Tackle Trade World - March 2024

Dr Slick
FEATURE
Siding and tipping Synthetics Scissors
a lot, so I see lots of needs based on my
experiences. I’ll take that knowledge and
work on improving one of our existing tools
or invent a new item from scratch to fill the
need.
I also keep a notebook of every comment/
complaint I receive and use that to improve
existing items or help in development of
a new item. I call it the “you should” and
“have you thought about” depository. If I see
lots of common comments, then I’ll research
the item further to determine marketability.
Over the past 20-plus years I’ve designed
close to 60 items and I’m always working
on the next thing. Right now, we have 15
items in the R&D pipeline. There are also
constant improvements to existing products.
We have a few patents for our efforts, too.
Among my favourite items over the last
25 years are our range of scissors – Razors,
Tungsten Carbide, Bent Shaft, Micro-Tip,
Twisted Loop, Black Widow and advanced
30 degree curved blades on our curved
scissor models.
Then there’s our fly tying gear such as
the Spigot Bobbin, Jumbo Carbon Fibre
Handle tying tools, Hair Stackers, Extra
Hand and Bead Tweezers.
We have Release Clamps, Shot Clamps,
Twisted Loop, Long Range, Crossfire, Hook
Eye Cleaning Pins in shank design and 30
degree curved jaws on the curved model of
clamps.
Our pliers range includes Bullet Head
and the storm series (Typhoon and Squall),
we have our Off Set Clipper, the Knot
Tying Clipper and Cyclone Clippers and, of
course, our Necklace.
with fly rod firm Thomas & Thomas and a
few stops at some retail fly shops.
I have been involved in the fly fishing
industry in manufacturing, sales, retail
and distribution since 1988. I was hired as
general manager/head of sales and chief
widget maker in 1995. I have owned the
company since 2009.
I wear many hats here and have done so
since 1997. I design all products, run the
sales and marketing department, oversee all
the reps, fill a few orders daily and work on
800 scissors and face/polish 50 to 600 line
clippers per week.
A short day is 10 hours! And I enjoy
every minute of it. I would much rather be
testing clamps or making bobbins versus
sitting at a desk. Like any good company, I
am fortunate to have great people around
me.
WHAT ARE YOUR MOST INNOVATIVE
OR BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS?
We pride ourselves on innovating and
creating new products to fill a need in the
tying and angling world. I fish and tie
Cyclone Nippers – Straight
www.tackletradeworld.com
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