut alongside
an enhanced New Product Showcase,
designed to elevate the profile of the fly
fishing sector at ICAST. It was a huge
success, so it is not only set to return but
to grow.
The ICAST Fly Shop is a dedicated,
simulated tackle shop where fly-centric
brands can display a wide variety of
tackle, gear, apparel and accessories. In
addition, it will house a hangout space for
attendees as well as casting exhibitions
and lessons at the adjacent fly casting
pond.
Maximising your ROI
ICAST, hands down, will give you the
best return on your investment.
In addition to valuable time spent on
the floor and networking, the show is set
to a backdrop of activities such as daily
Lunch & Learn business enhancement
seminars, a fishing tournament hosted by
Major League Fishing, ICAST On The
Water Product Demo Day sponsored by
Garmin and the State of the Industry
Breakfast.
ICAST is not just a trade show but a
sportfishing experience.
This year, ASA has stepped up to
deliver even more value for attendees.
ASA’s trade show and membership vice
president Blake Swango says that close
to 100 exhibitors are set to offer special
pricing incentives to dealers who place
orders at the show.
Those who do so will also be eligible
for daily cash prizes, with a chance for
one grand prize winner to take home a
fishing trip for two to Crocodile Bay,
Costa Rica.
To register and make hotel reservations
for ICAST 2024, visit ICASTFishing.org
and follow the prompts to reserve your
space. Registration is free for qualified
buyers.
ICAST
www. ICASTFishing.org

lineaeffe.it
happIness
is a FIshing day!
ANGLER: Daniele “Maio” Maioriello
@maio_nomura_angler_official
FIND OUT WHAT’S NEW IN
2024 ON WWW.LINEAEFFE.IT
FISH IN PEACE!
Lineaeffe S.p.a - Via Massumatico, 3689 - 40018 S. Pietro in Casale (BO) - ITALY - info@lineaeffe.it

FEATURE
After a number of key
changes to its Global
Management Team, Rapala
VMC is set for the future as
it sets new goals and focus
for the coming years. TTW
editor John Hunter asked
new president and CEO Lars
Ollberg what it’s all about…
TTW: FIRSTLY, LARS, WHAT BROUGHT
YOU BACK TO RAPALA VMC? I
THOUGHT YOU HAD RETIRED ?
LARS OLLBERG: I have had a 40-year
international career at Rapala, which ended
with the duties of chief operating officer
in Taiwan last summer. Or that’s what I
thought…
Last year, Rapala’s profits almost halved
when the boom in the fishing trade stopped.
In November, the board announced that
CEO Nicolas Warchalowski was leaving the
company. I was offered the position of CEO
at Rapala.
I looked into the future through my
history. I started as an assistant at Rapala,
doing this and doing that. I thought to
myself, if I didn’t accept the position of
CEO now I would regret it later. So, in May
2023, I took the helm…
THERE HAVE BEEN QUITE A FEW
CHANGES IN THE LAST COUPLE OF
YEARS AT RAPALA VMC. HOW HAS
THE COMPANY DEALT WITH THOSE?
Rapala is a success story, for which many
products and customers bring resilience to
recession.
We closed the loss-making Batam lure
factory in Indonesia. A modern central
warehouse was built in Pärnu, Estonia.
Everything looked deceptively good. But
if you had looked at the situation from
space, the entire Pacific Ocean was full of
containers of fishing tackle!
RAPALA VMC BOSS
READY FOR ONE
MORE TURN AS IT
REVEALS STRATEGY
18 www.tackletradeworld.com

Rapala VMC
FEATURE
Then the Covid-19 lockdowns ended,
people started travelling and group
exercising. In retrospect, it’s easy to say that
you should have kept a cool head and saved
money, but who could do that?
I believe that with strict cost control,
targeted marketing, personnel training and,
especially, further investment in the best
customer work on the market, the company
will be able to succeed excellently, both in
the short and especially in the long term.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST
CHALLENGES RECENTLY FOR RAPALA
VMC AND FOR THE WIDER TACKLE
INDUSTRY?
One large change is in our lure
production. We promptly decided that what
needs to be done, we will do it quickly and
then move on.
In the modern factory in Pärnu, Estonia,
we have invested heavily in technology and
newest production methods. We will always
make our advanced, handcrafted lures using
our own technology. The products that
were made in the discontinued factory in
Indonesia are now being made in selected
partners mainly in Asian countries.
We all know the sudden stop of Covid
euphoria resulted in not only inventories
in all parts of the supply chain but also an
increase in the production capacities around
the world. This added to the problem.
with Wild West metaphors.
“If I keep my ear to the ground, I hear
demand is coming, but you cannot really be
sure when,” I can say with a smile.
Throughout my career, I’ve changed
things. Sold, closed, integrated. There’s
practically no acquisition I haven’t done.
In the big picture, I don’t plan to make big
changes from my predecessor.
For example, a stronger focus on the
Rapala brand was left unfinished. Now it
will be implemented.
But I’d say we made a small strategic
mistake when we reduced sales of thirdparty
products too fast and too strongly.
That’s partly why the results suffered so
badly.
My plan is to use the sales network
again by distributing more products made
by others. This is also how the network’s
expenses are covered.
A record number of boats were sold in
North America during the Covid-19 era.
There is such a strong undercurrent that
it will not disappear anywhere. On the
contrary.
Rapala has distribution, brands, product
development and manufacturing of critical
WE KNOW THAT OVERSTOCKING
FOLLOWING COVID-19 HAS
BEEN A MAJOR ISSUE. RECENT
COMMUNICATIONS FROM RAPALA
VMC SEEM TO SUGGEST YOU SEE THIS
SITUATION STARTING TO IMPROVE.
WHY?
I believe the normalisation of the overdemand
situation created by coronavirus
is nearing completion and believe this will
benefit Rapala. We are closely monitoring
market trends and expect the recovery will
open opportunities for new growth plans.
Rapala’s success is based not only
on a strong globally renowned brand,
but also on skilled, professional and
committed personnel. The company
continuously invests in the development
of its personnel and the improvement of
working conditions to ensure a high level
of competence and teamwork.
This human-centric approach is an
integral part of Rapala VMC Corporation’s
business philosophy and competitive
advantage on a global level.
To strengthen customer relationships,
Rapala will be in constant interaction
with its customers and is ready to adapt to
changing market conditions. Rapala’s goal
is to be the best partner for its customers.
I’d like to describe the market situation
Jim Coble and
Lars Ollberg
agree increased
holding in
13Fishing
www.tackletradeworld.com
19

FEATURE
CrushCity soft lures
proved to be a big hit
in 2023
Lars Ollberg
and pro Jacob
Wheeler at
CrushCity launch
at iCAST 2023
products in its own hands. All the elements
are here… and now we focus on the
essentials.
WHAT’S THE THINKING BEHIND THE
GLOBAL MANAGEMENT TEAM AND
THE KEY APPOINTMENTS YOU HAVE
JUST ANNOUNCED?
Our key managers – some 25 key
people – gathered together in London
in September to make the strategy plan
for the future. The new team will guide
and accelerate its transformation process
and the management team will focus on
implementing the new strategic plan for
2024-26.
An important part of the
implementation process is matched,
measurable projects that focus on
improving profitability and working capital
management.
CAN YOU OUTLINE THE MAIN
PRINCIPLES UNDERPINNING YOUR
‘ONE MORE TURN’ STRATEGY AND
WHAT IT WILL ENABLE THE BUSINESS
TO ACHIEVE?
We will place special focus on strong
positive cash flow and accelerate inventory
turnover with the Together - One More
Turn strategy.
It offers the flexibility to react quickly
to market changes, while optimising the
financial performance of the business. Key
20 www.tackletradeworld.com
Performance Indicators (KPIs) are essential
for monitoring business and evaluating
success. All Rapala KPI’s steer operations
in the same direction in terms of financial
performance, customer satisfaction and
process efficiency, among other things.
THERE SEEMS TO BE A
PROLIFERATION OF NEWER BRANDS
THAT ARE FIERCELY COMPETITIVE.
HOW ARE YOU MAINTAINING OR EVEN
GROWING MARKET SHARE?
Rapala has successfully launched several
new, interesting products for the 2024
season. The most notable of these is Rapala
CrushCity, a collection of very popular
soft plastic lures, or jigs. Several retail
chains have reported an excellent start to
consumer sales and CrushCity has been the
best-selling product group in its category.
This further strengthens the Rapala
brand in its most important target market
in North America. The jig market is bigger
than the hard bait sector already dominated
by Rapala. Another positive message from
the market is fishing participation to climb
above the pre-Covid levels.
Basically, we need to adapt more
business practices from the USA so Rapala
also needs to be more American in this
sense. Being American also means more
active selling and investing in the brand.
RAPALA VMC OWNS A LARGE
NUMBER OF GLOBAL BRANDS AND
YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS (PURE
FISHING, RATHER OUTDOORS,
FAR BANK AND OTHERS). DO YOU
THINK WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE
CONSOLIDATION AND MORE BRANDS
BEING TAKEN UNDER THE WING OF
LARGER ORGANISATIONS?
It’s hard to imagine that we would be
driving consolidation now. On the other
hand, the world is on the move all the
time. We can be active on both sides
when the time is right. As a general
statement I’d say we develop our brands
for the long-term, though.
ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE
GLOBAL TACKLE TRADE’S SUCCESS IN
THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS?
We are cautiously optimistic of the
market trend developments. Rapala
is investing heavily in the key North
American market. We strive to identify
opportunities in the region and allocate its
resources optimally to meet demand.
In the European market, we place a
strong emphasis on restoring and growing
profitability and market share. In addition,
effective marketing campaigns and
strengthening customer relationships are
key elements in improving competitiveness.
In the Asian, South American and
African markets, we will ensure the
demand of our products there, leveraging
the appeal of our strong brands. The
strategy is a localised approach, where
products may also be tailored to the specific
needs of each market. This will strengthen
brand awareness and attractiveness, while
promoting Rapala VMC Corporation’s
position and growth opportunities in these
areas.
Lastly, we focus on areas that improve
the customer experience and meet market
needs. Satisfied customers support longterm
success. Rapala wants to be the best
partner to its customers.
RAPALA
www.rapalavmc.com

STOPPIONI s.n.c. Firenze Italy Prod. Effevuemme s.r.l.
Tel.+39 0558739615 -Fax +39 0558739648 stonfo@stonfo.com
MEMBER
Art.448
STONFO HOOK TYER
SMALL SIZE
LARGE SIZE
Device with soft touch handle for
tying fishing hook to the line.
insert and lock the hook passing of the line rotate tyer 5 times
1
2
3
Produced in two different sizes: the
small one is specially designed for
very small hook sizes from nr.14 to
28, the big one is suitable for hook
sizes from nr.6 to 18.
pass the line into the clip
press the clip down and pull the line
SPOOL LINE
unlock the hook and pull the line
Supplied with full instructions.
4
5
www.stonfo.com
6
A GROUNDBREAKING SERIES OF GUIDES AND TOPS,
TONY ENGINEERING, PATENT PENDING!
TONY HUANG
PACBAY MINIMA - X offers an unparalleled level of durability, solving the problems commonly associated with inner rings
popping out or getting crushed. Through extensive reform and innovation, PACBAY MINIMA - X is constructed using highstrength
, one-piece stainless steel. Both the guides and tops utilize mirror polishing, multi-layer Hard Chrome plating, and
Titanium plating processes, resulting in corrosion resistance, low friction, and high thermal conductivity. As a result , the friction
force during long-distance casting or retrieving is significantly reduced.
If you’ve ever experienced the nightmare of losing or breaking your inner ring while battling a tough fish, you’ll appreciate the superiority of PACBAY
MINIMA - X. Currently, we offer sizes ranging from #05 to #20, with plans to expand up to #50. More sizes and models will be available soon. We believe
these guides are ideal for lure anglers, particularly carp anglers who often face issues with the #50 stripper guide getting damaged during transportation.
With PACBAY MINIMA - X, this problem has been entirely eliminated.
In summary, PACBAY MINIMA - X guides and tops are renowned for their exceptional durability and ability to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.
This innovation in the fishing world, through the abandonment of ceramic and stainless-steel rings, allows fishermen to bid farewell to the nightmares of
ring breakages, crushing, and detachment.
Build Great Fishing Rods
www.fishpacbay.com
info@fishpacbay.com

SPOTLIGHT ON...
reels
SPOTLIGHT ON
REELS
With a couple of exceptions, fishing reels are essential tools in angling, designed
to assist in the retrieval and deployment of your line. There are various types, each
serving specific purposes, catering to different fishing styles and at different price
points. Here‘s your guide…
Almost every method or style of
fishing requires a reel – aside
from pole fishing and Tenkara
– and most reels are specific to the style
or discipline they are designed to service,
although there some variations on a
theme.
From ultra-lightweight fly reels to fixed
spool ‘spinning’ reels in a bewildering
array of sizes through to giant multipliers
capable of holding thousands of yards of
line to handle huge jigs and lures used
in offshore fishing. There are even some
which wind the line in automatically.
FiXeD spool reels
Arguably the most popular type as
they are easy to use, often cheap to
buy, require little maintenance and are
favoured for a wide variety of fishing
disciplines, from float fishing on rivers,
lakes or at sea, to hauling in big carp
and catfish, to casting lures for bass and
predators across the globe.
A fixed spool reel is based around a
non-rotating spool that is, as the name
implies, fixed in place. A bail arm rotates
around this spool and winds line around
it when reeling in.
Generally speaking, the more ball
bearings a reel has, the better it will
perform. Entry-level fixed spool reels
are likely to have a single ball bearing,
whereas high-end reels will have many
more.
Fixed spool reels offer either front
drag or rear drag options but with either
system the aim is to allow line to slowly
peel off the reel before the force of a
fighting fish snaps it.
As technology improves, reels are
getting lighter and stronger while
offering improved line lay for smoother
casting among other advancements.
One key development to fixed spool
reels occurred back in 1985 when
Shimano introduced its revolutionary
Baitrunner reels.
These free-spool reels (as every other
manufacturer had to call them thanks
to Shimano wisely trademarking the
Baitrunner name) were targeted at the
growing carp market across Europe
and essentially meant that line could
be pulled off the reel with the bail arm
closed, allowing a fish to run with the
bait it had picked up.
24 www.tackletradeworld.com

SPOTLIGHT ON...
Reels
Multiplier Reels
Multipliers are so-called because turning the
handle a single turn causes the spool to rotate
multiple times, thanks to the configuration
of the gear ratio. The free-running, adjustable
spool allows for greater casting distance
while the cranking power of the spool design
is more effective and efficient when reeling
in.
These are particularly used when sea
fishing and beach casting a very long
distance. The high ratio provides the retrieve
speed to get rigs up off the sea bed and high
in the water, away from snags.
Offshore boat anglers use multipliers to
retrieve lures and pirks from great depths.
In addition, they are powerful reels ideally
suited for playing big, hard-fighting fish.
Meanwhile, a neat braking system reduces
the speed of the spinning spool during a
cast, making the reel more manageable and
providing additional control.
These reels are typically offered with either
a centrifugal or a magnetic braking system;
generally the latter are thought to offer the
best performance but they are also the most
expensive.
A level-wind system lays line across the
spool evenly when reeling in so that the
angler has no need to do this manually.
Baitcaster Reels
The spincast is one of the easiest reels to use,
making it perfect for children and beginners.
It has a cover or closed face to keep all the
essential parts of the reel protected. To use
the reel, you simply press down on the thumb
button on the back during your forward cast,
letting the line out. Once you let go of the
button, the line will stop peeling out, making
it easy to control.
Baitcasters are a little more difficult to
use. When casting, you must keep the spool
under control or it will turn into a bird’s nest
of line. Experienced anglers will use their
thumb to brake and control the line as they are
casting to prevent backlash or tangles.
Popular with bass anglers in the USA,
these are now increasing in popularity
throughout Europe for predator fishing, where
the lightweight design and direct contact
make working lures extremely efficient and
rewarding.
Baitcasters ensure speed and accuracy and
need to be durable, since they will have to cope
with hundreds or even thousands of casts per
session.
Fly Reels
A fly reel is probably the simplest of all fishing
reels, being little more than a drum to store
a fly line and sufficient backing. Turning the
handle of the reel wraps the line around the
arbor and to remove line from the reel you
simply pull the fly line above the reel with your
hand.
Materials used in their construction
nowadays include aluminium, steel,
magnesium, plastic, carbon fibre and
composites. Many boast interchangeable spools
or cassette systems and can be easily converted
from right to left hand retrieves.
Fly reels come in various shapes and
sizes to suit different types of fly fishing
and tend to differ in three main ways: size,
construction and drag. This affects their
suitability for different types of fly fishing, as
well as impacting their price. They are made
in three main ways: bar stock aluminium,
die-cast aluminium or plastic composite. The
majority tend to be die-cast aluminium as they
are cheaper and easier to produce and work
perfectly well, although barstock aluminium
reels are considered the best; machined from
single blocks of aluminium they’re lighter,
more resilient and can easily last decades if
well looked after. However, this makes them
a bit more expensive to purchase.
Final thoughts
When choosing a fishing reel, key deciding
factors will obviously include the type of
fishing you’ll be doing, the species you’re
targeting and their size, line weight, tactics
and your level of experience.
Additionally, the reel should be
matched with an appropriate rod
for optimal performance. Regular
maintenance, such as cleaning and
lubrication, is also crucial to ensure the
longevity and functionality of your fishing
reel.
www.tackletradeworld.com
25

SPOTLIGHT ON...
REELS
DAIWA
LEXA BAITCASTER
Having achieved cult-like status with freshwater and inshore big-fish
anglers, the long-casting and palmable low-profile baitcaster has been
made even better.
The LEXA boasts a new level of palmability, reliable and precise UTD
carbon drag, MAGFORCE cast control, Infinite Anti-Reverse, and new EVA
handle knobs, which are sure to be a hit with the guys chasing big toothy
critters.
It is available in two additional sizes – the LX300 and LX400 – and with a
power handle or a double paddle handle.
It comes in right- and left-handed versions in two different gear ratios:
6.3:1 and 7.1:1. Both were designed to meet the needs and expectations of
saltwater anglers fishing different presentations.
www.daiwa.us
VOSSELER
PASSION CARBON FLY REEL
At German reel manufacturer Vosseler, modern materials meet
classic design for a ‘reel dream’. The combination of classic design
and state-of-the-art technology makes this an elegant fly reel variant.
The different sizes can be used for everything from delicate grayling
fishing to challenging salmon drills.
It’s a stylish gem for fly fishermen with a sense of tradition… and
passion.
Everything that Vosseler does is driven by passion; that‘s what
makes the difference, being hands on with every part from first
design, construction and prototyping to series production.
All its reels are made in its own production facility, in the south of
Germany between the Black Forest and the Swabian Alps.
The team works with modern CNC machines alongside SolidWorks
for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and Solid CAM (Computer-Aided
Manufacturing) for machine programming.
www.vosseler.com
OKUMA
FLITE SURF
The Flite Surf spinning reel incorporates a high-performance
9HPB+1RB corrosion-resistant bearing system and a quick-set antireverse
roller bearing, ensuring a smooth and effortless experience
from the edge of the water.
The A7075 aluminium main shaft design reduces weight, while the
machined aluminium screw-in handle design ensures maximum
comfort.
In addition, there’s HDG-II high-density gearing with a machine-cut
brass pinion gear, a worm shaft transmission with 35mm superslow
oscillation for increased line lay, and a lightweight, machined
aluminium, long cast spool design.
Currently with one model, this 12000 size reel packs on 835 yards of
12lb monofilament line.
www.okumafishing.com
SEVIIN
GF SERIES BAITCASTER
New reel brand SEVIIN has unveiled its GF Series of six low-profile
baitcasting models in three available gear ratios with right-hand or lefthand-retrieve
configurations.
Featuring a 4+1 stainless-steel bearing system (the two bearings on the
spool shaft being Japanese stainless steel), carbon and stainless-steel drag
componentry, and hardened brass pinion and drive gears, GF Series reels
combine smooth casting, retriev and drag operation with great gear feel
and excellent durability.
Light, comfortable, and solid in the hand, they boast ported aluminium
spools and carbon fibre handles to minimise weight, while a strong,
one-piece graphite frame and side plates yield excellent rigidity, further
enhancing the satisfying way GF reels feel and perform.
seviinreels.com
26 www.tackletradeworld.com

Registration
Now Open!
July 16-19
Orlando, FL
POWERED BY
Orange County Convention Center
ICASTfishing.org

DBW...
GreAt LAKes
GREAT
d o i n G B u s i n
LAKES
e s s w i t h . . .
everything about the Great Lakes region, which spans eight us states
and two canadian provinces, is huge. Alongside a staggering amount of
freshwater and fishing oppotunities, they are a remarkable benefit to the
economy in terms of tourism and more than 1.8 million anglers per year.
T
he Great
Lakes were
formed about
10,000 years
ago when
glaciers
receded from
North America at the end of the
last Ice Age.
These vast inland seas contain
one-fifth of the world’s fresh
surface water and are home to
177 species of fish. The Great
Lakes fishery is a key feature
of the region’s history, culture,
environment, and economy.
The five Great Lakes
themselves are Superior,
Michigan, Huron, Erie and
Ontario and are either on or
near the US/Canadian border.
Their commercial, recreational
and tribal fisheries are
collectively valued at more than
$7 billion annually and support
more than 75,000 jobs.
Each year, there is $278
billion in bilateral US-Canadian
trade in the Great Lakes area
– more than the entire region
trades with countries like
Mexico, China, UK, Germany
and Japan combined.
With 107 million residents,
51 million jobs and a GDP of
US$6 trillion, if the region were
its own country, it would have
the third biggest economy in the
world.
The lakes attract visitors
from around the world and
support a tourism and recreation
sector that provides economic
sustainability and growth to
coastal communities.
NATIVE FISH SPECIES
The Great Lakes support
139 native species. Sculpins,
gizzard shad, several species of
shiners, and ciscoes sustain top
predators including lake trout,
walleye, large and smallmouth
bass, and brook trout. In
addition, some forage species
such as ciscoes and yellow
perch provide recreational
and commercial fishing
opportunities.
Four lesser-known native fish
28 www.tackletradeworld.com

DBW...
GreAt LAKes
GeoGrAphy
Surface area: 94,250 sq m (244,106 sq km)
Average depth: 60-480 (18-146m), depending on lake
Max depth: 210-1,300 (64-396m), depending on lake
Water volume: 5,439 cubic miles 22,671 cubic km)
Top export partners:
– us/canada
– mexico
– china
– uK
– Germany
Top import partners:
– canada
– china
– mexico
– Japan
– Germany
fAct fiLe
Largest US city in the region: Chicago
Area population: 107 million
President: Joe Biden
Official language: English
Time zones: Central Time Zone
Currency: US $
Internet domain: .us
in the Great Lakes are actually
lamprey species and are seen as
a natural and important part of
the diverse ecosystem here.
NON-NATIVE FISH SPECIES
At least 34 non-native fish
species are present in the
Great Lakes. These have been
introduced through multiple
vectors including migration
around barriers and through
canals, intentional introduction
by humans (most notably, three
species of Pacific salmon),
discharge of ballast water from
cargo ships, escapement from
aquaculture facilities, and
release of live bait.
THE VALUE OF FISHING
The 2016 National Survey
of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation
by the US Fish and Wildlife
Service is the most-recent
source of economic data with
respect to recreational fishing
on the Great Lakes.
The study reports the Great
Lakes accounted for roughly
eight per cent or $2.88 billion
of the total $36 billion spent
on recreational fishing trips
and equipment in the US in
2016.
Of the reported $7.4 billion
spent specifically on fishing
equipment that same year
nationwide, the study attributes
$158 million, or about two
per cent, of that total to Great
Lakes anglers.
An update to this study was
completed in 2022 but does not
contain Great Lakes-specific
data. The 2022 National
Survey of Fishing, Hunting,
and Wildlife-Associated
Recreation reports annual
fishing equipment expenditures
of $8.7 billion nationwide.
Assuming Great Lakes
fishing equipment expenditures
remained two per cent of the
national total, as they were
in 2016, Great Lakes anglers
would have spent in the region
of $174 million on fishing
equipment in 2022.
www.tackletradeworld.com
29

DBW...
GREAT LAKES
h o w d o t h e y f i s h ?
Over 1.8 million recreational anglers enjoy
fishing the Great Lakes.
Smallmouth bass are the most popular
species anglers target – perhaps not
surprising since bass are one of the USA’s
favourite freshwater fish.
Walleye and largemouth bass are also
prolific; there’s salmon and steelhead
fishing too, but not as much as in the
northwest.
Methods for bass include boat and
bank fishing with artificial baits, same for
walleye. Smallmouth bass can be caught
on a wide range of natural and artificial
baits or lures, including
crankbaits, hair jigs, plastic
jerkbaits, artificial worms,
spinnerbaits and all types of
soft plastic lures, including
curly tail grubs or tubes
with lead head jigs.
Spinning reels or
baitcasting reels may be
used, with line strengths of
6 to 15lb typically utilised.
Bass can also be caught
with a fly rod using a dry
or wet artificial fly, nymphs,
streamers, or imitations
of larger aquatic creatures.
Floating topwater popper
fly patterns and buzz baits
are also popular.
In colder water, it is more effective to
use smaller lures, jigs or spinners. During
the rest of the year, smallmouth are usually
caught on soft plastic tubes or spinnerbaits.
Fishing for walleye is also popular with
anglers, casting or trolling with spinners
or minnow-imitating plugs. Jig fishing,
and spoons are also effective. Live baits are
often used, such as nightcrawlers (worms),
minnows, or leeches, jigged, drifted or
trolled.
In springtime walleye will take almost
any bait or lure but can be challenging to
catch in the summer, until autumn brings
another peak of feeding activity. Walleye
are also readily caught through the ice in
winter, usually on jigs, jigging spoons or
minnows.
Panfish such as crappie are another
popular target, with effective lures being
small jigs but one of the best baits is live
minnows fished under a bobber float.
Crappie are active in the winter, which also
makes them very popular for ice fishing.
Ultralight rods and reels are a good choice
for crappie fishing.
For Northern pike and muskies, big
jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and bucktails work
well, while many successful pike anglers
anchor or slowly drift with a dead smelt or
live sucker below a bobber.
For lake trout, casting spoons, spinners,
and curlytail jigs is popular, as is fishing
with minnows.
For summer-run steelhead from June
to mid-August, trolling large spoons and
rattling, shallow-diving crankbaits near pier
heads is successful, while for king salmon
lures, large flashers and herring are popular
in the cold water. To catch the steelheads,
trolling fast in 45 to 65ft depths with
spoons running 20 to 50 feet down is a
great tactic.
i n d u s t r y V I E W
Bryan Darland, Fishing Department Buyer at Jay’s Sporting Goods
Jay’s Sporting Goods is an
independent, family-owned
sporting goods retailer with two,
roughly 100,000 sq ft retail stores
in Clare and Gaylord, Michigan,
as well as an e-commerce
store. Bryan Darland says
approximately 20 per cent of retail
floor space is dedicated to fishing
equipment.
“Overall, the popularity of
Great Lakes fishing continues
to increase, but three key factors
always seem to drive the ebb
and flow. Rumours and reports
of fishing quality are always
important. In most of the key
Great Lakes fisheries that
drive our business – walleye on
Saginaw Bay and Lake St Claire,
as well as salmon and trout,
yellow perch, and smallmouth bass
throughout Lake Michigan and
Lake Huron – are as good and
as they have been in a long time.
Strong fisheries management
practices and healthy baitfish
populations are the primary
reasons why.”
That’s great news for Great
Lakes anglers and retailers like
Jay’s, but economic conditions and
fuel prices, specifically, are another
primary factor.
“Bigger water means longer
runs, often in bigger boats, and
burning more fuel,” Darland
says. “Higher fuel prices like
we’re seeing now definitely have
a negative impact on Great
Lakes fishing participation and
corresponding retail sales of
tackle.”
Darland says overall fishing
trends and technological
advancements are the third
factor driving increased interest
in fishing on the Great Lakes.
“Electronics has always been a
leading category when it comes
to real innovation in the fishing
industry. From the various live
sonar systems to trolling-motor
technologies that integrate with
sonar and GPS, today’s electronics
make it easier for anglers to have
more success on the water.
“Here on the Great Lakes,
walleye and salmon anglers can
now use live sonar to monitor
their trolling spreads, perch
anglers can use the anchor or
spot-lock feature on their trolling
motor to stay on top of the schools,
and smallmouth bass, walleye and
even salmon and trout anglers can
use live, forward-looking sonar to
actively hunt fish.
“Specific pockets throughout
the Great Lakes have become
popular, national destinations for
trophy smallmouth bass anglers
in recent years, attracting a new
class of anglers to the Great Lakes
who wouldn’t otherwise fish there.
“More than it has for perhaps
any other Great Lakes species,
today’s live sonar technologies
are making it easier than ever
for anglers to catch more of these
trophy-sized smallmouth.”
• Industry View content
supplied by New Buffalo,
Michigan-based Josh Lantz, a
freelance outdoor communicator
and corporate communications
manager for St Croix Rod.
30 www.tackletradeworld.com

DBW...
GREAT LAKES
t a r g e t
s p e c i e s
T o p T h r e e
F i s h
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus
dolomieu)
One of the black bass species, the smallmouth bass has a
pale brown or olive green body. Adult smallmouth bass
can grow up to 26 inches long, but most are eight to
22 inches. Their body is pale brown or olive green, and
features a number of small, dusky brown blotches and
five to 15 indistinct lateral bars. Unlike the largemouth
bass, the lower jaw does not extend past its eye.
The smallmouth bass is potentially the toughest
fighting freshwater fish in North America, and is
commonly the targeted species in many freshwater
fishing tournaments. The current all-tackle world record
11lb 15oz.
Walleye (Sander vitreus)
The walleye is a freshwater fish in the perch family that
is a popular and commonly stocked game fish. Long
and thin, primarily gold and olive in colour, with a white
belly, they have two dorsal fins – one of which is spiny.
The mouth is large with sharp teeth, and it has low-light
vision that helps it find prey at night.
Walleye weigh up to 10 to 20lb (4.5 to 9kg) and the
IGFA all tackle record is 25lb 0oz (11.34kg).
Crappie (Pomoxis)
One of a group of species known as panfish, the crappie
is widely considered to be among the best tasting
freshwater fish, one of the most fun to catch and a very
popular North American game fish.
The white crappie is lighter in colour with vertical
black stripes, while the black crappie is darker with a
pattern of black spots. Both species are similar in size,
shape, and habits. The average crappie weighs up to
around 1lb and measures up to 12 inches, though they
are capable of growing much larger.
Popular as food and prized by sport fishermen, they
are native to the eastern United States but have been
introduced elsewhere.
www.tackletradeworld.com
31

MAKING
CONTACT
Making Contact
2
1
Want your products to
be seen by thousands of
potential buyers… FREE
of charge? Then get in
touch, we’d love to hear
from you.
1 MAP
LONG HOOK LENGTH BOX
2 Z-MAN FISHING
GOBIUS SWIMBAIT
3 MILLENNIUM MARINE
SPYDERLOCK GEN-2 R-100
3
JOHN HUNTER
+44 7990 542958
john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk
Contact John directly for details of
how to send your product and a
short description to Tackle Trade
World’s office.
Perfect for storage of hooklengths
from 4in through to 4ft and
supplied with 10 rubber grommets
to prevent line kinking.
The double-sided box features
a UV protective lid, ultra-strong
solid pins and a unique built-in
measuring tool.
The box can store literally
hundreds of hooklengths.
www.mapfishing.co.uk
Accurately mimicking the body
shape and detail of a real goby,
the Gobius swimbait is poured
from impossibly soft yet durable
ElaZtech superplastic material,
producing maximum underwater
movement and longevity.
Key specs include a split dorsal
fin brush guard, bottom hugging
jig harness that enables the
Gobius’ swimming, creeping action
while always deflecting cover, plus
a deep, compressible hook pocket
that skyrockets your hookset ratio.
zmanfishing.com
This pole mount/ track system
has been designed explicitly for
spider rigging, pushing or pulling
crankbaits, long-lining,and fast or
slow trolling.
It enables anglers to securely
mount up to four rod heads in
virtually any pattern desired. The
crossbar is height-adjustable
from 12in to 20in and can rotate
360 degrees, so the positioning
possibilities are endless.
When not in use, the track
system disassembles easily with
just two knobs and no tools are
necessary.
www.millenniummarine.com
32 www.tackletradeworld.com

Daiwa
FEATURE
DAIWA’S HARRIER
LANDS TO AID SUPER
LIGHT JIGGING
Growing in popularity among saltwater anglers,
lighter weight and action jigging tackle is proving
to be a highly effective technique to target many
species. Daiwa’s Harrier Super Light Jigging rods are
there to help.
Always at the forefront of the
latest trends, Daiwa now
provides the right super light
jigging spinning rods for this
specialised technique, with four 6ft 10in
models to optimally handle jigs from 20
to 100g.
The Harrier series includes the
ultralight power model (HRSLJ610ULS)
rated for use with up to 20lb braid
and jigs up to 45g; a light power
(HRSLS610LS) rod also for up to
20lb braid and up to 60g jigs; while for
those scaling up to to 30lb, a mediumlight
power (HRSLJ610MLS) handles
jigs up to 80g and a medium power
(HRSLJ610MS) caters for those up to
100g.
With the Harrier SLJ’s lightweight
thin blank featuring a strong background
and an extra-sensitive tip, anglers using
the rapid rod movement and fast retrieves
can finesse their jigs to entice exciting
fish strikes.
The rods rely on Daiwa’s HVF
NanoPlus carbon technology to
reinforce the blank through a micro-level
arrangement of material in the plastic
resin, creating a smaller, lighter, and
rigid yet powerful blank with
impressive fish-stopping power
despite the size.
The X-45 Bias Construction
has greater strength and prevents twisting
and ovalisation. If the blank maintains
hoop strength under load, it is much more
powerful for its size. They all feature
Tangle Free Fuji K-Guides.
Daiwa’s saltwater fishing expert Marc
Mills said: “Anglers on both coasts and
Gulf waters can target grouper, snapper,
kingfish, tuna, and all kinds of shallow
species with Daiwa’s jigging system
approach.
“We suggest you match up the Harrier
SLJ rod with either Daiwa’s Saltist MQ
or BG MQ 3000 to 5000 size saltwater
spinning reel, spool them up with 10 to
20lb J-Fluro fluorocarbon leader and 20
to 30lb J-Braid, and then select any of
our 20 to 100g, including our new KO
and Bull Steel jigs and you’ll be ready for
some great fishing excitement.”
The SLJ rods join Daiwa’s expanding
Harrier jig rod line-up, which also
includes the slow-pitch jig rods for jigs
up to 500g, the Harrier-X series for
jigs from 50 to 250g, plus a value-price
Harrier series constructed with slim
profile graphic composite blanks for jigs
from 40 to 180g.
DAIWA
www.daiwa.us
HARRIER SLJ RODS FEATURES
• HVF NanoPlus uses nano resin control
technology in the blank construction
process for increased graphite density
within the blank
• Split grip has an exposed blank
section between the reel seat and the
end of the rod for beer casting and
rod control
• X45 eliminates blank twist and
increases power
• X45 radically improves rod strength,
durability, and sensitivity
• Tangle Free Fuji K-Guides maintain
hoop strength under load
• Four spinning models
www.tackletradeworld.com
33

CHINESE FISHERMEN TRANSFORM INTO
FISHING GUIDES
In order to better play the role of industry associations as
a bridge during the ten-year fishing ban in the Yangtze
River, the Recreational Fishing Association (CRAA)
participated in the Hubei Yangtze River Ecological
Protection Foundation guided by the Agricultural and
Rural Yangtze River Basin Fishery Supervision and
Management Office. The "Yangtze River Fishermen's
Alternative Livelihood Demonstration Project for
Ten-Year Ban on Fishing and Retirement of Fishing"
was initiated by (CCF) and supported by HSBC
Bank (China) Co., Ltd. and Beijing Entrepreneur
Environmental Protection Foundation (SEE).
The ten-year ban on fishing in the Yangtze River has
achieved remarkable results so far. The ecological
environment of the Yangtze River basin has been greatly
improved, and aquatic biological resources are gradually
recovering. At the same time, in order to ensure the
quality of employment for retired fishermen, it is crucial
to explore new forms of conversion for retired fishermen
and find sustainable alternative livelihood models for
retired fishermen.
This project has set up demonstration sites in Wuhan
and Chongqing to explore new paths for retired
fishermen to switch to other industries based on actual
conditions. During the pilot period, 16 systematic and
professional training courses were carried out, and a
total of 614 fishermen rangers and fishing ground related
personnel were trained, and 26 fishermen were provided
with employment opportunities. The mini program has
added 248 registered fishing guides. Based on the fishing
characteristics of different river sections, the two pilot
areas have compiled standardized training materials
on fishing management, and developed 2 training
manuals and 6 video teaching materials. In addition,
public accounts and video accounts have been used to
demonstrate the transformation of front-line fishermen
who have retired from fishing. Employment style,
spread to more than 1.5 million people, and collected 97
excellent cases of fishermen who retired from fishing and
switched to employment.
During the implementation of the project, the
Recreational Fishing Association organized industry
experts to conduct on-site visits to investigate the
production and operation of recreational fisheries
in fishing areas and fishing villages, understand the
problems encountered during the development of the
industry, and understand the intentions and needs of
retired fishermen to engage in recreational fisheries.
Based on the survey results and the collection of relevant
questionnaire survey information, a comprehensive
analysis is made of the relevant policy needs of
fishermen who have retired from fishing and become
fishing guides. At the same time, the association actively
promotes and publicizes fishing management policies
and standardizes fishing behavior in the Yangtze River
Basin in conjunction with competition activities,
so that anglers and the public fully understand the
purpose and significance of "guiding civilized fishing
and building a living Yangtze River together". Based
on the actual situation of fishermen in Chongqing
and Wuhan piloting the conversion of fishermen into
"fishing guides" and the results of expert discussions at
the 2023 Fishermen's Conversion Experience Seminar,
the research team studied and explored the model and

direction of fishermen's conversion to work, and formed
the "Fishermen who retired from fishing" Report on
Policy Suggestions for Conversion of Fishing Guides”
and submitted to the relevant fishery management
departments.
In the report, the research team analyzed the
comprehensive questionnaire data and found that
fishermen aged 49 to 59 who retired from fishing had
a low level of education, and their overall physical
fitness was relatively on the decline. They had formed a
relatively fixed living habit pattern, and new things and
new Difficulties in receiving knowledge, and situations
such as not reaching the age of receiving social security
benefits. At the same time, during the survey, we found
that the professional basis and management of fishing
guides are unclear, and policy support is incomplete;
fishermen who have retired from fishing are worried
about the stability of their jobs when they switch to other
jobs, and their career positioning is vague and publicity
is not in place.
Based on the implementation and promotion of the
project, the CRAA research team made suggestions to
the relevant management departments in the report:
First, the positioning and classification of fishing guides
should be clarified, and fishing guides should be divided
into two categories: auxiliary patrol and executive service.
According to the actual work situation, corresponding
management rules are formulated; secondly, based on
the basic abilities of the personnel, with guidance and
guidance of fishing as the core, the professionalization
of fishing guide positions is promoted, serving
different application scenarios, and encouraging the
establishment of fishing guides in specific scenarios and
places. The third is to adopt methods such as priority
training, preferential training, and exemptions for
fishermen who have retired from fishing, and effectively
use government and social forces to provide priority
training for fishermen who have retired from fishing,
and support fishermen who have retired from fishing
to become fishing guides through training; the fourth
is to By expanding publicity efforts, more recreational
fishery practitioners, fishing enthusiasts, volunteers, etc.
can increase recognition of the profession of fishing
guides and gradually establish the professional identity
of fishing guides; fifth, give play to the coordinating role
of civil society organizations to promote multi-party
The mutual sharing of resources creates synergy and
effectively promotes the transformation of fishermen
who have retired from fishing into fishing guides.
With the continuous development of the recreational
fishery industry, the demand for recreational fishery
workers is also gradually expanding. The implementation
of the conversion of fishermen who have retired from
fishing to become fishing guides is expected to develop
into a long-term and stable new way of re-employment
of fishermen who have retired from fishing.

REVIEW OF THE 2023 CHINA SUZHOU WINTER
FISHING TACKLE SHOW
The three-day winter Suzhou Shanghua Fishing Gear Exhibition will have a grand opening at the Suzhou International
Expo Center from December 1-3, 2023. This grand event brings together nearly 700 fishing tackle manufacturers
across the country. It is like a fishing carnival, allowing fishing enthusiasts to gather together to make friends through
fishing and share the joy of fishing.
During the exhibition, the organizers invited exhibiting companies to participate. They held a variety of interactive
activities on site, including not only fishing competitions, fishing gear displays, but also experience sharing, which
brought a highly participatory event to the audience. fishing experience event. At this exhibition, visitors can not only
view a variety of fishing gear, but also participate through on-site interactions and online platforms to feel the fun and
harvest of fishing.
This exhibition also specially invites buyers from all over the country to come and visit. In order to encourage buyers
to actively participate, the organizer has launched a preferential policy of "you purchase, I subsidize" to provide
accommodation subsidies to buyers who make reservations in advance. At the same time, the organizer has also
prepared raffle tickets for reservation buyers, and generous prizes such as mobile phones, high-quality fishing gear,
and customized buckets will be given away on site!
In addition, this exhibition also specially launched customized souvenirs for the exhibition. These souvenirs not
only have collection value, but can also be distributed to exhibitors at the exhibition site. This will bring unexpected
surprises and gains to the audience.
In short, Suzhou Shanghua Fishing Gear Exhibition is not only a platform for display, communication and
interaction, but also a feast for fishing enthusiasts and buyers. On this platform, everyone can find content and
opportunities that interest them. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or a buyer, you can’t miss this event!

CATCH 100 POUNDS OF CHINESE MACKEREL
IN PENGHU
Sea fishing is amazing! Penghu fisherman Axun was fishing on Jilong Island outside Magong Port on
December 19. He accidentally caught a Chinese mackerel weighing nearly 50 kilograms. The market price
was NT$2,000 per kilogram. He unexpectedly made a small fortune years ago and made him People are
quite envious of their good luck. Although the Chinese Mackerel is similar to the Spanish Mackerel, the
number is quite small. Sometimes it really takes a bit of luck to catch it.
Chinese Mackerel (scientific name: Scomberomorus sinensis), also known as Chinese Mackerel and common
name Mackerel, is a fish of the Actinopterygiida, Perciformes, Scombroid suborder, Scombridae, and the
genus Scomberos. The type origin of this species is in China. It is distributed in the South China Sea, Taiwan
Strait, East China Sea, Yellow Sea and other sea areas. It is an offshore warm water pelagic fish with a body
length of up to 218 cm and is edible.
Axun said that he went out to sea with his friends today and fished in the sea of Jilong Island. Suddenly the
hook sank and the fishing rod was bent halfway. It could not be pulled up by one person alone. Two people on
the boat worked together and pulled it up for half an hour. Only then did we pull the huge fish onto the boat.
It was visually taller than a person. It turned out to be Chinese mackerel. The current market price is about
NT$2,000 per kilogram. It made people unexpectedly make a small fortune.
Every year on the eve of the Lunar New Year, it is the peak season for Penghu platinum native fish. The price
of the local fish is high. As the small fish migrate to the coastal waters of Penghu in search of food, fishing
boats from all the fishing ports in Penghu almost come out to catch the local fish in various fishing grounds.
Mackerel, the Chinese Mackerel caught today, is a close relative of the Mackerel. Although it looks similar,
the price is lower.

FEATURE
RELIX CONTINUES
TO BE A RELIABLE
TACKLE PARTNER
With so many companies making fishing tackle nowadays, you need partners you can trust.
Relix is a name backed by more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, with customers
all over the world.
When PT Central Sarana
Pancing began injection
moulding a range of
products including plastic
boxes, in Indonesia back in 1991, the
founders could hardly have imagined that
33 years later they would be a trusted
name in fishing tackle around the world.
While many of its products were
developed alongside local anglers to
38 www.tackletradeworld.com
handle the varied fishing opportunities
in the region – covering both fresh and
saltwater – this knowledge and skill soon
led its tackle to be sought after by other
markets too.
EXPANDING THE SERVICE
From those relatively humble beginnings,
today PT Central Sarana Pancing and its
brands, including the well-known Relix
fishing tackle, supply everything from
fishing lines (including monofilament,
fluorocarbon and braid) to rods and
reels to discerning customers in many
countries.
It also now boasts three different
manufacturing facilities, where its fishing
lines are produced.
Two of these are located in west Java
near Jakarta and are charged with making

Relix
FEATURE
its wide selection of braided line and
monofilament.
Another facility in central Java
manufactures monofilament specifically
for commercial fishing markets and for
hook tying.
Alongside its braids and leader lines,
it also works closely its specialist design
DRIVE AND DETERMINATION
Much of its success can be put down to
not only its strong team of designers and
developers – many of whom are dedicated
anglers with years of tackle know-how
and understanding – but its strong longterm
relationships with customers, who
also provide valuable feedback.
“Stable and continuous orders mean that the
PT Central Sarana Pancing brand teams can
then focus on new product development.”
and development team to supply rods and
reels, not to mention countless accessories
and even lures.
Thanks to Indonesia’s geography, there
are plenty of opportunities for a wide
variety of fishing and this is what has
helped shape many of the company’s
offerings over the years.
But its success in the domestic market
spurred it on to further develop items
for many other disciplines and markets,
including a strong line-up of carp and
catfish equipment.
The in-house team includes a
development department which is
constantly on the lookout for new ideas
or suggesting prototypes of items.
Meanwhile, its field testers put every
item of tackle through its paces and offer
valuable feedback and insight in a bid to
ensure only the very best products reach
the market.
The long-term relations with its
customers have another benefit too.
Stable and continuous orders mean that
the PT Central Sarana Pancing brand
teams can then focus on new product
development, making for efficient
production and ensuring strong growth.
Indeed, the company reports that it
is very optimistic for the coming year,
especially as it has a whole string of new
products scheduled for release.
These include additions to its reel
collections, a completely new range of
rods, focused mainly on the Indonesian
market) while continuously develop
further improvements on both its PE
(polyethylene) line and monofilaments.
RELIX
+62 21 5961265
sales@relixfishing.com
www.relixfishing.com
www.tackletradeworld.com
39

FEATURE
Zenaq
TESTED TO THE LIMIT
Quality Japanese rod maker Zenaq’s SINPAA concept is an offshore casting rod unashamedly
designed for anglers who want to test their limits.
Aspeciality rod developed
for specific conditions, the
SINPAA rod action breathes
life into your lures and draws
out their maximum potential, no matter
the fish size, season and or any other
conditions affecting you.
The SINPAA has evolved into a rod
for specialists, inheriting the high-level
performance of the FOKEETO Casting
series, Zenaq’s original specialist rods
which date back to the early days of
offshore casting.
This rod was specially designed for
catching “the big one” that many people
have tried and failed to land.
It evokes the spirit of a mountaineer
climbing the most difficult peaks in search
of his or her own limits.
POWER AND PRACTICALITY
The SINPAA concept is a speciality rod
designed for fishing diving pencils (floating
stickbaits). The smooth, powerful belly and
butt sections stop monster fish from making
those powerful runs, which can create 15 to
16kg kilograms of drag while also allowing
the angler to maintain strong pressure on the
fish.
40 www.tackletradeworld.com
The exquisite blank taper and resilient tip
section allow diving pencils to swim perfectly
and create the necessary line slack for your
next action.
The strong middle section provides a
smooth, powerful slide while casting and
fighting fish, and is designed to be thick and
powerful enough to handle monster-class
fish.
Meanwhile, the assist guide at the tip
section drastically reduces line issues. The
four guides from the tip are single-wrapped
for sharpness and sensitivity to ensure the
best lure action, while the three guides closest
to the butt guide are double-wrapped to
withstand violent resistance from huge fish.
This rod was originally developed for
catching huge amberjack yellowtail weighing
over 20kg in Japan.
The SINPAA 83 Hiramasa, as it is called,
is powerful enough to fight tuna, giant
trevally (GT) and other monsters around the
world.
GETTING A GRIP
One key element of many of Zenaq’s more
powerful rods, including the SINPAA 83
Hiramasa, is the firm’s patented Hexagon
Grip.
This innovative, ergonomic hexagonal
foregrip has been specifically designed to
fit an angler’s hands comfortably, giving
him or her a huge advantage when fighting
large fish.
Contoured to maximise grip with
minimal pressure, your hand will not tire
nearly as much as with a cylindrical handle
during a fight with a large fish.
Additionally, the hexagonal grip offers
more precise lure control, helping you
tempt more strikes from fish.
ZENAQ
www.zenaq.com
AT A GLANCE
Name: SINPAA 83 Hiramasa
Rod length: 8ft 3in
Lure weight: 65 to 130g
PE Line: 5 to 8
Recommended reel size: SW10000 to
14000HG
Target fish size: 10 to 20+kg

Classifieds
SPLIT RING
PLIERS
CLASSIFIEDS
UNIQUELY DIFFERENT (NEW-PATENTED)
The EASIEST... The FASTEST...
The BESTEST...
for changing hooks or spinner blades
visit www.TexasTackle.com for demo video
WHOLESALE ONLY
4 Sizes
www.TexasTackle.com
RIGS !!!!
TO BOOK THIS SPACE CONTACT:
NORTH AMERICA
BART MANGANIELLO
T: +1 914 722 7601
E: bartalm@optonline.net
REST of WORLD
GUIDO KNEGT
T: +39 347 503 6436
E: guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk
COMING UP…
APRIL 2024
Ad Copy: February 23rd, 2024
Mailed: March 13th, 2024
Special issue: Saltwater Fishing
Spotlight: Lures
Doing Business With: Africa
MAY 2024
Ad Copy: March 22nd, 2024
Mailed: April 10th, 2024
Special issue: Inshore Fishing /
China Fish review
Spotlight: Eyewear
Doing Business With: Alaska USA
JUNE 2024
Ad Copy: Arpil 19th, 2024
Mailed: May 8th, 2024
Special issue: Fishing Technology
& EFTTEX preview
Spotlight: Bait
Doing Business With: Benelux
To submit news or editorial for
any of these issues, contact:
To advertise or discuss a marketing campaign in any of these editions,
contact our business development team:
EDITOR
JOHN HUNTER
T: + 44 (0)7990 542958
E: john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk
NORTH AMERICA
BART MANGANIELLO
T: +1 914 722 7601
E: bartalm@optonline.net
REST of WORLD
GUIDO KNEGT
T: +39 347 503 6436
E: guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk

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