Tackle Trade World - May 2024

Sent to more than
18,500
tackle industry
professionals
in over
120 countries
every month
may 2024

COMMITTED TO INCREASING YOUR BUSINESS GLOBALLY
www.tackletradeworld.com
WILD AND DIVERSE
Why Alaska is a great
place for fishing and
business
PAGE 26
SHOWING UP
China Fish 2024 enjoyed
a record year. Read our
report...
PAGE 30
FISHING NEEDS HELP TO BEAT
CLIMATE CHANGE RISK
Angling and the entire
outdoor recreational
industry – a $1.1 trillion
industry that is a pillar of the US
economy, supporting five million
jobs – is at risk from a string of
factors caused by climate change.
A US Senate Budget
Committee hearing has
highlighted the impacts of these
changes and has begun looking
at ways to ensure the sector is
safeguarded from some of these
issues.
The hearing – Recreation At
Risk: The Nature of Climate
Costs – was told by Jessica Wahl
Turner, president of Outdoor
Recreation Roundtable, which
includes the US trade body
the American Sportfishing
Association: “Climate change
is increasingly impacting how
people can recreate outside,
and businesses of all types and
all activities know the climate
crisis needs to be addressed.
We appreciate Congress
acknowledging these challenges
so we can work together on
innovative solutions to ensure
outdoor recreation can continue
to support healthy people,
places, and the planet.”
Theresa McKenney, director
of sustainability and government
affairs at NEMO Equipment,
said: “Along with the risk to
human lives and livelihoods,
climate change poses a real and
imminent threat to NEMO’s
business; without safe, accessible,
and enjoyable places to recreate,
there is no longer a need for our
gear.”
Among those giving evidence
was Hilary Hutcheson, a fulltime
fly fishing guide, outfitter
and shop owner near Glacier
National Park, Montana.
She explained: “As the
outfitter on record for the largest
and longest-running commercial
river company in the Northern
Rockies region, with 185
employees, including 100 river
• 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

MAY
2024
TackleTrade
www.tackletradeworld.com
EDITORIAL
Editor:
John Hunter
04
+44 7990 542958
john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk
A journalist all his life and with 20-plus years
of international business magazine experience,
John was the founding editor of TTW and has
now returned to the helm. He has helped
many brands launch and grow over the years
through B2B publications and via his own
consultancy business.
ADVERTISING
North America:
Bart Manganiello
+1 914 722 7601
bartalm@optonline.net
For over 38 years, Bart has been working with
trade magazines, 34 in the tackle industry.
Since 2001, he has been TTW’s North American
Director, providing the best communication
programs to companies, helping them connect
with current and prospective trade partners
around the world.
Rest Of The World:
Guido Knegt
+39 3475036436
guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk
A born and bred Dutchman, he spent five
years travelling the world as a scuba-diving
instructor and English teacher before settling
down in Sardinia. Guido previously worked for
TTW between 2014 and 2017.
China: Robert Li
Li Ziwei
+86 13451914155
robert.li365@gmail.com
Li Ziwei (Robert) has been working as news
editor for over 20 years. He founded the most
influential Chinese fishing forum in the Straits
and successfully organised many industry
events. His love for culture and tourism has led
him to devote his entire life to the exchanges
between China and southeast Asia.
Magazine Manager
Justin Fox
+44 7813 327966
justin.fox@dhpub.co.uk
A hugely experienced communicator with
more than 20 years at parent company DHP,
Justin knows what it takes to grow brands
and businesses across the tackle sector.
Sub Editor: David Haynes
Art Editor: Paul Evans
Editorial Design: Brad Sharp
DHP LTD
Editorial, administration, subscriptions and
accounts to: DHP Ltd, 1st Floor, Nene House,
Sopwith Way, Daventry, NN11 8EA, UK
www.tackletradeworld.com
THE SUMMIT OF
OUR BUSINESS
EXPECTATIONS
It seems that angling summits are the latest
‘thing’ doing the rounds in the tackle trade.
We can’t move for them!
While the American Sportfishing Association
has been running its Sportfishing Summit in the
USA for over two decades to great acclaim, the
concept is a little newer for two other industry
organisations.
After a poorly backed Confluence trade
show in Salt Lake City in 2023, the American
Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA)
is dispensing with the show element for
its 2024 Confluence, instead introducing a
similar summit concept, offering networking
opportunities and business seminars and
discussions.
And now it seems the European Fishing
Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) will be
exploring the idea too, perhaps towards the
end of this year, before adding into its own
EFTTEX 2025 trade show offering the
following year.
So will these work? Well, the ASA has
actually been holding meetings for its leadership
and members since 1933, although it was back
in 2002 that the gathering was revamped and
rebranded as the Sportfishing Summit.
The concept was simple – throw open your
doors to the wider sportfishing trade community,
encourage more meaningful conversations at all
levels about the future of our sport and how we
can all derive greater benefits from our efforts.
At the same time, throw in a good few social
and educational events and you can attract a
veritable who’s who of the industry.
The Confluence NOLA 2024 (it’s being held John Hunter
in New Orleans, Louisiana) will be a place for Editor
3,511
6,466
the fly fishing industry to come together, have
those important conversations as a whole and
individually, while strengthening the industry
and businesses, with educational talks and a
sounding board for AFFTA to hear thoughts
from its members.
Naturally, both of these summits usually also
take place in cool places where the fishing is
good and visitors can appreciate the natural
environment which the organisations are
constantly championing – it’s a smart way of
encouraging attendance.
Quite what the plans are for EFTTA’s
Angling Summit later this year, few details have
yet been released.
But I suspect it will be in a popular central
European location, making it easy to get to,
with a mix of round-table discussions, business
advice and talks and perhaps even a few industry
awards thrown in.
It will be interesting to see if the European
tackle trade embraces such a concept and is
willing to get into its cars or jump on trains/
planes to attend.
While EFTTA and the ASA plan on backing
or running trade shows in addition, AFFTA’s
Confluence follows the demise of the IFTD
show.
However, I wouldn’t mind betting it won’t
be long before brand representatives there are
encouraging attendees to spend a little time
discussing or looking at their new products or
launches.
Maybe things will go full circle...

Register Today!
Online registration closes June 10th.
Avoid the registration lines onsite!
July 16-19
Orlando, FL
POWERED BY
Orange County Convention Center
ICASTfishing.org

MAY
2024
16
18
22
Contents
26
08 NEWS
Zebco Europe finally closes the doors to its
German facility, details are revealed about
the fly fishing Confluence event in the USA
this autumn while the Australian tackle
trade show is sold out on floor space.
16 LUNCH & LEARN AT ICAST
A surprising series of seminars designed
to help tackle businesses grow and meet
the latest challenges has always been a
popular part of the ICAST show. We find
out why.
18 SPOTLIGHT ON… EYEWEAR
Looking to stock the latest and best
eyewear out there? TTW guides you
through the lens and frame options and
explains why polarised glasses are the best
option, bar none, for anglers.
20 SHOP WINDOW
We run the rule over some of the latest
sunglasses offerings that retailers could be
seeking to stock.
06 www.tackletradeworld.com
30
22 TECHNOLOGY AT THE CORE OF LURES
The way soft plastic lures are produced
changed forever when lure manufacturer
LIVETARGET introduced its Injected Core
Technology.
24 IN LINE FOR MORE MONO
INNOVATION
Line manufacturer FirstDart continues
to make strides in its innovation plan,
introducing an exceptional mono running
line – G2R.
26 DOING BUSINESS WITH… ALASKA
The least-populated US state actually has
some of the finest fishing on offer for both
residents and visitors alike, so it may be a
great fit for your brand.
36
30 ALL ROADS LEAD TO CHINA
Why the tackle trade beat to a path to
China Fish 2024, making it a recordbreaking
show for exhibitors from across
the globe.
36 TOBIZO RODS WIN RACE FOR TOP
SPOT
Hard-fighting fish, big lures and tough
conditions call for high-performance rods,
such as ZENAQ’s Tobizo Type R Racing
concept.
38 MAKING CONTACT
More tackle and gear recently released into
the market that you might wish to consider
adding to your inventory for the coming
season.
42 UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Engaging with influencers can be a
powerful way to grow your brand, as it
allows you to tap into their established
audience and credibility. Here’s how to go
about it…

FISHING NEEDS HELP TO BEAT
CLIMATE CHANGE RISK
• Continued from page 3
guides, I feel responsible for
many livelihoods beyond my
own.
“My fellow guides are
responsible for offering an
excellent experience to many
of the 12.5 million people
who visit our state each year,
spending $5.82 billion.
“Water-based activities
represent the largest guided trip
sectors, and guided fishing trips
bring in about $80 million. We
love our jobs.
“Unfortunately, our
increasingly unstable river
office environment, marked by
drastic temperature fluctuations,
wildfires, floods, droughts,
wildlife stress, and other
disruptions, warrants extra
attention to guides’ physical
and mental health, something
my company recognises as an
essential corporate expense.
“There’s even a non-profit
crisis hotline dedicated to
professional outdoor guides
in Montana and Idaho, with
an increasing number of
calls coming in because of
environmental stressors.
“The cost of doing business
should keep me on my toes, but
it’s my job to think about these
numbers, what’s driving them
and how we can work with you
to keep it in balance.
“Each year, more than three
million people visit Glacier
National Park to catch a glimpse
of its diminishing glaciers and
to enjoy the renowned landscape
where those features are carved.
“Anglers are also increasingly
aware of how human-caused
climate change affects this
delicate balance. Clients who
spend money to come to
Montana to fish with us are
asking me and my fellow guides
some tough, sophisticated
questions about the climate.
They are asking about our new
normals, like unseasonable rainon-snow
events that can scour
trout spawning beds. They ask
about why we run out of water
so early in the season. They ask
why they are seeing so many
weakened, hybrid trout. Today,
guides explain why we try to
keep trout in the water instead
of lifting them into the boat for
a photo.
“It’s becoming increasingly
challenging to budget for
the season. Will we have
dangerously high water or
historically low water? Should
we not book guests in August,
when thick smoke from wildfires
might keep us off the river
again? How many client trip
deposits will we have to refund
because of cancelled vacations?
How many guides should we
hire, given all this uncertainty?
A recent report underscores the
economic jeopardy posed by
climate change, predicting the
potential loss of 8,800 outdoor
recreation jobs and a staggering
$263 million in labour earnings
annually by mid-century in
Montana alone.
“Professional anglers have
a unique perspective on the
far-reaching impacts of climate
change. In all pockets of
the country, anglers, angling
businesses and the broader
outdoor economy are painfully
impacted by the deterioration
of our fisheries. Through
active participation in national
industry associations, nonprofits,
and partnerships with
sustainability-focused brands,
we echo and amplify the urgent
pleas of our communities to our
congressional leadership.
“The future of our
environment, economy, and
community is a package deal.
And it is directly connected
to our collective efforts to
safeguard our planet for
generations to come.”
recreationroundtable.org
EFTTA’S CEO STEPS DOWN
The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA)’s CEO,
Olivier Portrat, has left his position at the helm of the trade body to
pursue a new career opportunity.
Olivier’s departure marks the end of a distinguished term during
which EFTTA navigated through unprecedented challenges, including
the transition of the company’s headquarters from the UK to Brussels
amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Olivier joined EFTTA at a critical juncture and immediately set
about transforming the association, reinforcing its commitment to its
members and the broader fishing community.
His efforts to re-establish EFTTA’s base in Brussels have laid a
strong foundation for the association’s future, enhancing its ability to
advocate effectively for sustainable angling practices and the interests of
the European trade.
During his five-year role Olivier and the EFTTA board lobbied
continuously and successfully defended recreational angling and the
tackle trade.
As Olivier embarks on a new chapter in his career, the EFTTA
board, together with its members, extended its heartfelt thanks and best
wishes for his future endeavours.
EFTTA said it remains dedicated to supporting the sustainable
development of the recreational angling industry, advocating for the
interests of the fishing tackle trade, and promoting angling as a key
contributor to environmental conservation and the European economy.
Australian trade show
is a sell-out
The organisers of this year’s
Australian Fishing Trade
Association (AFTA) Show
says floorspace at this
August’s event is now full.
With exhibitors ranging
from Pure Fishing, Daiwa,
Shimano and Rapala
alongside names like J M
Gillies, Wilson, Halco,
Frogleys and many more,
it’s set to be a great way for
dealers to see all the latest
gear.
AFTA is even offering
every independent member
retail store a $500 voucher
to spend at the show.
With registration open
by the time you read this,
it’s the perfect time to
book your flights and
accommodation for the
event at the Gold Coast
Convention and Exhibition
Centre from August 15th
to 17th.
The first two days are
trade-only, with a public day
on August 17th.
www.afta.net.au/tackle-show
08 www.tackletradeworld.com

AFFTA reimagines Confluence event
The American Fly Fishing
Trade Association (AFFTA) has
released details of its Confluence
NOLA 2024 event, a change in
focus from a trade show to one
focused on networking, education
and discussion.
AFFTA says its aim is to
deliver a summit constructed to
help improve the businesses of
its members. It is scheduled to
take place at the historic Hotel
Monteleone in New Orleans,
Louisiana, USA, on October
22nd and 23rd.
In response to feedback
following last year’s venture
in Salt Lake City, AFFTA
has transformed Confluence
away from a trade show and
into an industry summit
aimed at fostering networking
opportunities, facilitating
educational presentations, and
encouraging open dialogue
among industry professionals.
Confluence NOLA 2024
will feature a
diverse array of
presentations
and round table
discussions
covering a wide
range of topics
pertinent to the fly
fishing industry.
Attendees can
expect to gain
insights from
industry leaders,
participate in
round table
discussions, and
exchange ideas
with fellow
business owners
and manufacturers.
AFF TA’s
executive director, Lucas Bissett,
explained: “Same name, different
Confluence. In listening to
the feedback of our members,
we reimagined Confluence to
be a summit that focuses on
Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans
networking, education and
discussion for AFFTA members.
“Confluence, coupled with the
numerous virtual events we have
planned for the year, will round
out AFFTA’s goal of providing
a real return on our members’
investments.”
Registration for Confluence
NOLA 2024 is now open for
AFFTA members at affta.org/
events
Zebco closes its HQ doors in Europe
After 50 years in Tostedt,
Germany, Zebco Europe’s
headquarters is set to close at
the end of April, bringing an
era to an end.
The brand itself was born
in 1860 and has been one
of the best-known names in
angling over the past 160-
plus years.
When the news broke
last year, Paul Reeves, the
European president of parent
company Rather Outdoors,
said in a letter to retailers:
“The operation of several
locations in several countries
does not make economic
sense due to the significantly
higher costs.”
Zebco Brands – which
includes Zebco Europe and
Preston Innovations – was
only acquired by Rather
Outdoors some three years
ago, in January 2021.
The last orders of products
bearing the
Zebco, Rhino,
Quantum,
Radical and
Black Cat
names were
shipped from
Tostedt at
the end of
February. Since
then, deliveries
have been made
from Rather
Outdoors’
European
distribution
centre, based in
Belgium.
Rather
Outdoors CEO
Ken Eubanks
said the
move would
better serve its European
customers, since the Belgian
warehouse operated in a more
streamlined and efficient way.
Zebco Europe Tostedt
Headquartered in South
Carolina, USA, Rather
Outdoors was purchased by
merchant bank BDT Capital
in June 2019 and is also home
to brands including Fox
International, Matrix, Strike
King, Lew’s and Salmo.
www.tackletradeworld.com
09

FAIRPOINT OUTDOORS
STRENGTHENS IN THE UK
Fairpoint Outdoors, the owner
of Scandinavian tackle brands
Westin and Kinetic, has made
another strong move to bolster
growth in the UK with the
signing of southern sales manager
Geoff Brooks.
Geoff has been involved in the
tackle industry for over 20 years,
having extensive experience in
both retail and trade sales roles,
and joins the existing sales team
of Richard Taylor in England,
Scotland and Wales and Gareth
Whittington in Ireland.
This move supports Fairpoint’s
ongoing aggressive expansion
strategy, with recruitment of key
employees being at the heart of
their investment plan.
Richard Taylor said: “Geoff
is a brilliant addition to the
company and his experience and
connections should allow him to
hit the ground running, which is
exactly what we are looking for.
“We have seen superb growth
in the UK since launching our
new bespoke UK business system
in 2022/23 and
Geoff is a key part
of our projected
growth plans.”
In addition to
the well-known
Westin brand,
Geoff is looking
forward to
develop business
of the sister brand
– Kinetic – in the
coming months.
He explained:
“I’m incredibly
excited to become
part of such a
forward-thinking
company, and can see huge
potential for Kinetic, especially in
coastal stores in my territory. It is
a no-nonsense brand, with superb
margin for the retailer but backed
by Scandinavian quality.”
Thomas Petersen, Fairpoint
CSO, added: “We identified the
UK and Ireland as a key area for
our growth strategy going forward
but it’s fair to say Brexit made for
(L to R): Geoff Brooks, Thomas Petersen Eldor and Richard Taylor.
tricky times the last few years.
“However, we have invested
heavily in bespoke systems
to get over these hurdles and
our most recent acquisition in
Geoff Brooks is testament to
the progress we have made.
“Coupled with our expansion
of new product categories like
reels, braid and a new terminal
tackle range, the company is
going from strength to strength
and these are really exciting
times.”
While many brands seem
nervous in the current financial
climate, Fairpoint Outdoors says
it is striding forward confidently
and creating impressive results
despite the uncertain times.
www.fairpoint.dk/en
Quest fulfilled for easy-to-use bait boat
Sonar maker Deeper has launched what it
claims to be the market’s easiest-to-use bait
boat, the Deeper Quest.
Coming with everything needed for carp
fishing, the boat works right out of the
box and has taken two years to design and
develop, working closely with carp anglers to
get everything right.
Donatas Malinauskas, co-founder of
Lithuanian-based Deeper, explained: “We
wanted to make a product that would be as
easy to use as taking it out of the box and
turning it on. No assembling, no tightening
screws, no attaching additional wires to
batteries – pressing the power button to turn
it on is all you need to do before you can
enjoy your fishing experience.
“Having never developed similar products
before allowed us to take the bottom-up
approach: we made the actual needs for the
carp-fishing community the core of our
process.”
10 www.tackletradeworld.com
Deeper Quest product manager Vytautas
Zelvys added: “Ease of use was our priority.
Even individuals without any technical
knowledge were supposed to be able to use
it effortlessly and utilise all its features. That
was why we custom-designed an externalwires-free
battery system. Our bait boat also
has a unique rig hopper that can use PVA
bags or even carry liquids.”
Its autonomous area scanning allows carp
anglers to gather data without constant
supervision. They can efficiently set up their
equipment and save time, all while gaining
insights into underwater structures.
Deeper Quest hardware is seamlessly
integrated with the firm’s Fish Deeper app,
enhancing functionality, enabling precise
navigation, area scans, route missions, and
making a return to favoured spots effortless.
The unlimited number of waypoints allows
fishing enthusiasts to explore the most
diverse lakes with the same ease.
The bait boat also comes with flagship
Deeper CHIRP technology and a housebuilt
navigation system, providing the most
accurate sonar data within 1m accuracy.
Powered by rechargeable Li-ion batteries,
it offers a runtime of up to seven hours or
approximately a 20km range. Recharging is
convenient via the bait boat’s USB-C power
delivery system.
It also comes with a backpack and
essential maintenance tools.
www.deepersonar.com

Scott Fly Rod Company
now in Session with rods
The Scott Fly Rod Company
has introduced its Session
series of high-performance,
hand-crafted fly rods, blending
acclaimed design approaches
with latest materials and
technologies.
Session rods bring together
high line speed, exceptional
loop control, and a light and
lively feel in hand. They load
easily and are said to respond to
subtle inputs from the angler.
Scott’s president, Jim
Bartschi, said: “Anyone who has
fished Scott freshwater rods in
the recent past will immediately
recognise our signature ‘fast
with feel’ action in Session rods.
“They share some of the
design approaches and material
DNA with some of our most
legendary rods. Incorporating
some of our newest technologies
gives these rods their own
unique feel and attributes.”
Session rods feature Scott’s
Carbon Link epoxy resin
system, multi-modulus lay ups,
ARC2 reinforcement, ReAct
and Natural Finish blanks.
All the rods are handcrafted
in Montrose, Colorado,
USA, using the finest
components including milled
aluminium reel seats with type
two anodised and wood inserts,
silicon nitride stripping guides
and super grade cork handles.
The Scott Session rods are
available from 8ft to 10ft and
in four-piece configuration for
3-wt to 8-wt lines.
www.scottflyrod.com
2023-24
Over 1,400 New
Line Items in our
2023-2024 Catalog
14,600+ Products
Available for your
Fly Tying Shops Walls!
Microflex Soft
Hackle Chenille
Available in 5 sizes and
31 Great Colors!
LEADERSHIP CHANGES
FOR MAJOR RETAILER
Sportsman’s Warehouse in the USA has named Krischelle
Tennessen as chief human resources officer and Michael Simpson
as chief information officer.
President and CEO Paul Stone explained: “These key strategic
hires are significant additions to the organisation as we continue to
build out the team with exceptional talent.
“Both Krischelle and Mike complement the existing skills and
experience of our leadership team and I look forward to working
with them directly, as we pursue excellence throughout the
organisation.”
Krischelle will oversee company culture, HR strategy and
processes, and talent development and brings nearly 30 years of
human resources experience to the business.
While Michael will be responsible for all areas of the
organisation’s technology, offering over 20 years of leadership
experience in tech and software development, including 15 years of
experience in retail.

NEWS IN BRIEF
Vista rejects buy bid
Vista Outdoor, which owns a string of
brands including Simms, has rejected
an unsolicited indication of interest
from MNC Capital for its Sporting
Products business.
Instead, its board continues to
recommend the shooting and hunting
division’s acquisition by Czechoslovak
Group (CSG) later this year.
Meanwhile, its Outdoor Products
business Revelyst will continue as a
standalone public company.
Gill’s Pioneer move
Gill North America has announced
a partnership with Pioneer Outdoor
Group for sales and marketing in
the western regions of the USA. As a
premier sailing clothing line in the
territory, it is now branching into
other aquatic activities such as fishing,
paddle, and water adventure.
Based in Colorado, Pioneer
Outdoor Group will be representing
Gill products in Alaska, California,
Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas,
Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Washington,
Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming
and Hawaii.
Marketing for
YANMAR
YANMAR Marine International (YMI)
has employed the services of PR
and marketing agency, McKenna
Townsend to further raise its profile
across global marine media and drive
brand awareness.
Headquartered in The Netherlands,
YMI continues to expand its range of
products, services, and expertise to
deliver total solutions as an engine
and equipment manufacturer to
its network of over 2,000 dealers
worldwide in over 130 countries.
Hooked on finish
Gamakatsu has introduced a
proprietary new finish for its most
popular hook styles.
Its latest innovation, the Nano
Alpha finish, is said to represent a
paradigm shift in hook performance,
offering anglers advantages including
slicker performance and enhanced
corrosion resistance, all at the same
affordable price as its standard hooks.
ADDITIONAL LINE-UP
FOR US MARKET
Seaguar, the brand that invented
fluorocarbon fishing line in Japan in 1971,
is releasing three products previously only
available in its domestic market to North
American anglers.
R18 Fluorocarbon mainline, PEX8 Lure
Edition Braid and Grand Max Fluorocarbon
Leader are now available to retailers and
customers across the USA.
The move, at least in part, follows
requests from enthusiast anglers.
Seaguar general manager Gerry Benedicto
explained: “Many of these products are
known to North American anglers who
follow the Japanese bass scene.
“These are existing products that have
been designed to get the best performance
out of lures in highly pressured fisheries
in Japan. Now, anglers here can fish these
unique JDM lines and experience them first
hand.”
Two-time Bassmaster Elite Series Angler
of the Year Brandon Palaniuk added: “The
biggest thing about the products that
originate in Japan is the attention to detail
and how they make small changes to get big
results.”
R18 fluorocarbon is designed for excellent
casting and performance and uses Seaguar’s
exclusive double-structure process with two
custom 100 per cent fluorocarbon resins
to create a line with exceptional knot and
tensile strength.
PEX8 Lure Edition micro braid is a highperformance
eight-strand braided line with
exceptionally thin diameters, up to 22 per
cent thinner than competitors.
Its colouring is high visibility Passion
Pink with contrasting lime green segments
every metre, allowing anglers to gauge lure
depths and detect bites by watching the line.
Grand Max is a specially formulated
leader material with low stretch and
excellent strength and sensitivity. Created
in Japan in 1999, it also boasts Seaguar’s
exclusive double-structure process, which
creates small diameters and exceptional knot
and tensile strength. Spooled on to pocketthin
spools, it fits anywhere and multiple
spools can be snapped together for added
convenience.
www.seaguar.com
12 www.tackletradeworld.com

RepYourWater joins North Point Brands
Outdoor company North Point
Brands, owner of Cheeky
Fishing and Wingo Outdoors,
has added conservation-based
apparel brands RepYourWater
and RepYourWild to its
growing family.
The move means the
husband-and-wife cofounders
of Colorado-based
RepYourWater, Garrison and
Corinne Doctor, will bring their
talents to all sectors of North
Point Brands.
Since RepYourWater’s
launch in 2011, the designdriven
apparel and accessory
company has focused its efforts
on making outstanding apparel
with authentic design and
artwork, created by Garrison,
while building a sustainable and
cause-driven company.
To date, RepYourWater and
RepYourWild have donated
more than $400,000 to
conservation.
Corinne said: “We’re thrilled
to join North Point Brands. We
have worked together through
the years in different capacities
and, now that we have joined
forces, we will make a bigger
difference as brands committed
The Recreational Boating &
Fishing Foundation (RBFF)
has appointed Billy Pope to
its board of directors, bringing
a wealth of marketing and
communications experience.
His background includes
overseeing creative services
and marketing efforts,
promoting outdoor recreation
opportunities and producing
Alabama’s Department of
Conservation and Natural
Resources award-winning
Outdoor Alabama magazine,
website, and television show.
BFF president and
CEO Dave Chanda said:
“With more than 30
years of marketing and
communications expertise,
to conservation, sustainability
and our shared passions of
outdoor pursuits.”
Corinne will take her years of
experience with sustainability,
operations and product into her
new role
as director
of people,
process and
planet for
North Point
Brands,
while
Garrison will assume the role
of creative director, applying his
skills as a practising artist and
designer.
Garrison added: “Bringing
together these four brands that
are making great products for
the right reasons is going to
allow us as a team to elevate
each brand individually. We’ve
got big goals ahead.”
North Point Brands will
also retain all the employees
at RepYourWater and
RepYourWild.
North Point Brands’ CEO,
Ted Upton, noted: “We
could not be more pleased
to welcome not only the
brands of RepYourWater and
POPE CLIMBS ABOARD
FISHING AND BOATING GROUP
Billy Pope
his insights will help drive
innovative strategies to
enhance participation in
fishing, boating, and their
connection with outdoor
recreation and conservation.
His addition to the board will
certainly elevate our national
and local communications
efforts related to
conservation.”
RepYourWild but also the
incredibly skilled Corinne,
Garrison, and all of their team.
“Our brands have similar
values of making top tier
product with forward thinking
conservation and sustainability
ethics. We’re stronger together.”
The combined business will
co-locate in its existing office
spaces in Massachusetts and
Colorado respectively. Normal
business operations will
continue uninterrupted.
northpointbrands.com

RAFAEL PROVIDES FOUNDATION
FOR ROD BUILDING GROUP
Foundation Outdoor Group
has continued its focus on
European expansion with the
appointment of Rafael Llaneras
to lead its southern Europe
sales and distribution initiatives.
The world’s largest supplier
of rod building components,
supplies, equipment and
instruction said “Rafa” would
concentrate on growing sales
and distribution in the region,
including Italy, Portugal and his
home country of Spain.
Gary Benney, vice-president
of operations for Foundation’s
European efforts, said: “Rafa
is a tremendous addition to
the Foundation family. He’s an
industry veteran, already well
versed in our product line. He is
also an avid angler, who knows
the species and waters across
the continent.”
Rafael resides on the Balearic
island of Majorca, Spain with
his wife and two children.
Having fished at a
professional level for many
years with an emphasis on big
game species, he has won many
tournaments, including the
coveted Spanish Tuna Trolling
Championship, and has helped
pioneer slow pitch fishing in
Spain.
As a 10-year American
Tackle ambassador, Rafa
brings a wealth of knowledge
and experience to Foundation
Outdoor Group.
Brook Oliva, Foundation’s
president and COO, added:
“Growing our presence in
southern Europe is a key
component to our larger
expansion strategy. We’re
excited to have someone of
Rafa’s calibre join our team.
Under Gary’s leadership, I
am sure that Rafa will make
an immediate impact for
Foundation.”
With the recent addition of
its European headquarters in
Halmstad, Sweden, Foundation
Outdoor Group is well
positioned to grow its presence
across Europe and to meet
customer demand for fishing
Rafael Llaneras
rod components and tackle
goods.
The group’s brands include
Mud Hole Custom Tackle,
American Tackle, MHX,
Custom Rod Builder (CRB),
ProProducts, ThreadMaster and
FishHawk.
gbenney@fogeurope.com
Dates set for 2025 Fly Fishing shows
After a record-breaking 2024 season, the
Fly Fishing Show will visit seven sites in
the USA over nine weeks during 2025.
The events’ president and CEO, Ben
Furimsky, explained: “By spreading the
seven shows over nine weeks, we hope
to ease the travel burden for exhibitors
from Europe, Asia, and Latin American
countries who need to deal with long
flights, along with North American
companies that are showing new
products at multiple shows.”
The 2025 dates and locations are
Marlborough, Massachusetts from
January 17th to 18th; Edison, New
Jersey from January 24th to 26th, Atlanta
RIDGEMONKEY ADDS BONES TO OPERATION
14 www.tackletradeworld.com
Georgia from January 31st to February
2nd; Bellevue, Washington from
February 15th to 16th, Denver, Colorado
from February 21st to 23rd, Pleasanton,
California from February 28th to March
2nd and Lancaster, Pennsylvania from
March 15th to 16th.
For information on 2025 booth
space, multiple show discounts, deposit
deadlines and opportunities for show
feature demonstrations and destination
theatre presentations, contact the Fly
Fishing Show at +1 814 443 3638 or visit
the website.
www.flyfishingshow.com/exhibitor-info
UK-based specialist tackle
brand RidgeMonkey has
added some strong experience
to its sales line-up with the
appointment of Jonathan
Bones to its ranks.
Jonathan, who has more
than 22 years’ experience in
the angling trade, including
the last five running and
directing bait and tackle firm
Solar Tackle, will be leading
the sales and accounts in the
south of England, looking
after some of RidgeMonkey’s
biggest customers.
Jonathan said: “I’m thrilled
at the new challenge ahead
and I’m eager to get stuck
into the role full time.
RidgeMonkey’s a brand
that’s enjoyed substantial
growth, led, in my opinion,
by innovative product design,
strong branding, and an
experienced and competent
team; three key elements
that attracted me to the
company to take up this new
opportunity.”

TATULA SV SERIES REELS
ANYTHING LESS
AND YOU’LL FACE
THE BACKLASH
SV TECHNOLOGY MAKES CASTING LIGHT WEIGHT
BAITS EASIER, WITH FEWER BACKLASHES.
TATULA ® SV 70
b The smallest low profile yet.
For anglers seeking even
greater palming comfort.
b HYPERDRIVE DESIGN
SCAN HERE TO SEE
TATULA SV VIDEO
TATULA ® SV TW
b Small frame size
For more info visit: Daiwa.us
TATULA ® SV
b Original SV frame
b Corrosion-resistant
ball bearings
I

FEATURE
ICAST
Surprising seminar series
delivers eye-opening lessons
ICAST Lunch & Learn has become a can’t-miss resource for staying on top of changing trends
in the business of recreational fishing.
The countdown to sportfishing’s
largest trade show is well under
way. Registration is open,
booths are being designed and
reservations are already being made for
ICAST 2024, presented by the American
Sportfishing Association.
And, while a village of fishing tackle
filled with thousands of new products
remains the irresistible lure to the annual,
summer event, veteran retailers know
there’s more to ICAST than placing orders
and perusing products.
Much to learn
Launched in 2021, Lunch & Learn brings
thousands of business leaders, innovators,
and entrepreneurs together each day to learn
about the state of the industry and emerging
technologies, among other things.
“I see people who attend Lunch & Learn
for the first time and their eyes open like,
‘Wow, there’s a lot going on out there’,”
said American conservation and outdoor
recreational industry analyst Rob Southwick.
“Business senses, the market and the
customer are constantly changing. Lunch &
Learn is a way to keep up on those changes.”
Southwick – the go-to source for some of
the sportfishing industry’s most insightful
analytics – has been a presenter at Lunch &
Learn since the beginning.
Last year, he was joined on stage by
Stephanie Vatalaro, senior vice-president
of communications for the Recreational
Boating & Fishing Foundation.
Stephanie is tasked with understanding
the ever-shifting trends of angler and boater
recruitment, retention and reactivation,
known as “R3”, to help the industry grow.
She also has access to the most up-to-date
data on consumer trends in the sportfishing
world, and she regularly doles out on stage
at Lunch & Learn. “Business owners should
be the visionaries,” said Vatalaro. “If they
understand what’s going on out there, they
can grow their bottom line and profit.”
Southwick and Vatalaro say audience
feedback is effervescent at ICAST. Despite
the fast-paced atmosphere, attendees
regularly make time to ask more questions,
network and connect. It’s commonplace to
hear more from Lunch & Learn attendees
after the weeklong event.
“Lunch & Learn sessions allow us an
opportunity to provide valuable information
to the industry,” added Vatalaro. “The
response to our sessions has been very
positive. Attendees have commended our
efforts, engaged with our collateral and
followed up with us in meaningful ways
after the show.”
Expert knowledge
For show officials, that message resonates
loud and clear. ICAST Lunch & Learn
seminars are making a much-anticipated
return in 2024 with a full slate of experts
taking the stage.
Southwick and Vatalaro will be there.
So too will an audience of attendees
who make time to take notes about fresh
new ideas that are worth their weight in
gold once they return to the day-to-day
routine of running their business.
“Business seminars like these might
cost people thousands of dollars,” said
ASA’s trade show & membership vice
president Blake Swango. “The take home
value of Lunch & Learn is tremendous.
It’s one of the events I most recommend
making time for at the show.”
Set for July 16th to 19th, online
registration for ICAST is already open.
Qualified attendees like tackle dealers
and other industry retailers can register
to join the collective global sportfishing
community there for free. To secure a
spot in Orlando, Florida this year, visit
the ICAST website.
ICAST
www. ICASTFishing.org
16 www.tackletradeworld.com

SPOTLIGHT ON...
EYEWEAR
SPOTLIGHT ON
EYEWEAR
While not seen as ’mainstream tackle’, a good pair of
polarised sunglasses is every bit as essential as a rod, reel,
line and bait for many anglers.
When it comes to fishing
equipment, one of the
most important items
is undoubtedly a pair
of sunglasses with polarised lenses.
Being able to spot fish – or fishholding
locations – is a staple of many
anglers’ armoury, while glasses are also
an effective way to protect your eyes
from flying hooks, not to mention
harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Polarised glasses can help reduce
the glare from the surface of the water,
enabling you to more clearly see what’s
going on underneath, enhancing your
vision and making it easier to locate
your quarry while also reducing eye
strain.
Just as importantly, being able to pick
out objects underwater might be crucial
to avoid obstacles while wading.
Thankfully, there are polarised
sunglasses to suit every budget and
requirement, from enhancing low-light
situations to protecting your eyes from
bright sun gleaming off the water.
But making the right choice can be
tricky so it’s advisable to have a good
selection of styles and lens colours as
well as price tags and brands, as some
anglers can be quite picky.
COLOUR COUNTS
A rule of thumb for picking sunglasses
with maximum polarisation is
the darker the lens tint, the more
polarisation it has.
But here it gets tricky as there is
a wide range of lens colours, each
designed to do a different job.
Enhancing your visual contrast
will help you to see the shape, colour
and even the shadow of the fish more
clearly because it will stand out from its
surroundings.
Grey, amber, yellow and rose are the
most common lens colours offered in
polarised sunglasses for fishing but each
of these offers certain
benefits.
Grey is probably one of the most
common colours and works best for
preserving natural colour relationships
and contrast levels and decreasing
brightness; grey lenses are the best
choice for everyday activities and
for general all-around use although
be aware that they provide minimal
contrast enhancement.
Amber/copper – another popular lens
colour for anglers – is perhaps the best
compromise between the natural colour
preservation of grey and the contrast
enhancement of yellow; they preserve
natural colour relationships but offer
considerable contrast enhancement.
Yellow lenses are excellent at
gathering light, delivering the highest
degree of contrast enhancement,
18 www.tackletradeworld.com

SPOTLIGHT ON...
EYEWEAR
making them well-suited for use in low
light and foggy conditions, as well as
being a good choice for sight fishing.
Vermilion/rose lenses are the colour of
choice if you are fishing in the clear and
relatively uniform waters of the saltwater
flats or in deep slow spring creeks,
especially in low-light conditions.
Blue lenses are often the prefered
choice choice for those heading offshore,
while for freshwater and inshore, green
is a great option. A pure green tint is
considered by many to be the ultimate
colour for sight fishing, since it offers
both high contrast and high polarisation.
PRICE POINT
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll find
polarised sunglasses across a wide
range of price points, and, as a rough
generalisation, the cheaper they are, the
lower the quality and performance they
offer.
For anglers where brand loyalty is key,
then many famous tackle names offer
their ‘own’ glasses, often at a reasonable
price.
That said, some of the better-known
sunglasses specialists such as Costa,
Oakley, Smith and so on have spent
years perfecting their offerings and often
use their own proprietary technology in
their lenses and/or frames.
One interesting entry into the market
a few years back was Bajío, which has
been gathering market share quite
quickly thanks to founder Al Perkinson’s
understanding of the sector.
Budget makes do tend to sacrifice
some of the functionality you might
reasonably expect from sunglasses.
You not only need them to help you
see through the glare but you’ll want
them to protect your eyes from harmful
UVA and UVB rays while you are
spending hours in pursuit of that elusive
fish.
FORM AND FUNCTION
Some, like Wiley X, have used their
experience of the military market to
deliver eyewear that not only performs
well but also offers amazing protection
from flying hooks and lures and even
from shotgun pellets!
For the fashion-conscious fisherman
or woman there is a huge range of
styles, frames and colours to choose
from which, added to the lens colour,
make for a bewildering array of options.
Some will choose their glasses based
on fit and lightness of weight as well as
lens colour and polarisation strength.
Wrap-around styles are loved by
many anglers as they block light
from entering their peripheral vision
and offer additional protection from
flying hooks – some brands even offer
removeable facial cavity seals, side shields,
straps, cords and more – for the ultimate
in protection or simply to prevent your
glasses from going astray.
Originally, you could really only
buy glasses with glass lenses but the
introduction of impact-resistant
polycarbonate has made fishing eyewear
lighter in weight and less prone to
damage; many of these declare themselves
scratch-resistant, which is especially
important if you have spent hundreds of
pounds or dollars on a pair.
Equally, keeping them on a cord, chain
or retainer strap is a must to ensure you
don’t lose them, although some brands like
Flying Fisherman are also now offering
glasses that float, especially useful if you
are on a jetty or a boat.
www.tackletradeworld.com
19

SPOTLIGHT ON...
EYEWEAR
BAJÍO
SIGS
Sigs’ fun colours and casual style disguise a deep list of
technical, fishy features – from wide, polarised lenses for
an enhanced field of vision to patent-pending blue light
blocking LAPIS technology that keeps bad light out and
reduces eye strain. These medium-fit, full-wrap shades
with narrow temples also offer stealthy sun protection with
Bajío’s built-in Sun Ledge - not visible from the outside, it
blocks rays from the inside. Plus it’s also available in RX and
Readers.
Named after General Albert Sigsbee, a distinguished naval
officer, Sigsbee Key has been home to a naval air base since
the early 1900s and now houses the Naval Air Station, Key
West, and a training ground for some of their top pilots.
www.bajiosunglasses.com
COSTA
580G GOLD MIRROR
Costa has just unveiled its latest glass lens – the 580G Gold Mirror,
meaning the brand‘s 580 lens technology, renowned for its exceptional
clarity and colour enhancement, is now available in gold.
Designed with a rose base for a natural contrast boost and an
encapsulated gold mirror finish, these lenses create a distinct lifestyle/
performance aesthetic and are the perfect go-to for variable light
conditions between partial and full sun.
The 580G Gold Mirror lenses will soon be available in more than 20
Costa styles (in pro, hybrid and lifestyle frames), with an early release
of Sullivan, Reefton PRO, Spearo XL & Loreto.
www.costadelmar.com
FLYING FISHERMAN
RAFTER
With its TPX floating technology, the ultralight Rafter floats in fresh or salt
water, so there’s no stress if they fall overboard on your next adventure.
The wraparound frames are built with eight-base curve lenses for a
generous field of view, wide temples to block side glare and non-slip nose
pads to keep them in place.
AcuTint polarised lenses enhance contrast and sharpen optics, while
eliminating reflected glare and harmful UV, and are treated for saltwater
resistance.
Available in matte black with smoke lenses, matte black with silver
mirror, matte black with green mirror, and matte tortoise with blue
mirror.
www.flyingfisherman.com
WILEY X
WX FOUNDER
Get ready to elevate your style and performance with Wiley X’s
latest masterpiece – the WX Founder.
Honouring its pioneering founder, this iconic model features
CAPTIVATE colour-boosting lenses for unparalleled clarity in
any environment.
With a durable build and slip-free design, it’s perfect for
every adventure. From urban streets to rugged trails, the WX
Founder ensures you stand out while staying protected.
Join the revolution and experience the ultimate fusion of
legacy and innovation. With WX Founder, you’ll see the world
in a whole new light!
www.wileyx.eu
FIN-NOR
DROPFLY
The Dropfly is a fishing-centric style, with a six-base performance unisex
frame made with lightweight, flexible materials that include adjustable nose
pads and integrated spring hinges, which prevent pressure points and allow
for all-day comfort.
These frames are lightweight and highly breathable, perfect for long days
in all outdoor environments.
All Fin-Nor eyewear has Lateral Line lens technology, which features
the most advanced technology on the market that provides maximum
protection, clarity and polarisation.
www.fin-nor.com
20 www.tackletradeworld.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
NEW 2024
UNI SOFT WIRE EXTRA SMALL GAUGE # 36 0.006 INCH
BLACK
YELLOW
SILVER
OLIVE
AXXEL-MINI FLASH TINSEL
UNI-MOHAIR
UNI-STRAP
FUCHSIA
IRON GRAY
CAMEL
Look to UNI for the best in spooled fly-tying materials!
www.uniproducts.com

FEATURE
LIVETARGET LURES
HAVE TECHNOLOGY
AT THEIR CORE
Soft plastic lures are the “go-to” of many anglers but the way they are produced changed
forever when lure manufacturer LIVETARGET introduced its Injected Core Technology (ICT).
Available in profiles ranging
from simple to gaudy and
colours that span the spectrum
from muted to other-worldly,
soft plastic baits are well-established
staples in the arsenals of anglers in
freshwater, as well as those chasing a wide
range of finned predators in the seas.
Still, most soft lures that we thread
on hooks and dress on jigs have changed
little since the advent of grubs and worms
in the 1950s.
Warm polymer stews, steeped with
coloured dyes and glitter, are injected
or poured into metal moulds; when the
whole operation cools, soft lures emerge.
While the sizes and shapes of soft
plastic lures are limited only by the
bounds of anglers’ imaginations, they
all suffer from precisely the same
shortcomings: most soft baits don’t look
anything like the natural forage that
predator fish eat, and few behave like
natural vulnerable prey.
22 www.tackletradeworld.com
CHanging THE dYnaMiC
In 2018, that all changed, thanks to
Injected Core Technology (ICT) from
LIVETARGET, the leader in forage
replication, creating baits that truly match
the hatch.
“ICT allows the anglers’ target fish species
to be presented with an ultra-realistic bait
that matches the hatch of endless forages
from around the world,” explained Isaac
Payne, director of innovation and product
development for LIVETARGET.
“The technology uses a combination of
surfaces and layers alike, which gives the
bait a unique profound three-dimensional
effect by allowing light to be refracted
throughout the lure; enticing trophy-sized
fish to take the bait.”

Mustad
Injected Core Technology has taken
soft plastic baits beyond the 21st century,
uniting artistry with engineering to
deliver unprecedented levels of soft
plastic form and function.
Lures manufactured with Injected Core
Technology are effectively a bait-withina-bait,
featuring a vibrant, biomimetic,
forage-profile interior that is fully
encapsulated and intimately linked to a
clear, soft polymer exo-skin.
Isaac continued: “These engineered,
multiple surfaces and layers have created
unlimited possibilities for optimal life-like
action and natural movement when fished
“Our passion is
to continually
develop
and deliver
unmatched
products.”
throughout the water; which is bolstered by
injected calibrated texture for unmatched
performance.”
Matching anatomical features are
aligned on both the interior core and its
protective shell, producing unique threedimensional,
flash-generating textures
that are both robust and ultra-realistic.
“The use of different finishes within the
bait, opaque to transparent layered colour
through hand painting, digital printing,
and injected techniques has continued
the evolution of cutting-edge design and
craftsmanship,” Isaac revealed.
Moving forward
Being a fundamental technology of the
iconic North American brand, Injected
Core Technology continues to be a priority
for LIVETARGET lure development as
the industry of lure design grows.
Isaac concluded: “While ICT has
continued to match the hatch over the years,
the concept has also evolved by using the latest
technological advancements and innovating on
what is possible by matching the ambition of
anglers and fish alike.
“Our passion is to continually develop
and deliver unmatched products, while
maintaining a keen focus and eye on the future
of the sport of fishing.”
mustad
www. mustad-fishing.com/livetarget
www.tackletradeworld.com
23

FEATURE
FirstDart
FIRSTDART
IN LINE FOR
MORE MONO
INNOVATION
Line manufacturer FirstDart continues
to make strides in its innovation plan,
introducing an exceptional mono
running line – G2R – to the market.
Singapore-based line maker
FirstDart has announced the
launch of its next generation
running line, building on its
commitment to innovation growth.
Sandy Ogata, the company’s general
manager, attributed this success to
FirstDart’s expertise in advanced
extrusion and material knowledge.
Sandy specifically acknowledged the
pivotal role played by the Research
and Development (R&D) team, led by
Yuhock Soh, in propelling the project
forward.
Yuhock and his team are now extending
an invitation to anglers to experience
the superiority of the next generation
monofilament running line developed by
FirstDart.
Yuhock said: “When considering
monofilament running lines, factors
such as abrasion resistance, durability,
memory-free via simple stretching, and
overall performance are paramount.
“This is precisely where G2R fishing
monofilaments excel. Engineered using
state-of-the-art polymer blending
technology and premium materials,
G2R offers a multitude of advantages
that elevate your angling experience to
unprecedented levels.”
24 www.tackletradeworld.com
REDEFINING FISHING LINE
According to Yuhock, the G2R fishing
monofilament offers a spectrum of
advantages that redefine the angling
experience:
1. Controlled Stiffness: The G2R
running line boasts tailored stiffness,
specifically crafted for monofilament
applications, providing the durability
essential for navigating tough conditions,
mitigating tangles, and confidently
landing trophy catches.
2. Temperature Stability: Anglers can
fish comfortably in any environment as
G2R maintains its mechanical properties
in extreme low or high temperatures,
ensuring consistent performance when it
matters most.
3. Resilience to Impact: With
superior impact resistance, G2R fishing
monofilaments endure sudden shocks
and rough handling, guaranteeing
performance integrity even in challenging
situations.
4.Chemical and UV Resistance: G2R’s
resistance to chemicals, oils, solvents
and UV radiation ensures longevity and
reliability, enabling anglers to confront
harsh conditions with confidence.
5. Premium Quality: As a flagship
product in FirstDart’s Premium Fly Line
Series, the G2R running line epitomises
reliability, durability, and performance,
essential for connecting with trophy
catches.
In summary, the G2R mono running
line represents a significant leap in
fishing gear technology, offering anglers
a superior option that enhances their
angling experience through advanced
features and capabilities.
FIRSTDART
www.firstdart.com

FULL RANGE OF TERMINAL TACKLE AND ACCESSORIES
It’s a
family
thing
EST.
1958
F J Neil has been family owned and operated since the
1950s… and is still going strong! Under the Dolphin brand
we supply all types of terminal tackle and accessories, from
traditional bamboo poles to the latest rigs and lures.
• Competitive pricing
• Large stock inventory – no order delays
• Rapid turnaround • Export specialists
• Able to source any special requirements
FOR FULL TRADE DETAILS
PLEASE CONTACT US AT CANEFISH@AOL.COM / +1 631-957-1073
FJ NEIL COMPANY INC, 1064 ROUTE 109, PO BOX 617, LINDENHURST, NY 11757-0617 USA
We are looking for experienced agents or distributors for the European market. If qualified, email Neil Miritello at nmfjn@aol.com
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

DBW...
ALASKA
ALASKA
D O I N G B U S I N E S S W I T H . . .
The largest US state by area, Alaska is a world-renowned destination for
fishing. Thanks to its thousands of rivers, millions of lakes and thousands
of miles of coastline, it offers some truly diverse sport in often stunning
locations. How do you get the most from it?
L
ocated
in the
northwest
corner
of North
America,
Alaska may
be the most sparsely inhabited
of the United States with
one of the smallest resident
populations but it is home
to abundant freshwater fish
stocks, from various salmon to
rainbow trout, grayling, Arctic
char, Dolly Varden and pike,
among others.
Some of the salmon species
can also be targeted in
saltwater, alongside myriad
rockfish, ling cod, halibut,
sablefish (black cod) and
Pacific cod and more.
With an estimated 627
species of fish in total, Alaska
makes a dream destination
for any angler and it’s perhaps
no surprise that around two
thirds of fishing licences for
the territory are purchased by
visitors rather than residents
each year.
In all, there are
approximately 3,000 rivers,
three million lakes and 6,640
miles of coastline to go at,
resulting in thriving businesses
for fishing lodges inland and
charter boats in various ports.
Alaskan angling is overseen
by the Division of Sport Fish,
which protects, maintains
and improves these valuable
sport fisheries and the many
personal use fisheries.
Established in 1951, the
division’s creation coincided
with the Dingell-Johnson Act,
which established an excise tax
on items such as fishing tackle
and motor boat fuel.
These Sport Fish
Restoration funds are
distributed back to the states
to conduct activities such as
fisheries management, research
and restoration.
26 www.tackletradeworld.com

DBW...
ALASKA
FACT FILE
Capital: Juneau
Largest city: Anchorage
Total area: 665,384 sq m (1,723,337 sq km)
Population: 733,391 (2020 figure)
Languages (spoken): English (86.3%), Alaskan native languages (5.2%),
Tagalog (3.4%), Spanish (2.9%), others (2.2%)
Time zones: UTC -8 to -10
Dialling code: +1
GEOGRAPHY AND
ECONOMY
Alaska is not part of the
continguous USA – often
referred to as the ‘Lower 48’
– and its capital city, Juneau,
while on the mainland of the
continent, is not connected by
road to the rest of the North
American highway system.
It is bordered by Canada’s Yukon
and British Columbia to the
east, the Gulf of Alaska and
Pacific Ocean to the south and
southwest; the Bering Strait,
Bering Sea and Chuckchi Sea to
the west and the Arctic Ocean to
the north.
Its territorial waters even
touch those of Russia and Alaska
has a longer coastline than all
the other US states combined. It
is also far and away the largest
state in the US – being more
than twice of the size of the next
biggest, Texas.
While the oil and gas industry
dominate the Alaskan economy,
with more than 80 per cent of its
revenues derived from petroleum
extraction, its other main export
product is seafood, primarily
salmon, cod, pollock and crab,
while tourism also plays a
part in the region’s wealth and
employment, thanks to the many
fly fishing lodges, charter boats
and outdoor stores.
Every region of Alaska offers
accommodations that cater to
the needs of the angler, ranging
from rustic camping to allinclusive
luxury lodges and
everything in between.
Saltwater fishing charters are
extremely popular, with expert
captains offering everything
from salmon and halibut fishing
to chasing rockfish, cod and even
bass.
Alongside the substantial
freshwater fishing in Alaska‘s
pristine rivers and streams,
there are also some great ice
fishing opportunities as winter
arrives.
www.tackletradeworld.com
27

DBW...
ALASKA
H O W D O T H E Y F I S H ?
The King or Chinook salmon
is the chief quarry for many in
Alaska although, due to falling
numbers, fishing in some places
has been limited in recent places
and, in some locations, closed
entirely.
However, there are four other
species of Pacific salmon to go at –
sockeye, chum, silver (or coho) and
pink – not to mention rainbow
trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic char
and grayling and even pike in a
number of spots.
In contrast to the plight of King
salmon in many areas, sockeye are
at a high point right now – indeed
places like the Kenai River are
where to head for at present.
Rainbow trout fishing is also as
good as it ever was. They are native to
waters throughout southeast Alaska, the
clearwater lakes and streams draining into
Bristol Bay provide outstanding habitat.
Release of hatchery-reared Alaska
rainbows has extended their range of
resident rainbows to specific lakes and
streams in the Tanana River drainage near
Fairbanks.
Head away from freshwater and out to
the sea and you’ll find more salmon, along
with halibut, ling cod, a variety of rockfish
species, Pacific cod and more.
Here, charter boats are the best way of
targeting the saltwater bottom feeding
species. Indeed, charter boats abound in
Salmon fishing in Alaska
Arctic char
many ports, mainly because
Alaska is so remote and
the population so small
and sparse, with plenty of
visiting anglers. The boats
offer a variety of fishing
styles, including jigging and
trolling for everything from
black cod to chinook.
Inland, head for one of the hundreds
of fishing lodges offering fly fishing for
Dolly Varden, Arctic char, rainbow trout,
grayling and so on using mostly singlehanded
rods, or doubled-handed for
swinging flies for salmon or very large
rainbows in some regions.
In the north you’ll also find native
northern pike, too, which are becoming
Fly fishing is popular
more popular to target, although be aware
that, further south, they are a non-native
species, often illegally introduced to lakes
and streams in the south central region.
As the apex predator, they have had a
dramatic and negative effect on juvenile
salmon numbers, not to mention rainbow
trout. In the south central region,
returning pike is not allowed.
28 www.tackletradeworld.com

R E G I O N A L V A R I A T I O N S
DBW...
ALASKA
The Alaska Department of
Fishing and Game splits the
state into several distinct
regions, including southwest,
south central, southeast and
northern, with differing
opportunities and fishing styles
in each.
It’s also worth noting that
the state regularly issues
Emergency Orders, changing
the rules in any given season,
often because of more or
fewer fish than expected or
where there is a biological
conservation concern.
The northern region is
characterised by a mix of
forests, tundra, lakes, glacial
and clear water streams, with
mountain ranges, national
parks and rivers like the Upper
Susitna and Upper Copper.
The region is home to
Alaska’s second largest city,
Fairbanks, and the USA’s most
northerly city, Barrow. It’s also
the place to head for great ice
fishing in winter.
South central is where
you will find more than half
of Alaska’s residents, with
mountains, lakes, rivers and
abundant fishing opportunities,
thanks to places like the Ship
Creek in Anchorage, ports
such as Whittier and Seward
and, of course, the famous
Kenai River.
Head to Prince William
Sound for some of the best
saltwater fishing for halibut,
ling cod, rockfish and all five
native salmon species.
Nicknamed “the panhandle”,
the southeast boasts fjords,
mountains, forests and a
maritime climate and is home
to Alaska’s capital, Juneau.
There’s year-round fishing
for wild trout, all salmon
species, plus exceptional
saltwater fishing from both
boat and shore.
The Situk River also has
the state’s largest run of wild
steelhead.
From trophy rainbows to
world-class salmon fishing, the
southwest really is an angling
paradise, including the deep
lakes and pristine rivers of
Bristol Bay, while the towns
of Kodiak, King Salmon,
Dutch Harbor and more offer
accommodation and flights and
boat services to further-flung
destinations.
R U L E S A N D R E G U L A T I O N S
All residents age 18 or older and nonresidents
age 16 or older must purchase and
possess a sport fishing licence in Alaska,
both for port and personal use fisheries. In
addition, a king salmon stamp is required to
fish for king salmon (except in stocked lakes).
These laws apply in both fresh and marine
waters. Alaska residents age 60 or older
and Alaska disabled veterans who maintain
their residency may participate in sport
fisheries without a sport fishing licence, but
must apply for and possess an ADF&G
Identification Card.
These card holders, resident anglers under
18 years of age and non-residents under 16
years of age do not need to purchase a king
salmon stamp.
All anglers must carry their harvest record
card while fishing and record their catch
immediately in the field, but do not need to
turn it in at the end of the season.
I N D U S T R Y V I E W
GEORGE KRUMM, editor-in-chief, Fish Alaska magazine.
“In terms of
retailers in
Alaska, there are
five Sportsman’s
Warehouses
in the state,
plus one Bass Pro and one Cabela’s shop in
Anchorage, the rest made up of ‘mom and pop’
independent stores across the territory.
“Having a rep is extremely important if
you are keen on supplying the Alaskan tackle
market; it’s also vital that they are anglers
with a good knowledge of the state as some of
the fishing styles can be very specific to certain
species or areas.
“Good quality gear and apparel is a must
in Alaska; the weather conditions can often
be challenging and, in many cases, you will
find yourself fishing away from civilisation, so
being self-sufficient is key.
“Everything has to work well. You want
tackle that won‘t let you down and clothing
that is insulated and keeps out the rain –
reliable equipment is crucial.”
www.tackletradeworld.com
29

FEATURE
CHINA FISH 2024
BREAKS RECORDS
FOR SHOW
Exhibitors and visitors alike – old and new – contributed to the most successful China
Fish event yet, with numbers of both domestic and overseas participants reaching
impressive levels.
After several years of waiting,
because of the Covid-19
pandemic, the giant China
Fish event finally returned
to its rightful place as one of the biggest
tackle trade shows in the world.
Following its enforced postponement,
it was perhaps no surprise that record
numbers of exhibitors flocked to Beijing’s
New China International Exhibition
Centre back in February.
The organisers said that there were
736 exhibitors – the highest in the
event’s history – including 256 first-time
standholders; that’s more than a third of
exhibitors. They covered 39,300 sq m of
floor space at the venue.
The numbers also included 24
international exhibitors from 14 countries
30 www.tackletradeworld.com
or regions, including France, Germany,
Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan,
Korea, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore,
Taiwan, the UK and the USA.
The show floor was busy and buzzy,
thanks to 1,210 registered international
buyers and 590 companies from 82
different countries or territories. In fact,
there were 520 first-time visitors too.
NEW PRODUCT FOCUS
With more than 91 per cent of those
attending saying they were keen to see
new tackle, it was perhaps no surprise,

China Fish
FEATURE
either, that the much-loved New Product
Showcase once again proved popular, with
176 products competing in a string of key
categories.
While many of the category winners
came from the host country, there was
success for Germany’s Ockert with
its Climax Ever Braid and American
tackle for its Tsuka 2 rod handle, which
continues to win awards wherever it is
shown.
Hangzhou Fufan Industry’s folded
net scooped the Most Popular Overall
Product honour during the awards
ceremony and banquet.
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
The organisers are keen to continue
to grow the event as an international
trade show and were delighted to see
representatives from so many countries
either taking stands or visiting.
They were aided by interpreters for
different language speaking buyers,
including Arabic, English, French,
German, Italian, Japanese, Korean,
Spanish and more.
CHINA FISH ALL-IN-ONE
Even though the 2024 show has ended,
the work of China Fish continues with
the organisation’s platform containing
7,801 products in 22 categories from 580
companies. Registered buyers can use
these to continue their trade discussions
after the show by viewing the online store
or simply chatting to suppliers.
Meanwhile, if you want to connect in
person once again, then China Fish 2025
dates have been set for February 9th to
11th at the same Beijing venue.
Best Product Showcase
Freshwater Rod
Weihai Crony Fishing Tackle
Saltwater Rod
Weihai Aquahunting Outdoor Products
Freshwater Reel
Cixi Yule Fishing Tackle
Saltwater Reel
Yangzhou Yuansheng Machinery
Fly Fishing & Ice Fishing
Mulei Yazhida Fishing Tackle
Hard Lure
Weihai Ecooda Outdoor Products
Metal Lure
Shenzhen YX Fishing Supply Co
Soft Lure
Anhui Luremaster Sporting Goods
Best Freshwater Rod. Weihai
Crony Fishing Tackle Co.
WINNERS ALL-ROUND AT CHINA FISH 2024
Local and international brands were winners at China Fish 2024’s Best
Product Awards.
Nets
Hangzhou Fufan Industry
Electronic Products
Yachting Electronics (Nanjing)
Fishing Apparel
Jiaxing Scientific Outdoor
Tackle Management
Gaobeidian Longyuan Tourist Goods
Fishing Accessory
Yangjiang Dingxing Industrial
Tackle Accessory
American Tackle Company
Fishing Boat & Accessory
Ningbo Pelican Smart Fishing Tackle
Camping & Outdoor Products
Suzhou Yuzhongmanbu Rain Products
CHINA FISH
www.chinafishshow.org
Fishing Line
Ockert GmbH
Most Popular Product
Hangzhou Fufan Industry
www.tackletradeworld.com
31

BAN FISHING POLICY LEADS TO ECOLOGICAL
IMPROVEMENT IN YANGTZE RIVER
When the spring breeze blows across the river in
March, a feast of life is quietly taking place on the
bank of the Qinhuai River in Xiaguan, Nanjing,
where it enters the Yangtze River estuary.
With the implementation of the Yangtze River
protection policy and the ten-year fishing ban
policy, the long-awaited crab tide reappeared
at the intersection of the Yangtze River and
Qinhuai River in Nanjing this year.
This wonder has disappeared for more than
20 years since the beginning of this century.
Recently, countless Chinese mitten crab larvae
have begun their migration, moving upstream
from the Yangtze River and heading bravely
towards the Qinhuai River. In the dark of night,
the shore of the Qinhuai River estuary witnessed
this magnificent crab tide. Under the moonlight,
thousands of young crabs climbed along the flood control wall and tried to pass the river gate, like an unknown army,
resolutely marching towards the river. Goal.
However, not everyone is in awe of this wonder of nature. Some passers-by greedily capture these young creatures
and try to turn them into delicacies. This behavior not only destroys the ecological balance and ignores legal
prohibitions, but also deprives young crabs of the possibility of growing into plump hairy crabs in autumn. As the
old saying goes: "If you don't catch crabs in spring, you won't lose crabs in autumn." Today's people seem to have
forgotten this wisdom.
Fortunately, the relevant departments responded quickly and have installed guardrails and crab ladders in relevant
areas to prevent passers-by from picking up and helping small crabs cross the locks and enter the river.
The Yangtze River Estuary was once a natural spawning ground for the Chinese mitten crab, but due to overfishing
and environmental pollution, the number of wild crabs has plummeted. Fortunately, with the advancement of the
Yangtze River protection policy, this situation has improved.
Although the number of Chinese mitten crabs has rebounded, this does not mean that we can restart fishing. Wild
crabs may accumulate heavy metals and organic pollutants in their bodies. Catching immature crabs will not only
prevent you from enjoying the deliciousness of hairy crabs, but may also harm your health. The "Yangtze River
Protection Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Fisheries Management Regulations of Jiangsu Province"
have explicitly prohibited fishing in the Yangtze River Basin. These are regulations that everyone should abide by.
The life course of the Chinese mitten crab is full of hardships and miracles. They start from daphnia-like larvae in the
sea, undergo multiple metamorphoses, and gradually grow into big-eyed larvae, then to first-stage larvae, and finally
into juvenile crabs. In this process, they must overcome many difficulties and complete their migration from seawater
to freshwater. This is not only a physiological change, but also a great test of vitality. The young crabs crawl on the
bottom of the river, forming a magnificent "young crab tide", demonstrating the tenacity of life and the greatness of
nature.
Although the life of the Chinese mitten crab is short, it is of great significance. They are not only delicacies on our
tables, but also an indispensable part of the Yangtze River ecosystem. To protect them is to protect our shared home.
Let us respect life together, abide by the law, and witness the miracle of nature.
From the perspective of Jiangsu fishermen, there is no doubt that the past few years have been lost. Jiangsu fishing has
been completely banned, and there seems to be no possibility of recovery now.
Among the many provinces in the Yangtze River Basin, Jiangsu’s fishing ban policy is undoubtedly the most
stringent. From the perspective of the Yangtze River provinces, from Qinghai to Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Anhui,
and then to Jiangsu and Shanghai, Jiangsu Province passed the revised "Jiangsu Province Fisheries Management
Regulations" and implemented a comprehensive fishing ban at the local legislative level, extending the scope to
tributaries and lakes. This policy basically bans all fishing activities on the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province, whether
commercial or recreational. Such measures are very harsh for fishermen, but they are crucial to protecting aquatic
biodiversity and restoring fishery resources, and also lay a solid foundation for the improvement of the Yangtze
River's ecological environment.
Fishing enthusiasts may regret the fishing ban policy because they have lost the fun of fishing on the river. But in the
long term, these measures will help ensure the sustainability of fisheries resources, allowing future anglers to enjoy
fishing in a healthier, richer natural environment. We believe that over time, these powerful measures will make the
Yangtze River more vibrant and bring long-term benefits to all those who rely on these resources.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NEW
PRODUCTIVITY AND FISHING INDUSTRY
Many people think that sea fishing is a traditional leisure and entertainment activity that has nothing to
do with productivity. Just like the Apple mobile phone, the integration of Apple mobile phone functions
all requires the cooperation of new productivity. For example, mobile phones involve the core content of
new productivity such as smart manufacturing, information content industry, information communication
industry, and new materials.
Of course, when we talk about sea fishing, we will directly think of the specific process of sea fishing. This
is caused by the directional bias in thinking formation. In fact, the sea fishing industry, like Apple mobile
phones, needs high-end sport fishing boat manufacturing, high-tech communication and radar systems,
new material systems (carbon fiber, graphene fiber, marine aluminum, etc.), new energy, new power, etc.
The core of the equipment industry is the core component of new productivity.
From another perspective, sea fishing is just a display and application scenario of new productivity in the sea
fishing industry. If you understand this sentence, then you may understand the logic between sea fishing, sea
fishing industry and new productivity.
In line with the development trend of the times, sea fishing life will lead a new realm of blue and beautiful
life.
A century of change has slowly unfolded, and we are already part of it. Joining the community of a shared
future for the earth and jointly safeguarding the main theme of peaceful development of mankind and
harmonious development of man and nature is the direction we actively advocate for development. The
growth of the mainland economy is extremely weak. Apart from science and technology, local industries
(including native doctors, heavenly doctors), and culture, there are not many areas where we can make a
difference. The epidemic has warned us, how did we get through the past three years? Then in the future
low-desire society, people will suddenly realize that material cannot determine consciousness! Low desire
shows that people are awakening and returning, and it is true to live well in the present! Everything else is
false. Because there is always only one second before death. All you insist on is to practice your state of mind
and make yourself happy!
The growth pole of the marine economy is exactly the blank world of human activities. Fascination with the
sea is an instinctive need of human beings. When sea fishing life becomes a fashionable way of cultivating
one's state of mind, its value lies in conveying the state of blooming heart from the inside out. Let smiles
spread to China and let happiness see China. When this phenomenon appears all over the world, sea fishing
is not only a new productive force, but also a joyful journey of soul restoration that touches the depths of the
soul!

CHINA'S FISHING TACKLE INDUSTRY NGAGES
IN FIERCE PRICE WAR
In the past two days, the most popular thing in the fishing circle is the good news that fishing rods and baits
are on sale at half price. Deng Gang, the owner of Tianyuan Fishing Tackle, suddenly made a "big price
cut" and sold his own fishing rods at discounts ranging from half price. After returning from refueling in the
distant Maldives, Deng Gang was full of energy and broadcast live for several hours. Putting a variety of its
own fishing rods on the shelves, many fishing friends are surprised by the discounts, and some fishing rods
are even sold at a "fracture price" of 30% off.
Unsurprisingly, within a short period of time, Deng Gang’s fishing rods originally worth hundreds or
thousands of yuan were sold at half price, and tens of thousands of them were quickly sold. After a live
broadcast, a rough estimate shows that Deng Gang earned at least tens of millions.
Deng Gang's appeal in the fishing community is indeed extraordinary. But here comes the question. Do
anglers or dealers who previously purchased goods at high prices feel like they were “cut off”?
Deng Gang made a "big price cut" in advance. This move directly caused an "earthquake" in the fishing
circle, and a wave of price melee started. Many manufacturers chose to follow suit, with Handing
significantly lowering the price of its own fishing rods; famous fisherman Li Damao also began selling fishing
bait at almost crazy prices.
Another leading company in the fishing industry, "Laogui" also announced before that it would adjust
the price of its own silver carp and bighead carp bait to 6.66 yuan per pack. Such a price may have been
unimaginable before.
Deng Gang's "big price reduction" also aroused dissatisfaction among some peers and even dealers. Some
people accused him of "ignoring martial ethics and engaging in sneak attacks."
The reason is simple. Deng Gang's actions have created a psychological expectation among fishermen.
If other manufacturers' fishing rods are still sold at the previous price, they will definitely lose the market.

It is still unclear whether some dealers who previously
bought goods at high prices from Tianyuan will suffer
heavy losses and whether Deng Gang will be compensated
accordingly.
No wonder some people in the industry denounced it on
the Internet: They will never touch Tianyuan’s products
again. It can be seen that Deng Gang's price war has
caused a chain reaction in the fishing circle.
For those smaller fishing tackle companies, it will be
difficult to withstand such an offensive, and offline
fishing tackle stores are expected to also struggle. Some
people have already given predictions that more than
half of fishing tackle shops will close in 2024, and fishing
tackle companies without economies of scale will also be
gradually eliminated in the future.
Two years ago, everyone in the fishing industry was
grateful to Deng Gang. Now, I'm afraid some people are
going to "swear my mother". It’s really this moment and
that moment!
Can a price war solve the problems existing in the fishing
industry? There is no doubt that Deng Gang's choice to
start a price war must have been carefully considered.
After rapid growth in the past two years, the fishing tackle
industry has now reached a bottleneck. Coupled with the
declining willingness of anglers to consume, competition
in the fishing industry has become a red ocean.
If the production load of the previously expanded
production line cannot meet the standard, it can only
be cut down. If the products squeezed in the early stage
are not disposed of in time, they may also become a hot
potato.
Looking back at the fishing consumer market, many
anglers who have cultivated their fishing hobby in the
past few years may fall into fishing anxiety in the new year. First, they don’t have a lot of time. Second,
their pockets may not be as big. Third, It is the “no fishing” regulations in many places that discourages
fishermen.
Fishing is a leisure activity of "leisure, money and fun". When the above three conditions are no longer
met, the willingness to fish will drop to freezing point. If one angler encounters the above situation, it may
not have any impact, but when thousands of anglers combine the above factors, the impact will be huge.
This phenomenon is reflected on fishing tackle companies, which is that the previous high-speed growth
performance suddenly reaches an inflection point, and the situation takes a turn for the worse, and they
have to cut off their strength, otherwise it will be difficult to survive.
However, is relying on price wars to stimulate anglers' demand just like drinking poison to quench thirst? If
the consumption willingness of fishing groups still does not change, Teacher Deng may enjoy a short-term
performance growth after this wave of price wars, but it is still difficult to determine whether the subsequent
situation is optimistic.
In the long run, for those in the fishing industry to survive, the most important thing is to maintain
the sustainable development of recreational fishing. If everyone’s enthusiasm for fishing is ruthlessly
dampened by measures such as the “ban on fishing”, it will probably be useless no matter how hard we
try.
Deng Gang and those head fishing companies should rely on their own influence to improve the
recreational fishing environment. When the enthusiasm of fishing friends is aroused, fishing tackle
companies will naturally have no worries about running out of food. On the contrary, I am afraid that most
of the people in this industry will no longer be as optimistic as before.

FEATURE
ZENAQ’S TYPE R
TOBIZO WINNING THE
RACE FOR TOP SPOT
Hard-fighting fish, big lures and tough conditions call for high-performance rods.
Thankfully, ZENAQ’s Tobizo Type R Racing concept delivers a winning formula every time.
Japanese brand ZENAQ has
always been at the forefront of
rod-building technology. Its
Racing concept product
line has always been at the cutting
edge, breaking down stereotypes and
constantly challenging preconceptions.
Its Tobizo rods truly showcase this
spirit.
These rods are said to embody many
qualities but they also boast a wealth of
features that are designed to not only
make them stand out from the crowd
but also deliver performance
when it matters most.
Its newly developed
Hexagon reel seat, for example, is
manufactured from high-strength, longfibre
Torayca carbon using a special
moulding machine to form a sturdy
framework. As a result, even large reels
will be held securely without wobbling.
As if that wasn’t enough, the surface
of the framework is covered with a
special rubber to create a new feeling of
comfort in the hands.
This means the rod demonstrates
an easy action, with no need for
unnecessary force.
The hexagonal shape is said to
suppress left and right reel rattling
and transmit power without loss. This
can conserve hand strength, which is
the first thing to give up under intense
angling conditions, increasing the
probability of landing a big fish.
A rubber cushion has been
devised for the area where
the reel foot rests. This
prevents the reel from loosening even if
it’s not fully tightened and stops it from
rattling even in extreme conditions. And
we all know how important it is to have
our rod and reel perfectly integrated.
Meanwhile, the Hexagon Grip has
been built to drastically reduce the
burden on the angler; the irregular,
hexagonal front grip allows for secure
yet easy lure manipulation, along
with general casting and, of course,
fish fighting, making these grips
indispensable for tackling big game fish.
GUIDING LIGHTS
Another popular feature is the single
wrapped guides, which create a feeling
closer to the original blank design.
Moreover, the single wrapped guides
do not interfere with the rod’s action and
allow for a much better feeling, ensuring a
sharp rod action.
Drawing out the fullest performance of
these spinning rods is the redesigned guide
system.
The T-RVSG40 is used as the butt guide
to ensure further smooth line release with
36 www.tackletradeworld.com

ZENAQ
FEATURE
large reels and heavier line.
ZENAQ’s original assist guide is
equipped in the tip section to minimise
line trouble and keep anglers from
missing any big chance.
Other additions include a Type
R original metal ring, special Type
R original metal parts with a laser
engraved Type R logo, a gun-metallic
thread and silk-printed logo and an
easy-to-hold end grip.
The latter has been made with real
attention to the hardness of the rubber
and the surface finish while the precise
combination of metal parts reduces
any unnecessary grip area for smooth
casting.
Constant cast testing and
understanding of the grip’s requirements
has resulted in what ZENAQ
calls “functional beauty” alongside
exceptional feeling to deliver perfect
casts every time without undue fatigue.
ZENAQ
www.zenaq.com
TECH SPEC
TOBIZO TC84-100G TYPE R
Length: 8ft 4in
Lure: Max 150g
PE Line: Max 8
TOBIZO TC86-110G TYPE R
Length: 8ft 6in
Lure: Max 160g
PE Line: Max 8
TOBIZO TC83-150G TYPE R
Length: 8ft 3in
Lure: Max 180g
PE Line: Max 8
TOBIZO TC80-200G TYPE R
Length: 8ft
Lure: Max 230g
PE Line: Max 10
www.tackletradeworld.com
37

MAKING
CONTACT
Making Contact
1
2
3
Want your products to
be seen by thousands of
potential buyers… FREE of
charge? Then get in touch,
we’d love to hear from you.
JOHN HUNTER
+44 7990 542958
john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk
Contact John directly for details of
how to send your product and a
short description to Tackle Trade
World’s office.
1 DAIWA
LEXA HD 500 REEL
Daiwa has listened to its saltwater
and freshwater predator faithful
about their line-capacity needs.
They requested a super-capacity
spool on a full-figured but pristinely
performing baitcasting reel.
The Lexa HD 500 is a larger, lowprofile
baitcaster to hurl big baits
to offshore and nearshore species,
as well as pike and muskies.
Beyond its super-capacity spool,
the reel boasts exclusive Daiwa
features and technologies like
Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD),
Advanced Robust Construction,
Magforce Cast Control and a six
CRBB, one RB bearing system,
plus an aluminium frame and side
cover, 120mm swept handle and
stainless steel gears throughout.
2 MUSTAD
ALPHA-GRIP FLIPPING HOOK
Designed for tempting bass in
heavy cover, this hook boasts a 2X
strong heavy gauge construction
that that will not flex, bend or
break under pressure.
Its innovative Alpha-Grip
baitholder pin securely holds
soft plastics in place, ensuring
optimal presentation. The
unique angle and red epoxy in
the eye provide a steadfast grip.
Leveraging Mustad’s AlphaPoint
4.8 technology, precision fishing is
enhanced by the combination of
a slimmer, incredibly sharp point
and the durability synonymous
with Mustad. The TitanX finish
enhances the hook’s sharpness
and smoothness to maximise
penetration.
3 UNI-PRODUCTS
AXXEL-MINI FLASH TINSEL
UNI-Products, a world leader in
the supply of spooled fly-tying
materials, has added Axxel-Mini to
its very popular Axxel flash line.
Axxel-Mini is a narrow strand
of sparkling material available on
17-yard spools. With 16 colours, it
adds versatility to create attractive
fly bodies, wings and tails – Aqua,
Black, Bronze, Claret, Copper, Gold,
Multicolour, Mystic Gold, Mystic
Red, Olive, Orange, Peacock, Pearl,
Rainbow Black, Rainbow Purple and
Silver.
Tyers can also take advantage
of its 20-spool Axxel-Mini combo
pack.
www.uniproducts.com
www.daiwa.us
www.mustad-fishing.com
38 www.tackletradeworld.com

Super
Heat Dissipation
Super
Low-Friction
Super
Hardness
Super
Lightness

Classifieds
SPLIT RING
PLIERS
CLASSIFIEDS
UNIQUELY DIFFERENT (NEW-PATENTED)
The EASIEST... The FASTEST...
The BESTEST...
for changing hooks or spinner blades
visit www.TexasTackle.com for demo video
WHOLESALE ONLY
4 Sizes
www.TexasTackle.com
RIGS !!!!
TO BOOK THIS SPACE CONTACT:
NORTH AMERICA
BART MANGANIELLO
T: +1 914 722 7601
E: bartalm@optonline.net
REST of WORLD
GUIDO KNEGT
T: +39 347 503 6436
E: guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk
COMING UP…
JULY 2024
Ad Copy: May 17th, 2024
Mailed: June 5th, 2024
Special issue: ICAST preview
Spotlight: Tackle Storage
Doing Business With: Pacific
Northwest
AUGUST 2024
Ad Copy: June 21st, 2024
Mailed: July 10th, 2024
Special issue: Predator fishing
Spotlight: Hooks
Doing Business With: MIddle East
SEPTEMBER 2024
Ad Copy: July 19th, 2024
Mailed: August 7th, 2024
Special issue: Predator fishing
Spotlight: ICAST & EFTTEX Reviews
Doing Business With: Central America
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

With decades of experience in the fishing
industry, Foundation Outdoor Group is
dedicated to understanding your business.
From product development to distribution
solutions, we provide solutions and services that
help fishing rod businesses grow.
FoundationOutdoorGroup.com Call Today: (800) 516-1750

FEATURE
Marketing
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Engaging with influencers can be a powerful way to grow your brand, as it allows you to tap
into their established audience and credibility. Here’s how to go about it…
Everyone is talking
about the value of
‘influencers’ today
and what they can
bring to your brand. But how
to find these people and work
with them to reach more
potential customers? The first
step is to identify relevant
influencers. Look for those
whose audience aligns with
your target demographic and
whose content complements
your brand.
Tools like social media
analytics platforms, influencer
marketing platforms, or
manual searches on social
media can help you find
relevant influencers.
Before reaching out, engage
with the influencer’s content
by liking, commenting and
sharing. This helps establish
familiarity and shows genuine
interest in their work. Follow
them on social media and
subscribe to their newsletters
if they have one.
When reaching out to
influencers, personalise your
messages. Mention specific
content of theirs that you
enjoyed or explain why you
think they would be a good fit
for your brand. Avoid generic
messages that sound like mass
emails.
MAKING IT WORK
Of course, the influencer
will want to know what’s
in it for them! So make
sure you offer something of
value in exchange for their
collaboration. This could be
monetary compensation, free
products, exclusive discounts
for their audience or exposure
to your own audience.
It’s also important to
be very clear about your
expectations. Make sure you
outline what you expect from
the influencer in terms of
content, posting frequency,
messaging and any other
requirements. Be open to their
input and creative ideas as
well.
Encourage influencers
to create content that feels
authentic to their brand
and audience. Forced or
inauthentic endorsements can
backfire and damage both the
influencer’s credibility and
your brand’s reputation.
Set measurable goals for
your influencer marketing
campaigns and track their
performance. Metrics such
as engagement rates, website
traffic, and sales attributed to
the influencer can help you
evaluate the effectiveness of
your partnerships.
MAINTAINING THE
RELATIONSHIP
Building long-term
relationships with influencers
can be more beneficial than
one-off collaborations.
Continue to engage with
them, even after the campaign
ends and consider working
with them again in the
future if the partnership was
successful.
Ensure that your influencer
partnerships comply with
relevant regulations, such as
disclosing sponsored content
or adhering to advertising
standards set by platforms
like the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) in the
United States.
Keep an eye on industry
trends and changes in the
influencer landscape and
be prepared to adapt your
strategy accordingly. What
works today may not work
tomorrow, so staying agile and
responsive is key to ongoing
success.
By following these steps
and approaching influencer
partnerships strategically, you
can effectively leverage their
reach and influence to grow
your brand.
Hunter Media
john@hunter-media.co.uk
www.huntermedia.co.uk
42 www.tackletradeworld.com

THE 10X MORE DURABLE, CHEMICALLY SHARPENED PRECISION NEEDLEPOINT

TRADITION
MEETS
INNOV ATION
Engineered for discerning anglers and
forward-thinking rod designers, the
Tsuka 2 takes home ICAST Best of Show
honors for American Tackle with its
tough and lightweight single-piece
forged carbon fiber construction.
AMERICANTACKLE.US/TSUKA2