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PAGE 16

A diverse market

Why Germany is a great

place to buy and sell tackle.

PAGE 22

US INDUSTRY WORKS

TOGETHER FOR FISHING’S

FUTURE

A

roadmap for the

next American

government to

safeguard and

support the interests of both

the sportfishing industry and

the whole recreational angling

community, has been agreed by

key stakeholders in the country.

US trade body, the American

Sportfishing Association

(ASA), joined forces with

16 conservation partners to

unveil their plan before the US

election, scheduled to take place

last month (November).

The Future of Sportfishing:

Policy Recommendations

from the Recreational Fishing

Community is a collaborative

effort aimed at guiding sciencebased

conservation, growth in

trade in commerce, increasing

access and education, and

advocating for the rights of the

American angler.

This document was the

result of work between a

group of recreational fishing

industry, conservation and

community stakeholders –

recognised leaders in habitat

conservation, access protection

and recreational fishing policy

advocates – collectively represent

thousands of businesses and 57.7

million American anglers.

Mike Leonard, vice-president

of Government Affairs at

ASA, said: “Each year, one out

of six Americans go fishing –

contributing $148 billion to the

US economy.

“The next Administration

and Congress should clearly

understand what issues our

constituency cares about,

and this report gives them

a roadmap on how they can

best support our community’s

needs.”

The recommendations are

divided into three categories:

federal funding requests, marine

policy proposals and freshwater

policy proposals.

It calls for adequate and

dedicated national conservation

funding for federal land

management agencies, reauthorisation

of the Sport Fish

Restoration and Boating Trust

Fund and enhanced funding

for state-led collaborative

conservation,

It also seeks improved

data and access and marine

technology investments plus

effective fisheries management

and species habitat and recovery

efforts as part of the marine

fishery policy proposals.

In freshwater, the document

also calls for legislation to

protect habitat and support

restoration, the strengthening

of interstate partnerships,

waterways conservation and

protection of public access

alongside invasive species

management and removal.

Mike Leonard added: “We’re

proud to stand alongside so

• 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

DECEMBER 2024

TackleTrade

EDITORIAL

Editor: John Hunter

+44 7990 542958

john.hunter@dhpub.co.uk

A journalist all his life and with 20-plus years of

international business magazine experience, John

was the founding editor of TTW and has now

returned to the helm. He has helped many brands

launch and grow over the years through B2B

publications and via his own consultancy business.

ADVERTISING

North America: Bart Manganiello

+1 914 722 7601

bartalm@optonline.net

For over 38 years, Bart has been working with trade

magazines, 34 in the tackle industry. Since 2001, he

has been TTW’s North American Director, providing

the best communication programs to companies,

helping them connect with current and prospective

trade partners around the world.

Rest Of The World: Guido Knegt

+39 3475036436

guido.knegt@dhpub.co.uk

A born and bred Dutchman, he spent five years

travelling the world as a scuba-diving instructor and

English teacher before settling down in Sardinia.

Guido previously worked for TTW from 2014 - 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.

Sub Editor: David Haynes

Art Editor: Paul Evans

DHP LTD Editorial, administration, subscriptions

and accounts to: DHP Ltd, 1st Floor, Nene House, Sopwith Way,

Daventry, NN11 8EA, UK

WORKING

HAND IN HAND

FOR FISHING

As strong as trade organisations

can look, these bodies alone

don’t have all the answers to

the challenges to our sport and our

industry.

Vital research work, conservation

efforts, habitat restoration, climate

studies and regulations all combine to

safeguard recreational fishing around

the world.

Recognising that no single entity can

do it all – not matter how large or wellfunded

– it has been heartening to see

so much of this in evidence in recent

months.

Our main news story highlights

the way the American Sportfishing

Association continues to work

and engage with a myriad of other

organisations, from specialist fish

conservation outfits to marine bodies

through to competition organisers to

ensure their views and concern are

brought directly to the corridors of

power at the White House.

The European Fishing Tackle Trade

Association (EFTTA) Angling Summit

(scheduled for the end of November)

was due to include speakers from

the European Boating Industry, the

European Commission’s Maritime

Affairs and Fisheries department,

the Brussels-based policy and

communications agency Alíenor and

eminent scholars, among others.

The input to the attendees was based

around educating them about the work

the industry does in the European

parliament in Brussels.

Elsewhere, we reveal how the number

of anglers in Tasmania is growing once

more. This information would not have

been available had it not been for the

work of the University of Tasmania’s

Institute for Marine and Antarctic

Studies (IMAS) with funding from the

country’s Inland Fisheries Service.

There is no doubt, our industry has

had its challenges in recent years.

Several regions., including the UK

and the USA, are worried about the

constant churn of anglers, so working

out not just how to encourage people to

pick up a fishing rod but to retain them

is a vital part of their work.

And, of course, if we have no fish

then there is no fishing, so the wildlife

experts and biologists come to the fore

here, helping us understand the reasons

for declining fish stocks in many areas

and helping us to find ways to stabilise

and increase them.

The key to the future of our sport

is to work hand in hand not just with

anglers but with allied industries, local

and national governments, educational

establishments, lobbyists, conservation

groups and even health and wellbeing

organisations.

While each has a slightly different

reason for getting involved in the sport,

they all have one common goal – to

increase participation and/or safeguard

our fish stocks.

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Contents

CONTENTS

08 NEWS

We reveal key personnel changes at the

UK operations for Rapala VMC and Pure

Fishing while also detailing the latest

angler numbers for Tasmania.

10 NEWS

Danish-based Catch-Partners has

added Swiss CDC to its portfolio, while

Foundation Outdoor Group is eyeing the

carp market after a deal with bait boat

firm Rippton. EFTTA gets French backing

too.

12 CHINA FISH – THE PREMIER SOURCE

FOR NEW GEAR

Excitement is building for the China

Fish 2025 show, the 31st edition of the

international tackle trade show, set for

February 9th to 11th in Beijing. What can

you expect to see?

14 HOLIDAY SEASON STARTED AT ICAST

2024

As the tills start ringing in the run-up

to holiday season, many of the products

disappearing off shelves will have

made their debut at ICAST 2024, the

12

sportfishing industry’s largest trade

show.

16 SPOTLIGHT ON… SMALL BOATS

The use of small boats, including kayaks,

has revolutionised the way people fish,

enabling them to venture into deeper

waters, cast wider and access previously

unreachable spots. Are they good for

your business?

18 SHOP WINDOW

We profile a handful of small boats

which you could be selling right now and

explain what sets them apart.

20 “WHATSUP?” SEA EAGLE HAS THE

ANSWER

The new inflatable Sea Eagle FishSUP

1210 is designed specifically for the

angler who likes to keep it simple as well

as for the angler who likes to bring it all.

22 DOING BUSINESS WITH… GERMANY

Europe’s largest economy, a large

population of anglers, an extensive

coastline, not to mention some famous

brands, Germany is a key market for the

global tackle trade.

26 WHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

ROK Fishing is excited to introduce a

new range of green buckets and boxes,

available in three sizes, along with

additional colours and more accessories.

28 BERKLEY ON A MISSION

We look at Berkley’s Fish Research

Centre, designed to help people catch

more fish, thanks to a team of fishcrazed

experts, scientists, engineers,

designers, researchers and anglers, all

aiming to produce better gear.

34 MAKING CONTACT

We take another look at the latest tackle

and gear that you might want to consider

stocking in your outlet – there are some

great ideas here.

38 ALLOCATING A MARKETING BUDGET

Determining the right marketing budget

is essential, whether you are a startup or

a well-established company. Allocating

too little could hinder growth, while

overspending could waste resources.

22

18

26

06 WWW.TACKLETRADEWORLD.COM

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NEWS

US industry works together for fishing’s future

• Continued from page 3

many influential voices in the

sportfishing community to make our

voice heard and we look forward to

working with the next Administration

and Congress to support these critical

initiatives.

“With continued support from

Congress and the White House,

we can continue to grow our sport’s

economic contributions while also

protecting our fisheries and restoring

our cherished waterways.”

Mike Sayre, director of government

relations at one of the partners, the

Marine Retailers Association of the

Americas, explained: “Conservation

and proper management of our

nation’s sport fish and their habitats

as well as supporting and enhancing

access to recreational opportunities

are key to supporting the $230 billion

recreational boating industry, and our

community looks forward to working

with the new administration and

Congress on these recommendations

in the new year.

“Implementation of the policy

recommendations from the Future

of Sportfishing report would greatly

enhance the management, recovery,

and resilience of our nation’s

freshwater and saltwater sportfish

populations to the benefit of both

recreational anglers and boaters.”

While Gene Gilliland, conservation

director for the Bass Anglers

Sportsman Society, added: “The over

500,000 members of the Bass Anglers

Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) urge

the next Administration to work

collaboratively with Congress to

consider policy and legislation that

provides adequate guidance and

funding to the many federal agencies

that have stewardship responsibilities

over our nation’s aquatic resources.

“Following sound science in making

fishery management and policy

decisions, ensuring access to public

waters for boaters and anglers, and

fighting invasive species are among

the most critical issues that must be

addressed to sustain those resources

and the sportfishing industry.”

To read the full report, visit the

Tinyurl link below.

www.tinyurl.com/4494saa2

MARTIN TO HANDLE RAPALA VMC UK SALES

Duncan Lennox,

Martin Greene,

Daryl Hodges,

Rapala VMC

In a move designed to drive

Rapala and Okuma market share,

Rapala VMC UK has appointed

former Daiwa commercial sales

manager Martin Greene as its

UK senior sales manager.

Martin needs no introduction,

having garnered 25 years’

experience in the angling trade,

gained from both retail and trade

sales and senior commercial

management. Martin is also a

passionate match angler and

has previously fished with the

England national team.

He will be responsible for

leading the sales teams, working

closely and strategically with

key accounts and helping

co-managing directors Daryl

Hodges and Duncan Lennox to

drive the business forward. His

core focus will be key brands

Okuma, Rapala and Dynamite

alongside Storm, Sufix and Carp

Spirit.

Daryl said: “Martin joins the

team at a perfect time for the

important pre-sales period and

preparation for the 2025 season.

He brings a wealth of experience

and passion and we are really

looking forward to getting

started and driving our brands

forward together.”

Martin added: “Firstly, I

would like to thank both Daryl

and Duncan and the team at

Cotgrave, they have worked

incredibly hard to make this

happen.

“For me it’s a huge

opportunity and one that I am

very grateful for and also feel

completely ready to move into;

with lots of unique opportunities

in a marketplace that is fast

changing and becoming even

more fragmented with many

brands.

“It’s a huge project with good

sales opportunities and exciting

product launches. A great team

and great brands… it’s great to

finally get started!”

www.rapalavmc.com

www.dynamitebaits.com


JOHN SWAPS RODS FOR GUNS

John Henderson, one of Pure

Fishing’s key team across the UK,

Europe, the Nordics and Russia,

is to join prestigious shooting

and gunmaking brand Holland &

Holland early in 2025.

John will take up his position as

general manager with the Londonbased

manufacturer – which also has

a shooting ground just outside the

capital and a gunroom in the USA –

early in the coming year.

He brings more than 28 years’

experience in the fieldsports and

outdoor sector from his time with

Pure Fishing and is also a keen shot.

John began his career in the

factory of Royal Warrant holders

Hardy of Alnwick, a subsidiary of

Pure Fishing, where he became

accustomed to the intricacies of

crafting items regarded as the

pinnacle in their field.

John’s extensive experience across

the Pure Fishing group includes

Quality Manager, Brand Business

Manager and Commercial Director

across Europe, Russia, the Nordic

countries, the Middle East and

Africa.

John said: “A company that holds

such respect and prestige does not

happen without an exceptional team

of dedicated and skilled people. I am

honoured to be joining this team and

look forward to supporting them in

driving this eminent brand into the

future.”

ANGLER NUMBERS GROW IN TASMANIA

The number of people going fishing in

Tasmania has bucked a declining trend,

with participation approaching a 20-year

high, with youngsters playing a key role in

that rise.

Researchers from the University of

Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and

Antarctic Studies (IMAS) say their latest

recreational fishing survey, covering

2022/23, shows that 130,5000 – or around

27 per cent of the population – enjoyed the

sport in the year up to October 2022.

It’s the fifth time the survey has been

undertaken since 2000 and provides

important insights into how many

Tasmanians go fishing, how often and what

they catch.

Despite the largest number of

recreational fishers being in the 45 to

59-year-old age group, young people aged

five to 14 had the highest participation rate,

with one in three from the youngest age

group fishing at least once a year.

Research fellow and report co-author

Dr Kate Stark revealed: “The decline in

participation reported since the year 2000

has turned around, with participation now

close to that reported over 20 years ago.

“The biggest growth has been in the

youngest age group, and it’s encouraging to

see that more kids are getting outdoors and

doing something away from technology,”

While participation rates have increased,

the survey revealed that most fishers don’t

fish often, with about two thirds picking up

a rod less than five days per year.

Dr Stark added; “As an individual who

doesn’t fish much, it can be easy to think

you’re not having an impact. However, with

130,500 people in the state fishing, those

individual actions add up.

“There were almost 500,000 fisher-days

of effort expended in the 12 months from

October 2022, and the vast majority of this

was line fishing in inshore marine waters.”

Despite recreational fishing efforts

remaining relatively steady over the last

decade, harvest has decreased significantly,

primarily because of a reduction in the

number of sand flathead caught.

Even so, this was still the most caught

species, making up 50 per cent of the total

finfish catch, with an estimated 126 tonnes

harvested.

WWW.TACKLETRADEWORLD.COM 09

NEWS

More European foundations in carp market

Foundation Outdoor Group

has announced another

strategic partnership to

enhance its expanding

position in Europe’s

burgeoning carp fishing

market, securing an

exclusive deal with bait boat

manufacturer Rippton.

Foundation has agreed

exclusive northern Europe

distribution rights with the

bait boat, fishing drone, fish

finder and bite alarms maker,

covering Denmark, Germany,

The Netherlands, Norway,

Poland and Swe-den, all

considered prolific carp

fisheries.

The agreement also

provides non-exclusive

distribution abilities in

many additional European

countries.

Gary Benney, Foundation

Europe’s vice-president

of operations, explained:

“Rippton was an obvious

choice for Foundation’s EU

operation, given their strong

focus on the European carp

market.

“Their dedication to

technology and quality

provides us with a suite of

products that match our

overall portfolio and sales

strategy.”

At its core, Rippton is a

forward-thinking technology

company dedicated to

improving the angler’s

experience. The Rippton app

allows anglers to control a

host of smart devices that

provide fishing solutions

while main-taining the fun

of fishing.

Foundation’s president and

COO, Brook Oliva, added:

“Along with the recent SBM

partnership, Foundation EU

can now offer carp anglers

high nutritional value

(HNV) baits and another

intelligent way to deliver

them with Rippton.

“And with our custom rod

program, we are able to fully

outfit fishing businesses from

equipment to baits to bait

delivery.”

Foundation Outdoor

Group’s portfolio includes

fishing rod and tackle

crafting components,

supplies, equipment and

instruction covered by

re-nowned brands such as

Mud Hole Custom Tackle,

American Tackle, MHX,

Custom Rod Builder (CRB)

and ProProducts.

As part of the distribution

agreement, Foundation

Outdoor Group will also

serve as the northern Europe

aftermarket care and service

centre for Rippton products.

This new service

centre will be housed

in Foundation’s 2,100

sq/m (22,604 sq/ft) EU

headquarters, strategically

located in the port city of

Halmstad, Sweden.

For more information

about Foundation Outdoor

Group and its distribution

of innovative, carp-oriented

products from Rippton,

contact Gary Benney.

+46 035 35 313

sales@fogeurope.com

www.fogeurope.com

CATCH PARTNERS NETS SWISS CDC FOR SCANDINAVIA

Danish-based fly tackle distributor

Catch Fly Fishing Partners is to become

the new distributor for all SWISS

CDC products for the Scandinavian

countries.

This partnership marks a significant

step forward in expanding the availability

of the Swiss brand‘s products

throughout Northern Europe.

The agreement means Catch Partners

will offer not only its renowned selection

of feathers but also its wide

range of dubbings and tying tools.

Additionally, its selection includes

premium deer and chamois hairs, with

plans to continuously expand the range

of natural products in the future.

Marco Crippa, founder of SWISS

CDC, said: “We pride ourselves on

hand-sorting our products to maintain

our high-quality standards. In our

feather line, we also offer a 100 per cent

biologically dyed range.

“We have built a long-term

relationship with the owners of Catch

Partners and we are confident they are

the ideal partner to help us grow.

“This collaboration promises to be a

success, not only for our companies but

also for retailers and consumers, who

will now have easier access to a broader

range of quality products.”

Hanna Bossow Vestergaard, CEO at

Catch Partners, added “SWISS CDC

products are in the top tier of dubbings,

feathers, hair and tools. I am happy to

represent the brand once again, and I

am sure that the dealers will be happy

to have access to all the SWISS CDC

portfolio in the near future through

Catch Partners.”

www.catchffp.com


EFTTA ADDS FRENCH BACKING TO ITS WORK

The European Fishing Tackle Trade

Association (EFTTA) has been

boosted in its work to secure the future

of recreational angling across the

continent by partnering with GIFAP,

the French Fishing Tackle Industry

Association.

GIFAP was created in 1952 as trade

association dedicated to defend the

economic, technical and regulatory

interests of manufacturers, importers,

distributors and retailers of fishing

tackle across the French market.

A similar cooperation already exists

between EFTTA and the UK’s industry

representative body, the Angling Trades

Association.

As the sole representative of the

French fishing tackle industry, GIFAP

has signed numerous agreements

and contributed to the evolution of

the legislative framework for the

recreational angling industry in France.

The association is also behind a number

of concrete, large-scale initiatives to

promote fishing in France. In this way,

GIFAP has become a representative

institutional body in France and with

the European institutions in Brussels.

Gerard Bakkenes of EFTTA said: “A

big thank you to Benoît Mayolle and

Stéphane Sence for their great support

in making this collaboration possible.

“The French fishing tackle industry

is a unique market with its own rules

and structures. To achieve a common

strategy at EU level, it is essential to

have a close partnership. By joining

forces, both EFTTA and GIFAP will

have a more significant and effective

impact.”

This applies not only to France, but

to the whole of the European market:

Gerard pointed out that lobbying and

advocacy is much more effective if it

is collected and coordinated at a

pan-European level and communicated

through existing channels.

To this extent, EFTTA is taking

steps to work more closely with local

trade associations to establish a unified

platform that links EU advocacy and

lobbying projects, local actions and

impacts in each country.

www.eftta.com

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feature

China Fish 2025

your premier

source for tackle

Excitement is building for China Fish 2025, the 31st edition of the

international tackle trade show, set for February 9th to 11th, 2025, at the

China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Hall) in Beijing.

Over 600 exhibitors have

already confirmed their

participation, with numbers

continually rising.

“The Chinese fishing tackle

industry becomes more vibrant and

proactive after overcoming numerous

challenges,” said Li Jiang, president of

China Fish.

Next year marks the 31st anniversary

of China Fish, a milestone that

motivates the team to enhance the

quality and diversity of exhibitors.

Li added: “China Fish has been

identifying and supporting fishing

tackle enterprises that embody creativity,

innovation and craftmanship spirit to

take the stage on the global platform.

“Remarkably, over 95 per cent of our

exhibitors are source manufacturers,

offering direct production, competitive

pricing, and customisation options,

which streamline the supply chain for

our international clients.”

International meeting place

Every year, China Fish draws

international buyers from approximately

80 countries, cementing its reputation

as the go-to event for fishing tackle

professionals around the world.

The event showcases a vast array of

fishing tackle and its related products

and suppliers dedicated to meeting

competitive pricing and quality

standards.

Exhibitors hail from 19 provinces

12 www.tackletradeworld.com

and municipalities in China, encompassing all the major

fishing tackle manufacturing hubs.

Attendees will find all of the suppliers in one place,

eliminating the need for extensive travel to source

products.

At China Fish 2024, 256 new exhibitors joined,

accounting for 34.8 per cent of total participation. This

makes the event an optimal venue for reconnecting with

existing partners while establishing relationships with

new suppliers – all within a cost-effective three-day

timeframe.

china fish

All that’s new

For those seeking innovative and exciting fishing tackle

products, China Fish is a must-visit.

In a survey conducted last year, 91.5 per cent of

international buyers sought to discover new items, with

93.5 per cent achieving their objectives during the show.

The Best Product Showcase at China Fish has gained

significant traction within the industry, drawing

numerous manufacturers each year.

To win the coveted title of Best of China Fish,

exhibitors prepare their offerings meticulously, and many

unveil brand-new products on the first day of the show.

Easy access

Visiting China Fish has never been easier. Prospective

attendees can effortlessly register for free by sending

their names to lijiang@chinaf ish.cn or connecting via

WeChat, especially if they have attended previous shows.

For first-time visitors, simply filling out the

registration form on the official website will suffice.

Additionally, attendees from several countries can enjoy

visa-free access under the Visa Exemption Policy and

Visa-Free Transit Policy.

Citizens from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany,

Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the

Netherlands, Switzerland, and Spain can stay in China

for up to 15 days, while citizens from 54 countries can

enjoy up to 144 hours of visa-free stay in Beijing.

For those needing a visa, China Fish offers

complimentary visa invitation letters to facilitate the

application process.

Added value

Beyond standard show services such as hotel reservations

at group rates and shuttle services, China Fish

provides registered buyers with one to two years of free

membership to the China Fish All-in-One Platform.

This online resource connects attendees with over 700

suppliers and displays more than 8,000 products, allowing

for continued sourcing, inquiries and order placements

long after the exhibition concludes.

Li Jiang emphasised: “China Fish has consistently

maintained an open-minded approach to win-win

cooperation with all parties in the industry.

“Having survived the global financial crisis of 2008

and the impact of Covid-19, we now face new challenges.

However, we firmly believe that by coming together and

collaborating, we will certainly overcome these challenges

and navigate through this difficult situation!”

+86 10 582 0310 1 / 2 / 3

lijiang@chinafish.cn

www.chinafishshow.org

www.tackletradeworld.com 13

FEATURE

icast

Echoes of ICAST

linger during

holiday season

Many products ringing registers this week made their debut

at ICAST, the largest sportfishing trade event in the world,

which took place back in July in Orlando, Florida, USA…

The end of the year

usually signals a break

from the workplace.

The holidays usher in

down days with time to spend

with family and friends. But,

for retailers, November and

December can feel less like a

break and more like riding a

rocket to the finish line.

Often, that rocket is

propelled in large part by

events that took place nearly six

months ago.

Scouting for gear

It’s hard to imagine now but, in

July, 14,000 people shuffled into

and out of Orlando, Florida’s

Orange County Convention

Center.

Inside this herculean

monument to enterprise, 14,000

industry insiders – and at least

one security droid – patrolled

a handcrafted city of booths

representing 950 brands from

across the globe.

Travelers from 75 countries

joined the fray, too, in what has

become the largest sportfishing

trade show on the planet,

ICAST.

Presented annually by

the American Sportfishing

Association, ICAST is the

flagship trade show for tackle

dealers around the world. It’s

a destination for business

owners who want to not only

see brand-new products but to

touch them.

Inside the ICAST New

Product Showcase alone, 983

newly-minted SKUs shimmered

on display for attendees to

see, touch and inspect. At

the nearby ICAST Fly Shop,

a simulated tackle shop and

nearby casting pond made sure

buyers had the chance to test

products for themselves.

Staying in touch

In an increasingly virtual

world, ICAST remains a

place physically immersed in

the global community of the

sportfishing business. It’s a

place where conference calls

transform into connections

that really do help products

make it to market.

“The magnitude of the

people coming into your

booth is different at ICAST,”

says Ryan Grubbs, national

account manager for Star Brite,

Inc. and Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc.,

who reckons ICAST 2024 was

the most successful trade show

his company has participated in

over the last five years.

“When you get retailers

coming through and get to

meet with the buyers, it makes

a difference. You can sit down

and network, and you don’t

always talk shop. You get to

take them to dinner. You get to

build relationships with people

that go beyond the business.”

Each summer in Orlando,

business relationships blossom

into real world friendships.

After-hours dinners are

a common place to forge

connections, so too are official

ICAST events like Lunkers &

Bunkers, the ICAST Cup and

ICAST On the Water Demo

Day.

Each provides a venue like

a golf course, a bass fishing

tournament or an arena for

bank fishing, where attendees

can get to know business

connections away from a

conference table.

“That really is an important

thing,” adds Grubbs. “We feel

that the personal touch that you

get to add at ICAST is really

what makes the show special.”

For more than a handful of

customers, those connections

will make the holidays special,

too.

www.icastfishing.org


spotlight

Spotlight on

small

fishing

boats

The use of small boats, including kayaks, has revolutionised

the way people fish, enabling them to venture into deeper

waters, cast wider nets and access previously unreachable

spots. Are they good for your business?


Small boats have become vital

tools for many recreational

fishermen, allowing flexibility,

mobility and access to a wider

and more varied range of

water.

With so many options out there, it

can be difficult for a retailer to know

which ones to stock, especially if shop

space is at a premium.

While brands and distributors

looking to get into this lucrative market

can find it difficult to understand what

sells well in particular sectors or who

the potential buyer may be.

Small boat types

Dinghies

Dinghies are small, lightweight boats

that can be rowed, sailed or powered by

a small outboard motor. They are often

made of wood, aluminium or fibreglass,

and are easy to handle and transport.

Dinghies are ideal for fishing in calm

waters like lakes, rivers, and coastal

areas. Their small size allows anglers

to navigate shallow areas where larger

boats might struggle, making them

popular for freshwater and inshore

fishing.

Kayaks

Fishing kayaks have gained popularity

due to their light weight, portability

and ease of use. They are typically

designed with additional storage for

fishing gear and come equipped with

rod holders, tackle boxes and even

electronic fish finders.

Kayaks can navigate shallow waters,

and their quiet operation makes them

ideal for anglers who want a peaceful

and stealthy approach to fishing while

allowing access to hard-to-reach or

remote locations. They are also seen as

an environmentally friendly option as

they are powered by the angler.

Inflatable Boats

Inflatable boats are an excellent choice

for anglers who need a compact,

portable vessel, which is also affordable.

These boats can be deflated for easy

transport and storage, making them

ideal for those with limited space.

Inflatable fishing boats are typically

made from durable PVC material and

can accommodate one or more people.

They can be rowed or fitted with a

small outboard motor for extra speed

and are ideal for small bodies of water

such as lakes or ponds.

Bass Boats

Popular in the US these specialist

boats are designed specifically for bass

fishing while a similar style is used by

European anglers for predator fishing.

These boats are equipped with a flat

deck for easy casting, multiple storage

compartments and often come with

(or can be kitted out with) high-tech

equipment like fish finders and trolling

motors.

Bass boats are typically made of

fibreglass or aluminium and their

hull shape is designed for speed

and stability, making them ideal for

tournament fishing.

Skiffs

Skiffs are small, shallow-draft boats

that are ideal for fishing in coastal or

inshore waters. The shallow draft allows

access to areas other boats cannot reach.

They are usually powered by an

outboard motor and can handle calm

or moderately rough water. Skiffs are

highly versatile, sturdy and reliable and

are often used for fly-fishing, casting or

trolling.

Jon Boats

Jon boats are flat-bottomed, lightweight

boats, usually made of aluminium,

making them durable and corrosion

resistant. They are extremely popular

among anglers who fish in calm,

shallow waters such as rivers, lakes and

swamps.

The flat-bottom design offers

stability on calm water and allows the

boat to ride in very shallow areas, which

is ideal for catching species like bass,

crappie or catfish.

Jon boats are easy to manoeuvre,

comparatively inexpensive to buy and

simple to maintain.

Making your choice

Choosing the right small boat for

fishing depends on several factors,

including the type of water, the species

of fish targeted, the number of people

on board, and the level of comfort

required.

The type of water you plan to fish in

plays a significant role in choosing the

right boat. For calm lakes or rivers, a

small dinghy or Jon boat may suffice.

For saltwater fishing or inshore fishing,

a skiff or a sturdier boat with more

advanced equipment is better suited.

For shallow waters, try a kayak or

Jon boat for their ability to navigate

shallower areas.

Different fishing methods may

require specific boat features. For

instance, if you plan on fly-fishing, a

skiff with a flat deck for casting would

be more advantageous while bass boats

speak for themselves, thanks to their fat

deck space, speed, stability and storage.

Anglers who prefer trolling might

need a boat with rod holders and space

for movement.

If you need a vessel that is easy to

transport and store, an inflatable boat

or kayak is an excellent choice. These

can be stored in a garage or even the

trunk of a car, making them highly

portable and convenient.

Consider how many people will be

on board and how much storage you

will need for gear. If you plan to fish

with a group or carry a significant

amount of gear, a larger boat like a bass

boat or skiff will provide the necessary

space. On the other hand, solo anglers

may prefer the compactness and

simplicity of a kayak or inflatable boat.

Size and price

Small fishing boats come in a wide

range of prices. Inflatable boats

and dinghies are usually the most

affordable, while bass boats and more

advanced skiffs can be considerably

more expensive. The angler’s budget

will play a major role in determining

the size, type and features of what they

select.

If you are a retailer, consider the

amount of space you may need to

display a watercraft or two.

While kayaks, for example, may

look great on a wall or hung from the

ceiling, it’s a sure bet that potential

buyers will want to have a good look

inside.

If you have a body of water nearby,

consider running an open day where

anglers can get hands-on experience

and talk to experts about the options

available to them. It won’t take too

many boat sales to make these a

worthwhile investment.

sMAll FishiNg BoAts

www.tackletradeworld.com 17

spotlight

HOBIE

MiRAgE pRo ANglER 12

Now enhanced with the ability to propel with either stern or bow mounted motors, host up to

two PowerPoles, wire management and battery storage.

This edition includes the MirageDrive 360 for effortlessly spinning and movement in every

direction. Hobie’s patented Kick-Up Fins immediately retract on impact – even shallow areas are

now entirely navigable.

Other features include six rod holders, fully adjustable and ultra comfortable elevated

Vantage ST seat with BOA lumbar support, Guardian retractable transducer shield, H-Rail for

easy integration with accessories, front and centre hatch with stain-resistant EVA grip pads, dual

steering and extra wide hull for maximum stability. It also comes with 5 new H-Plates for wire

management as well as a new Hobie Powerwall for more electronics management.

www.hobie.com

RANGER BOATS

Z185

Said to be the perfect blend of economy

and performance and measuring 18ft,

8ins long, the Z185 boasts an extra

wide 93in beam for maximum storage,

handling, comfort and stability. The

time-tested hull is agile, smooth and

solid while the interior strikes a perfect

balance of convenience and efficiency.

Dual rod boxes with gas-spring assists,

triple-lip seals and deep drain channels

keep your gear dry and accessible. Up

front, a recessed trolling motor pedal,

flush-mounted electronics and a Minn

Kota trolling motor let you focus on the

fish while the timed, divided and aerated

tournament-size live well will keep your

catch lively all day long.

www.rangerboats.com

YAMAHA

YAM 310tAf

The YAM 310 TAf offers extreme levels

of ease and convenience, paired with

agile handling. The anti-slip aluminium

hull of the YAM 310 TAf is lightweight

but tough too; making it ideal for

pulling ashore and enjoying time on

the beach. Convenient bow storage

provides a home for the anchor and

equipment while the flat deck affords

easy boarding and additional storage.

Seating can be configured to suit your

personal style of adventure, with the

possibility of a bench seat and two

console options, one with additional

storage, making it ideal for adventures.

www.yamaha-motor.eu

SAVAGE GEAR

E-RiDER KAYAK

Equipped with a strong yet lightweight three-section, fold-down, 26cm double paddle and an

engine mount stern for up to 2HP engines, this is kayak offers flexibility of use.

A front aluminium cross seat bar provides a perfect place for mounting rod holders, while there’s

also a double rear cross seat bar to add a cushion. The kayak has a strong rope lining on each side,

for attaching fixed or drift anchors. It comfortably seats two and each comes with a practical hand

pump and repair kit plus a pack-down strap.

www.savagegear.com


INNOVATIVE

CARBON DESIGN

Introducing GAHO. Engineering

sleek, lightweight CCT reel seats

with industry-leading value.

PRECISION. STRENGTH. PERFORMANCE.

info@foundationoutdoorgroup.com

FEATURE

sea eagle

Sea Eagle has

the answer to

“WhatSup?”

The new inflatable Sea Eagle FishSUP 1210 is designed specifically for the angler who likes

to keep it simple as well as for the angler who likes to bring it all.

At 12ft 10in long x 39in wide

x 6in thick, the super-stable

FS1210 can easily be used as an

iSUP with just you, a paddle and

your rod or it can be rigged with a swivel

seat, electric or 3hp motor, casting bar,

rod holders, carting wheels and still have

space to spare for all your fishing gear.

Sea Eagle has offered the popular but

smaller FishSUP 126 for about six years

and has just updated it making it slightly

longer and widening the shape of the bow

as well as redesigning the overall look of

the board with new graphics.

Safety first

There are some important safety points to

mention about this fishing iSUP. Firstly,

it has two independent air chambers that

inflate to a rock solid 15 psi, ensuring

anglers have a safe fishing platform.

Meanwhile, the swallow tail pontoons

extend 24 inches behind the removable

motor mount adding to the stability and

buoyancy of this iSUP.

Other cool standard features include

a paddle pocket that keeps your paddle

secured and out of the way when not in

use or when carrying the board, built-in

36in fish ruler and shock cord at the bow

to keep gear in place.

There’s also an EVA foam deck pad

for a non-slip surface, multiple d-rings

to secure gear and a seat, multiple carry

handles and three pre-installed Scotty

bases that accept a multitude of Scotty

fishing accessories.

Options abound

If you want to really deck it out, though,

Sea Eagle offers several exciting options

for the FishSUP 1210, including a

removable motor mount and removable

wheels that can be quickly lifted up and

locked in place when you’re in the water.

You can attach a swivel seat to the

board itself or opt for the side tubes that

quickly lock into place and lift the seat

six inches, giving you a perfect view of

the water, comfortable seating and a great

spot to cast from.

Sea Eagle has been making inflatable

kayaks, boats, SUPs and canoes since

1968. It knows exactly what the customer

is looking for, as can be seen with

the new FishSUP 1210 that’s made

specifically for anglers.

It’s available in six package options

from the simple board and paddle all the

way up to side tubes and motors.

wholesale@seaeagle.com

www.seaeagle.com


STOPPIONI s.n.c. Firenze Italy Prod. Effevuemme s.r.l.

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

MEMBER

Art.569

BAIT TRAY BOAT

Bait station designed to meet the many needs of fisherman. Its structure, in durable plastic, is perfectly rounded and has

no sharp edges. The compartment can hold various bait boxes or tools in a stable position. Other important features

make this bait tray a well equipped working station necessary in every kind of boat. Dimension 39x28 cm. Supplied with

adjustable stainless steel base, clamp and angle lock connector.

s b lo c ca-unlock

www.stonfo.com

A GROUNDBREAKING SERIES OF GUIDES AND TOPS,

TONY ENGINEERING, PATENT PENDING!

TONY HUANG

PACBAY MINIMA - X offers an unparalleled level of durability, solving the problems commonly associated with inner rings

popping out or getting crushed. Through extensive reform and innovation, PACBAY MINIMA - X is constructed using highstrength

, one-piece stainless steel. Both the guides and tops utilize mirror polishing, multi-layer Hard Chrome plating, and

Titanium plating processes, resulting in corrosion resistance, low friction, and high thermal conductivity. As a result , the friction

force during long-distance casting or retrieving is significantly reduced.

If you’ve ever experienced the nightmare of losing or breaking your inner ring while battling a tough fish, you’ll appreciate the superiority of PACBAY

MINIMA - X. Currently, we offer sizes ranging from #05 to #20, with plans to expand up to #50. More sizes and models will be available soon. We believe

these guides are ideal for lure anglers, particularly carp anglers who often face issues with the #50 stripper guide getting damaged during transportation.

With PACBAY MINIMA - X, this problem has been entirely eliminated.

In summary, PACBAY MINIMA - X guides and tops are renowned for their exceptional durability and ability to withstand heavy use and harsh conditions.

This innovation in the fishing world, through the abandonment of ceramic and stainless-steel rings, allows fishermen to bid farewell to the nightmares of

ring breakages, crushing, and detachment.

Build Great Fishing Rods

www.fishpacbay.com

info@fishpacbay.com

BUSINESS

GERMANY

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

Boasting Europe’s largest economy, an estimated three

million people who enjoy fishing, huge rivers, countless lakes

and an extensive coastline, not to mention some famous

brands, Germany is a key market for the global tackle trade.

The total economic

benefit of angling

for society in

Germany is

estimated to amount to €6.4

billion annually and creates

around 52,000 jobs, meaning

the German tackle market is

a key one in Europe and has

global importance too.

Here, fishing is not

just a hobby but is deeply

rooted in the culture, with

strict regulations around

angling practices that

promote sustainability and

environmental conservation.

This has fostered a

growing demand for highquality

fishing equipment

and gear, ensuring that the

market remains dynamic and

competitive.

The sport has gained

popularity as an outdoor

activity, driven by increased

awareness of the benefits of

spending time in nature and

engaging in environmentally

sustainable hobbies.

As with many countries,

the Covid-19 pandemic

accelerated this trend, as

many people turned to

outdoor activities like fishing

to escape from lockdowns

and restrictions. The

challenge for the industry

is to maintain that level

of participation and retain

anglers.

Germany has long been

a pioneer in promoting

sustainability, and fishing

is no exception. With

many anglers prioritising

sustainable fishing practices,

there is a growing demand for

eco-friendly products such as

biodegradable baits, nontoxic

weights and responsibly

sourced materials for fishing

rods and reels.

Fishing in Germany

attracts a diverse

demographic. While

traditionally more maledominated,

the sport is seeing

increased participation from

women, families, and younger

generations. This shift has

led to a demand for more

versatile, user-friendly and

aesthetically appealing gear.

It is estimated that around

two thirds of anglers are men,

with carp, sea and fly fishing

being their main pursuits,

while women and youngsters

are discovering carp and

general coarse fishing, as well

as spinning for predators, too.


ECONOMY

FOCUS

GERMANY

GDP $35.68 trillion (USD)

GDP Growth rate 0.2%

GDP per capita $67,245 (USD)

Unemployment rate 3.3%

Top Export Partners:

USA, France, Netherlands, China, Poland

All bases covered

Thanks to its diverse

geography, German anglers

– with numbers estimated

between 1.5 to 3 million –

have a wide variety of waters

and species to target.

The serious ones – around

half a million – are members

of angling associations and

clubs with the umbrella

organisation, the Deutscher

Angelfischerverband or

German Anglers’ Association

(DAFV) is the umbrella

organisation of the regional

and specialist associations

organised at the federal level.

It sees itself as the

representative of the interests

of all anglers in Germany.

It represents the interests of

its members both nationally

and internationally in a

professional and committed

manner.

Currently, it has 25

regional and special

associations with

around 9,000 affiliated

clubs, making it one of

the largest recognised

nature conservation and

environmental associations

in Germany.

Top Import partners:

China, Netherlands, USA, Italy

FACT FILE

Capital: Berlin

Population: 84,552,242 (2024 estimate)

Chancellor: Olaf Scholz

Official language: German

Time zone: Central European Time

Currency: Euro

Dialling code: +49

WWW.TACKLETRADEWORLD.COM 23

BUSINESS

The south of Germany,

which shares borders with

Switzerland and Austria,

boasts a good number of

crystal-clear streams and

small rivers running through

the foothills of the Alps that

are perfect for fly fishing for

brown, rainbow, brook and sea

trout and grayling.

To the north is around

2,400km (1,500 miles) of

coastline on the North and

Baltic Seas, offering some

spectacular sea fishing for

salmon, sea trout, cod, herring

and garfish, among other

species.

Because of its proximity

to Scandinavia (it shares a

border with Denmark) many

German anglers also head

to Nordic countries for their

fishing fix.

However, the vast majority

of anglers head for freshwater

for all the usual species

you might expect – pike,

perch, zander, bream, roach,

whitefish and, of course, carp.

Germany has some seriously

large rivers including the

Rhine, Danube, Moselle,

Elbe, Weser, Neckar, Main,

Saale, Spree and Ems. The

Danube has some monster

catfish, too.

Thanks to countless

natural lakes as well as gravel

pits created back when

the motorways were built,

there is no shortage of carp

fishing venues and that is

now a major sector across the

country.

Typical European carp

techniques prevail for this

species in Germany, with

freespool reels, two- and

three-rod set ups and boilie

baits being the norm.

While spinning is popular

for predators including pike,

perch and zander using a

variety of spoons, wobblers,

hard lures, soft plastic baits or

spinners.

Rules and regulations

With a very few exceptions,

fishing is generally allowed

throughout Germany.

However anglers must be in

possession of a fishing licence

(Fischereiscein), which is only

available on completion of a

test and permit for the water

they are targeting, although

permits are not required for

sea fishing.

Rules vary according to

different regional fishing

associations in each state but

the need to pass a fishing

exam before casting is

required in almost all of them.

This typically takes the

form of an application to a

fishing club followed by up to

40 hours of supervised fishing

lessons over four to five weeks

before an exam is taken.

This covers everything

from different species to

biology habitat, the correct

use of equipment, the way

to treat your catch and an

understanding of the different

types of water as well as

relevant wildlife laws.

Tourists and visitors can

also apply for a special licence

from a fishing club and

should be arranged before

travelling to Germany.

Children and adolescents

generally have to be

accompanied by an adult for

fishing and the age for taking

the exam varies from state to

state but is generally around

12-years-old.

Retail opportunities

The majority of German

anglers still buy their tackle

from specialist retailers, with

around 2,000 specialist shops

selling equipment across the

country.

Although online shopping

continues to grow, tackle

shops are still a valuable

resource as they often offer

permits for nearby waters,

have details of local rules and

regulations and can certify

permits too.

Companies such as Askari,

Gerlinger, which also operate

specialist shops throughout

Germany and Angelplatz.de

are leaders in the online and

mail-order business.

Major outdoor and general

sporting retailers like

Decathlon and Globetrotter

also sell fishing equipment,

providing convenient options

for consumers.

E-commerce platforms such

as Amazon and others are

also becoming destinations

for fishing enthusiasts while

digital communities of

anglers, including forums

and social media groups, also

influence purchase decisions,

promoting specific brands and

products.

All leading fishing brands

are represented in Germany,

including the big corporations

like Daiwa Cormoran,

Shimano and Pure Fishing,

alongside ‘local’ suppliers

including Sänger, Behr and

Balzer.

One of the largest fishing

tackle markets in the world,

Germany has a heritage of

tackle manufacture, with

names like DAM, Maxima,

Zebco and Behr Angelsport

being synonymous with the

country.

Perhaps the bestknown

is DAM (Deutsche

Anglergeräte Manufaktur,)

now owned by Pure Fishing

as part of its purchase of

previous owner Svendsen

Sport.

The ironmongery, sport

and fishing tackle business

was established in 1875 by

brothers Oskar and Fritz

Ziegenspeck, making it one of

the oldest in the industry.

In 1902 they started to

sell their equipment all

across Europe under the

name Deutsche Anglergeräte

Manufaktur and in 1973 it

was the first manufacturer to

offer retailers in Europe rods

made entirely of carbon, while

Quick spinning reels were

known all over the world.

In 1920, Max Gottlieb

Meinel established Maxima

in Markneukirchen, Germany.

In the early 1950s, Maxima

built a new plant for the

production of monofilament

nylon and its state-of-the-art

research and development and

manufacturing facility sits

in the Bavarian hills, where

using the most advanced

technology it manufactures

the highest quality fishing

line.

Behr Angelsport was

founded in the summer of

1977 when Manfred Behr,

a former member of the

German international fishing

24

WWW.TACKLETRADEWORLD.COM

team and several times

German champion in match

fishing, began producing

hand-made polystyrene floats

for use by his match fishing

team.

Within a very short time

he was also supplying these

floats to local shops and,

significantly, to keen anglers

in England.

In return the team was able

to buy keepnets, landing nets

and groundbait. Slowly the

company built up its portfolio,

set up factories overseas for

its production as European

manufacturing costs rose and

began distributing more and

more items.

Taking on the challenge

While the fishing tackle

market in Germany is robust,

like others it faces several

challenges that could impact

growth.

Fishing in Germany is

heavily regulated, with strict

licensing requirements and

restrictions on certain types

of fishing methods and

equipment. These regulations,

while promoting sustainable

fishing practices, could limit

market expansion by making

it difficult for new anglers to

enter the sport.

Stringent environmental

regulations, while necessary,

can sometimes slow the

introduction of new

products or limit the use of

certain materials, impacting

manufacturers’ product

ranges.

While fishing tackle

is a relatively recessionproof

market due to the

consistent demand for

recreational activities,

economic downturns

can still affect consumer

spending, particularly on

high-end gear. Inflation and

rising production costs also

challenge manufacturers and

retailers by squeezing profit

margins.

Premium brands may

see slower growth during

economic downturns, while

mid-range and budget

segments may become more

competitive as anglers seek

more affordable alternatives.

Despite the challenges, the

German fishing tackle market

is expected to continue

growing over the next few

years. Several opportunities

exist for manufacturers,

retailers, and stakeholders to

tap into evolving consumer

demands.

As sustainability becomes

a focal point for consumers,

brands that invest in ecofriendly

product lines are

likely to experience greater

growth. This includes the use

of sustainable materials in

rods and reels, biodegradable

baits, and non-toxic sinkers.

There is also potential for

innovation in packaging,

with consumers favouring

environmentally responsible

brands.

The integration of

technology into fishing

tackle, such as smart fishing

rods and GPS-enabled reels,

presents an untapped growth

area. These technologies

are appealing to younger,

tech-savvy anglers and could

attract a new generation

of hobbyists to the sport.

Companies that prioritise

R&D in this space may gain a

competitive edge.

There is ample opportunity

in targeting niche markets

within the broader fishing

tackle industry. Fly fishing,

for instance, continues to

grow in popularity, as does

sea fishing along Germany’s

coastal areas. Manufacturers

and retailers that offer

customised products or cater

to specific fishing techniques

are likely to see higher

margins and brand loyalty.

The continued growth of

e-commerce is expected to

play a key role in the market’s

expansion. Investing in

digital marketing, influencer

collaborations, and online

communities can help brands

build a strong presence among

new and existing anglers.

Offering seamless online

shopping experiences and

direct-to-consumer channels

will also enhance growth

potential.

GERMANY

WWW.TACKLETRADEWORLD.COM

25

FEATURE

ROK FISHING

ROK FISHING

EXPANDS POPULAR

BUCKET RANGE

ROK Fishing is excited to introduce a new range of

green buckets and boxes, available in three sizes, along

with additional colours and more accessories.

ROK Fishing’s latest

range of buckets and

boxes now includes

three additional sizes:

6L, 10L and 17L.

Unlike many other square

buckets on the market,

which are often repurposed

paint or food containers,

ROK Fishing’s buckets are

specifically designed with

anglers in mind.

A key improvement in the

new range is the addition of

a thick, flexible lid, which

makes the buckets incredibly

easy to open and close.

This solves a common issue

with traditional buckets,

which can be difficult to

manage outdoors.

The reinforced plastic

handle is designed to support

a full load without breaking,

while also eliminating the

risk of rust.

Additionally, the base of

each bucket is crafted from

thicker, impact-resistant

material for enhanced

durability.

ROK Fishing takes pride

in manufacturing its products

locally at its factory in

Auxonne, France. This local

production ensures yearround

availability with no

risk of supply shortages.

Seamless supply

All buckets in the ROK

Fishing range feature a

consistent width, allowing

them to seamlessly fit the

ROK Square Bucket Stand.

The stand, made from

lightweight and sturdy glassreinforced

material, is easy to

transport and rust-free.

The few metal components

used are crafted from highquality

aluminium or brass to

further prevent corrosion.

To complement the bucket

stand, ROK Fishing is also

launching new banksticks,

designed for effortless

setup with a clever spring

mechanism.

Made from aluminium,

these sticks are both

lightweight and corrosionproof.

Additionally, new

accessories, such as a tray and

rod holder, are now available

to enhance the functionality

of the bucket stand.

export@rokfishing.com

www.rokfishing.com


Unmatched Stability. Unmatched Power.

Unmatched Versatility.

Unmatched Performance.

NEW Sea Eagle ®

FishSUP 1210

The Fishing SUP That Does It All

Dealer Info:

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Dept TT125B

12’10” x 39” x 6”

47 lbs. Hull

52 lbs. Hull & Transom

2 Separate Air Compartments

Holds 1 Person/500 lbs. People & Gear

Electric or 3 hp Gas Motor

Inflates in 8 Minutes

Deflates to 42” x 19” x 7”

IT’S SAID THAT WE KNOW

MORE ABOUT OUTER SPACE

THAN UNDERWATER.

BERKLEY IS CHANGING THAT.

Spirit Lake, Iowa, is home to the state’s “Great

Lakes,” a handful of lakes that, each summer,

fill with boaters and vacationers from across the

Midwest. Most of them drive right past a nondescript,

one-story building on the outskirts of

town. But inside the brick building on 18th Street

is the Berkley Fish Research Center where things

are anything but ordinary and the mission is

simple: help people catch more fish.

It is inside this research center that a team of

fish-crazed experts, scientists, engineers,

designers, researchers and anglers alike push

themselves towards a singular goal of

developing a deeper understanding of fish—how

they live, how they feed and how to integrate this

data into the production of products that

leverage science to up anglers’ odds of success.

For most anglers, success means putting fish in

the boat. And while catching a fish seems like a

relatively simple act, the number of variables

involved in convincing a fish to eat and

converting that bite into a fish in hand are

rather complex.

If you ask Berkley’s Manager of Fish Science & Product Testing Mark Sexton (who also holds a master’s degree in fisheries

biology) for the secrets behind the company’s ability to make baits that catch more fish, he’ll be quick to pull up a series

of spreadsheets with results they’ve gathered from heavily controlled tests, showing just how drastically Berkley’s PowerBait

outperforms the competition.

“The data we collect is not about us trying to make claims around our products. Rather, our research is meant to validate the

product so anglers can be confident that if they buy a package of soft baits with ‘PowerBait’ on it, they’ll be one step closer

to catching more fish,” Sexton said as he walked through the research center.

“Our team spends as much time testing and evaluating as necessary while designing new baits. We know that anglers are

looking for an advantage. We are all anglers, too, so we know that getting even one more bite in a day of fishing means a lot.”

From Bite to Catch:

Why PowerBait Seals the Deal on Fish

PowerBait, according to Sexton, is the only artificial bait ever made that has a flavor

profile fish actually prefer. His years developing and testing bait formulations combined

with his experience on the water as an avid angler make him one of the foremost

experts in fish behavior, especially when it comes to their sense of smell and taste.

“People don’t know this, but fish can’t even taste most added scents and flavors in other

baits and, if they can, our studies show fish actually react negatively to the vast majority

of them. With PowerBait, not only have we spent 25 years refining the formula that

predators love most, but we’ve perfected the way to infuse it into the bait so, when they

bite, they want to consume the bait.”

According to research done in the lab and on the water, taste is important to hooking

fish. Bass, zander, perch and trout, like most fish, have taste buds scattered all over

the inner regions of their mouth. From the lips to the throat, there are tons of t

aste-grabbing sensors.

Berkley scientists designed PowerBait to capitalize upon this very moment.

Their research has proven there are many traditional “fish attractants” that fish don’t

like. PowerBait, on the other hand, tastes so desirable, fish will fully consume the

bait, just like real food.

The desire to eat buys time as the sensation of the fish eating the bait are transmitted

through the line and rod, allowing the angler to react.

The average human reaction time is .25 seconds. Based on the research done

by Berkley, fish will commonly spit a less-than-desirable bait in that same time period,

or quicker. That means that even if the angler were to sense a bite the moment it

happened, without PowerBait, it’s an even race at best.

Over the last several years, the Berkley team has expanded the PowerBait line well

beyond the tried-and-true baits like the Cullshad and the Pupa. With more than 100

PowerBait products available in an array of sizes and colors, there is a PowerBait

option for just about every finesse, jigging or spinning application.

PRO PICKS:

5 Hot PowerBait Shapes

Cullshad

Pike, zander and bass magnet

Pupa

Killer maggot imitation for trout

and chub

Nessie

Soft swimbait for pike, bass and

perch

Minnow

Most versatile minnow imitation for

perch, bass, zander

Power ® Curly

Finesse Larve imitation for trout,

chub, perch

“We spent 25 years refining the formula

that predators love most.”

Mark Sexton, Manager of Fish Science & Product Testing

2024 NATIONAL FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP

SHANGHAI STATION CLOSED

On the afternoon of October 20, the 2024

"Almighty King" National Fishing Championship

(Shanghai Station) closed at Xinhe Fishing Center.

Li Zhiqiang from Jiangsu led all the way and won

the championship of this station with 34.6 kg. Liu

Wenxuan from Gansu and Jiang Tao from Anhui

won the second and third place respectively.

After a day and a half of intense competition in six

games, on the afternoon of the 20th, Jiang Tao, Liu

Wenxuan and Li Zhiqiang, who entered the top three

in the preliminaries, used a 5.4-meter hand rod to fish

for mixed fish weight competition to determine the

champion, runner-up and third place.

After the game, Li Zhiqiang said: I chose the No. 1.5

main line of the fisherman with the No. 1 sub-line

without front knots, and used the floating bottom

fishing as the main bait. I judged that this pond was

a live fish, and like the black pit, it was fed with the

original pond particles. I chose a smaller flavor, close

to the original pond particles. After three sessions, I

have been leading, which means I chose the right one.

Regarding the tactical arrangement, in the first game,

when I was sitting on the side, I caught as many fish as

I could, and the bait was right, so I was always ahead.

The competition was a bit fierce in the third quarter, but I managed to hold on in the end.

We look forward to this sport that was born from water, beautiful because of water, and civilized because of beauty.

This wonderful "fishing competition" will leave many good memories for the participants of the event. Let us

continue to be full of enthusiasm and look forward to the next departure.

THE 13TH CHINA SHENGZHONG LAKE

INTERNATIONAL FISHING COMPETITION

ENDED SUCCESSFULLY

On the afternoon of September 29, the

three major events of the 13th China

Shengzhong Lake Fishing Competition,

which lasted for 5 days, successfully

completed all competition tasks and

came to an end at the Conch Square of

Shengzhong Lake Scenic Area in Sichuan.

Chongqing Shanyouzhu Competitive

Silver Carp and Bighead Carp Team won

the reservoir fishing championship with a

total score of 7 points in four games, and

Han Songsong from China won the gold

medal in the boat fishing competition.

Zhang Kun, a member of the champion

team-Chongqing Shanyouzhu Competitive Silver Carp and Bighead Carp Team, said in an interview

that he was very happy to win the championship this time. This is his fourth time to participate in the

competition. He won the runner-up in the tenth session. This time it is a dream come true. When talking

about winning the championship with a total score of 7 points in four games, he introduced that he mainly

used sea rods for fishing, focusing on silver carp and bighead carp. The four people had clear division of

labor. He was responsible for preparing bait, Wang Yafei was responsible for casting the rod, and the other

two team members were responsible for assisting. The secret to winning the championship is to look for the

water layer diligently, from shallow to deep, to find the water layer where silver carp and bighead carp open

their mouths, the shallowest is 1.45 meters, and the deepest is about 5 meters. The bait tastes mainly fishy.

In five days, more than 1,000 fishing enthusiasts from 21 countries crossed mountains and seas and gathered

at Shengzhong Lake. Among the green mountains and clear waters, they swung their rods to compete for

fishing, competing on the same stage in the early autumn. They kept throwing the bait farther and farther,

trying again and again. What is under the water? Even people in the same water area may give different

answers.

There is a consensus that people pursue not only fish but dreams. Let us continue to set sail, just as the

dream of fishing has no end, and every end is a new beginning.

THE 13TH CHINA SHENGZHONG LAKE

INTERNATIONAL FISHING COMPETITION

ENDED SUCCESSFULLY

September 22, 2024 - The 2024 International Luya China-

Japan fishing Exchange Competition successfully concluded

in Jiangyin, China. This event not only provides a high-level

competitive platform for fishing enthusiasts from China and

Japan, but also a cultural exchange event to showcase Japan's

top outdoor and fishing gear brands.

This competition not only brought together nearly 200

professional anglers from China and Japan to attend this

cultural exchange event for Chinese and Japanese anglers.

Under the intense schedule of three days and four games,

even after experiencing extreme weather such as typhoons and

scorching sun, the players still insisted on finishing the game

at a high level and worked hard to climb to the top of victory,

showing an indomitable competitive spirit. In the end, the first

place in the professional group was won by the combination

of Wu Xinmao/Xu Jun, and the first place in the main

competition group was the combination of Hu Xuming/Jiang

Hanbin.

The latest products of Japan's top outdoor and fishing

gear brands were displayed on site. The audience had

the opportunity to experience various high-end fishing

equipment in person, interact with professional anglers, and

further understand and experience the fishing culture and

technological development. In the exchange experience, feel

the craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation of Japanese

manufacturing.

This competition not only promoted the commercial

cooperation between China and Japan in the field of fishing, but also strengthened the cultural connection and mutual

understanding between the two countries. Through fishing, an activity with a long history that continues to move

forward with the development of science and technology, combined with modern design concepts and technologies,

it shows the unique charm of oriental culture and the perfect integration of modern life. The successful holding of this

event is not only an exchange and collision of Chinese and Japanese cultures, but also a vivid interpretation of oriental

life aesthetics in modern culture. In the future, we look forward to more fishing enthusiasts joining this event to jointly

promote the development of fishing sports and deepen exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan in the

field of fishing.

MAKING CONTACT

1

2

3

Do you 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 images and

a short description to

Tackle Trade World.

MAKING CONTACT

1 LIVINGSTON LURES

KRAKEN LURE

Scooping top honours in the

Hard Lure category at AI Live in

September, the Livingston’s Kraken

lure is now available in Europe.

This innovative hybrid jerk bait

combines the strength of a hard

lure with the flexibility of soft

plastic, designed to target predator

species like pike and musky.

Equipped with EBS technology,

it mimics natural baitfish sounds,

while its adjustable weighting

system allows anglers to fish at

varying depths and distances.

The lure’s erratic, darting action

is triggered by upward rod taps,

side sweeps, and reel-stop

retrieves, making it irresistible to

trophy fish. Replacement skirts,

along with oversized curly tail

and paddle tail options, are sold

separately, adding to its versatility.

With EBS technology, fish can

detect the lure from outside visual

range, doubling the effective strike

zone over traditional lures.

www.livingstonlures.com

2 FISHBITES

E-Z GHOST SHRIMP

Ghost Shrimp is part of the Longer

Lasting collection which gradually

releases scent into the water. It

also provides extra durability by

featuring a cloth binder in the

middle of the bait that keeps it

on the hook despite the efforts of

pesky bait stealers.

Ghost shrimp, which bury

themselves under the sand, have

become an incredibly popular and

effective bait for many species,

including the coveted Florida

pompano.

So Fishbites went back to

the lab to see if the chemical

composition could be analysed

and recreated into a synthetic

bait. Once those components are

identified, a synthetic stimulant is

created which is used in Fishbites’

flavour/scent technology.

www.fishbites.com

3 EVERGREEN

LAST ACE 140 SWIM

At 5.5in, the Last Ace 140 Swim

falls just within the ‘big swimbait’

category.

Boasting a line-through design,

it sports an internal harness in

the head to guide an angler’s

leader easily through the bait and

onto the provided Ever Green

custom black nickel plated treble

hook, which was specifically

chosen to maximise the natural

presentation, while providing the

best possible hook-up ratio.

The line-through design

removes any leverage the fish

might have against a traditional

fixed hook, which can be shaken

loose during battle.

It performs best as a “chuck

and wind” slow-rolling bait in the

upper- and mid-water column.

Nail weights can be added behind

the internal harness for bottom

rolling, too.

www.daiwa.us


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MAKING CONTACT

5

4

6

7

4 SIMMS FISHING

ZIPIT FLATS BOOTIE

The first choice for flats-fishing

pursuits, the easy-on, easyoff

ZipIt Bootie brings wading

comfort, tireless foot support,and

snag-free finesse to your endless

saltwater search.

The bootie boasts vulcanised

rubber and neoprene hybrid

construction for support and

comfort, a YKK corrosion-resistant

zipper and non-marking outsole.

It is designed to be worn either

barefoot or with a light liner sock

and is available as a unisex bootie

covering from a men’s 5/ women‘s

7 to men‘s 14/women’s 16.

www.simmsfishing.com

5 ARCTIC SILVER

SWITCH-FLEX ROD SYSTEM

The new Switch-Flex fly rod is

about to be released – now, it’s

time to dive deeper and discover

the details behind the new

Switch-Flex Series. With seven

distinct rod series, each crafted for

a specific fly fishing environment,

you are sure to find the perfect

match for your adventures.

Advantages include less bulk and

weight when travelling as you can

fit three rod blanks in one tube.

You’ll save money when buying

one Switch-Flex handle combined

with several fly rod blanks, and

there’s reduced material and

environmental footprint.

www.arcticsilvereu.com

6 BERKLEY

DEX STUNNA 112+22

When even the Stunna 112+1

doesn’t cut it, the Stunna 112+2 is

your bait! With a diving depth of

3 to 3.5m, whilst still maintaining

a perfect twitching action, this

bait is one of the most highly

anticipated by Berkley’s pro team.

You can fish it deep and fast with

hard snaps of the rods, or low and

slow to make it break out to either

side. Finally there is a twitch bait

that reaches the fish and still has

the perfect action.

It boasts a 180-degree head turn

and side flash when jerked, dual

brass weights, tungsten weight

transfer system, super-slow fall

rate of 30cm per eight seconds

and comes in 10 colours.

www.berkleyfishing.eu

7 SAVAGE GEAR

DEVIATOR TAIL

A great hybrid lure, with a superb

kicking action with the paddle tail

and a crazy glide action with the

mini curl tail. The two tie points

enable you to work the lure from

super shallow to a medium depth.

The unique cross jaw lock tail

system holds the tails in perfect

place and allows for a super-fast

and secure change of tails or

change of direction of the tail. So,

you can fish the lure with tail up

or down, creating quite a different

working depth and movement

pattern.

The long cast system makes it a

great search bait, it boasts photo

printed details and a built-in rattle

and has both paddle and mini

curl scented tails included, in 16 or

20cm versions.

www.savagegear.com


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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…

FEBRUARY 2025

Ad Copy: December 20th, 2024

Mailed: January 15th, 2025

Special issue: Bass fishing

Spotlight: Reels

Doing Business With: China

MARCH 2025

Ad Copy: January 24th, 2025

Mailed: February 12th, 2025

Special issue: Fly fishing

Spotlight: Rods

Doing Business With: California

APRIL 2025

Ad Copy: February 21st, 2025

Mailed: March 12th, 2025

Special issue: Saltwater fishing

Spotlight: Lures

Doing Business With: Denmark

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

MARKETING

HUNTER MEDIA

ALLOCATING A

MARKETING BUDGET

Determining the right marketing budget is essential for any business, whether

you are a startup or a well-established company. Allocating too little could hinder

growth, while overspending without proper tracking could waste resources.

Before determining a marketing

budget, you’ll need to identify

what you want to achieve by

setting some goals – this could be

increasing brand awareness, driving leads

or improving customer retention.

Knowing the specific goals helps

prioritise spending on the right channels

and campaigns. For example, a business

focused on lead generation may allocate

more budget to paid ads, while one

building brand awareness may invest in

content marketing and events.

Making it add up

A common way to set a marketing budget

is by allocating a percentage of annual

revenue. Industry standards suggest that

companies typically spend five to 10 per

cent of total revenue on marketing.

B2C businesses often spend on the

higher end, around eight to 10 per cent,

as they rely heavily on marketing for

brand visibility and customer acquisition.

B2B businesses, such as OEM

companies, may allocate between two

and five per cent, focusing more on

relationship-building and targeted

campaigns.

However, new companies or those

launching aggressive growth campaigns

may need to allocate up to a fifth of their

revenue toward marketing to establish

themselves.

Benchmarking against competitors or

industry trends can also help define the

budget. If the average marketing spend in

your sector is seven per cent of revenue,

it gives you a good baseline. Conducting

research to see how much other

companies of similar size are spending

ensures your business stays competitive.

LVC vs CAC

Calculating the Customer Acquisition

Cost (CAC) and the Lifetime Customer

Value (LCV) can guide your budget.

If the LCV is significantly higher than

CAC, it may justify higher spending on

marketing to acquire more customers.

Businesses need to ensure that their CAC

remains sustainable – if it takes too long

to recover marketing costs, the budget

may need rebalancing.

Different channels – like search engine

ads, email campaigns, social media, or

influencer marketing – can have varying

costs and returns on investment (ROI).

It’s crucial to identify which channels

provide the highest ROI.

Tools like Google Analytics or social

media insights help track performance,

allowing you to adjust the budget

dynamically.

For instance, if search ads generate

higher conversions than organic efforts,

you may decide to allocate more towards

paid advertising.

Be flexible

Marketing trends and customer behaviour

are unpredictable, so a flexible budget is

essential. It’s wise to allocate no more than

80 per cent of the budget to core strategies

and keep at least 20 per cent in reserve for

experimentation or unforeseen expenses.

This allows room for quick pivots

in response to market shifts, seasonal

campaigns, or emerging trends.

Once a budget is allocated, regular

tracking is necessary to measure success.

Using metrics like conversion rates, cost

per lead, or return on ad spend (ROAS)

helps businesses identify what’s working.

With these insights, companies can

reallocate the budget efficiently to the

highest-performing campaigns and

optimise future spending.

Finding the right marketing budget

requires balancing multiple factors,

including revenue, industry standards,

business goals and ROI from different

channels.

Businesses should approach budgeting

as a flexible and dynamic process that

evolves with market changes. Allocating

resources strategically, tracking

performance and making data-driven

adjustments ensure sustainable growth

while optimising marketing efforts.

john@hunter-media.co.uk

www.hunter-media.co.uk


REMOVE

THE

BOUNDARIES

AND

UNLEASH

THE

POWER.

An innovative, first of its kind, CORDLESS ELECTRIC reel. Built on the legendary

platform of the PENN® Fathom II Lever Drag reels, the Fathom Electric features

a fully integrated and replaceable Lithium Ion battery pack, so you never have

to be worried about being tied down with cords or limited to spots with a plug.

Highly versatile in its use, engineered and fine-tuned for deep dropping thanks

to its unique cordless design. PENN. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN.

© 2024 Pure Fishing, Inc.

Tackle Trade World - December 2024

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