Tackle Trade World - April 2024

SENT TO MORE THAN 

18,500 

TACKLE INDUSTRY 

PROFESSIONALS 

IN OVER 

120 COUNTRIES 

EVERY MONTH 

APRIL 2024

COMMITTED TO INCREASING YOUR BUSINESS GLOBALLY 

www.tackletradeworld.com 

FATAL ATTRACTION 

Our comprehensive guide 

to lure fishing. 

PAGE 18 

MONSTER BUSTER 

The latest tuna rod for 

those giants, revealed. 

PAGE 36 

EFTTEX ON THE CARDS FOR 2025 

As the European 

Fishing Tackle Trade 

Association (EFTTA) 

reveals plans for an Angling 

Summit for later this year, it has 

also been announced that the 

EFTTEX trade show looks set 

to return in 2025. 

Although EFTTEX 2023, 

staged in Budapest, was 

considered a success by some, 

proposals to run another this 

year were dropped at the start 

of the year, although TTW 

understands another European 

trade show – not sanctioned by 

EFTTA – is being touted. 

But the focus this year will, 

instead, be on an engaging 

Angling Summit, designed to 

bring together the industry for 

two days of discussions, seminars 

and networking in a central 

European location. 

The summit concept – 

which is already favoured by 

the American Sportfishing 

Association and the American 

Fly Fishing Trade Association 

(which will be running its first 

in place of the IFTD Show later 

this year) – is seen as a precursor 

to the return of EFTTEX in 

2025. 

Although a venue has not 

been revealed, it is understood 

that discussions are well under 

way, although it is also likely that 

EFTTA itself will not oversee 

the show as it is concentrating 

on its lobbying efforts in 

the European parliament to 

safeguard the future of our sport 

and the industry. 

EFTTA vice-president Ross 

Honey told TTW: “Currently 

under consideration for 2024 

is an Angling Summit with an 

industry awards [event] and a 

restructured, made-for-purpose 

EFTTEX show in 2025. There 

are several different companies 

submitting proposals to run 

these initiatives and are due 

to have these to EFTTA for 

consideration by mid-March.” 

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

APRIL 

2024 

TackleTrade 


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 


JOINED-UP 

THINKING HAS 

YOU COVERED 

Over the last 23 years – ever since we 

launched Tackle Trade World – our 

aim has always been to help your 

business improve and grow, by supplying key 

news, data, trends, insights and more. 

At the same time, we have always prided 

ourselves on not just carrying but enhancing 

your message, as suppliers, to your buyers. 

We know that the vast majority of you still 

value a printed magazine arriving on your 

desks each month – and that will not change. 

We send out thousands of these every month, 

free of charge, to qualifying businesses and 

individuals in more than 120 countries. 

As a result, we are unique in the 

marketplace – we are the only dedicated 

international printed B2B title in our sector. 

As you may well be aware, we also produce 

a digital version, which we send to around 

10,000 interested parties who have trusted us 

with their email addresses 

Naturally, we also use this database for 

regular e-shot communications, either 

from ourselves to as a service to our valued 

advertisers, all at very competitive rates. 

Our website continues to enjoy significant 

traffic and it will be updated more regularly 

from now on, ensuring you keep abreast of all 

the latest developments in the tackle world. 

At the same time, TTW has its own social 

media channels – Facebook, LinkedIn and 

YouTube – which we use to promote key 

content. 

3,511 

6,466 

In the past, since we are a B2B magazine, 

we have been careful about how much 

information we share on these platforms as 

they are accessible to both the industry and 

the wider public. 

But we also recognise that this is where 

many of our readers go to consume additional 

content and, of course, the nature of social 

media means that what we share there is 

instant, whereas our magazine does take 

a little time to travel from our printer and 

mailing house to those 120-plus countries. 

So you will find us increasingly using our 

social media channels, especially LinkedIn, 

where our presence is growing at a significant 

rate. 

We’ll not only be sharing some of our 

compelling content from the magazine but 

we will be actively working with you, our 

industry partners, to support and relay your 

messaging too, while also delivering useful 

information and data. 

It’s yet another way for you to stay on top 

of what is happening, globally, within our 

trade while gleaning more about industry 

trends analysis. 

So make sure you search and follow us on 

Facebook, X and, of course, LinkedIn to stay 

one step ahead of what’s happening in the 

industry… 

John Hunter 

Editor

Register Now! 

July 16-19 

Orlando, FL 

POWERED BY 

Orange County Convention Center 

ICASTfishing.org

APRIL 

2024 

18 

16 

24 

30 

Contents 

28 

36 

08 NEWS 

Foundation Outdoor Group appoints vicepresident 

as it plans for growth while retail 

giant Angling Direct posts revenue increase 

news. 

16 ICAST MAKES EVERYONE HAPPY 

A special ‘happy hour’ at the world’s 

biggest sportfishing trade event, ICAST, 

heralds the hugely important New Product 

Showcase Reception. 

18 SPOTLIGHT ON… LURES 

Lure fishing is probably the quickest and 

easiest method to get you started fishing 

while also promising a good success rate – 

the range of lures, though, is vast! 

20 SHOP WINDOW 

We offer a few suggestions for lures 

that are destined to be strong sellers for 

you and encourage more bites for your 

customers. 

24 DOING BUSINESS WITH… AFRICA 

Such a vast continent with so many 

countries undoubtedly brings some great 

opportunities but it’s a complex place with 

so much going on, so where do you start? 

We have a few pointers for you. 

28 LEADING THE CARBON FIBRE 

REVOLUTION 

With a host of major tackle awards to 

its name, the Tsuka 2 rod handle from 

American Tackle has redefined the carbon 

fibre handle market. 

30 UNDER THE HOOD OF THE G4 PRO 

JACKET 

Designed and developed to deliver nextlevel 

weather protection, comfort and 

durability, Simms’ latest offering has you 

covered. 

36 MONSTER BUSTING WITH ZENAQ 

In 1998 Japanese rod expert Zenaq 

introduced the Monster Buster, designed to 

catch huge tuna. Now it has raised the bar 

even higher with its latest project. 

38 MAKING CONTACT 

More tackle and gear recently released into 

the market that you might wish to consider 

adding to your inventory for the coming 

season. 

40 EASY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR 

BUSINESS 

In such a competitive marketplace, it’s 

important to stand out from the crowd but 

knowing the best approach is not easy. We 

have some simple tips to help you. 

06 www.tackletradeworld.com

ARE YOU READY TO EXPERIENCE 

THE WORLD OF FLY FISHING? 

Fly anglers and major brands 

will again be descending on 

the Event Forum Fürstenfeld 

in Germany for the annual 

Experience the World of Fly 

Fishing (EWF), on April 13th 

and 14th. 

EWF welcomes 

representatives and visitors 

from more than 20 different 

countries, not just from Europe 

but from across the world. 

Top personalities give fly 

casting and fly tying 

demonstrations and 

instruction at two 

casting pools and the many 

meadows on site, with fly tyers 

and brands throughout the 

show halls. 

Over 100 renowned 

exhibitors will showcase their 

fly fishing products again 

this year, covering products, 

materials, destinations, waters, 

magazines, books and clothing, 

alongside art and 

craft workshops 

and, this year, a 

special exhibition on Atlantic 

salmon, an iconic species that 

suffers from climate change, 

pollution, fish farms and dams. 

The Patagonia team offers 

no-cost repair of clothing of 

any brand, although not waders 

or wading shoes. 

In addition, the German 

Open Championship in Fly 

Tying is also being staged for 

international competitors. 

The Fürstenfeld Exhibition 

Center has a special charm 

thanks to its location in historic 

monastery grounds, which 

feature a magnificent Baroque 

church, the courtyards, gardens, 

and lovingly restored buildings. 

The event is open on 

Saturday, April 13th from 9am 

to 6pm and on Sunday, April 

14th from 9am to 5pm. 

Foundation Outdoor hunts down Hunter 

Foundation Outdoor Group, the 

world’s largest supplier of rod building 

components, supplies, equipment and 

instruction, has promoted Hunter 

McKamey to the role of vice president as 

it seeks further growth. 

Reporting directly to president and 

COO Brook Oliva, Hunter be the primary 

contact for day-to-day operations and will 

focus on aligning processes and business 

practices with Foundation’s aggressive 

growth strategies in the United States, 

Europe and Asia. 

Brook said: “This is a great opportunity 

for Hunter and for Foundation Outdoor 

Group. Hunter has a wealth of experience 

in angling and in the fishing rod business. 

He has a keen sense for our business and 

for our customers, and I am confident 

that he will thrive in this new leadership 

position.” 

Hunter grew up in the custom tackle 

industry, working for his father’s rod 

building business in Tennessee. 

He joined American Tackle when he 

began his college career at the University 

of Central Florida, where he was a 

champion angler. 

In 2016, he took his experience to Mud 

Hole Custom Tackle, which grew into 

his most recent position as director of 

the product development and purchasing 

department at Foundation Outdoor 

Group. 

Hunter said: “I’m excited to accept this 

new challenge and help take Foundation 

Outdoor Group to new heights. We have 

an amazing team and we have already been 

working on a number of key initiatives 

to expand our presence across the globe 

and to improve our day-to-day business 

operations as well.” 

With Foundation Outdoor Group’s 

acquisition of American Tackle and Mud 

Hole Custom Tackle last August, and the 

purchase of a new European headquarters 

in Halmstad, Sweden in October, the 

company continues to streamline its 

backend processes, marketing initiatives, 

and sales programs. 

Hunter McKamey. 

Hunter’s promotion is yet another 

strategic move to solidify Foundation’s 

leadership position within the fishing 

tackle and outdoors industry. 

foundationoutdoorgroup.com 


Anglers need to be vigilant of threats 

US industry body the American 

Sportfishing Association has 

urged anglers to be wary of threats 

from those keen on removing 

their rights to fish. 

Speaking at the annual 

National Professional Anglers’ 

Association conference in 

Florida, the ASA’s vice-president 

of government affairs, Mike 

Leonard, said individuals needed 

to work alongside organisations 

like his to protect their sport. 

Nearly half of Australia’s 

fishable waters are now off limits 

while some European countries 

ban catch and release, claiming it 

hurts the fish. 

While American angler 

interests are backed by the 

American Sportfishing 

Association (ASA), the nation’s 

largest trade association for the 

recreational sportfishing industry, 

it cannot completely protect 

fishing rights alone. 

Mike outlined three key areas 

to consider in order to safeguard 

fishing including not taking 

fishing for granted, not sitting 

on the sidelines and stopping 

infighting with the sport. 

He went on to talk about 

knowing the issues in your area, 

joining fishing organisations 

that work to protect sportfishing 

like the NPAA and the ASA, 

and keeping up with the issues 

that could affect your ability to 

access the vast amount of aquatic 

resources available in this country 

via the ASA website. 

asafishing.org 

ANGLING DIRECT REELS 

IN REVENUE RISE 

Major tackle retailer Angling Direct has seen a 

10 per cent rise in revenue – to £81.7 million – 

despite a challenging consumer landscape and 

disruption to fishing caused by named storm 

events in the final weeks of its fiscal year. 

Resilient UK store sales – up 7.6 per cent 

to £44.4m, were underpinned by stronger 

conversion and new store openings in 2023, 

including Cardiff and Goole in April, increasing 

the group’s store footprint from 45 to 47. 

These new stores, alongside those stores 

opened in the previous year, contributed £3.6m 

of sales in the year. Like for like store sales were 

£40.7m, representing 3.1 per cent growth and 

demonstrating strength against the previous 

fiscal year, which saw a flat growth rate. 

Total online sales increased 13.5 per cent to 

£37.2m, up from £32.8m, driven in part by a 

36.3 per cent rise in European online sales to 

£4.3m, as the company continues to develop this 

area. 

UK online sales rose by 11.1 per cent, 

driven by strong average transaction value 

growth and reflecting increasing engagement 

in the company’s loyalty and repeat purchase 

membership model, MyAD, boasting more 

than 220,000 members at the period end after 

launching in June. 

CEO Steve Crowe said: “Angling Direct has 

continued to gain market share in the UK and 

Europe and we believe there are significant 

further growth opportunities in both markets. 

“The group will continue to invest in its digital 

and physical footprint in the UK to capture 

further market share growth, leveraging its 

strong balance sheet to ensure it is competitively 

placed as consumer confidence returns. 

“The European market creates a significantly 

larger addressable market but remains highly 

competitive, driven by even more intense price 

competition. 

“Despite this, the group delivered strong 

growth, whilst retaining pricing discipline, 

leading to further market share gains, which 

provides the board with confidence that 

its European strategy remains appropriate. 

In January 2024 we committed to our first 

European store in Utrecht in The Netherlands. 

The store is scheduled to open during the spring 

fishing season.” 

THE BEST 

FLY-TYING 

S T U F F 

FOR OVER 

75 YEARS 

EXPERIENCE 

OUR MANAGEMENT STAFF HAS 

HUNDREDS OF YEARS OF FLY 

FISHING, FLY-TYING AND WAPSI 

EXPERIENCE. 

QUALITY 

WE PIONEERED THE DYEING AND 

PROCESSING OF FURS, FEATHERS 

AND SYNTHETIC FLY TYING 

MATERIALS 

INNOVATION 

WAPSI HAS INTRODUCED 

DOZENS OF UNIQUE FLY 

TYING MATERIALS. 

27 CR 458 

Mountain Home, 

Arkansas 72653 

Phone: 001 (870) 425-9500 

Fax: 001 (870) 425-9599 

E-Mail: wapsi@wapsifly.com 

Website: www.wapsifly.com

ST. CROIX FLY EXPANDS 

SALES REP TEAM 

St. Croix Rod is growing its sales 

rep team with the addition of 

HM Outdoors to represent its 

fly fishing brand in the Northern 

Rocky-Mountain and Pacific 

Northwest states of Idaho, 

Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, 

Washington and Alaska, USA. 

The established agency, 

headquartered in Bozeman, 

Montana has a 26-year heritage 

of serving top manufacturers in 

the outdoor, fishing, whitewater 

and hunting industries 

throughout the American 

Northwest. 

St. Croix fly fishing director 

of sales, Zack Dalton, explained: 

“The Northern Rockies and 

Pacific Northwest represent an 

incredible opportunity for us to 

reintroduce our brand’s unique 

heritage and exciting new fly rods 

to a community of anglers for 

whom fly fishing is a whole lot 

more than a hobby, a passion, or 

even a lifestyle. 

“Travis and his team at 

HM Outdoors have proven 

themselves a trusted resource for 

the fly shops and professional 

guides that provide the core of 

the speciality 

fly fishing 

community 

here, and we 

couldn’t be more 

excited to start 

working together 

to support 

these anglers 

with the elitelevel 

products, 

technologies and 

service St. Croix 

provides.” 

HM Outdoors 

owner Travis 

Morris has lived 

his entire life 

in the area he 

serves and added: 

“I was raised a 

fifth-generation 

Sheridan, Wyoming kid to 

a ranching family. I fished 

wherever and however I could 

in those early years, and Ritz 

Sporting Goods was my hangout 

when I wasn’t fishing. 

“I eventually moved to 

Bozeman and went to school 

at Montana State, worked to 

establish myself as a fishing guide 

and served as general manager 

for the Bozeman Angler for 12 

years.” 

He went to work as a sales 

representative in 2006 for 

Brooks Montgomery – the 

well-known fly angler and 

founder of what would become 

the Hart-Montgomery Agency 

and, later, HM Outdoors, the 

company Morris now owns. 

He said: “Our team at HM 

Outdoors is stoked to be 

working with St. Croix Fly 

Fishing for so many reasons. 

I repped the company for a 

number of years and have a 

personal connection with the 

brand that goes back to the early 

days of my own fishing.” 

Outdoor company makes leap with Frog factory 

GSM Outdoors, the name behind countless 

hunting and fishing brands, has released a 

new one in the lure sector – the Frog Factory. 

With the intent of delivering both proven 

and innovative products in the category of 

frogs, toads, and hollow-body topwaters, the 

Frog Factory offers existing, proven products 

in the Boom Boom Frog and the Ribbit 

with a focus on upcoming innovation and 

development. 

Crispin Powley, GSM’s senior vicepresident 

of fishing, revealed: “We’re 

constantly being asked to develop frogs 

and toads by our pros and end-users. After 

hearing that we needed to ‘design something 

like a Ribbit’ enough times, we decided that 

it was better to own the original than try to 

design around it. 

“This brand will be a fun combination 

10 www.tackletradeworld.com 

of proven designs and modern innovative 

concepts that will ultimately add value to the 

frog category in every angler’s tacklebox.” 

Major League Fishing pro and Boom 

Boom Frog creator Fred Roumbanis added: 

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be 

working with the gang at GSM to launch 

the Frog Factory brand. The foundation of 

the brand will be my Boom Boom Frogs and 

the iconic Ribbit series, but we also already 

have several awesome new products in the 

works that I can’t wait to get in my hands. 

“Frog fishing is something that I’ve 

based my career around and I’m ecstatic to 

help start a brand dedicated to serious frog 

fishermen.” 

Alongside iconic hunting brands like 

Truglo, Tenzing, Walker’s, Birchwood- 

Casey, SOG knives and Stealth Cam, GSM 

Outdoors also offers Gary Yamamoto 

Customer Baits, Bill Lewis, Phenix Rods and 

Buckeye Lures. 

gsmoutdoors.com

It’s a wrap for Bajío’s 

latest glasses launch 

Offering a tight, full wrap 

for maximum sun and wind 

protection, the Rigolets is the 

latest glasses offering from 

relative newcomer on the scene, 

Bajío. 

The US-based brand says the 

product – pronounced RIGuh-Leez 

– is perfect for boat 

owners with small and narrow 

faces and boasts wide temples 

and vented rubber sun-blocking 

side shields. 

Each pair also features Bajío’s 

polarised, blue light-blocking 

lenses with LAPIS technology 

for crisp, clear fish-spotting 

vision. 

Named after a deepwater 

Foundation Outdoor Group 

has released details of a 

string of ground-breaking 

rod building products from 

American Tackle and Custom 

Rod Builder (CRB) 

Among the latest 

innovations are the ICAST 

2023 Best In Show awardwinning 

Tsuka 2 complete 

carbon handle from American 

Tackle. 

strait with incredible history 

just 30 minutes outside of New 

Orleans, Rigolets means trench 

in French. 

The glasses are available in 

three different frame colours 

with a total of 14 lens options. 

bajiosunglasses.com 

ESSENTIAL ROD BUILDING 

LAUNCHES ANNOUNCED 

The Foundation Outdoor team 

celebrate American Tackle’s Tsuka 2 

rod handle success at China Fish 2024. 

The handle has also just scooped the Best Fishing Accessory 

awarded at the China Fish 2024 show in Beijing. 

Engineered for discerning anglers and forward-thinking rod 

designers, the Tsuka 2 is said to push the boundaries of carbon 

handle technology, offering unprecedented strength, feel, and 

weight relief with a slim and ergonomic design. 

Foundation’s president and COO, Brook Oliva, said: “We’re 

elated to bring home yet another major award for the American 

Tackle brand. The timing was also impeccable, as we just launched 

the Tsuka 2 to consumers this week. It will be a challenge to keep 

up with demand!” 

Pairing a fibreglass tip with graphite mid and butt sections, 

American Tackle is also introducing the innovative Bushido 

Moving Bait Series blanks, purpose-built for anglers who fish 

diving and lipless crankbaits and vibrating jigs. 

Meanwhile, on the CRB front, the brand has added new sizes to 

its Extreme Reamers, including XXL, XXXL – ideal for offshore 

rods and other large rod blanks – not to mention a totally new line 

up of 18in versions. 

2023-24 

Over 1,400 New 

Line Items in our 

2023-2024 Catalog 

14,600+ Products 

Available for your 

Fly Tying Shops Walls! 

Microflex Soft 

Hackle Chenille 

Available in 5 sizes and 

31 Great Colors! 

foundationoutdoorgroup.com

NEWS IN BRIEF 

Mossy Oak aids Huk 

Apparel brand Huk and camou 

expert Mossy Oak have teamed 

up to create a new collection 

of patterns, available in Huk’s 

Pursuit Collection and a variety of 

accessories. 

The Mossy Oak Stormwater 

pattern represents what every 

fisherman respects – stormy 

waters, choppy seas, swirling grey 

skies and charging swells. 

Huk’s Pursuit Collection is 

available in Mossy Oak Stormwater 

colours Spindrift, Midnight, and 

Bonefish. 

ASA applauds act 

The American Sportfishing 

Association (ASA), the trade 

association for the US recreational 

fishing industry, has backed a 

bipartisan effort to improve public 

access and publicly available 

information on federally managed 

marine waters through the 

MAPOceans Act. 

Mike Leonard, vice-president of 

government affairs at the ASA, said: 

“The act would help American’s 

nearly nine million saltwater 

anglers access marine waters 

with more confidence, ensuring 

that recreational information is 

easily accessible through marine 

electronics, mapping apps, and 

online platforms.” 

Marine protection 

fear 

A New South Wales, Australia south 

coast group is calling on the state 

government to return Batemans 

Bay marine sanctuary zones to full 

protection. In 2019, the government 

declared an amnesty that allowed 

recreational anglers to fish in six of 

the 32 zones. 

Nature Coast Marine Group 

vice-president James Caffery said 

the amnesty defeated the whole 

purpose of sanctuary zones and 

called for full protection to be 

restored. 

Recreational Fishing Alliance 

of NSW vice-president Max Castle 

said: “If areas lose their access 

to fishing, there’s going to be a 

business impact.” 

Key European carp 

name joins EFTTA 

The European Fishing Tackle Trade 

Association’s (EFTTA) drive to grow 

membership has been given a boost with the 

addition of well-known carp name, Korda 

Europe. 

It’s the latest company to join the trade 

organisation, which works alongside the 

industry to advocate for the preservation 

and promotion of recreational angling in the 

European Parliament. 

Korda Europe, the wholesale distribution 

subsidiary of UK-based carp brand Korda 

Developments, supplies not only Korda 

products to the Continent but also Carp 

Porter, Guru, Delkim bite alarms and 

Mainline Baits. 

Maurice Keulen, Korda Europe,’s managing 

director, met with EFTTA CEO Olivier 

Portrat, president Jan Mertens, vice-president 

Ross Honey and board member Gerard 

Bakkenes at the Carp De Bosch show to 

discuss EFTTA’s mission. 

He said: “We are 

dedicated to supporting 

initiatives that champion 

the interests of recreational 

anglers. Joining EFTTA 

aligns seamlessly with our 

commitment to preserving 

the rich tradition of angling 

while contributing to 

sustainable practices within the industry. We 

look forward to collaborating with likeminded 

companies and advocating for the 

rights of anglers in the European Parliament.” 

EFTTA president Jan Mertens added: 

“The increasing number of companies joining 

EFTTA reflects a shared commitment to 

safeguarding the interests of recreational 

anglers. Maurice Keulen and Korda Europe 

bring valuable expertise and passion to our 

collective efforts. Together, we will continue to 

make a significant impact on the policies that 

affect the recreational angling community.” 

As EFTTA’s membership continues to 

expand, the organisation strengthens its 

position as a unified voice for the fishing 

tackle industry, working collaboratively to 

influence positive changes in legislation and 

policies that impact recreational angling. 

www.eftta.com 


Big changes for Danish Fly Company 

Denmark-based distributor The 

Fly Company is embarking on 

a new journey, with a relocation, 

a strategic overhaul and the 

addition of two more brands to 

its portfolio. 

Over the past two years, 

the company has engaged 

in a meticulous examination 

of its operations, leading to 

transformative changes. 

As it moves forward, it has 

become the exclusive European 

distributor for Ewing feathers, 

renowned for its unique 

products that it says elevate the 

art of fly tying. 

In addition, The Fly 

Company has also expanded its 

distribution network to include 

TFO fly rods in select European 

countries. 

Suzuki GB’s Marine 

Division says changes to 

its sales team will further 

enhance its ability to 

respond to the needs 

of the dealer network 

and continue delivering 

exceptional customer 

service. 

The first change is the 

appointment of Steve 

Warren as its newest sales 

account manager, looking 

after Suzuki’s presence 

predominantly in the north of 

England and Wales, as well as 

in Southern Ireland. 

Steve is no stranger to 

the marine industry and 

already has extensive product 

knowledge, having spent 

eight years working in Suzuki 

GB’s technical department 

and being hands on in the 

company’s workshop facility. 

He has also supported the 

team at key events such as 

the Southampton Boat Show, 

Seawork and BoatLife as 

well as assisting various key 

boat builder and commercial 

TFO, a strong and wellrenowned 

brand, brings a legacy 

of quality and innovation to the 

fly fishing community. 

The decision to relocate 

to a better-suited location 

in Randers is strategic and 

reflects The Fly Company’s 

commitment to maximising 

and optimising its structure 

and capabilities. This move is 

aimed at enhancing operational 

efficiency, fostering innovation 

and ensuring a seamless 

experience for fly fishing 

enthusiasts. 

The full Flyco team, 

comprised of seasoned 

professionals, brings a wealth 

of experience as they work to 

invigorate the organisation’s 

vision and strategy, ensuring a 

SuZuKI maRINE 

STRENGTHENS SaLES TEam 

Ben Green 

(le) and 

Steve 

Warren 

take 

up new 

positions 

at Suzuki 

Marine GB. 

operator accounts with sea 

trials and rigging advice. 

The second change 

continues Suzuki’s desire 

to promote from within, 

as existing team member 

Ben Green becomes events 

coordinator and account 

manager and will take on the 

responsibility for a number of 

selected key accounts. 

Ben has been with Suzuki 

GB for over five years, 

working first in the Dealer 

Services department and 

then, more recently, as events 

coordinator for the ATV and 

Marine team. 

marine.suzuki.co.uk 

commitment to excellence and 

the continuation of fly fishing 

traditions. 

Head of sales Christoffer 

Thorsager explained: “We 

believe that our new location 

in Randers will serve as a hub 

for innovation and will allow us 

to maximise and optimise our 

capabilities. 

“With the full Flyco team and 

strong financial backing, coupled 

with our new location, we are 

excited about the future and the 

opportunities it presents.” 

flyco.dk

END OF 96-YEAR PARTNERSHIP 

FOR MUSTAD REP AGENCY 

Banks Inc., a leading name in 

manufacturer’s representation, 

has announced the ending 

of its historic 96-year 

partnership with Mustad 

USA. 

This exceptional 

collaboration, spanning 

nearly a century, marked the 

end of the oldest standing 

manufacturer’s representation 

relationship in the industry. 

Banks, Inc said it was 

proud of its journey alongside 

Mustad USA, from the 

brand’s humble beginnings 

on US shores in 1928 to its 

current status as one of the 

most iconic names in the 

tackle trade. 

Company president Trip 

Banks commented: “Together, 

we have built a legacy 

that will be remembered 

for generations and is a 

testament to the dedication 

we have both given to the 

business. As Mustad USA 

transitions to an internal sales 

model with its talented staff, 

we extend our heartfelt best 

wishes for continued success. 

“Throughout this 96-year 

evolution, we have constantly 

adapted to changing market 

dynamics and industry 

trends. One thing remains 

constant however, our 

commitment to face-to-face 

meetings, nurturing valuable 

relationships with every 

account we serve across the 

USA. 

“Our team’s presence 

on the road, in stores, and 

our focus on listening to 

customers have allowed us to 

take valuable market insights 

back to the great brands we 

represent. This ‘mirror of the 

marketplace’ communication 

has been instrumental in 

keeping us, our factories and 

customers at the forefront 

of the industry for nearly a 

century.” 

Now the firm is looking 

forward to the next 96 years 

of innovation, growth, and 

success, saying it remains 

dedicated to maintaining the 

work ethics that have defined 

it for nearly a century, while 

thanking its valued customers 

and partners who continue to 

support its in the future. 

Trip Banks 

Goldfish moves home after acquisition 

Fin Rage Tackle, which bought Al’s 

Goldfish Lures in July 2023, has officially 

moved the iconic fishing tackle maker 

to the Green Bay, Wisconsin area of the 

USA. 

Paul Check, Fin Rage Tackle’s owner, 

explained: “We are excited to bring Al’s 

Goldfish Lures to Wisconsin, one of 

the bastions of sportfishing in America, 

where we can more closely connect with 

Midwestern anglers and develop the next 

phase in the seven-decade-long history 

of the company. 

“At the same time, we pledge to remain 

true to the company’s northeastern roots. 

Al’s Goldfish Lures is famous for being 

deadly on sportfish species 

throughout America and the 

world, and our goal is to 

increase their effectiveness 

across the board.” 

Moving forward, he 

revealed that his goals 

include the development 

of new colours in the 

current Goldfish, 49er and 

Helgy product lines, the creation 

of new products and offerings for 

ice fishermen and the development of 

additional product size ranges across 

the board to make the product line 

even more effective for a wide variety of 

fishing techniques. 

Paul added: “There is a 

different type of fishing 

here in the Midwest, 

specifically walleye, 

northern pike and 

musky and the Al’s 

Goldfish products have 

proven successful over the 

years for these species. 

“We intend to develop 

additional sizes and colours of Al’s 

Goldfish products to continue that long 

history of success.” 

www.alsgoldfish.com 


STOPPIONI s.n.c. Firenze Italy 

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

MEMBER 

Art.738 

MICRO LOOP TYERS 

Tools to make very small loops ideal for 

hooklengths and hair rigs. 

The small size allows you to tie 4 mm 

loops, while the large 6 mm. 

4 mm 6 mm 

1 2 3 

4 

1 or 2x 

5 6 

7 8 

www.stonfo.com 

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

FEATURE 

ICAST 

Inside fishing tackle’s 

can’t-miss review event 

At ICAST, a happy hour made for tackle dealers delivers more than a good time. 

Every year, there’s a happy hour that 

gives tackle dealers an early look 

at the most exciting new products 

in fishing. 

Like clockwork, it begins when the 

bright lights of Orlando’s Orange County 

Convention Center flicker to life over a red 

carpet leading through a gateway at ICAST. 

Before the show floor officially opens 

on Wednesday morning, the New Product 

Showcase Reception roars to life just as the 

forklifts loading in display booths fall silent 

on Tuesday afternoon. 

Inside, display cases glow with spotlights 

on new lures bound for fisheries, from 

deep blue waters flanking sandy paradises 

to remote trout streams high in the Rocky 

Mountains. 

Display racks are zoned with apparel 

made of new materials and sporting new 

patterns that have yet to see retail shelves. 

And a gathered crowd of retailers and 

media members share complimentary hors 

d’oeuvres, cocktails and brews amidst a hall 

where the best of the best new products at 

ICAST are all located in one place. 

Aiming for the best 

“The New Product Showcase Reception is 

the first look attendees get at every product 

entered in the ICAST Best of Category 

Awards,” says American Sportfishing 

Association trade show vice-president Blake 

Swango. 

“It’s not only a chance to see new 

products, most of them for the first time, but 


also an opportunity to vote in the awards 

and plan which exhibitors you might want to 

go see throughout the week.” 

Last year, more than 1,000 new products 

shimmered in the spotlight of the New 

Product Showcase. Combined, they 

represented years of work from a field of 

633 exhibitors competing in 37 categories 

ranging from hard and soft lures to apparel 

and watercraft. 

Well received 

For most of the past two decades, Aleida 

Tush has made the drive up to ICAST from 

her tackle store in Siesta Key, Florida in time 

for the reception. 

“We get to see new products first-hand 

before a lot of people,” says Tush. “If you 

don’t go to ICAST, it can take two or three 

months before you could even possibly begin 

seeing some of the new things coming into 

the market for yourself.” 

Tush says the chance to see brand new 

products before even browsing the aisles 

of ICAST has immediate and longterm 

benefits for her business, CB Outfitters. 

“I always think that gives you a jump on 

seeing and possibly being able to order new 

products,” she says, noting that the New 

Product Showcase helps populate her show 

calendar. “One of the reasons you go to 

ICAST is that you have the opportunity to 

meet and talk with managers, presidents or 

vice presidents that you otherwise might not 

meet. You get to share your ideas with them, 

too.” 

For Tush and many retailers like her, 

some of those ideas are sparked at the New 

Product Showcase Reception – a happy hour 

unlike any other, a happy hour tailor-made 

for tackle store owners and employees. 

“ICAST is the biggest sportfishing 

tradeshow on the planet,” adds Swango. 

“There is truly no other place where tackle 

dealers can see so many new products in 

person while having the opportunity to 

speak directly to many of the people involved 

in making them.” 

Growth potential 

This year, the ICAST New Product 

Showcase is expanding to include 41 

categories. It’s an all-time record that means 

attendees will have the chance to see even 

more brand-new products at the show and 

might need to spend a little more time at the 

unofficial kick-off happy hour. 

The 2024 ICAST New Product Showcase 

Preview Reception is scheduled from 5-8pm 

on Tuesday, July 16 inside the Orange 

County Convention Center. 

Registration for ICAST 2024, set for July 

16-19, is open now. Qualified attendees can 

register for free and download the official 

ICAST smartphone app to stay up-to-date 

on daily events in Orlando on both iOS and 

Android. 

ICAST 

www.ICASTFishing.org

A Blade for Every Angler 

No Matter the Species, No Matter the Season, No Matter the Waters 

NEW SonicWhammy DualFlash 

WillowStrike 

Classic 

Panther Martin Has 

You Covered 

In the US 

Dealer Info: 

Wholesale@PantherMartin.com 

To Order: PantherMartin.com 

Dept. TT044L 

In Canada 

Dealer Info: 

info@panthermartin.ca 

To Order: PantherMartin.ca

SPOTLIGHT ON... 

LURES 

SPOTLIGHT ON 

LURES 

Pretty much any body of water that 

holds fish, anywhere in the world, can 

be targeted using lures. Lure fishing is 

probably the quickest and easiest method 

to get you started fishing while also 

promising a good success rate. 

At its most basic, a lure is simply 

a type of artificial fishing bait 

– essentially designed to mimic 

the appearance and movement of prey – 

to attract fish. 

Naturally, just like the real world 

of insects, smaller bait fish and other 

creatures, both aquatic and sometimes 

terrestrial, lures come in many different 

shapes, sizes, and colours, each designed 

to appeal to their chosen target. 

What makes them especially popular 

over using live bait is that they are 

simple and clean to use, can usually 

be cast further and are generally great 

for both catch and release angling or 

fishing for the pot. 

They can be selected to entice 

specific species, are easily swapped out 

for alternatives if one colour or pattern 

isn’t working and, of course, you’ll 

find versions and models that can be 

deployed in both fresh and saltwater. 

While lure fishing can seem 

quite simple, the reality is that, in the 

hands of an experienced angler, many 

lures can be devastatingly successful. 

Skilled anglers can impart all sorts 

of lifelike movement to their lures, 

turning a follow from a target fish into 

a confident strike, time after time. Of 

course, even greater success comes from 

the ability to cast them accurately, often 

to specific features like islands, reeds, 

dock pilings and the like, although fancasting 

can also help you cover a lot of 

open water very quickly and efficiently. 

Lure fishing is arguably the most 

versatile of all forms of the sport – with 

so many types available, ranging from 

hard-bodied plugs and spoons to soft 

plastic baits and even flies, anglers can 

target different species in a huge array 

of water conditions. 

Anglers have more control over the 

presentation of the lure, including 

speed, depth and action, compared to 

using live bait. This control can be 

crucial in enticing a strike from wary 

fish. 

Another often overlooked aspect to 

lure fishing is how visually exciting 

it can be! Seeing a fish strike a lure 

followed by the challenge of hooking 

and landing your target on an artificial 

bait can be very rewarding. 

Since many predatory fish hunt by a 

range of methods, lures have adapted to 

take this into account. 

Some are brightly coloured, some are 

lifelike, some are scented or have rattles 

or other devices inserted to make them 

audible too; however they all impart 

some form of movement, which attracts 

the target’s attention first and foremost. 



LURES 

A HARD CHOICE 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common 

styles or types of lure… 

Plugs or crankbaits 

These are hard plastic fishing lures shaped 

and coloured to resemble bait fish or 

other prey, made out of a solid or hollow 

piece of plastic, with a thin lip of metal 

or plastic attached to the front, hugely 

popular with bass and pike anglers 

The lip is often adjustable to make the 

lure wobble. Plugs feature two or three 

treble hooks and can float, sink, dive, or 

hover. 

Most plugs float on the water’s surface 

or suspend in the water, but dive sharply 

when retrieved, so by reeling, stopping 

and repeating you can imitate the 

behaviour of live, or injured bait fish. 

Changing twitching intervals and 

reeling speed adds variety. 

Jigs 

Jigs feature a weighted head on one side 

and a hook on the other. Often using 

a plastic grub, jigs are one of the most 

popular types of fishing lures. They sink 

easily, making them great for bottom 

feeders – cast one out and let it sink to 

the bottom, then start jigging! The trick 

here is to experiment with different 

speeds and movements to see what works 

best. 

Spinners 

These move horizontally through the 

water, come in many shapes and colours 

– depending on the targeted depth and 

species – and have a hook on one side, 

and one or more metal blades that spin 

like a propeller on the other. 

The spinning blades vibrate, flash and 

reflect colour to accurately mimic bait 

fish and attract predators, making them 

perfect for catching bass, perch and pike. 

Spoons 

These may seem like a basic lure but, in 

the right hands, these curved, concave 

metal lures that shine and wobble as they 

move through the water, are deadly. 

The bigger the curve, the wider the 

wobble. A wobbling lure resembles 

injured bait fish, and this is something 

game fish can’t resist. 

Soft plastics 

Soft plastic lures imitate a variety of aquatic 

‘bait’, from minnows to worms, crawfish to 

frogs. Soft plastics are very popular for bass 

fishing. 

Their beauty is that they seem to work 

everywhere and the vast choice across the 

world is due to the fact that no one single 

lure will catch fish in all conditions on the 

day. 

There are designs for fast water, coloured 

water, dark days, light days and all the 

seasons of the year when fish behaviour and 

even species-specific behaviour has to be 

taken into consideration. 

STOCK REQUIREMENTS 

Many lure anglers who fish nothing else 

will have hundreds or possibly thousands of 

lures in various types to choose from. These 

will also vary depending on the country 

you’re in, although what generally pushes 

the buttons of a fish in Europe will also do 

so in North America or Australia. 

Understanding the waters near your store 

and the resident predatory species will make 

your stock choice easier but ask questions 

of your customers too and find out what the 

‘killer’ lures are in your area or region. 


19

Rainbow, and 


LURES 

DAIWA 

LAZY FA SHAD 

The Lazy FA Shad puts the personality of a swimbait in a saltwater-grade twitch 

bait that even includes a sluggish slalom. The floating lure dives up to three feet 

when engaged, rolling and showing its sides while in motion, broadcasting a 

subdued flash while emitting subtle ticks on the retrieve. 

Externally, it sports refined cosmetics, including realistic eyeballs, 

gills and mouth parts, and scale patterns that capture 

light and throw colour. Choose from proven saltwater 

patterns, including 3D Konosiro, Skeleton Chart Back, 

Skeleton Red Head, Skeleton Mullet, Holo Sardine and 

Pink Clear Holo. 

daiwa.us 

LIVETARGET 

ULTIMATE FROG 

This lure mimics a vulnerable frog exposed in open water, falling to the security 

of bottom cover. Twitch it to create an erratic action or wind it slow to generate a 

thumping pulse. 

The body is made from ABS plastic and is buoyant. The legs are made from TPE 

soft plastic. 

The durable and buoyant material enables the legs to shimmy and flicker as the 

bait falls. The swing weight is strategically designed to throw the bait off balance, 

which creates a wobble action as the lure settles after a twitch or pull. 

The position of the swing weight is aligned on the body enabling a balanced fall, 

just like a real frog when exposed in open water. The lure comes with two weights, 

to adjust the falling action. 

Equipped with a stout Mustad strong hook, it’s ideal for targeting bass, zander, 

pike and other freshwater bottom-feeding predators. 

mustad-fishing.com/livetarget 

PANTHER MARTIN 

FISHSEEUV SPIKEADELIC 

New for 2024, Panther Martin is offering a groovy new lure called FishSeeUV 

SpikeADelic. These lures come in six eye-popping colours and patterns to 

attract fish such as redfish, sea trout, snook and many other saltwater species. 

Painted with UV coating, the SpikeADelic series appear differently to fish 

than they do to the human eye. So once underwater, these lures really put 

on a show, glowing and reflecting light while the blade spins freely and the 

tails dance through the water. 

Outfitted with Panther Martin’s classic convex/concave blades, softbodied 

lures have a super sharp, weedless hook, brightly coloured and 

patterned bodies and blades and a large, bright salmon bead, they are sure 

to catch fish. 

Available now in four sizes (4, 6, 9 and 15) and 

six colours (Holographic Bubble Gum, 

WonderBread, Tangerine 

Surprise, Hulk, 

Glow 


UNI SOFT WIRE EXTRA SMALL GAUGE # 36 0.006 INCH 

NEW 2024 

UNI PRODUCTS J.G. Cote Inc. 

1004 Principale 

Ste-Melanie, QC. Canada JOK 3AO 

Tel: 450-889-8054 

Toll-Free: 1-877-889-8054 

Fax: 450-889-5887 

Email: info@uniproducts.com 

Look to UNI 

for the best in 

spooled 

fly-tying 

materials! 

BLACK YELLOW SILVER OLIVE 

AXXEL-MINI FLASH TINSEL 

UNI-MOHAIR 

UNI-STRAP 

www.uniproducts.com 

FUCHSIA 

IRON GRAY 

CAMEL

DBW... 

AFRICA 

AFRICA 

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

Such a vast continent with so many countries undoubtedly brings some 

great opportunities but it’s a complex place with so much going on, so 

where do you start? We have a few pointers for you. 

Africa is a 

complex 

continent. 

With a 

total land 

mass of 

30.37 

million square kilometres and 

a total population of almost 

1.4 billion, it is larger than 

the USA, China and Brazil 

combined. 

It boasts at least 54 

countries, although that 


figure is up for debate, given 

the confusing political and 

geographical situations it finds 

itself in. 

What is for sure is that 

Nigeria is the biggest by 

population while St Helena 

is the smallest. Countries like 

South Africa and Kenya are 

probably best known in terms 

of fishing imports and exports. 

While Africa has many 

issues – political, population 

and climate among them – it 

has a growing knowledgebased 

economy with a focus on 

technology, finance and other 

e-commerce services. 

It’s widely thought that 

African industries could 

double production to nearly 

$1 trillion within a decade and 

potentially become the world’s 

greatest manufacturing centre. 

Although 600 million 

Africans still lack access to 

the electricity grid, the annual 

infrastructure investment has

DBW... 

AFRICA 

FACT FILE 

Surface area: 11,730,000 sq m (30,370,000 sq km) 

Population: 1,393,676,444 

GDP: £2.98 trillion 

Countries: 54 recognised states, two partially recognised states, four 

dependent territories 

Language: At least 1,250 native languages 

Time zones: UTC -1 to TC +4 

Largest cities: Cairo, Lagos, Kinshasa, Johannesburg, Luanda, Khartoum 

Top African Exporters 

- South Africa 

- Algeria 

- Nigeria 

- Angola 

- Egypt 

Top African Importers 


- Egypt 

- Nigeria 

- Kenya 

- Tanzania 

Top Import Partners 

- China 

- Mainland Europe 

- USA 

- India 


Top Export Partners 

- China 

- India 

- United States 


- Germany 

doubled to around $80 billion. 

Africa has more than 120 

million active mobile money 

accounts, which account for 

more than 50 per cent of the 

global total and mobile traffic 

data is expected to increase 

hugely in the coming years. 

The continent has already 

developed a diversified 

manufacturing base and 

has shown its resilience and 

potential to compete in the 

global economy. 

Tourism is an extremely 

profitable industry and is 

now the second fastestgrowing 

tourist industry in 

the world, only behind the 

Asia Pacific region. Indeed, 

the tourism industry in South 

Africa alone employs more 

people than the automotive 

manufacturing, mining, 

chemical manufacturing, and 

communications services 

sectors and is expected to keep 

growing. 


25

DBW... 

AFRICA 

A N G L I N G I N A F R I C A 

Mention fishing and African nations 

such as Kenya, Egypt and South Africa 

will be uppermost in the majority of 

conversations. 

From fly tying experts in Kenya to 

shark charters off the coast of South 

Africa to major rivers and massive lakes 

holding tough predators, this continent 

boasts a wealth of diverse fishing and 

tackle know-how. 

Indeed, South Africa has even hosted 

the Feeder World Championship at the 

Bloemhof Dam in 2013 and 2019 with 

great success. 

There are literally thousands of unique 

and challenging fishing destinations. 

Surrounded by the Indian and Atlantic 

Oceans and the Mediterranean and the 

Red Seas, you would expect saltwater 

fishing to be a mainstay of the sport. 

Whether casting from the shore or 

heading out to the deep, you can expect 

some amazing sport. 

Head to Cape Town in South Africa, 

for example, and you can chase kob, 

yellowtail, snoek (not to be confused with 

snook) and more from the shore or in 

estuaries, while heading offshore to the 

deep can net you tuna, marlin, swordfish 

and large sharks, although this is often 

now undertaken as a conservation effort. 

West African venues combine 

spectacular fly and beach casting 

experiences for a bewilderingly wide 

range of species including massive 

tarpon and big African threadfin, Cubera 

snappers and bull sharks. 

The Benguela Current in 

the Atlantic Ocean brings 

nutrient-rich waters close to 

the shore, attracting a variety 

of fish species including 

sharks, kob and steenbras. 

East Africa and Kenya 

in particular offer a welldeveloped 

deep sea fishing 

experience. Here is one of 

the few places that offers the 

chance of a super grand slam 

on one day: blue, black and 

striped marlin, broadbill and sailfish. 

Kenya, of course, is also home to some 

key fly tying companies including Gone 

Fishing and Fulling Mill. 

Head to the mighty River Nile in 

Egypt for both fresh- and saltwater 

opportunities. Popular species include 

Nile perch, catfish and more while the 

Nile Delta opens into the Mediterranean 

Sea, affording a wide range of fishing 

options from shore and boat. 

Lake Nasser – the world’s largest 

manmade lake – meanwhile, has 

developed a reputation for the fearsome 

tiger fish and Nile perch, which grow to a 

huge sizes. 

The lake is also home to moonfish, 

tilapia and catfish including the giant 

vundu and fishing styles vary from 

trolling and spinning to drift casting and 

fly fishing. 

On the Zambezi River, near Victoria 

Brown Trout 

Falls, anglers can try their luck catching 

the powerful and acrobatic tiger fish, 

as well as other species like bream and 

vundu catfish. 

The Okavango Delta in Botswana 

is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

and a unique angling destination, with 

tilapia, catfish, and tiger fish in the 

delta’s labyrinth of channels, lagoons and 

floodplains. 

Ethiopia offers exotic fishing in the 

Bale Mountains with some excellent 

rainbows in the rivers. 

Finally, the Seychelles and Red 

Sea offer upmarket live-aboards and 

outstanding venues. 

The former, an archipelago in the 

Indian Ocean, is famous for its worldclass 

saltwater fly fishing. Anglers can 

target species like bonefish, permit, 

trevally, and more in the pristine flats and 

reefs surrounding the islands. 


S T R O N G I N T R O D U C T I O N S 

DBW... 

AFRICA 

Carp and trout were successfully 

introduced in the freshwater dams 

and rivers from Europe, and bass from 

the USA, with bank angling being the 

dominant style of freshwater angling, 

followed by boat-based bass fishing and 

fly fishing for trout and the indigenous 

yellowfish. 

The higher altitude trout fishing varies 

from small crystal clear streams teeming 

with browns and rainbows, to the bigger 

forest rivers where the chance of a 4lbplus 

rainbow is a reality and then to the 

lakes on Mount Kenya and well managed 

lodges and access to stunning waters. 

With both the Indian and Atlantic 

seaboard, the variety of fish one can catch 

is practically unlimited. Shore based 

‘Rock and Surf ’ is the most popular facet, 

with bait and the sport fishing seasonally Vundo Catfish 

divided between sharks/rays 

and the multitude of edibles 

on offer. 

On the east coast, big game 

or ‘Ski Boat’ fishing is also 

extremely popular. Although 

spinning and jigging is widely 

practised it is not promoted for 

resident reef species. 

The multitude of tidal 

estuaries provide a strong 

movement of fish, which 

artificial lure anglers and fly Yellow fish 

fishers alike concentrate their 

efforts on, on a catch and 

To show how important recreational 

release basis. 

angling is in Africa, taking South Africa 

Whether one uses bait, lure or fly, there as an example, a recent survey initiated by 

is year-round opportunity for anglers SACRAA (South African Consolidated 

in Southern Africa, with the species Recreational Anglers Association) found 

and style being chosen according to the that in total, the average recreational 

season. 

fisherman or woman spends R19,000 on 

angling per year. Given the estimated 

number of recreational fishermen (1.327 

million), the total spending by anglers in 

South Africa amounts to approximately 

R26.5 billion per annum. 

For marine recreational angling this 

value is R14.6 billion per annum, for 

freshwater recreational angling it is R11.9 

billion per annum. 

Also, recreational angling contributes 

massively to the economy, creates a large 

number of jobs (94,070), particularly in 

the trade, accommodation and catering 

sector (44,138 jobs), supports an informal 

sector of bait collectors, gillies and 

fish cleaners (R227.5 million direct 

expenditure per annum) and many poor 

people also participate in recreational 

angling and use it as a safety net for their 

food security needs. 

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

JOHNNY ONSLOW, Gone Fishing Ltd, Kenya 

Kenya produces 

more fishing 

flies than any 

other country in 

the world and 

commands well 

over 50 per cent 

of the market. It is 

the home of Fulling Mill and Gone Fishing. 

There are also many smaller companies that 

offer great value. Sadly, a few rogues have 

given the country a bad name, but this should 

not prevent customers finding outstanding 

value and quality from reputable companies. 

The founder (and managing director 

[president]) is looking to retire in the next few 

years and gradually hand over the company. 

The business is strong and expanding and has 

been supplying a wide range of superb flies to 

the fly fishing world since 2005. Situated in 

rented buildings on a secure site on a farm in 

Kenya’s Rift Valley, this business has developed 

markets all over the world with customers in 

the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, 

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, France, 

South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. 

The company is fully registered to import 

materials under bond and also to export 

finished product under AGOA and the General 

System of Preferences trade agreements 

enabling customers who reside in countries that 

are members to import duty free. 

The company has an excellent managerial 

team and reporting process developed using the 

Kaizen philosophy of constant improvement. 

The website has been recently overhauled 

and has been given the thumbs up by current 

customers. Sale price will be driven by the 

value of the stocks and assets at the time of sale, 

including the website and also the customer 

base. Further information is available on 

request. 

Thanks to Daniel Smith at www.howtocatchanyfish.com for some species images. 


27

FEATURE 

American Tackle 

LEADING THE CARBON 

FIBRE REVOLUTION 

The multi-award-winning Tsuka 2 rod handle from American Tackle has redefined the 

carbon fibre handle market. 

Utilised for its remarkable 

strength, weight relief and 

ability to weather the harshest 

of conditions, carbon fibre 

has been used in major manufacturing 

industries for decades, including 

aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, 

and sporting goods. 

Recognising the value of carbon fibre’s 

properties for fishing rod development, 

American Tackle has been at the forefront 

of leveraging this amazing material to 

elevate the fishing experience. 

MAKING THE RUNNING 

Offering a variety of carbon fibre handles, 

reel seats, and rod blanks, American 

Tackle really hit its stride in 2020 

with the introduction of the G2 Tsuka 


Complete Carbon Handle System. 

The original Tsuka was the most 

advanced rod handle ever produced, 

winning Best of Category for fishing 

accessories at ICAST 2020. It utilised 

the same carbon material used in 

modern, premium fishing rod blanks, like 

American Tackle’s premium Bushido 3K 

Series. 

American Tackle’s HCC Hand Crafted Carbon 

Reel Seat uses blow-moulded carbon seat 

bodies and carbon 3K pattern with a polished 

finish for strength, weight reduction and 

sensitivity. 

The pinnacle of American 

Tackle’s carbon revolution was 

the introduction of the Tsuka 

2 Complete Carbon Handle at 

ICAST 2023. 

This was the industry’s first 

single piece, blow-moulded 

carbon handle and it has gained 

the attention of the entire fishing 

rod component industry. 

The Tsuka 2 took home both 

Best of Category and Best of 

Show honours at ICAST last year. 

Most recently, the Tsuka 2 won 

its third major industry award 

in the Best Product Showcase, 

Fishing Accessory category at 

China Fish 2024. 

Weighing in at less than 

2oz and available for both 

casting and spinning options 

in 3K matte or carbon matte 

finishes, find out more about 

the Tsuka 2 and all of American 

Tackle’s innovative carbon rod 

components by emailing sales@ 

foundationoutdoorgroup.com 

AMERICAN TACKLE 

www. foundationoutdoorgroup.com

FEATURE 

UNDER THE HOOD OF 

THE G4 PRO JACKET 

With spring right around the corner in the northern hemisphere, anglers have a lot to look 

forward to. Designed and developed to deliver next-level waterproof / breathable weather 

protection, comfort and durability, the all-new, award-winning G4 Pro Jacket from Simms 

has you covered. 

Spring is a time of year that 

represents new beginnings, 

transformations, and starting fresh. 

It also happens to be one of the 

fishiest times of the year – as well as one of 

the rainiest. 

In order to capitalise on all of the 

opportunities that come with spring, a 

quality rain jacket is worth its weight in 

gold. 

The award-winning G4 Pro Jacket ranks 

as the most technologically advanced, 

performance driven rain jacket Simms has 

ever released. 

HISTORY ON ITS SIDE 

The G4 Pro has evolved from a long lineage 

of technical outerwear. Its origin dates 

back to 1994 when Simms introduced the 

Dry Coat, the first piece of outerwear it 

released equipped with Gore-Tex immersion 

technology. 

The Dry Coat hit the market right on 


the heels of the first waterproof / breathable 

wader Simms introduced in 1993. Like 

the wader, the Dry Coat was a true 

gamechanger and served as the baseline 

for other Simms outerwear favourites such 

as the Guide Jacket and G3 Guide Jacket. 

The original G4 Pro Jacket landed with 

speciality retailers in 2008 and, since then, 

it has gone through several wildly popular 

iterations. 

Historically, in addition to using premium 

Gore-Tex waterproof / breathable fabrics, 

a key selling point of the G4 Pro Jacket 

was to provide anglers with ample and 

convenient on-body storage. 

This way, in lieu of a pack or a vest, 

anglers could simply stash all of their gear 

inside their jacket and keep it within easy 

reach. To accomplish this, in the past, the 

G4 Pro Jacket implemented several different 

pocket configurations. 

At one point, Simms’ flagship rain jacket’s 

pocket array included nine different ones 

– two traditional baffled chest pockets, two 

handwarmer pockets, two hidden rear ‘game 

pockets’, a zippered stash pocket on the 

sleeve,and two internal dump pockets. 

This configuration did provide a lot 

of storage but, over time, Simms’ design 

team began to devise ways to rebuild the 

jacket with a more sleek and streamlined 

appearance without sacrificing its renowned 

on-body storage. 

MATERIAL GAINS 

But first let’s look at the main engine behind 

the performance aspect of the piece – the 

fabric. Since it initially dropped, Simms 

used Gore-Tex fabric in the G4 Pro Jacket 

and the same is true for the latest iteration. 

Specifically, the jacket is powered by a 

three-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell. Pro Shell is 

the highest performing fabric in the Gore- 

Tex portfolio. In short, it offers performative 

advantages across the board and boasts 

outstanding durability.

Simms 

FEATURE 

Pro Shell is lightweight but extremely 

tough in terms of puncture and tear 

resistance as well as abrasion. It’s also a 

very supple fabric which goes a long way 

towards comfort and range-of-motion. 

And, in addition to being waterproof, it also 

breathes extremely well. 

As regards features… inclusive of Simms’ 

tried and true three-panel, three-point 

adjustable storm hood, the latest version 

does not include the old internal collar. 

Omitting this feature removed a sizeable 

amount of weight and also simplified the 

design – truth be told, this feature was 

more or less unnecessary and got in the way, 

especially if the hood wasn’t in use. 

The jacket opens and closes with a highly 

water-resistant centre-front zipper that’s 

backed by what the product team refers to 

as a rain gutter. This ensures that, even if 

driving rain was to penetrate the jacket, the 

rain gutter is yet another line of defence 

to prevent moisture from reaching interior 

layers of clothing. 

SIZEABLE STORAGE 

For any fans of the old Slick jacket, rest 

assured, many of the new design/feature 

cues found in the new G4 Pro Jacket 

came directly from the old West Coast 

Steelheader standby. 

As previously mentioned, Simms aimed 

to maintain the storage aspect of the 

jacket but wanted to do so in a way that 

allowed for a streamlined front. 

So, instead of two oversized, top load 

baffled chest pockets, the design team 

implemented two oversized vertical 

entrance chest pockets with waterresistant 

zippers and bonded welts for 

extra protection from the elements. 

This design (borrowed from the old 

Slick jacket) is what provides the sleek 

and streamlined front. The pockets 

themselves are huge. They can each easily 

accommodate large fly boxes and they 

also feature internal stretch woven dump 

pockets to keep specific gear in specific 

places. The left pocket also includes a 

tethered sunglass chamois. 

The jacket also incorporates two 

zippered micro-fleece lined handwarmer 

pockets. Another very cool feature taken 

from the old Slick jacket lives inside these 

pockets. 

When you reach inside, you’ll feel 

another zipper on the inside of each 

pocket. When you unzip these, you now 

have access to the upper portion of your 

wader without having to take off, or 

unzip your jacket. It’s a small detail that 

makes all the sense in the world when it’s 

raining and the bite is on. 

Finally, on the interior of the jacket, 

there’s one more zippered stash pocket, 

perfectly sized to house a set of keys, a 

couple of tippet spools, or a phone. 

It’s also important to note that, with 

the exception of the interior pocket, all of 

the pockets feature highly water resistant 

zippers. 

In addition, if a zipper isn’t fully closed 

and rain gets inside, or water gets in 

from a deep wade, the pockets also come 

equipped with drain holes. 

MOVING FORWARD 

Once again, range-of-motion is 

something Simms doesn’t take lightly 

and, therefore, the sleeves of the G4 Pro 

are articulated. Simms has also modified 

the cuff design by incorporating a small, 

pliable piece of Toray that’s overlaid with 

an adjustable Velcro closure. 

In combination, this material and the 

closure allow anglers to essentially create 

a watertight seal to prevent rain or water 

from making its way into the sleeves of 

any underlayers. 

The jacket also includes a revamp of 

the old tuckaway loop fly field. This 

feature now lives on the upper left chest 

portion of the jacket and is much smaller 

than the previous version. Flip it out and 

stash unproductive flies or keep a few 

on-deck options at the ready. When not 

in use, simply tuck it away. 

For deeper wading missions, the jacket 

is cut slightly longer than traditional 

wading jackets and also features an 

adjustable bottom hem to keep water out. 

Since its inception, Simms’ G4 Pro 

Jacket has enabled countless anglers who 

would otherwise have been forced to 

head for cover to remain in the elements 

indefinitely in pursuit of one more cast. 

The latest iteration is no exception — 

in fact, it’s a great example of utilising 

aspects that have worked in the past 

and eliminating aspects that haven’t. It’s 

also inclusive of new innovations and 

advancements that make this version 

the best G4 Pro Jacket Simms has ever 

released. 

SIMMS 

www.simmsfishing.com 

“The G4 Pro has evolved from a long 

lineage of technical outerwear.” 


31

2024 BIHAI FISHING TACKLE INDUSTRY EXPO 

OPENS GRANDLY IN TIANJIN 

On February 29, 2024, the 2024 Spring Bihai Fishing 

Tackle Industry Expo hosted by Beijing Bihai Fishing 

Tackle Co., Ltd. grandly opened at the National 

Convention and Exhibition Center (Tianjin). This is 

the largest fishing tackle exhibition in China's history. 

The exhibition covers an area of approximately 150,000 

square meters, with a total of 12 exhibition halls. Nearly 

3,000 fishing tackle and outdoor leisure companies from 

China and overseas participated in the exhibition. The 

outstanding performance of this exhibition means that 

China's fishing tackle market has experienced strong 

recovery and growth after the epidemic. 

This exhibition aims to showcase the latest development 

of China's fishing tackle industry, promote exchanges 

and cooperation in the fishing tackle industry, enhance 

the influence of fishing culture, and provide fishing 

enthusiasts with more choices and services. 

On the opening day of the exhibition, a grand opening 

ceremony was held, and awards were awarded to the 

most popular fishing tackle in 2023, and this year's 

selection was launched. At the same time, the exhibition 

also arranged a number of professional forums, lectures, 

training, experience and other activities, covering 

all aspects of fishing tackle, providing a platform for 

exhibitors and visitors to interact and learn. 

This exhibition brings together many well-known 

companies and brands in the domestic fishing tackle 

industry, including Daiwa, Shinmano, Oldghost, 

Purefishing and many other domestic and foreign 

fishing tackle companies, bringing a series of innovative

fishing supplies to provide fishing enthusiasts with a better experience. . 

At the exhibition, there is a dazzling array of fishing gear, including fishing rods, fishing lines, fishing baits, fishing 

hooks, fishing boxes, fishing chairs, fishing clothes, fishing shoes, fishing umbrellas, fishing lights, fishing carts, etc., 

all of which meet the different needs and preferences of fishing. person. The exhibition also displayed some high-end 

fishing tackle, demonstrating the technological innovation capabilities of the fishing tackle industry. 

During the exhibition, exhibitors and visitors responded enthusiastically, saying that this exhibition was a rare 

opportunity to not only learn about the latest developments in fishing tackle, but also to have in-depth exchanges with 

industry insiders, expand business cooperation, improve fishing skills, and enjoy fishing. pleasure. The exhibition also 

attracted the attention of many media and social figures, playing a positive role in promoting the development of the 

fishing tackle industry. 

It is reported that this exhibition will last until March 3, and it is expected that more than 100,000 visitors will visit the 

exhibition every day. The successful holding of this exhibition marks that China's fishing tackle industry has entered 

a new stage, injecting new vitality into the development of China's fishing tackle industry and adding new color to the 

lives of fishermen across the country.

VIBRANT CHINESE FISHING COMPETITION 

On February 28, 2024, the 2024 Spring Tea Party 

hosted by CAA was held in Tianjin. 

Members of the CAA at all levels and representatives 

from relevant local people’s governments, sports 

authorities, and provincial associations across the 

country, business representatives in fishing counties, 

media representatives, heads of professional 

committees of the China Fishing Sports Association, 

and well-known competitive fishing masters in the 

Chinese fishing community Nearly 300 people, 

including celebrities and fishing celebrities, gathered together to offer suggestions and suggestions for the 

development of China’s fishing industry and to seek a better future. 

Looking back on 2023, CAA is not afraid of difficulties, firmly pressing the reset button, releasing passion 

in unity and forging ahead, letting go of expectations, regaining confidence, and rebuilding a magnificent 

new era. It has received strong support from relevant local governments, media and enterprises. Everyone 

witnessed the award ceremony of the 2023 National Fishing Event Outstanding Event Organization Award, 

the National Fishing Event Commercial Sponsorship Plaque Presentation Ceremony, and the 2023 China 

Fishing Sports Base Flag Presentation Ceremony. 

Respect the rules and enjoy fishing. Respect the rules of nature, protect fishing water resources, and enjoy 

green fishing. CAA released the "Green Safety Guidelines for Fishing in China". In the new season of 2024, 

the China Fishing Sports Association will advocate a new trend of civilized fishing and lead the healthy, safe 

and orderly development of fishing sports in China.

FEATURE 

BUSTING MONSTERS IS 

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK 

It was over 25 years ago, back in 1998, that Japanese rod expert Zenaq introduced the 

Monster Buster, specifically designed to catch huge tuna. Now it has raised the bar even 

higher with its latest project. 

Since the launch of the iconic 

Monster Buster, Zenaq’s passion has 

driven it to continually develop rods 

for big game fishing. 

Advancements in tackle, including lines 

and hooks, have made tuna over 200kg a 

feasible target. Yet, Zenaq aspired to create 

a rod capable of going head-to-head with 

these giants in the casting game. This 

ambition led to the inception of Project 

Monster Buster. 

The key feature it prioritised in 

developing this rod was its ability to lift a 

200kg fish while being bent at a steep angle. 

If the rod blank is overly rigid, it becomes 

too challenging for anglers to endure the 

fierce struggle of a monster. Additionally, 

such a stiff rod blank wouldn’t allow casting 

of a 100g lure. 

On the other hand, a rod blank that’s 

too flexible wouldn’t just fail to lift a 200kg 

monster but would also easily break under 

the heavy load. 

FINDING A SOLUTION 

The challenge was clear – how could it 

design a rod capable of casting a 100g lure 

far and still enable an average-sized angler 

to battle a 200kg monster tuna? 

The journey towards creating the perfect 

rod blank involved relentless cycles of 

design, bench testing and field testing, and 

was finally completed after four seasons, 

starting in 2019. 

The result is the innovative rod blank that 

is the backbone of the Tobizo TC77 Tuna - 

Monster Buster. 


MONSTER BLANK 

Thanks to the Deep Bias Layered 

Construction (DBL) Structure, this 

rod blank boasts impressive heavy load 

durability, making it able to withstand the 

maximum drag from a large reel even at a 

steep angle of 65 degrees. 

Its core flexibility allows the rod to 

be bent effectively with realistic human 

strength, generating repulsive power as 

it bends. Even in a fight with monster 

tunas, the rod blank remains robust, 

assisting anglers by lifting while enduring 

the strain. 

Its length of 7ft 7in optimises 

casting performance, lure control and 

performance when facing the heaviest 

fight. 

This flexible rod blank can elegantly 

handle lightweight lures, accurately 

casting them to the desired spot. 

It offers a significant advantage in the 

tuna casting game. To take on monster 

tunas that exceed human limits, the rod 

blank must be absolutely trustworthy. 

DEEP BIAS LAYERED 

CONSTRUCTION 

This patent-pending process of making 

rod blanks involves various factors such as 

the carbon material’s elasticity, thickness, 

amount of resin, fibre angle, and taper 

design of the mandrel and mould. The 

possibilities for making rod blanks are 

endless. 

Among this infinite array of 

combinations, the Zenaq team searches 

for the optimal material and layers it

Zenaq 

FEATURE 

deeply, finding the perfect orientation of 

fibres and stacking them accordingly. 

Its chosen method of designing the rod 

blank is a world apart from rods designed 

for finesse and lightness. It’s akin to 

crafting the physique of a well-trained 

heavyweight athlete. 

This manufacturing process allowed 

Zenaq to precisely design the necessary 

torque and power, fulfilling the 

requirements for recoil, durability, and 

flexibility needed for its Monster blank. 

In developing the Monster rod, 

not only was high-level rod making 

technology crucial, but also the patience 

to find the optimal combination among 

an infinite array of complex carbon 

materials. 

GUIDE SETTING 

Unsurprisingly, the guides have been 

configured for use with ultra-large tackle 

such as reels over size 20000 and PE lines 

with a PE rating of 12. 

Moreover, the Assist Guide 

significantly reduces line tangling at the 

tip, eliminating line troubles and enabling 

smooth line release and stable longdistance 

casting. This ensures you don’t 

miss the big chance. 

HEXAGON RUBBER GRIP 

For big game reliability, Zenaq has 

developed an entirely new heavy-fighting 

grip incorporating rubber material into 

its trusted Hexagon Grip. This patentpending 

concept ensures the greatest slip 

resistance ever. 

Meanwhile, the moulded surface 

pattern of Japanese-style tortoiseshell 

enhances grip strength and minimises 

fatigue in a big fight. 

This ultimate grip from ZENAQ is 

indispensable for prolonged power fights 

against monster tunas. 

METAL REEL SEAT 

The amount of stress put on the reel seat 

when going head-to-head with a monster 

catch exceeding 200kg is enormous. 

This robust metal reel seat is designed 

with the utmost priority on absolute 

capture, allowing you to concentrate all 

your nerves on the fight. 

METAL AND RUBBER 

For the rod grip end, Zenaq has adopted 

a combination of a metal gimbal and a 

rubber end. 

If facing a monster without a gimbal 

is your style, use the rubber end. Remove 

the rubber end to use for the gimbal fight. 

This design provides two grip ends for 

the best fighting style. 

AN INCREDIBLE BATTLE 

In just 40 minutes, using the TC77 Tuna 

– Monster Buster, a lone angler managed 

to reel in a 213kg monster tuna. 

This remarkable achievement 

highlighted the exceptional performance 

of the blank, crafted for the challenging 

task of bending under huge pressure and 

lifting such giants of the seas. 

ZENAQ 

zenaq.com 


37

MAKING 

CONTACT 

Making Contact 

2 

1 

3 

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. 

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. 

1 FISHBITES 

E-Z BAITS 

Fishbites is the synthetic 

alternative to natural bait that 

uses a concentrated flavour/scent 

formula that replicates the natural 

chemicals fish use to detect and 

track their prey. 

Fishbites gradually dissolve in 

water, releasing a trail of powerful 

feeding stimulants. Its E-Z Baits 

can be used on a bare hook or as a 

trailer on a jig. Each bait strip is ½ in 

wide and about 12in long. 

The ‘Longer Lasting’ formula 

features a cloth binder that keeps 

it on the hook longer and provides 

extra durability. Just cut it, hook it 

and cast it. It’s that E-Z! 

fishbites.com 

2 DAIWA 

REGAL LT SPINNING REEL 

Attractively priced, yet bursting 

with features and technology, this 

‘do it all’ reel boasts an advanced 

Zaion V body – said to be lighter, 

stronger, and more rigid than 

traditional composite graphite. 

Daiwa’s cornerstone Airdrive 

rotor fosters a lighter rotation 

so it’s easier to spin while the 

solid Airdrive bail is noticeably 

smooth and durable. Users will 

also benefit from Regal LT’s Tough 

Digigear, Advanced Tournament 

Drag (ATD) and the L/R folding 

machined aluminium handle with 

oversized grip. 

It’s available in sizes from 1000 

to 6000, making it ideal for both 

fresh- and saltwater anglers. 

daiwa.us 

3 ST. CROIX 

PHYSYX RODS 

This series of 25 technique-focused 

freshwater rods includes 17 casting 

and eight spinning models for 

freshwater fishing, with nextgeneration 

technique-specific 

hybrid carbon fibre SCIV+ blanks 

or iAct (SCIV+ and linear S-Glass) 

hybrid blanks. 

The rods also boast ultradurable, 

rigid titanium guides 

with silicon carbide rings, 

anthropometrics-driven split-grip 

TRIGON moulded carbon fibre 

handles with high-tactile TPU 

accents and moulded carbon fibre 

Dynamix reel seats for dramatically 

increased comfort, control and 

energy transmission. 

stcroixrods.com 


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

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… 

JUNE 2024 

Ad Copy: April 19th, 2024 

Mailed: May 8th, 2024 

Special issue: Fishing Technology 

& EFTTEX preview 

Spotlight: Bait 

Doing Business With: Benelux 

JULY 2024 

Ad Copy: May 17th, 2024 

Mailed: June 5th, 2024 

Special issue: ICAST preview 

Spotlight: Tackle Storage 

Doing Business With: Pacific 

Northwest 

AUGUST 2024 

Ad Copy: June 21st, 2024 

Mailed: July 10th, 2024 

Special issue: Predator fishing 

Spotlight: Hooks 

Doing Business With: MIddle East 

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

DAIWA’S NEW SUPER HIGH CAPACITY LEXA-HD500 REELS 

DOMINATE THE WATERS 

I 

V 

LEXA ® -HD500 

FEATURES 

Super High Line 

Capacity 

Corrosion 

Resistant CRBB 

Ball Bearings 

Magforce® Cast 

Control 

120mm Swept 

Power Handle 

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 

Marketing 

EASY WAYS TO BOOST 

YOUR BUSINESS 

In such a competitive marketplace, it’s important to stand out from the crowd 

but knowing the best approach is not easy. Here are some simple tips from 

marketing expert and TTW editor John Hunter. 

SEO-FRIENDLY WEBSITE 

If you’ve been in business any length of time, 

hopefully you have a functional website for 

people to connect with your business and 

buy your products. 

The next step is to ensure it’s optimised 

for both search engines and conversions. This 

means getting organic traffic to your site. 

Create good-quality content on trending 

topics in your niche and ensure you use the 

right keywords (a quick Google search will 

explain this more). Use the main ones on 

landing pages, titles, meta descriptions and 

so on. 

And don’t forget to sharpen up your site 

design and ensure the page-load speed is 

good. 

TELLING YOUR STORY 

Connecting with your audience and setting 

your business apart from others is crucial. 

Telling the story of your brand is a great way 

to do this. 

How and why did it start, who are the 

people behind it, what makes it different 

from any competitors? 

Having a compelling ‘About Us’ page 

is a simple way to do this and will help 

customers identify with you, making them 

more likely to buy from your business. 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

A cheap (or free!) and effective marketing 

platform is social media. 

Do some research to ascertain which 

platforms your audience use the most, find 

the right ‘voice’ to talk to them in, ensure 

you post regularly, make sure you use good 

or quirky images, vary the content, tag in 

relevant people or partners and don’t forget 

to include a link to your website to drive 

traffic. 

BE AN EXPERT 

Setting yourself apart from your competitors 

is important so become number one in your 

field. 

You could start a blog about fishing 

locally, an angling discipline you love, offer 

tips and advice, review the latest gear or 

answer questions on how to repair tackle or 

build rods, for example. 

You can do this with videos too, which 

makes your content even more compelling. 

Then share this via social media with links 

back to your website. 

Establishing yourself as an industry expert 

means people will trust what you say… and 

what you offer. It might lead to interviews, 

podcasts or invitations to events, where you 

can promote your business further. 

MAKE SOME VIDEOS 

This follows on from becoming an expert 

in your niche, since video is the best way to 

engage people – everyone loves good, and 

informative, content. 

Whether it’s tips and tricks, a product 

review or new gear that’s just arrived, you 

can create a video about it. 

Even better, if it’s a tutorial or a video 

that explains more about that product then, 

once again, you will not only help potential 

customers but you can encourage them to 

visit your store or website. 

LOYALTY COUNTS 

One cool trick is to set up some kind of 

loyalty scheme or rewards programme. 

Offer rewards such as discounts or 

additional services in return for referrals 

from existing customers to their friends. 

You can also offer something similar for 

loyalty. This can be anything from rewards 

for buying regularly from you – for example 

collecting tokens on the value of each 

purchase – or from simply following, liking 

and sharing your social media posts. 

Hunter Media 

john@hunter-media.co.uk 

www.huntermedia.co.uk 


Super 

Heat Dissipation 

 

 

 

Super 

Low-Friction 

Super 

Hardness 

Super 

Lightness

IMPRESSIVE SHARPNESS AND UNBEATABLE POINT DURABILITY, DESIGNED TO STAY SHARPER LONGER 

MUSTAD-FISHING.COM

Tackle Trade World - April 2024

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?