Tackle Trade World - October 2023

SENT TO MORE THAN 

18,500 

TACKLE INDUSTRY 

PROFESSIONALS 

IN OVER 

120 COUNTRIES 

EVERY MONTH 

OCTOBER 2023

COMMITTED TO INCREASING YOUR BUSINESS GLOBALLY 

www.tackletradeworld.com 

CONFLUENCE MEET 

What to see and do 

at AFFTA’s innovative 

networking show. PAGE 18 

INDUSTRY HOTBED 

Why The US Rockies are 

such a great place to do 

business. PAGE 26 

US TACKLE TRADE 

BUOYED BY ANOTHER 

PARTICIPATION RISE 

In a year marked by 

instability, families across the 

USA increasingly found time 

to connect by picking up a rod 

and reel, resulting in 54.5 million 

Americans going fishing in 2022. 

Taking into account lake, river, 

stream and sea fishing – both 

onshore and from boats – that’s 

a four per cent increase on the 

figures from 2021, according to 

the latest research conducted by 

the Recreational Boating and 

Fishing Foundation (RBFF). 

This is all just slightly below 

records set in 2020 when 

Americans took to fishing in 

huge numbers as a safe, outdoor 

pandemic activity. However, the 

2022 figures still outpaced pre- 

Covid participation in 2019. 

The study also found that 

fishing promotes wellness, 

improves bonds with family 

members and forges a deep 

connection with nature that 

many Americans strive to achieve 

together. 

RBFF’s president and CEO, 

Dave Chanda, said: “While the 

overall participation numbers are 

good news, we have our work cut 

out to continue welcoming youth 

to the sport. 

“After this Covid bump 

in 2020, fishing’s national 

participation rate among children 

aged six to 12 dipped to one 

percentage point in 2021, then 

another in 2022. 

• 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

OCTOBER 

2023 

04 

TackleTrade 


EDITORIAL 

Editor: 

John Hunter 

+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 


REIMAGINING 

A TRADE SHOW 

MUST BE HARD 

As I write this I’m in the middle 

of finalising details for my trip 

to Salt Lake City at the end 

of September to attend the inaugural 

AFFTA Confluence event. 

As you will read elsewhere in this 

special Confluence preview edition – 

and doubtless have seen in previous 

issues of TTW – the American Fly 

Fishing Trade Association’s new 

venture is designed to be more than 

just a trade show. 

It’s a brave decision by executive 

director Lucas Bissett, event director 

Kenneth Andres and the AFFTA 

board to try and do something 

different other than a traditional trade 

show. 

Of course, the move will have been 

helped by what they perceived as a 

poor reception to the last International 

Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) Show in 

spring 2022. 

If I’m honest, while the exhibitor 

numbers and footfall were not 

really there (understandable in the 

immediate post-Covid world), I 

personally enjoyed the event, saw some 

old friends, was introduced to a wealth 

of new gear and picked up some 

additional business. 

I told Lucas at the time I was 

pleased to see the show return after 

the enforced break caused by the 

pandemic and I felt that, simply by 

putting a show on, they had taken a 

step in the right direction. 

But it wasn’t deemed to be sufficient 

so the whole IFTD concept was 

reimagined, starting with a name 

change to Confluence – reflecting 

John Hunter 

its newfound status as a meeting of Editor 

3,511 

6,466 

various sectors, from manufacturers 

and distributors to retailers, media, 

industry analysts and more. 

So, while the ‘traditional’ show 

elements will remain – a show floor 

with exhibitor booths, a New Product 

Showcase and awards (proudly 

sponsored by Tackle Trade World), an 

industry breakfast and the ubiquitous 

Party On The Pond and Happy Hours, 

there will be other elements too. 

A major focus will be research, data 

and industry trends from Trackfly 

(more on this elsewhere in this issue), 

not to mention a series of educational 

seminars, plus both one-to-one and 

round-table discussions to help us all 

get more out of our businesses. 

I’m also looking forward to the 

Outdoor Experience at Pioneer Park 

on the final day of the schedule. Again, 

there will be a mix of the ‘expected’ 

– new product demos in an outdoor 

setting – along with the unexpected 

such as the Far Bank Olympics, food 

and drink and even live music. 

The whole thing is designed to 

create a convivial atmosphere to do 

business, gather key statistics and data 

and network with old friends and new 

acquanitances. 

I’m delighted that TTW is a key 

media partner with AFFTA and 

Confluence and both Bart and I are 

really looking forward to experiencing 

a very different show from usual, as 

well as catching up with many in the 

international fly fishing trade.

Photo: Rasmus Ovesen 

www.scottflyrod.com 

If it takes a thousand casts, why 

not enjoy every one of them? 

Introducing the new Swing series of rods from Scott. The variations 

of salmon & steelhead techniques are as endless as the preferences 

of those who fish for them. So wherever your passions lie, we’ve got 

you covered. 

Scott Fly Rod Company | Handcrafted in Montrose, Colorado

OCTOBER 

2023 

18 

26 

16 

Contents 

24 

10 NEWS 

32 SPOTLIGHT ON… LINE 

Foundation Group acquires American From monofilament to fluorocarbon and 

Tackle Co and Mud Hole, there are name braids, there are many different fishing 

changes for Simms’ parent company plus lines. We explain the benefits of the main 

key US appointments for Mustad and ones you should be stocking. 

Rather Outdoors. 

16 LET’S GET TOGETHER AT CHINA 

FISH 2024 

With Covid a distant memory in China, the 

giant trade show is to open its doors again 

next February. What’s on the agenda? 

18 YOUR AFFTA CONFLUENCE 

PREVIEW 

What’s going on at the Confluence event in 

Salt Lake City, who’s going to be there and 

why will you be heading outside for a day? 

24 FLYING HIGH WITH MATERIAL 

SUCCESS 

British fly-tying materials manufacturer 

Semperfli has had an amazing year or two, 

including a prestigious export award and 

its biggest product launch ever. 

26 DOING BUSINESS WITH… THE 

ROCKIES 

Home to some key brands and a wide 

range of amazing fishing waters, the Rocky 

Mountains are an angling destination in 

their own right. Make sure you don’t miss 

out on business opportunities here… 

30 ADAMSBUILT’S COMBOS OF VALUE 

In fly fishing, having the right gear can 

make all the difference between an 

enjoyable experience and a frustrating 

endeavour. Adamsbuilt Fishing’s combo 

kits certainly deliver. 

34 SHOP WINDOW 

Some suggestions for the right lines to 

help you keep your tills ringing. 

36 STRONG RESPONSE TO LATEST 

RECOIL 

REC’s RECOIL and CERECOIL guides have 

been popular for some time now but its 

RECOIL XL looks set to be a game changer. 

40 THE PERSISTENT PURSUIT OF 

PERFECTION 

St. Croix’s return to the AFFTA Confluence 

show marks the 75-year-old American rod 

manufacturer’s renewed commitment to 

fly anglers and the fly-fishing industry. 

42 INNOVATIVE JIGGING RODS FOR A 

NEW ERA 

High elasticity makes a rod extremely 

breakable. Top Japanese rod maker Zenaq 

set out to change this with its IKARI blanks. 

44 HELPING FISH TO SWIMWELL 

A clever water-based formula designed for 

catch and released anglers to ensure their 

fish are returned safely and in good health. 

46 SCOTT GETS INTO THE SWING 

OF THINGS 

The right rod can help solve the puzzle 

of correct fly presentation for steelhead 

and salmon, which is where Scott Fly Rod 

Company’s Swing series comes in… 

52 

48 MAKING CONTACT 

Daiwa, Z-Man and Stonfo are 

highlighted in this month’s latest gear 

section. 

50 A RAPID RESPONSE FROM A CARP 

EXPERT 

The Energofish brand’s Rapid PVA Bomb 

Set is a fast and efficient way to target and 

catch carp consistently. Find out why you 

should stock some. 

52 MAZZAFERRO LINES UP FOR THE 

FUTURE 

After 70 years of fishing line manufacture, 

Maurizio Mazzaferro, the CEO of the 

company that bears his name, tells 

TTW how it has stayed ahead in such a 

competitive market. 

54 PACBAK MADE THE MOST OF ICAST 

After triumphing in ICAST’s Best Of Show 

awards last year, cooler brand PacBak has 

been busy. We found out what impact that 

historic win has had. 

60 PACBAY RINGS THE CHANGES WITH 

MINIMA X-GUIDES 

American component manufacturer 

PACBAY has once again delivered 

innovation and cutting-edge products with 

its Minima-X guides and tops. 

62 LAST CAST 

Sportvisbrigade is a Dutch non-profit 

organisation designed to inspire 

newcomers to get fishing as it can help 

their mental health and wellbeing. 

06 www.tackletradeworld.com

Super 

Heat Dissipation 

 

 

 

Super 

Low-Friction 

Super 

Hardness 

Super 

Lightness

US TACKLE TRADE BUOYED BY 

ANOTHER PARTICIPATION RISE 

• Continued from page 3 

“This is the wrong direction. 

On the brighter side, 

participant numbers grew by 

three per cent to 7.8 million 

child participants – over one 

million higher than a decade 

ago.” 

And it’s not just younger 

children where this is a concern. 

Fishing’s national participation 

rate among teens – children 

aged 13 to 17 – also fell a 

percentage point in 2022. 

That said, actual participant 

numbers increased slightly to 

4.9 million but remained above 

the 2019 level of 4.3 million. 

The RBFF said this represents 

an average annual increase 

of six per cent in adolescent 

participation between 2019 and 

2022. 

Meanwhile, the youngsters 

who are going fishing are 

going more often. Total annual 

outings among children aged 

six to 12 have increased five per 

Vista Outdoor, the parent company of 

41 renowned brands in the sporting 

and outdoor lifestyle sector – including 

recently acquired Simms Fishing 

Products – has unveiled a new name 

as it continues to separate its two key 

divisions. 

Following the planned spinoff of 

its Outdoor Products business, which 

includes major shooting and ammunition 

names such as Remington, CCI, Federal, 

Speer and Hevi-Shot, Vista Outdoor 

will be rebranded as The Kinetic Group, 

a name that surfaced among employees 

during the naming process and represents 

the energy behind the company and its 

leading ammunition brands. 

The Kinetic Group will trade on the 

New York Stock Exchange under the 

stock ticker “HUNT,” and the brand will 

feature original logo artwork of a North 

cent to 105 million in 2022, the 

second highest level on record. 

Dave added: “That is a lot 

of kids fishing! It is the teens 

who are falling off. Not only 

were children more likely than 

adolescents to say they wanted 

to fish more, but outings among 

adolescents also fell two per 

cent to 82 million.” 

Engagement of youth 

anglers reaches across family 

ties. Adults with children, 

particularly younger ones, went 

fishing at much higher levels 

than adults without children. 

In fact, over the past three 

years, the participation rate 

in households with children 

aged six to 12 and adolescents 

aged 13 to 17 reported annual 

growth averaging six per cent 

and five per cent, respectively. 

Comparatively, participation 

in households with no children 

grew by only three per cent 

during the same period. 

??? 

Just as importantly, when 

youngsters see their friends take 

to the water, they are keen to 

join in too. 

Fifteen per cent of nonparticipating 

Americans aged 

6 to 17 expressed interest in 

fishing in 2022, up from 11 per 

cent in 2020. However, fewer 

black and Hispanic children 

and adolescents were as keen 

than in 2021, underscoring the 

need for expanded outreach 

to engage underrepresented 

populations. 

Dave continued: “All the kids 

are waiting for an invitation, 

which is where we come in. The 

momentum exists, we need to 

capitalise on it. 

“Hispanic participation rose 

from 4.7 million in 2021 to 5.1 

million in 2022, and women’s 

participation approached the 

pandemic/2020 all-time high, 

representing 36 per cent of total 

anglers. 

American ram. 

Sporting Products leaders 

unveiled The Kinetic Group’s 

branding to employees during 

early in August at the CCI- 

Speer ammunition factory in 

Lewiston, Idaho, USA. 

Jason Vanderbrink, Sporting Products’ 

president and CEO, said: “The 

performance of our products is so often 

measured in energy on target. Kinetic 

energy is the force behind our world-class 

brands and exhibits the spirit of the 4,500 

American workers who represent our 

company. 

“The process of developing a new 

company name and identity has been 

exciting and inspiring. We’re all proud of 

the brands we represent and the products 

we make in our four American factories. 

Harnessing the enthusiasm of our 

“The data underscores the 

importance of introducing 

fishing early, as 86 per cent of 

current fishing participants 

fished before age 12. 

Participation rates fall sharply 

after a child turns 18, making 

families with young children 

the key to growing future 

participation. 

“RBFF is at the helm of 

these efforts. By understanding 

participants’ demographics, 

motivations,and barriers, the 

entire fishing industry can 

better nurture a new generation 

of fishing enthusiasts while 

retaining those new to the 

sport. 

“Connecting women, youth 

and people of colour to fishing 

will ensure that our nation’s 

waterways are protected, our 

communities are healthy and 

our industry is thriving.” 

Kinetic brings energy to Vista Outdoor 

through name change 

employees throughout this process was 

pivotal to coming up with the best name 

and logo as we move closer to becoming a 

standalone company.” 

The Outdoor Product segment, which 

includes Montana-based Simms, now has 

a new CEO in the shape of Eric Nyman 

and an announcement on this company’s 

name change was expected just after 

this issue of Tackle Trade World went to 

press. 

vistaoutdoor.com 


Sales drop for 

watercraft and 

fishing firm 

Minn-Kota’s fishing 

motors helped Johnson 

Outdoors avoid a worse 

sales revenue drop. 

Johnson Outdoors, a leading 

global supplier of watercraft 

and fishing equipment and 

technology, has revealed lower 

sales and earnings results for 

its third fiscal quarter ending 

June 30th. 

The firm, which is behind 

brands such as Humminbird 

marine electronics, Minn- 

Kota fishing motors and 

batteries, Old Town canoes 

and kayaks, Ocean Kayak 

and Cannon downriggers 

among others, blamed reduced 

demand in comparison to the 

Covid-related period 

Chairman and CEO Helen 

Johnson-Leipold, explained: 

“Moderating demand from 

the high pandemic-fuelled 

levels of the past few years 

in a competitive marketplace 

impacted results. 

“However, we remain 

focused on sustaining 

innovation leadership, and 

recently we announced an 

exciting line of new products 

in fishing and a new cuttingedge 

technology in Watercraft 

Recreation, underscoring the 

critical importance of our 

investment in innovation to 

drive long-term growth. 

“The power of our 

innovation and the strength of 

our brands continue to position 

Johnson Outdoors for longterm 

marketplace success.” 

Total Company net sales 

in the third quarter declined 

eight per cent to $187 million 

compared to $203.8 million 

in the prior year third fiscal 

quarter, although it did note 

that fishing sales increased by 

approximately one per cent, 

driven primarily by product 

price increases while camping 

revenue fell by 50 per cent and 

watercraft recreation revenue 

fell 28 per cent, reflecting 

significant reductions in the 

overall market. 

Profit before income taxes 

was $19.8 million in the 

current year quarter, compared 

to $19.2 million in the prior 

year third quarter. Operating 

profit was $17.4 million for the 

third fiscal quarter versus $23.8 

million in the prior year third 

quarter.

MUSTAD MAKES KEY 

US APPOINTMENTS 

Recently installed Mustad 

North America general 

manager Paul Ruda 

has handpicked a team 

of industry veterans to 

support him in his new 

role. 

By assembling a group of 

individuals who share his 

passion and vision, Ruda 

said he aims to create a 

formidable force within the 

fishing equipment industry. 

He explained: “It’s an 

honour to serve and lead 

the Mustad family of 

brands, focusing on our 

North American market. 

What’s more rewarding is 

having had the opportunity 

to build and surround 

myself with a team of such 

skill and knowledge base 

within the industry. 

“Mustad has an excellent 

reputation, which is why I 

feel we were able to recruit 

such a strong staff. We 

all came together because 

we know we can make a 

difference for these brands, 

which we are all so proud of.” 

As a result, he has now 

appointed Andy Baumbach, 

Vince Minnick, Isaac Payne, 

Dave Wensel and Brian Perry 

to key positions within the 

team, designed to boost the 

firm and bring innovative 

Andy Baumbach 

solutions to the market for the 

Mustad, LiveTarget and Tuf- 

Line brands. 

As director of marketing 

for North America, Andy 

Baumbach said: “There is a 

lot of room for growth within 

the family of brands. Standing 

on a foundation of trust, 

and historically well-known 

products, I’m confident we 

will be able to expand upon 

Brian Perry 

Dave Wensel Isaac Payne Vince Minnick 

our current catalogue with 

new products while supporting 

with fresh marketing tactics.” 

National sales manager for 

key accounts, Vince Minnick, 

added: “The thing I love the 

most about this industry is the 

opportunity to provide fishing 

tackle that will help anglers of 

all ages and skill levels have 

positive experiences in the 

outdoors.” 

As director of 

innovation and product 

development, Isaac 

Payne brings extensive 

experience in driving 

product development and 

incorporating cutting-edge 

technologies. His ability 

to identify market trends 

and transform ideas into 

tangible products will 

ensure Mustad continues to 

provide fishermen with the 

latest and most effective 

solutions. 

Meanwhile Dave 

Wensel, senior business 

manager for West US, is 

said to have a keen eye 

for identifying growth 

opportunities and 

implementing effective 

sales strategies and was 

recruited due to his 

merchandising experience 

in other markets. 

Brian Perry takes up 

the role as senior business 

manager for East US with aim 

of driving revenue generation 

in this region. 

His passion for fishing, 

along with his first job 

as mate on the fishing 

vessel Outlaw Illustrated, 

encouraged him to find a 

career in the tackle industry. 

www. mustad-fishing.com/us 

Another reason to listen to Garmin? 

Marine electronics and tech expert 

Garmin has entered into a definitive 

agreement to acquire JL Audio, the US 

company that designs and manufactures 

a range of audio solutions. 

With over four decades of 

experience, JL Audio offers a range 

of premium audio products and 

accessories, including speakers, 

amplifiers, subwoofers and other audio 

components for marine, aftermarket 

automotive, powersports, home and RV 

customers. 

Garmin president and CEO Cliff 

Pemble said: “JL Audio’s extensive 

audio experience will create new 

opportunities to provide premium 

audio features across a broad range of 

our markets and products. 

“The JL Audio brand is known 

around the world for offering a 

premium audio experience, which is 

made possible by their talented and 

dedicated associates.” 

JL Audio founder and CEO Lucio 

Proni added: “JL Audio shares Garmin’s 

vision to deliver unique technology 

solutions supported by meaningful 

R&D and engineering. We are thrilled 

at the opportunity to integrate into 

Garmin’s product ecosystem.” 

www.garmin.com 


Giving You the Tools to Improve Your Business 

Salt Palace Convention Center 

Salt Lake City, Utah 

September 26-28, 2023 

Visit AFFTA.org for more information.

FIRM FOUNDATION FOR MUD HOLE 

AND AMERICAN TACKLE 

In acquiring Mud Hole Custom 

Tackle and American Tackle Company, 

Foundation Outdoor Group has become 

the industry’s largest supplier of fishing 

rod components, supplies, equipment and 

rod building instruction. 

The acquisition combines the strengths 

of these two renowned companies 

allowing Foundation Outdoor Group to 

better serve its customers worldwide. 

Under the acquisition and merger, 

Foundation Outdoor Group will take 

charge of both Mud Hole’s Florida 

headquarters and American Tackle’s 

operations in Florida, Europe and Asia. 

This expanded reach allows the company 

to focus on enhancing its presence 

in both the direct-to-consumer and 

business-to-business markets, globally. 

Tom McNamara, CEO of Foundation 

Outdoor Group, revealed: “We’re 

thrilled to unite the forces of American 

Tackle and Mud Hole to provide 

superior service to our customers around 

the globe. This acquisition not only 

streamlines the operations but also 

enables us to offer an even wider range 

of high-quality brands to both our 

consumer and business clientele.” 

With a passion for innovation 

and excellence, American Tackle 

Company has earned a reputation 

for revolutionising the fishing tackle 

industry by garnishing 15 industry Best 

Product Awards, including its recent 

2023 ICAST Best of Show Award. 

By combining cutting-edge 

technology, expert craftsmanship 

and a deep understanding of anglers’ 

needs, backed by top sales, service and 

development teams, the company offers 

Brook Oliva 

a comprehensive range of solutions 

designed to elevate the fishing experience 

to new heights. 

Mud Hole Custom Tackle, the 

recognised leader in the field of custom 

rod building and tackle crafting supplies 

worldwide, remains devoted to providing 

unparalleled products, exceptional value, 

and top-notch customer service. 

With a strong e-commerce presence 

and a wealth of valuable educational 

content, Mud Hole continues to 

support the thriving consumer rod 

building community. Offering an 

extensive inventory that features the 

finest components from distinguished 

brands, rod builders can trust Mud Hole 

to deliver a diverse range of options, 

empowering them to create their own 

custom designs with absolute precision 

and perfection. 

The Mud Hole and American Tackle 

brands will join Foundation Outdoor 

Group’s wide-ranging brand portfolio, 

which includes MHX premium fishing 

rod blanks, CRB quality rod building 

tools, supplies and components, and the 

industry leading ProProducts line of 

thread and adhesives. 

Moving forward, the Foundation 

Outdoor Group business-to-business 

sales and solutions team will meet 

and exceed the needs of OEM fishing 

rod manufacturers and distributors 

throughout the world. 

Brook Oliva, president and COO of 

Foundation Outdoor Group, added: 

“This marks an exhilarating time for 

our industry, particularly for our valued 

customers. By leveraging the expertise 

and market leadership of American 

Tackle, Mud Hole, and their affiliate 

brands, we can bring even more value to 

the marketplace and extend our services 

to a broader audience of consumer and 

business outdoor enthusiasts, regardless 

of their location.” 

Foundation Outdoor Group will 

maintain its 86,000 sq ft (8,000 sq m) 

headquarters office and distribution 

centre in Oviedo, Florida and operate 

global offices in Europe and Asia. 

Both Mud Hole and American Tackle 

anticipate no impact to existing business 

operations or customer experience as the 

acquisition is completed over the coming 

weeks. 

www. foundationoutdoorgroup.com

Rather Outdoors makes 

key US appointment 

SUZUKI JOINS 

YAMAHA MARINE 

Two iconic names in the marine engine market, 

Suzuki and Yamaha, have got together. 

This time, though, it is through outboard 

motor specialist Yamaha US Marine Business Unit appointing 

Grant Suzuki as chief of technology, Advanced Marine Systems. 

Grant will lead the Marine Advance Development teams 

focused on building-out Yamaha’s C.A.S.E. (Connectivity, 

Autonomous operations, Integrated Services and 

Electrification) strategy. Under his leadership, Yamaha will 

develop future solutions to improve boater experiences by 

advancing the capability and performance of core product lines. 

“Grant has an impressive track record of leveraging science 

and technology to find solutions for real world problems,” said 

business unit president Ben Speciale. 

“With more than 20 years of experience in software and 

system architecture, his leadership will help propel Yamaha’s 

product development to the next level.” 

Prior to joining Yamaha, Grant served as director of 

Sumitomo Corporation of America, Automotive Group where 

he developed a team of engineers to provide solutions in design, 

development and implementation of embedded systems and 

cloud solutions. He has a PhD in Applied Physics. A Japanese 

national, his global career includes time in Germany and 

Michigan. 

www.stgeorgesporting.co.uk 

Marcus Parker 

Angler and experienced tackle 

industry pro Marcus Parker has 

been hired by Rather Uutdoors, 

which boasts a string of wellknown 

fishing brands, as its 

senior vice-president of sales for 

North America. 

Marcus has been a regional 

pro staff member for Strike 

King since 2010, accomplishing 

numerous top 10 finishes on 

various tournament trails. 

Before joining Rather 

Outdoors, he worked in 

sales at Lakeshore Learning 

Materials and brings a wealth of 

knowledge to the sales team. 

He is in the process of 

visiting each of the North 

American Rather Outdoors 

offices with plans to travel 

internationally to meet with 

stakeholders and key strategic 

partners to encourage a grass 

roots approach to leadership 

within his new position. 

Marcus explained: “Over the 

last 13 years, the people that I 

have come across – whether it 

be Strike King at the beginning 

and even through this transition 

– I have always felt a sense of 

family. That is why I am here. 

I was successful where I was at, 

but the leadership of Ken and 

Rocky and their love for the 

outdoors, the sport, and their 

employees – I look forward 

to adding to that. I also look 

forward to implementing a nonendemic 

approach that could 

bring even more success to our 

business.” 

Rather Outdoors’ president 

for North America, Rocky 

Kalsow, added: “Marcus may 

be new to the Rather Outdoors 

team but he has been like family 

to us for years. This is not really 

his first day on the job; it’s 

more like the next logical step 

in a very long and prosperous 

collaboration.” 

The global outdoors 

corporation brings together a 

number of iconic tackle brands 

including Lew’s, Strike King, 

Quantum, Zebco, Fox, Matrix, 

Salmo and Fox Rage. 

www.ratheroutdoors.com

New gear falls from Simms 

Simms Fishing Products, the US 

manufacturer of waders, outerwear, 

footwear, and technical apparel, has released 

release its Fall 2023 collection, designed 

and developed to keep anglers warm, dry, 

and in the moment for the seasons ahead. 

The collection launched in conjunction 

with the release of Wader Maker, a film 

that showcases the craftsmanship, precision 

and dedication of the team who have been 

making waders in Bozeman, Montana for 

the past 30-plus years. 

Simms COO and head of product, 

Ben Christensen, said: “As much as I 

love throwing big terrestrials for cutties, 

watching big smallies smash topwaters and 

everything else summer has to offer, I’m 

always anxious to launch the Fall line. 

“Not only is it a strong collection 

developed with tons of cutting-edge 

technology and innovation, it also means 

we’re right around the corner from my 

favourite fishing season of the year. 

“The Fall 2023 collection is no exception. 

Once again, our product team has gone 

above and beyond to deliver a vast array 

of performance driven gear specifically 

designed to keep anglers warm and dry in 

the coldest and wettest conditions. In my 

mind, it’s a collection that truly reflects 

Simms’ longstanding heritage of connecting 

anglers to their best days on the water.” 

Spanning across all product categories, 

Fall 2023 delivers technical gear and 

apparel that anglers of all types can utilise 

during the months ahead, regardless of the 

conditions. 

Key items include the expansion of 

the Freestone range with the Freestone 

Z stockingfoot and bootfoot waders, 

Challenger insulated jacket and bib, 

Challenger 7in Deck Boot, hoody and 

sweat pant. 

For river focused anglers, the beloved 

Bulkley insulated jacket returns while the 

collection is further bolstered with the 

Bulkley insulated bootie and insulated hand 

muff, two pieces specifically designed to 

keep extremities extra warm on the coldest 

days of the year. 

Simms’ renowned Fall Run collection 

continues to grow with the additions of 

the hybrid hoody, hybrid shacket, women’s 

insulated hoody and women’s hybrid 

hooded vest. 

Finally, the popular Rogue collection 

has been updated to include a fleece vest, 

fishing pant and fleece hoody. 

www.simmsfishing.com 

Support call for Casting for Recovery 

As people mark Breast 

Cancer Awareness Month 

this October, non-profit 

organisation Casting for 

Recovery is appealing for 

more backing for its unique 

programme. 

For 27 years, US-based 

CfR has provided free retreats 

for over 11,000 women with 

breast cancer, using the sport 

of fly fishing as a model for 

healing. 

This year, CfR will host 52 

retreats nationwide with the 

help of over 1800 volunteers. 

Through CfR’s programme, 

women learn the basics of 

fly fishing, gaining not only 

specific outdoor skills, but also 

the confidence to seek out 

lifelong outdoor exploration, 

adventure and new experiences 

following a cancer diagnosis, 

regardless of their health or 

physical strength. 

CfR retreats serve women 

of any age and any stage 

of treatment or recovery 

though a magic combination 

of support, camaraderie and 

fly fishing, which has been 

described by many as “lifechanging.” 

www.castingforrecovery.org 


Our Heartfelt Thanks for Being with China Fish All the Way 

Getting Back to Your Business at 

February 21-23, 2024 

New China International Exhibition Center 

Beijing, China 

Registration is Open 

On-line registration 

http://web.chinafishshow.org/chinafish_reg 

Any questions or more information 

LiJiang@chinafish.cn 

www.chinafishshow.org 

+86-13810708871 

WeChat Registration 

CHINAFISH1991

FEATURE 

China Fish 

“LET’S GET TOGETHER 

AT CHINA FISH 2024!” 

Since the beginning of 2023, when the Chinese Government cancelled its Zero Covid Policy, 

industries are returning to normal, including the tackle trade, as evidenced by the CGC SHOW 

held by China Fish in May in Weihai. China Fish 2024 will build on that. 

With more than three times 

the number of registered 

international buyers as 

before Covid, the CGC 

Show – open to the domestic tackle 

market – exceeded many expectations 

with many international buyers and 

exhibitors gathering there. 

When the news about China Fish 2024 

was announced in June, there were over 

680 companies applying for booths – 33.6 

per cent more than exhibitors before the 

pandemic. 

The organiser had to choose whether 

to increase the exhibiting area to 

accommodate them all or control the 

number to provide a better and fine 

business environment. 

Li Jiang, president of China Fish, said: 

“As a professional tackle trade organiser, 

the most important thing is to provide 

a fine business environment for all 

exhibitors and buyers, so there should be 

a reasonable ratio of both. If it loses its 

balance, for example, far more exhibitors 

than buyers, there would be negative 

competition, which might impact the 

interests of both parties. However, if the 

economy grows better and better in the 

following months, and the number of 

registered buyers rise, we might enlarge 

our exhibiting area for more.” 

For now, though, the organiser has 

capped the number of exhibitors at 

550, all of which were selected from the 

applicants more suited to the overseas 

market. 

BUYING POWER 

Compared with the situation pre-Covid, 

16 www.tackletradeworld.com 

the number of international buyers 

doubled on the announcement of China 

Fish 2024, although August holidays, the 

global economy and political issues have 

reduced that figure somewhat. 

Li Jiang said: “2024 might be the 

best year to come, so we hope that all 

the buyers take up this opportunity 

to communicate with their longterm 

business partners about future 

cooperation at China Fish 2024 faceto-face, 

to find new products and new 

suppliers.” 

He added: “Since it has been almost 

four years since the last in-person China 

Fish, there won’t be as many activities as 

before; we hope that leaves more time 

for international buyers to communicate 

with their reunited partners and new 

suppliers.” 

Of course, the Best Product Showcase 

is one of the most important events of 

China Fish each year, with hundreds 

of exhibitors displaying their latest 

equipment, with international buyers 

voting anonymously in around 20 

categories. The winners will be 

announced at the banquet on the first day 

of the show. 

China Fish will still provide services 

such as visa invitation letters, show hotel 

reservation, free shuttle buses, interpreters 

and more to all buyers. 

With visa applications seeing a spike 

after three years of inactivity from Covid, 

the organiser suggests that the overseas 

buyers should apply for their Chinese visa 

between October and December. 

Direct flights to Beijing have 

also not yet recovered fully, so these 

prices are comparatively higher, so it’s 

recommended to look into all options in 

advance. 

There are free shuttle buses between 

Beijing Capital International Airport 

and most China Fish hotels and these 

can be booked at the same time as your 

accommodation. Free buses also run 

between the hotels and the exhibition 

centre. 

ALL-IN-ONE PLATFORM 

Meanwhile, the China Fish All-in-One 

Platform is open to all its registered 

international buyers. Each registered 

buyer has his/her own account on this 

platform, and has available to view 

580 online suppliers’ stores, and 7,801 

products, as well as chatting with 

suppliers directly. And the inquiry, offer 

and order services will be ready soon, 

which can help your business better. 

With Covid alerts cancelled, few 

people wear masks even in crowded 

public areas and there are no special 

requirements for inbound passengers on 

the Chinese side, as long as they are sure 

that they are not infected at the time of 

travel. 

You can register now as an 

international buyer or previous visitor by 

simply sending the attendee name(s) to 

China Fish by email or via its WeChat or, 

if first-time attendees, registering on the 

China Fish official website. 

CHINA FISH 

Lijiang@chinafish.cn 

WeChat(CHINAFISH1991) 

www.chinafishshow.org

FEATURE 

WHAT IS AFFTA’S 

CONFLUENCE EVENT? 

AFFTA Confluence is a business-to-business event for the fly fishing industry that brings 

together leaders, influencers and innovators, allowing them to share insight, experience, 

and resources on current industry trends and businesses. 

With networking opportunities, 

impact panels and the chance 

to learn from experts, AFFTA 

Confluence is the ultimate gathering for 

those looking to further their knowledge 

on the industry. 

Organised by the American Fly 

Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA), it is 

scheduled to take place at the Salt Palace 

Convention Center, Salt Lake City, USA, 

from September 26th to 28th. 

Unlike a traditional trade show, 

Confluence has been reimagined as a way 

of bringing the industry together to learn 

from each other and present a myriad of 

networking opportunities. 

With adjusted show floor hours to 

allow more round-table discussions, an 

outdoor element for fun and camaraderie, 


a rejuvenated New Product Showcase, 

peer-to-peer forums to discuss industry 

and conservation issues, an updated 

seminar area on the show floor and 

a new Artist Alley leading into the 

show, everything has been designed to 

present a more rounded event with many 

opportunities to meet, learn and do 

business. 

ON TRACK 

One vital component of the event is the 

partnership between AFFTA and data 

expert TrackFly, which will bring the latest 

industry information and detail how it can 

provide real-time reports and analytics to 

outline trends and opportunities. 

AFFTA executive director Lucas Bissett 

explained: “The trade needs to work 

Lucas Bissett

Confluence 2023 

FEATURE 

together and look forward as we get this 

industry through the economic uncertainty 

right now – retail education, stockpiling, 

relationships between the various 

collaborators such as manufacturers and 

retailers. Trackfly is a huge component. 

“It is the biggest thing to hit this 

industry from an analytical perspective 

ever. It is the most revolutionary 

opportunity to illustrate what is happening 

within the wholesale channel in our trade. 

“The Trackfly booth gives retailers a 

one-to-one chance to be educated on how 

to use all that information. 

“This is just one of the catalysts to get 

people together but this is what people 

have value in. 

“We have seen some of the biggest 

industry changes since 1994 but now 

there is a level of uncertainty, what with 

supply chain issues and more and we all 

need to discuss the best way forward. 

We are providing the space to have those 

conversations. 

“Together we will do better than being 

apart. We want to evolve into a more 

collaborative industry.” 

Trackfly will present two industry 

reports every year to AFFTA members, 

with the first outlining trends for brands 

and manufacturers. 

There will be an additional hour added 

to the industry breakfast for round table 

discussions about all the latest data and 

trends. 

DEDICATED TO THE INDUSTRY 

While some of the focus will change with 

additional content, Lucas is also clear 

that many elements that exhibitors and 

retails love will still be a key part of the 

Confluence offering. 

He said: “We are still centred on the 

idea of product and there will be many 

traditional components to this show. 

“There will be two days of show floor 

events inside and then the final day will 

be dedicated to the outdoors (at Pioneer 

Park in Salt Lake City) – something 

which is crucial to our sport and the 

people within it. 

“There are many unique components to 

Confluence and the outdoors is essential 

– we view this this not just as a way of 

seeing new products in an outdoor setting 

but also a way of letting our hair down, 

with live music, food and drink, too.” 


19

FEATURE 

Out and about at Confluence 

The outdoors is a crucial part of fly 

fishing and the industry, which is why 

part of AFFTA’s Confluence event will 

take place away from the traditional 

exhibition hall and head outside. 

On September 28th, from 10am 

to 3pm, AFFTA Confluence heads 

outdoors to the relaxed setting of 

Pioneer Park in downtown Salt Lake 

City, Utah 

The Outdoor Experience at AFFTA 

Confluence 2023 will bring the business 

of meeting with brands to the outdoors. 

Everything from hard goods to soft 

goods will be on display, while product 

demos outside and in the centrally 

located casting area will create a relaxed 

and open atmosphere for everyone. 

There will be raffles and casting 

competitions for all who attend to 

compete in, not to mention live music, 

great food and drink to create a great 

way to celebrate the sport and the 

industry. 

The inaugural Outdoor Experience is 

only open to registered exhibitors and 

attendees at AFFT Confluence. 

Pioneer Park in 

downtown Salt 

Lake City, Utah 

2023 AFFTA CONFLUENCE SHOW SCHEDULE 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH 

8am – 10am | Industry Breakfast – AFFTA/TrackFly Annual 

Report w/Analysis 

Industry Round Table Discussions – The future of our industry 

10am – 5pm | Show Floor Open at Salt Palace Convention Center 

3pm – 5pm | Happy Hour 

BREAK-OUT SESSIONS ON SHOW FLOOR 

10am Sustainable Packing Alternatives. Presented by A New 

Earth Project 

11am Buying/Marketing Strategies And How To Compete In A 

Digital World. Chris Frangiosa 

12pm Learn How To Use TrackFly To Make Profitable Decisions 

For Your Business 

2pm Conservation Conversations 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH 

9am – 10am | Policy Priority Discussion Led by Matt Mullin of 

High Street Strategies 

10am – 5pm | Show Floor Open at Salt Palace Convention Center 

4pm – 5pm | Party on the Pond 

BREAK-OUT SESSIONS ON SHOW FLOOR 

10am Sustainable Packing Alternatives. Presented by A New 

Earth Project 

11am Learn How To Use TrackFly To Make Profitable Decisions 

For Your Business. 

12pm Building And Training An All Star Team: Chris Frangiosa 

2pm Conservation Conversations 

MEET THE EXPERTS 

Stephen Baird, CEO Trackfly 

Trackfly is a software service that “provides data aggregation, 

analysis and sharing between manufacturers, suppliers and 

retailers to increase visibility and enhance relationships 

between trading partners in the supply chain.” 

Chris Frangiosa, TCO Fly Shop 

Chris is the retail manager at TCO Fly Shop and is here to help 

you make and save more money as a retailer. 

Matt Mullin, High Street Strategies 

AFFTA is constantly looking out for policies that affect the 

business of fly fishing with a full-time consultant on Capitol 

Hill. High Street Strategies helps keep you informed and gives it 

voice. 

Cross Current Insurance 

Cross Current Insurance are avid anglers and outdoor 

enthusiasts. ???? Whether you are a guide, own a lodge, or 

manufacture boats, rods, boots or other gear for the outdoor 

industry, it has built an insurance business to protect your 

passion. 

The FlyBook 

Founded in 2006 to help its founder manage his fishing 

operation, The FlyBook helps tour, activity and rental providers 

manage their reservations. The Flybook was conceptualised and 

designed by outdoor industry veterans. 


• Continued on page 22

FEATURE 

AFFT CONFLUENCE 2023 

EXHIBITOR LIST 

Heading to AFFTA’s Confluence event? There’s a host of big- (and small-) name businesses 

exhibiting on the show floor of the Salt Palace Convention Center and/or at the Outdoor 

Experience in Pioneer Park…. 

Abel 

ArcticSilver USA 

Adamsbuilt Fishing 

AFFTA Conservation 

African Waters 

Airflo 

Alphonse Fishing Company 

American Tackle Company 

Angler Sport Group 

Anglers Book Supply 

Aqua Flies LLC 

Aquaz USA Inc 

ARC Fishing 

Artisan Angler 

Austral Point 

Avalon Cuban Fishing Centers 

Avalon Outdoor 

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 

Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board 

Bajio Sunglasses 

Banana Rods 

Batson Enterprises 

Bissell Insurance Agency 

Blackstrap Industries 

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust 

Boomerang Tool Company 

Boulder Boat Works 

Brodin Landing Nets 

Brook Fishing Equipment 

Bti-Sports China Tangzhou Guotai 

Buff Inc 

Captains For Clean Water 

Cascade Crest Tools 

Casting For Recovery 

Catchflo 

CF Bruckheimer Fly Rod Co 

Cheeky Fishing 

Chums Inc 

Cliff Outdoors 

Cody’s Fish 

Cognito Brands 

Colorado Angler Supply 

CorQs FlyFishing 

Corland Line Company 

Costa Sunglasses 

Cross Current Insurance group 

CTS 

Cubalaya Outfitters 

Cutbow Fishing Gear 

Dagon Apparel Company 

Damsel Fly Fishing 

Danforth Art 

Denver Outfitters 

DeYoung Studio 

Dirty Water Fly Company 

Douglas Outdoors 

Dr Slick Company 

Duck Camp 

Eastwind Artisans 

Eleven Angling 

Ewing Feather Birds 

EZ TIE 

Fair Flies 

Far Bank 

Finn Fly Fishing Partners 

Fish Partner 

Fishe 

Fishing Outfitters Association of 

Montana 

Fishmasks 

Fishnet Magnet 

Fishpond 

Flood Tide 

Fly Fishers International 

Fly Fishing Digital Marketing Group 

Fly Fusion Magazine 

Fly Water Travel 

Flylords 

Flymen Fishing Company 

Flyvines 

Four Wheel Campers 

Frog Hair Fishing 

Fulling Mill 

G Loomis 

Galvan Fly Reels 

Gamakatsu USA 

Gerber Gear 

Global Rescue 

GRAPLRZ 

Grundens 

Hammerhead Ind/Gear Keeper 

Hangtime 

Hangzhou Fuyang Sunshine Imp & Exp 

Hardy / Pure Fishing 

Hareline Dubbin 

Harvest Tackle 

Hatch Outdoors 

Headspin Outdoors 

Headwaters Bamboo 

Hell’s Bay Boatworks 

HMH Vises 

Hook and Vice 

Howler Brothers 

Jeff Blood Fly Fishing 

Kanna Travel Service 

KArmik Outdoor 

KEEN Footwear 

Keepemwet Fishing 

Kona USA 

Korkers 

Kreinik Mfg 

KUHL Clothing 

Lagartun 

Larva Lace 

Line Cutterz 

LodgeRunner 

Magnetique 

Mako Reel 

Mana Fly Fishing 

Map The Xperience 

Mauser Fly Fishing 

Mavrk Industries 

Mayfly Outdoors 

Monic Fly Fishing 

Montana Fly Company 

Mystic Outdoors 

Nautilus Reels 

Norvise 

NRS 

Ocean Active 

OCR 

Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics 

onWater app 

O’Pros Fly Fishing 

Oros 

Orvis 

Outcast Sporting Gear 

Pacific Fly Group 

Paintings by Stephanie Sondock 

Paramount Outdoors 

Patagonia 

PEAK Fishing 

Performance Polarized 

PEUX Fly Fishing 

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing 

R L Winston Rod co / Bauer Fly Reels 

RaidZap 

Rainy’s Flies 

Rajeff Sports 

Ranger Outdoors 

REC Components 

Recur Outdoors 

Redington 

Reelwinder.com 

Regal Vise 

Renzettie Group 

RepYourWater 

Rezosystems 

RIO Products 

RISING 

Riversmith 

RO Drift Boats 

Rock Treads 

RodMounts 

Romeo Bravo Software 

Ross Reels 

Rudder Fishing 

Sage Fly Fishing 

SAM Medical 

SaraBella Fishing 

Sawyer Paddles & Oars 

Scientific Anglers 

Scott Fly Rod Co 

Sea Run Cases 

Seigler reels 

Semper Fly Rods 

Semperfli 

Sierra Stream & Mountain 

Sight Line Provisions 

Simms Fishing Products 

Skinny Water Culture 

Smith Optics 

SmithFly Designs 

Snow Peak USA 

Snowbee USA 

Solitude Fly Co 

South Fork Products 

St Croix Rods 

Stackpole Books 

Stealth Fly Products 

SwimWell Oxygenated Fish Recovery 

Spray 

Tackly Fly Fishing 

Temple Fork Outfitters 

Tenkara Rod Co 

Tankara Tanuki 

Tenkara USA 

Tenryu Co 

The Drake Magazine 

The Flybook 

The Original Ty-Rite 

The Strike Indicator Company 

Thomas & Thomas 

Tight Line Enterprise 

Tornado Anchors 

Trout & Company 

Trout Scout Outfitters 

TroutRoutes 

Troutsmen Enterprises 

Trxtle 

Turrall & Co 

Turtlebox Audio 

US Fish & Wildlife Service 

Ultimate Rod Case 

Umpqua Feather Merchants 

Vania Flies 

VEDAVOO 

Wapsi Fly 

Waterworks-Lamson 

WETFLY 

Whiting Farms 

Wilderness Adventures Press 

Wind River Gear 

Wingo Outdoors 

Wolff Indiana 

Wynd Tackle 

Yakima Products 

Yakoda Supply 

Yellow Dog Community/Conservation 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures 

YETI 

Zen Tenkara / Zen Fly Fishing Gear 

• Exhibitor list correct at time of going 

to press. Subject to change. 


Come Visit Us At 

BOOTH 

356 

SEPT. 26 th -28 th 

Salt Palace Convention Ctr 

Salt Lake City, UT

FEATURE 

SEMPERFLI STILL 

FLYING HIGH AFTER 

MATERIAL SUCCESS 

British fly tying materials manufacturer Semperfli has had an amazing year or two, 

including a prestigious export business award, impressive growth, key distribution deals 

and its biggest product launch ever. As it prepares for the Confluence event director Ann 

Kitchener explains why there is no stopping it at present. 

ttW: it’S been Quite a 

WhirlWind 18 monthS for 

Semperfli Since You attended 

the international flY tackle 

dealerS’ ShoW in Salt lake 

citY, uSa back in earlY 

2022. What have been the 

highlightS? 

ann kitchener: It has been an 

incredible time for Semperfli since then. We 

actually heard we had won the prestigious 

Queen’s Award on the first day of the 

show but, due to the embargo, we were 

not able to tell anyone! We had to wait 

until the Queen’s birthday when all the 

announcements were formally made. We 

were buzzing at the show! 

From there on, the show was hugely 


successful for Semperfli. It was great to have 

a stand with our US team and amazing Pro 

Team who supported us there. They are all 

such wonderful people. 

Interest in our materials at the show was 

amazing. We had such a warm welcome. 

We loved meeting existing Semperfli 

partners and a host of great new dealers who 

came on board as a result. These included 

independent stores from across the world 

and even multiples such as Sportsman 

Warehouse and Scheels. It’s great to be 

working with so many wonderful retailers 

globally. 

Demand for our materials got so high we 

had no choice but to move premises. We 

had been looking for new premises for a 

while but, luckily, the perfect place became 

available. After a period of renovation to 

make them bespoke for us, we had fantastic 

new warehousing, offices and a factory 

across three units. 

Then we invested hugely into even 

more sophisticated computerised dyeing 

machinery. This is the ultimate dyeing 

equipment (and it’s big too) that we believe 

is unique to this industry. It gives perfect 

result time after time. No stock pots and 

wooden spoons here! Tyers want consistent 

colours with quality and reliability, that is 

what they get from Semperfli. 

hoW have You managed to 

deal With the huge influx 

of orderS that haS come in 

during that time? 

We came away from the show with a 

host of significant orders that we were

Semperfli 

FEATURE 

delighted to get stuck into. Factoring in 

the global demand plus these new orders, 

we got busy! Our new premises made 

things a lot easier as we had such great 

dedicated facilities and oodles of space to 

accommodate the stock. 

We recruited additional help, too, to 

meet the demand as we worked flat out to 

meet everyone’s deadlines, which we were 

really pleased to hit. 

You have recently unveiled 

your biggest product launch 

ever. Which are the key items 

dealers should be stocking? 

Our recent product launch has been 

incredible. It really has been our biggest 

launch ever, with over 500 new items! 

Feedback from tyers and dealers has 

been fantastic and we are very happy and 

grateful about that, naturally. 

The hottest items in the range are 

undoubtedly Mopster, the new mop 

chenille, the unique Boom and Scud 

dubbing (it has to be seen), an array of 

new fritz/chenille and we must mention 

the new, much-needed colours of waxed 

thread – watery olive, wood duck, burnt 

orange and rusty brown. The market has 

been waiting for these and we are pleased 

to deliver. 

You are travelling to Salt 

Lake City in October for the 

affta Confluence event; 

what are you expecting from 

the show? 

We are so looking forward to the 

show in October; so much so, we have 

doubled the size of our stand. We want 

to welcome more people to our stand and 

showcase Semperfli world. 

Let us show folk why Semperfli is 

different: We produce our own gear in 

house, we have quality material, there’s 

more on the spool or bag to represent 

great value, we offer consistent beautiful 

dyeing and perfect spooling (no birds’ 

nests here). 

Why should dealers (and 

distributors) come and visit 

you at Confluence? 

We invite people to our stand to meet 

the UK and US teams. Come and say hi to 

the people behind the brand – Andy, the 

inventor of Semperfli materials, Ann, who 

is CEO, and our US team. Additionally, we 

will have tying demonstrations on the stand 

throughout the show by our super Pro Team. 

We will have all the new materials on 

display, too, so we can’t wait to demonstrate 

them to visitors so they can touch and feel 

them for themselves. 

We can also demonstrate the onboarding 

services we provide to our partners plus 

all the technical support and resources we 

provide as standard. 

What is 2024 looking like for 

Semperfli? 

We are excited for the future. There is 

so much love for Semperfli around the 

world. New partners are coming on board 

all the time and tyers are converting to 

our materials in their droves. So we will 

keep on doing what we do – produce 

more of the very best materials, bring out 

new innovative products and look after 

our increasing dealer base. 

To be called the fastest-growing tying 

materials company is an honour and one 

we intend to uphold! 

Semperfli 

www.semperfli.net 


25

DBW... 

RocKy 

mountains 

ROCKY 

MOUNTAINS 

D o i n G B u s i n e s s W i t H . . . 

REGION 

Home to some key brands and a wide range of amazing fishing waters, 

the Rocky mountains are an angling destination in their own right, 

especially when it comes to fly fishing. if you aren’t already doing 

business here then now might well be the time to rectify that. 

C 

overing some 3,000 miles and 

stretching all the way along 

western North America, from 

Alaska to New Mexico, the 

Rocky Mountain region (or The 

Rockies) extends into eight states, 

two provinces and two territories. 

For ease we will consider 

the Rocky Mountain states 

to comprise Colorado, Idaho, 

Montana, Utah and Wyoming, 

with parts of the impressive 

mountain range in all of these. 

The economic resources of 

the Rocky Mountains are varied 

and abundant. It is worldrenowned 

for spectacular scenery, 

environment and recreation, with 

its fame compounded following 

the 1992 release of the iconic A 

River Runs Through It movie, set 

in Montana. 

Although irrigated farming, 

livestock ranching and lumbering 

offer limited economic 

opportunities within the region, 

the two major commercial 

activities in the Rocky Mountains 

are mining and tourism. 

Tourism is based on abundant 

natural attractions and outdoor 

recreation and makes up a 

significant part of the region’s 

economy. Resort communities 

have been established to cater 

to the region’s tourist industry, 

and their population often grows 

exponentially during peak tourist 

seasons. 

Key attractions, especially 

during the summer, include 

Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge, Rocky 

Mountain, Yellowstone, Grand 

Teton and Glacier National Parks 

plus Sawtooth national recreation 

area and Flathead Lake. 

Meanwhile, skiing is one of the 

biggest draws for many visitors 

during the winter months. 

But the whole region also 

boasts abundant rivers and some 

lakes, holding a myriad of trout 

species along with a smattering 

of bass, but it’s the former that 

dominate anglers’ minds. 

ECONOMIC BOOST 

When state-level economic 

developers were asked to 

make the case for their state 

as a location for outdoor 

sporting goods manufacturers, 


economy focus 

GDP 

Colorado $342.7bn Idaho $83.666bn 

Montana $53.935bn Utah $169bn 

Wyoming $36.47bn 

GDP Growth rate 

Colorado 3.6% Idaho 2% 

Montana 1.84% Utah 4.66% 

Wyoming 0.5% 

GDP per capita 

Colorado $61,311 Idaho $40,566 

Montana $43,576 Utah $51,407 

Wyoming $67,915 

fact file 

Capitals: Colorado – Denver; 

Idaho – Boise; Montana – Helena; 

Utah – Salt Lake City; Wyoming – Cheyenne 

Population: Colorado 5.839m; Idaho 1.975m; 

Montana 1.122m; Utah 3.271m; Wyoming 576,851 

President: Joe Biden 

Official language: English 

Time zones: Mountain Standard Time (MST) and 

Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) – GMT -7hrs 

Currency: US Dollar 

DBW... 

ROCKY 

mountains 

representatives from each 

responded to the same set of 

questions surrounding their 

cultivation of the outdoor sports 

industry. 

It contributes more than $10 

billion annually to Colorado’s 

economy, supports 107,000 jobs, 

generates nearly $500 million 

in annual state tax revenue and 

produces $7.6 billion annually 

in retail sales and services across 

Colorado, accounting for four per 

cent of gross state product. 

One of the most important 

outdoor sports businesses in 

Colorado is the Scott Fly Rod 

Co, not to mention Eagle Claw/ 

Wright & McGill and Monic 

Fly Lines, among others. 

In Idaho the industry produces 

$2.2 billion a year in retail 

sales and services, has grown 

70 per cent in the last decade 

and employs 1,000 people. This 

industry works well with so much 

rural landscape and many smaller 

communities – 70 per cent of Rec 

Tech companies are located in 

Idaho’s smaller cities. Its natural 

assets provide excellent natural 

testing facilities for products. 

The outdoor sporting goods 

sector is a very important 

contributor to Montana’s 

economy with a cluster of fly 

fishing, outdoor apparel, outdoor 

equipment, sports equipment 

and gun and ammunition 

manufacturers in western 

Montana that cater to its 

tradition of outdoor activities. 

Many fishing tackle and 

apparel manufacturers are based 

in Bozeman Montana, including 

Simms Fishing and the Bozeman 

Reel Company, among others. 

Nearly 75 per cent of Utah is 

public land, making the state a 

2.3-trillion-sq ft testing facility 

for the outdoor products industry. 

More than 1,000 outdoor 

products companies are currently 

doing business in Utah. It is a 

perfect location for the upcoming 

AFFTA Confluence Show in 

Salt Lake City in September. 

Wyoming has a strong outdoor 

industry business base with 

close to 300 companies that 

produce or sell outdoor gear, 

from hunting and fishing to 

clothing and equipment. It has an 

abundance of land available for 

hunting, fishing and other forms 

of outdoor recreation. Fifty per 

cent of the land is public, and an 

additional amount is considered 

public/private land available to 

outdoor enthusiasts through the 

Wyoming Game and Fish and 

Hunter Management program. 


27

DBW... 

RocKy 

mountains 

H o W t H e y f i s H 

There is no doubt that trout – in several 

varieties – are the mainstay of fishing 

throughout most of the region, with 

cutthroat of various types, brown, rainbow 

and brook the most popular. 

With that in mind – and alluding to the 

“A River Runs Through It” film – fly fishing 

rules the roost here. Although that can be 

as varied as the species, given the different 

habitats, from brooks and streams to 

mighty rivers, lakes and reservoirs through 

the area. 

At the same time, though, some of these 

rivers and certainly the majority of the 

lakes, are home to plenty of other species 

attracting more and more attention. 

Pike, muskie, various bass and even carp 

are now firm targets, with both fly and lure 

afficionados finding plenty of action. 

Fishing was popular with early settlers 

and visitors in the Rocky Mountains but, 

in an attempt to improve the sport, many 

streams and lakes were stocked with nonnative 

species of trout. Waters with no sport 

fish were also stocked. 

The Rocky Mountain National Park 

Service stocked non-native Yellowstone 

cutthroat trout as late as 1969. The only 

trout native to this park are the greenback 

cutthroat and the Colorado River cutthroat. 

Largemouth bass in The Rockies 

Trout 


DBW... 

RocKy 

mountains 

Cutthroat trout 

i n D u s t R y V i e W s 

BOB CHRISTENSEN, coo and head of products at simms fishing Products, 

Bozeman, montana 

I see continued, 

consistent interest 

in angling 

in the Rocky 

Mountains. 

Participation is 

driven by residents and visitors 

and fishing retailers continue to 

be a key source for information, 

gear and community. A key 

challenge, particularly for cold 

water trout fisheries, is low 

water levels and high-water 

temperatures. Much of the west is 

seeing a temporary reprieve from 

drought conditions this year, but 

that isn’t universally true. 

Because of above average 

snowpack in many areas, the 

trout fishing season started late. 

Anecdotal feedback suggests that, 

as water has cleared, business has 

improved with many retailers 

experiencing strong sales in July 

and August. 

Fundamental demand for 

fishing and fishing-related 

products and services has been 

steady. The most acute near-term 

challenge for many retailers has 

been inventory management. 

Product deliveries lagged as 

angling participation surged 

during Covid. Supply chains 

and deliveries stabilised just as 

participation began to normalise, 

resulting in a sudden influx of 

inventory. As a result, many 

retailers came into 2023 with 

unusually high inventory levels 

and an overall sense of caution 

and concern, waiting to see 

how inflation and relatively 

high water levels might impact 

consumer behaviour. 

Many famous fisheries 

experience very high pressure 

in the key summer months. This 

doesn’t necessarily mean that the 

fishing will be bad, but solitude 

can be hard to find. There are still 

great opportunities to get away 

from the crowds if you’re willing 

to work at it. Guiding operations 

should assume that summer river 

closures, driven by low water and 

high temperatures, are the new 

norm and plan accordingly. 

The main opportunities 

here are primarily cold water 

trout fishing in both rivers and 

lakes. There are also some very 

good fishing opportunities for 

carp, bass and pike. As we’ve 

experienced warmer water 

conditions in the summer months, 

an openness to different species 

and types of water, ensures 

quality, sustainable fishing 

opportunities throughout the year. 

Given the strong fundamental 

demand for angling, quality 

retailers can capture significant 

opportunity. In many key 

markets, there are a multitude of 

fish retail options, driving a need 

for clear differentiation. Many of 

the best retailers are investing in 

education, offering introductory 

courses, welcoming new anglers 

into the sport and creating a 

friendly retail environment 

that is less intimidating for new 

participants. 

ROB DENNIS, general manager, monic fly lines, Boulder, colorado 

There are many river systems 

amongst the Lower Rockies and 

nearly all of these reservoirs are 

dammed. This creates varied 

stillwater opportunities, from 

trout in the high country to bass 

and warm water fisheries, as the 

rivers leave altitude and progress 

out of the mountainous regions. 

Most of these reservoirs have 

bottom release dams creating a 

constantly oxygenated and cold 

stream of water flowing out. 

These ‘tailwaters’ offer ideal trout 

habitat and conditions. 

Colorado, specifically, has a 

large concentration of tailwaters, 

nearly all offering public access 

and nice-sized fish. In addition, 

Colorado has many undammed 

creeks and smaller streams, 

offering a typical freestone fishing 

experience greatly guided by the 

seasonal insects and flows. 

We have been getting many 

good reviews about a newer 

product we use a lot in Colorado – 

the Precision Dry Stealth line. It’s 

a unique floating line with a 12ft 

clear tip of the line attached to the 

leader, making it great for fishing 

many of our pressured waters. 


29

FEATURE 

When it comes to fly fishing, 

having the right gear can 

make all the difference 

between an enjoyable 

experience and a frustrating 

endeavour, which is why 

Adamsbuilt Fishing has 

earned such a great 

reputation for its combo kits. 

Adamsbuilt Fishing, a name 

synonymous with quality and 

incredible customer service 

in the fishing industry, has 

brought forth an impressive line-up of fly 

fishing combo outfits that cater to anglers 

of all levels. 

With a commitment to excellence and 

a focus on delivering value, Adamsbuilt 

Fishing has become a trusted choice for 

those seeking a seamless and satisfying 

fishing adventure. 

The company takes pride in offering 

a diverse range of smooth, progressive, 

high-modulus graphite fly fishing rod and 

reel combo outfits. 

These are meticulously crafted to 

ensure that every angler, whether a 

novice or an expert, can benefit from a 

well-designed setup that enhances their 

casting capabilities. 

It understands the importance of a 

well-matched reel, rod, backing, and fly 

line in the world of fly fishing. Therefore, 

when you choose an Adamsbuilt Fishing 

combo outfit, you’re making a choice for 

reliable and effective performance on the 

water. 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED 

One remarkable aspect of Adamsbuilt 

Fishing’s combo outfits is their 

comprehensive nature. Each package 

includes not just a top-notch fly rod and 

reel, but also a high-quality fly line and a 

protective rod case with an attached reel 

holder. 

This attention to detail ensures that 

you’re not just purchasing individual 

components, but an integrated system 

that’s ready to be put to use as soon as 

you receive it. 

Whether you’re a seasoned angler 

looking to upgrade your gear or a 

beginner hoping to start your fishing 

ADAMSBUILT 

www.adamsbuiltfishing.com 

Adamsbuilt 

WHY 

ADAMSBUILT’S 

COMBOS OFFER 

EXCEPTIONAL 

VALUE 

journey on the right foot, these combo 

outfits offer a complete solution. 

What truly sets Adamsbuilt Fishing 

apart is the lasting quality of its products. 

With an unwavering commitment to 

durability and performance, these combo 

outfits are built to withstand the rigours 

of numerous fishing trips. 

Each piece within the outfit is expertly 

crafted, ensuring that you get the most 

out of your investment. This level of 

longevity translates into incredible value 

for the price you pay. Adamsbuilt Fishing 

understands that fishing gear should 

not only perform well but also stand the 

test of time, making their products an 

exceptional value proposition. 

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE 

Whether you’re venturing into serene rivers 

or tackling challenging streams, the fishing 

combo outfits have got you covered. These 

ready-to-use kits eliminate the hassle of 

piecing together individual components, 

allowing you to focus on what truly matters 

– enjoying the art of fly fishing. 

With a reputation built on quality, 

innovation and value, Adamsbuilt Fishing 

continues to be a go-to choice for anglers 

seeking reliable and effective gear that 

enhances their fishing experiences. 

Its commitment to providing top-tier fly 

fishing combo outfits is a testament to its 

dedication to the angling community. 

With an array of expertly crafted 

products that cater to all skill levels, these 

combos offer a comprehensive and readyto-use 

solution. 

The emphasis on quality and durability 

ensures that every fishing trip is met with 

success, making Adamsbuilt Fishing’s 

offerings an exceptional value for the price. 

So, whether you’re a beginner or a 

seasoned pro, gear up with Adamsbuilt 

Fishing and embark on fishing adventures 

that are truly memorable. 


SPECIAL 

FISHING 

LINES 

DEVELOPED BY MAZZAFERRO 

Mazzaferro's vision is to be 

recognized as a market leader 

in fishing products, maintaining 

its tradition and pioneering 

spirit, while constantly seeking 

innovation and sustainability. 

The company's mission is to 

provide high quality products to 

fishermen, contributing to the 

development of the fishing 

sector and preservation of natural 

resources. 

TRILON FLUORCARBON 

LAUNCH PRODUCT 

Fluorcarbon line developed to be used as main line or leader line in your 

fishing. It has high quality abrasion and knot resistance. The crystalline 

aspect of the line provides its total invisibility in the water, the resistance to 

the knot is at least 70% of its linear resistance, a very high parameter for the 

market of leaders. 

The high sensitivity derived from its rigidity, and the uniformity of the diameter 

along the line gives it an excellent tensile strength. 

www.mazzaferropesca.com.br 

OUR WEBSITE

SPOTLIGHT ON... 

LINE 

SPOTLIGHT ON 

LINE 

Whatever your style of fishing, there’s a good chance there’s a specific line for that – from 

monofilament and fluorocarbon through to copolymers, various ’stranded’ braids, fused lines 

and more. But what are fishing lines and how do you select the correct one for the job? 

You can catch fish without a rod and 

with no reel, you can even catch 

fish without a hook, but without 

line? 

Since time immemorial, fishing line 

has been a vital part of a fisherman’s 

setup. Archaeologists have found ancient 

Egyptian art representing fishermen 

catching fish with a rod, line and fishing 

hook that dates from 2,000BC, while the 

Chinese used line made of silk for angling 

as far back as the fourth century and cat 

gut was used just a couple of hundred years 

ago. 

But the real change came back in 1938 

when Du Pont chemists invented nylon 

and made braided nylon line a year later, 

although it wasn’t until the 1950s that the 

first polyester fishing lines were produced 

under the name Dacron. 

In 1959 Du Pont introduced Stren, a 

thinner mono, ideal for fishing reels and 

spinning methods. 

Today lines are almost all made of 

synthetic materials including nylon, 

polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, 

copolymers, fluorocarbon and Dacron. 

MONOFILAMENT 

Most fishing line is made from 

monofilament because of its strength, 

availability in all pound-test ratings and 

low cost. It is typically made from nylon by 

melting and mixing polymers, which are 

then extruded through tiny holes, forming 

strands that are then spun into spools of 

various thicknesses. The extrusion process 

controls not only the thickness of the line 

but also the pound test of the line. 

It can have various characteristics, 

too, and can be produced in a variety of 

breaking strains and diameters, not to 

mention colours. 

FLUOROCARBON 

Developed in the 1960s, originally 

fluorocarbon lines were used for saltwater 

fishing but they are now very popular 

with freshwater anglers since they 

become almost invisible underwater. They 

are also much denser than mono lines, 

meaning they’re a good choice if you need 

something that sinks quickly. 

However, they are also stiff and hard 

to control when on a reel, meaning they 

don’t cast as well as other lines, don’t 

hold knots as well, have low stretch and a 

comparatively large diameter. 

Fluorocarbon is made through the same 

extrusion process as mono, however the 

difference is the molecular level, being 

extruded from polyvinylidene difluoride, 

which is far more compact than nylon. This 

also makes fluorocarbon inherently heavier 

and creates different refraction properties 

in water. 

BRAID 

The braided line market has boomed in 

recent years, mainly because the fibres that 

make up the line have increased in strength 

and abrasion resistance. 

Braids also possess very high knot 

strength, a complete lack of stretch and great 

overall power in relation to their diameter. 

They are produced by braiding or weaving 

fibres of a man-made material like Spectra 

or micro-Dyneema into a strand of line. 

Being abrasion-resistant and with 

minimal stretch, they are great for shy-biting 

fish, as any contact will be felt directly by the 

angler, while their suppleness enables them 

to be cast long distances. 

Unlike mono, they have no memory and 

so can last a while in storage. 

One disadvantage of braid is that it does 

not sink really well. 

Braided line is also becoming more 

popular with big-game saltwater anglers, 

thanks to its low stretch and high abrasion 

resistance properties. 

COPOLYMER LINES 

Produced by combining at least two 

different materials together, the finished 

product is a single filament but they 

typically have different characteristics from 

traditional monos and these will depend 

on the materials used. 

Often stronger yet thinner than regular 

monofilament, most offer less less stretch 

and more memory plus low visibility. 

FUSED LINES 

Made from the same fibres as braided line 

but the strands are fused or glued together 

while still hot, rather than being woven 

together. Fused lines are exceptionally 

slick and thin for their strength, boasting 

minimal stretch and high abrasion 

resistance. Their thin diameter and 

incredible strength make them an ideal 

choice when fishing around vegetation or 

for skipping baits under boat docks. 



LINE 

FILSTAR 

LAZER PRO SPECIALIST CARP FLUO 

The newest member of the Lazer range, this high quality Japanese 

line is specially designed for carp fishing. Its distinctive fluorescentorange 

colour makes it easily noticeable both day and night, 

ensuring easier control, both when retrieving caught fish and 

when setting the rods. The perfect combination of elasticity and 

strength allows for a natural presentation of the bait, while the 

smooth surface and low memory support long and accurate casts. 

Extremely strong and durable, offering even the most demanding 

anglers a great advantage in the fight against the aquatic giants. 

Available in wide range of diameters. 

filstar.com/en 

SEAGUAR 

SMACKDOWN BRAID 

This braided line is now available in both 150-yard and the new 

larger 300-yard spools. The ultra-thin, eight-strand line is available 

in Hi-Vis Flash Green so you can see line movement and detect 

subtle bites and in Lo-Vis Stealth Gray to reduce line visibility, 

making presentations more natural. The new spool size is a 

response to angler requests for a bigger spool size option. The 300- 

yard spools will enable anglers to spool up more than one smaller 

reel to help reduce waste that can be an issue and for use on reels 

with larger line capacities. It is available in 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, 30lb, 40lb, 

50lb and 65lb test ratings. 

www.seaguar.com 

SPIDERWIRE 

DURABRAID 

Said to be 25 per 

cent tougher than 

conventional braids, 

this delivers strong 

knots with super 

shock absorbency and 

is claimed to be the 

toughest braid in the 

market. 

Designed to be fished 

around rocks, docks, boat 

hoists, heavy vegetation 

and timber. 

www.purefishing.com/ 

durabraid 

STREN 

HIGH IMPACT MONOFILAMENT 

Extreme shock resistance for hard-hitting species, this mono 

is said to be extremely durable and well suited to every 

saltwater pursuit, from bay and coastal fishing to blue water. 

www.purefishing.com/high-impact 



LINE 

BERKLEY TRILENE 

100% FLUOROCARBON 

The choice of the pros, Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon is the “XT” of professional-grade 

fluorocarbons. This proven formula provides incredible shock strength, abrasion 

resistance, and knot strength. 

Fast-sinking with greater line density for high sensitivity and less “bow” in the water - 

all advantages for feeling the bite, setting the hook, and landing more fish! 

www.berkley-fishing.com/trilene-100-fluorocarbon 

BALÁZS FILAMENT TECHNOLOGIES 

CAMELEON BOILIE & CARP LINE 

Balázs Filament Technologies has been offering CAMO fishing lines for some time 

now and noticed a growing demand for these unique products. 

To meet customer needs and adapt to the latest requirements, the company 

invested in new camo line manufacturing technology. The result is its CARBOTEX 

ELITE SERIES – Cameleon Boilie & Carp, which was awarded at EFTTEX 2023 in 

Budapest. 

The recently developed technology is gentler and does not harm the line’s 

technological parameters during the dyeing process. 

Balázs Filament Technologies is committed to providing the best product to its 

customers. With more than 50 different camo colours in the range, it always 

creates new ones, according to its partner’s needs. 

Apart from its flagship CARBOTEX brand, it is producing OEM products for 

customers in the USA, where the CAMO fishing lines are very popular. In addition, it 

has also experienced an increased demand for these products in Europe, where it 

is open to finding partners, thanks to its larger capacity now. 

www.bfteurope.com 

FIRST DART 

HLS LINE 

Low stretch at the strike is critical, especially over 

long distances as the energy is translated into 

line elongation before it reaches the hook. Braid 

lines are very low stretch; however, they do not 

stand up to abrasion well compared to mono 

lines and are very poor in bite detection in slack 

line conditions. 

For traditionalists who fish low stretch 

speciality mono lines, First Dart’s HALS, its 

new low stretch monofilament, is an option. It 

stretches below 20 per cent at break, among the 

lowest in the industry; in addition, the line also 

features three times higher abrasion resistant 

properties as compared to standard mono lines. 

HALS comes with enhanced sensitivity and 

extra low memory, so it‘s well suited for use as a 

main line. 

www.firstdart.com 

SEAGUAR 

GOLD LABEL FLUOROCARBON LEADER 

The thinnest and strongest leader material Seaguar has ever offered is now available in both 

25-yard and the new, larger 50-yard spool sizes. Gold Label is made in an exclusive doublestructure 

process that unites two different fluorocarbon resins: a strong, sensitive fluorocarbon 

core and a soft, supple, fluorocarbon exterior. This delivers a fluorocarbon leader that is both 

strong and soft and supple to make line management even more user-friendly. 

It was designed especially for use as a leader material with a braided main line and is 

different because it is 18 per cent thinner and 17 per cent stronger than any other 100 per cent 

fluorocarbon leader made by Seaguar. It is available in sizes from 2lb to 80lb to meet both 

fresh and saltwater anglers’ needs. 

www.seaguar.com 


35

FEATURE 

REC 

STRONG RESPONSE TO 

REC’S UNIQUE RECOIL XL 

REC Components is the manufacturer of the well-known and established RECOIL and 

CERECOIL line guide brands. These brands have been a staple on premium fishing rods 

across all techniques for over 25 years. 

In July 2023 REC announced its 

first new RECOIL line guide series 

design in over 20 years at the annual 

ICAST convention. 

RECOIL XL is manufactured with 100 

per cent Nickel Titanium (NiTi) Alloy, 

just as RECOIL and CERECOIL line 

guides are. REC components is the only 

rod component manufacturer in the world 

to offer a line guide manufactured using 

NiTi. 

This unique “shape memory” material is 

extremely light, sensitive, wear resistant, 

cannot corrode in any environment and 

is virtually indestructible. In addition, 

this guide material is the only one in the 

world which flexes with the rod blank 

under load. 

LOOKING AHEAD 

RECOIL XL is the future of the 

RECOIL line. This new frame design 

combines all the features and benefits 

of classic RECOIL guides with an 

entirely new field-tested frame design. 

This frame design utilises the existing 

loop diameter of classic RECOIL guides 

with a significantly higher guide height 

(averaging 50 per cent). 

This revolutionary guide design 

improves rod performance by significantly 

reducing line slap on the blank and 

reducing guide weight and bulk. By 

significantly reducing line slap, overall 

casting distance is increased. With a 

higher guide height, smaller guide sizes 

can be used to achieve the same “choke- 

down” effect. This reduction in guide 

train size also results in decreased guide 

weight and bulk. 

This modern guide design is what 

the industry is demanding. The “New 

Guide Concept” has grown in popularity 

in recent years. This guide layout is 

significantly different from traditional 

layouts and requires high frame guides to 

achieve the desired effect. 

Many OEM and custom rod builders 

use this layout and expect to be using this 

layout on future programs. By releasing 

the RECOIL XL line, REC now provides 

the market with a proven and premium 

NiTi solution for this rod guide design 

layout. REC expects to grow this line 

rapidly by acquiring new customers 

and expanding business with existing 

customers. 

RECOIL XL enables fishing rods to 

perform more efficiently during casting, 

reeling, and fighting fish. This technical 

guide is designed to make the best fishing 

rods on the market perform at the highest 

level. 

Initial guide sizes available include 

Single Foot 10, 12, 16, 20 and 25. Guide 

finish options include Natural Titanium 

and PVD coated Black Pearl. REC 

expects to offer additional sizes in the 

future. 

REC 

+1 860 749 3476 x202 

sales@rec.com 

www. rec.com 


Kaptura led the construction 

of hooks to another level 

and only the best become 

Kaptura Next 

Premium materials 

and manic 

construction 

make this new 

line unique 

WHO’S 

FULL RANGE @WWW.LINEAEFFE.IT 

Distributed by Lineaeffe S.p.a - Via Massumatico 3689 - S. Pietro in Casale - Bologna - ITALY 

infolineaeffe.it 

?

New Products 2024 

drslick.com • 800-462-4474 

Confluence Booth # 443 

BLACK WIDOW 

This wicked cool looking series revolves 

around the time savings and ergonomics of 

a bent shaft instrument. The loops on the 

super sharp razor scissors are raised and 

exposed, allowing the user to simply put 

their fingers into the loops without having 

to slide them across the bench to get them 

in hand or worse, dropping them on the 

floor! For those who keep scissors in hand 

while tying, the bent shaft is more 

ergonomic than a straight shaft, 

and follows the contours of your 

hand. Less hand fatigue=more 

flies leaving the vise. The bent 

shaft on the versatile scissor 

clamps allows for a greater 

range of motion vs a traditional 

straight shank or curved jaw 

clamp. Perfect for excavating flies 

from a fish’s pie hole. 

Sugg. Retail $28 - $38 

SR37BW 

3.75” Arrow Scissor 

Adjustable Tension 

Serrated Blade 

RAZOR 

SCISSORS 

SR4BW 

4” All Purpose Scissor 



SR45BW 

4.5” Hair Scissor 



SCISSOR CLAMPS 

Half Smooth & 

Half Crosshatch 

Jaw Structure 

SNH5BW 

5” Scissor Clamp 

Straight Blade 

SNH6BW 

6” Scissor Clamp 

Straight Blade 

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm 

www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

CARBON FIBER 

JUMBO FLY 

TYING TOOLS 

You’ve got to see these! We have taken our 6 jumbo tying tools and mated them to 

stunning 10 mm O/D carbon fiber handles. Strong, lightweight, and beautiful! 

Sugg. Retail $16 

Rubber 

Tubing on 

One Jaw 

BOD/CF-J 

Bodkin 

BT/CF-J 

Bobbin Threader 

WF/CF-J 

Whip Finisher 

RHP/CF-J 

Rotary Hackle Plier 

DH/CF-J 

Dubbing Hook 

DTW/CF-J 

Dubbing Twister 

CYCLONE NIPPERS 


Cutting edge nippers for the new age tippet materials. Super sharp Tungsten Carbide blades 

are mounted on a lightweight 6061-T6 anodized aluminum frame and make short work of 

most, if not all, tippet material from braid up to 20lb coated wire. 

ACCESSORIES 


Available in straight or off set cutting face and both units come with replacement T.C. cutters, 

screws, hex key, and a steel retention ring. 

NATC 

Straight Cutting Face 

NATCO 

Offset Cutting Face 

drslick.com • 800-462-4474 

HX5 

Molded Rubber 

with Swivel Belt Clip

FEATURE 

St. Croix 

ST. CROIX ROD: 

PERSISTENT PURSUIT 

OF PERFECTION 

St. Croix’s return to the AFFTA Confluence show this September 

marks the 75-year-old American rod manufacturer’s renewed 

commitment to fly anglers and the fly fishing industry. 

Led by St. Croix CEO Scott 

Forristall, fly brand manager 

Tom Larimer, director of fly 

sales Zack Dalton and renowned 

rod designer and VP of research and 

development Jason Brunner, the Fly team 

stands on the threshold of a significant 

new-product introduction in the form of 

its all-new EVOS and EVOS Salt series 

fly rods. 

“Our heritage and design and 

manufacturing capabilities give us an 

incredible foundation,” says Larimer, 

“but at the end of the day it’s our people, 

vision, and hard work that lie at the core 

of who and what we are.” 

Larimer says the reinvigorated St. 

Croix Fly brand exists to give all anglers 

the upper hand by creating dynamic 

fishing tools that enhance ability, 

support growth, and culminate in better 

experiences on the water. 

“Our focused philosophy continually 

questions conventional wisdom, inspires 

innovation, and drives our persistent 

pursuit of fly rod perfection. 

“Beginning with our introduction of 

Connect this summer and continuing 

with EVOS and EVOS Salt this 

fall, every St. Croix fly rod moving 

forward starts with an understanding 

of the angling problems it must solve 

– ultimately, through flex, feel and 

functionality.” 

THE FINEST DETAILS 

Brunner dives deeper. “We obsess over 

the minutia of rod action, with the goal of 

designing and building the most efficient 

casting and fishing tapers possible. 

“These refined flex patterns are 

the soul of our rods, but our evolving 

materials and technologies are the guts 

that ultimately provide upper-hand 

performance.” 

Dalton provides additional insights as 

to what fly anglers can expect from St. 

Croix moving forward, starting with the 

new EVOS rods. 

“At St. Croix, we can’t afford to not 

get things right and we’re incredibly 

proud and excited to show the fly-fishing 

world how good a fly rod can be in the 

form of our EVOS family – a premium 

offering of all-water and saltwater rods 

premiering to the industry at Confluence 

and scheduled for availability to anglers 

via select fly fishing speciality retailers in 

early November.” 

HONING THEIR CRAFT 

Larimer emphasises that design abilities, 

materials and technology mean nothing 

without craftsmanship. 

“If you’re talking about St. Croix, you 

can never discount the skills and passions 

of our team members. Thirty-two sets 

of skilled hands proudly precision-craft 

each St. Croix fly rod from start to finish 

in the most advanced manufacturing 

facilities in the fishing world. 

“We fixate on continual process 

improvement with an ever-present eye 

on first-pass quality, sustainability, and 

fostering a family-oriented company 

culture.” 

When you own a St. Croix, it’s more 

than just a fly rod, it’s a promise. It’s 75 

years of hard-earned knowledge and a 

passion for designing and building the 

Best Rods on Earth, so you can be at your 

best in your own persistent pursuit of 

perfection. 

Visit the St. Croix Fly Team at 

Confluence booth #366. 

ST. CROIX 

www. stcroixrods.com 


FEATURE 

Zenaq 

AN INNOVATIVE 

JIGGING ROD 

FOR A NEW ERA 

High elasticity makes a rod extremely breakable. So top Japanese rod maker Zenaq set out 

to change this and its IKARI blanks are said to be strong yet sensitive while affording the 

fast recovery that jigging anglers require. 

Lately there are many high-elastic 

rods designed for lure control 

coming on to the market, but their 

poor durability means they do not 

provide the peace of mind you need when 

fighting to land a fish. 

The true purpose of a rod is to provide 

perfect lure control and bend in a supple 

manner to follow the movements of the fish 

you are fighting. In addition, the butt must 

be extremely bendy so it can lift up the fish. 

Zenaq’s expert engineers began 

developing a blank to resolve this 

inescapable issue. The IKARI Blank – 

offering high levels of both elasticity and 

durability – is the answer it discovered 

after many long years exploring various 

production techniques and material 

combinations. 

WHAT IS AN “IKARI BLANK”? 

IKARI blanks consist of a “Carbon x 

Carbon” structure – inside the hollow elastic 

carbon tube of the blank, there is a solid 

carbon core. This design dispels the notion 

that high elasticity correlates to low strength 

and durability. 

Such a structure allows for the IKARI 

blank to be ultra-sensitive and extremely 

durable but still have the fast recovery that 


jigging anglers seek. 

The IKARI’s carbon core is responsible for 

its high breaking strength. When compared 

to comparable tubular jigging blanks, it has 

been tested to be 160 per cent stronger. 

Tubular blanks are intrinsically weaker 

because their cross-sectional shapes 

compress into ellipses as they bend. As blank 

load increases, this shape continues to flatten 

until the carbon reaches its elastic limit and 

snaps. The IKARI’s carbon core provides 

incredible overall rigidity and hoop strength 

that prevents cross-sectional deformation 

and resultant failure. 

FAST RECOVERY 

Recovery rate refers to the time it takes a 

fully loaded blank to return to its unloaded 

position. The IKARI’s carbon core increases 

its recovery rate, which has proven to exceed 

that of tubular blanks. While normal tubular 

blanks can only store elastic potential energy 

in their thin walls, the IKARI blanks store 

energy in both their carbon cores and highly 

elastic outer carbon shells. With potential 

energy stored in two zones throughout the 

blank, the blank’s recovery rate is remarkably 

increased. 

The carbon core is adopted all the way to 

the tip for quick rod motion and lure control. 

The strong, thin blank embodies Zenaq’s 

ideals for optimum rod action. It’s highly 

durable and carefully designed for optimum 

strength, responsiveness and flexibility. 

STRONG YET SENSITIVE 

With the IKARI’s carbon core, you have 

much greater lifting power than ever before. 

By repeatedly pumping with the rod and 

reeling up the line gained, you can exert 

a greater force on the fish. The IKARI 

blank helps you land larger fish faster while 

minimising your strain and fatigue, as the 

rod absorbs the majority of the load. 

The solid carbon core relays much more 

feedback to you through the rod than hollow 

blanks could. This sensitivity allows you to 

feel everything, from your jig hitting bottom 

and the jig’s action to water currents and 

even light takes from fish. A rod this sensitive 

provides the angler with a massive advantage 

as you can feel everything your jig does 

and fine-tune your presentations to specific 

microenvironments to catch more fish. 

Compared to the jigging rods of 

yesteryear, the difference is as stark as 

turning on the lights in a pitch-black room. 

ZENAQ 

zenaq.com

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Flip up lever to instantly re-engage when 

a fish grabs your bait. 

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Knob easily 

adjusts spool 

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For more info visit: Daiwa.us

FEATURE 

SwimWell 

RETURNING YOUR 

FISH SAFELY SO 

THEY CAN AGAIN 

‘SWIMWELL’ 

SwimWell is a “first of its kind”water-based formula enhanced with 

essential electrolytes and nutrients to quickly rejuvenate oxygen-depleted 

fish, relieve stress and protect their vital slime coat. What’s it all about? 

Seth Zaharako, a life-long angler 

(pictured here as a young 

fisherman) and a proud father 

of two, was living a dream come 

true. The place he called home was next to 

world-renowned trout fisheries of the west. 

Finding himself in these magical places, 

with friends or in solitude, and connecting 

with these wild fish, gave him a deep sense 

of gratitude. 

However, gratitude was met with 

dissonance when thinking about the 

current state of fishing – billions of fish are 

caught and released globally for recreation. 

Rivers across the world are facing 

closures due to diminished water levels and 

elevated water temperatures, compounded 

by increased angling pressure on fisheries 

and private access waters. 

Then, at the end of a day on the South 

Platte in Colorado, he had an ‘aha’ moment. 

The one thing all anglers share is physically 

connecting with fish prior to release. We 

get to feel the excitement, joy, and deep 

connection to nature, yet we just release 

them, tired and stressed. 

“Surely,” he thought, “there’s a better 

way to support fish before we send them 

back on their journey, one that helps fish 

recover.” 

That was nearly two years ago and the 

beginning of SwimWell, Advanced Fish 


Recovery Spray. 

SAFETY AS 

STANDARD 

Seth connected with 

a friend, who happens 

to be a scientist, and 

with their team they 

researched, developed 

and tested many different formulas until 

they found the one that works. 

“Innovation is core to the philosophy of 

SwimWell – we keep pushing the envelope 

as it relates to efficacy, safety and stability. 

We have very high standards and take zero 

short cuts,” Seth explained. 

The first-of-its kind, proprietary and 

patent-pending oxygenated, waterbased 

formula enhanced with essential 

electrolytes and nutrients, was specifically 

designed to quickly rejuvenate oxygendepleted 

fish, relieve stress, and protect 

their vital slime coat. 

And science backs it up. Recent studies 

on trout performed at a university in Spain, 

have shown fish exposed to a stressinducing 

event, mimicking the challenges 

of catch and release, displayed positive 

improvements immediately after being 

sprayed with SwimWell. 

On the reflex side, sprayed fish exhibited 

a rapid return to regulated breathing, 

surpassing those observed in the control 

group. 

SwimWell-sprayed fish were also able 

to maintain the normal size of red blood 

cells, which otherwise swell in response to 

hypoxic stress. 

EASY TO USE 

Ideal for catch and release anglers’ and 

guides’ everyday use, SwimWell comes in 

a convenient 360-degree continuous spray 

can, so it can be applied at any angle. For 

maximum benefit, spray the entire fish, 

while integrating with science-based best 

practices for fish handling. 

They’re not new to fishing but they are 

new to the industry. 

Seth added: “It’s been such a long, and 

at times lonely road but the friendships 

we’ve made within the community and 

the responses we’ve received from anglers 

and guides using it, all in the spirit of fish 

well-being and making our sport more 

sustainable, makes it all worth it.” 

As for giving back, the company is 

a member of ‘1% for the Planet’ and 

is actively partnering with non-profit 

organisations that align with SwimWell’s 

values. It’s exciting times for sure. 

SWIMWELL 

www. swimwellfish.com

FOAMANIZERS 

AGENTS 

WANTED 

We currently offer 16 Foamanizer 

options, all of which have been designed 

to adjust to any fly tyer's workspace. 

Leeda is looking for skilled and driven 

agents to boost its European sales team. 

Focussing on our key in-house brands, MAP and 

Wychwood, we are looking to recruit agents who have 

an in-depth knowledge of key European territories and 

the changing marketplace. 

Do you have what it takes to push the brands to the 

next level in your country? 

Get in touch by submitting your resume and details to 

nick.gritton@madison.co.uk 

Check out the brands here 

PREDATOR 

GAME 

MATCH & 

FEEDER 

CARP 

Over 13,000+ 

products available 

for your fly tying 

department

FEATURE 

Scott Fly Rod 

SCOTT FLY ROD 

GETS INTO 

THE SWING OF 

THINGS 

To catch steelhead and salmon, you need to swim the fly at the right 

angle, the right depth and the right speed. The right rod can help 

solve that puzzle, which is where Scott Fly Rod Company’s Swing 

series comes in… 

Steelhead and salmon are the fish 

of a thousand casts, so preferences 

also play a big role. You can fish the 

same fish in the same water with a 

single-hander, a short two-hander or the 

very longest rod. 

You can fish floating line, sinking line, dry 

flies, wet flies, traditional swing, riffle hitch, 

nymph and indicator. The variations are 

endless. The team at Scott understands this, 

so they made a series of rods to satisfy every 

preference. 

Scott’s Swing rods were meticulously 

developed and are loaded with technology 

and attention to detail to meet those 

demands. 

Fished and tested by professional anglers 

and casters from Alaska to the Great Lakes, 

from Canada to Norway, and from the 

Pacific Northwest to the Northeast, 

Scott left no stone unturned 

making sure each rod 

was fine-tuned for 

its intended 

purpose. 


FULL OF FEATURES 

Swing rods feature progressive loading 

actions, fast recovery speed, directional 

stability and a light-in-hand feel from 

combining finely tuned new tapers with 

its multi-directional, multi-modulus 

layups, ARC2 reinforcement, Carbon 

Link resin system and the very finest 

components. 

Breakthrough components include new 

titanium tangle-free stripping guides with 

Silicon Nitride inserts that allow casts to 

shoot further and help prevent tangles 

in mono or braid running lines. Snake 

Brand Universal snake guides grace the 

rest of the rod to round out the guide set. 

Scott also designed a fully milled 

aluminium reel seat with aggressive 

threads for operating with cold 

hands, type 3 hard coat, and 

specially milled reel 

foot pockets that securely hold current 

performance reels and most vintage reel 

feet. 

All-new front- and rear-grip designs 

turned from Flor grade cork ensure 

comfort, feel, and longevity. 

Scott Rod president and designer Jim 

Bartschi said: “This was a particularly 

satisfying project. The challenge of 

creating high-performance rods for 

both single- and double-handed fishing 

applications to pursue the world’s most 

magnificent fish species was a long and, 

at times, arduous process but always 

compelling and fun. 

“For this project, I had the opportunity 

to work with intensely dedicated salmon 

and steelhead anglers worldwide to dig 

into the smallest details. When you 

collectively get to the finish line on a 

project like this, there’s a lot of shared 

pride and excitement.” 

Like all Scott fly rods, Swing rods are 

handcrafted, one at a time, in Montrose, 

Colorado, USA. 

SCOTT FLY ROD 

www.scottflyrod.com

ADVANCED FISH RECOVERY SPRAY 

Quickly boost oxygen-depleted fish, relieve stress, & protect 

slime coat during catch & release. Supported by Science. 

. 

Oxygenated, 

Water-Based Formula, 

Enhanced with Essential 

Electrolytes & Nutrients. 

Patent Pending 

Spray Fish Thoroughly 

Before Release, 

Integrating with 

Science-Based 

Best-Practices for Fish 

Handling 

Made for Catch & Release 

Anglers & Guides Everyday 

Use, Supporting Fish 

Recovery & Well-Being 

Convenient, 360-degree 

Continuous Spray, 

Twist-lock Actuator, 

Utilizes Compressed Air, 

Recyclable 

$14 Small (2.4 oz) 

$20 Medium (4.5 oz) 

swimwellfish.com

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 Z-MAN FISHING 

HERCULEZ SWIMBAIT 

2 DAIWA 

FREE SWIMMER EX REEL 

3 STONFO 

CATCH FISH PILERS 

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. 

Enabled by its 10X Tough ElaZtech 

anatomy, the HerculeZ is the first 

flexible pre-rigged swimbait that’s 

soft, lifelike and long-lasting at 

the same time. Think hyperrealistic 

soft swimbait and hardbait 

combined. 

Fulfilling a vacant niche among 

seas of otherwise flimsy snackable 

swimbaits, the 3in HerculeZ lives 

up to its name, hooking and 

manhandling steel-trap jaws and 

razor-edge teeth with distinction. 

Meanwhile, the larger 4, 5 and 

6in versions have become go-to 

tarpon lures – both for sight 

fishing and blind casting. There 

are eight colour patterns to choose 

from. 

www.zmanfishing.com 

The Automatic Bite N’ Run 

clutch allows anglers to instantly 

disengage the spool so line can 

peel off with little or no resistance 

while the bail is closed. 

A small tension control knob at 

the back of the reel makes it easy 

to adjust spool tension to control 

the speed at which line plays out. 

Its waterproof, carbon 

Automatic Tournament Drag 

system uses an improved drag 

grease with low viscosity at 

rest that becomes more viscous 

immediately after drag start-up. 

The result is a super-smooth drag 

with low initial inertia and beaststopping 

power. Available in both 

8000 and 10000 sizes, the reel 

also sports a corrosion resistant 

lightweight graphite frame and 

features DIGIGEAR technology. 

Catch fish pliers are indispensable 

for catch and release fishing. These 

allow you to grab the fish by the 

mouth without injuring it. The 

jaws are rubber coated and the 

round tips have a large contact 

surface, while the closing force can 

be adjusted by the angler. 

Ultra-lightweight, compact and 

with a high strength body, these 

pliers are suitable for small and 

medium size fish and both fresh 

and saltwater use. The anatomic 

handle is made from antiskid 

rubber. 

To avoid hurting the fish, it is 

recommended to support its body 

with the other hand or leave the 

fish in the water and only use the 

pliers to hold it while removing 

the hook. 

Supplied with adjustable strap. 

www.daiwa.us 

www.stonfo.com 


UNI PRODUCTS J.G. Cote Inc. 

1004 Principale 

Ste-Melanie, QC. Canada JOK 3AO 

Tel: 450-889-8054 

Toll-Free: 1-877-889-8054 

Fax: 450-889-5887 

Email: info@uniproducts.com 

UNI SOFT WIRE 

EXTRA SMALL GAUGE # 36 0.006 INCH 

NEW FROM UNI 

BLACK 

YELLOW 

SILVER 

OLIVE 

AXXEL- 

MINI FLASH 

TINSEL 

FUCHSIA 

IRON GRAY 

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

www.uniproducts.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 

Energofish 

Fast, simple, effective 

– become a Carp Expert 

Today’s carp anglers need fast and efficient methods of targeting and catching their fish. 

The Rapid PVA Bomb fishing technique from Carp Expert is a great way to do this and your 

customers will thank you for making it available to them. 

There are plenty of effective 

feeding tactics in targeted carp 

fishing. 

From feeding with 

traditional plant seeds to luring with 

various pellets and boilies, carp and 

specimen hunters use a variety of 

methods for success. 

Fortunately, more and more people are 

starting to recognise the benefits of PVA 

nets. 

Using these and filling them with the 

finest carp ‘delicacies’, means they can 

exert their enticing effect unmistakably in 

the immediate vicinity of our hook. 

However, this needs to be done as 

effectively as possible to maximise your 

chances. There is a perfectly formed 

solution driven by a brilliant idea, and it 

is none other than the PVA Bomb. 

PVA experts 

What’s more, in the Carp Expert 

assortment, the Energofish Rapid-based 

solutions for fast fishing and increased 

efficiency, have now also produced the 

Rapid PVA Rigs! 

The PVA Bomb offers a perfect 

alternative to modern baiting: anglers no 

longer have to mix up 

and knead their feed or 

mix and soak pellets. 

They can also skip the 

hassle of stuffing the 

net. 

The PVA Bomb Set 

pouches can be easily 

stored and transported 

to your favourite 

fishing spot and, with 

the bait included in the 

sets or your alternative 

of choice, the hook on 

the PVA Rig just needs 

to be baited and cast. 

Then it’s a question of 

siting back and waiting 

for the carp to come to you! 

Each package of PVA Bombs contains 

20 pieces, which should be more than 

sufficient for a full day of fishing. 

In addition to two rigs, the Rapid 

PVA Bomb Set also contains ready-touse 

baits. 

Energofish 

energofish.com 


FEATURE 

MAZZAFERRO LINES 

UP FOR THE FUTURE 

AS IT MARKS 70 YEARS 

As it celebrates 70 years of fishing line manufacture, Maurizio 

Mazzaferro, the CEO of the company that bears his name, tells TTW 

how it has stayed ahead in such a competitive market. 

TTW: MAZZAFERRO IS A KEY 

PLAYER IN LATIN AMERICA AND 

IS PRESENT IN MORE THAN 57 

COUNTRIES. HOW WOULD YOU 

DESCRIBE THE VISION AND 

MISSION OF THE MAZZAFERRO 

COMPANY? 

MAURIZIO MAZZAFERRO: 

Mazzaferro’s vision is to be recognised 

as a market leader in fishing products, 

maintaining its tradition and 

pioneering spirit, while constantly 

seeking innovation and sustainability. 

The company’s mission is to provide 

high quality products to fishermen, 

contributing to the development of the 

fishing sector and preservation of natural 

resources. 

WHAT ARE THE MAIN PRODUCTS 

OR SERVICES OFFERED BY 

MAZZAFERRO? 

Mazzaferro stands out in the fishing 


market, offering a wide variety of products 

from artisanal and sports fishing lines 

to ropes, nets and synthetic fibres. The 

company is renowned for its brands such as 

Araty, Grilon, Trilon and Dourado. 

It was the first synthetic line industry 

in Brazil – and has been since 1953 – 

providing products made with a focus on 

quality and durability, meeting the needs of 

professional and amateur fishermen. 

WHAT ARE THE MAIN 

CHALLENGES FACED BY THE 

COMPANY IN THE CURRENT 

MARKET? 

As in any competitive market, Mazzaferro 

faces significant challenges, including 

fierce competition, the search for constant 

innovation to meet customer demands, 

efficient management of the supply chain 

and logistics, in addition to adapting to 

changes in regulations and consumer 

behaviour. 

HOW DOES MAZZAFERRO 

POSITION ITSELF IN RELATION TO 

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY? 

ARE THERE RECENT PROJECTS OR 

INITIATIVES IN THIS AREA? 

The company recognises the 

importance of innovation and technology 

to remain competitive in the market. It 

constantly seeks to update its production 

processes, invest in new manufacturing 

and research technologies, in addition 

to being attentive to industry trends and 

customer needs. 

HOW IS MAZZAFERRO 

CONCERNED WITH 

SUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE 

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY? 

It has a strong commitment to 

sustainability and corporate social 

responsibility. To this end, it implemented 

projects and initiatives aimed at 

environmental preservation and raising

Mazzaferro 

FEATURE 

awareness among fishermen and the 

community in general. 

An example is the program for 

recycling used nets, in which Mazzaferro 

collects and recycles discarded fishing 

nets, preventing these materials from 

harming the environment, in addition 

to promoting the circular economy by 

transforming nets into different new 

products. 

In addition, the company established 

strategically located ecopoints for the 

collection of lines and other fishing 

materials. This initiative aims to prevent 

this waste from being disposed of 

improperly, encouraging fishermen to 

dispose of these materials correctly and 

reducing the environmental impact. 

These actions reflect the company’s 

commitment to balancing the 

development of its business with the 

protection of the environment and the 

well-being of the community in which it 

operates. 

WHAT ARE YOUR GROWTH AND 

EXPANSION STRATEGIES FOR THE 

COMING YEARS? 

The fishing market, despite its size, 

shows low growth. Growth opportunities 

will only be realised by advancing on less 

efficient competitors. 

For expansion and growth, we seek new 

areas of activity and the incorporation 

of synergistic businesses in terms of 

technology or distribution channels. Fish 

protein will be more and more cultivated 

and less and less extracted from the sea. 

Aquaculture in Brazil and abroad will 

be one of the focuses of our attention. 

In products where our competitiveness 

is high globally (fishing lines, for 

example, where we have Asian cost and 

competitiveness), we seek growth by 

globalising our distribution, currently 

more concentrated in Latin America. 

New businesses such as synthetic fibres, 

only partly aimed at the fishing market, 

are tests of growth via the synergy of 

technology already available in the 

company. 

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE 

COMPETITION AND WHAT ARE 

YOUR MAIN DIFFERENTIALS IN 

THE MARKET? 

The company stands out for its 

long history, reputation for quality 

and pioneering spirit, as well as its 

commitment to sustainability. 

Its longevity and stability show that 

Mazzaferro has a solid foundation and 

has withstood adversity over time. This 

instils confidence in customers as they 

know they are doing business with an 

established, reliable company 

that is unaffected by market 

fluctuations. In this sense, 

Mazzaferro’s 70-year history 

plays a key role as an added 

value for customers. 

These differentials, 

combined with the continuous 

search for innovation and the 

focus on customer service, are 

factors that help Mazzaferro 

to position itself in a unique 

way in the market. 

WHAT ARE THE 

COMPANY’S MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS 

OR MILESTONES OVER ITS 

HISTORY? 

In the 1950s, the company introduced 

synthetic threads in exchange for silk and 

cotton in the Brazilian fishing market, 

creating a disruptive and definitive 

innovation, bringing to Brazil the best 

technologically in the developed world. 

The events that most marked this 

journey have been: 

• The first production in Brazil of 

nylon polymers destined for the fishing 

market in the 1960s. 

• The first production of knotless 

fishing nets on German technology looms 

in exchange for hand-woven nets in the 

1970s. 

• Production of the first fibreglass 

fishing rod in Brazil, replacing the 

traditional bamboo rod in the 1970s. 

• The first high tenacity polypropylene 

fibre in Brazil in search of more 

competitive fishing products in the 1980s. 

• The first complete waste recycling 

plant and used Nylon 6 nets for 

extracting its basic petrochemical raw 

material and reintroducing it into the 

production process in the 1980s. 

• The first plant in Brazil to produce 

Nylon 6 (raw material) in a large-scale 

continuous plant working 24/7 in the 

1990s. 

• We were the first company in the 

fishing sector to receive an ISO 9000 

quality certificate in the 1990s. 

• We implemented better family and 

corporate governance practices in 2000, 

aiming at preparing the succession 

process for the second generation. 

• We implemented the family board 

and independent board of directors with 

separation between it and the executive 

line in 2005. 

• Signing of a long-term strategic 

partnership with BASF for the 

development and supply of raw materials 

in 2012. 

• We drafted the code of conduct for 

the third generation of the founding 

family in order to outline the next steps 

in the succession in 2017. 

HOW DO YOU SEE MAZZAFERRO’S 

FUTURE AND WHAT ARE YOUR 

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR IT? 

The future is increasingly unpredictable 

and surprising. Black swans or unexpected 

and revolutionary events a while ago took 

decades to appear. Today they are more 

and more frequent. 

Faced with such a horizon, the 

company’s future will certainly be less 

linked to its past businesses and more 

built by quickly and flexibly adapting 

its operations to changes in the market. 

What will remain are the brands, 

distribution channels and people. 

Our goal is and always will be the 

perpetuation and strength of the business, 

the legacy of the pioneering founders and 

the well-being of our community that has 

contributed to the company’s success for 

70 years. 

FINALLY, HOW WOULD YOU 

DESCRIBE MAZZAFERRO’S 

ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE AND 

HOW IS THIS REFLECTED IN ITS 

DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES? 

The culture is based on values such 

as integrity, excellence, respect and 

responsibility. The company values 

collaboration among employees, 

encouraging a positive, teamwork 

environment. This culture is reflected 

in day-to-day activities through 

participatory management practices, 

open communication, incentives 

for professional development and 

commitment to quality and customer 

satisfaction. 

MAZZAFERRO 

www.mazzaferropesca.com.br 

1953.2023 

anos 


53

FEATURE 

PacBak 

PACBAK MAKES 

THE MOST OF ICAST 

OPPORTUNITY 

It’s been little over a year since his life and the life of his company, PacBak, took a 

trajectory that he never saw coming. Founder and chief innovation officer Brian 

McKinnon said he and his team are still up in the clouds from winning ‘Best of Show’ 

in the 2022 ICAST New Product Showcase. 

By John Mazurkiewicz 

Since that July 22nd, 2022 day 

when the PacBak P88-MK cooler 

bested more than 900 entries 

to take that ICAST honour, 

McKinnon and crew have not stopped. 

They had so much work to do. 

McKinnon explains that PacBak 

showed up in Orlando in July 2022 with 

a dream. It had three prototype products 

to show in a 10x10 booth, and took 

advantage of the ICAST ‘On The Water’ 

event to kick things off. 

He’s glad he did. There was instant 

interest in the PacBak P88-MK cooler 

in the July heat and humidity of Florida, 

and that interest continued on the show 

floor throughout the next three days. 

First came winning the ‘Best in Category’ 

award. Then came ‘Best of Show’ on 

Thursday. And what came next, says 

McKinnon, was absolutely life-changing. 

DARING TO DREAM 

Already having invested every dime 

he had in the company and his dream, 

McKinnon said the ICAST award 

brought instant credibility to PacBak. 

“We obviously didn’t expect any of this, 

and it forced us to keep our focus on 

what we needed to do and not overextend 

ourselves or lose our entrepreneurial 

spirit,” he explained. 

“The win and subsequent exposure 

opened up doors to needed investors, 

including being the first Alaskan start-up 

company to receive financial assistance 

from a native Alaskan corporation. That’s 

historical in the state’s business history.” 

While manufacturing operations were 

in place, PacBak needed help with various 

operations for the business including 

warehousing, distribution, and beyond. 

With all those efforts being worked on, 

the staff also had to follow up on the sales 

opportunities that came out of the show 


Brian McKinnon and his PacBak team surprised 

everyone by winning the ICAST 2022 Best of 

Show award for their cooler. 

and the tons of media exposure generated 

from the win. 

Not only did the product interest 

the tackle industry but news about 

the company and its cooler was also 

discovered by the camping and overland 

adventure travel markets, adding 

opportunities and contacts to the crew’s 

‘to-do’ list. 

GOING BIG 

Through all of this – and as McKinnon 

says there’s still a new development almost 

every day – the company established 

business relationships with the likes Big 

Rock Sports and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s 

and shipped its first bulk order of the P88- 

MK coolers in early May. 

He’s ecstatic that both the Bass Pro 

Shop and Cabela’s stores in Anchorage 

are selling the product, and he said he’s 

receiving great assistance from the Big 

Rock sales reps with the fishing, hunting, 

and camping retailers they call on. 

For ICAST ’23, McKinnon said the 

main mission at the show was to say 

thanks to the industry for their newfound 

success. 

“What amazed most last year at ICAST 

and from what I’ve learned about the 

fishing industry since then is how open 

and helpful people can be. The ‘Best of 

Show’ win was the key to that, where it 

seemed that so many wanted us to succeed 

that they did what they could to help us 

make that happen.” 

Within the PacBak booth this 

year, ICAST show goers saw its new 

promotional truck camper – a Toyota 

Tundra 1794 Edition TDR four-wheel 

truck rigged out specially for adventure 

travel. 

When the show ended, McKinnon 

began a year-long quest to travel coast-tocoast 

while running the business from the 

road, stopping at dealers to talk business 

and fishing when the opportunity presents 

itself. He has plans on being at the Big 

Rock Sports dealer shows later this year in 

Orlando and in Nashville in 2024, possibly 

the SHOT Show, and other events when 

possible. 

He’ll fly back to Alaska if needed, then 

back to the truck camper with his final 

destination being ICAST ’24. 

McKinnon says PacBak has plans for 

more innovative products to be introduced 

there. And who knows, he and the PacBak 

crew may again be up in the clouds. 

PACBAK 

pacbak.com 

The triumphant team returned for ICAST 2023 

and now has big plans for other events as it 

responds to demand.

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2023 MALAYSIAN FISH NEWS CUP LURE 

SAILFISH COMPETITION

From August 13 to 17, 2023, the 2023 FISH TALES CUP–THE LURE MASTER CHALLENGE will be 

held in Yunbing, Malaysia. This year's fishing competition attracted about 100 professional fishermen to 

participate. It is the most professional sea fishing competition in Asia, and the target fish species is sailfish. 

It has been successfully held for 14 sessions so far. Except for the interruption due to the epidemic, this 

competition will be held once a year in Malaysia.

IN MEMORY OF MASATSU MATSUNAGA THE 

CREATOR AND DISSEMINATOR OF JAPANESE 

COLORFUL GYOTAKU ART 

Mr. Matsunaga Masatsu, the president of 

Japan Toyo Gyotaku Association and a 

Gyotaku master, passed away on August 5, 

2023 in Osaka at the age of 84. Matsunaga 

Masatsutsu has been engaged in Gyotaku art 

for 62 years. He invented the direct method 

of Gyotaku with color and opened up a new 

field of Gyotaku art. He is known as the first 

person of this school of Gyotaku and enjoys 

a high reputation in Japan. Mr. Matsunaga 

Masatsuki's colorful Gyotaku works cover 

various types and varieties of fish, from tuna, puffer fish, octopus, etc. in the ocean, to koi, grass carp, lobster, etc. in fresh 

water. emotions manifested. 

Gyotaku is the art of printing or tracing images of fish or other aquatic animals on paper. Gyotaku originated in Japan and 

was originally created by fishermen to record the large or rare fish they caught. Later, it gradually developed into a unique 

art form with strong folk customs and cultural characteristics. There are many ways to make Gyotaku, the most common of 

which are direct and indirect. The direct extension method is to smear the paint on the surface of the fish, then cover it with 

paper, and press out the outline and details of the fish with your fingers. The indirect method is to first draw the outline of the 

fish on the paper, and then use paint to fill in the color and texture. 

The direct method of colored gyo-taku is a novel method of making gyo-taku created by Matsunaga Masatsutsu, which 

turns the traditional black and white gyo-taku into colorful and lifelike works of art. The characteristic of the color gyotaku 

direct painting method is to use a variety of pigments to smear the surface of the fish, and then cover and press it with paper 

of different colors and textures multiple times, and finally form a layered and three-dimensional gyotaku painting. The direct 

engraving method of colored fish can not only show the shape and structure of fish, but also show the vitality and personality 

of fish, making it have higher artistic value and ornamental value. 

Mr. Matsunaga Zhengjin is enthusiastic about promoting 

Gyotaku activities. For more than 20 years from 1994 to 2016, 

he came to China to participate in Yutaku development and 

various Yutaku exchange activities many times, unreservedly 

demonstrated and taught Gyotaku production skills to Chinese 

Gyotaku enthusiasts, and published his works The book "How 

to Make Colored Gyotaku" was donated to People's Sports 

Publishing House for translation and publication free of charge. 

Once released, this book has become a classic for Chinese Gyotaku lovers to learn how to make Gyotaku. Mr. Matsunaga 

Zhengjin also became a teacher and apprentice with Mr. Xie Chunming, a well-known domestic gyotaku artist, and taught 

him the essence of his color gyotaku direct technique, so that it can be carried forward in China.

CHINA SEA FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP 

(HAINAN CHANGJIANG STATION) HELD 

On the morning of August 12, the 2023 

Hainan Hydrophilic Sports Season 

Series—2023 National Sea Fishing 

Championship (Hainan Changjiang Station) 

kicked off at Haiwei Fishing Port. On the first 

day of the competition, the wind and waves 

were relatively strong, which brought a lot of 

challenges to fishermen. 30 teams overcame 

difficulties and went out to sea with a lot 

of harvest. A team harvested more than 10 

catties of fish. 

The Guangdong Mengdiao Division team 

harvested a total of 11.4 catties of fish on 

the first competition day. Captain Xue Kaicheng introduced: "Our team caught a relatively large fish at the 

beginning of the game today, so we always wanted to catch a big one, but in the second half we found that there 

were more small fish. We adjusted in time and changed to small fish. Overall, Good fishing today." 

"This sea area is very beautiful, but the wind is a bit strong today. During the competition, we need to overcome 

the influence of factors such as wind and waves, boat conditions, etc. The members of our team have played 

together for many years, and they cooperate tacitly. Or there is a clear division of labor in terms of small fishing, 

we will resume the game after we go back today, make detailed arrangements, prepare more fully, and try to fish 

better tomorrow." Xue Kaicheng said. 

The Shandong Dongying Arete team learned about the characteristics of the sea area before the game, and chose 

to complete the first half of the game at a fishing spot with reefs, close to the channel, and relatively deep water. 

However, due to factors such as currents and tides, they adjusted their fishing in the second half. point. Zhang 

Deming of the team said: "We made many mistakes in the second half, and the loss was relatively serious. It 

is the first time I came here, and I am still not familiar with the sea area here. We will learn from experience 

and summarize it when we go back. Whether it is the choice of bait or line group, we will reconsider and make 

adjustments. We will choose a suitable fishing position tomorrow and increase the intensity of nesting, hoping to 

have good results in tomorrow’s competition.” 

The event of this competition is a boat fishing mixed fish weight competition, with no restrictions on fishing 

methods (but fishing with multi-bait fishing groups such as Alabama is prohibited). The competition lasts for 

two days, with one game per day, and each game lasts for 6 hours. There are three awards: the group total score 

award, the group single tail heavy award and the excellent captain award.

FEATURE 

PACBAY 

PACBAY RINGS THE 

CHANGES WITH ITS 

MINIMA-X GUIDES 

American component manufacturer PACBAY has once again delivered innovation and 

cutting-edge products with its Minima-X guides and tops. 

The patent-pending PACBAY 

Minima-X one-piece stainless 

steel guides and tops are said 

offer unprecedented durability, 

eliminating problems with inner rings 

popping out or crushing. 

After numerous reforms and 

innovations, PACBAY Minima-X 

products are designed with a special 

construction for extra strength and 

durability. 

These one-piece stainless steel guides 

and tops adopt mirror polishing and 

multi-layer hard chrome plating along 

with titanium plating processes, which 

have corrosion resistance. 

The friction force is smaller when 

throwing or retrieving, and it has 

corrosion resistance. When fishing, thread 

flow is easier and friction is less. 

TAKING THE FIGHT TO YOU 

If you’ve ever had the nightmare of losing 

or breaking your inner ring while fighting 

a tough fish, you’ll be pleased to know 

the PACBAY Minima-X has completely 

solved that problem. 

Now, the US company has 

manufactured sizes from #05 to #20 and 

developed up to #50, one after another. 

This, it believes, it is enough for lure 

anglers. Not to mention carp anglers, 

because they often complain that the 

largest guide ring is easily damaged 

during the transfer process. This time the 

problem has been eliminated. 

In conclusion, PACBAY Minma-X 

guides and tops are characterised by their 

rugged durability and ability to withstand 

heavy use and harsh conditions. 

This is said to be a great innovation 

in the fishing world, abandoning the 

ceramic ring and stainless-steel ring, so 

that fishermen can relieve the nightmare 

of ring breaking, ring crushing and rings 

falling off. 

PACBAY 

www.fishpacbay.com 


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TO BOOK THIS SPACE CONTACT: 

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REST of WORLD 

GUIDO KNEGT 

T: +39 347 503 6436 

E: guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk 

COMING UP… 

DECEMBER 2023 

Ad Copy: October 20th, 2023 

Mailed: November 8th, 2023 

Special issue: Personal Watercraft 

Spotlight: Small Boats 

Doing Business With: Canada 

JANUARY 2024 

Ad Copy: November 17th, 2023 

Mailed: December 6th, 2023 

Special issue: 2024 Product Showcase 

Spotlight: Boat Accessories 

Doing Business With: Taiwan 

FEBRUARY 2024 

CHINA FISH 2024 PREVIEW 

Ad Copy: December 15th, 2023 

Mailed: January 3rd, 2024 

Special issue: Bass Fishing 

Spotlight: Reels 

Doing Business With: Great Lakes 

To submit news or editorial for 

any of these issues, contact: 

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

contact our business development team: 

EDITOR 

JOHN HUNTER 

T: + 44 (0)7990 542958 

E: john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk 

NORTH AMERICA 

BART MANGANIELLO 

T: +1 914 722 7601 

E: bartalm@optonline.net 

REST of WORLD 

GUIDO KNEGT 

T: +39 347 503 6436 

E: guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk

FEATURE 

Last Cast 

LAST CAST... 

WHY FISHING IS VITAL 

TO MENTAL HEALTH 

Sportvisbrigade is a Dutch non-profit organisation designed 

to inspire newcomers to get fishing as it can help their 

mental health and wellbeing. Founder Ivo Nijboer explains 

the idea and how it is working… 

The sport of fishing in Holland 

is facing challenges and it seems 

that the positive initiatives are not 

being recognised. So, what can I 

do? It is now more important than ever for 

me to make my voice heard. 

I have been involved in the fishing 

industry since 2006, dedicating my time as 

both a professional and a volunteer to various 

aspects of preserving this wonderful hobby. It 

has become my greatest source of pride and 

life’s work: inspiring people to embrace the 

joy of fishing. 

EARLY BEGINNINGS 

The bamboo fishing rod used to hang from 

my grandfather’s gutter and whether it all 

started there for me remains unclear. I didn’t 

fish with him very often, but I did with my 

brother. He was perhaps the biggest catalyst 

for my passion, aside from myself. 

It hasn’t been an easy journey. Alongside a 

challenging school life, I battled cancer and 

underwent chemotherapy at the age of 18, 

followed by a prosthesis in my right knee. 

Throughout it all, there was one constant 

for me: fishing. It provided solace, a way to 

clear my mind and immerse myself in the 

surroundings. Being by the water reduced my 

stress levels and allowed me to stay focused. 

The passion for fishing and the urge to be 

near the water have always been present and 

will always remain. 

Now, things have improved significantly. 

I am a proud father of two children and 

have a wonderful wife who understands 

the importance of fishing in my life and its 

positive impact on my mental well-being. 

STEPPING OUT 

So why am I writing this? Because I feel a 

stronger need than ever to take an extra step 

forward. It all started with my volunteer work. 

I began as a volunteer at HSV Vislust in 

Almelo, supporting youth activities and later 

contributing to the general board. It was there 

that I witnessed the value that local fishing 

associations bring to society. 

Club gatherings, collaborative fishing trips, 

and active maintenance of the waterside areas 

within residential neighbourhoods – all these 

activities contribute to nature conservation. 

Fishing associations play an active role 

in monitoring fish mortality, maintaining 

fish populations, and protecting the habitat 

surrounding the water. 

During that time, I also made contact with 

Sportvisserij (Oost) Nederland. They asked 

me to give a lecture for the De Gewonde 

Soldaat Foundation. Interestingly, not all 

participants were physically wounded; most 

of them had experienced mental hardships. 

One thing that had helped them in their 

recovery was fishing. 

IDEAS INTO ACTION 

That was the moment I knew for certain 

that my intrinsic motivation and passion had 

grown stronger than ever. I had to do more. 

I started an Excel file and brainstormed my 

ideas, which gradually took shape. 

Then, when I changed jobs in 2022, 

everything fell into place. If I wanted to truly 

learn and share my knowledge, having my 

own website would be the best way forward. 

And that’s how Sportvisbrigade came to life. 

Through this platform, I found an outlet 

to share my acquired knowledge locally. 

By writing about local fishing experiences 

and linking it online to local and regional 

websites, more people can learn about what 

the hobby of fishing can mean. Emphasising 

the aspect of mental well-being, I aim to 

convey how fishing can provide solace and 

create lasting memories. 

Yes, there are affiliate links on the website. 

Pursuing a hobby and maintaining a website 

come with costs, and this is a way to cover 

some of those expenses. However, my 

intention is not solely focused on financial 

gain. I want to reach out to people who may 

be experiencing restlessness or stress due to 

work, health, or family circumstances and 

let them know that there can be an outlet. 

Immerse yourself in the underwater world 

and let everything else fade away. 

Even if you don’t catch anything, you can 

always rethink your strategy. Fishing gives 

you an additional reason to be outdoors 

without having to worry about traffic, making 

it distinct from walking or cycling as an 

outdoor activity. 

While sitting on your tackle box, fishing 

chair, or sleeping in your fishing tent, you 

have the opportunity to fully experience 

nature and observe the birds. Although the 

concept of hooking a fish may not be easily 

defended, consider that we are the eyes at the 

water’s edge. We document fish mortality, 

volunteer to maintain fish populations, 

keep the waterside areas clean, and prevent 

you from experiencing extreme mosquito 

overpopulation. 

GUESTS IN NATURE 

It is akin to hunting: Can we justify the 

shooting of animals? No! However, by 

culling deer, wild boar, foxes, and hares, we 

prevent them from entering residential areas. 

Otherwise, that would be cause for concern. 

We are guests in nature, and hunters and 

anglers are the greatest lovers of the animals 

they engage with! 

We don’t intervene when people put their 

full weight on a horse and use a bit of it to 

make them move gracefully. We don’t approve 

of dogs spending the entire workday waiting 

on benches for their owners. Is this animalfriendly 

or aligned with Mother Nature’s 

intentions? Most likely not. 

However, I have a suspicion of the joy that 

the animal brings back to its rider or owner. 

Isn’t that what it’s all about? Live and let live. 

Love for animals should be at the forefront 

of all hobbies and, believe me, that holds true 

for all anglers! That pleasure, that love for 

animals, can only arise when knowledge is 

transferred. 

By inspiring and assisting new anglers, 

young and old, in handling fish properly, 

I can contribute to maintaining a healthy 

fish population and securing the future of 

the sport of fishing. That is precisely what 

Sportvisbrigade stands for. 

SPORTVISBRIGADE 

Sportvisbrigade.nl 


CATMAGNET - Design by Ramón Nieto 

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A revolutionary new Hungarian invention 

that makes catfish fishing easier! 

The structure consists of two units, which are connected by a magnet. 

The white floating part can be fixed or running on the main line, and the other, 

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structure can be attached to a landmark near the searched location. As a result 

of a bite, these two parts release and the fight with the fish can begin. 

Partners Wanted! 

Energofish Ltd. is looking for new Partners 

all over the World. Free delivery on orders 

over €300. Registration and other details: 

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Tackle Trade World - October 2023

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