Tackle Trade World - January 2024

BOAT MOTOR BRAND
WELCOMES PRODUCT
DEVELOPMENT HEAD ABOARD
Jason Kardas, the former
vice-president of product
development at Hobie, will
now drive innovation in electric
propulsion technology at nextgeneration
electric small boat
motor maker Newport.
As head of product
development at Newport, Jason
brings a wealth of knowledge
and a creative passion to his
role, having established himself
as a valuable asset throughout
his career in this sector.
He will oversee all facets
of Newport’s product
development projects, with
a specific focus on electric
outboard motors. His
responsibilities encompass
technical leadership, product
lifecycle management, electric
propulsion expertise, team
leadership, market leadership,
and ensuring the success of
product launches.
With his deep knowledge of
electric propulsion technology
and remarkable leadership
skills, Jason is positioned as a
key asset in driving Newport’s
products to meet and exceed
industry standards and
customer expectations.
Newport president Patrick
Dean said: “We are excited to
welcome Jason to our team.
His wealth of experience in the
outdoor and water technology
industries is a testament to his
deep-rooted understanding
of the field. His expertise is
poised to be a significant asset
to Newport, driving innovation
and excellence as we shape the
future of electric propulsion
technology.”
Jason added: “The company’s
dedication to innovation in
electric propulsion technology
is inspiring and I’m looking
forward to contributing to our
shared vision. The prospect
of working with such a
talented and forward-thinking
team is both humbling and
exhilarating.”
www.newportvessels.com
Jason Kardas
US fly shows fill up fast
Exhibitor space for the Denver Fly Fishing Show scheduled
for January 19th to 21st at the Gaylord Rockies Resort &
Convention Center is officially sold out, with others almost
equally full.
Fly Fishing show president and CEO Ben Furimsky
revealed: “We sold out of exhibition space approximately 92
days before the Denver opening, putting us back on prepandemic
schedules.
“Other 2024 show venues are nearly equally filled with
exhibitor booths. We’re down to our final four or five openings
in Marlborough and nine or 10 in Atlanta.”
He also confirmed Edison, Seattle/Bellevue, Pleasanton and
Lancaster have only scattered open slots as well.
Meydenbauer Center in the nearby Seattle suburb of
Bellevue will host the return of the Fly Fishing Show to the
Pacific Northwest on February 17th and 18th after a multiyear
absence caused by facility unavailability.
The full rundown of 2024 Fly Fishing Show venues and
dates are:
flyfishingshow.com
• Marlborough, Mass. January 5-7
• Denver, Colo. January 19-21
• Edison, NJ: January 26-28
• Atlanta, GA: February 2-4
• Seattle/Bellevue, Wash. Feb 17-18
• Pleasanton, Calif. February 23-25
• Lancaster, Penn. March 2-3
14 www.tackletradeworld.com