Tackle Trade World July 2026

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18,500

TACKLE INDUSTRY

PROFESSIONALS

IN OVER

120 COUNTRIES

EVERY MONTH

JULY 2026

COMMITTED TO INCREASING YOUR BUSINESS GLOBALLY

ICAST 2026 PREVIEW

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT THE GIANT SHOW

PAGE 14

GULF COAST SCOPE

HOW THIS US REGION CAN

HELP YOU SELL MORE

PAGE 36

FISHING TACKLE LEAD SALES

BAN JUST MONTHS AWAY

Aban on the sale – but, crucially, not

the use – of lead in fishing tackle in

Europe could be just a few months

away after the latest ruling by the

continent’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation,

Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)

committee.

Restrictions on selling tackle using lead have

been adopted by the committee by a small

majority of member state representatives.

If the European parliament and Council

agree – after a three-month period of scrutiny –

the text can be formally adopted, meaning a ban

could start being put into effect in around five

months’ time.

The proposals – brought about following

years of research by the European Chemicals

Agency (ECHA) – actually include various

phases, depending on the tackle under

consideration.

The largest sinkers and lures – over 50g –

would be banned in five years’ time but some

products could be prohibited in as little as six

months.

Since the official adopted text has not yet

been published (as TTW went to press) there

may be changes but the news has been given

informally to the European Fishing Tackle

Trade Association.

Currently, the proposed rules, would be:

● The restrictions concerns sales only, not use.

● Products concerned can legally contain up to

one per cent lead by weight

● Drop-in sinkers and lead wire will be banned

six months after Entry Into Force (EIF)

● Sinkers and lures under 50g will be banned

from sale three years after EIF

● Sinkers and lures above 50g to 1 kg will be

banned five years after EIF

● Retailers are required to display warning

labels for products containing lead during the

transition periods.

Exemptions, which would be reviewed

after 10 years, will allow the continued sale

of lures made of copper alloys containing a

concentration of lead (expressed as metal)

less than three per cent by weight and split

shot weighing 0.06 g or less that is placed on

the market in spill-proof and child-resistant

packaging. Previously the EU Commission

had also proposed a ban on the use of lead

fishing tackle however some member state

representatives did not agree

Across Europe, the transition towards

lead-free fishing is already accelerating. In

the Netherlands government authorities,

Sportvisunie Nederland and the sector recently

agreed a roadmap to significantly reduce and

ultimately phase out lead in recreational fishing

tackle over the coming years, alongside ongoing

developments at EU level.

The market for lead-free alternatives is

therefore expected to continue growing across

Europe. Alternative materials increasingly

promoted within the sector include iron, stone,

glass and tungsten, while materials such as zinc,

tin and copper are often viewed critically due to

their own environmental concerns.

EFTTA – alongside the European Anglers’

Alliance, which represents fishers across the

continent – wants a use ban to make the sales

ban effective, enforceable and to protect the EU

fishing tackle businesses and consumers from

illegal imports, counterfeits and homemade

lead products.

Both organisations believe that a sales-only

restriction risks undermining the effectiveness

of the transition. Without a broader and

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

EDITORIAL

JULY 2026

Editor: John Hunter

+44 7990 542958

john.hunter@artichokehq.com

A journalist all his life and with 25-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 42 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@artichokehq.com

A Dutchman, Guido spent five years travelling the

world as a scuba-diving instructor and English

teacher before settling down in Sardinia. He previously

worked for TTW from 2014 - 2017.

China: Robert Li (Li Ziwei)

+86 13451914155

robert.li365@gmail.com

Since 1993, Robert has been editor-in-chief and

reporter for fishing publications in China, to magazines

and newspapers. He has also been delivering

professional trends to the tackle industry and has

managed a popular fishing forum, facilitating the

exchange of insightful industry information within

China’s premier fishing community.

ARTICHOKE MEDIA LTD

Suites 2 & 4 Global House, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2TJ, UK

THE CARELESS

THREAT TO OUR

BUSINESSES

Sometimes what, on the face of it,

seems a very logical or sensible

decision, is actually a very real threat

to all of our livelihoods as lawmakers

fail to see the bigger picture.

It looks like the much-discussed ban on lead

in fishing tackle will be coming into force very

soon across Europe. This will mean a restriction

on the sale of lures and weights containing lead,

with many being banned outright.

This thorny subject has been talked about for

as long as I can remember, with the rationale

given by the European Chemicals Agency,

which did much of the research, being that

discarded lead in our waters can prove harmful

not only to wildlife but, ultimately, to humans

too.

The move follows similar concerns about

lead in cartridges used in the shooting industry,

especially over wetlands, where wildfowl and

animals can ingest it and become lead-toxic –

worrying if it enters the human chain.

However, the plan of action is flawed and, in

the case of fishing tackle, won’t actually prevent

lead-based gear ending up in our waterways.

The reason is that the European Union is

planning to ban the SALE of lures and weights

containing lead but NOT the USE of it.

This will have a massive impact on our

industry, on both manufacturers and retailers

alike. At least those happy to abide by European

law.

You see, it won’t stop the actual use of

such items (detailed in our main news story

this month), once they are phased out from

production and sale.

While industry bodies like the European

Fishing Takle Trade Association and

stakeholder groups like the European Anglers

Alliance agree a ban makes sense, they are

furious that anglers will still be allowed to use

these items.

In effect, this means that law-abiding tackle

companies will have to develop and stock

alternatives (which is not an issue, by the

way) but the damage to the environment will

continue.

They will doubtless lose sales, too. Anglers

will simply find other sources for their

lead-based products – be that making items

themselves or sourcing them from other

continents where European law does not hold

sway.

Understandably, these groups continue

to put pressure on those in power to include

a prohibition on use too – but it may mean

forcing the various committees and decision

makers back to the drawing board, further

extending the length of time this will take to

come into force.

On a separate note, ICAST 2026 in Orlando,

Florida, is just around the corner. Myself and my

colleague Bart Manganiello will be there so, if

you are a US-based business looking to develop

your overseas markets, we’d be happy to chat

and see how we can help. Just drop either of us

an email and we’ll arrange an appointment. See

you at ICAST!

WELCOME

DISCOVER WHAT’S

NEXT

IN SPORTFISHING

Join retailers and buyers

from around the world

AT THE INDUSTRY’S PREMIER GLOBAL BUYING EVENT

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TODAY!

ICASTFISHING.ORG

POWERED BY

Contents

14

JULY 2026

20 TIME TO “RETHINK THE STINK”

Carr Specialty Baits, Inc sets its sights on

disrupting the freshwater catfish market with

its revolutionary, stink-free “Flavor/Scent

Technology” that’s been taking the saltwater

fishing world by storm for over 25 years.

22 POWERING RELENTLESS INNOVATION

Livingston Lures continues to push aggressively

into new territory as the company storms into

2026 with major developments across the

bass, musky, saltwater and commercial fishing

markets.

34 OKUMA MARKS 40th BIRTHDAY MILESTONE

Okuma Fishing Tackle has begun its 40thanniversary

celebrations, marking its evolution

from a specialised machining workshop into a

top-tier tackle brand.

36 DOING BUSINESS WITH…

THE GULF COAST, USA

From the oil-rig-dotted horizons of Texas to the

labyrinthine marshes of Louisiana and the tarponrich

flats of Florida’s Gulf side, angling is not just a

pastime here but a defining economic and cultural

force.

CONTENTS

20

24 PANTHER MARTIN GOES LARGE FOR

ICAST 2026

Set to debut at this month’s ICAST, Panther

Martin is expanding its popular Custom Salmon

& Steelhead Spinner line up with an eyecatching

new colour pattern: Metallic Purple.

40 ATHENS CHOSEN FOR GEORGIA FLY SHOW

Sometimes things turn out better than anyone

could have hoped. Such is the case with the

Georgia, USA Fly Fishing Show, which was on the

hunt for a new home. It appears to have found

one…

08 NEWS

Who is the new owner of US rod maker R L

Winston, which company is taking on Nordic

Fieldsport in Italy and how can anglers and

businesses alike ensure they have their say on

future recreational fishing policy?

10 NEWS

Electronics brand Garmin teams up with massive

German tackle show AngelWelt, the Irish Fly Fair

owners are looking for someone to take over and

the Australian tackle trade gets ready to honour

more of its own.

12 NEWS

Indian manufacturer Bhagwati has launched its

latest super catalogue, Lure Demo adds more

display options to its range while boating gets

a central position in a key European tourism

strategy.

14 MAKE THE MOST OF ICAST 2026

Making real personal and business connections is

what the world’s largest sportfishing show, ICAST, is

all about. TTW has the lowdown on all you need to

know to get the most from this amazing event.

26 WHY QUALITY ENSURES REPUTATION

Weihai Hanhigh is a major innovator and

manufacturer of fishing rods for a wide range of

markets across the world. With new gear always

in production, we find out how it stays ahead of

the opposition.

28 SPOTLIGHT ON… TACKLE STORAGE

No matter the venue or species, organisation is

the key to successful fishing. Having the right

gear at your fingertips – without it lying in a

mess at the bottom of your bag – makes fishing

faster and more efficient.

30 SHOP WINDOW

We take a look at a few of the key tackle storage

items recently released onto the market. Are

these worth stocking in your outlet?

32 OUTDOOR EYE FOCUSSED ON EUROPE

Specialist consultancy Outdoor Eye helps

international fishing brands launch and scale

across Europe. TTW spoke to co-owners Nathan

Leny and Cris Caanen about how they help

businesses just like yours…

28 34

42 POWER ASSIST LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD

A quiet revolution is taking place at the

intersection of technology and accessibility.

Leading the charge is DAIWA, whose latest

generation of ‘palmable’ electric reels is redefining

who can participate in the sport.

44 REPORTS FROM CHINA

We bring you all the details from a major angling

summit taking place around the BiHai show while

also catching up the founders of ARCPRO, the USbased

tackle developer with a truly global supply

chain.

48 THE SEVEN PILLARS OF MARKETING

Successful brands are built on a framework that

aligns customer needs with business goals and at

the heart of that framework are what are known

as the seven pillars of marketing.

50 MAKING CONTACT

This month we take a look at some of Eagle

Claw’s Lazer Sharp and Trokar hook patterns, the

Checkpoint 880TI titanium pliers from Donmar

not to mention DAIWA’s Presso Lure Wallet.

18 MILLION POUND CHALLENGE TO THE US TRADE

National Fishing and Boating Week is one of

the most important weeks for participation in

the United States and, this year, the sportfishing

industry is doing more than just casting lines.

06 WWW.TACKLETRADEWORLD.COM

CHANGING THE GAME FOR OVER 25 YEARS!

Fishbites Fight Club ® Lures

6” Grub

Color: Smack Down

FISHBITES IS GEARING UP FOR

ICAST 2026 AND READY TO MEET YOU!

From new baits & colors to custom tackle & gear, Fishbites has

exactly what you need to keep your customers hooked.

WWW.FISHBITES.COM

NEWS

continued from page 3

enforceable framework,

including measures on use, there

is a significant risk of illegal

imports, counterfeit products

and homemade lead tackle

continuing to circulate on the

market.

A workable transition would

require realistic timelines,

practical implementation

measures, legal certainty for

industry and retailers and

fair and consistent rules for

businesses and anglers alike.

Similar concerns about

implementation, industrial

adaptation, supply-chain

security and the limitations

of a sales-only approach are

increasingly being raised

across the wider retail and

manufacturing sector.

As a result, EFTTA and the

EAA will continue lobbying

the EU Council and the EU

Parliament. If they do this

successfully it will extend the

four- to five-month timeline.

An EFTTA spokesman said:

“EFTTA believes that restricting

sales without addressing use

will not deliver the intended

environmental benefits.

“Without a use ban,

enforcement will be limited

to retailers, while recreational

fishers could still import lead

products privately, cast sinkers at

home or continue using existing

lead tackle.

“This risks undermining the

environmental objective while

also creating unfair competition

for companies investing in leadfree

alternatives.

“A use ban would ensure

consistent rules, better

environmental outcomes and a

level playing field for the tackle

industry.”

R L WINSTON

UNVEILS NEW

OWNER

US-based R L Winston Rod Co and its sister Bauer reels brand

have been acquired by a new entity, owned by businessman and

passionate fly angler Lance Robertson.

The company, based in Twin

Bridges, Montana, makes Winston

fly rods, Bauer fly reels and

Winston polarised sunglasses.

Lance (abiove left) explained:

“My family and I are excited to

have the opportunity to be part

of the Winston family. We look

forward to helping people enjoy

their outdoor pursuits and build

cherished memories through great

products.

“We look forward to our

stewardship of the company

as those before us have done,

maintaining the company as a

family-owned business since its

founding.

“We are focused on maintaining

the innovative spirit of the

company and products of the

highest quality. In addition, we

will be purposeful in engaging our

customers early in our tenure to

understand how best the company

can serve their needs in the future.”

He added: “The R L Winston

Rod Company has a compelling

team in place, delivering among

the best rods and reels they have

ever produced, positioning the

company well for a bright future.

“We anticipate the entire

Winston team remaining with

company moving forward. As part

of the announcement, I would

like to share that Andy Wunsch,

general manager, will continue

with the company in the role of

president and general manager.”

Andy Wunsch said: “I am

really excited about the future

for Winston. Having been here

for almost two years, we have an

amazing team that takes great

pride in their work. We look

forward to continuing building

outstanding products to be sold by

the finest retailers in the world.”

Lance added: “I also want to

thank David for his many years of

leadership at R L Winston and the

great pride he has maintained in

the company and its products over

his long tenure.”

David Ondaatje, who bought

the business back in 1991 from Tom

Morgan, will continue to serve the

company as an advisor for the next

year.

David (above right) said: “It

has been an honour to have been

involved with Winston for more

than three decades, and to have

worked with outstanding people

committed to making the world’s

best fly rods every day.

“It’s a rare thing to get to say

you’re involved with a company

that makes the best product of its

kind in the world. I’ve been lucky

enough to do that for 35 years.”

Winston sells its award-winning

deep green fly rods, Bauer fly reels

and now polarised sunglasses

across the USA, Canada, Europe,

Japan, Scandinavia, South America

and elsewhere.


NORDIC FIELDSPORT SIGNS

EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR ITALY

Nordic Fieldsport has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement

with Italian distributor Old Captain, a well-established market player

founded in 1965 and led by owner Giuseppe Castiglioni.

The partnership marks a

significant step in Nordic

Fieldsport’s international growth

strategy, with Italy now becoming

a key focus market.

Sourcing the right distributor

has been a key priority for

the company as it was keen

to find a partner capable not

only of delivering strong

market penetration, but also of

contributing to long-term brand

development through investment

in the dealer network and a clear

understanding of brand building

with the right retail partners.

Together with Old Captain,

Nordic Fieldsport plans to

strengthen the market through

product expansion, focused

marketing activities, healthy

margins for retailers and a

consistently high level of service.

Eric Svendsen of Nordic

Fieldsport explained: “The Italian

market is a highly important area

for us in our European expansion

plans. With Old Captain as our

partner, we are entering with clear

prioritisation and a significant

investment in building a strong,

long-term collaboration.”

Giuseppe from Old Captain

added: “I see a strong level of

ambition in Nordic Fieldsport,

which makes them a solid

investment for the future – for

us and for our retailers. We aim

to offer innovative products and

brands with clear visions and

ambitious plans. Following our

meetings, we are fully aligned on

how to move forward together.

Nordic Fieldsport brings forward

unique strategies that we believe

will strongly benefit our retailers.”

The potential of the

collaboration was further

confirmed during meetings at

the Pescare Fishing Show in Italy,

where interest in the brands and

products was significant. Both

retailers and end consumers

showed strong demand,

reinforcing confidence in the

partnership.

A central focus for both

companies is ensuring that

retailers clearly understand

and feel confident in the future

direction. The strategy centres

on committed specialist retailers

who are willing to work longterm,

secure healthy margins, and

actively participate in the joint

plans set out by Nordic Fieldsport

and Old Captain.

The agreement also marks the

first major introduction of Myran

Sweden to the Italian market,

including its handcrafted spinners

produced in Sweden as well as its

rod range. In addition, Wolfcreek

has already generated strong

interest as a future growth brand,

while Pulz Bait has begun gaining

traction among Italian retailers.

Old Captain, with its long

heritage dating back to 1965, is

known for its selective portfolio.

Guiseppe continued: “We

do not take on just any brand.

We work with brands that carry

ambition and long-term value for

our market and our customers,

who have always been a priority

for us. This partnership is therefore

very important to us.”

nordic-fieldsport.com

Help shape the framework of

recreational fishing practices

A survey has been launched for

anglers and tackle companies

to help inform a best practices

framework for recreational

fishing around the globe.

It is being organised by the

Poseidon Aquatic Resource

Management, working in

collaboration with the Global

Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) with

funding from the US National

Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA).

It aims to support recreational

fishers in reducing gear loss and

preventing abandoned, lost or

discarded “ghost gear” in aquatic

environments. It also seeks to

better understand measures

currently being taken by both

recreational anglers and tackle

manufacturers and distributors.

The Best Practice Framework for

Recreational Fishing will compile

practical guidance and proven

strategies to help recreational

anglers minimise gear loss, improve

retrieval practices, and contribute

to healthier aquatic ecosystems.

It will also provide actionable

recommendations for

manufacturers and distributors

to help reduce the prevalence

of lost and discarded gear and

will add to GGGI’s two previous

BPFs for commercial fisheries and

aquaculture.

To inform this framework, it is

inviting anglers and manufacturers

or distributors to participate in a

short online survey.

The findings will ensure

the framework reflects realworld

practices across diverse

environments, regions, and fishing

styles – from freshwater systems

to coastal and offshore fisheries.

The survey takes approximately

10 minutes to complete, and

responses will play a vital role in

shaping future global guidance

for responsible recreational

fishing practices.

The Global Ghost Gear

Initiative is the world’s largest

cross-sectoral alliance dedicated

to addressing abandoned, lost,

and discarded fishing gear

globally. It brings together

industry, governments, NGOs and

the fishing sector to prevent gear

loss, improve retrieval efforts, and

protect aquatic ecosystems.

The surveys are expected to

close on June 16th, 2026.

Recreational anglers should go

here: www.surveymonkey.com/

r/7TH3KVL

Fishing gear manufacturers and

distributors should go here: www.

surveymonkey.com/r/X8RHX9Z

WWW.TACKLETRADEWORLD.COM 09

NEWS

AUSTRALIAN TRADE SHOW

REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration is open for attendees to the 2026 AFTA Tackle

Show, being staged in Brisbane, Australia in mid-August and

forecast to be the largest and most vibrant yet.

The annual event unites people,

brands and businesses that

advance Australia’s recreational

fishing industry and this year’s

show is especially important

as it represents a significant

development with its relocation to

a new venue.

Presented by Let’s Fish

Australia, the AFTA Tackle

Show will be held at the Brisbane

Convention & Exhibition Centre

over three days, from August 20th

to 22nd.

It is designed to offer

wholesalers and retailers

an enhanced platform for

engagement beyond traditional

retail spaces. Attendees can

connect with both established

and emerging suppliers, review

innovative products and explore

past favourites within a centralised

location.

Trade days are restricted to

AFTA members and AFTA’s

invited guests while the final,

public day is open to everyone.

Public day registration will open

next month. AFTA members

receive complimentary entry to

the show.

To register free of charge, retail

and media members should use

the link sent via email or access it

through the AFTA Member Portal

Exhibitors can register using the

link found on the Exhibitor Portal.

Non-members must pay $150

per ticket and provide a written

invitation from an AFTA member.

All attendees must complete preregistration

before the event takes

place.

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

The UNI-Soft Wire Extra Small (0.006in) is ideal for

creating tags and ribs on small flies with delicate bodies.

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

www.uniproducts.com

PELI INVESTS IN GERMAN

FACILITY FOR GROWTH

Case and storage solutions

expert Peli has announced

the continued expansion

and modernisation of its

manufacturing operations in

Crottendorf, Germany.

The move is said to reinforce its

long-term commitment to serving

customers across Europe with

greater proximity, responsiveness

and operational resilience.

The investment marks a

significant step in the evolution

of Crottendorf as a key European

manufacturing hub for Peli with

expanded production capacity,

enhanced manufacturing and

assembly capabilities alongside

stronger alignment with global

processes and best practices.

Peli chief commercial officer

Stephan Corti said: “This

investment reflects our clear

commitment to strengthening

manufacturing in Europe.

Crottendorf is becoming a

stronger, more capable operation

that allows us to support European

customers with greater flexibility,

consistency and confidence.”

While site director Nina

Borisova added: “The progress at

Crottendorf is visible not only in

the physical expansion of the site

but in the way the operation is

being built for the future.

“We are investing in people,

processes and capabilities to create

a stronger platform for long-term

growth.”

German tackle show shares

experience with Garmin

Europe’s leading angling show – ANGELWELT – turned from event to

event partner for the Garmin 360° Experience in April, with a focus

on practical product testing, technical workshops and extensive

networking.

Over five days of intensive practical testing on the water at the 360°

Teamgeist Fusion House on Lake Wolzig in south-east Berlin, media

professionals, content creators and specialist retailers came together to

test new Garmin products under real-world conditions and to network.

The partnership underscores ANGELWELT’s commitment to

supporting the industry beyond the trade show period in November and

to fostering exchange throughout the year.

Head of ANGELWELT, Felix Steinacker, said: “ANGELWELT is the place

to be for the international angling scene. Through this partnership, we

are supporting a strong platform that brings the community together,

strengthens direct exchange and provides new impetus for the sport of

angling.”

Jan Volk, head of sales & support Marine D-A-CH, Garmin Deutschland,

added: “With Garmin as the organiser, glorious sunshine and a fantastic

atmosphere – featuring seven boats and kayaks – our 360° event on the

water was a truly memorable experience, supported by partners such as

ANGELWELT, Pantenius and YETI.

“Over five action-packed days, we succeeded in giving our Garmin

Fishing Team, key industry influencers and our retail partners the chance

to experience the full range of our product portfolio exactly where it

belongs – right on the water and in real-world conditions.”

Instead of traditional product presentations, the exclusive event

focused primarily on hands-on experiences: in rotating technical sessions,

content creators and media professionals tested the Garmin Marine

ecosystem on a total of seven boats.

The focus was on the new 360-degree fishfinder alongside the trolling

motors, kayak motor, LiveScope technology, radars, the Garmin MOB

system and the new Garmin Quatix 8 Pro Marine smartwatch.

The programme was complemented by technical Q&As, as

well as specialist presentations by fisheries scientist Prof. Dr Robert

Arlinghaus and industry expert Thorsten Trojan.

Following its record-breaking 2025 edition, ANGELWELT continues

its successful trajectory from November 27th to 29th as it expands

to four halls for the first time at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds as part

of OutVenture Berlin. The growing importance of fishing boats, engines

and boat technology is also reflected in ANGELBOOT. As Europe’s largest

exhibition for fishing boats, engines and accessories, it is once again one

of the show’s strongest thematic areas.


IRISH FLY FAIR

UP FOR SALE

What is said to be the best fly fishing show in Ireland, the Irish Fly

Fair, which takes place each November, has been put for sale.

Organiser Stevie Munn said the

decision had been taken “due

to ongoing family pressures

and continued illness” and he is

hopeful he will find someone to

take on the event, which he still

plans to run on November 14th

and 15th, 2026 at The Killyhevlin

Hotel, directly overlooking

scenic and famous Lough Erne in

County Fermanagh.

Over the years, the event has

built a reputation for attracting

the best international fly dressers

and champion fly casters who

showcase their skills through

demonstrations and advice.

The fair also features a series of

talks and seminars from expert

anglers on a wide range of

interesting angling-related topics

and of course, a massive selection

of trade stands selling everything

the fly angler and fly dresser

needs. There are even fly dressing

and fun fly casting competitions.

Stevie said: “We have grown it

over the years to the success it

has become. We have been able

to gather perhaps the largest

collection of pro fly tiers ever

seen in an annual event that

people from all over the fishing

world love and look forward to

and travel to each year.

“The show and brand name

are already well established. The

real value is in that you have you

have already got the IFF on the

international fly-fishing calendar.

If anyone would be interested in

taking over, please email me at

anglingclassics@aol.com.”

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR

KEY AUSTRALIAN TACKLE

PLAYERS

The Australian Fishing Trade

Association will once again

recognise individuals who

have made meaningful,

enduring contributions to the

recreational fishing industry

through their association with

AFTA.

Since its inception in 2013,

the AFTA Hall of Fame has

honoured distinguished members

of the sector, acknowledging

their significant influence on the

industry.

Meanwhile, the prestigious

peer-led Industry Recognition

Award calls out individuals

who have made outstanding

contributions to the recreational

fishing industry in Australia.

Hall of Fame nominees must

be current or past members of the

AFTA and should demonstrate

sustained, impactful service to

the recreational fishing industry

that reflects a deep commitment

to its mission of protecting

fishing’s future and increasing

participation.

Contributions should extend

beyond professional obligations

and include voluntary, personal

or community-driven efforts,

possibly including political

advocacy and engagement

to protect fishing access,

involvement in fisheries

management and policy

development, initiatives that grow

recreational fishing participation

or activities that safeguard the

long-term viability of the sector.

Industry Recognition Award

nominees must have shown

outstanding dedication to

advancing recreational fishing

in Australia, including initiating

or supporting projects that

have improved the industry,

advocating for sustainable fishing

practices and fostering growth and

participation within the fishing

community.

The deadline for nominations

has been extended until June

30th.

afta.net.au/award-nominations/

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NEWS

MORE OPTIONS TO

DEMONSTRATE LURES

US-based Lure Demo has announced the availability of new Pro

and Angler versions of its Lure Demonstrator, an innovative,

purpose-built and fun product designed to demonstrate, promote,

observe, test and film various fishing lures in a realistic, water-filled

environment

Compact yet visually striking, the

Lure Demonstrator provides users

with a full 360-degree view of lure

action, simulating vertical jiggingstyle

motion with adjustable

speeds in different lighting

conditions.

Ideal for showcasing vertically

fished lures and enabling accurate,

controlled indoor testing and

observation in a fishing tackle

store, fishing show or your home.

The Lure Demonstrator Agler

version is an affordable option

designed for passionate fishermen

who want to experiment with

and better understand how

lures perform underwater in the

comfort of their own homes!

It’s a fun product perfect for

observing and testing lure action,

experimenting with lure rigging

techniques and setups, and filming

social media content.

Meanwhile, the Lure

Demonstrator Pro version is

the commercial-grade tank

engineered for tackle shops and

lure manufacturers, featuring a

more powerful and durable motor

designed to run continuously

for extended periods, making

it perfect for tackle store

counter tops, POS and retail

displays, fishing trade shows,

www.takemefishing.org

dealer presentations and lure

development testing.

Designed for versatility, the

Lure Demonstrator is equally at

home on a tackle shop counter,

trade show booth or video studio.

For tackle shops, it’s a salesboosting

display that attracts foot

traffic and increases lure sales,

while lure manufacturers and reps

will appreciate it as professional

way to demonstrate products

to retailers or film promotional

content.

The system includes variable

speed control for jigging motion,

12-colour LED lighting and a

compact glass swim tank that

replicates as best possible lifelike

underwater conditions.

luredemo.com

A European plan to grow the

tourism sector across the

continent has put recreational

boating, in all its forms, as a key

part of its new strategy.

The resolution by the European

parliament includes a series of

priorities relevant for nautical

tourism and marks an important

step forward for recreational

boating.

The report sends a clear political

signal that nautical tourism is not

a niche offer on the margins of

European tourism but rather a

high-value part of the economy,

part of its maritime identity and

part of the solution for more

balanced, sustainable and regionally

inclusive tourism growth.

The EU recognises that the rise

of specialised tourism, including

“nautical” tourism, creates new

opportunities for peripheral,

rural and outermost regions and

that “the growth of specialised

tourism requires support through

investment in the necessary

infrastructure.”

It has been welcomed by the

European Boating Industry

(EBI), which represents the trade,

encompassing all related sectors,

such as boatbuilding, equipment

manufacturing, marinas, tourism

and service providers.

A major result for the EBI is

Parliament’s support for action

on boating licence recognition,

which would facilitate the

Bhagwati launches super

catalogue for the coming season

Tackle supplier Bhagwati – a mainstay of the

industry for almost 50 years – was due to unveil

its latest super catalogue at EFTTEX 2026 in

Barcelona in June.

Since 1978, Bhagwati has been a go-to

manufacturer for premium tackle items,

including feeder, match, pole carp and

surfcasting and sea fishing gear.

With an enduring legacy of over 48 years

in the tackle industry, Bhagwati, India’s trusted

name in fishing tackle manufacturing, looked set

to make waves at the upcoming show.

At this year’s event, Bhagwati promised to

showcase an impressive line-up of new product

innovations, including next-generation feeder

rests and arms, more than 10 unique new feeder

models in both metal and plastic, a wide range of

advanced pole accessories, drop kits, connectors

Boating takes centre stage

in EU tourism strategy

and more. The manufacturer was especially

keen to introduce buyers to its eco-friendly new

models in feeders, which have been engineered

for performance and designed with sustainability

in mind.

It has earned a strong reputation for exclusive

partnerships and collaborates with many of

the top European brands for OEM and custom

development on an exclusive basis.

As it continues to expand, Bhagwati is

currently seeking new distribution partners

across western and eastern Europe to

strengthen its international reach.

To discuss product opportunities or

collaboration call +91 9330048700 or

email: bhagwatical@gmail.com

bhagwatisportex.com

mobility of “approximately 48

million European boaters” while

supporting nautical tourism and

the blue economy. This is a direct

response to one of the most

persistent barriers boaters and

boating businesses face in Europe.

The report also strengthens

recognition of the boating sector

in the clean transition, saying that

sustainable fuels in waterborne

transport should include the

existing fleet of leisure boats.

EBI secretary general Philip

Easthill said: “This is a strong result

for the boating and nautical tourism

sector. The European Parliament

has recognised that nautical

tourism belongs at the centre of

European tourism, connectivity

and sustainability agenda.

“The report reflects key EBI

priorities: better cross-border

mobility for boaters, support for the

energy transition and recognition

of boating as part of Europe’s

cultural heritage.

“These are big wins for our

industry and for the many coastal,

island, inland waterway and

outermost communities that

depend on it.”

The boating industry is a

significant contributor to the

European economy, representing

32,000 companies, predominantly

SMEs that employ over 280,000

people directly.

office@europeanboatingindustry.eu


FEATURE

ICAST 2026

WHERE PERSONAL CONNECTIONS REALLY COUNT

Making real personal and business connections is what

the world’s largest sportfishing show, ICAST, is all about.

With so much going on as it returns to Orlando, Florida,

USA in mid–July, TTW has the lowdown on all you need to

know to get the most from this amazing event.

In a world where cellphones are glued to

our hands and a computer is never more

than an arm’s length away, networking can

become a digital reflex. These days, forming

a new partnership can be as easy as clicking

“connect” on LinkedIn.

But, for one week in July, thousands of

sportfishing industry professionals enter the

analog oasis of ICAST.

At ICAST – the biggest buying event in

sportfishing – the convenience of a digital

connection takes a backseat to the age-old

methods of doing business: a firm handshake,

an honest smile and a face-to-face conversation.

This year, as the industry converges once

again at the Orange County Convention Center

in Orlando, Florida, the focus is on more than

just the latest gear; it’s also about creating

opportunities that only happen in person.

To help you navigate the floor and maximise

the value of your time in the Sunshine State,

here is your guide to making the most of ICAST

2026…

Lunkers and Bunkers

Think your golf swing is as strong as your

cast? The Lunkers & Bunkers golf scramble is

unofficially kicking off ICAST again this year.

Putt and cast your way to glory on the Royal St.

Cloud Golf Links, a 27-hole links course where

golf course ponds manned by the Florida Fish &

Wildlife Conservation Commission open up to

anglers in between drives.

It’s one of the week’s premier networking

opportunities, where you can connect with

industry leaders while competing for the

coveted Grand Champion and Biggest Bass

trophies.

Presented by Power-Pole and held from 7am

to 2pm on Monday, July 13th, all proceeds go to

benefit the American Sportfishing Association’s

advocacy arm, Keep America Fishing. Last year,

the event raised close to $22,000, which seeks

to protect the rights of American anglers and

defend access to waterways.

Arriving early for golf also opens up your

Monday night to explore Orlando’s incredible

entertainment scene. Head to Pointe Orlando,

within walking distance of most ICAST hotels,

to catch a FIFA World Cup match with fellow

fans or grab a table at a local favourite like

Voodoo Bayou on restaurant row.

PRO TIP: Swing by ICAST Registration inside

the convention centre after the golf scramble to

pick up your badge before the crowds arrive on

Tuesday.

Tuesday

Now that you’ve warmed up that casting arm at

Lunkers and Bunkers, you can really test your

skills at the ICAST Cup on Tuesday morning.

Presented annually by Major League Fishing,

this bass fishing tournament partners show

attendees with MLF pros and manufacturers for

four hours of high-stakes fishing at a pro-level

fishery.

At 6:30am, anglers push off from Big Toho

Marina. With over 22,000 acres of water to

explore, there are plenty of “monsters” hiding

in the grass. When time is up, the experience

concludes with an MLF-style weigh-in,

complete with an MC and live stream.

As the ICAST Cup winds down, ICAST

On the Water Demo Day is just getting started

back at the Orange County Convention

Center. Beneath swaying palms and a bustling

concourse, the venue’s on-site pond transforms

into a pop-up village of manufacturers, eagerly


ICAST 2026

awaiting registered ICAST attendees to explore.

From 9am to 1pm, you’ll have the

opportunity to try out the latest rods, tackle,

kayaks, SUPs and more, putting them to the

ultimate test: on the water.

A complimentary shuttle service runs every

30 minutes from convention centre-area hotels

to the drop-off point near the pond.

Between 1pm and 5pm, join ICAST

organisers for Meet The Market, a high-energy

matchmaking event designed to help retail

buyers and exhibitors connect fast. Think of it as

ICAST speed-dating: buyers host at their own

tables while exhibitors rotate through a curated

schedule of 10-minute appointments set by the

American Sportfishing Association. This is a

high-demand event with limited appointments,

so register early to secure your spot on the

roster.

From 3pm to 4.30pm, ASA also hosts a

special seminar for manufacturers on federal

excise tax obligations, hosted by excise tax

specialist at the Wildlife Management Institute,

Mitch King.

To close out Super Tuesday, retail buyers

and media-editorial badge holders are invited

FIND YOUR WAY

Orlando International Airport – Most ICAST

attendees will land here. Expect a 20-minute

cab ride to International Drive hotels.

Rideshare apps are common in Orlando.

Brightline Orlando Station – You’ll arrive here

if you take the Brightline high-speed rail up

from Miami International Airport.

Orange County Convention Center – The

main venue for ICAST 2026. Look for the

South Hall to find all things ICAST. The hall

is connected to area hotels via a skybridge.

Plan for a 20-minute walk from most hotels

and be mindful of security robots.

Big Toho Marina – Launch ramp for the

ICAST Cup presented by Major League

Fishing. Services include a tackle store,

restaurant and WC.

Royal St. Cloud Golf Links – a 27-hole golf

course that serves as the site for Lunkers

and Bunkers on Monday, July 14th.

OCCC Water Area - ICAST On the Water

Demo Day takes place here. On-site

misters, beverages and snacks keep

the heat at bay so you can enjoy the

experience.

Orlando Eye – Centrepiece of the

International Drive entertainment district.

Most off-site parties and events will take

place in this area. Rideshare services,

scooter rentals or tuk-tuks can get you

from the convention centre to these bars

and restaurants. Walking takes about 30

minutes.

For a map of the venues, visit:

www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=15p

72ufOfI08th2Znek7qMUD7YEHTXJw&us

p=sharing


FEATURE

to an exclusive first-look at the New Product

Showcase, starting at 5pm. This preview

reception reveals the “stars of the show,” the

brand-new entries competing for Best of

Category awards.

While you enjoy appetizers and drinks at the

reception, qualified attendees can also vote for

winners in each of the 39 “Best Of ” categories.

Ultimately, those winners will square off for the

overall crown jewel of ICAST: the Best of Show

Award.

PRO TIP: Hydration stations and concessions

are available at ICAST On the Water. Be sure to

wear your badge for access to the New Product

Showcase Preview Reception.

Wednesday

Wednesday kicks off bright and early with the

ICAST State of the Industry Breakfast at 7am.

In addition to presenting ICAST, ASA staff

are hard at work year-round in Washington

DC and state capitals across the country. The

trade association works with decision makers in

Congress, as well as federal and state agencies,

to fight for clean water, abundant fisheries and

access to both plus fair trade and commerce.

The Industry Breakfast is your chance to get

an in-depth update on the legislative issues that

can impact your business from ASA’s president

and CEO, Glenn Hughes. Individual tickets or

table reservations can be purchased through

your ICAST registration portal.

At 9am, the escalators fire up and the doors

of ICAST officially swing open. You’ll find an

expansive show floor with every imaginable

rod, reel, lure, gadget and gizmo. If it catches

fish, it’s here – and you’ve got three days to find

the next big hit for your customers.

To navigate the sprawling layout with ease,

download the ICAST App, sponsored by

G-Ratt Baits, on your smartphone for a live map

of the show floor. Available on both Apple and

Android devices, the ICAST App also features

a QR reader to scan and store badge names,

a convenient scheduling tool to keep track of

meetings and real-time updates on daily events.

After taking a few laps around the show floor,

stop by ICASTLive for a reimagined Lunch &

Learn session. These high-impact, interactive

conversations maximise your time on the show

floor while providing you with valuable tools to

help your business succeed.

ICASTLive is where you’ll hear industry

experts talk conservation, retail strategies,

digital trends and the shifting tide of global

fisheries. This year’s seminars will cover crucial,

timely topics like staffing strategies, purchase

order planning and the ever-changing landscape

of international tariffs.

Don’t forget to stop by the new ICAST Pop-

Up Shop right next door to browse an array of

ICAST merch. From fishing shirts to dresses

to playing cards, you’re sure to find the perfect

souvenir for every member of your team.

The afternoon picks up speed at 1pm when

the New Product Showcase opens for all

attendees. By 4pm, social hours in exhibitor

booths are in full swing and the show floor

transforms into a hive of flowing taps, pulsing

speakers and thrilling giveaways.

The excitement moves upstairs to the Orange

County Convention Center’s South Hall at

6pm for the highly anticipated New Product

Showcase Best of Category Awards. Join the rest


of the industry as the “Best of Category” award

winners of 2026 are unveiled amidst stage lights

and celebration. Each category winner will have

earned a shot to compete for the overall Best of

Show award, presented on Thursday evening at

Party for a Purpose.

PRO TIP: Breakfast tickets sell out in advance.

Secure your spot today!

the resources we all love.

Raffles and prizes are also awarded, with all

proceeds from the event going to Keep America

Fishing. Be sure to stay until the end to see who

will be taking home the biggest prize of the

night: the New Product Showcase Best of Show

Award. It’s a powerful moment of industry

recognition, often accepted by the very product

designers who engineered the winning product.

ICAST 2026

Thursday

At ICAST, there’s no time to waste. By

Thursday, it’s time to take full advantage of

those in-person order incentives that only

exist on the show floor. Each year, dozens

of manufacturers offer exclusive ICASTonly

specials, from bulk order discounts and

complimentary shipping to free end caps for

your shop and even free fishing trips.

While you’re working the floor, don’t forget

to stop by the ICAST Fly Shop. You can watch

professional fly tyers at work and browse the

latest fly-fishing innovations. Just steps away,

the FlyCASTing and ICASTing ponds give

you the ability to put both fly and conventional

tackle to the test in real-time.

If you need a moment to unwind away

from the hustle and bustle of the show floor,

take advantage of the show’s new amenities.

Retailers are invited to relax in the brand-new

Retailer Lounge, located between the ASA

booth and the New Product Showcase area.

Also new this year is the Women’s Lounge,

presented by Women in Angling, located

across from the Retailer Lounge and serving as

a dedicated space for our female attendees to

connect and recharge.

By 4pm, social hour is in full swing again,

setting the stage for the second annual ICAST

Party for a Purpose. Located just outside the

show’s main entrance from 6pm to 7pm, this

event brings conservation organisations and

attendees together to collaborate on protecting

PRO TIP: The ICAST app doubles as a contact

book. Scan QR codes of attendees to create a

digital rolodex of new connections.

Friday

The last day at ICAST goes by quickly and

there is no time to waste. This is your last

chance to take advantage of the show’s offerings

by finalising deals, revisiting key booths and

securing key partnerships.

If you haven’t already, use your remaining

time to check out the show’s Conservation

Corner. Here, organisations like the Coastal

Conservation Association and Guy Harvey

Foundation showcase ongoing projects to

increase angler participation and restore aquatic

habitats. Some organisations offer initiatives for

retail shops to participate, while others deliver

free social media content to keep angler interest

on your store’s feed.

The ICAST show floor remains open until

2pm and the last few hours are reserved for final

social hours. By 3pm, the show floor closes and

it’s time for some well-earned relaxation.

PRO TIP: Central Florida is notorious for

afternoon thunderstorms that cause flight

delays at MCO. Skip the frustration by booking

an extra night at a hotel and enjoying some

downtime before an early morning flight, when

winds are calm.

icastfishing.org


FEATURE

ASA COLUMN

JOIN THE MILLION POUND

CHALLENGE TO BOOST FISHING

National Fishing and Boating Week is one of the most

important weeks for fishing and boating participation in the

United States and, this year, the sportfishing industry is doing

more than just casting lines, as the American Sportfishing

Association’s Grace Kirk* explains…

During the National Fishing and

Boating Week celebration from

June 6th to 14th, the American

Sportfishing Association’s (ASA)

inaugural Million Pound Challenge was set

to launch, with a goal just as ambitious as it

sounds: remove one million pounds of trash

from waterways across the world.

ASA called on retailers, manufacturers,

conservation groups and other allied

organisations to lead local clean-ups and the

response has been huge. What started as a bold

idea born from ASA’s sustainability committee

has quickly grown into a movement fuelled

by anglers who understand the importance of

healthy waterways.

The trade unites

From industry titans like PRADCO and

Okuma, to the local “mom-and-pop” tackle

shops, the entire sportfishing industry is

stepping up. Organisations from every corner

of the nation signed up to clean rivers, lakes,

beaches, boat ramps and public access sites.

Together, these clean-ups will strengthen

our fisheries, improve fish habitats and make

waterways safer and more enjoyable for the

activities that we all love.

ASA president and CEO Glenn Hughes

said: “The future of our industry depends on

clean water. It has been so rewarding to watch

the industry come together in such a big way to

protect the resource we all depend on.”

ASA staff were also due to take part in the

effort, cleaning up a section of the Potomac

River in Alexandria, Virginia on June 11th.

The Potomac was recently named the most

endangered river in the nation by American

Rivers, making the effort particularly timely and

emphasising the importance of restoring public

waterways.

Rising to the challenge

Traditionally, National Fishing

and Boating Week encourages

Americans to go outside, get on the

water, and experience the joys of

recreational fishing and boating.

This year, the Challenge adds

another layer by giving participants

the opportunity to directly improve

the waters they love.

To get started, participants could

choose a waterway(s), gather their team

and head to ASA’s Million Pound Challenge

website for resources on how to lead a clean-up.

The ASA has also partnered with Fishbrain, the

leading social media app for anglers, to make

logging trash collection simple and easy.

The water has given us so much – lifelong

memories, lasting bonds and a strong

connection to the outdoors in an increasingly

digital world. This National Fishing and

Boating Week, it’s time to give back.

Visit www.asafishing.org/the-millionpound-challenge/

If you can’t make the Fishing and Boating

Week time frame or it’s too late, don’t fear, we’ll

be accepting entries all summer long.

*Grace Kirk is the communications and ICAST

assistant at the American Sportfishing Association.

She is a recent graduate of American University and

lifelong angler hailing from Maine.


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FEATURE

FISHBITES

RETHINK THE STINK,

THE FISHBITES WAY

Carr Specialty Baits, Inc. sets its sights on disrupting the

freshwater catfish market with its revolutionary, stinkfree

Flavor/Scent Technology that’s been taking the

saltwater fishing world by storm for over 25 years.

In the 1960s, marine biologist and Fishbites

inventor Dr. William Carr, started a 30-plus

year journey researching what kinds of

chemicals trigger feeding behaviors in a

fish’s underwater environment.

These chemicals are called “feeding

stimulants”. He recreated those feeding

stimulants in the lab and perfected a gamechanging

combination of scent and flavour that

he infused into an artificial bait at many times

the concentration of natural bait.

In late 1999, his results became Fishbites and

since its launch, anglers around the world have

“set the hook” on over 150 species.

Carr also discovered that many of the feeding

stimulants fish detect and track underwater

have very little odour to humans. Yes, stink-

baits work, but not for the reasons you smell.

Many stink-bait companies intentionally crank

up the stink and loudly promote the stink to

hype the myth that the unpleasant gasses you’re

smelling in the air matter to fish living and

breathing underwater.

The Fishbites way

We’ve all driven by a fast-food restaurant,

smelled French fries and suddenly found

ourselves in the drive-through. But what if

those fresh hot fries tasted like cardboard or

moulded cheese? You would immediately spit

them out.

Carr discovered that the same is true with

fish and fish bait. You can get their attention

with scent but, if the flavour’s off, they’ll quickly

Available flavour/scents - Crawfish, Liver,

Shad & Shrimp

spit it out after biting it or even touching it

with their mouth.

Sealing the deal with a burst of good flavour

will fool that catfish into believing it’s got

actual food and they’ll aggressively inhale it –

giving you extra time to set the hook. Fishbites

refers to this combo as “Flavor/Scent”

technology and anglers around the world have

become hard-core believers in it.

Up close

See the Fishbites Catfish baits for yourself at

ICAST 2026 in Orlando, Florida, as well as

their extensive line of saltwater baits including

a new addition to the lineup of Fishbites Fight

Club Lures.

“Last year we celebrated our 25th

anniversary. We had our fun but now it’s time

to look ahead to the next 25 by continuing our

multi-year, multi-million-dollar expansion

in production capacity,” said Terry Dillinger,

president and CEO of Fishbites.

“Our overseas markets exploded last year

and we need to keep that momentum going,”

Another big part of this expansion involves

the multi-tiered marketing and advertising

expertise of Scott Brandon’s Unruled Outdoor

Agency.

“Our initial focus was on expanding sales

and distribution of Fishbites’ catfish bait…”

said Scott Brandon, CEO of Unruled. “…but it

quickly became clear that the opportunity was

much bigger. Fishbites has built an incredible

product line and a loyal

following over the

years. We’re excited

to help them unlock

their full growth

potential by bringing

a more strategic,

connected approach

to their marketing.”

CONTACT

View the 2026 Fishbites ICAST listing HERE.

To learn more about the entire line-up of

Fishbites, visit fishbites.com.

For information on becoming a dealer in your

area, e-mail captscott@fishbites.com and view

the online catalogue here: fishbites.com/catalog.


2027

GEORGIA:

JAN. 9-10

MASSACHUSETTS:

JAN. 15-17

NEW JERSEY:

JAN. 22-24

COLORADO:

FEB. 5-7

CALIFORNIA:

FEB 26-28

PENNSYLVANIA:

MARCH 13-14

FEATURE

LIVINGSTON LURES

LIVINGSTON LURES

POWERS RELENTLESS INNOVATION

Livingston Lures continues to push aggressively into new

territory as the company storms into 2026 with major

developments across the bass, musky, saltwater and

commercial fishing markets.

Long known for its patented EBS

(Electronic Baitfish Sound) Technology

and willingness to challenge

conventional lure design, Livingston

is entering ICAST 2026 with one of the most

diverse product expansions in company history.

All about the bass

On the bass fishing side, Livingston Lures has

partnered with legendary bass angler Rick

Clunn to launch the Rick Clunn Collection,

a project centred around Clunn’s decades of

tournament knowledge and lure refinement.

Headlining the launch is the RC Kicker, a

new crankbait designed personally by Clunn

and scheduled to be unveiled at ICAST 2026.

The collection represents a major push by

Livingston to further establish itself within

the highly competitive bass market while

leveraging the on-the-water knowledge of one

of fishing’s most respected figures.

Toothy critters

In the predator fishing category, musky

authority Steven Paul and Livingston Lures

continue to expand the boundaries of modern

musky and pike fishing.

The recent releases of the Menace, Critter

and Banshee have already generated significant

attention among predator anglers, blending

truly unique designs with Livingston’s signature

sound technology.

However, the company’s development

pipeline is far from slowing down. Scheduled

for introduction at ICAST 2026 are several

additional predator-focused offerings, including

the Brute, Lil Makk and Critter Max, each

aimed at addressing different applications

within the growing musky and global pike

markets.

Broad application

Behind the scenes, Livingston’s research and

development division continues to pursue

entirely new concepts that move beyond

traditional lure construction.

Perhaps the most ambitious example is

The Franklin, an industry-first electrical pulse

fish attractant designed to generate controlled

electrical pulses once submerged in water.

The system is built around the concept that

many species are naturally drawn to electrical

microcurrents. Target species range from

sharks and catfish to sturgeon and other game

fish known to rely heavily on electroreception.

The Franklin represents one of the most

impactful advancements in fish attraction

technology the industry has seen.

Offshore offerings

Saltwater innovation also remains a major

focus for Livingston entering 2026. Among

the upcoming offshore offerings is the Darting

Daisy, a large-profile offshore trolling lure

featuring a bullet-style head and oversized

skirt profile designed for high-speed trolling

applications.

The lure targets pelagic species including

mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna and sailfish

while emphasising stability and aggressive

underwater tracking at elevated trolling speeds.

Another major saltwater addition is The

Chugger, a trolling lure designed to function

as both a surface and subsurface predator

attractor. Built to imitate fleeing squid, flying

fish and injured baitfish, The Chugger is also

engineered to rig dead ballyhoo for added

realism and presentation versatility during

offshore trolling scenarios all while leveraging

Livingston Lures’ EBS technology.

As Livingston Lures expands deeper into

multiple fishing categories simultaneously, the

company continues to position itself not simply

as a lure manufacturer but as a technologydriven

innovation brand focused on redefining

how anglers approach fishing across freshwater

and saltwater markets alike.

www.livingstonlures.com


Super

Heat Dissipation

Super

Low-Friction

Super

Hardness

Super

Lightness

FEATURE

PANTHER MARTIN

PANTHER MARTIN EXPANDS

LINE UP WITH 24 LURES

Set to debut at this July’s ICAST, Panther Martin is expanding its popular Custom Salmon

& Steelhead Spinner line up with an eye-catching new colour pattern: Metallic Purple.

The new finish joins the company’s

growing premium Custom Salmon

& Steelhead collection introduced

last year and is one of 24 lure releases

Panther Martin plans to showcase at the

industry’s biggest annual tackle event.

Built on the proven foundation of the

Custom Salmon & Steelhead Spinner series, the

Metallic Purple model combines the aggressive

vibration, oversized blade profile and premium

hardware serious river anglers have come

to expect from Panther Martin.

The series was originally developed by taking

the modifications many experienced salmon

and steelhead fishermen were already making

to traditional inline spinners and incorporating

them directly into a factory-built lure.

Better by design

What immediately sets the Metallic Purple

spinner apart is its striking blade design. The

blade features a split metallic finish – half silver

and half purple – paired with a matching purple

teardrop body that creates a bold flash profile in

the water.

The contrasting colours are designed

to maximise visibility and attraction in a wide

range of river conditions, from clear flows to

stained or low-light water often encountered

during salmon and steelhead runs.

Purple has long been a productive colour

choice for salmon and steelhead anglers because

it maintains visibility in deeper water while still

offering a natural, baitfish-inspired appearance.

Combined with Panther Martin’s signature

spinning action, the Metallic Purple pattern

delivers both flash and vibration to help trigger

reaction strikes from aggressive fish. The

oversized convex/concave blade is engineered

to produce a slower rotation, stronger wobble

and heavy “thump” that fish can detect from

greater distances in current.

Hooked on success

The new lure also incorporates three beads

positioned behind the blade to help keep

the hook free and clear during retrieves and

drifts. This small but important detail helps

improve hook presentation while reducing

fouling, allowing the spinner to maintain

consistent action in moving water.

It’s another example of the practical, fishfocused

refinements built into the Custom

Salmon & Steelhead series.

Like the rest of the line up, the Metallic

Purple model features corrosion-resistant black

nickel hardware, a premium swivel designed to

reduce line twist and an extra-strong open-eye

Siwash hook setup built for powerful fish.

The oversized blade profile is specifically

tuned for salmon and steelhead applications,

helping anglers maintain better presentation

in current seams, tailouts and deeper holding

water.

The Metallic Purple spinner is only part of

Panther Martin’s larger ICAST rollout. The

company will also introduce several holographic

spinner patterns along with other exciting

lures as part of its 24-product launch for 2027.

Together, these additions highlight Panther

Martin’s continued focus on blending proven

fish-catching performance with modern finishes

and high-visibility colour patterns.

See the full line in booth 5402, only at ICAST! For

additional info, contact Mauricio@PantherMartin.com


FEATURE

QUALITY ENSURES THE

REPUTATION OF WEIHAI HANHIGH

Weihai Hanhigh is a major innovator and manufacturer of fishing rods for a wide range

of markets across the world. With new gear always in production, company owner

Wang Qian Gang explains how it keeps ahead of the opposition in a competitive market.

HANHIGH

For the last 23 years, Chinese

manufacturer Weihai Hanhigh has

been making fishing rods for the

global market, covering all the major

disciplines, with more products launched at

EFTTEX 2026 in Barcelona.

TTW: You have earned a strong reputation for

quality products. Why do you think this is?

WQG: Firstly, it is thanks to the approval of

our products from my customers. To develop

a good reputation is not an easy thing, that is

nearly 20 years’ persistence to keep the product

quality high.

It means strict management of production.

Despite the high cost of quality control, we

cannot let even very small faults pass, we have

to accept spending money to maintain this.

It also means endless innovation – we should

always catch the market trends, developing and

supplying the correct products accordingly.

Then there’s the importance of taking

responsibility when issues happen and trying

our best to solve them without any excuses.

Doing all these things in one year may be

easy but you should insist on working always

like this – in 10 years, 20 years – and, step by

step, customers and the market will begin to

accept you and your products, growing your

reputation as a result.

TTW: You have launched a lot of new

products this year. Which have been the most

successful?

WQG: More and more new materials and

components are being developed all the time,

so we are upgrading our models step by step.

Our latest spinning, sea bass and other

saltwater models have been proving very

popular with our customers.

TTW: What products did you launch this

year at EFTTEX?

WQG: We were able to showcase our

new spinning, light game, Egi, Aji, slow

jigging and carp rods, among others.

TTW: In an ultra-competitive marketplace,

what makes these products so special?

WQG: Most of the products have been built

using the very latest materials, such as M46X,

M40X and T1100 carbon. We also some use

new components, like reel seats and guides.

We have also spent more time on the rods’

designs, with the aim of giving the market a

strong and new look.

TTW: Why should companies continue

to buy your products. What makes you

different?

WQG: In my view there are two main

reasons: correct products and quality

products.

If a customer can find the correct and

suitable products for the market, they can

find the right quality products; then the rods

will be more easily sold.

As a result, customers like to keep buying

from us. At the same time, we always try to

supply the best service, trying to consider the

customers’ position, trying to avoid or solve

any issues. That’s what keeps our reputation

strong.

hanhigh.com


2027 Sneak Peek

Make way for royalty. The new Metallic Purple Custom Salmon & Steelhead Spinner is coming in

2027! This series was introduced at ICAST last year and has been so popular a new color is coming

out next year. The vibrant new color and the lustrous genuine silver-plated

blade creates an irresistible combination.

Top To Bottom Quality

• Pre-Mounted Swivel

• Oversized Convex/Concave

Genuine Silver-Plated Blade

• Trio Of Silver Beads Behind The Blade

• Vibrantly Colored Weighted

Teardrop Body

• Premium Black Nickel Swivel,

Split Ring And Treble Hook

PURPLE

METALLIC NEW

7 Colors To Choose From

Including The

NEW Metallic Purple!

Just 1 of 24 NEW Lures

For 2027! See Them ALL

In Booth 5402 Only At

Includes a

Treble Hook & a

Mustad® Big Gun

Open Eye Siwash

Single Hook

See all our great new 2027 lures and our

full selection of Panther Martins at booth 5402.

/PantherMartin • /PantherMartinFishing

PantherMartin.com, Dept TT076L

19 N. Columbia Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777

ph (631) 473-7308 • fax (631) 473-7398

SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT ON…

TACKLE STORAGE

No matter the venue or species, fresh- or saltwater, organisation is the key to successful

fishing. Having the right gear at your fingertips – without it lying in a mess at the bottom

of your bag – makes fishing faster and more efficient.

On a misty pier in Hastings on

England’s south coast, a sea

angler flips open a weathered

plastic box, its compartments

neatly stacked with rigs and weights.

Thousands of miles away, on a bass boat

in Florida, another angler pulls a labelled tray

from a modular storage system. In rural Japan,

a fly fisher opens a minimalist case, each

artificial fly arranged with surgical precision.

Different waters, different species, different

cultures – but the same underlying obsession:

order in the face of chaos.

Fishing tackle storage is more than

a practical concern. It is a reflection of

geography, technology and even philosophy.

Across the world, how anglers store their gear

reveals how they think about the sport itself.

Managing chaos

Fishing is deceptively simple – rod, line and

hook – but the modern reality is anything

but. Hooks, lures, weights, rigs, tools and

spare line quickly multiply into a logistical

challenge. As the sport evolved, so did the

need to manage that complexity.

The moder tackle box emerged as a

response to this problem. Early versions

were rudimentary – wooden crates or wicker

baskets – but industrial manufacturing

transformed them into multi-compartment

systems designed for efficiency and durability.

Today’s tackle storage is less a box and

more a system: modular trays, waterproof

seals, backpacks and even suitcase-style rigs

with wheels.

Yet, at its core, the goal remains

unchanged: keeping essential gear accessible,

protected and organised so that, when the

moment comes, nothing slows the angler

down.

Order, tradition and specialisation

In the UK and across Europe, tackle storage

reflects a long tradition of competitive and

methodical angling. Here, organisation is

almost a discipline.

The iconic seatbox – part stool, part storage

unit – is central to coarse and match fishing.

Beneath the angler sits a carefully engineered

system of drawers and compartments, each

dedicated to a specific function: hooks, shot,

floats, rigs. This hyper-specialisation mirrors

the precision of European angling techniques,

where success often depends on minute

adjustments.

Carp anglers, another dominant

subculture, take a different approach. Their

storage systems resemble expedition kits

– large carryalls, rig wallets, bait tubs, and

modular boxes. Everything has its place,

because sessions can last days.

The European mindset is clear: preparation

is performance. Storage isn’t just about

convenience; it’s a competitive edge.

Mobility and modularity

In the United States and Canada, tackle

storage reflects a different priority, that of

adaptability.

The rise of bass fishing tournaments and

mobile angling has driven a shift toward

modular systems. Standardised tray sizes

– often referred to as 3500, 3600 or 3700

series – allow anglers to swap configurations

depending on the day’s conditions.


TACKLE STORAGE

Backpacks and soft tackle bags dominate,

especially among shore and kayak anglers.

These systems prioritise portability and

quick access, enabling anglers to move freely

between spots.

Even improvised solutions – like the

now-iconic milk crate setup for kayak fishing

– highlight a pragmatic, DIY ethos. Storage is

not fixed; it evolves with the angler’s needs.

The North American approach is less about

perfection and more about flexibility. Bring

what you need, leave what you don’t.

Minimalism and precision

In Japan, where space is limited and

craftsmanship revered, tackle storage becomes

an exercise in minimalism.

Japanese anglers often favour compact,

highly engineered boxes with tight tolerances

and crystal-clear organisation. Lures are

arranged with aesthetic care; fly boxes

resemble curated collections. The emphasis

is on carrying only what is necessary – and

knowing exactly where it is.

This reflects broader cultural values:

efficiency, precision, and respect for tools. The

tackle box is not cluttered; it is curated.

Ingenuity and improvisation

In parts of Africa, South America and

southeast Asia, tackle storage often takes on a

different character; one shaped by necessity.

Commercial tackle boxes may be rare or

expensive, so anglers improvise. Buckets, tins,

repurposed containers, even plastic bottles

become storage solutions. Hooks might be

wrapped in cloth and line stored on handmade

spools.

These systems lack the polish of

commercial designs but excel in practicality.

They are lightweight, repairable and perfectly

adapted to local conditions.

Here, storage is not a consumer choice – it

is an extension of resourcefulness.

Technology meets tradition

Across the globe, tackle storage is converging

in interesting ways. Waterproof materials,

corrosion-resistant components and modular

designs are now standard features in many

systems.

At the same time, digital culture has

introduced new influences. Subscription

services like Mystery Tackle Box encourage

anglers to accumulate more gear than

ever before, increasing the demand for

sophisticated storage solutions.

Yet the fundamentals remain unchanged.

Whether it’s a high-end modular system or a

repurposed tin, effective storage follows the

same principles: group similar items, prioritise

accessibility and carry only what you need.

More than storage

Ultimately, tackle storage is a quiet but

revealing aspect of fishing culture. It tells

you how an angler approaches the water –

methodically, opportunistically, minimally or

creatively.

A cluttered box might signal spontaneity; a

perfectly arranged system suggests discipline.

A backpack hints at mobility; a seatbox at

patience.

Across continents and cultures, one truth

holds firm: before the cast, before the strike,

before the story – there is the box, opened

with intent.

And inside it, the angler’s entire strategy,

waiting to unfold.


SHOP WINDOW

STORAGE

1

3

2

4

1 NGT

TERMINAL TACKLE XPR BOX SYSTEM

A handy, compact tackle box

designed to keep terminal tackle

and small accessories organised.

Held together by magnets for

quick, secure access, it also features

a 20cm measuring rule on the front

– making it ideal for rig making and

ensuring consistent hook lengths.

With 27 sections of storage

(perfect for smaller items), it’s a

tidy addition to any angler’s kit

yet the compact designs fits

neatly into most tackle bags. Size

(closed): 24cm x 13cm x 4cm

sportingwholesale.com

2 PLANO

GONOW BOXES

Engineered to organise essential

gear so you can access everything

you need quickly and efficiently,

these boxes have been designed

for durability and usability in real

outdoor conditions, featuring

weather-resistant construction,

customisable internal organisation

and a modular design that allows

users to expand functionality with

accessories tailored to specific

pursuits.

Optimised for stacking and

transport,, they come in two sizes

in charcoal, OD green and white

options.

planooutdoors.com

3 FLAMBEAU

ULTRA DIVIDED TUFF TAINER

With a waterproof design with

gasket seal to keep tackle dry

and ultra divided compartments

designed for hard bait storage,

these offer up to 32 individual

compartments for maximum

organisation.

The slim profile design

aids efficient tackle bag and

boat storage while the durable

polymer construction ensures longterm

use.

A secure latching system makes

for a dependable closure in transit.

The Tuff Tainer measures 14in x

8.89in x 1.7in.

flambeauoutdoors.com

4 DAIWA

PRESSO FREEBOARD CASES

Designed to fit neatly in tackle

backpacks, sling-bags and hip bags,

these hard-shell style cases easily

slide in and out of your preferred

carrying bag while protecting lure

paints and finishes.

Externally, anglers will appreciate

the robust hinges connecting the

sides of the case as well as the

secure cam-style latch. Internally,

there are two compartments

separated by a clear plastic partition,

with customisable foam-strip inserts

to format the internal layout. In two

sizes – the 175 fits comfortably into

most pants pockets or small bags

while the 205 is great for backpacks.

daiwa.us


FEATURE

Outdoor Eye helps businesses

look for European trade

Outdoor Eye is a specialist consultancy helping international fishing brands launch and

scale across Europe. TTW spoke to co-owners Nathan Leny and Cris Caanen about

how they are working with businesses just like yours…

TTW: When and why did you set up

the company?

Nathan: After stepping away from Pure

Fishing in late 2024, I could see other brands

that didn’t have the same resources, struggling

with simple things when entering Europe –

inconsistent marketing messages, poor SKU

selection, non-compliant packaging and

noticing brands that don’t know what they

are doing, relying on home grown successes

to carry them, which isn’t the case at all. A lot

of this came second nature to me, so I knew I

could be onto something.

TTW: What are you aiming to do?

Nathan: Ultimately, we want to help the

European tackle industry continue to keep

striving forward with launching new and

innovative gear. It’s not always evident that

current brands bring that. There is a lot of

complacency out there, owning the market

out of legacy or longevity. Which is great, we

need heritage, but not at the mercy of good

products.

Brands from Japan and South Korea,

for instance, bring that and we want to be

the catalyst that helps those brands come

and bring new life to the European market.

Competition is healthy and keeps everyone on

their toes. Our research shows that customers

are tired of new colours/names for the same

product. They want fresh and innovative

products and will seek them out if they

have to.

TTW: Can you outline the

experience you both have and what

it brings to your offering?

Nathan: I come from a branding and product

development background, gained through

six years at Pure Fishing, plus 40 years as an

angler! So I have been taking products from

idea to the shop floor. Overseeing branding

and working with marketing departments also

meant that the right customers were looking

for these products. New product development

covers a huge range of departments, so I had

to become proficient in all. However, I needed

a marketing specialist to help make Outdoor

Eye complete – enter ex-Shimano man Cris

Caanen.

Cris: I come from a background in strategy

and commerce but, as an entrepreneur, I

experienced what it really takes to build a

business from the ground up. In Shimano I

learned a lot about the tackle industry and

how it’s structured.

I had the chance to work side by side

with product development, pro-staff and

experienced local marketeers to align

European strategy with local circumstances.


partner for aspiring brands, purely focused

on the success of that brand. That is a

unique position because most partners are

commercially involved and that makes them

not neutral. A cheque for an initial order may

seem tempting, but your products need to end

up in the hands of anglers, not in a warehouse

sitting and waiting.

Building a brand with traction is the way

to ensure long-term value creation. If you are

in Asia or the USA, the gap between your

local reality and Europe is so big that, without

experienced brand builders and European

anglers like us, you will most likely lose a lot of

time and money in the process.

THE BIG INTERVIEW

That is a vital part of my current role in

Outdoor Eye, where we bring brands into

reality of Europe.

TTW: How does this approach differ

to anything else out there?

Nathan: When it comes to new brands

entering Europe, obviously there is much

focus on distribution. Brands get interest from

distributors, and the lure of that first order and

marketing assistance is very appealing.

However, we’ve found that products are

added to the distributors portfolio and then

left to fend for themselves, so to speak. The

reality is that there is a lot of work to be done

with brands before they even speak with a

distributor, and that’s where we come in – we

make them market ready.

We want to build brands that can generate

revenues for years to come, not just quick

wins with no foundation. Our services are split

into four models, catering to niche (Japanese

Domestic Market (JDM) rod manufacturers

needing specific one-off regional advice to

global heavyweights looking for a man on

the ground to take care of full product range

implementation.

TTW: What do you feel are the key

issues manufacturers/brands face

when trying to launch into Europe?

Cris: Most brands underestimate how

different European countries really are.

Europe has some of the densest cultural

differences on the planet. And not only

consumers differ but rules and regulations,

market structure and fishing techniques too.

But, aside from the differences, in business

it’s always about trust. Who can I trust to do

business with?

Europe is a big place and you need

somebody on the ground to help you navigate

the landscape and find the right partners.

Lastly, the market is crowded and taking a

piece of that pie is not easy. Europe counts

about 30-40 million active anglers and the

total market size for fishing equipment is

estimated to be about 8-10 billion Euros

annually. This attracts competition.

A lot of brands have local roots, faces and

stories. You need a razor-sharp focus and

a clearly defined identity to stand any real

chance of winning in this market.

TTW: How are you going about

solving these problems?

Cris: I like to see ourselves as a strategic

TTW: Are there any areas / regions

which you believe would benefit

more than others from Outdoor

Eye?

Nathan: Outdoor Eye can really show its

benefits to companies with a lot of separation

from the European market: USA, China,

Japan, southeast Asia, where there is almost

no correlation between a brand’s home region

and Europe.

However, we have come across brands

from Germany and Spain that want to move

into Eastern Europe and have no idea where

to start, so I think we can offer something for

everyone. Our connection base is global, with

associates in China, Japan, USA and most

of Europe, so we can look at a brands origin

region from within and understand how to

make it work in Europe.

TTW: Which of your services do you

think will be the biggest draw to

brands?

Nathan: We have a four-tiered approach

to entice clients to work with us – from our

Eyes on Europe subscription service to our

Full Brand Consultancy package. Whatever

expansion stage a brand is at, we believe we

have service that can suit their size, plans and

budget.

But if I were to recommend one, it would be

our Eyes on Europe Subscription. It contains

a full angling trade report on the European

landscape and a quarterly Eyes on Europe:

Opportunity Radar newsletter, which covers

current trends, opportunities, gaps, market

highlights and feedback from the market.

It’s insightful and can give a brand that is

thinking of entering Europe a great deal of

background information and ideas on where

to start. It’s low friction and can be purchased

through the website, you don’t even have to

talk to us to access it!

outdooreye.co.uk


FEATURE

OKUMA

OKUMA MARKS 40TH

ANNIVERSARY MILESTONE

Okuma Fishing Tackle has begun its 40th-anniversary

celebrations, marking its evolution from a specialised

machining workshop into a top-tier tackle brand.

Since its foundation in Taichung,

Taiwan in 1986, Okuma has risen to

become a name trusted by anglers

worldwide, driven by technical

persistence and an unwavering resilience.

Okuma’s is a story of 40 years of

perseverance. A global brand journey of selfchallenge

and breaking technical monopolies.

From its inception, despite fierce

international competition, Okuma remained

committed to its proprietary brand, fuelled by

the conviction that only by truly understanding

anglers can it create superior products.

Over these four decades, Okuma has

forged deep symbiotic partnerships globally,

translating precise market insights into highly

competitive tackle solutions and becoming

an indispensable force in the global fishing

industry.

Showing the world

To honour this milestone, Okuma has curated a

special 40th-anniversary corporate film themed

Rising with Every Challenge.

The film articulates the brand’s upward

momentum in the face of adversity, focusing on

three defining pillars:

• In-house Production: Showcasing

Okuma’s robust manufacturing ecosystem

and its commitment to advanced equipment,

ensuring high-efficiency and premium-quality

production, from design to finished product.

• Co-Create: Documenting the close

collaboration with global pro-anglers and

partners to transform real-world experience

into innovative products.

• Education: Emphasising the brand’s

dedication to rooting angling culture and its

commitment to marine ecological conservation.

Reel appeal

Additionally, Okuma will be launching its 40th

Anniversary Commemorative Reel at the 2026

ICAST show in the USA this July.

Drawing inspiration from the connection

between anglers and water, the reel features a

high-impact aesthetic symbolising the brand’s

passion for fishing. Technical specifications

and detailed information will be released to the

media shortly.

Okuma will launch large-scale global social

media campaigns and giveaways to share this

40-year honour with its community of anglers.

Award-winning products

Okuma’s 40-year legacy is built upon relentless

research and development breakthroughs,

garnering prestigious international design

accolades, including the 2018 iF Design Award

(EPIXOR XT), the 2024 iF Design Award

(INSPIRA and TESORO LDJ), and the 2025

Good Design Award (TENMA).

The MAKAIRA series, renowned for its

extraordinary durability and stability, continues

to set the gold standard for customer satisfaction

in the world’s most gruelling offshore markets.

Featuring the patented Torsion Control

Armor (TCA) design, the INSPIRA and

EPIXOR XT series have captured significant

global attention for their enhanced structural

rigidity in the spinning reel market.

For the low-profile market, the HAKAI

series – with its innovative FLITE SPOOL and

FLITE SHAFT – leads the industry trend in

ultra-lightweight, high-performance casting.

The Okuma experience

Beyond commercial success, Okuma remains

dedicated to its social responsibility. Located

at its Taiwan headquarters, the Okuma Center

is the world’s first fishing-themed experience

factory.

This marine-focused facility not only

educates visitors on the fishing industry but

also promotes ecological conservation through

interactive experiences designed for children,

making it a landmark destination for domestic

and international tourists.

Okuma Fishing Tackle chairman and

founder, Charles Chang, said: “Reflecting on

four decades of growth, Okuma’s success has

been built on a foundation of manufacturing

excellence, a long-term strategic vision and

an unwavering commitment to sustainable,

responsible growth over short-term gains.

“As we look ahead, we recognise the

complexities of an evolving global landscape

but remain confident in our direction. With

continued investment in innovation, a deep

respect for our heritage and a commitment

to serving anglers around the world, we are

optimistic about the opportunities that lie

ahead.”

Looking towards the next decade, Okuma

maintains a highly optimistic outlook in the

more than 90 countries it impacts, setting

aggressive growth targets for the USA, Europe,

Latin America, Oceania and Japan. Through

deep collaboration with global strategic

partners, the brand continues to strengthen its

localised presence.

okumafishing.com


BUSINESS

DOING BUSINESS WITH…

THE GULF COAST, USA

The Gulf Coast of the United States does not simply support recreational

fishing; it lives and breathes it. From the oil-rig-dotted horizons of Texas to the

labyrinthine marshes of Louisiana and the tarpon-rich flats of Florida’s Gulf side,

angling is not just a pastime but a defining economic and cultural force.

The Gulf Coast’s tackle

industry is a complex,

adaptive network

of manufacturers,

retailers, guides and innovators

whose fortunes rise and fall with

the tides, seasons and fish stocks.

Across the United States,

more than 50 million people

fish recreationally each year,

generating well over $100 billion

in economic output.

The Gulf Coast accounts

for a substantial share of that

activity, particularly in saltwater

fishing, where warm climates and

accessible fisheries allow for yearround

participation.

Millions of anglers take to

Gulf waters annually, logging

tens of millions of fishing trips.

Unlike colder coastal regions,

where fishing can be highly

seasonal, the Gulf ’s relatively

stable weather patterns create a

persistent, dependable market

for tackle and gear.

This consistency is what

underpins the Gulf ’s importance

to the wider fishing economy.

Tackle sales are not driven solely

by occasional hobbyists; they

are sustained by repeat anglers

who fish frequently and invest

continuously.

Economically, the tackle

industry is inseparable from

the broader recreational fishing

sector. Spending on rods, reels

and terminal tackle forms a

significant portion of total angler

expenditure, but it also acts as a

gateway to wider spending.

An angler who invests in

gear is far more likely to book

a charter, fuel a boat, rent

accommodation and spend in

local restaurants. In this way,

tackle is both a product category

and a catalyst – one that drives

economic multipliers across

coastal communities.

Across the USA, recreational

fishing supports close to a million

jobs and the Gulf Coast states

account for a disproportionately

large share of that employment

due to their geographic and

climatic advantages.

What makes the Gulf

particularly compelling is not

just its scale but its diversity.

Each stretch of coastline has its

own identity, defined by species,

water conditions and angling

traditions – and each identity

shapes demand for tackle in

distinct ways.

Everything’s bigger in

Texas

In Texas, fishing is often a story

of contrasts. Inshore, anglers

wade grassy flats or drift shallow

bays in pursuit of redfish

and speckled trout, relying

on relatively light spinning

tackle, soft plastics and subtle

presentations.

But just a short run offshore,

the scene changes dramatically.

Oil platforms rise from deep

water, acting as artificial reefs

that attract snapper, kingfish and

even tuna.

Here, the gear escalates

accordingly: heavy conventional

reels, braided lines and robust


ECONOMY

FOCUS

Unemployment rate

Alabama: 2.7%

Mississippi: 3.7%

Florida: 4.6%

Texas: 4.3%

Louisiana: 4.4%

THE GULF COAST

Top Export Partners:

Mexico China Canada United Kingdom

The Netherlands

terminal tackle designed to

withstand powerful fish and

unforgiving structures. Both

lures and live bait find their way

into an angler’s armoury, here.

This duality – light inshore

finesse paired with heavy

offshore muscle – makes Texas

one of the most versatile tackle

markets in the Gulf.

Looking at Louisiana

Louisiana, often seen as the

epicentre of Gulf fishing is, by

contrast, defined by its marshes

and nutrient-rich estuaries. It

is a place where land and water

blur into a maze of channels,

ponds and estuaries that teem

with life.

Redfish dominate both the

ecology and the economy; and

their abundance has shaped

an entire subculture of fishing,

but you can also expect to

encounter speckled trout,

black drum and flounder.

Techniques here are

often tactile and visual:

sight-casting to tailing fish,

working soft plastics beneath

popping corks or drifting

live bait through tidal flows.

Kayak fishing is also a great

opportunity here.

The tackle trade responds

with high volumes of

consumables – jig heads,

hooks, leaders – items that are

inexpensive individually but

purchased in large quantities.

At the same time,

Louisiana’s proximity to deep

Gulf waters, particularly

Top Import Partners:

Mexico Canada China Taiwan Germany

FACT FILE

Principal cities: Houston, Tampa, Mobile, New Orleans,

Pensacola, Gulfport, Tallahassee

Total population: 64,008,345

President: Donald J Trump

Official language: English

Time zones: UTC -6, UTC -5 (eastern Florida)

Currency: US dollar


BUSINESS

around Venice, has fostered a

parallel offshore scene where

anglers pursue yellowfin tuna

with top-tier equipment. The

result is a market that spans both

ends of the price spectrum, from

everyday essentials to premium

offshore gear.

Eastern opportunities

Further east, Mississippi

and Alabama present a more

compact but no less intense

fishing environment. Here,

accessibility is key.

Long piers extend into the

Gulf, surf zones are easily

reachable and charter fleets

operate out of well-developed

coastal towns.

Tourism plays an outsized

role, bringing in waves of

seasonal anglers who may not

own specialised equipment.

This drives demand for entrylevel

tackle, rental gear and

ready-made rigs that prioritise

simplicity and reliability.

Yet alongside this accessible

market sits a serious offshore

fishery centred on species like

red snapper, sustaining demand

for heavier, more specialised

equipment, often on charter

boats.

The interplay between casual

and committed anglers creates

a layered retail environment,

where high-end reels can sit

just a few shelves away from

beginner rod-and-reel combos.

Florida fishing

Florida’s Gulf Coast, however,

is in a category of its own. It is

the largest, most diverse and

arguably most influential tackle

market in the region.

From the Panhandle down to

the Keys, anglers encounter an

extraordinary range of fisheries:

shallow flats where snook and

redfish cruise in inches of water,

deep reefs holding grouper and

snapper and open bluewater

routes for pelagic species like

mahi-mahi and sailfish.

Few fish capture the

imagination – and the spending

power – of anglers quite like

the tarpon, whose seasonal

migrations along the Gulf

coastlines draw both domestic

and international fishermen.

Targeting such species often

requires highly specialised

equipment, from precisionengineered

rods to highperformance

reels and advanced

lines. Electronics and associated

accessories also represent a

strong market here.

Florida has also become a

hub for fly fishing in saltwater,

further expanding the range of

tackle demanded as anglers head

to the extensive flats or try sight

fishing for tarpon.

This diversity has helped the

state evolve into a distribution

and innovation centre for the

broader Gulf tackle industry.

Many brands test products in

its waters, refine techniques

among its angling communities

and distribute goods through its

extensive retail networks.

Large-format stores and

national chains have a strong

presence, but they coexist with

independent tackle shops that

offer local expertise and curated

selections tailored to specific

fisheries.

Earning your share

Across the Gulf as a whole,

the structure of the tackle

industry reflects both tradition

and adaptation. Independent

retailers remain vital, particularly

in areas where local knowledge

can mean the difference between

success and failure on the

water. These shops often serve

as informal community hubs,

where information flows as

freely as transactions.

At the same time, large chains

such as Bass Pro Shops and

Academy Sports + Outdoors

have expanded aggressively,

leveraging scale to offer

competitive pricing and broad

product ranges.

On the manufacturing side,

global brands like Shimano, Penn

and Daiwa dominate the higher

end of the market, particularly in

offshore applications.

Meanwhile, companies such

as Z-Man Fishing Products and

Strike King have built strong

followings in inshore and

crossover fisheries, where lure

innovation and durability are key

selling points.

Florida, in particular, hosts

a constellation of smaller

manufacturers producing

niche lures, custom rods and

specialised terminal tackle,


THE GULF COAST

contributing to a culture of

continuous experimentation.

Guiding lights

Charter captains and fishing

guides also play an understated

but crucial role in shaping the

industry. They are, in effect,

frontline product testers whose

preferences influence thousands

of clients each year.

When a guide standardises

on a particular reel or lure, that

choice often ripples outward

through the angling community,

driving demand far beyond the

initial purchase. In this sense, the

Gulf ’s tackle industry is as much

about influence and reputation

as it is about manufacturing and

retail.

Strong investment

In recent years, several trends

have begun to reshape the

landscape. One is the steady

premiumisation of gear. Anglers,

particularly those targeting

high-value species or fishing

frequently, are increasingly

willing to invest in top-tier

equipment that offers marginal

gains in performance, durability

or comfort.

Another is the growing

reliance on artificial lures, driven

partly by conservation concerns

and partly by convenience.

Advances in materials and design

have made lures more lifelike and

effective, reducing dependence

on live bait in many fisheries.

At the same time, the industry

remains highly sensitive to

external factors. Regulations

governing catch limits and

seasons can have immediate

effects on sales, particularly for

species like red snapper, where

access is tightly controlled.

Environmental events –

hurricanes, oil spills or shifts

in water quality – can disrupt

fishing patterns and, by

extension, the businesses that

depend on them.

The Gulf Coast is no

stranger to such volatility and

resilience has become a defining

characteristic of its tackle

industry.

Ultimately, the health of the

Gulf ’s fishing tackle sector is

inseparable from the health of

its fisheries. Abundant, wellmanaged

fish stocks sustain

angler participation, which in

turn sustains spending.

Declines in key species can

ripple through the economy,

affecting not just anglers but

retailers, manufacturers and

entire coastal communities.

Conservation, therefore, is

not an abstract concern but a

practical necessity – one that

underwrites the long-term

viability of the industry.

What emerges from this

complex picture is a region that

is both economically significant

and culturally distinctive. The

Gulf Coast is not merely one

market among many; it is a

powerhouse of recreational

fishing, characterised by

diversity, intensity and deeprooted

traditions.

Its tackle industry reflects

all of these qualities, balancing

local specificity with global

connections, and innovation

with heritage.

Every cast made in Gulf waters

– whether from a marsh skiff in

Louisiana, a pier in Alabama,

or a charter boat off the Florida

coast – depends on that industry.

Quietly, persistently, it equips

the experience.

WWW.TACKLETRADEWORLD.COM

39

FEATURE

FLY FISHING SHOW

ATHENS SELECTED TO HOST

GEORGIA FLY FISHING SHOW

Sometimes things turn out better than anyone could have hoped. Such is the case

with the Georgia, USA Fly Fishing Show, which was on the hunt for a new home.

It appears to have found one…

When The Fly Fishing Show lost

its longtime Georgia home

near Atlanta shortly before the

2026 show season, it seemed

like the Georgia show was done. And then came

Athens!

With a population of some 130,000 and

metropolitan Athens-Clarke county boasting

225,000 residents – in addition to the

University of Georgia’s 42,000-plus students

and thousands more in faculty and staff, all of a

high angling percentage – the Classic Center in

Athens has been named the new home of the

Georgia Fly Fishing Show.

The move takes effect from the first Fly

Fishing Show of the 2027 season on January

9th and 10th, announced Ben Furimsky, show

president and CEO.

A short drive from Atlanta, Athens is a

familiar recreational destination for Georgia and

the entire southeast. It boasts the University

of Georgia’s football stadium, basketball arena

and other attractions. The new Georgia show

site features a 54,025 sq ft exhibit hall with

adjoining theatres, restaurants and other

amenities.

Everything, everywhere…

Ben Furimsky explained: “The Athens Classic

Center has everything needed for both

exhibitors and show attendees. We will have

ample room for audio/visual presentations, fly

tying and casting demonstrations and other

classes, seminars and how-to-do-it sessions.

Parking, hotel and all other services and facilities

are absolutely top notch.”

For 2027, the Georgia show will kick off

the season and is immediately followed by

the remaining Fly Fishing Show itinerary,

concluding with Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in

mid-March.

With the sole exception of the Georgia site,

all other 2027 national Fly Fishing Show venues

remain the same after a very successful 2026

season, acknowledged Furimsky.

Examining the demographics, Athens is

located one to two hours from north Georgia

and surrounding state trout streams and by

small rivers with bass, carp and pan fish.

Trout anglers tend to be male, 40 to

65-years-old, college educated, with a

$150,000-plus income, will travel to Florida,

Mexico, The Bahamas, Belize and other

locations for “exotic” fish as well as buy tackle,

books and guided trips.

The Athens Classic Center, opened in 1995,

holds about 650 events annually and hosts

about 650,000 guests to a range of conventions,

performances and exhibitions… and now it’s

home to the Georgia Fly Fishing Show.

Time to book

The Fly Fishing Show is now taking contracts

for 2027 exhibitor booth space. Returning

exhibitors were guaranteed booths through to

June 1st, 2026, when the show opened to new

exhibitors.

For questions on multiple show discounts,

deposit deadlines and opportunities for show

feature demonstrations along with Adventure

and Destination Theatre presentations, contact

the Fly Fishing Show at +1 814 443 3638.

Or go to flyfishingshow.com/exhibitor-info/

and follow the directions for either new or

returning exhibitors.

Fly Fishing Show

2027 schedule:

January 9th and 10th

Athens, Georgia.

January 15th to 17th

Marlborough, Massachusetts

January 22nd to 24th

Edison, New Jersey

February 5th to 7th

Denver, Colorado

February 26th to 28th

Pleasanton, California

March 13th and 14th

Lancaster, Pennsylvania.


FEATURE

DAIWA POWER ASSIST

LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD

DAIWA

As the fishing industry evolves, a quiet revolution is taking place at the intersection of

technology and accessibility. Leading the charge is DAIWA, whose latest generation of

‘palmable’ electric reels is redefining who can participate in the sport.

Long considered the exclusive domain

of deep-sea commercial vessels or

extreme deep-drop enthusiasts,

power-assist reels are undergoing a

dramatic transformation.

By shrinking the footprint of high-torque

motors into frames that mirror upsized

saltwater baitcasters, DAIWA is solving one of

the industry’s most persistent challenges – the

physical barrier to entry.

For many anglers, including youth with

smaller hands, women, seniors facing mobility

issues and adaptive anglers, the physical toll of

deep-water retrieval or battling high-torque

game fish can be a deterrent.

DAIWA’s compact power-assist lineup –

headlined by the Seaborg 300J and the highoutput

Seaborg 500J – serve as the ultimate

equalisers.

Trent Rogers, president of Rogers Sports

Marketing, explained: “The shift isn’t just

about fishing deeper – it’s about fishing longer

and more inclusively.

“By integrating the JOG Power Lever and

MAGMAX motors into reels that can be fished

in-hand, we are ensuring that age, physical

strength or disability no longer dictate an

angler’s ability to stay in the game.”

Innovation abounds

Traditional electric reels were cumbersome

winches mounted to gunwales. In contrast, the

modern Seaborg series is designed for tactical

power-assist, meaning the reel is held and

operated exactly like a manual setup.

This allows the angler to feel the strike and

manage the fight while the motor provides the

necessary mechanical advantage to retrieve

heavy jigs, rigs or aid battle fatigue.

The Seaborg 500J represents the benchmark

for the 2026 season, delivering a massive 166lb

of momentary winding power. This allows an

adaptive angler to winch a stubborn grouper or

tilefish off the bottom with the push of a thumb

and transitioning seamlessly between manual

cranking and motor-assisted retrieval.

Key technology includes:

• JOG Power Lever: Enables one-handed

operation. Anglers adjust speed and power

with a single thumb – a critical feature for those

with limited dexterity or smaller hands.

• MAGMAX G Motor: This slide-brush

motor delivers four times the durability of

previous generations. It provides the instant

torque required to move large fish within a

compact, lightweight 26.5oz frame.

• Automated Jigging: Precision vertical

presentations can be executed at the touch of a

button, removing the shoulder and back strain

often associated with manual

speed-jigging.

Rising to demand

There are many reasons why

the market needs to shift and adapt,

offering more accessible solutions to

anglers of all types.

A generational shift means

participation among anglers aged 65 and

older has grown by over 7.4 per cent in the last

year, now outperforming nearly every other

age demographic in growth.

Meanwhile, females now represent 37 per

cent of the total angling population, while

youth participation (ages six to 12) has climbed

to 7.5 million participants.

More and more people are also going fishing.

Total angling participation has climbed to

an all-time high of 57.9 million Americans –

proving the sport is more popular than ever.

Despite this growth, the industry faces a

“leaky bucket” with 16.6 million participants

lapsing annually. Ergonomic technology is one

tool for plugging that leak, ensuring that those

facing physical challenges or aging out don’t

become part of that statistic.

By removing the physical barriers to

entry, DAIWA is protecting the industry’s

growth. It’s about more than just recruitment

– it’s about providing the technical chassis that

allows a lifetime of participation.

Final thoughts

Whether it is a child reeling in their first reef

fish or a lifelong angler returning to the water

after surgery, power-assist technology ensures

the experience remains focused on the joy

of the catch rather than the physical struggle

of the gear. The message is clear – the future

of fishing is powered, portable and open to

everyone.

daiwa.us


FEATURE

NAVIGATING THE FUTURE:

THE 2026 BIHAI HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

Since the inaugural BiHai Fishing

Tackle Industry Summit Forum

in 2014, this premier industry

event has spanned over a decade.

It has facilitated deep discussions on

themes such as “Joining forces to meet

challenges and boosting brand building”

and “Development of brand fishing tackle

under the new normal.”

While the 2025 European Carp Fishing

Development Forum injected fresh ideas into

the sector, the 2026 BiHai Fishing Tackle

Industry Seminar shifted its focus toward an

even more ambitious future.

Co-hosted by Beijing BiHai Fishing Tackle

Co and China Angling magazine, the seminar

took place alongside the 2026 Spring Bi Hai

Fishing Tackle Industry Expo.

Centered on the theme of “High-quality

integrated development of the fishing tackle

industry during the 15th Five-Year Plan,”

the event gathered heavyweights from

government, academia, associations and

enterprises.

Keynote speakers included Wei Baozhen,

president of the China Recreational Angling

Association (CRAA); Shi Zehua, president

of the China Angling Association (CAA); Bai

Fengxiang, secretary of the Ninghe District

Committee in Tianjin; Deng Xiangyang,

general manager of Guangwei Group and

Professor Liang Qiang from the School of

Business at Tianjin University of Finance and

Economics.

Together, they offered strategic guidance for

the Chinese fishing tackle industry during this

critical period of transformation.

A catalyst for rural revitalisation

Wei Baozhen, president of CRAA, emphasised

that recreational angling is becoming a vital

path for promoting rural revitalisation and

integrating the fishing, cultural and tourism

sectors.

Today, recreational angling has evolved from

a simple leisure activity into a comprehensive


Shi Zehua, President of CAA

Bai Fengxiang, Secretary of the Ninghe

District Committee in Tianjin

industry that bridges primary, secondary and

tertiary sectors, boosting employment and

rural economic prosperity.

According to monitoring data, the national

output value of recreational fisheries reached

99.303 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year

increase of 6.61 per cent.

Of this, recreational angling and collection

accounted for 28.437 billion yuan. The industry

now boasts 134,300 operating entities,

supports over 830,000 jobs, and attracts 287

million tourists annually.

Shandong province has led the nation for

eight consecutive years, with an output of 20.9

billion yuan.

Regarding practical implementation,

the “Promotion of agriculture through

tournaments” model has proven highly

effective. By organising professional angling

events, human traffic, information, and capital

are funnelled into rural areas, creating a ripple

effect.

“A single fishing rod can leverage the entire

chain of ‘tournaments + culture/tourism +

agriculture,” Wei noted.

Moving forward, the CRAA will focus on

standardising the industry, promoting certified

“fishing guides,” and nurturing regional event

IPs such as the Yellow River “Carp Jumping

over the Dragon Gate” series and the China

Outdoor Angling Open.

This provides a clear management

framework for long-term health while

establishing four critical “red lines.” Under the

new regulations, fishing is strictly prohibited in

no-take zones, during closed seasons or within

drinking water sources.

Furthermore, the law mandates a “one rod,

one line and no more than two hooks” policy,

while banning multi-hooks, fish finders and

visual snagging devices.

The use of toxic baits, live aquatic organisms

or invasive species as bait is also forbidden

and the sale of catches in the market is strictly

prohibited.

Shi Zehua, president of the CAA, outlined

the blueprint for the 15th Five-Year Plan,

highlighting that, with over 100 million

enthusiasts in China – 40 per cent of whom

are under 35 – there is a surging demand for

functional, stylish and high-value brands. Highquality

development must go hand-in-hand

with green transformation.

As “double carbon” goals progress, the

industry is shifting toward bio-based fishing

lines, biodegradable nets and recycling systems

for used gear.

On the technical front, “smart tackle”

has become the new frontier, with IoT and

AI being integrated into designs to monitor

tension and automate drag control.

Manufacturing innovation and

global strategy

From a manufacturing perspective, Deng

Xiangyang of Guangwei Group shared insights

on the leap in automation.

In 2020, the average application of

automated equipment in major fishing tackle

enterprises was below 18 per cent; by 2025, this

rose to 45 per cent.

In sectors like rods and reels, automation in

some factories has reached 85 per cent to 100

per cent. For instance, Weihai Handing utilised

a 20-million-yuan automated line where a

robotic arm completes a wrapping process

in just 15 seconds – three times faster than a

human – with precision errors under 0.1 mm.

The marketing landscape has also shifted.

By 2025, e-commerce accounted for over 60

per cent of total sales, with live-streaming and

social commerce contributing nearly 40 per

cent of online growth.

Deng suggested that as labour costs rise

and international tariffs fluctuate, establishing

overseas production bases in southeast

Asia or Africa is no longer an option but a

Wei Baozhen,

President of CRAA

necessity for Chinese firms to maintain global

competitiveness.

Strategic policy dividends

Professor Liang Qiang discussed the strategic

“policy dividends” of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

He noted that the policy focus has shifted from

“scale expansion” to “quality, efficiency and

structural optimisation.”

By 2030, China’s sports industry is projected

to exceed 7 trillion yuan, with fishing tackle

expected to contribute approximately 200

billion yuan.

Liang identified five key success factors for

the industry’s future: technological innovation,

brand building, supply chain management,

user operations and international expansion.

He concluded that the industry is at a pivotal

crossroads, transitioning from traditional

manufacturing to smart manufacturing and

from low-end competition to brand-driven

value.

By seizing the opportunities within the

15th Five-Year Plan, the fishing tackle sector

is set to play a leading role in the high-quality

development of China’s broader sports

economy.

China Bihai Fishing Expo

Column Vol. 13

Hosted by the China Bihai Fishing

Expo (CBFE), aims to showcase

high-quality Chinese fishing

tackle products, promoting

Chinese brands to fishing enthusiasts

worldwide and highlighting the unique

charm of the Bihai Fishing Expo as the

world’s largest fishing tackle exhibition.

Over the past 35 years, the expo has

successfully held 70 editions. Since moving

to Tianjin in 2013, it has maintained an

exhibition area of over 100,000 sq m.

It has witnessed the rise and growth of the

Chinese fishing tackle industry, representing

the highest standards and latest achievements

in Chinese fishing tackle design and

manufacturing.

The expo serves as a “barometer” of

the Chinese fishing tackle industry’s

development and has become an annual

gathering for Chinese and global brands,

businesses of all sizes and fishing enthusiasts

to connect, collaborate and celebrate.

We warmly welcome fishing enthusiasts

and industry professionals from around the

globe to attend!

Organising committee : +86 010-62071529

Fax: + 86 010-82259813

Email: china@bjbhdj.cn

Website: www.bhdjz.com

Address: No. 9 Linmen, Deshengmen East Binhe Road,

Xicheng District, Beijing

WeChat Official Account: bh-62071529

CHINA

Legal frameworks and green

transformation

The newly revised Fisheries Law, which

officially took effect on May 1st, 2026, defines

recreational angling as “entertaining and nonprofit”

at the national legislative level.


w

FEATURE

MASTERING THE ARC:

A NEW PHILOSOPHY IN FISHING GEAR INNOVATION

An interview with the founders of

ARCPRO, the North Americanbased

tackle developer with a

global supply chain.

TTW: Every new brand has a story. Tell us

about the origins of ARCPRO. Why this name

and how does your cross-border structure

between North America and Asia actually

function?

ARCPRO: ARCPRO was born on the shores

of Lake Ontario. We started with a simple

question: Can we make the fishing experience

more intuitive and seamless? The word ARC

represents the geometry of fishing – from the

cast of a line to the ripples under a boat; arcs are

the dialogue between the angler and nature.

PRO stands for our deep commitment to the

craft.

Our structure is a study in modern global

synergy. Our North American team spearheads

strategy, brand identity and market insights.

Our Chinese office manages our complex

supply chain, while Hong Kong oversees global

expansion.

We are not tethered to one location; we

source components and manufacturing

expertise from Japan, the US, Vietnam and

China to ensure the highest quality for each

specific product line.

TTW: Your UFO Floating Aerator has become

a number one best seller on Amazon US. How

did you identify the specific gap in the live bait

storage market?

ARCPRO: We didn’t just “find” a gap; we

lived it. We are anglers ourselves. In North

America, live bait fishing is foundational, yet the

hardware has remained stagnant for years. We

saw consistent complaints about loud motors

scaring fish or pumps failing mid-trip.

By testing prototypes in real-world

conditions, we realized that the market lacked a

truly rugged, IPX7 waterproof, floating aerator

with silent motor technology. We even moved

away from standard USB ports to custom

magnetic charging to ensure the unit remains

hermetically sealed against saltwater.

TTW: You lean into the “Designed in Canada”

narrative. How has this influenced consumer

trust in your early growth phase?

ARCPRO: It’s about accountability. By rooting

our design and customer service in Canada,

we offer a promise of agility. If a customer has

an issue, they are speaking to someone who

understands the local waters. It’s not just a label;

it’s a commitment to localised support that

builds long-term brand equity.

TTW: Can you give us an example of how your

R&D is tailored to specific North American

environments?

ARCPRO: Certainly. First, we addressed

salt-water corrosion. Standard industry tests

involve 72 hours of exposure; we pushed our

requirements to a 1,000-hour stress test.

Second, we studied dissolved oxygen levels

for specific species. While warm-water species

like smallmouth bass are resilient, cold-water

species like trout are highly sensitive to oxygen

drops. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” bubble

output, our Series 5 allows for precision

adjustment to prevent stress responses in

different species.

TTW: The UFO”shape is striking. How did you

balance that aesthetic with the functional need

for stability and anti-capsizing?

ARCPRO: The logic was “self-righting”. We

used extensive CAD modelling and 3D printing

to perfect a low-centre-of-gravity, wide-body

profile. No matter how much a boat tosses or

how much water moves in the bait bucket, the

unit stays upright.

The UFO aesthetic also mirrors our

philosophy: “Master the Arc, Not Just the Fish.”

Fishing is about exploration and we wanted

a tool that looked like it belonged to the next

generation of gear.

TTW: Today’s innovators face a dilemma: the

speed of counterfeit competitors from around


the world is getting faster and faster. How do

you view and address this?

ARCPRO: This is a difficult problem. Our

flying saucer floating aeration pump, which

was launched in January this year, encountered

imitators in May, even though we were the first

to create it.

I believe that, first, we should do a good job

in protecting intellectual property rights during

development. Second, competition in business

and products is a long-distance race rather than

a sprint, so you need to ensure that you have

more stable quality and better service.

For example, our magnetic charging is far

superior to the USB silicone waterproof port of

imitators in terms of waterproof durability.

Third, we need to accumulate technology

and iterative reserves. Fourth, and most

importantly, focus on your own users and brand

and continuously create value for them, just like

what Apple and Google do.

TTW: Bridging the gap between a North

American design and a Chinese factory is

notoriously difficult. What technical hurdles did

your supply chain team have to overcome?

ARCPRO: It was a rigorous process. We

rejected off-the-shelf motors in favour of

a proprietary internal structure to achieve

a superior air-volume-to-noise ratio. For

longevity, we integrated an advanced Battery

Management System (BMS) for temperature

and overcharge protection. We also transitioned

to high-impact ABS materials to ensure the unit

survives the harsh reality of rock banks and ice

fishing.

TTW: Beyond the product itself, what localised

support does your team provide that a standard

“factory brand” might lack?

ARCPRO: Content and authenticity. While

AI is changing the industry, our visual assets

are produced by real anglers on the water in

California and Ontario. We prioritise precision

in SEO and localised storytelling. We aren’t just

translating keywords; we are communicating in

the vernacular of the sport.

TTW: Scale often breaks supply chains. How

are you managing the pressure of rapid growth

and sudden demand spikes?

ARCPRO: It’s a challenge even for the

titans like Apple. Our strategy is three-fold:

we maintain a diverse portfolio of backup

manufacturers across different regions; we

hold a “safety stock” of long-lead components

like battery cells and silent pumps; and we are

willing to absorb higher air-freight costs when

necessary to ensure the customer never sees an

“out of stock” notice.

TTW: You’ve mentioned a “pragmatic” or

“humble” approach to the market. Is this a

strategic move to navigate current global trade

complexities?

ARCPRO: Let’s be clear: we never hide our

manufacturing roots. “Made in China” is on

every box. China remains a pinnacle of global

manufacturing excellence.

Our “humility” is actually a sign of respect for

the sport. This industry is filled with centennial

brands that we admire. We don’t view ourselves

as “better”; we view ourselves as contributors.

As for trade tensions, every global brand must

be pragmatic. We focus on what we can control:

the quality of our gear and the satisfaction of

our users.

TTW: As you prepare to enter the UK and

German markets, how are you handling the

rigorous EU compliance standards like CE and

WEEE?

ARCPRO: The European regulatory landscape

is sophisticated, and we have prepared

accordingly. Our electronics meet CE, FCC and

UL standards; and we have already applied for

the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) for our

environmental initiatives. We don’t launch in a

new territory until the compliance foundation is

100 per cent solid.

TTW: How critical is the role of your North

American team in the iterative R&D process?

ARCPRO: They are the bridge. They capture

the raw emotion and urgency of customer

feedback. They filter thousands of data points

from Amazon reviews and social media to

distinguish between an isolated incident and a

systemic need for a design update. This allows

our R&D team to focus only on high-value

iterations.

TTW: What is the three-year roadmap for

ARCPRO? How do you protect your intellectual

property?

ARCPRO: We are expanding in two directions:

deepening our current hero categories and

entering adjacent gear sectors that solve specific

angler pain points.

Regarding IP, we have already secured

utility and design patents in the US for the

UFO Aerator, with European filings currently

in progress. We are building a fortress of

trademarks to protect our brand assets across all

future series.

TTW: : Is this “multi-national collaboration”

the definitive model for the future of the fishing

industry?

ARCPRO: It’s not a “formula” you can

just copy-paste. It’s about brand DNA. The

challenge is managing cross-time zone

synchronisation and the “cultural cost” of

decision-making. You have to find a consensus

on “who has the final say” at every pivot point.

TTW: We hear you are launching a

biodegradable spool. In an era of product

homogenisation, is sustainability your new

competitive edge?

ARCPRO: Our R&D into eco-friendly

materials is constant. Beyond water-based

coatings for our PE lines, we’ve developed

a 100 per cent plant-fibre spool that is fully

biodegradable. Anglers care about the

environment more than ever. Many brands

compete on price or specs; we prefer to innovate

by returning to the user’s actual needs –

durability, usability and a respect for the waters

we fish. That is the only way to build a brand

that lasts.

TTW: More and more brands need to consider

how to plan their online and offline strategies

and how to balance them. How do you handle

this?

ARCPRO: For new brands, the online space

is a place where they can gain exposure and

visibility more quickly. As you know, there are

more and more platforms these days, so we will

choose platforms like Amazon, Walmart and

self-built independent websites that are more

in line with our brand style and have higher user

trust.

Although we use the online space as a good

starting point in the early stage, we have never

defined ourselves in this way. We know that

offline offers better shopping and service

experiences. If we look at it from the users’

perspective, we will find that this is a must-have

option without hesitation.

So in our first year of establishment,

we decided to participate in the ICAST

2026 exhibition, where we look forward to

meeting more channel partners, retailers and

professional anglers.

TTW: When it comes to participating in

the ICAST exhibition, do you have any

expectations?

ARCPRO: First, participating in the world’s

largest fishing trade show will mark ARCPRO

Fishing’s first official debut, which is a milestone

event. Second, as previously mentioned, offline

channels are a crucial part of our business, and

we look forward to establishing connections

with more offline partners to achieve diversified

channel implementation. Third, this is a great

opportunity for us to learn from outstanding

global peers.

support@arcprofishing.com

ICAST Booth: 5616

CHINA


FEATURE

MARKETING

THE

SEVEN PILLARS

OF MARKETING

Successful brands are built on a framework that aligns customer needs with

business goals and at the heart of that framework are what are known as the

seven pillars of marketing.

These seven pillars provide

organisations with a blueprint for

creating value, building loyalty and

maintaining a competitive edge in an

increasingly crowded marketplace.

Together, they form the foundation of

effective marketing strategy. Businesses

that integrate all seven elements are better

positioned to attract customers, build lasting

relationships and adapt to changing market

conditions.

In a world where consumer expectations

evolve rapidly, mastering the seven pillars of

marketing is no longer optional – it is essential

for sustainable success.

Product

Every successful marketing strategy begins

with a product or service that solves a genuine

problem or fulfils a specific need. Companies

that thrive understand their audience deeply

and continually refine their offerings to remain

relevant.

Whether it is a smartphone, a streaming

service or a luxury hotel experience, the product

must deliver consistent quality and a clear

benefit to consumers.

Price

Pricing is far more than assigning a monetary

value; it communicates positioning and

perceived worth. Premium brands often use

higher pricing to signal exclusivity, while

budget-focused businesses compete on

affordability.

Effective pricing strategies balance

profitability with customer expectations and

market conditions. In a digital economy where

consumers can compare prices instantly, getting

this balance right is crucial.

Place

This concerns how products reach consumers.

Distribution channels have evolved dramatically

in recent years, with businesses now operating

across physical stores, e-commerce platforms

and mobile applications simultaneously.

Convenience plays a major role in purchasing

decisions; and brands that make access simple

and seamless are more likely to secure customer

loyalty.

Promotion

This is perhaps the most visible aspect of

marketing. Promotion includes advertising,

public relations, social media campaigns,

influencer partnerships and content marketing.

Modern promotion is no longer about

broadcasting messages to the masses; it is about

creating meaningful engagement. Consumers

expect authenticity and interaction, and brands

that communicate with transparency often

achieve stronger emotional connections.

People

Employees, customer service representatives

and sales teams all shape how a brand is

perceived. A company’s reputation can be

strengthened or damaged through human

interaction.

Businesses that invest in staff training and

customer relationships often create experiences

that encourage repeat business and positive

word-of-mouth marketing.

Process

This refers to the systems and procedures that

ensure customers receive a smooth and reliable

experience. From online checkout systems

to delivery logistics and complaint handling,

efficient processes enhance satisfaction and

trust. In many industries, superior customer

experience has become just as important as the

product itself.

Physical Evidence

In service-based industries particularly,

consumers seek tangible reassurance about

quality and credibility. This can include store

design, packaging, branding materials, online

reviews or even the appearance of a company’s

website. Physical evidence helps customers

feel confident in their purchasing decisions and

reinforces brand identity.

48 WWW.TACKLETRADEWORLD.

Classifieds

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@artichokehq.com

COMING UP…

AUGUST 2026

Ad Copy: June 19th, 2026

Mailed: July 8th, 2026

Special issue: EFTTEX Review

Spotlight: Hooks

Doing Business With: Middle East

SEPTEMBER 2026

Ad Copy: July 17th, 2026

Mailed: August 5th, 2026

Special issue: ICAST Review

Spotlight: Clothing

Doing Business With: The Bahamas

OCTOBER 2026

Ad Copy: August 14th, 2026

Mailed: September 2nd, 2026

Special issue: Destination Fishing

Spotlight: Line

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@artichokehq.com

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@artichokehq.com

MAKING CONTACT

1

2

3

MAKING CONTACT

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@artichokehq.com

Contact John directly for

details of how to send

your product / images and

a short description to

Tackle Trade World.

1 DAIWA

PRESSO LURE WALLET

This is an essential accessory for

any angler, expertly designed to

organise and protect your small

spoons and lures. Compact and

efficient, its dimensions of 5.6

x 1.6 x 7.9 in make it the perfect

size to fit in your fishing bag or

to carry around for quick access.

This wallet comes in two stylish

colour options – classic black

and vibrant orange, catering

to personal preferences and

ensuring your fishing gear stands

out. It is a functional yet affordable

solution for keeping small fishing

accessories secure and readily

available, making it a must-have

for both casual and serious

anglers.

daiwa.us

2 DONMAR

CHECKPOINT 880TI PLIERS

The Donnmar Checkpoint 880Ti

Titanium Pliers deliver precision,

durability and standout style for

serious anglers. Handcrafted

in upstate New York, these

ultra-lightweight pliers are

made from military-grade

titanium for superior strength

and corrosion resistance. They

feature replaceable tungstencarbide

cutters for long-term

performance that easily cuts braid

and mono. Built for reliability in

any conditions and backed by

a lifetime warranty, these pliers

truly are “tools for the serious

sportsman.”

www.donnmarpliers.com

3 TROKAR

TK110 HOOK

Built on a heritage of strength,

forged construction delivers

hooks that resist bending and

stay reliable under pressure. By

compressing the metal, forging

creates a tougher, more durable

hook – ideal for hard-fighting

freshwater predators. The

classic Lazer Sharp EWG worm

hook (L7013) offers dependable

performance for everyday anglers,

balancing strength and value.

Step up to Trokar (TK110) and

you get forged shanks paired

with a precision-cut point for fast

penetration. Whether casting soft

plastics or fishing heavy cover,

forged Eagle Claw hooks inspire

confidence.

export@eagleclaw.com


21.3 kg, 129 cm

21.2 kg, 137 cm

21.1 kg 125.5 cm

DEEP IN FRÖSÖN, SWEDEN, FAR FROM POLISHED OFFICES

AND PREDICTABLE THINKING, THERE’S A PLACE WHERE

IDEAS DON’T START IN MEETINGS - THEY START ON THE

WORKBENCH. THEY CALL IT THE WOLF CAVE.

HERE, IN THE WORKSHOP OF ANDERS ULVFORSEN, LURES ARE CARVED,

TESTED, TORN APART, AND REBUILT. HANDS-ON. WOOD, STEEL, PAINT,

PLASTIC. TRIAL BY WATER. EVERY DETAIL SHAPED BY FEEL - NOT THEORY.

SOME IDEAS NEVER LEAVE THE CAVE. THE ONES THAT DO HAVE EARNED IT!

FROM HERE, THEY’VE TRAVELLED FAR BEYOND SWEDISH WATERS,

EARNING THEIR PLACE ON RECORD FISH WORLDWIDE.

DISTRIBUTION: NORDIC FIELDSPORT - SALES@NORDIC-FIELDSPORT.COM - WWW.WOLFCREEK-FISHING.COM

INNOVATION

you can hear

performance

you can trust

3x

attracts fish from 3

times the distance of

traditional lures

BUILT WITH ELECTRONIC

B A I T F I S H S O U N D

Natural Electronic

baitfish Sound

Multi-sensory

attraction

up to

30 ft

strike response

FORWARD

FACING

SONAR

CERTIFIED

5ft 10ft 15ft 30ft

L I V I N G S T O N L U R E S . C O M

Tackle Trade World July 2026

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