Angling Trade International - June 2011 - 41 by Brave Creative

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE EFTTEX 2011 EXHIBITORS June 2011 Issue 41

E PR FTTE E X V I W I S NO D TO E S E L W I A M U + 0 E ,00SSES 11 E N USI HE B UND T ARO ORLD W

Essential reading for buyers in the tackle trade Online at angling-international.com

E PR FTTE EV X I E + W 0 11 00

A MESSAGE Face-to-face ace meetings ey to success p45 p4 45 FROM EFTTA are your key

85 pag es of s how NOWD TO new E MAIL sa nd , SSES pro E duc N I S E U H B ts ND T

June 2011 Issue 41

AROUORLD W

Essential reading for buyers in the tackle trade

GLOBAL NEWS Rapala targets the waders market New launch will have strong eco credentials p14

Airrus announces new rod material It will revolutionise rod building, say the US manufacturer p18

Boost for EFTTA Line Charter First Dart and American Fishing Wire sign up p29

Online at angling-international.com

EFTTEX ISTHE KEY TO YOUR GROWTH On the eve of the 30th EFTTEX, there are clear indications within our pages that confidence in the show is now stronger than ever. This issue is the biggest we have ever Writes Mel Bagnall, produced – 20% bigger than last year – and Editor of Angling if advertiser response is any measure, heralds International: It was in possibly the best EFTTEX ever. 1982 that the wheels of An amazing 138 advertisements in this EFTTEX began to turn. issue include 20 advertisers appearing in the Slowly at first, with less magazine for the first time. than a hundred of what From this it is clear that the industry proved to be visionary understands the best way to make the most exhibitors buying into of exhibiting at trade shows is to pre-promote the EFTTA dream for their presence – and the parallel between the an annual gathering of the European fishing rising fortunes of EFTTEX and Angling tackle trade. EFTTA General Manager Caroline Thomas, InternationaI – the show’s official media Hans von Keller of Cormoran, Germany, Mike partner – is surely no coincidence. Duckworth from Ashima UK and Christophe We also endorse Jean-Claude Bel’s comViellard from VMC France were among those ments elsewhere in this issue that while in whose brainchild took shape in Birmingham, this digital age it is easy to deal with customers England, in that year. Boone Bait from Florida remotely, it is also the first step to losing and Norwegian hook company Mustad them. That is why Angling International will were among those early exhibitors and have be in Amsterdam in force (we are the only magaremained ever-present to this day. zine with a booth at the show – JO8) to meet Now, 12 countries and 17 cities later, the both existing and new customers face to face. travelling roadshow that is EFTTEX prepares In the meantime, long may the industry’s for its 30th trade show. Stand space is sold love affair with EFTTEX continue. out and a significant increase in visitor T E COUEFTH NTDTEX numbers is anticipated as the show returns PREFTTE OW SPLINE N ISSEVIEWX ISSECIAS L UE UE to its favourite location, Amsterdam. While the history of EFTTEX has not been without its trials and tribulations, GLOBAL SOLUTIONS IONS the Association and its flagship event have NE THE X LI come through in good shape. The show appears as strong now as it has ever been. By contrast Angling International is only three-and-a-half years old and still a relative newcomer to the market. Launched just prior to the onset of the ecoAbove: An amazing 20 advertisers appear in this issue for the first time, making more than 40 new nomic decline, the magazine has, advertisers in the last three issues. like EFTTEX, defied the downturn. from VMC,

RS Updatesand more p39 HOOK MAKE HOLDING FIRM Mustad

AIRRUS ROD Italian company ompany RESURRECTED relaunches iconic brand April 2011 Issue 39

NOWD TO

ILE COMPLETE GUIDE TO MAYOUR 0+ S ,00 THE EFTTEX 2011 1 EXHIBITORS ITORS 11 ESSE E BUSIN TH

May 2011 Issue 40

ND D AROU WORL June 2011 Issue 41

NOWD TO ED MAILE 0+ S ES 11,00 SSE ESS BUSINE D THE D AROUND WORLD

for buyers Essential reading

Essential reading for buyers in the tackle trade Online at angling-international.com ngling-inte

NOWD TO

MAILE 0+ S 11,00 INESSE THE

ternational.com Online at angling-in

in the tackle trade

BUS UND ARO RLD WO

Essential reading for buyers in the tackle trade Online at angling-international.com !#"$

“EFTTEX IS THE EXPORT GATEWAY TO EUROPE.” HIROAKI KIYOMOTO, MEIHO, JAPAN “EFTTEX IS AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS DEVELOPING AND ESTABLISHING A GLOBAL BRAND FOR OUR COMPANY.” CHRIS MORGAL, NORTHLAND FISHING TACKLE, MINNESOTA, USA “IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT FOR US AND THE ONE THAT PRODUCES THE BEST RESULTS.” LUCIO SIROTTI, PLASTICA PANARO, ITALY “WE ATTEND FIVE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS WORLDWIDE, BUT EFTTEX IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT.” BRANDON HWANG, AQUAZ, KOREA

FLUOROCARBON - NYLON - BRAIDED PE

tly curren We are in the g reps selectin Ireland. UK and should ates Candid CV to send their

p.com ruppod jobs@g

NYLON

Walmart set to sell more ﬁshing tackle in store Retail giant gives timely boost to the industry in the US p12

!) 2010(3.2'1*,

ASSO: FOR SPORT & COMMERCIALL FISHING

"%/'-*!,' !1 ,#1*$'*

PRIVATE BRANDS (OEM)

BULK SPOOLS FOR RE-SPOOLING

GRUPPO DP

)'*"2!*.3 %!,'-+

'(-0/'.2 &!+!02 1 .+!.2 )'*"2030#$

PARALLEL WINDING TECHNOLOGY

BRAIDED RBON -

www.gruppodp.com gruppodp.com

- FLUOROCA

&&&+ /'-3012010(3+)02

Come and visit us on stands B62/D01

“EFTTEX IS THE KEY DATE FOR OUR EUROPEAN OPERATIONS – THE CULMINATION OF THE YEAR’S WORK IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTANDTESTING.” CYRIL ALEXELINE, VMC PECHE, FRANCE

COMMUNIQUÉ continued on page 10 >

Document: 006_AI_Jun11.ps;Page: 1;Format:(220.00 x 297.00 mm);Plate: Composite;Date: May 18, 2011 15:47:54

Your EFTTEX Preview Issue Index IN THE EFTTEX NEWS SECTION

Albatros ......................................48 Alps .......................................... 128 American Fishing Wire ............84 Angler Pro ............................... 124 Aquaz .........................................78 Behr ............................................52 Carp Zoom ..........................76-77 Carson ........................................53 Cebbra ........................................82 Centro .........................................95 China Fish ..................................64 Cralusso .....................................96 Dragon .................................... 102 Dragon International ............ 127 Easy2Hook ............................. 115 Energoﬁsh .................................90 Extreme Fishing .................... 109 Finlandia ....................................53 FirstDart ....................................60 Flajzar ........................................54 Fonderia Roma .........................72 Frabill ..........................................66 Frichy .........................................84 Fulling Mill ..................................58 Fun Fishing ............................ 106 Goodyear ................................ 118 Gruppo DP ............................... 110 Hardy Greys ..............................61 Hart .............................................80 Hobie........................................ 126 Innovative Lures ................... 115 Izumi ....................................... 126 JM Gillies ....................................71 K&K ............................................54 Koppers .................................. 127 Lineaeffe ................................. 122 Lukris .........................................80 Marukyu ....................................87 Meiho ..........................................50 Molix ........................................ 128 Momoi ........................................99 Mora of Sweden ........................74 Mustad .................................... 126 Northern Sport ...................... 111 Northland ............................... 123 Ockert ...................................... 116 Okuma ........................................56 Old Ghost ...................................92 Plano ..........................................99 Plastica Panaro ........................59 P-Line .........................................74 Powerline ...................................50 Pure Fishing ........................... 122 Rapala ........................................86 Salmo ...................................... 102 Sanger ........................................78 Sasame ......................................66 Sema ..........................................72 Shimano ....................................48 Sonik ..........................................94 Sportsystem .......................... 110 6

Angling International June 2011

Spro ............................................62 Stoppioni ................................. 111 Strike Pro ................................ 118 Suﬁx ...........................................86 Svendsen Sport ........................82 Textreme ....................................95 Think Big ....................................88 Trophy Technologies ............. 100 Uncle Josh .............................. 123 VMC Pêche ..........................68-69 Wake ........................................ 124 Weihai Kudos ............................60 Western Filament ....................90 Wychwood .............................. 104 Yakima Bait Co ..........................71 Yaska ..........................................78 Zalt ........................................... 127

ADVERTISING BRANDS AND COMPANIES AFFTA ..........................................40 Albatros ................................... 130 Alps .............................................46 American Fishing Wire ............29 Angler Pro ..................................81 Aquaz .................................. 19,57 ASA ..............................................24 Behr Angelsport .......................41 Berkley .......................................11 Blood ..........................................12 Boone Bait .................................15 Carp Italy ................................. 105 Carp Zoom ....................................1 Carrefour Pêche Loisirs ..........21 Carson ...........................................8 Cebbra ........................................72 Centro .........................................23 China Fish ..................................83 Crony...........................................37 Dah Sen ................................... 135 Diablo ..........................................18 Dragon .......................................97 Dragon International ...............72 Duel .............................................22 Eagle Claw .................................34 Easy2Hook ............................. 110 EFTTA .............................27 & 112 Energoﬁsh .............................. 117 EN International .......................16 Expo Nantes ..............................90 FeHoVa .......................................30 Finlandia ....................................60 FirstDart ....................................95 Flajzar ........................................87 Fly Fishing Show ......................32 Flying Fisherman .....................64 Fonderia Roma ...................... 130 Frabill ..........................................54 Frichy ...................................... 130 Fuji ........................................... 101 Fulling Mill ..................................25 Fun Fishing ...............................89 Gamakatsu ............................. 120

Goodyear ................................ 123 Guangzhou show......................44 Gruppo DP ..................................55 Hart .............................................47 Hobie ..........................................79 Holly Kudos ...............................17 Innovative Lures ................... 116 InvisaSwivel ..............................29 Izumi ....................................... 103 JMC .......................................... 125 JM Gillies ................................. 107 K&K ......................................... 134 Koppers .................................. 113 Lead Sporting Goods ...............12 Lineaeffe .......................................6 Lukris ...................................... 124 Marukyu ............................. 58,99 Maxel ..........................................34 McCoy ..................................... 131 Measom Freer ...........................44 Meiho ..........................................75 Mikado ........................................28 Mora of Sweden ..................... 102 Molix ........................................ 108 Momoi ................................. 52,53 Mustad ..........................31,33,35 Northern Sport ...................... 111 Northland ..................................73 Ockert .........................................65 Okuma ........................................13 Old Ghost ..............................4-5,7 Opus ...........................................30 Pacific Wave ..............................84 Plano ..........................................93 Plastica Panaro ........................63 P-Line .........................................63 Powerline ...................................49 PrecisionPak .............................20 Primeline ................................ 100 Salmo ...................................... 107 Sanger ..................................... 115 Sasame ......................................71 Scientific Anglers ..............38-39 Sema ..........................................80 Shimano ................................. 136 Silstar .........................................32 Sportsystem .......................... 114 Stoppioni ....................................74 Strike Pro ...............................2,51 Sufix ..............................................9 Textreme ....................................87 Tiburon .......................................36 Trophy Technologies ................85 Uncle Josh .................................98 Wake ...........................................91 Waku ...........................................71 Weihei Hanhigh ..................... 119 Weihai Kudos ......................... 129 Western Filament ....................59 Yakima Bait Co ....................... 115 Yaska ....................................... 134 Zalt.............................................. 67 Zerek ...........................................26

JUNE 2011 Meet the makers of Angling International... MEL BAGNALL, PUBLISHING EDITOR Mel’s vast experience in the angling industry includes six years as the publisher of UK company Emap’s angling business. He began his career on Angling Times where he was reporter, feature writer, sub editor and news editor. He has worked in magazines for more than 39 years. ROB CARTER, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Rob began his career writing for and editing specialist consumer magazines in the UK (including Match football magazine, Fore! golf magazine and Trout Fisherman) before being appointed editor-in-chief of Emap’s contractpublishingdepartment.He is a founder director of Top Corner, the publishers of Angling International. KEELY DOCHERTY-LEE, ART DIRECTOR As Top Corner’s art director and co-founder, Keely has 16 years’ design experience, and a proven record of producing successful ad campaigns, brochures and direct mail. She has worked with many angling clients and today leads the design team on Angling International, managing the editorial production of each issue.

ANTHONY HAWKSWELL, ASSISTANT EDITOR Anthony is an experienced news editor with a strong background in angling journalism, having worked as News Editor on the UK’s leading angling weekly newspaper, Angling Times. His background also includes time spent editing a national business-to-business title in the UK.

MAGAZINE CREDITS Angling International magazine is published by Top Corner Editorial and Design Limited. 4 Milnyard Square, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 6GX UK. • International Commercial Director Lucie Henton; lucie@angling-international.com; Tel. +44 7825 999230; Skype. lpetrickova • U.S. National Sales Manager Stuart Pavlik; stuartpavlik@aol.com; Tel. 561-627-2520 direct; Skype. stuart.pavlik

• Publishing editor Mel Bagnall; mel@angling-international.com LUCIE HENTON, +44 (0)1733 392 977 INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR • Assistant Editor Lucie can call upon 11 years’ experience of deliverAnthony Hawkswell; anthony@angling-international.com ing commercial solutions for angling clients. Czech+44 (0)1733 392 970 born, she is also familiar with other eastern European • Editorial director languages. Call her to discuss your advertising and Rob Carter; rob@topcornered.co.uk marketing needs. +44 (0)1733 392 975 • Art Director STUART PAVLIK, US NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Keely Docherty-Lee; keely@topcornered.co.uk Stuart is based in North Palm Beach, Florida where he +44 (0)1733 392 974 manages the accounts of Angling International’s US • Designer: Kate Holt and Canadian clients. An avid ﬁsherman with advertis- • Database Manager ing experience gained at Florida Sportsman, Stuart has Graham Goor; grahamgoor@atgraphicsuk.com a strong understanding of worldwide ﬁshing from his • Subscription enquiries tenure at IGFA and from extensive travel. enquiries@angling-international.com

•THANKS THIS ISSUE GO TO: Micky Adams, Fanny Champlon, Tom Chopin, Helen Downey, Henri Eppert, Phil Finks, Graham Goor, Simon Henton, Kate Holt, Masanao Horino, Sylvain Legendre, Pat Levy, Christine Ma, Maura Morrissey, Inaki Odriozola, Rasmus Ovesen, Frederic Parrier, Mike Richards, Linda Saunders, Victoria Seymour, Robert de Sides, Isaac Tang, John Tomsett, Joanna Topping, Lucas van der Geest, Austin Wang, Mary-Jane Williamson, Ryan Zhang

●Nopartofthismagazinemaybereproducedwithoutthepermissionofthepublisher.Themagazineassumesnoresponsibilityforthesafetyofcontributions,althoughallreasonablecarewillbetaken.

Angling International June 2011

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

JARDEN’S BOOST FOR US MANUFACTURING Pure Fishing owner says it is moving some production back from the Far East.

he head of the Jarden Corporation – the group owner of Pure Fishing – has predicted an end to the trend of manufacturers importing from the Asian markets.Martin E. Franklin, Chairman and Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of the huge American conglomerate, told shareholders at the company’s Q1 presentation that his group was looking at sourcing closer to home. He said: “I believe we are witnessing the end of a 30-year trend of relocating manufacturing – and therefore jobs – from America to Asia and I am proud that Jarden is at the forefront of this change. “We continue to expand sales internationally, and on the manufacturing front we have for the ﬁrst time in a long while brought the manufacturing of two product lines back from Asia to the United States.” Jarden’s policy switch could have implications for Pure Fishing, which boasts iconic brand names like Shakespeare, Penn, Mitchell and Abu Garcia – all of which manufacture a large percentage of their products in countries in the Far East. “If you believe that labour prices will continue to go up, that Asia’s economies are going to continue to expand and their middle classes increase, then

it makes sense that there will be a tipping point,” Franklin added. “Jarden is still going to be a major importer and manufacturer in Asia, but there are certain products that will be cheaper to make in America when you take into account costs like transportation and labour. “It may not be just the United States where we do business. It could be that we manufacture in Canada, Costa Rica and various parts of Latin America.” Franklin revealed Q1 results that saw Jarden post a record 25% growth in sales to post a net income of $19m for the three months ended March 31st.

The improvement was led by the group’s Outdoor Solutions division, which includes Pure Fishing. Franklin told investors that the angling businesses had enjoyed a ‘very healthy’ quarter. Jarden President and Chief Operating Ofﬁcer Jim Little said sales of Pure Fishing rods and reels are ‘exceeding’ expectations.

Right: How will Pure Fishing’s brands be affected by the desire to manufacture in the US?

JAFTMA: ‘WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CANCEL FISHING SHOW’ JAFTMA – the Japanese fishing tackle manufacturers’ trade body – has been left reeling by the implications of cancelling the country’s fishing festival following the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Although the venue at the Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall was not damaged by the disaster, Executive Director Masanao Horino said: “We had no choice but to cancel it. “The power supply was not reliable enough, the public transportation system was not running and there were still many aftershocks.” This year’s show was set to mark a new chapter for the event. In a bid to widen its appeal to the country’s angling public the name had been changed from the Japan International Sport Fishing Show (JISPO) to the Japan Fishing Festival and new consumer-friendly features had been introduced. 10

Angling International June 2011

Now JAFTMA is left paying out refunds to exhibitors and visitors who booked their tickets in advance. Horino admitted: “Financially the decision has hit JAFTMA very hard.” However, he added: “Exhibitors and visitors realised it was impossible for us to carry on with the show. They did not complain – Japanese people are very generous.” JAFTMA is now picking up the pieces and planning for next year’s event, scheduled to take place at the Paciﬁco Yokohama Exhibition Hall on March 29th, 30th and 31st. Horino admitted: “The budget for 2012 is tight because of the revenue we missed this year. The show will feature less attractions. But we are still hoping to attract the same number that were expected to attend this year – around 55,000 people.”

Missed opportunity: the cancelled show was planned to have new attractions to appeal to the wider angling public.

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Walmart set to sell more tackle

almart, the giant US retail chain, is set to add thousands of fishing-related products to its stores following a thorough review of its retail operation. The company is seeking to halt seven straight quarters of same-store declines and has earmarked fishing supplies as one of the areas that could help it recover from dwindling sales. The move represents a massive improvement on its angling offer. On its website Walmart currently has under 700 products for sale from many of the major tackle brands, including Pure Fishing, Shimano, Penn, Scientific Anglers, Daiwa and Pfleuger. A Walmart spokesperson, Tara Raddohl, told Angling International: ‘Walmart is to add thousands of fishing-related products and more than 30 brands across the country. “This increase is in line with the company’s recent commitment to broadening product assortment by approximately 8,500 items or 11% in an average store. “We listened to our customers and are focused on meeting customer demand for more fishing products.” she added. Stores are expected to start stocking extra fishing products on the shelves by the end of the current year. It is not yet known what the new products will

Angling International June 2011

Walmart (above) is the world’s largest retailer, and has added more ﬁshing tackle in a bid to stop a decline in same-store sales.

be or where the US retail giant will source them. In 2010 Walmart – the world’s largest retailer – reduced its assortment of products by between 2% and 26% across key merchandise categories following a remodelling campaign that saw it lower shelf heights and de-clutter its aisles to make it more appealing to higher-income shoppers. Duncan Mac Naughton, the former Chief Merchandising Ofﬁcer of Walmart’s Canadian business, who was put in charge of the US merchandising operation in the US in January, said: “Customers have already seen a wider selection of products on our shelves and we will continue to bring back great products at great prices.” The return of many of these products will be highlighted with shelf tags proclaiming: ‘It’s back’. Naughton added that the company would be tailoring some merchandise to meet local demand, such as selling ice ﬁshing tools in markets such as Minnesota.

“Walmart is going to add thousands of ﬁshing-related products and more than 30 brands.”

COMMUNIQUÉ

ALSO THIS MONTH ● Richworth adds video online

I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Rapala set to make waves in the waders market

apala, the global tackle company best known for its lures and lines, has launched a new product group for clothing and accessories called Ecowear. The move follows the Finnish company’s acquisition of Dynamite Baits last year and further expands its product base. Product Manager Henri Eppert explained: “Ecowear products focus on ecological aspects in terms of raw materials, manufacturing and sustainability.” One of the ﬁrst products from the Ecowear group is a new wader. Eppert continued: “Rapala wanted to ‘break the ice’ in the waders market and

create a totally new product. Instead of typically beige, grey, brown or camouflage waders, we wanted to create something that stood out. “Hence we ended up with an idea for a true underwater image, like a realistic underwater camouflage on a sunny day with wavy reflections of light and shadows on the bottom caused by waves or ripples on the surface. He added: “The Rapala EcoWear Reflection Waders are totally new and fresh, but not something that is too dramatic for the conventional angler.” Apart from the special appearance, Eppert added that the waders are manufactured by using unique, ecological technology called DuPont Cerenol Polyol, a material that

is renewably sourced to reduce the environmental footprint, but is highly ﬂexible, strong and offers excellent waterproofing and breathability. Eppert added that – most importantly – the product is been made by its ‘utmost’ reliable Taiwanese manufacturer. He said: “They have high standards of workmanship and outstanding commitment to quality and that gives me good grounds to assure anglers that these waders will not leak! “In terms of pricing it will naturally not be at the entry level, but far from the market’s most expensive model as well. “Through the introduction of the Reﬂection Waders a new product group has been created and new ‘family’ members are expected in the near future.”

NATION’S BEST SPORTS APPOINTS JOHN PINTO TO HEAD UP NEW FLY FISHING BUYING GROUP North America’s largest sporting goods buying organisation has formed the Fly Shop Group (FSG) for independent retail ﬂy shops. Nation’s Best Sports (NBS), of Fort Worth, Texas, has recruited John Pinto, owner of B&C Manufacturing & Import in Michigan and Nica Pesca S.A. in Diriamba, Nicaragua, as co-ordinator for the new group. Pinto is also a former sales representative for Fenwick, Scientiﬁc Anglers and Browning.

The FSG is targeting 60 of the top independent retail ﬂy shops in the USA and Canada as well as the top 40 manufacturers. As with the regular NBS membership, the collective purchasing power will create opportunities for both members and vendors. FSG will also investigate opportunities for creating its own private brands through the import of Far Eastern, European and Central American-made

products and by working with existing vendors. NBS is the largest volume sporting goods buying group in North America. It has over 450 members that operate in more than 800 retail sporting goods stores in the United States and Canada. It has a combined retail volume in excess US $2.5bn. For more information on the Fly Shop Group call John Pinto on +1 586 218 4433 or email jpinto@nbs.com.

Honeywell develops new resin for fishing line Honeywell Resins and Chemicals has introduced a new resin that is specifically tailored for fishing lines and nets. The Morristown, NJ, speciality materials producer has expanded its line of Aegis nylon 6 resins with the Honeywell Aegis H95XC Gen 11 Resin. It is designed to maximise transparency, 14

flexibility, strength and stretch – key attributes for fishing lines. The new resin was developed at Honeywell’s technology centre in Shanghai, China, working with local manufacturers that convert nylon or copolymers resins into filaments and fibres used to produce fishing lines and nets.

Angling International June 2011

“This resin was developed based on the input of customers to achieve the attributes they require and the ease of use in manufacturing they need,” said Jay Tang, Marketing Development Manager for Honeywell. “It is another example of our continuing efforts to customise resins to meet the needs of our customers.”

Following the successful launch of its new interactive website, bait company Richworth has purchased its own film-making equipment. “The increase in traffic has been massive and feedback tells us anglers want to see more video footage on the site,” said Media Manager Pete Wilson. “This will enable us to produce the short tips and tactics type of films that are in most demand. As new material is uploaded, older films will be archived so that www.richworth.com becomes a reference point for everything to do with bait and carp.” Film maker and Richworth consultant Martin Bowler will be helping with the project.

● Carlson’s new role

Terry Carlson, the former CEO of Pure Fishing before his abrupt departure in 2009, has landed a major role with a large American trailer manufacturer. He has been named as CEO of the Cincinnatibased Universal Trailer Corp. Carlson spent just 15 months at the Jarden Corporation subsidiary before surprisingly leaving ‘by mutual agreement’. At the time of his departure Pure Fishing’s International Group President, Alistair Thorburn, said: “Terry came from a different industry and maybe he decided it was not for him.”

● Wychwood web update

Visitors to the new Wychwood Specimen website will be able to view the brand’s entire range, including the new Epic alarms, Titanium bank sticks and Solace HD brollies. “People have been asking for one central catalogue of product for a long time,” said Marketing Manager Nic Brown. “It is also the perfect place to ﬁnd your local dealer, along with all our 2011 Pro Dealers, who are all linked.” Visit the website at www.wychwood-carp.co.uk.

● RBFF renews efforts

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation has kicked off year four of its State Fishing Licensing Programme, the nationwide effort to increase ﬁshing licence sales. The initiative includes direct mail, email, social media and additional marketing strategies as it maintains a commitment to increase participation and generate awareness of the connection to conservation. Thirty-three state partners have sold more than 840,000 ﬁshing licences through the programme to date.

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Angling International Q&A Maria del Valle Hamilton

ICAST Director: “New products are the No.1 show attraction.” Angling International: The ASA considers the New Product Showcase (NPS) to be its ‘flagship feature’. Why is it such an important element of ICAST? Maria del Valle Hamilton: According to our ICAST show surveys, the New Product Showcase (NPS) is the number one reason why buyers and media attend the show. Buyers and media representatives can see the latest innovations directly from manufacturers and product designers and cast votes for ICAST Director Maria del Valle the Best of Show. To meet the Hamilton: “Each year the needs of buyers and exhibiNPS grows in intensity.” tors, we have refined the Best of Show categories. This year’s NPS includes awards in 21 product categories, with new categories for fly fishing products and an expanded boating category as well as the overall Best of Show award. Buyers and media vote in the Showcase for what they believe are the best new products. The product with the most votes in each category is awarded Best of Show for that category and the product with the most votes overall wins the coveted ICAST 2011 Best of Show honours. Voting begins on Tuesday, July 12th, at 5.30pm during the NPS Preview Reception and ends at 3pm on Wednesday, July 13th. Winners will be announced Wednesday evening, during the Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception, sponsored by Frabill, Inc. All ICAST attendees are welcome to attend. It is said that the NPS is the number one reason buyers attend the show. Yes, every year, post-show, we survey exhibitors, buyers, media and attendees to gauge their satisfaction with the show. Consistently, the number one reason why buyers and media attend is to preview the new products showcased in the NPS. Presumably, winning can be translated into direct commercial benefit for the entrants? Over half of the companies exhibiting at ICAST submit a product in the NPS, making it very competitive.

Angling International June 2011

ways to improve the NPS and ensure that each entry has an opportunity to win a Best of Show award. In October 2008, ASA’s Board of Directors approved two changes. Beginning in 2009, exhibiting personnel were no longer permitted in the NPS during the voting period. In addition, voting buyers and media are permitted only one ballot per buying entity or media outlet. These changes were intended to help ensure an even and fair playing ﬁeld for everyone involved.

Last year 210 companies entered 750 new products. Do you anticipate another big entry this year? Each year the NPS grows in popularity and intensity of competition. We expect that 2011 will be no different. Exhibitors have until June 10th to submit their NPS submission forms and we receive most of those applications close to that date.

With 2,000 buyers and over 500 media representatives attending ICAST, having a product in the Showcase increases that company’s visibility, even if they don’t receive an award. Although ASA doesn’t follow a winners’ product market debut, certainly winning recognition during the world’s largest sportfishing trade show would be a plus for a manufacturer. What was the thinking behind the new categories? The product categories added to the ICAST 2011 NPS are fly fishing rod, fly fishing reel and fly fishing accessories. The former Marine category is now two categories: Boats and Boating accessories. Fly fishing, boats and boating accessories manufacturers are finding that exhibiting at ICAST – and introducing products in the NPS – is an important business opportunity for them. ASA has further refined the Showcase categories to acknowledge this growth. Certain changes were made in 2009. What impact has this had on the awards and the perception the industry has of them? For the past decade, voting has always been limited to buyers and media. ASA is continually looking for

Which are the fastest-growing categories in terms of numbers of entries? Rods, reels and lures are always popular. But as I said earlier, to acknowledge the growing number of exhibitors who are submitting fly fishing and boatingrelated products, we added those categories in 2011. The Chairman’s Industry Awards Reception has a great party atmosphere. Will it follow the same format this year? Why tinker with a sure thing! It is one of the industry’s most anticipated annual events. Everyone enjoys hearing the winners’ names and the opportunity to visit with colleagues and friends. We understand there is an extended exhibitor floorplan for 2011... This is a fast-paced year for exhibitor space sales and we have expanded the show floor to acknowledge and accommodate booth sales. Even with an expanded show floor, we expect there to be a waiting list in June. We will also have the Casting Area, which is a new feature that has been added this year as a supplement to the Casting Pond and the Lure Tank. The response to the Casting Pond and Lure Tank has been very positive for exhibitors, buyers and media.

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Airrus relaunch gathers pace with an old name and new tech

Ken Whiting has returned to the company he once owned as it prepares to unveil buckypaper, a new material that will revolutionise the way rods are made.

Francesco Dotto, owner of Bass and Pike tackle, which has acquired the Airrus rod brand.

Kris Reibel of Trophy Technologies, the company handling Airrus distribution in North America.

en Whiting, one of the industry’s best known and most successful rod designers, has returned to Airrus. As reported exclusively in April’s edition of Angling International, the iconic rod brand is making a comeback following its purchase earlier this year by Italian distributor Bass and Pike Tackle. The new Airrus range will be showcased at ICAST in July. It will include the Nano Fusion, a third generation nano rod that Whiting believes to be the most innovative and technically advanced he has ever designed and which will be entered into the New Product Showcase in Las Vegas. A new technique called Carbon Nanotube Layering will be used in construction of the blanks, utilising a “revolutionary new material” called buckypaper, which is not being used in any other rod. Whiting’s return to the brand brings him back to the company he founded in 2002. Airrus went on to become a four-time winner at ICAST’s Best of Show awards; and rods and apparel designed by Whiting have won eight Best of shows at ICAST. Whiting’s credentials also include receiving Outdoor Life’s prestigious OL25 Readers’ Choice Award.

“The Nano Fusion is going to be something really special. It will be right up there in terms of top performance and durability,” said Whiting, who has recently concluded two years of consulting activities within the industry. “I have come full circle and am doing what I did ten years ago,” he continued. “I had good relationships with Airrus customers back then with a good reputation for customer service and I’m hoping to re-establish contacts. “It was difﬁcult for me to see Airrus become just another rod company after I sold it to Castaway Fishing Products, but this is an opportunity for rebirth through innovation. We are going to have some fun at ICAST.” The jewel in the crown of the Airrus freshwater bass rods will be the Ken Whiting Signature Series called Nano Fusion, which will be in the upper price range. The new Co-Matrix 2.0 will be the Airrus mid-range series and the Micro Pulse will be the company’s lower priced offering. Whiting’s return will certainly carry weight in the retail network. The initial response of retailers to the Airrus comeback has been extremely positive with a tremendous amount of interest being shown in the new rods.

Exclusive distribution, customer service and warranty issues in North America will be handled by Trophy Technologies, located in McCordsville, Indiana and headed by Kris Reibel. Trophy Technologies is well known as the owner of the Reaction Strike and Castaic lure brands among others.

WHAT IS BUCKYPAPER? ● It’s the working name for a new material that looks a lot like carbon paper but which could revolutionise the way everything from aeroplanes to TVs are made. ● Buckypaper comprises tube-shaped carbon molecules 50,000 times thinner than a human hair. ● It is said to be ten times lighter but 500 times stronger than steel when sheets are stacked to form a composite. ● “All those things are what a lot of people in nanotechnology have been working towards as Holy Grails,” said Wade Adams, a scientist at Rice University. ● Due to its unique properties, Buckypaper is envisioned as a new material for a myriad of products.

“It was difﬁcult for me to see Airrus become just another rod company after I sold it, but this an opportunity for rebirth through innovation.” – Ken Whiting

Angling International June 2011

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Shimano voices concern despite strong response to new models

himano has expressed concerns over the effect that the earthquake and tsunami will have on the Japanese economy. As it reported a 1.1% decrease in Q1 fishing tackle sales – the result of the strong yen – the company said: “There is concern that the turmoil in the Japanese economy caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake will continue.” The company said it will be closely monitoring the economic trends in Japan and overseas. Despite the economic uncertainty, Shimano said it was fully committed to growth. It added: “We are endeavouring to create a stream of captivating products complemented by agile and efficient production and logistics systems deployed to deliver these products worldwide. “Through these initiatives we will take the lead in the creation of a new sportfishing culture.” Total fishing sales in its overseas markets exceeded the same period last year thanks to a buoyant performance in Asia. However the strong yen resulted in a

41.7% decrease in operating income of 190m yen. In the Japanese market Shimano said that sales of the 2011 models of Twin Power, a high-end spinning reel series following Stella, and new models of the Biomaster mid-range spinning reels (pictured right), got off to a ‘flying’ start. It added that the introduction of the Poison Glorious series – jointly developed by bass tackle expert Jackall Inc – had been met with a good response in the market. Shimano said: “The Great East Japan Earthquake caused a temporary interruption of product shipments to the Tohoku region. “As a result sales in Japan in the first quarter were slightly below the figure for the same period last year.” The group has also revised its forecast for the first half of the year ending December 31st, 2011. It says that it expects ordinary income of 14,500m yen (down from 15,000m yen) and net income of 8,000m yen (down from 10,000m yen).

TOP US RETAIL CHAINS INCREASE THEIR SALES Three of America’s biggest outdoor retailers have seen their sales grow in the first quarter of trading this year. Pittsburg-based Dick’s Sporting Goods saw its first-quarter profits rise 43% to $37.5m as its revenue increased by 6.3% to $1.1bn. Same-store sales in its 447 outlets in 42 states increased by 2.1%. “In the first quarter we demonstrated our ability to effectively run our business and generate better than expected earnings, despite unfavourable weather conditions in many of our markets,” said Edward W. Stack, Chairman and CEO. “We are optimistic about the near and long-term prospects of our business.” Cabela’s saw its sales increase in each of its comparable stores by 8.9% in the first quarter as it reported a 5.7% increase in total revenue to 20

Angling International June 2011

$587m. Retail store revenue increased 11.3% to $302m. Tommy Millner, Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “ Weare very pleased by our performance in the quarter as it provides strong ongoing validation that our strategies are working.” Big Five Sporting Goods Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Steven G. Miller, admitted that the company’s first quarter results were lower than anticipated. He said: “We believe many of our customers reduced purchases of discretionary items in response to the challenging economic environment, characterised by rising gas prices and high unemployment.” Net sales for QI were $221.1m compared to $218.5m for the same period in 2010. Same store sales decreased by 0.9%.

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Boone delight at 54% increase in export sales

eading lure and terminal tackle company Boone Bait is preparing to exhibit at its 30th consecutive EFTTEX on the crest of an export wave. Owner Peter Foley (left) reports a remarkable 54% increase on last year’s export figures and, with US sales also up, is optimistic for the future. Boone currently exports to upwards of 65 countries and Foley attributes the Florida company’s continued growth to a simple strategy of brand building and shipping on time. “Our reputation for prompt shipping with very high fill rates is a huge asset, particularly in the current trading environment,” says Foley. “It provides a significant competitive edge. Service is more important than ever before.” Boone’s record of attending every EFTTEX since the show’s inception is matched only by Mustad. Remarkably, the company will also be exhibiting at its 59th consecutive ICAST show in Las Vegas come this July.

It is a something of which Foley is rightly proud – and to which he attributes much of his company’s success. “Appearing regularly at trade shows has been a vital part of the brand building process. It demonstrates our staying power and generates new business,” he said. “We are supplementing this with regular brand advertising [in Angling International] and we plan to keep on doing what is working so well.” To make an appointment ahead of EFTTEX call +1 407 975 8775, email boonebait@earthlink.net or visit www.boonebait.com. At the show visit Stand B34

New home for Pennsylvania fly show

The Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Show is moving to a new location in 2012, overcoming the ‘bad hand’ dealt by the state when it awarded a casino licence to previous venue, the Valley Forge Convention Centre. While the soft swish of ﬂy rods will be replaced by the pull of noisy slot machines in Valley Forge, the show will be opening its doors in Lancaster, the oldest inland city in America. “I’m not one to gamble so I’ve researched a new location and we have a winning hand,” said Chuck Furimsky (above), owner of the seven shows in the Fly Fishing Show series. “Lancaster is one of the ﬁnest convention centres I’ve seen. Just two years old, it adjoins a Marriott property and

has ample parking. I was sure it would be too expensive but the show room rate for a hotel with five-star facilities is a modest $89, including breakfast and free parking. Parking for show attendees has also been adjusted from $12 to $5. “The exhibit hall has ceiling room for the worst open loop casters and there are plenty of comfortable seminar rooms. Exhibitors can drive to their booths to unload and pack.” Lancaster is 25 minutes from Harrisburg International Airport and, for Hardy aficionados, the company’s US office and warehouse is nearby. The show takes place on February 18th and 19th. Call 814 443 3638 or mail info@flyfishingshow.com to reserve a booth. The Lancaster event will close out a series of seven shows that kicks off in Denver in January. For full details of dates and venues see the advert on page 32.

Zpey’s inspirational new catalogue It’s an inspiring opening to a catalogue containing Zpey’s new rod and reel ranges, plus more new photographs that, says Zpey, “will touch your fly fishing soul and inspire you to fish even more.” The catalogue can be found online at www.zpey.com or is available from your Zpey dealer.

[ Front page photo: © Óskar Páll Sveinsson

Just the front cover of the new Zpey Spring catalogue is enough to get fly fishers reaching for their rods and reels. The evocative sunset-framed picture is enticingly captioned, inviting the onlooker to picture himself standing at the head of a pool full of fish, with the challenge: “Only a perfect cast stands between you and your dream.”

SPRING 2011

Imagine standing here. The pool is full of ﬁsh. You are focused. Only a perfect cast stands between you and your dream.

[

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Suﬁx and Dynamite boost Rapala’s proﬁts

ufix fishing lines and Dynamite Baits were the star performers for Rapala’s angling operations as the group announced record first quarter sales and profits. The Finnish-based giant reported an overall 6% increase in sales to a quarterly best of €74.7m compared to €70.8m for the same period last year, and a record operating profit of €12.1m (€11.8m 2010). Sufix – acquired in 2008 – and Dynamite Baits – bought last year – helped the group’s fishing businesses post an 11% increase in sales. Although operating profit from the angling arm was up 6% on the same quarter last year, the margin was negatively affected by stock clearance sales. Rapala’s Q1 release to shareholders said: “The range of new products introduced for the 2011 season has been received well by consumers and in March the Sufix 832 fishing line and Rapala Clackin’ Minnow were honoured with Best of the Best awards by leading US magazine, Field & Stream. “New products for 2012 will be introduced during the second quarter and they will continue to support Rapala’s organic growth.” In its presentation to shareholders, the company reported that sales continued to grow

in eastern Europe and that its business in North America was ‘gradually’ recovering, but it added: “Consumer confidence in the US is still tested by unemployment and the increasing oil price”. It said that sales were continuing to grow in Asia and the Southern Hemisphere, adding that the earthquake and tsunami in Japan had no material effect on the business. Rapala said that new distribution companies in Mexico and Indonesia had been set up and would be on stream before the end of Q2. It also revealed that it was ‘actively considering’ business opportunities in Latin America. Having enjoyed a positive start to the year, Rapala expects more of the same for the second period. “In line with Q1, the view on the general market situation and sentiment continues to be positive. In some major markets like the northern part of North America, and northern and eastern Europe the summer fishing season did not fully start during the first quarter due to the long and snowy winter. This, together with some first quarter logistical delays, is expected to shift some sales to the second quarter. “The still ongoing uncertainties in the current status and development pace of the global economies continue to create some disturbance in some markets like southern Europe and North America. “It is expected that in 2011 the net sales will increase from 2010 and also comparable operating margin is targeted to improve.”

Opus to take its hooks worldwide Japan-based hook manufacturer Opus is preparing itself for global expansion. Opus was founded just over a year ago but has already developed an ambitious business plan that includes rapid growth across the world. Company spokesman Wang Qian Gang, said: “As a new company, we are keen to get our products in as many markets as we can, but our prime targets are China, Europe, Russia and North and

South America. We believe there is a very good market for quality Japanese hooks and it is our intention to supply these and provide top quality service. “We have a team of professional designers who are capable of making the innovative hooks that the market demands.” He added that since the company was founded, Opus has built up a solid base in China and Southern Asia.

“Our products have proved to be extremely popular and we believe that now is the time to become a global company.” He added that the ﬁshing tackle industry has suffered from the worldwide economic recession, but has now bottomed out and is ready to take off again, adding: “The recovery will take time, but the outlook is encouraging so we face the future with conﬁdence.”

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Zerek brings its lures to Europe

ures that have been delivering sensational results in Asia and South America are being prepared for a major launch into Europe. Zerek lures have had remarkable success with peacock bass in Brazil, giving their makers every confidence they will be just as deadly for pike in northern European waters. And in Asia, they have been tested and approved by the most demanding local anglers. The results have prompted a decision by Zerek’s owners to seek distributors in the world’s most fiercely competitive lure markets. Says Isaac Tang, Head of Technical Research & Product Development at Zerek’s owners Siow Chiang: “We have a strong group of followers in Asia who swear by Zerek lures when they go fishing. We are sure European anglers are going to feel the same way. Our lures are tested aggressively before they are launched onto the market and they are trusted time and again by anglers.” After such strong initial success, the plan now is to drive aggressively into Europe and the US, focusing on the affordable quality of the Zerek range.

Angling International June 2011

“We are targeting every possible country where Zerek is not yet represented and we believe there is huge potential in Europe and America at the moment,” says Tang. “Once they start using Zerek lures, we expect European and American anglers to be delighted with the results.

“We work hard to ensure all our lures are priced perfectly so they are as affordable as they are effective. As anglers ourselves, we know anglers can spend a fortune amassing a vast collection of lures but that they always turn to a handful of trusted ones for their ﬁshing trips. We are conﬁdent that Zerek lures will be among those trusted favourites.” Zerek has high hopes for its Ze-dog and Gecko topwater lures, which have been recording such encouraging results with bass and are expected to work wonders with pike. Adds Tang: “Our Sabre Dancer and Wonder Minnows have also proved to be very versatile and scored against many different species in many countries. “We also have a new series which is set to wow anglers worldwide. They have been extremely well received whenever we have shown them at trade shows. We are expecting a lot of interest in these and our current range, so distributors are advised to make contact sooner rather than later.” Interested distributors should contact Siow Chiang General Manager Doris Toh on +65 67433628 or +65 96631998. Email doristoh@surecatch.com.sg. Website: www.siowchiang.com.

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

FirstDart signs charter

he EFTTA Line Charter – the initiative aimed at stamping out inaccurate labelling – continues to move relentlessly forward. FirstDart is the latest addition to its list of signatories. The Singapore-based company, a regular exhibitor at EFTTEX, China Fish and other global shows, plans to display its support of the charter at exhibitions, in advertisements, in its catalogues and on its website. “FirstDart supports the move towards the honest marking of lines and sees the EFTTA line charter as a step towards this,” said Group Marketing Manager Simon Henton. “Within the wider industry there are some territories where the mislabelling of lines (both up and down from the true tensile strength) is endemic and it will take many years and lot of education to change those markets. “However, the spotlight that the charter brings to the issue is a welcome step along the road.”

“We are happy that all FirstDart branded products are marked accurately.” – Simon Henton

FirstDart is a producer of own brand products including PE line Helix Platinum, Platinum carp braids and new ﬂy line Aqua Pro, as well as OEM products. Added Henton: “We do have concerns that there is not an internationally recognised strength test that replicates ﬁshing conditions. “Notwithstanding those concerns, we are happy that all FirstDart branded products are accurately marked so that anglers can be sure of what they are purchasing.” FirstDart is the 23rd company to sign the charter, convincing evidence, says EFTTA, that the line industry has recognised that it has to take on the responsibility to stop malpractice within its sector. Angling International understands that other line companies are talking with EFTTA with a view to signing the charter and we will continue to bring you updates as they happen. June 2011 Angling International

Angling International June 2011

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Carp Italy announces dates for 2012 show

arp Italy – the much anticipated carp and catfish show – has announced February 11th and 12th as the dates for its 14th annual event. The show, held in Gonzaga in Italy’s Lombardy region, has recorded impressive growth in recent times, culminating in a 5% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers to more than 12,500 in 2011. The organisers also report increasing numbers of visitors from companies elsewhere in Europe indicating, they believe, that Carp Italy is fast becoming one of the world’s most important fairs for carp and catfish fishing. The show now occupies some 13,000 sqm of space in the Fiera Millenaria and next year is expected to at least match the 75 exhibitors who took space this year. “As well as being a very important marketplace for the industry, Carp Italy has become the main meeting place for Italy’s carp and catfish enthusiasts,” said Sara Castoldi, speaking for the show’s organisers. “Carp Italy is a very important index for the sector, and the

success of the last show bodes very well for 2012.” The Best in Show product awards introduced in 2011, voted for by consumers over a number of categories, will be repeated in 2012. The Miss CarpItaly feature will also be repeated, along with the successful conferences and forums run by environmental associations and by Gruppo Siluro Italia and Carpfishing Italia, serving as a voice for Italian fishermen. For further information email info@fieramillenaria.it or visit www.carpitaly.it.

Jagd & Hund is out! BRITISH FLY FAIR The outdoor version of Europe’s largest exhibition for hunting and fishing will open to the sound of hunting horns against the backdrop of a castle in the heart of Germany. Jagd & Hund Open Air has been launched following the success of the original Jagd & Hund exhibition, which has been held in Dortmund for 30 years. However, the organisers says that the new event will not have to hide behind its ‘big sister’ and will be providing its own ‘actionpacked’ programmes over three days from July 1st to 3rd in Schloss Eggeringhausen Park, in Anrochte/Mellrich. The new location gives exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their fishing goods in the environment for which they were intended. There will be 100 exhibitors with top names from the German angling world – such as Uli Beyer and Auwa Tiemann – demonstrating fishing techniques, including fly and sbirolino on the water. Stefan Baumann, Managing Director of Messe Westfalenhallen Dortmund Gmbh, said: “We are pleased that the ideal sponsors of this event – major regional angling, hunting and hunting dog associations – support Jagd & Hund Open Air and pursue the same goal to develop the new exhibition into the leading outdoor event in this sector.” For further information visit www.jagdundhund-openair.de.

NUMBERS UP

Exhibitor numbers are up by almost 20% for the British Fly Fair International 2011 (BFFI), which is being staged at a new venue. The UK show is taking place at the Staffordshire County Showground, Stafford, from June 18th and 19th following snow damage which rendered its former home on the nearby Trentham Estate an unviable venue. Organiser Steve Cooper reported that 95 exhibitors will be at the fair compared to 80 last year. The show has also been brought forward from its normal time in November and Cooper says both developments have been positively received by visitors and exhibitors alike. “The venue is purpose built for events like this and moving it to the summer months reduces the risk of poor weather,” he explained. For further information email info@bfﬁ.co.uk or visit www.bfﬁ.co.uk.

Angling International June 2011

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

The Modena reel and Superﬂex carp rod, part of Silstar’s new range.

Silstar accelerating return to former glories

The value-for-money philosophy established ilstar, once one of the best-known years ago remains at the forefront of Silstar’s brands in Europe, is well on course strategy, with the company determined that conto return to former glories. The sumers should access high quality at the lowest company’s European representaprices possible. The product assortment is large tive, Francesco Trinca, reports that and varied and is designed to meet the needs of the response from the trade had been different European markets that require unique “extremely enthusiastic and positive” and that products to suit their ﬁshing styles. These are growth in all regions has exceeded forecast. developed locally by Silstar’s teams of experts. Silstar rose to prominence between 1984 The Silstar range includes a series of lines and 1997 but after various changes of Silstar’s representative in which, says the company, meets EFTTA’s ownership the brand virtually disappeared. Europe, Francesco Trinca. requirements for accurate diameters and breaking It was resurrected in January 2009 and is strains; plus a new range of rods and a large assortment of again available right across Europe. fresh and saltwater reels. “We are still looking for partners “Silstar has always been held in high regard by both the in some countries and we offer great margins for trade and the consumer and they have never forgotten the distributors,” added Trinca. strengths that the brand represents,” said Trinca. “The new For further information call +39 294 602 533 or email range is fast becoming renowned for quality, functionality info@silstar.eu. A new website is under construction. and value. We have received glowing reports.”

Mobile aquarium for FeHoVa 2012 Europe’s largest mobile aquarium will once again be the centrepiece of the 2012 FeHoVa – Hungary’s annual fishing, hunting and arms exhibition. The aquarium, which holds 22,400 litres of water – nearly 5,000 imperial gallons – is being transported from Portugal for the event that will take place in Budapest from March 17th to 20th. Filled with native fish from Hungary, the eye-catching 8m long, 1.4m wide construction will be used for fishing, diving and hunting dog demonstrations. This year’s FeHoVa event, the 18th in its history, attracted nearly 40,000 visitors despite atrocious weather conditions.

“It was cold and rained as though it was never going to stop,” said Fruzsina Totth, from organisers Hungexpo. The ﬁshing area was supported by the national Hungarian ﬁshing association, MOHOSZ, which presented a number of programmes and also a unique museum of angling artefacts and photographs. FeHoVa covered a total area of 20,000 sqm and attracted 215 exhibitors from 12 countries. Its attendance, which was 15% up on last year, included visitors from all across Europe. It is now established as one of the most popular events of its kind in eastern Europe and the organiser – buoyed by this year’s successful event – is expecting more of the same next year.

Angling International June 2011

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Top French show puts faith in next generation

fter a seven-year rebuilding programme which has seen the Carrefour National Pêche et Loisirs become France’s number one freshwater show, the event’s organisers are planning the next exciting step in its development. Owners Centre France Evenements (CFE) and main partner Europêche, the French retail chain, have identified two key objectives to guarantee continued growth. One is to attract more international exhibitors. The other is to nurture a new younger breed of angler coming into the sport. Encouraged by another increase in attendance in January this year, Show Director Clement Posada explained that the event and its exhibitors are reaping the rewards of sustained investment, but that it must begin to look further afield. “We already have almost all the French market exhibiting and the time is right to start creating more international appeal,” he said. “The layout, features and attendance are already at a European level. I want to see more international exhibitors interested in doing business with a large, high-quality French audience. Laurent Vallenet, Europêche CEO, adds: “Our visitors are not only fishermen. Many trade professionals enjoy this show also. For exhibitors it is the way to share with fishermen the feeling about their brand and products and also to raise awareness among all professionals in the distribution chain. Taking part creates direct and indirect business opportunities. “International exhibitors that took part in 2011 for the first time are delighted and have already announced their return in 2012. “Visitors are staying at the show longer and exhibitors have found them interesting and informed. A post-show survey among exhibitors reveals satisfaction rates to be 97%. We will be talking to lots of companies elsewhere in Europe to explain the benefits of being at the show.” More than 22,000 attended January’s show but driving the numbers still higher is not necessarily a priority, says

Posada. The crucial equation is the balance of visitors to exhibitors and he believes the show has this just right. It is the quality and type of audience that is key, he argues. “There is a trend towards more young anglers coming to the show,” he said. They are like a new, refreshing breeze blowing through the sport. We want to encourage more of them to come by communicating more on the internet.” CFE plans to improve the new lure demonstration pool that proved such a huge hit on its debut at this year’s show. More interaction, live web TV transmissions on a 2x3 metre screen, better lighting and – crucially – more space around the pool to ease the congestion of this year will be introduced in 2012. Activity will be driven by technique demonstrations, with manufacturers’ teams of competitors using appropriate products. Exhibitors will be able to book slots on the eight-metre pool. In another improvement, some of the aisles will be enlarged to ease the congestion experienced this year. Carrefour National Pêche et Loisirs 2012 takes place on January 13th, 14th and 15th. For further information call +33 473 17 1929, visit www.cnpl.fr or email Clement Posada at clement.posada@centrefrance.com.

HOW THE SHOW HAS GROWN The Carrefour National Pêche et Loisirs was launched 22 years ago in Clermont Ferrand in central France, with just a handful of exhibitors occupying 400 sqm. It was originally under canvas but moved to the Grande Halle D’Auvergne, a purpose-built exhibition centre, in 2005. Centre France Evenements acquired the show seven years ago and soon afterwards entered into partnership with Europêche, a 130-strong retail chain, which fulﬁlls a consultancy, commercial and marketing role. This year the 10,000 sqm show ﬂoor was packed by 132 exhibitors, including many top brands, and the event attracted over 22,000 visitors.

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Tiburon targets major European expansion

iburon reels are set to become a permanent fixture throughout Europe following an announcement by the brand’s Singapore-based owner that it is launching a major recruitment drive for distributors. Based in southern California, Tiburon has been making quality reel products since 1989. In the US, the SST series is particularly prized by anglers for its strength and reliability. Now, owners Siow Chiang say the time is right to extend Tiburon’s reach across Europe. They are calling for interested distributors to make themselves known so they can take advantage of Tiburon’s unique appeal. “Tiburon reels are built to catch big fish,” says Head of Technical Research & Product Development Isaac Tang. “Yellow fin tunas in the 300lb class are not uncommon. But what anglers particularly value is their reliability. If you have a Tuburon SST reel, you know it won’t let you down – and that’s crucial on a long-range fishing trip.”

Angling International June 2011

The secret of the effectiveness of the SST ST reels lies in the patented automatic two-speed transmission. smission. Says Tang: “Anglers swear by it. They tell uss they have lost ﬁsh in the past while using manual two-speed wo-speed reels because they could not react in time too shift the reel. With our automatic shift reels, all they ey have to do is just turn the handle!” The reels also feature a patented T-bar handle which is ergonomically designed to be as comfortable as possible during turning. Plus, despite having an automatic two-speed mechanism, they are really simple to maintain. “Most people who have taken them apart will attest to that,” says Tang. “We also believe that anglers should not be spending too much time cleaning their reels when they should be ﬁshing instead,” he adds. “It’s why all our reels are constructed using top quality aircraft-grade aluminium to prevent any corrosion problems.” As it begins its drive for more distributors in Europe, Tiburon will be launching the Quick

Change, which will allow anglers to decide what gear ratios they want on their reels. “It‘s part of our commitment to deliver smart, innovative solutions to help customers ﬁsh better,” says Tang. “We are looking to enter the coastal regions of Europe but we know that many anglers from inland European countries travel abroad for offshore ﬁshing. “The potential is huge,” adds Tang. “Tiburon reels can reach every part of Europe.” Interested distributors should contact Siow Chiang General Manager Doris Toh on +65 67433628 or +65 96631998. Email doristoh@surecatch.com.sg. Website: www.siowchiang.com.

COMMUNIQUÉ I N S I G H T • A N A LY S I S • T R A D E N E W S

Chub seals deal to be distributed in Benelux

Carp Collector owner Mike Gerritsen (left) with Andrew Sowerby, International Sales and Events Manager at Hardy & Greys.

hub, the Hardy & Greys carp brand, has extended its reach in Europe by signing a distribution agreement to supply its products in the Benelux region. The Carp Collector – based on the outskirts of Amsterdam – will be the exclusive distributor of the entire Chub range that will now be available in stores in Benelux. Hardy & Greys Marketing Manager, Carp and Coarse, Gavin Burn, said: “We have

always found that the relationship between Hardy & Greys and Chub works better when they are together – particularly in the carp world. Hardy & Greys is already distributed in the Benelex by Carp Collector so the tie-up was natural. “The Benelux region is a strong carp market so bringing the brands together in this territory makes sense for the long-term brand development and growth of sales.” Chub is already a popular ﬁxture in retail stores throughout the UK and Germany and Burn is conﬁdent that the brand will be equally successful in Benelux as its carp market continues to grow. Carp Collector owner Mike Gerritsen will be on the Hardy & Greys stand at EFTTEX where he will be meeting with his network of retailers and discussing his plans for the next 18 months. Gerritsen said: “I am delighted to be handling Chub, a serious carp brand that is well-known and much-loved by anglers across the Benelux. Despite the proliferation of value carp brands in the Netherlands, there is an opportunity for a quality brand like Chub for the discerning angler. “In this fast changing market, service is the way in which distributors survive and your relationship with customers is king. The Carp Collector aims to offer retailers a fast and dependable system that allows them to maintain a Chub range in-store for anglers to see.”

PrecisionPak rolls on into Europe Fast-growing PrecisionPak – the US distributor of kayak fishing accessories – is branching out into Europe. The company is the own brand of Alphatan International, the Toronto-based distributor of bags and luggage. It is attending EFTTEX as it seeks to broaden its horizons. PrecisionPak’s CratePak and CratePak Max are now firmly established in the kayak fishing market as affordable and easy-to-access systems for fishing gear and rod storage. Alphatan’s Richard Tan told Angling International: “PrecisionPak is a brand that prides itself on being first to the market with new ideas and the team is continually researching sporting trends and reacting to them. “Innovation and quality are not just words to this upcoming brand – it is a commitment to the industry. When competitors begin to notice what you are doing in the market, then you know you are making an impact. “Wherever you find the PrecisionPak brand you can be 38

Angling International June 2011

assured of the promise of quality, innovation and service.” For further information call +1 905 475 2527, email sales@precision-pak.com or visit the website www.precision-pak.com.

FLY FISHING

UPDATES

in association with

Diablo delighted to return Co-founder of Diablo Paddlesports Thomas Flemons is a committed fan of the IFTD show. An exhibitor for three years, Flemons told Angling International: “I love the group that attends the show and look forward to it every year. We meet like-minded people in the industry and feed off the energy of the show. “Fly ﬁshers are one of the most enthusiastic groups when it comes to stand up paddle craft and they have proved to be our strongest target market. IFTD has always been a success for us.”

Flemons revealed the Texas-based kayak builder is working on a number of new concepts for the show, but he added that he did not want to spoil the ‘surprises.’ He also welcomed the move to New Orleans from Denver this year, commenting: “It is a great location,” and adding wryly: “but with so many distractions it could be trouble!” Diablo is a regular exhibitor at ICAST and also attends the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. It plans to add the SHOT Show in Las Vegas – dubbed the world’s largest hunting and outdoor event – to the company’s exhibition calendar. Flemons added: “We also try to support as many local boat shows as we can, but it depends on our other commitments.” Diablo is now in the second year of production of its hybrid SUP-Kayaks. The Adios has been followed by the Chupacabra and both craft allow the user to stand up or sit down when paddling or ﬁshing.

Sage pinpoints IFTD for major launch Leading fly fishing brand Sage will be launching a major new rod family in New Orleans. The Farbank company was not yet ready to release full details of the rods as this issue of Angling International went to press, but did disclose that one of the series Marc Bale: “IFTD is the right will be entered into the place to show our new rods.” Best New Product Awards at EFTTEX in June. Visitors to the Amsterdam show and to ICAST in Las Vegas will get a glimpse of limited samples, but Sage will save the official launch

Angling International June 2011

and the full collection for the IFTD show in August. “We feel that IFTD is the right time and the right environment to present the new rods to US dealers,” said Director of Sales Marc Bale. Asked about Sage’s view of the AFFTA-owned show, Bale added: “We support the industry and we support AFFTA and we are glad to be part of the IFTD Show. “There will always be issues about timing, location and so on but from our point of view it is the best show in town. I am generally in favour of moving the show around. There had become a certain sameness about Denver and by moving location exhibitors are exposed to different sets of dealers. “Some kind of rotation system where it returns to

SWISHER:‘WEWILLBE SOLDOUTAFTEREFTTEX’

Stand sales for the 2011 International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) show in New Orleans are18% up on the same period last year. Show Director Randi Swisher is confident that the show will be a sell-out. He told Angling International: “I am extremely happy with Extremely happy: IFTD Show where we are. There is a Director Randi Swisher. little space left but I am confident that after EFTTEX we will finish it off. EFTTEX is a great occasion for me to talk to European manufacturers and persuade them to come over to IFTD.” Swisher said the resurgence of interest in the show was due to a combination of factors – new venue, new leadership at AFFTA and increasing numbers of new members joining the organisation. He said: “They have all contributed to a ‘positive energy’ surrounding the event.” In addition to increased bookings, another positive indicator for the show is the fact that the hotel headquarters and two overflow accommodation facilities have been sold out. Swisher said: “We have sold out three hotels and I am currently looking for a fourth. That is a great positive.” the same city every two or three years is fine, but it needs to keep moving.” Bale anticipates a solid turnout of dealers in New Orleans. Farbank has kept data on the show, previously known as FFR, since the early Nineties and this suggests that US dealer numbers don’t vary that much. Bale thinks that this year will be similar. “But there might be a benefit in international visitation,” he ventured. “New Orleans is a different and fascinating city which seems to have piqued interest beyond the US.”

Angling International June 2011

EFTTEX NEWS 85-PAGE SPECIAL SECTION

THE LATEST LURES ON SHOW AT EFTTEX Launches from Rapala, Spro, Zalt, Think Big, Molix and Finlandia.

LINE MAKERS REVEAL PLANS

WHAT NEXT IN THE BAIT MARKET?

Innovations from Ockert, Shimano, Suﬁx and Gruppo DP.

News from Old Ghost, Carp Zoom, Fun Fishing and Marukyu.

PRODUCTS • ADVICE • INTERVIEWS

Show your customers you care. Meet themface toface at EFTTEX In this modern age it’s all too easy to deal with customers remotely. But that is the ﬁrst step to losing them, argues EFTTA CEO Jean-Claude Bel as he invites you to join the trade at the most eagerly anticipated EFTTEX for years.

JEAN-CLAUDE BEL EFTTA CEO

nd so here we are. Thirty years after the first EFTTEX took place in Birmingham in the UK, we stand ready to celebrate a very special show next month in Amsterdam. But when we gather together at the Rai Centre we will not just be celebrating a number. No, we will also be celebrating the fact that, after three eventful decades, EFTTEX is as strong now as it ever has been. Over the past three decades EFTTEX has matured into a must-attend trade show that draws exhibitors and buyers from all over the world. The trade has changed; the way we do business has changed; competition has been and gone; and the global financial crisis has laid down its challenge. But throughout this time EFTTEX has continued to grow steadily, driven by an ever-stronger trade association and the broad support of the industry at large. But what is striking to me in this age of quick and easy travel and of digital communications is that a trade show like EFTTEX not only survives but positively thrives. The answer, I feel, lies in customer care. I used to have a poster on my office wall,

“EFTTEX provides the opportunity to get to know your customers. And if you’re not doing it, rest assured someone else will be.”

bought from a souvenir shop in the US. On it was the slogan ‘If you don’t take care of your customers, someone else will’. In this highly competitive world, that slogan is true now more than ever. And to my mind there is still no better way to show your customers you care than to meet them face to face. To make the effort to see them, to shake their hands, to talk to them and to listen. In short, to get to know them as people. EFTTEX provides that opportunity. And if you are not there doing it, rest assured, someone else will be. If you are confident enough in your products and services to stay in your office and rely simply on sending the latest catalogue and a price list, then good luck to you. But I know there will be five, ten, maybe twenty competitors meeting your clients and customers in the hall at EFTTEX, listening to them and showing them why they have even better products and services. Are you really willing to take the risk? Maybe the global crisis has taken away the arrogance that some companies once had. People know now that they have to be proactive to survive. It could explain the steady numbers of exhibitors at the past three EFTTEX shows in particular, each of them regarded as a success. But what has always been there is the shared understanding of EFTTEX exhibitors that there is no more cost effective way to reach customers. EFTTEX will always be

rooted in the European trade, but it now draws exhibitors and buyers from 70 countries around the world. Many are from small to medium companies seeking new customers from just about anywhere. How else could they reach as many potential customers? It would be an impossible task to travel the world seeking out partners, showing new products and managing existing relationships. It would be a never-ending year-round cycle of travel and meetings. And as for the cost, there is not a small company in the world that could bear such an expense. That’s why EFTTEX is such an important show. If you prepare well and follow up your meetings properly, it will pay for itself. As I always say to new companies who are undecided about committing to the show: the ﬁrst order will cover your expenses, the second is money in the pot. And if you are not there? Well, you won’t have any orders at all! EFTTEX continues to have the support of the biggest brands in Europe; it has adapted to the globalisation of the angling trade to become a truly international show; and it has a committed team behind it willing to travel the world to promote it to enthusiastic businesses wherever they may be. As the 30th anniversary show heads our way, we are looking forward to providing the trade with a ﬁrst-class meeting place. The rest, of course, is up to you. See you in Amsterdam! Jean-Claude Bel

June 2011 Angling International

EFTTEX NEWS Have your say in EFTTA’s future The EFTTA Annual General Assembly meeting will take place on the ﬁrst evening of EFTTEX this year. Members are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear the President’s report into the past 12 months and also to vote on the re-election of four Board members. One new Board member will also be appointed, an Italian representative to replace Ermanno Adinolﬁ, who is resigning his position. There will also be a presentation on Vienna, which has been selected as the preferred venue for EFTTEX 2013. The AGA takes place at 6pm on Friday 17th June in rooms F002 and F003 (located below hall 8) at the Amsterdam

Rai. Each member category (full, discretionary, associated, press and reciprocal) may have more than one representative at the meeting. Each full member company has only one vote and only one representative of a full member shall count towards the quorum. Other member categories (and non members) can attend the meeting but have no vote and will not be counted towards the quorum. As in previous years, all members (full and discretionary) attending the AGA meeting at this year’s EFTTEX will automatically be entered into a competition to win one year’s free EFTTA membership.

THE FULL AGA AGENDA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Apologies for absence and to note proxy representation To approve the minutes of the last AGA held on 12th June 2010 To receive the President’s Report To receive the financial report for the year ended 30th September 2010 To confirm the adoption of the financial report for the year ended 30th September 2010 Election of the Board Motion no.1 (three-year motion for re-election of Board members retiring by rotation) The following Board member is standing for re-election: • Rudi Heger, Rudi Heger / Traun River, Germany • Montserrat Calico, Calico SA, Spain • Gennadi Zharkov, Lottaolt, Russian Federation • Jacques _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Prallet, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Pure _ _ _ _ _Fishing _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Europe, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _France ___________________________ • Ermanno Adinolfi, Adinolfi Fulpa srl is resigning from the Board. Italian nominations received. 7. Appointment of auditor Motion no.2 (one-year motion) – To re-appoint RSM Tenon (formerly RSM Bentley Jennison) as auditors 8. EFTTEX 2013 – Presentation of Vienna 9. Lobby presentation – Mr Jan Kappel 10. Other business – to transact any other ordinary business of the Company of which due notice of 28 days has been given.

Angling International June 2011

EFTTEX NEWS

Shimano puts full force behind ‘line giveaway’ marketing strategy

himano has revealed a campaign to increase consumer awareness of its new top quality monofilament reel lines across Europe while at the same time adding value to its new reels. The news – announced at its recent European New Products Presentation – outlined plans for a powerful marketing campaign for the new Aero and Ultegra Invisitec mono lines. It involves giving away free line with all new mid-season 2011/2012 reel models. The campaign will be widely promoted with in-store point of sale displays and signage. The first new model with ‘reel added value’ is the redesigned front drag Alivio FC and rear drag Alivio RC – the latter available in both single and double handle options. All models will be supplied with 150m of the new Aero Mono. Shimano says the line offers excellent strength, performance and value for money. Also available will be two larger reel families. The Aerlex in XSA, XTA and Spod versions will be supplied with special filler spools of Aero Mono, while the Ultegra C14 XT-A will come with the new Ultegra Invisitec.

This premium Japanese line is exclusive to Shimano and features a triple construction, combined with the Shimano Invisitec technology. It has a controlled stretch of only 12%, bridging the gap between mono and braid. The company says that the high abrasion resistance and strength – coupled with the Invisitec technology that reduces underwater visibility – makes the Ultegra Invisitec suitable for a wide variety of angling styles, especially when ﬁshing at long distance. Shimano European Marketing Manager Gerard Bakkenes said: “Shimano has exceptionally high brand awareness throughout Europe. The new ‘reel added value’ campaign is designed to add more value to Shimano reels and also to give anglers the opportunity to use our fantastic mono lines on their new reels.” He added that the company was looking forward to this year’s EFTTEX to meet its distributors from Europe and beyond. “EFTTEX is where we look forward to

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +31 341 27 2216 Web www.shimano.com Email gba@shimano-eu.com

Local wholesaler Albatros extends invitation to its showroom

lbatros Hengelsport International will be looking for distributors to expand its business when it exhibits at EFTTEX 2011. In addition to the Albatros brand, which offers a complete ﬁshing tackle package, the company also distributes specialist carp brand Soul and Predox (specialist predator). One of the oldest privately-owned Dutch ﬁshing tackle wholesalers, Albatros is located only 20 minutes from the Rai Exhibition

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +31 297 327 777 Web www.soulcarp.com www.albatroshengelsport.com www.predox.eu Email carol@albatroshengelsport.com 48

Centre and even closer to Schipol Airport, presenting visitors with a great opportunity to visit its 300 sqm showroom. “Our booth number is H12, but of course visitors are also welcome to visit our premises,” says Albatros Managing Director Charly van Brakel. “Appointments to visit our showroom can only be made before and after the show dates in order to allow us to provide the best information and service.”

EF STANTDTEX No.

H12

Angling International June 2011

meeting up with the majority of our distributors and export customers. It is the perfect place to discuss plans for the coming season with our current partners and launch new products and initiatives.” He added: “The social dimensions of EFTTEX should also not be overlooked either. In our experience many positive discussions take place outside the exhibition hall.”

Right: The Cube bivvy – just part of the Soul carp brand distributed by Albatros.

EF STANTDTEX No.

D24

EFTTEX NEWS

Powerline adds Aquateko and looks east for further growth

owerline says that the worldwide appeal of EFTTEX makes it the most important event on the calendar for the company. The ﬁrm, which is based in north-west France, has been a regular exhibitor at the European showcase since 1999 – a year after P owerline was founded by Thierry Jahiel. Its Marketing and International Business Manager, Céline Boutin, said: “EFTTEX is certainly the most important international event for Powerline. It is a global meeting point where everyone is present – manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and the press. “And, thanks to the marketing efforts of EFTTA, EFTTEX is getting even more famous around the world every year.”

“For us, EFTTEX is without doubt the most important international event.” Boutin added that the company, which makes high quality ﬁshing lines, lead heads and accessories, also sees the exhibition as an opportunity to launch new products, promote its growing brand and ﬁnd new distributors. “Because of our geographic location, our biggest markets are in western Europe and North Africa, but we are always looking to grow the business internationally,” said Boutin. “We are now focusing on countries in eastern

Europe, which we believe will represent an important market for us.” To cope with its bulging order book, Powerline is set to open a new 1,000 sqm warehouse and ofﬁces in Bouchemaine at the end of the year. Boutin explained: “This new building is necessary for our development. We have no space at our current premises to stock all our products. As part of our expansion we will also be taking on more staff.” At this year’s exhibition Boutin said Powerline will be focusing on its Jig Power brand and showing off some ‘amazing’ new heads that have never been seen before. She added: “We will also be promoting other lines from Powerline Terminal tackle will be to the fore on the Powerline stand, including Jig Power lead heads and (above right) the Aquateko InvisaSwivel.

and US company, Aquateko. We have got an exclusive agreement with Aquateko to distribute its products in some European countries.” Aquateko was commended in the EFTTEX Best New Product Awards last year for its InvisaSwivel. Boutin said: “We are very pleased to be offering Aquateko’s products to our customers as the company ﬁts our image in offering very innovative products.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +33 241 3636 66 Web www.powerline.fr Email celine.stb@powerline.fr

Meiho arrives with limited edition boxes to entice European buyers

Meiho is to introduce limited edition metallic versions of its popular VS8050 and VS3078 tackle boxes for EFTTEX 2011. Described as ‘tackle boxes that would excite any ﬁsh’ the models are the mainstay of the company’s expansive and award-winning range of products. Meiho, based in Osaka, Japan, is now looking to the products to spearhead an export drive. Hiroaki Kiyomoto said: “EFTTEX is the entrance to new markets for our company – particularly Europe. “We are looking forward to using the event as an opportunity to meet new agents and strengthen our business overseas. We will be looking for one agent for each individual country.” Meiho’s main business lies in its domestic market, where it sells 80% of its products. However, the earthquake and tsunami that caused devastation in the east of Japan have had a major 50

Angling International June 2011

impact on the fishing tackle market in the country and driven the need to look further afield for business. Meilho was the first company to become a specialised builder of tackle boxes 30 years ago and prides itself on the perfection of its products. The company’s mantra is: ‘Everything must be perfect’. It introduced the Versus lure boxes 16 years ago. Kiymoto said: “Our concept when designing a tackle box is to look at the product from a customer’s point of view. They want a quality product that will last them a long time.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +81 66791 3515 Web www.meihokagaku.co.jp Email info@meihokagaku.co.jp

EF STANTDTEX No.

G55

EF STANTDTEX No.

G52

EFTTEX NEWS

Behr to unveil enlarged and fully tested sea range

nder its seabehr brand, German terminal tackle brand, Behr Anglesport is increasing its saltwater fishing range by more than 200 items a year. Behr Angelsport’s total range now exceeds more than 8,000 items of terminal tackle – it does not sell rods or reels. Its saltwater line-up makes up 25% of that range – or 2,000 items alone. In the company’s new catalogue, which has more than 500 pages, there is a saltwater section that exceeds 200 pages. Behr says that its saltwater customers are located all over Europe and they need specialist equipment that is suitable for fishing the North Sea, northern Baltic and the Mediterranean. Many of Behr’s products are specifically made for these regions, but the company also carries tackle that can be used in any saltwater location around the world. All of its tackle is developed and designed by the company itself and is tested in extreme conditions across the world.

Manfred Behr with a red snapper caught on seabehr saltwater rig.

“We keep fully up to date with what’s going on in European waters” – Manfred Behr Examples of this are the new seabehr range of stainless steel hooks, high quality tungsten wire leaders and the very new Trendex-squidmaster lures – all of which have been tested for more than a year. Many of these products will be exhibited at EFTTEX 2011 in Amsterdam along with other tackle from the company’s extensive range. Most have even been personally tested by Managing Director Manfred Behr, a man who knows what is important and what needs to be done to introduce a top-selling product. A former World Championship runner-up and national match ﬁshing champion on a number of occasions, Behr Salwater success: an 80lb wahoo caught on a Trendex magnum soft lure.

fished for the German international team for more than a decade. After ending his match fishing career, he has concentrated on building up his wholesale business, which is now one of the largest terminal tackle supplier in Europe with production facilities in China and Europe. Together with other sea fishing experts, Behr travels the world testing new seabehr products. Behr said: “Since many European anglers travel to Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Denmark to fish, many items are designed to catch fish in those countries. Behr Angelsport also keeps in close touch with travel agencies and companies who rent out fishing lodges in these countries. “By keeping in touch with these organisations we can keep up to date with what is going on in the waters of northern Europe.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +49 6203 958 8180 Email export@behrﬁshing.de Web www.behrﬁshing.de 52

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

D62

Finlandia intent on attracting buyers with new sparkling Nils Master lures When Finlandia Uistin Oy’s Nils Master lures first came onto the market in the early 1960s, with their vertical stripes and parrot colouring, the company was considered to be the first fishing tackle company to use unusual colours. “The idea of creating a totally different kind of product line originally came from a buyer in the USA,” said Finlandia Uistin Oy’s Managing Director/ Owner, Hannu Kangas. “In 1965 we started designing a line of lures in many different colours. After a year we presented our Nils Master line to our partners in the US.” And at this year’s EFTTEX, the Finnish company will be adding extra magic to the lures by unveiling a range of special sparkle colours.

“The catch rates are very high. They are deadly for predators” – Martin Crewe Martin Crewe, International Sales Manager at Finlandia Uistin Oy, knows only too well how successful they can be. He caught a personal best pike of 11.67kg using a Nils Master 15cm Invincible sparkle colour. He said: “The sparkle colours are proving very

consistent and the catch rates are very high indeed. They are deadly for predator ﬁsh. The combination of the legendary 15cm Invincible lure and sparkle colours will tantalise a vast variety of ﬁsh.” Finlandia Uistin Oy will be presenting six sparkle colours that will be available with its 15cm Invincible lure.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +358 3 7674 153 Web www.nilsmaster.fi Email nils-master@finlandia-uistin.inet.fi

EF STANTDTEX No.

HO2

Italian manufacturer Carson hoping to reel in a new distributor for Turkey Carson Fishing Tackle is showing off three reels from its new Thorx series at EFTTEX. The Torino, Italy-based fishing tackle wholesaler and manufacturer says the range has a new hybrid body. It is half graphite and half duraluminium – a combination that is said to give it the strength to cope with the power of hard fighting fish. It also features a strong body shape, anti-twist line roller, balanced rotor, SS ball bearings, aluminium handle, micrometric front drag and a spare aluminium spool. The Thorx is available in three different sizes: 2500 with 3+1 BB; 4000 with 4+1 BB and 6000 with 5+1 BB. Carson owner Marco Fortini told Angling International that the company, which distributes its products across Europe, will be using EFTTEX to sign up a distributor in Turkey. He added: “EFTTEX is very important for Carson. It gives us a chance to meet our customers, discuss plans for next season – and, of course, get new clients.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +39 011 450 1668 Email info@carson.it Web www.carson.it

EF STANTDTEX No.

F34

June 2011 Angling International

EFTTEX NEWS

Flajzar upgrades its OEM service Czech Republic-based electronics company Flajzar is offering an OEM service to its customers. Flajzar says that from its extensive R&D facilities in Vnorovy it is ideally placed to develop bite alarms to suit customers’ speciﬁc requirements. Tomas Hrachovsky, head of the company’s International Business Department, said: “We can provide custommade products that are unique to individual clients and will be pleased to discuss this with interested parties at EFTTEX.” Flajzar will also be showing off its Fishtron Q9 in Amsterdam and says there are nine good reasons why customers should buy it: modern design

with rubber-coated body; new mute function; new receiver and remote listening-in transmitter; plenty of functions; multi-function visual indication; high-efﬁciency sound indication; two connectors to the swinger and external transmitter; long battery life; and an optional TX version with integrated high-efﬁciency remote listening-in device. Hrachovsky said: “Reaction from customers has been very positive. They especially like the mute function, its new design and the array of different functions.” The company will also be showing off its Q-RX2 receiver that can indicate a bite from up to four indicators. It is equipped with a bleep volume and LED light that comes on after the bite.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +420 518 628 596 Email flajzar@flajzar.cz Web www.flajzar.cz

EF STANTDTEX No.

H50

K&K marks ten years with new leaders and ﬂoats

Bulgarian tackle company K&K celebrates the 10th anniversary of the opening of its fishing float factory this year. Under the brand name Top Float, it has been producing high quality balsa products and currently trades in over 30 countries as far afield as Canada, South Africa and Australia. It will be using this year’s EFTTEX to introduce a new leader material based on one of its popular lines from last year – the Fortex line. On the float side, K&K – part of the Filstar group – has developed a new range of slider floats and wagglers as well as models with a spring eye which protects the line. The new slider and waggler range offers peacock stems and a choice of antennae and variable loadings. They are suitable for all types of waters and fishing situations.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +35 9888 534 085 Email mail@filstar.com Web www.filstar.com/www.fishing-floats.com 54

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

D42

EFTTEX NEWS

Okuma spies gap in heavy spin and sea ﬁshing sectors

nternational reel brand Okuma is aiming to build on the success it has enjoyed with its Trio models by adding new reels to the eye-catching series. The Trio FD and Trio HS reels will now be available in new 65 and 85 sizes designed to exploit a market opening identified by the Taiwan manufacturer in the heavy spin and sea fishing sectors. And two further additions – the Trio Baitfeeder and the Trio Rouge – are also on their way. The baitfeeder is a high end reel targeting the most hardcore, passionate carp fisherman. In addition to the baitfeeder function, it incorporates the same design and technical features as the original Trio, including 9+1 ball bearings, one quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing and RES II computer-balanced rotor equalising system. The Rouge on the other hand is an entry-level model produced to fit a price niche just below the Trio FD. “Okuma set new standards with the Trio FD and Trio HS,” said Rasmus Oveson, marketing spokesman for Svendsen Sport, Okuma’s distribution partner in Europe. “Both reels have received rave reviews in the media and have been applauded for their design, durability, performance and balance

Above and left: the highly regarded Okuma Trio FD and HS reels are now available in 65 and 85 sizes.

Below: the Trio Rouge (left) is a new entry level model while the Trio Baitfeeder is aimed at hardcore carp anglers.

between price and quality. “The reels feature a distinctive crossover construction which makes them extremely lightweight and well balanced. They are based on a clever combination of aluminium and graphite materials, which produces the perfect balance between strength and weight.” A key feature of all Trio reels is the Solid Stem design. The reel is constructed around a flattened and ergonomically-cut aluminium stem which has an attached graphite fixing plate. As well as maximising balance, the stem acts as a solid ‘spine’ that stablises the reel during retrieve and when playing fish. This also creates a more stable and smooth

“The Trio FD and Trio HS have been applauded for their durability, design and balance between price and quality.” 56

Angling International June 2011

drag and ensures there is no undue wrench on the gearing. All the new reels will be on display in Amsterdam in June at the EFTTEX show, the scene of Okuma’s triumph in Valencia last year when its Andros 511 2-Speed won the multiplier reel category in the Best New Product Awards. The Andros was acclaimed by judges for its minimalist design, smooth dual anti-reverse drag, superior drag force, impressive line capacity and, in particular, its hitherto unseen low proﬁle – making it feel like an extension of the rod. Okuma’s designers achieved the effect with a specially recessed reel seat which no comparable two-speed multiplier was offering. This year the new Okuma reels can be found on the Svendsen booth, number C46, along with the Savage Gear and Prologic brands. Find out more about Svendsen’s activity at the big European show on page 82.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +45 4619 1913 Email info@svendsensport.com Web www.svendsen-sport.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

C46

EFTTEX NEWS

Fulling Mill is back with a bang

he fly fishing content of Europe’s biggest trade show has received a timely boost with the return to the show floor of Fulling Mill, the UK-based fly and tackle manufacturer. Fulling Mill is attending its first EFTTEX in seven years following increasing European interest, and will demonstrate its focus on premium quality with a range of new products including rods, fly patterns and tippet material. The company has built on the success of its previous rods by creating the Gold XT – a rod it describes as “a lighter, smoother and altogether superior casting tool” and which will feature heavily in Amsterdam. Challenging visitors to pick up one of the rods to see what they have been missing, Director of Sales and Marketing John Wolstenholme added: “They are built to exacting standards and have been put to the test by some of the most accomplished anglers around the globe. “The feedback is unanimous. These rods will help you to instinctively cast

better because they generate high line speed and load so easily.” The seven rods in the series are: 8ft 6in #4, 4pc; 9ft #5 4pc; 9ft #6, 4pc; 10ft #7 4pc; 9ft #8 4pc; 13ft #9DH 6pc; and 15ft #10DH 6pc. Another key focus at EFTTEX will be the company’s Tactical Series of River Flies, a collection for trout and grayling fishing inspired and designed by some of the most skilful river anglers in Europe. The range includes flies from Fulling Mill consultant Oliver Edwards and has been described by one contributor as “the finest collection of river flies ever made available commercially.” There are 58 different patterns available, ranging from streamers to dry flies, all tied on barbless hooks best suited to each individual pattern. Fulling Mill has over 5,000 different patterns in stock at its UK distribution facility and delivery is usually assured within 24 hours. Ownership of its own factory means that response to out of stock orders is “almost instant”. Also featuring in Amsterdam will be Fulling Mill’s new copolymer, a strong and fine diameter tippet material with superior knot strength and abrasion resistance. It is available in 50m spools from 1X diameter to 7X diameter. “Whatever the product, premium quality and value are paramount to us,” said Wolstenholme. “Some folk are satisfied with mediocrity but we are not. As serious fly fishers, we know the difference true quality makes and we never compromise.” Top: Ahead of EFTTEX, the Gold XT has impressed the world’s finest fly fishermen. Left: Fulling Mill flies are returning to EFTTEX after a seven-year absence.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +44 1293 778600 Web www.fullingmill.com Email john.wolstenholme@fullingmill.com 56

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

E20

Panaro targets Japan, China and Korea

talian-based Plastica Panaro is looking east as it broadens its export horizons. Export Director Lucio Sirotti told Angling International that the company is targeting markets in South Korea, Japan and China as it expands its business from its European heartland. “I am focusing our attention on those new markets because I believe they will become very important to us,” said Sirotti, adding that over the last few years EFTTEX has seen his company pick up an increasing number of overseas accounts. “It is without doubt the most important event that Plastica Panaro visits and the one that produces the best results for us. As well as a chance of getting new customers, it also allows us to see the majority of our Italian and overseas clients. “The 2011 show will be a good opportunity to increase the number of overseas accounts and improve the Panaro brand

awareness throughout Europe and beyond.” Sirotti added that the company would be using the show to increase its Kamaleont range of boxes by launching the art.197. He said: “We presented Kamaleont last year in Valencia and had very positive feedback thanks to the fully adjustable dividers that allow the interior to be customised to suit the individual needs of the angler. “As well as this we will also be launching a new range of soft tackle bags and two new rigid blister sizes for very small objects like hooks.”

“I believe these new markets will become very important to us.”

– Lucio Sirotti

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +39 0597 93340 Email info@plasticapanaro.it Web www.plasticapanaro.it

June 2011 Angling International

EF STANTDTEX No.

E36

EFTTEX NEWS

FirstDart unveils ultra-fine PE line It is Europe’s turn to see the innovative Platinum num Helix line from FirsttDart following its debut at China Fish earlier this year. The company will be showing off the product at EFTTEX in Amsterdam and says that the line has been created after significant ignificant research and development. Platinum Helix is an ultra-fine PE line designed for discerning anglers worldwide. It is a multi-filament that combines the existing properties of PE line – almost no stretch and high sensitivity – with ultra-fine diameter. FirstDart says that Platinum Helix allows it to offer lines down to 0.08mm at lower prices than before. To achieve the fine diameters

without the use required w very expensive low of ver denier deni fibres, FirstDart has ha replaced the braiding process br with wi a new one called Homogenous ca Compound Bonding Co (HCB). The new (H HCB process allows the production of very pr fine diameter diame PE lines that act and d feel like lik monofilament, but have exceptional strength. Platinum Helix is targeted at Europe and the USA and has attracted a lot of interest for feeder fishing situations as well as normal bait and lure fishing applications. The lines are available from FirstDart in diameters from 0.08mm and in standard colours of black, grey, blue and fluoro yellow. Custom colours can be manufactured on request.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +42 0607 105748 Email info@ﬁrstdart.com Web www.ﬁrstdart.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

D10

Arise your Worminess! Award-winner hits Europe Kudos Fishing Tackle will be showing off its award-winning worm detector at EFTTEX 2011. Its ECO worm detector – Worminess – was a new product winner at China Fish 2011 and is described as a tool that searches for and ﬁnds worms. It consists of a box attached to an antenna that is inserted into the ground. The box has a handle on it and by operating the handle a clacking noise occurs that attracts worms, which simply come to the surface. If there are no worms in the area the operator can just move the device to another location. The Chinese company is also showing off its Pellet Drill, a high-speed machine that can make holes in boilies, peanuts, pellets and other baits without shattering them. Also on the stand will be the Kudos Fan with Solar Charger. Kudos has been exhibiting at EFTTEX for more than ten years under several guises. Its main markets are in Europe, but it is also looking to expand into the emerging Russian market as well as the US.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +86 631 5629290 Web www.dlkudos.com Email kudos.weihai@yahoo.com 60

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

B09

WHY SPRO IS TARGETING EUROPE AT EFTTEX? See p62

Hardy puts Sintrix centre stage in multi-brand showcase Rods using the breakthrough technology are to the fore but there are also major launches from Greys and Chub.

ardy & Greys has developed a strong reputation for design, innovation and manufacture of high quality products and its new ranges for 2011 and 2012 – on show at EFTTEX – maintains that high standard. The Hardy Zenith and Proaxis rod ranges – featuring the exclusive Sintrix material that provides an increase of 60% in compressive strength – will once again be at the show. Zenith is a range of single and doublehanded rods, featuring a high performance fast action design, Fuji and REC specialist saltwater Titanium guides and a two-part skeletal reel seat. Proaxis is a range of one-piece and fourpiece rods designed and developed by Hardy in conjunction with some of the world’s ﬁnest saltwater guides and anglers. They are New launches from Greys and Chub (from left): the Prodigy TX, the Chub Neuron bite alarm and the Greys XF2 Streamﬂex.

The Hardy Proaxis will be one of two ranges on show at EFTTEX that use Sintrix in their build.

“The rods have been designed with some of the world’s finest saltwater guides.” lighter, stronger, more impact resistant and capable of withstanding much higher loads than standard graphite rods, says Hardy. Meanwhile, one of the key new launches for 2011 under the Greys brand is the Advent sea rod range. There are three in the series: ● Advent Entry range, value for money, performance boat rods. ● Advent Plus Light, well balanced and said to define new standards in performance. ● Advent TE Specialist range for perk and jig fishing. Boasts a progressive action, immense power and balance that allows all-day fishing with minimum effort. The company has also followed up on the launch of the Greys Prodigy general coarse range with a number of additional rods – a 15ft specialist rod, a 12ft barbel rod, a 12ft Rova Specimen and two Rova travel rods. Greys says its XF2 range has made a real impact in the fly market. A replacement for the X-Flite

and Streamflex rods, the range is made up of XF2, XF2 Plus, XF2 Streamflex and XF2 Carnivore. A key launch for Chub in 2011 has been the new range of Vantage clothing. The company says its exclusive Climatex fabric provides the ultimate protection from wind and rain. The Thermatex technology insulates while offering breathability and fast water drainage away from the body. Each garment has been designed for carp fishing, combining stylish designs with practical features. The range includes high performance waterproofs, fleeces and thermal base layers, along with T-shirts, hoodies and head and neck wear. Another key product for the 2011 season is the Chub Neuron bite alarm. Launched in 2010, the Neuron bite alarm project is the culmination of over three years of design, development and testing. Chub says it has utilised the latest electronic components, digital technology and manufacturing techniques to produce a range of bite indicators that are reliable and have exceptional performance.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +44 1665 602771 Email sales@hardygreys.com Web www.hardygreys.com June 2011 Angling International

EF STANTDTEX No.

C24

EFTTEX NEWS

Life-like pike spearheads Spro’s latest assault on EFTTEX

he Kaminari Pike is spearheading a whole new range of lures planned by Spro Europe this year. The lure is the first in the company’s Spro Nippon hard bait series and will be shown for the first time at EFTTEX. The company’s Brand Manager, Shinji Tanaka, said: “This lure is as close to a real pike as you can possibly get. It features a genuine soft tail, a super wide swinging action and extra loud rattle – Kaminari means lightning in Japanese.” The slow sinking 145mm lure also features the new Gamakatsu Treble 18NS hooks and will dive to about seven metres. It comes in eight ‘enticing’ colours. Spro is also set to introduce a series of new Gamakatsu Warning Shot Rubber Jigs. Features include a brush to keep the jig free of weeds; a hook keeper to hold a grub or shad in place; a fine silicone skirt for life-like attractive movement underwater; an extra heavy-duty Gamakatsu jig hook especially designed for rubber jigs; plus six colour combinations. Furthermore, the Netherlands-based company will be launching three series of new Spro Freeliner XR reels. Senior Manager, Product Development and Sourcing Pascal Vermeulen said: “These reels are obviously very popular for carp fishing, but are also ideal for the ever growing interest in static deadbait fishing for pike and zander.” The Freeliner XR comes in three, five and eight ball bearing versions and is the forerunner of many more reel launches planned for later this year. Vermeulen said: “We have literally only just signed off on all the final samples. We have been working very hard designing new shapes and designs over the past two years. The official launch will be later this year but I look forward to showing our key partners in Europe at EFTTEX in Amsterdam what the new 2012 line-up will be.” Spro, which was founded in 1994, has been an EFTTEX exhibitor for 15 years and Mr Fujimoto, President of Spro, told Angling International: “The exhibition performs many functions for us. It is a very important tool for Spro to stay in touch with our clients abroad. “We usually make appointments with all of 62

Above: the Kaminari Pike lure is “as close to a real pike as you can possibly get,” says Brand Manager Shinji Tanaka.

those planning to visit the exhibition in advance of the event. “We also use the show to get in touch with new potential customers from areas where we have no or not enough representation. Initial contacts at EFTTEX then result in follow-up visits to them and then with us in the Netherlands. “EFTTEX also allows us to see some of our vendors who are exhibiting or just visiting. As with our three launches this year, it is also an opportunity to show off our new products and discuss developments for the coming 12 months.” Spro’s key territories alongside its domestic markets in Benelux, Germany and the Czech Republic, are concentrated in eastern Europe. But Mr Fujimoto added: “We are seriously looking to strengthen our presence and position in western European countries too. “We realise there are some major countries where we have little presence because we do not drive sales ourselves.

Below left: the new Gamakatsu Warning Shot Rubber Jig. Below right: one of the latest Spro Freeliner XR reels.

Angling International June 2011

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +31 347 320 888 Email info@spro.nl Web www.spro.nl

EF STANTDTEX No.

C54

“We are now seriously looking to strengthen in western Europe.” Our aim is to increase market share in those territories.” To achieve that, Mr Fujimoto said Spro had come up with a four-point business plan for 2011 and 2012: ● Increase market share for its major brands, Spro and Gamakatsu. The company is exclusive distributor for the Japanese hook maker in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. ● Drive sales in major categories of the business. ● Resume control over territories and individual markets where it feels its brand and business should have a stronger presence. ● Introduce a wide variety of rods, reels and accessories in different segments – mostly carp and predator.

June 2010 Angling International

EFTTEX NEWS

China Fish ﬁnds strength in its closer connections with EFTTEX

he close ties forged between the organisers of EFTTEX and China Fish represent a positive move forward for the fishing tackle industry worldwide. That is the view of China Fish President Li Jiang on the eve of his show’s second appearance at EFTTEX. Li Jiang has welcomed the bond between the two exhibitions. He told Angling International: “We should continue to strengthen the co-operation between us. It means a lot when these two leading shows work together and are able to exchange valuable market information and solve IPR infringements. “Europe is a very important export market for Chinese fishing tackle manufacturers so by attending EFTTEX we get all the latest information we need on market trends in world fishing.” Li Jiang also paid tribute to EFTTEX for helping to improve China Fish. He said:

“EFTTEX was ten years old when China Fish was launched, so obviously it had more experience in putting on exhibitions. We learnt from EFTTEX on how to arrange booth numbers better and make them easier for visitors to ﬁnd. “The food and beverages at EFTTEX are also very good and we have strived to

Angling International June 2011

EFTTA CEO Jean-Claude Bel (centre) and Li Jiang celebrate EFTTEX’s 30th anniversary at China Fish.

improve that at China Fish. But we learn from each other and I am proud of the services that we offer, including our airport pick-up and send-off service, early badge pick-up at our appointed hotels and free entrance for pre-registered visitors. “We also send questionnaires to both exhibitors and visitors to collect their opinions and suggestions.” At its booth in Amsterdam Li Jiang said he would be reserving a special area for European industry leaders in a bid to discuss changes and developments in the marketplace. Companies visiting the China Fish booth at EFTTEX are also being offered discounts if they sign up for the show in Beijing next year.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +86 10 5820 3101 Email lijiang@chinaﬁsh.cn Web www.chinaﬁshshow.org

EF STANTDTEX No.

E18

EFTTEX NEWS

Frabill excited by interest from northern Europe

merican clothing giant Frabill Sporting Goods is making its debut at EFTTEX this year in direct response to interest from outside North America. Its Vice President of Marketing, Jeff Kolodzinski, told Angling International: “EFTTEX represents an important new venue to showcase Frabill’s wide range of products. We continue to receive great interest from outside the US and our attendance is in direct response to the mounting inquiries, particularly from Scandinavia and Russia. “Attending the show represents a large investment for the company, but we believe there is sufficient interest out there for us to test the water. “We have no specific targets outside our domestic market just yet, but we are looking forward to finding out what markets are suitable for our products. “We are planning to show some of our main products with the hope that they may be useful to anglers outside North America.” Founded over 70 years ago, Frabill engineers clothing and accessories for anglers. Kolodzinski said: “Our focus is to engineer for fishermen clothing that eliminates the discomfort of rain, wind and cold. We essentially make the weather a non-factor, allowing anglers to focus on their passion – fish.”

“Our attendance is in direct response to the mounting inquiries.” Above: Hugely popular in the US, Frabill’s clothing is engineered ‘to eliminate the discomfort of rain, wind and cold.’

Frabill’s fishing apparel has been received with real enthusiasm in the US, including a ‘Best in Category’ award at ICAST in Las Vegas last year. On show in Europe for the first time will be the company’s award-winning FXE Stormsuit – dubbed the finest rainwear available. Alongside it will also be the following: ● FXE Snosuit – engineered for warmth and

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +1 800 558 1005 Web www.frabill.com Email service@frabill.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

H52

comfort in extremely cold conditions. ● Frabill Icesuit – warmth and comfort at an affordable price. ● Frabill All Weather Suit – ideal for windy and wet conditions and perfect as a layer during ice fishing. ● Conservation Series Landing Nets – engineered to handle sizeable fish while ensuring a healthy release. ● Power Stow Landing Nets – tough and lightweight nets that fold for tidy storage. ● Hiber-Net – the ‘ultimate’ stowable landing net, says Frabill. ● Ice fishing products – including rod and reel combos, accessories, tip-ups and samples from Frabill’s Portable Ice Fishing Shelter line-up.

Sasame focusing on ﬁnding US distributor for Ryugi Japanese hook maker Sasame has announced plans to distribute its freshwater brand Ryugi in North America. And integral to its US launch is EFTTEX 2011 in Amsterdam, where it hopes to meet partners to distribute the products Stateside. The company’s Export Manager, Takaki Oda, said: “EFTTEX is key to our plans in America.” He added that the company is also looking to set up distributor agreements in the UK, Germany, Benelux countries and the Netherlands. He said: “They are the most important markets where we do not have representatives for our three

main brands, Sasame, Shout! and Ryugi. We will also be looking at France where we do not have a distributor for Sasame.” Oda said that following the disastrous earthquake and tsunami, Sasame was looking to concentrate on the export market while Japan recovers from its present turmoil. “We can’t expect big sales in Japan so it is important that we work on our distributor network. Our main market is Japan and we will continue to seek sales there because being a major seller in our domestic market helps with sales overseas.”

Sasame has been a regular at EFTTEX since 1999 and Oda admitted: ”It is the most important event for us. As an Asian company, it is our gateway to new customers and market information. “Our main focus is maintaining a good relationship with customers and looking for representatives in countries where we do not conduct business. It is also useful for us to find out what is happening in the European marketplace.” He added that Sasame was looking at new sectors in the fishing tackle market other than hooks. “We are planning to launch a range of other products. Fortunately, we have a good relationship with suppliers throughout Asia and we will be using them to our advantage to supply high quality fishing tackle to Europe.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +81 795 772622 Email oda@sasame.co.jp Web www.sasame.co.jp 66

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

G44

EFTTEX NEWS

VMC SET TO TAKE FIRM H TOP OF ITS SECTOR THAN RANGES OF PREMIUM H EFTTEX visitors are in for a treat, says the French hooks giant as it offers a ﬁrst look of its newest ultra-sharp patterns. “These hooks are a culmination of a year’s work in development and testing,” says a delighted Cyril Alexeline.

esigned for the most demanding modern day lure angler, VMC Pêche has introduced three patterns of reinforced treble hooks. All three are premium models with extremely sharp Cone Cut® points and a modern hybrid shape. The point is also inclined inwards to increase catch-rate. The three hooks in the first range are complementary, each with a different wire diameter to suit different fishing applications. The hooks are: ● 1X A strong hook for mediumsized lures, it is available with premium black nickel and anti-corrosion tin finish. ● 3X A strong wire for catfish, saltwater and light tropical fishing with premium black nickel and anti-corrosion tin finish. ● 6X A strong wire for big lures in an anti-corrosion tin finish (1).

3 today with an extra wide gap to make rigging soft plastic lures easier. It is a solid and ultra-sharp hook. The full range now includes 3/0,2/0,1/0,1,2, and 4 in a premium black nickel finish (3). ● Spark Point® 7119 Drop Shot An ultrasharp hook for drop shot fishing. It has a Barbarian® shape for a very high resistance to opening and is ultra-light to allow soft-plastic lures to swim naturally. The full range now includes 1/0, 1, 2, 4 and 6, in premium black nickel finish (4).

The second range is based around a reinforced 2X Strong jig hook (2). With its ultra-sharp Spark Point® and the VMC exclusive Barbarian® shape for increased resistance to opening, it is a premium hook for moulding jigheads. Features include: very sharp points and resistance to opening; extra strong wire, perfect for freshwater predators; and a premium black nickel finish. Smaller sizes of its highly technical Spark Point® single hooks for predator fishing complete the line-up. These hooks are perfectly adapted to meet the rising trend of fishing with finesse lures. Two patterns of the highly-technical treble hooks for today’s predator anglers are also available: ● Spark Point® 7310 Texan This is one of the lightest Texan hooks on the market

The Double Catch hook (5) (ref 2908) is a ryder hook designed to signiﬁcantly increase a lure’s catch-potential.

8 2

Angling International June 2011

When predator fish are difficult or when they attack from behind, it is important to rig a stinger hook on the tail of soft-plastic lures. The Double Catch hook increases chances of hook-up and will make all the difference when fish are indecisive. Available in size 8 with a premium black nickel finish. VMC says that another breakthrough for 2011 is a comprehensive range of terminal tackle including a wide range of jigheads and an essential collection of wire leaders and swivels. VMC Jigheads have been developed in close collaboration with its field testers throughout Europe. They are easy-to-use models for all modern predator fishing styles, both in fresh and saltwater situations. New additions include versatile models such as the Glider Head (6) and the Giant Head (7) and the ultra-specific models such as the Rock Head (8) for rock and very light fishing and the weedless Skirted Dancing Head (9) for perch and black bass sport in heavy cover. VMC has also produced a 100-page catalogue for 2012 that will be distributed at EFTTEX. The Master Catalogue is aimed at the Middle

WHAT DOES WYCHWOOD HAVE PLANNED AT EFTTEX? See p104

HOLD AT THE NKS TO NEW HOOKS 4

contacts in markets that have a vacancy in our distribution network.” VMC has a wide distribution network with 70% of its sales exported from its French factory where its hooks are produced. The company celebrated its 100th anniversary last year and has grown into a business that now produces four million hooks a day on a night and day weekly cycle.

East, Europe and Africa. It includes the full range of VMC hooks together with the comprehensive range of jigheads and accessories. It has been designed to provide distributors with an informative tool and contains precise and relevant information about each product. Cyril Alexeline, Director of Sales and Marketing, EMEA, said: “EFTTEX is a key date on our calendar for our European operations and it’s the culmination of the previous year’s work in product development and testing. All the new products described will be unveiled to visitors at the show.” VMC Pêche was one of the founding members of EFTTA and one of the very ﬁrst EFTTEX exhibitors at the show in Amsterdam 30 years ago. Alexeline said: “As well as showing off our wide range of new products, EFTTEX also gives us the opportunity to meet partners who we don’t see regularly and to make new

“EFTTEX is a key date on our calendar for our European operations. Our new products will be unveiled to visitors at the show.” – Cyril Alexeline

7 MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +33 384 57 3434 Email sales@fr.vmcpeche.com Web www.vmcpeche.com

June 2011 Angling International

EF STANTDTEX No.

D34

EFTTEX NEWS

J.M. Gillies looking for partners across Europe

ustralian ﬁshing tackle supplier, J.M.Gillies, is returning to EFTTEX after a seven-year break and is looking for European partners to represent its lures. The Melbourne-based company enjoyed a four-year stint at EFTTEX between 2001 and 2004, but now believes the time is right to promote its products in a new market. Company spokesman Pat Levy said: “We are looking for wholesalers and distributors throughout Europe and EFTTEX is very important because it brings all the major players to one venue. “We want to get our lures into the hands of ﬁshermen throughout Europe. We know that if we can achieve that they will become as successful as they are in Australia and our other markets in New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Sweden and Russia.” The company was at the Sportsib Hunting & Fishing Show in Russia earlier this year. Levy said: “It was very successful for us and we will be returning to exhibit again next year.” J.M. Gillies will be showing off some of Australia’s biggest selling saltwater and freshwater lures. They have been designed in Australia and manufactured in Vietnam, using VMC or Owner hooks. Included in the range of products on show at EFTTEX will be the Stump Jumper. It has a swimming action and anti-snag capabilities that – combined with a patented snap-lock bib – allow the angler to alter the lure’s movements by changing the bib. It comes in a

choice of ‘hot’ colours, subtle patterns and flashing metallic finishes. Also on show will be the Tail Turner. It has been designed and shaped to give off a better silhouette to fish and has a superior in-built buoyancy back-up system. The lure is weighted so that it dives at the first crank of the handle and comes with an inbuilt rattle. In-built air pockets are designed to help the lure stay in the strike zone longer. Finally, the Diamond Lip features an improved, stronger tow point system that allows the lure to have freer movement.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +61 38 8191360 Email sales@jmgillies.com.au Web www.jmgillies.com.au

EF STANTDTEX No.

E13

Yakima returns with more launches

Yakima Bait Company has been an EFTTEX exhibitor for over 25 years and during that time has gained a reputation for using the showcase as an opportunity to launch new products. And this year will be no different for the 75-year-old US company. In Amsterdam it is introducing a new ﬂoat, the Maxi Float, and an in-line attractor called Big Al’s Fish Flash. The Maxi Float can be used with jigs or baits and is shaped like a cigar for better bite detection. The company says that its unique through-wire construction helps keep the ﬂoat standing at all times.

It comes in two sizes to float weights of 1/8th and 1/4 ounce and is easy rigging with all line types. Big Al’s Fish Flash is an in-line spinning flasher fish attractor. It comes in four sizes and 17 ‘hot’ colours, including three new dual colour versions. The easy rigging works with divers, droppers and downriggers and can be used with baits or lures.

“This year it’s a new ﬂoat and an in-line attractor called Big Al’s Fish Flash.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +1 509 854 3213 Email markm@yakimabait.com Web www.yakimabait.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

D53

EFTTEX NEWS

Sema’s indicator is revolutionary! Sema, the Czech Republic-based ﬁshing tackle manufacturer and distributor, describes its latest electronic bite indicator as a revolutionary nary new product. The Rollo combines a lever action ction bite indicator and an electronic bite alarm rm in one unit. Incorporated in the Rollo is a new line drop-off device that does not use any ny moving parts, springs or other items that need to be loaded to activate the release. The new system uses the change ange in ‘geometry’ during the strike to ensure that the line detaches cleanly from the line clips without resistance, damagee or risk. The Rollo also has a ﬁve-button control trol panel with LED display to access the quick user-friendly endly menu with all settings stored to the device memory even ven after it is turned off. The company, which has been exhibiting at EFTTEX for 15 years, says it will be looking for distributors for the Rollo at its launch in Amsterdam. Rollo and the line release technology is covered by multiple international patents and patent applications.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +42 0 777 789911 Email minarik@sema.cz Web www.sema.cz

EF STANTDTEX No.

H46

Lead specialist Cometa is looking beyond Italy Italian lead products manufacturer Cometa is looking to EFTTEX to expand its business in Europe and worldwide. The company, which produces over 100 different types of sea and freshwater sinkers in different colours, currently operates mainly in its home country Italy, plus Greece, France and Spain. One of the company’s owners, Massimiliano Schinaia, told Angling International that EFTTEX was ‘very important’ to its growth plans. The company will be showing off some new quick release sinkers in the following weights: 3g, 5g, 10g, 15g, 20g, 30g, 50g, 70g and 100g. Cometa was founded in Rome’s historic Testaccio district more than 30 years ago, but is now based in the industrial area of Ardea on the outskirts of the city. Cometa is part of Fonderia Roma and supplies lead to other industries. It is a regular exhibitor at the FIPO show in Bologna and, in addition to recruiting customers from the ﬁshing tackle sector, also trades in the boating and commercial ﬁshing industries.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +39 0691 486 323 Web www.fonderiaroma.com Email info@fonderiaroma.com 72

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

C57

EFTTEX NEWS

Mora has sharper eye on worldwide sales

ora of Sweden is launching a new series of Morakniv Fishing Comfort knives at EFTTEX 2011. The product line includes four models – two scalers with serrated backs and two fileting knives with flexible blades. Each comes with a short or long blade. They are made of special cold-rolled Swedish stainless steel produced by Sandvik and have a high patterned, high-friction grip that is said to be safe to use with wet hands. Mora is also showing off its new Morakniv Bushcraft Survival knife. It has a razor sharp blade with a distinct tip. It says that the all-weather Fire Steel and a Diamond Sharpener make it ideal for al those who love the real outdoors. The 2.5mm thick blade stays sharp for a long time and is extremely robust against wear-and-tear and has considerable cutting strength. The Fire Steel enables anglers to light a fire wherever they are. It ignites by just pulling the

specially designed back or spine of the knife blade slowly and strongly along the Fire Steel and the sparks easily light your barbecue, paper, birch bark or dry grass in all weather conditions. Marketing and Communications Manager Debby Doss told Angling International that the company was looking to EFTTEX to help expand its Swedishmade products in Europe and worldwide. She said: “Our main markets are Scandinavia, eastern Europe and North America, but we are keen to increase our market share within the outdoor knives market. “As a manufacturer of ice drills and ﬁshing knives, EFTTEX is the most important angling trade show for us. As well as meeting our current customers, it is an opportunity to make new connections and present our latest products.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +46 250 595 000 Web moraofsweden.com Email debby.doss@moraofsweden.se

EF STANTDTEX No.

E07

P-Line to showcase welding system and new lines P-Line Europe has high hopes for its Stop Glue Black Cup in the Best New Products Awards at EFTTEX 2011. The Italian-based company says the product is a special welding system used for big game lines and others with a large diameter. P-Line says that it can join nylon with nylon, nylon with ﬂuorocarbon and nylon with braid – eliminating all the knots and retaining 100% of the breaking strain. The company is also launching two new lines in Europe – Voltage and Shinsei. Voltage is a competition grade copolymer, using P-Line’s UV Guard technology. By adding a UV inhibitor, P-Line has created a line that withstands the sun’s damaging rays. That ensures that it enjoys a much

Stoppioni ad

Angling International June 2011

longer life while maintaining the correct relationship between abrasion resistance, castability and breaking strength. Shinsei is produced by using the purest and cleanest ﬂuorocarbon crystals available to make the most invisible ﬂuorocarbon ever made, says P-Line. The company claims that it has developed the perfect combination of strength, stretch and durability and that the end result is a product that will absorb shock while retaining the attributes needed for tying the perfect leader.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +39 0583 709 036 Web www.p-line-europe.com Email p-line@p-line-europe.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

A07

EFTTEX NEWS

CARP ZOOM COOKS UP PERFECT RECIPE FOR SUCCESS AT EFTTEX The bait company is preparing for its fourteenth EFTTEX – and, once again, it is leaving nothing to chance in its pursuit of more international buyers. “Sitting and waiting for customers to turn up is not an option,” says MD Salim Fadil.

Angling International: This will be Carp Zoom’s fourteenth EFTTEX, which suggests it is important to your strategy... Salim Fadil: Absolutely. EFTTEX has definitely had a positive influence on the development of Carp Zoom. It is the perfect environment in which to maintain contact with all our existing customers and to establish relationships with new ones. All this can be achieved in just three days, saving lots of time and energy on business trips. We have met many of our existing customers for the first time at an EFTTEX show. There is also the important matter of prestige and image that is associated with exhibiting at the show. Our meetings there have a direct impact on product development. They are a unique once-a-year opportunity for face-to-face discussions about the company’s future plans and a chance to seek feedback on

strategies and ideas for new product development. These meetings are vital in agreeing company strategy before making ﬁnal decisions about next season’s products in July and August.

Salim Fadil: “Detailed planning is the key to making the most of the show each year.”

What is your secret of success at the show? Preparing well in advance is essential if you want to make the most of the opportunity. There are many customers who want to see us and who we want to see, so it is important that we organise our time as efﬁciently as possible. Firstly, we write to existing customers inviting them to agree a meeting where we can talk about our products, tell them what we are planning for the new season and discuss how we can work together for the remainder of the current season. Secondly we use the EFTTEX pre-registered visitors list to identify potential new

customers in markets where we do not currently do business or where we want to make our presence stronger. Thirdly, we reserve some time for people who do not have an appointment but just turn up at the stand. Detailed planning is important if you are to maximise the possibilities the show offers. It means the stand is always busy and sends out the right messages to the industry. Sitting and waiting for someone to turn up is a recipe for a bad show. It is also important to go to the show knowing what is happening in the world markets. We always make a precise market study of those regions in which we are interested so that we understand the trends. For instance, carp ﬁshing is becoming more popular in a number of new places. We also need to know if potential for trading in any of our current markets is greater than we currently enjoy. This intelligence helps us make best use of our time at EFTTEX. We’ve always been successful at the show because nothing is left to chance. There’s a lot of hard work behind it. What do you think of Amsterdam as a venue? Its travel connections and hotel facilities make it a very good choice. It has always been popular in the past and I expect this year will be no different. Another location that we like very much is Nuremburg and we would like to see EFTTEX go back there soon. How do you approach stand design year to year? The stand is the face we show to the trade so how it looks is extremely important. We tend to change the look every two to three years and in Amsterdam we will have a new bigger stand of 68 sqm. As a long-time exhibitor, Carp Zoom gets an early choice of stand position and we like to be close to the

Angling International June 2011

WHO IS LAUNCHING A NEW STRETCHABLE SHAD? See p88

entrance or in an area that is anticipated to be busy. The impression visitors will get this year is first and foremost that we are a bait brand. Our new carp accessories brand – Carp ’n’ Carp – will be present, but not on the same scale as bait. What will you be telling visitors to EFTTEX about Carp ’n’ Carp? It is a very successful brand now – even more so than we anticipated – and is popular in all markets where it is selling. It is seen as a valuable service to our existing bait customers who can now source their carp products from the same company. We will discuss the brand’s future direction during EFTTEX and will develop the range systematically depending on customer demand. Feedback from the show will influence our stocking policy next year. Are there any particular territories that you will be focused on in Amsterdam? Yes, we are looking for more business in Russia, a huge market where we are open to dealing with more customers. We are also interested in new customers in the Ukraine and Serbia. Further afield, we believe there is growing potential for our carp products in the USA and Canada and look forward to establishing business relationships that will enable us to enter these markets. In addition, Japan and China are also on our radar.

Left: Carp Zoom’s new Natural Corn Floaters and Natural Pellet Floaters. “No one has produced anything like them,” says Salim Fadil.

“We are looking for increased business in Russia and think there is potential in the US too.” Which of your new products do you think will generate most interest in Amsterdam? Our new programme of hook boilies – coated and balanced – are really new and are going to be very popular. We have also added new ﬂuoro products and a pop-up version using brand new technology. Tiny micro cavities within the bait produce the perfect pop-up action. Visitors can also see our Natural Corn Floaters and Natural Pellet Floaters, which are the ﬁrst in a range of natural baits for the new season. No one has produced anything like them and we are thinking of entering them for the New Product Awards. The full range of Carp ’n’ Carp ‘end game’ accessories will also be on the stand, with bigger products such as bivvies, chairs and bedchairs in the bivvy area provided by EFTTA.

Right: Carp Zoom will leave visitors in no doubt that it is ﬁrst and foremost a bait company – and has new boilies to prove it.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +36 34 312496 Email contact@carpzoom.com Web www.carpzoom.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

F37

June 2011 Angling International

EFTTEX NEWS

Aquaz targets Scandinavia and South America

quaz, the Korean manufacturer of waterproof waders and fishing clothing, is using EFTTEX 2011 to recruit new partners in Scandinavia, other parts of Europe and South America. Its Managing Director, Brandon Hwang, told Angling International: “The company is looking at new markets in Europe and beyond and that search will feature high on our agenda at EFTTEX.” Aquaz has been an exhibitor at EFTTEX for more than 15 years, making its debut under its former name of New Divers Co. Hwang said: “We attend more than five international events a year, but regard EFTTEX as one of the most important. “It is a good place for us to find new distributors and to have annual meetings with our current customers.”

The company has added to its breathable wader range with the introduction of the Badagang, which uses the new Aqualex Aquatek breathable fabric. It also has a new neoprene stocking foot system that has been treated with an anti-bacteria coating. The upper body is made up of three layers of breathable fabric, while the lower has ﬁve layers for maximum protection. The waders come in two versions – the BR-J-200S and the BR-J-205S. Aquaz will also be showing off its newly developed wading shoe, which has a Vibram rubber sole.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +82 51621 6001 Email aquaz@aquaz.co.kr Web www.aquazﬁshing.com

Sanger pitches up with perfectly modern tent

EFTTEX debutant Sanger Top Tackle believes its Anaconda Arabesque (below) is one of the most modern fishing tents currently on the market. The German-based company will be showing the product at EFTTEX and adds that it is at the top end of the quality market and puts a perfect finishing touch to your professional tackle collection. The Anaconda Arabesque is said to be stable, robust, flexible and quick to erect with its three-pole system. The MST material is waterproof and guarantees dry and comfortable fishing. Sanger will also be displaying its new Distancia TF-2500 from its Iron Trout range – a reel it says has a 100% reliable braking system. It also boasts eight precision ball bearings, an S-Curve system for perfect line winding, aluminium spool, CNC aluminium crank

and a plastic spare spool. Also among its reel offerings will be the Uni Cat Warlock Gr.90; a product that has been eagerly awaited by catfish experts, says Sanger. It is said to fulfill the needs of the big fish hunter by virtue of the fact that it has a high line capacity and an extremely strong 8mm axis. All its components are made from stainless steel and it has a reinforced graphite body. It also boasts a front braking system with six Teflon-brake discs. Sanger has also released details of its IC Doiyo Hakubu bags. There are two in the range and each comes with three integrated boxes and are made of 600D polyester.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +49 6085 98130 Web www.saenger-tts.com Email info@saenger-tts.com 78

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

J06

Right: the new Badagang BR-J200S will be a key feature on the Aquaz stand in Amsterdam.

EF STANTDTEX No.

E54

Yaska planning to rope in European buyers

After over 30 years of making nets and lures, Yaska Fishing Tackle has developed a range of ropes that it will be launching at EFTTEX 2011. The Chinese company says that it plans to develop the rope market and has introduced products suitable for ships, boats, yachts and domestic use. Yaska explains that rope is generally made of two materials – natural fibre and synthetic. Natural fibre is usually cotton, jute or sisal and is environmentally friendly, but has a low intensity. It comes in green or natural colours. Synthetic fibre is inclusive of nylon, polyester and polypropylene and is high intensity. It can be made in a variety of colours. Yaska says that EFTTEX will play an important part in developing its share of the rope market and the company will be targeting areas where it currently does business, including America, Finland, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark. Below: Yaska is hoping its products will grow the international rope market.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +86 551 5696488 Web www.yaskaﬁshing.com Email ysj@yaskaﬁshing.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

H29

EFTTEX NEWS

Lukris adds Rublex lures to its portfolio

panish-based maker of spinners Lukris is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and will be attending EFTTEX for the ﬁrst time as the owner of the renowned French lure brand, Rublex. The family-owned company has been producing Rublex products, which include the Celta, Veltic, Ondex and Orkla, at its factory in northern Spain since 1990. But it bought the brand last year and willll be using EFTTEX in Amsterdam m to announce the acquisition and seek ek distributors throughout Europe forr the Rublex brand and its own range nge of high quality spinners. Lukris Export Manager, ger, Elena Gonzalez said: “Over Over the last few years Rublex products ducts had become difﬁcult to obtain. Following lowing our purchase we want to reactivate ctivate the brand and promote it at EFTTEX. TTEX “We are looking for partners

throughout Europe for all our products ts and will be happy to welcome potential distributors to our stand.” The Lukris business was founded in 1961 and its Mapso spinners have found a niche in the international market – they are exported to more than 15 countries in Europe, America and Oceania. Lukris has been an EFTTEX exhibitorr for nine years. From its 1,300 sqm manufacturing base in Reinosa, in the Cantabria region, it has become the biggest maker of artiﬁcial baits in Spain.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +34 942 754133 Email lukris@lukris.com; lukris@rublex.es Web www.lukris.com; www.rublex.es

EF STANTDTEX No.

D40

Hart boosts its lure offering and grows its carp and catfishing ranges The Hart Fishing development team is set to expand its Virux and X-Cat carp and catfishing ranges to fulfill growing demand from its customers in northern and eastern Europe. At EFTTEX it is introducing a whole new range of rods, reels and lures in its X-Cat specialist catfish collection, while the Virux carp line-up will see new rods, reels, terminal tackle, rod pods and bags. The Hart core range has also been freshened up. Its Bloody

spinning rods have been boosted by new spinning/ jigging hybrid rods, plus some rock ﬁshing and egging rods. Hart’s newest 2012 saltwater hard plastic lures include Shore Bait, Shore Minnow, Wizard and Spark, while the freshwater collection will include brand new concepts such as heavy spinner baits for pike ﬁshing and weed-cutting vibration lures. The company has been exhibiting at EFTTEX since 2004 and says the show enables it to strengthen its international position, maintain contacts with distributors and open up new markets for its wide range of products. The company is traditionally strong in Spain, Portugal and France. Two years ago it opened a subsidiary in Germany and has also enjoyed sales growth in that country. Recently it has been targeting northern and eastern Europe and has used the know-how of its German and Scandinavian partners to develop its range for those markets.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +34 943 820033 Email evia@evia.es Web www.evia.es

EF STANTDTEX No.

G34

EFTTEX NEWS

Savage Gear, Okuma and Prologic promise a new product celebration

kuma, Savage Gear and Prologic are all well-known European brands in their own right. But visitors to EFTTEX 2011 will get the chance to see the big hitters ‘under one roof’ when they line up side-by-side on the imposing Svendsen Sport booth. Svendsen aim to make the Amsterdam show a celebration of new product and new ideas with a display of never-before-seen products from three of the industry’s key players. Savage Gear, the increasingly influential predator brand, will be showing a whole new saltwater and sea bass range, mainly targeting coastal territories such as Norway, Denmark, the UK, Germany, Holland, France, Portugal and Spain. The range includes hard and soft lures, rods and luggage, all of which have been specifically designed for saltwater anglers by innovative product developer Mads Grosell, working in co-operation with some of Europe’s best sea bass anglers. “Saltwater and sea bass fishing has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years and, with a whole

Top: the new Lure Mania rod from Okuma. Below: Savage Gear’s new big ﬁsh lure, the Soft 4Play 25cm.

new line of products, Savage Gear is conﬁdent of tapping into this evolving and viable market,” says Grosell. Following the success of Savage Gear’s Soft 4Play lure this year, it’s no surprise that the brand is introducing a follow-up. The new Soft 4Play 25cm, available in both fresh and saltwater colours, is a true big ﬁsh lure – but is more than just a larger version of the earlier model. The Kevlar mesh used in the construction of the lure means, says Savage Gear, that it cannot be ripped apart like some soft lures on the market. Among the new products on show from reel manufacturer Okuma will be the Trio Baitfeeder, a high-end model for carp

fishing, and the Trio Red Core, with a price tag considerably lower than the existing popular and well-reviewed Trio FD and Trio Hi Speed reels (more about Trio reels on page 56). Okuma will also be displaying its Match and Coarse Carbonite series of reels, specifically designed for these big market sectors, along with a new rod selection including the Lure Mania and Cortez, which use new materials, components and bold designs. The Prologic brand is being updated for 2012 with new graphics designed to attract ‘young and progressive’ anglers into carp fishing, says Mads Grosell. “The Clever Carp concept – a lifelike caricature of a carp – will bring a youthful and super-cool new look to the brand, giving Prologic a whole new visual identity,” explained Grosell. “The concept will play an important role in packaging, advertising and internet communication.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +45 4619 1913 Email info@svendsen-sport.com Web www.svendsen-sport.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

C46

Cebbra arrives at its ﬁrst ever EFTTEX with The Shad as it goes for growth, growth and growth! German distributor Cebbra Fishing International is looking for distributors across Internat Europe at its ﬁrst-ever EFTTEX. The company’s Import and Export Manager, Markus Jackson, told Angling International: are looking to expand our business with “We ar long-term distributors and partners for our long-ter growing, innovative product ranges. growin “We want to make new contacts all over Europe because our plan for 2011 and beyond growth, growth and more growth!” is growt The company represents the Jackson brand in its homeland Germany and in other European Union countries through its partners and will be showing off The Shad at partne booth H59 in Amsterdam. its boot 82

Angling International June 2011 An

Jackson said: “The Shad is not just another Koppers Live Target in much of Europe. It lure – it is the most versatile soft shad on the is looking for new partners for Koppers in market. Benelux, Finland, Italy, Serbia, Croatia, “For vertical jigging, jerking and Bosnia, Macedonia and Montenegro. For swimbaiting this is the only lure you need.” flexonit onit there are worldwide Its fat shape is said to make it irresistible distributions butions to be placed. to predators. The special enclosed elastic slots are unique and give the tail special nd right: The Shad Left and is the most versatile movement. n the market, lure on The tail has got a very thin gill-like finish says Cebbra. that also adds to the vibrations, even when it is being fished slowly. EF Cebbra also handles MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX STANTDTEX the distribution for No. Tel +49 7153 613 1311 Email info@cebbra.de flexonit wire leaders Web www.cebbra.de worldwide and

H59

EFTTEX NEWS

HI-SEAS has the winning formula

merican Fishing Wire/HI-SEAS has been an exhibitor at EFTTEX for over 13 years and attributes its success in overseas markets to its attendance at the European showpiece. The company’s Sales Director, Steven Miller, says: “EFTTEX is extremely important for our company. “Our business outside the US has grown tremendously over the last few years and much of that is due to our involvement with this show. “We value the EFTTEX exhibition as the only opportunity we have to meet with potential and current

customers and other fellow associates in the industry internationally at one time.” At this year’s EFTTEX, American Fishing Wire/HI-SEAS is introducing two new products, HI-SEAS Grand Slam Select line (pictured left) and AFW Ball Bearings and Snap Swivels. The HI-SEAS Grand Slam Select is a 100% copolymer ﬁshing line that combines superior strength and handling. It provides smooth, agile casting on bait casters and conventional reels. The ﬂuorescent clear blue colour gives better visibility above the water so you can

see the line during low light ambush conditions. Once submerged it appears clear. The AFW Ball Bearings and Snap Swivels (above) are engineered to survive the fiercest one-on-one battles, says the company. The patented bullet shape provides fluid rotation and decreased water resistance and the unique gun metal black finish minimises reflection and cloaks the tackle. The swivels have a solid brass body, stainless steel bearings and welded rings for maximum security to endure the unforgiving offshore environment.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +1 610 466 6100 Email sales@americanﬁshingwire.com Web www.americanﬁshingwire.com www.hiseas.net

EF STANTDTEX No.

F09

Frichy steps up plans to lead the world in pliers

Frichy will be stepping up its plans to become the world’s leading supplier of ﬁshing pliers when it arrives in Amsterdam this year. Boosted by a 400% increase in output in 2010, the China-based manufacturer Frichy’s ability to regards EFTTEX as the perfect platform produce affordable to grow further with sales in Europe, aluminium pliers is Japan, North America, South America pushing it to the top and Australia. of the sector. The company, which has seen demand for its products grow dramatically over the last two years, has built its reputation on carbon steel and stainless steel drop-forged pliers. But it is the introduction of affordable aluminium pliers which is pushing Frichy to an altogether higher level. Frichy’s latest aluminum pliers will take pride of place on its stand at EFTTEX. Says General Manager Jacky Fan: “Before Frichy introduced aluminium pliers few ﬁshermen could afford them. Our plan is to make aluminium pliers available to all anglers at a reasonable price and increase their popularity.” Frichy is also happy to accept enquiries from OEM customers around the world.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +86 512 5690 3075 Email info@frichy.com.cn Web www.frichy.com.cn 84

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

B03

EFTTEX NEWS

Ollberg: We’re ready with a carp version of the top selling Suﬁx 832

apala’s Director of Fishing Lines, Lars Ollberg (below), has no doubts about the major contribution made by the 832 Advanced Superline to the Sufix brand. Says Ollberg: “The 832 is the locomotive that drives the Sufix train. It has been the hottest item in the whole fishing business over the last year and has awards to prove it.”

When it bought Sufix during the summer of 2008, than any other hook link the we know of. It will sink as fast as fluorocarbon, but this incredibly smooth Rapala’s fishing line sales for the previous year were line will follow any bottom shape.” €5m. At the same time the company announced its The hook links come in four colours: 832 Weed, intention to increase those sales to between €25m 832 Silt, 832 Clay and 832 Gravel. and €40m in the next few years and gain a significant share of the global fishing line market Rapala says it has achieved its first target level and revealed that the critical factor last year was the invention of Sufix 832. Ollberg told Angling International that Sufix intends to strongly capitalise on the Sufix 832 category and at EFTTEX it will be: ● Launching more colours and spool sizes; ● Expanding the main lines to carp fishing; ● Introducing the 832 concept to hook links. “Sufix has been really good for us and we have capitalised on the success of the 832 to focus on a carp fishing line. The result is the Sufix 832 Advanced Carp Superline,” he said. Ollberg said that the line has unbeatable abrasion resistance to cope with bottom snags and a smooth surface for longer casts – on average 15% compared to similar diameter braids. Ollerg said that Sufix has taken the concept further by introducing the Sufix 832 Super Sink Carp Hook Link. He added: “The combination EF MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX of four Gore performance fibres STANTDTEX No. and four Dyneema fibres gives the Tel +35 897 5625 40 Email info@rapala.fi ultimate durability, strength and sink Web www.rapala.fi rate and it is more abrasion resistant

“The 832 is the locomotive that drives the Suﬁx train. It has been our hottest item.”

D34

Rapala puts new Swing Weight System centre stage Rapala is preparing to launch the Ikado – a product it describes as the ultimate squid lure with Swing Weight System (SWS). The patent-pending SWS features an interchangeable and adjustable free-swinging weight that continuously adjusts for perfect balance. The system allows the lure to be customised with interchangeable weights for various casting weight, sinking speed and lure size combinations. The ﬁrst lures to feature SWS are two versions of the Ikado squid lures, sold under the new RSC – Rapala Squid Concept brand. Ikado 101 is a hard-bodied squid that comes in four sizes, two sink rate speciﬁc weights and 13 colours. Its stablemate, the Ikado 102, is soft-bodied and available in two sizes and three colours. Each package contains one pre-rigged lure with two weights and two spare bodies. Two other newcomers set to grace the 86

Show stoppers: the new Ikado squid lures are the ﬁrst to feature the new patentpending system.

Angling International June 2011

the line tie has been positioned and shaped to produce a strong action while allowing the lure to still be very aerodynamic – allowing long, accurate casts. It is available in sizes 4 (4cm/3g), and 6 (6mc/4g) and in ten colours. The Ultra Light Shad is also a slow sinking lure that has a very tight wobbling action. It is built with a longer lip for medium depth presentations even at a fast retrieve and in strong currents. It is available in size 4 (4cm/3g) and ten colours.

Rapala stand at EFTTEX are the Ultra Light Minnow and Ultra Light Shad – the beginning of a family of ultra-light lures from the iconic global brand. The slow sinking Ultra Light Minnow features a strong, MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX exaggerated kicking Tel +35 897 5625 40 Email info@rapala.ﬁ action. The small swimming lip right at Web www.rapala.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

D34

WHAT ARE OLD GHOST’S PLANS FOR EFTTEX? See p92

Marukyu targets markets across Europe ahead of its ﬁrst EFTTEX

apanese bait specialist Marukyu is exhibiting at EFTTEX for the ﬁrst time as it continues its expansion into the European marketplace. The company has been producing powder baits for more than 100 years, mainly for its domestic market in the Far East. However in 2009 it set up Marukyu (UK) under the stewardship of Chairman John Loftus in a bid to extend its geographical reach. Since then it has seen its products reach 500 shops in the UK and take a foothold in France. Loftus told Angling International: “We feel EFTTEX will be important for Marukyu’s future expansion in Europe. As our products are suitable for all markets we want to establish distribution in all countries.” The company will be launching a number of new products in its Marukyu, Nories and Ecogear ranges and these will include

hook and groundbaits as well as hard and soft lures. The company slogan is ‘science working with nature’ and that epitomises its approach to environmentally-friendly bait production. There are no additives in Marukyu’s baits that could be construed as an industrial dye. And it has just produced what it believes could be the world’s first fully edible pop-up boilie. Marukyu Carp Consultant Tim Hodges explains that most pop-ups use cork or other inedible substances to make them float. He says: “Our new boilies are different – they are real food and the fish actually want to eat them.” The three pop-up flavours are based on

Marukyu’s well known ingredients – Nori (marine algae and seaweed), Ichigo (strawberry) and Sanagi (silkworm chrysalis). The baits, which will be on show at EFTTEX, are designed to be buoyant enough to pop-up off the bottom, lifting your rig. Tim added: “Marukyu’s scientiﬁcally developed line of boilies comes as close as possible to mimicking a carp’s natural diet.”

Left: Boilies will play a key part in the company’s ambitious expansion plans, including a new range of fully edible pop-ups.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +44 3003 03 1012 Web www.marukyu.co.uk Email sales@marukyu.co.uk

June 2011 Angling International

EF STANTDTEX No.

D04

EFTTEX NEWS

Think Big to launch new shads alongside end tackle from the US

Director Jürgen Haese is targeting nations close to Germany, and also Russia.

Below: Aquateko’s InvisaSwivel will feature on the stand.

hink Big is thinking big and is on the look out for more distributors in new markets. The German-based distributor says that this year’s EFTTEX in Amsterdam is ‘extremely’ important for the company as it continues its expansion plans. Director Jürgen Haese said: “At the moment we are pretty much focused on Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands, but we are keen to develop further. Russia is a very interesting market and we have had some promising conversations with businesses out there. “We plan to work hard with our existing distributors to maintain our strong position in the market, but we also want to grow our sub distributor and business partners in other European countries and Scandinavia. “The possibilities offered in the United States are every distributor’s dream. However, we’ve learnt that you need to be prepared for the North American market because that dream could turn into a nightmare.” Think Big has been exhibiting at EFTTEX since 1998 and Haese said: “It is a useful barometer for the industry and gives us a feeling for the market. You get an idea of what is going out of fashion and what the new trends are.” Think Big is also a distributor for American company Aquateko and will be showing off the much acclaimed InvisaSwivel and the Titan leader material. Think Big specialises in boat electronics and fresh and saltwater predator ﬁshing tackle. It has the sole distribution rights for many

Right: Terminal tackle will be on show as Think Big looks for sub distributors in Europe.

well-known companies in the fishing world. Visitors to EFTTEX will see the company’s new product line, Elasfish, which are new stretchable shads. The first in the range is the Moby which, Haese says, boasts unique features. He explained: “It is very stretchable, but does not smell. The colours do not stain even if they are stored together in one box. I don’t know of a similar product.” German-made, the Moby comes in three sizes – 5cm, 10cm and 15 cm – and 15 colours. Haese added: “We will also be highlighting a super-sharp and super-strong catfish hook from our friends at TTI/USA, the maker of the famous Stand Out hooks. TTI also produces a full range of catfish terminal tackle.”

Above: Elasﬁsh stretchable shads. “I don’t know of a similar product,” says Haese. Below: hooks from TTI are part of the mix too.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +49 231 4447 2012 Email info@thinkbig-online.de Web www.thinkbig-online.de 88

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

F26

EFTTEX NEWS

Western Filament to show super-line Western Filament has announced what it describes as a major breakthrough in super-line technology and claims it will revolutionise the fishing line industry. The new line will be launched under the TUF-Line Duracast series as a fourth generation material. Western Filament says its new line combines the performance features of a braided line with the ease of use and handling of a monofilament. It features high abrasion resistance and its reliability is said to be more than double that of the nearest competitor. The line also boasts straight pull strength 50% higher than the current Duracast line in the same diameter and 50% higher knot strength. The line performs flawlessly on a spinning reel with none of the associated rod guide noise that is common with hybrid lines. Pro-staff have also indicated that the new line casts up to 20% further than comparable lines.

The company adds that the unique bi-component line utilises a method of fusing the micro-fine Spectra fibre filaments through a patented process. Each fibre is securely bonded at the molecular level to a neighbouring fibre, thereby ensuring a complete monolithic structure. “We are very excited to launch this new series of lines under our Duracast brand. The castability and quiet performance features of this new line are certain to revolutionise the use of ‘super lines’ on spinning reels,” said company President Rex Nelson.

Spot the difference at 250x magniﬁcation: typical braided line (left) and fourth generation Duracast.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +1 970 241 8780 Email wf@wﬁlament.com Web www.wﬁlament.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

C31

Energoﬁsh to start selling products direct to retailers

One of Hungary’s largest manufacturers and distributors of fishing tackle, Energofish, is set to embark on a new adventure on the eve of EFTTEX. The company has announced that it is to start selling direct to retailers and has launched a new website that will contain a stock availability service to its new customers. Energofish was founded in 1992 and has been a regular at EFTTEX for 15 years. General Manager Istvan Pal said: “EFTTEX is the most important event on our calendar for our export activities.” In Amsterdam Energofish will be launching its brand new range of coloured and flavoured sweetcorn baits in an easy-to-open can. They are available in eight different flavours in any quantity and can be branded with the customer’s logo. A range of tackle box organisers will also be on show. In its 5,000 sqm warehousing facility in Budapest, Energofish stores more than 8,000 items of fishing tackle and receives more than 100 containers full of imports a year.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +36 1283 2285 Email info@energoﬁsh.hu Web www.energoﬁsh.hu 90

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

F43

EFTTEX NEWS

Yi Zhe: ‘EFTTEX is a vital part of Old Ghost’s strategy for Europe’

Chinese bait maker Old Ghost will use EFTTEX to decide its future European distributors. “It’s time to choose the best partners,” says its owner Yi Zhe. Angling International: Old Ghost has made no secret about its intentions in Europe. But how will you use EFTTEX this year to further your ambitions? Yi Zhe: EFTTEX is the most important tackle trade show in Europe so we know its value to Old Ghost. We began visiting the show five years ago in order to learn what the European bait market needed. Now this year we are ready to show the market what we can offer, including retailers who will drive the demand for our distributors. What gives you such confidence that your products will be well received? The key is that the four main products we are showcasing have been especially developed for Europe. Our Fresh-keeping Hookbait Sausage is suitable for traditional carp fishing as well as competition fishing. There is nothing else like it in Europe. Secondly, our Double-layered Boilies are new because boilies in Europe are single-layered, making them suitable only as hookbaits. With an outer layer, you get an attractant that instantly entices fish to strike. So with our Double-layered boilies you get the best of both worlds: attractant and hookbait. Our third launch is our Continuously-Dissolving Groundbait Pellet, which breaks down gradually, keeping fish in the location for longer and preventing food dissolving and causing deterioration in water quality. They are so easy to use too, simply throw them to the swim by hand or catapult. Finally, there are our powder baits. Around 70% of Chinese anglers use Old Ghost powder hookbaits and groundbaits. We will bring that experience to Europe. European anglers are in for a big surprise, I think. Your China Fish booth was spectacular. Can visitors expect something similar at EFTTEX? Because this is our first time exhibiting at EFTTEX, we don’t have a booth as big and as spectacular as that in China Fish. But, it’s not so important. We want to put the emphasis on the products.

How much interest have you had from potential distributors? We have been so pleased with the response from the trade. Since we began promoting to the international market we have made contact with hundreds of buyers from all over the world, chief among them potential customers in Europe. This is beyond our expectations and we have plenty of options for partners. So how will you decide who to appoint? At EFTTEX 2011, we will meet with our potential clients and listen carefully to their requirements and their plans. We will then choose the best partners. We have three options for cooperating. One is to ﬁnd an exclusive distributor within a country or region to distribute Old Ghost branded products. The second is to develop with a client a certain market in a particular country or region. Thirdly, we can offer OEM services for certain big brands – but only after our own brand has been established for a year in Europe. What will happen immediately after EFTTEX? Right after the show, we will send out free trial baits to our initially selected partners for testing. When the season ends, we will analyse the test results so we can further improve our products. It’s important that we

trust our experienced European partners. By the end of 2011, these improved products will be ready. We believe that at the beginning of 2012 season our baits will be in most countries in Europe. Why are you so well placed to succeed in 2012? We have spent the last five years wisely. We would not have been ready five year ago because we knew nothing about the European market or even about the fish in European waters. But by adding that knowledge to our 20 years of bait making experience, we are confident we can now provide effective baits for European anglers. We are well placed here in China where we have a wide range of natural raw bait materials. And of course, it helps that we have the biggest bait factory in the world. Last October, when our new factory for producing export baits was finished, our annual production capability reached up to 100,000 tons. I don’t think there is another factory in the world that can match that. Finally, what gives us the greatest confidence is that the end users are not the anglers, but the fish themselves. It’s the biggest difference between bait and tackle. The fish in the water don’t know which country, which company or which brand the bait they are eating comes from, they simply choose what appeals to them most. So as long as fish continue to choose Old Ghost, Old Ghost is bound to succeed!

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +86 27 8756 1355 Email sales@lg918.cn Web www.oldghostbait.com 92

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

C02

EFTTEX NEWS

Slim and strong NCT rods head up Sonik’s product showcase

onik Sports will be launching over 60 new products across 15 categories at this year’s EFTTEX show. Headlining a product selection that will include new rods, reels, clothing, waders and luggage will be the “stunning” NCT (nano carbon technology) rods for carp, lure and sea fishing. “The NCT blanks are slimmer, lighter and significantly stronger than those manufactured from standard carbon fibre materials,” said Commercial Director Ian McCormack. “They offer exciting improvements in quality and performance within each category.”

While there is bound to be considerable interest in the cultured NCT range, Sonik has not forgotten entry-level anglers or those on a tighter budget. The UK company believes its new SKS series of fly, carp and sea rods, aimed at the £50 retail price bracket, offer unbeatable value and will be huge sellers. “With a performance and specification that defies their price tag, the rods should prove to be very popular with dealers in all territories,” added McComack. Since launching in May 2008, Sonik has maintained its focus on rods but has also

“The blanks are signiﬁcantly lighter than those made with standard carbon ﬁbre materials.”

added reels, lines, clothing, waders, boots, luggage and ready-made rigs for sea and carp fishing to its portfolio. The brand has become established within the UK fly, carp and seas markets and reports a steady rise in demand from customers both in Europe and further afield in Russia, Ukraine, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Pursuing a strategy of quality at an affordable price, Sonik is now actively seeking new dealers and distributors in all territories and welcomes new and existing customers to its booth (E65) in Amsterdam.

Sonik will be launching over 60 new products at EFTTEX including (top) NCT rods for carp, lure and sea ﬁshing and (left to right) nets, waders and sea rigs.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +44 1670 798910 Email sales@soniksports.com Web www.soniksports.com 94

Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

E65

Centro’s solution to line twist Korean ﬁshing tackle manufacturer Centro Corporation is returning to EFTTEX for another er year with three new exciting product launches. nches. The company says that the star of the show will be the Zero-Twist Shot, which h prevents line twists New launch: the by having the hook attached ached to a wire shaft so Zero-Twist Shot will that it is free to rotate. ate. be the star of the The wire shaft is connected to a very small show, says Centro. and strong stainless steel teel crane swivel that allows the mechanism to ﬂex in the middle. It uses the new VMC Drop Shot Hook and is available in sizes 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 and 1/0. Also on show will be the Proswap roswap Clevis (fastener system). It is made with a stainless steel wire clevis that sits on a brass body with a hole that runs through the length of the body to receive the wire shaft. Unlike a conventional clevis, it can an be detached from the body to change blades. des. Another newcomer is the Fastach Football otball Weight. It has a line tie and a Fastach connector that at allows you to add or change a hook with a simple twist. It is easy to match the hook style to the type of the bait bait. Th The articulated hook improves the action of the bait it and greatly increases the number of strikes. It is available in 7g, 11g, 14g and 21g.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +82 319 777 188 Web www.centroﬁshing.com Email centro@centro.ﬁshing.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

D14

Italian yarn specialist set for its best ever EFTTEX Textreme – the Italian manufacturer of ﬂy ﬁshing yarns and accessories – believes that EFTTEX in Amsterdam could be one of the best for the company. It has been exhibiting at the show since Brussels in 2006, but owner Gilberto Alberti is particularly excited about the Netherlands venue. He said: “Amsterdam is a great venue. It is situated in the middle of Europe and has very good travel connections with countries throughout the world.” He added that Textreme, which trades mainly in the US, Canada, Russia and Europe, was looking for distributors as it continues to grow. Alberti said: “We are

always looking at new markets because there is a lot to explore worldwide.” The company, which is based in Andorno Micca in northern Italy, has over 40 years’ experience in the study, development and production of yarns for the international textile market and boasts more than 1,000 different materials. These are exciting times for Textreme. It is launching a new catalogue for 2011 and is introducing a new-look website this year. And at EFTTEX visitors will see the launch of its new spool programme and some new synthetic materials developed in the last few months.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +39 015 247 6194 Email info@textreme.it Web www.textreme.it

EF STANTDTEX No.

F24

June 2011 Angling International

EFTTEX NEWS

CRALUSSO WIDENS ITS SEARCH FOR PARTNERS Left and right: the Cralusso range of quality products is growing quickly – as is its needs for new distributors. “We want to hear from reliable suppliers,” says founder Karoly Kralik, far left with his team at EFTTEX.

ungarian float maker Cralusso will be launching a number of new products at EFTTEX this year. It will be presenting a new range of special polyurethane and balsa floats designed for rivers and lakes, accessories for floats, antennaes, swivels and adaptors and some high quality fishing lines. The company was founded in 2002 by match angler Karoly Kralik whose aim was to build his own range of floats. His inventions are said to have revolutionised traditional river and stillwater floats and they have enjoyed considerable success on the match fishing circuit. Kralik said: “The company pays a lot of attention to the quality of our self-made and distributed products – hence our slogan, Cralusso Quality. Our objective is to provide a fast and perfect service to our partners to help their work. Encouraged by our success, we are planning to broaden our product range and broaden our sales network.” The company’s best known products include: ● The Torpedo Float, which is among the company’s most popular and is used on rivers with a pole for strong hold back or fully stopped fishing. Cralusso says it is unique because the body does not rise out of the water. ● The Surf and Bolo, which are working floats that can be held on flowing water without drifting out. ● Innovative wagglers, which have an award-winning calibration system to make it easy for anglers to set the weighting. ● The Prestige range of line. Cralusso says the name reflects the quality of its product. Despite its short history, the company’s products are already available on four continents and in 23 countries. Current main markets are Europe and Russia, but Kralik told Angling International that he is looking to break into other countries and is actively seeking distributors. 96

Angling International June 2011

CRALUSSO LANDMARKS 2002: Cralusso founded.

2003: Using the

Cralusso Torpedo ﬂoat, Hungary wins the World Championship and Alan Scotthorne takes the individual title. 2005: Torpedo ﬂoats help Will Raison to win the individual title in the European Championship. 2006: Cralusso’s Rocket and built-in Calibration System win Genius Award at the International Invention Exhibition.

“We are broadening our range of products and therefore looking for new, reliable and qualityorientated suppliers to take on our portfolio. “EFTTEX is important because it gives me the opportunity to introduce my company and products to an international stage. It is also a chance to meet my current partners and discuss our future plans.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +36 27 304 327 Email cralusso@cralusso.com Website www.cralusso.com

2007 & 2008:

EF STANTDTEX No.

H41

US Open is won with Golf and Bubble ﬂoats. 2008: Hungarian Championship is won using Cralusso Shark. 2009: Cralusso wins Best Stand Award at EFTTEX.

EFTTEX NEWS

Coming to Europe: the multi-feature Plano 728.

Plano promising to take storage to the next level Plano says that it is taking tackle storage solutions to new levels with its new keynote product at EFTTEX 2011, the Plano 728. For 2012 the company will add a 3600-size angled Stowaway® system to complement the two 3700-sizes it introduced to the 2011 range. The Plano 728 Size Angled Stowaway tackle storage system has an integrated storage rack that receives and holds three 3600 Series Stowaway utility boxes individually at a 15 degree angle. The popular 3600-size Stowaway utilities are gravity-fed and held securely in place by their own weight. The lay-out means that the front edges

are exposed for easy identiﬁcation as to what is in each box and allows easy access to the utility of choice. The DuraView™ front door conveniently slides underneath and out of the way when it is time to ﬁsh. It also closes up securely for carrying. Additional storage areas on the sides and in the lid create more areas for storage. The 728 comes in blue and grey. Plano, an EFTTEX exhibitor for 11 years, will be sharing a booth with one of its distributors, Rapala. The company has markets in most of Europe and during the last two years has enjoyed growth in eastern Europe and the Nordic countries.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +1 630 552 3111 Web www.planomolding.com Email customerservices@planomolding.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

D34

Momoi launches strong mono inspired by Ninja

Momoi Fishing Tackle has released an ultrahigh strength monofilament for freshwater fishing. The line is called Black Shadow (Kurokage) – the traditional name of the Japanese Ninja. It is said to be strong enough to protect your catch from various obstacles and gives you the ability to reach your target at long range. It also looks like a shadow in the water to fish. It comes in black and dark brown and in 0.20mm to 0.60mm. The Black Shadow will be on show at EFTTEX 2011 in Amsterdam alongside the company’s new types of PE line – the JigLine MX8 and the JigLine Multi-Colour.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +81 78 391 5448 Web www.momoiﬁshing.jp Email ﬁshingline@momoi.co.jp

EF STANTDTEX No.

J07

June 2011 Angling International

EFTTEX NEWS

A new Rock Hard hard bait from Castaic will feature at EFTTEX.

Lure kings set for more big deals

rophy Technologies has promised to strike up some ‘really big’ new partnerships similar to its recently agreed deal with the Airrus rod brand. The American company – the world’s leading seller of predator fishing lures – is keen to build on the platform and strike up more of the same. Its agreement with Airrus gives Trophy Technologies sole distributorship of the rod brand in the US. Its co-founder Kris Reibel told Angling International: “You will continue to see a constant flow of new products and some really big new partnerships. “Our agreement with the Airrus brand is an example of this. We continue to review potential acquisitions to see if we can find a company or product line that is complementary to our business.” He added; “We want to grow the business profitably and we have managed to do that every year in what can only be described as a very difficult time for the fishing industry.” Reibel said he was excited by the prospect of EFTTEX EX returning to Amsterdam. “We are especially happy because ecause

it is such strong market for predator ﬁshing. It is a great location and convenient for customers to come from anywhere on the planet.” Trophy Technologies will be howing off new products from its Castaic brand. These will include: ● A new series of patented life-like segmented Rock Hard hard baits; ● All new Jerky J Hard Core jerk baits; ● An expansion of its new Kicker soft lure with a new tail design; ● Extra sizes to its new Super Jerky J series of plastic bag lures from 4ins to 8ins; ● Surprise additions to the Castaic range. For its Reaction Strike brand, the company is showing off a new design for a segmented vibration lure and it has also expanded its Revolution Crankbait series that includes several new models. Alongside these will be additional new soft plastics in its Diet Series. It also hopes to have several large predator lures completed in time for the show.

Right: Just part of the ‘constant ﬂow of new products’ promised by Kris Reibel.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +1 317 936 5414 Web www.reactionstrike.com Email krisreibel@hotmail.com 100 Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

F26

EFTTEX NEWS

Salmo looking beyond the east

atvian company Salmo is looking to take its wideranging product portfolio into Europe. The company, which makes products as diverse as fishing clothing, rods, reels, fishing hooks and lures, will be using its third appearance at EFTTEX to promote its brands to a wider audience. Export Director Guntars Vaisla said: “Currently our main markets are Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, but we are looking to extend that to elsewhere in Europe. “EFTTEX can help us meet new clients – that is most important for us.” Vaisla added: “Being at EFTTEX also gives our export department the chance to show off our new products to our current customers, while for the people in our import office it is a chance show those companies whose brands we distribute what a big business we are and

to demonstrate that we are a serious international player.” Pride of place on the Salmo stand at EFTTEX will be its women’s fishing costume, Norfin Lady, alongside its extended range of male fishing apparel. At last year’s EFTTEX, Salmo presented pre-production samples of its EVA boots range, Norfin Lapland. This time around visitors can see – and order – the real thing. They are said to be lighter than conventional boots and make walking long distances that much more comfortable.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +371 6740 6673 Email salmo@salmo.lv Web www.salmo.lv

EF STANTDTEX No.

G61

Dragon’s new market plan After making inroads into Spain and France this year, Dragon has Iceland, Romania and Bulgaria in its sights. Export Manager of the Polish-based company, Marta Szalkowska, told Angling International that thanks to the efforts of its distributors, Elyman in Spain and France-based Pafex, the Dragon brand has made ‘excellent’ progress in those two countries. She added that Dragon would be utilising EFTTEX in Amsterdam to meet new distributors in its targeted territories. “The main purpose of EFTTEX is to start business in new markets,” said Szalkowska. “However, it is also a chance to

throw away the cell phones and emails and meet new customers, people I work with and representatives from other companies personally. “It is also an Marta Szalkowska: opportunity to excellent progress. show Dragon to the world and keep the brand name at the forefront of the industry.” Dragon will be launching ﬁve new products at EFTTEX: the Fishmaker Reel, HM8X braided line, soft V-Lures, V-Point jigheads and new leaders.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +48 52 326 8016 Email export@ﬁrmadragon.pl Web www.ﬁrmadragon.pl 102 Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

C09

EFTTEX NEWS

Surprises in store as Wychwood prepares latest product showcase

FTTEX has always been much more than a simple trade show to the UK-based Leeda brands. It is an indicator of the company’s growing strength, typiﬁed by its Wychwood brand’s multiple victories in the last two EFTTEX Best New Product Awards. Since EFTTEX 2010 both arms of the Wychwood brand have gone from strength to strength, with increasing sales, a rapidly growing retailer base and – most recently – a hugely successful Pro-Dealer promotion. EFTTEX 2011 is set to be another very successful show and all the indications are that the next 12 months will see more of the same. Wychwood Game’s Brand Manager Paul Richardson says he has been delighted with the last 12 months. With more than a 20% increase in new Pro-Dealers and a ‘brilliant’ reaction to the new luggage range, SLA Reels and Trueﬂy SLA Rods, it is no surprise that retailers worldwide are working hard to open new accounts, he says. When asked what is in store for EFTTEX 2011, Richardson smiles wryly and said: “It will be another exciting show. Not only are we launching several brand new products, but our new catalogue has just been released and has enjoyed an incredibly positive reaction already. “Wychwood Game will also be lifting the lid on a totally new sub brand, but I can’t say too much more as we want it to be a surprise. However, we are all very excited about it, as it will ‘change the game!’ “EFTTEX 2011 offers the Wychwood

Above and below: the Trueﬂy SLA rods and reels have starred in a ‘brilliant’ year for Wychwood Game. But what launches will follow in their wake?

Right: Bite alarms are just part of the Wychwood Specimen success story. “The next 12 months will see more and more different products,” says Mick Barnes.

Game brand a great opportunity to promote new ranges and I look forward to the brand growing as successfully in Europe as it has done in the UK.” As with Wychwood Game, the specimen arm of the tackle line-up is also said to have enjoyed an ‘extraordinary’ year. At the last count Wychwood Specimen had signed up 85 more Pro-Dealers than last year with a month of the promotion still to go. Mick Barnes has been Brand Manager at Wychwood Specimen for a year and the result has been a range of product ready for release that is said to incorporate both quality and innovation. In Mick’s eyes there is no room for ‘off the shelf’ product. His new products are meticulously designed and tested. They have already set tongues wagging in the UK and European tackle trade. Barnes said: “The last 12 months have been extremely busy. Wychwood has worked

hard to establish itself as a leading carp and specimen brand. The new bivvies, brollies and rods have been incredibly well received and demand from both the trade and consumers has been brilliant. “The next 12 months will only get better as more and more special and different products are released and the new website comes on stream (www.wychwood-tackle. co.uk). On top of that, our recently launched relationship with Nutrabaits is also looking very good. This year’s EFTTEX will see Wychwood Specimen launch a number of new products as well as submitting entries for the industry awards. Whispers are that Wychwood will be unveiling a new carp reel that is reported to be very special and totally unique. Wychwood is always happy talking to potential new retailers and distributors at EFTTEX. Sales Director Tim Wildermoth will be on hand over the entire event to discuss new opportunities.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +44 1527 587437 Email tim.wildermoth@leeda.co.uk Web www.wychwood-tackle.co.uk

104 Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

B21/2 3

EFTTEX NEWS

Bait specialists Fun Fishing ﬁnally ready to unveil hi-tech Soluball

un Fishing has unveiled its most exclusive and technologically advanced bait, the Soluball, after a four-year development programme. The bait has been designed by the French-based company’s carp and match fishing experts and is so special that the company had to create unique machines to cook and dry it properly. The Soluball was developed to create a bait that was genuinely new and would make a difference when carp fishing on difficult waters. Made from more than 35% soluble attractors, it can be used both as a hook bait and for baiting swims. The weight and resistance of the bait allows power casting with a cobra or catapult. The dissolving process begins as soon as the Soluball reaches the bottom and is powerful enough for the bait to still be dispersing its attractors hours later. Depending on the water temperature, the hook bait does not need changing for five to six hours.

Nearly 100% digestible, the Soluball – says Fun Fishing – is the ultimate weapon when it comes to angling for carp, particularly during competition ﬁshing. Fun Fishing advises anglers to use the Soluball with its ﬂuo pop-ups to enhance their potential, adding that the mix of the most attractive bait and its powerful coloured pop-ups makes a winning combination. Furthermore, as the bait dissolves on the bottom the more it slowly becomes more buoyant and therefore visible to carp.

HOW IT WORKS WITH FLUO POP-UPS

“Nearly 100% digestible, the Soluball, says Fun Fishing, is the ultimate weapon in competitions.” Fun Fishing explains that one of the mainstays of its product line – and the foundation of its success – is the Classic range. Developed in 1994, the reputation of the range is unsurpassed says Fun Fishing, explaining that the reason for its longevity is its value for money. Digestible and attractive to carp, it is made up of bird food and a mix of vegetable flours. They are cooked by steaming to preserve the taste and flavour. The Classic range, used successfully for many years on the European circuit, is available in boilies, pop-ups and boosters and six flavours – Wild Cherry, Wild Strawberry, Fresh Pineapple, Mussel/Crab, Giant Prawn and Sweetcorn.

Step 1: Soluball (A) and Fluo Pop-Ups(B) at the beginning of the dissolving process. Step 2: After around three hours in the water, the Soluball is partially dissolved, so the Fluo Pop-Ups balance both baits. Left: Fun Fishing has high hopes that Soluball will match the success of its univerally popular Classic bait range.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +33 299 47 8628 Email contact@funfshing.fr Web www.funﬁshing.fr

106 Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

F59

Step 3: After ﬁve hours in the water, the Soluball is only half of its original size, so the baits are now ﬂoating.

June 2011 Angling International 107

EFTTEX NEWS Gruppo DP predicting a bright future for PE braid When Gruppo DP first started to supply PE braids it was to complement its range of nylon and fluorocarbon. However, the Italian company believes that by 2015 PE braid could be as important as monofilament to its product mix. All Gruppo braids are made by braiding Japanese PE fibres and using a state-of-the-art coating technology. It has eight different braids that include sinking braids, metered colour-changing braids, micro pitch braids and camouflage multi-colour braids. At EFTTEX it will be launching two new braids, both braided at eight plies for maximum shape and smoothness. Both are made with ultra-thin fibres to make it as thin as

the Japanese no 0.6 with a breaking strain of 5kg. The first one is specifically designed for the new Japanese technique for squid fishing – eging. It has a smooth surface and is silent as it passes through the rings. The second release is a micro-thin line for bass fishing. It offers superior castability and is made of the strongest Japanese fibre available.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +39 010 369 846 Web www.gruppodp.com Email export@gruppodp.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

B62

110 Angling International June 2011

AUSTRALIA IS THE TOP TARGET FOR SPORTSYSTEM For over a decade Sportsystem and the Johansson-Elmervik family in Hukvarna, Sweden, have been taking care of the iconic Myran spinner that was ﬁrst created in 1949 by Paul Johansson. The range now includes a series of handmade spinners and boxes that are sold all over the world. This year a new spinner was introduced to the repertoire and a new spoon to the well-established Panter range. Björn Johansson-Elmervik said: “We continue to produce and develop our bespoke Wipp spinners bearing the logos of sports clubs, commercial companies and even the

Swedish church! The spirit of Paul Johansson lives on in these products that have always been – and still are – made in Sweden.” Sportsystem is making its ﬁfth appearance at EFTTEX. Johansson-Elmervik said: “It is the most important exhibition for the company. “Our main markets for spinners are currently Russia, Ukraine, Japan and northern Europe, while our boxes are popular in the UK and the United States. We are interested in developing our spinner and box businesses in Australia, Asia and also in South America.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +46 365 1000 Web www.myran.se Email sportsystem@sportsystem.se

EF STANTDTEX No.

B01

EFTTEX NEWS

Booming Pacific Wave set for fi first rst EFTTEX

fter four years of incredible growth – and a national award to prove it – fly fishing tackle manufacturer Pacific Wave is on the look-out for new distributors and dealers. The Danish company is making its debut at EFTTEX with the intention of using the event to recruit new partners from all over the world but particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. Managing Director Henrik Agerskov Jensen says that the company’s performance has seen it build up a strong base in Europe with ‘new customers every week’. A full selection of gear for the fly fisherman, from rods, reels and lines to waders, flies and a huge range of tying materials is offered – all under the A.Jensen brand. Agerskov Jensen told Angling International: ‘I am convinced that having this broad product range under the same brand name,

combined with a price structure which allows our partners to have good margins, is part of our success. We are looking to build on our base to attract representatives in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America. “Our business is so seasonal that to have two ‘springs’ would be a big hit for us.” Paciﬁc Wave has seen its business grow tremendously in each of the last four years

Henrik Jensen is looking for partners in the Southern Hemisphere.

114 Angling International June 2011

Above: Rods are just part of the Paciﬁc Wave product mix. Having a broad range has been the key to growth, says its MD.

and was appointed as a Danish Gazelle 2010 company – recognition given to companies that show a minimum 100% growth. Agerskov Jensen said: “Since increasing our product range four years ago our business has exploded. What makes me especially proud is that we have achieved this despite the global ﬁnancial situation.” “I think the only other ﬁshing company in Denmark to get this award before us was Svendsen Sport.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +45 482 64547 Email info@paciﬁcwave.dk Web www.AJensenFlyFishing.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

G27

Innovative Lures arrives with smartest design yet its creations in Denmark, Radical Danish lure creators Holland and Finland. It is Innovative Lures will be expecting the Jiggy Junior to exhibiting at their fourth generate huge interest and consecutive EFTTEX in to open doors throughout Amsterdam – and bringing the rest of Europe. For with them their most Sogaard, EFTTEX is the key imaginative design yet. to the company’s growth. The Jiggy Junior vertical “The show is so jerkbait is a hybrid creation important for future that combines the qualities Lars Sogaard: Expecting huge interest at the show. business,” he says. “Being of a vertical jig with those there demonstrates your of a hardbait. In tests it has vitality as a company. For us, it’s proved irresistible to even the very essential for meeting our current largest pike. partners and for presenting our new “It’s unique in the market,” says products. We wouldn’t miss it.” company founder Lars Sogaard. “It stands in the water at a 45-degree angle, nose down and with a ﬂoating tail. When it’s retrieved it has a slight side-to-side action. Pike and zander love it.” Innovative Lures currently distributes

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel+45 30 13 9591 Email lars.sogaard@innovativelures.com Web www.innovativelures.com www.verticaljerkbait.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

E43

Easy2Hook is a must for all anglers, say makers ‘Loop, whip and exit’ – it’s that easy, says Waterproof Innovations, the maker of Easy2Hook, the device that allows the angler to tie a hook in just a few seconds. Jules Beckman Lapre says: “Never before has a hair rig been so simple to make or adjust. Because this hook can be removed from your line with ease, hair length can be adjusted without the need to tie a new rig. g. “Other commonly used rigs, such as the pellet band hair, chod and zig, can be tied with the E2H too.” The Mustad-made E2H is said to appeal to every angler – both sea and coarse – and comes in a wide range of sizes and patterns. It is also ideal for beginners and angling coaches as after it has

been demonstrated once you will be able to do it straight away. Lapre added: “Anyone who struggles to attach a hook either through disability, poor knowledge of knots, defective eyesight or simply sitting on the bank with bitterly cold hands will ﬁnd this product perfect. It should be a must for every angler’s tackle box.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFORE EFTTEX Tel +31 653 859 446 Email info@easy-2-hook.com Web www.easy-2-hook.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

H55

June 2011 Angling International 115

EFTTEX NEWS

Ockert shines with OEM and Climax lines

y combining a huge variety of the best raw materials with our extensive production experience and modern packaging facilities we are able to supply the most sophisticated private label products for highly specialised markets, all ready for sale.” So says Jan Willenbruch, General Manager of Ockert – and it is difﬁcult to argue with him. Ockert focuses on OEM. It invests in constant research and development to complement more than 60 years of experience to provide a comprehensive and trusted range for its customers. At EFTTEX it will be looking for brands that need good quality lines. Materials including Dyneema, Dacron, Kevlon and PA ﬁbres are braided in diameters from 0.6mm to 3mm and supplied as hollow, round, plain or blended lines to meet diverse customer requirements. The company also produces leadcore and

coated lines and, with the focus on the carp market, offers what it believes to be the widest range of hooklinks and skinbraids. Add to this a range of monofilaments stretching from PA lines such as Perlon to copolymers and different fluorocarbons or hard monos, and it’s easy to see why the business has such a good reputation. Ockert also has its own brands – Climax and Sportex. They will be looking for distributors at EFTTEX. Climax miG is a new high performance, perfectly round braid aimed at predator anglers and features extraordinary knot strength and the highest possible abrasion resistance. Unblended, pure Dyneema fibres allow very fine diameters and minimum stretch. The recent popularity of nymph fishing – demanding long, small-diameter leaders – has resulted in the development of Climax SFT (SuperFineTip) fly lines, which will

Above: the new Climax miG will be on the Ockert stand at EFTTEX, but it is the sheer breadth of line options that truly sets Ockert apart. “We are able to supply the most sophisticated private label products,” says General Manager Jan Willenbruch.

also be in evidence at EFTTEX. SFT features an extended front taper with an ultra-ﬁne, lightweight tip section, resulting in less drag and better contact. Further interest in the Ockert booth will be generated by the presence of its Sportex rod brand. “The TiBoron, Carat Zylon, Styx, Carp Z and the recently launched Brilliant carp rods perfectly represent what Sportex stands for – absolute quality applied using a sound understanding of angling,” said Willenbruch. “Materials like boron and zylon are being used solely by Sportex.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +49 89 894 0830 crademann@ockert.net Web: www.ockert.net

EF STANTDTEX No.

D36

CALICO WIDENS SEARCH FOR YO-ZURI/DUEL DISTRIBUTORS Calico, the tackle distributor based in Barcelona, is returning to EFTTEX for the second time with the intention of building up the distribution network of the Yo-Zuri/Duel brands of Japanese lures and fishing lines. Montserrat Calico said: “EFTTEX will be important for us as we develop the European distribution of Yo-Zuri/ Duel, which we signed up last year. ”We have already established partners in Italy, France, the UK, Greece, Latvia, Russia and other countires, but are looking to widen the network further.” Calico will also be introducing a wide range of new lures and some ‘spectacular’ squid jigs and fishing lines at EFTTEX. The new lures include the Hardcore Heavy Sinking Minnow. It comes in three sizes and is said to have a wide range action at slow and high speeds with twitching and jerking movements. The Sashimi series has a new metallic finish (right) and its wave motion is

enhanced by its patented Change and Reaction Bite – the colour changing to imitate fleeing baitfish. Calico is also introducing a new Crystal Minnow 3D – claimed to have an improved action that includes a darting response. The 3D Prism finish creates diamond-like reflections to attract fish from all directions. The 3D Prism is also incorporated in the Sashimi 3D, which now boasts the patented 3D Prism, Wave Motion and Colour Change innovations.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +34 933 00 1412 Email ventas@calico.es Web www.duel.co.jp www.kalikunnan.com 116 Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

B44

EFTTEX NEWS

Jerkbait pioneers Strike Pro keep fans sweet with new developments

n the early 2000s more and more pike anglers opened their eyes to jerkbait fishing, but it was not until CWC (Catch with Care) AB introduced the Buster Jerk and released the film ‘Pike Fever’ that interest in the technique exploded. When jerkbait fishing was introduced in Sweden the Pig was frequently used. Several remarkable catches of big pike boosted the hype of this American bait and jerkbait fishing as an effective method for big fish. In the spring of 2000 CWC AB secured the distributorship for Odyssey Lures which manufactured the Pig. Together with other such products like the Salmo Slider and its ts own range of jerkbait rods, CWC C became one of the pioneers within hin Scandinavian jerkbait fishing. As interest grew, CWC decided ded to

Below: Buster Jerk Wolfpack lures were added in 2010 – and the story of big pike catches continued.

produce a lure designed for Scandinavian jerkbait fishing with Strike Pro developing the bait from start to finish. It came up with the Buster Jerk, an extremely versatile pike fishing ‘machine’ that is very easy to work with. CWC and its fishing team managed to catch 22 pike over 10kg during three days of fishing in the south of Sweden in the spring of 2004. The company made the film ‘Pike Fever’ from those days of frenetic action. It proved to be a huge success and all jerkbait anglers in Scandinavia wanted to use the Buster Jerk. The bait is said to be the most successful

different types of jerkbaits is the predominant fishing technique in the Baltic Sea. Strike Pro believes almost all anglers have at least one Buster Jerk in their bait box – most have between five and ten! After the success of the bait, the company has continued to develop several more high quality, efficient lures. The Belly Buster is shorter, rounder and has a lovely belly flash. It is mainly designed for colder conditions at depths of up to 4m. Big Bandit was designed in 2005 and is a classic glider. It is 20cm long, has a side-toside action and a wider movement than the Buster Jerk. It is easy to handle and is a lure that is responsible for some spectacular pike catches. Most of Strike Pro’s jerkbaits are available in several weight classes – sinkers, suspenders and floaters. The lure angler can easily adapt the movement and depth for the water conditions. At Strike Pro’s production facility in Taiwan it produces an amazing array of colour patterns. The Buster Jerk is currently available in 47 standard colours! Saltwater anglers have also started to use Strike Pro jerkbaits – for jerkbait fishing to high speed trolling. Tuna, barracuda, shark, and wahoo are said to throw themselves at the Buster Jerk, Big Bandit and Belly Buster without hesitation.

lure in Sweden for big pike catches. Over the last seven years more and more big fish between 10kg and 15kg have be been reported caught on the Buster Jerk. During the early years, jerkbait fishing was a technique used mainly by the most dedicated pike angler. But gradually an increasing number of anglers have realised that this is a fishing method that is great fun and extremely MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX effective when used in Tel +46 876 10600 Email lc@strikepro.se the right conditions. Today, fishing with Web www.strikepro.eu

GOODYEAR TARGETS EFTTEX AS IT TAKES ITS NEXT BIG STEP IN THE ANGLING MARKET Global brand Goodyear has developed a range of perfect for coastal fishing and is resistant to cold outdoor footwear especially designed for anglers. and hydrocarbon fuels. It has a breathable cotton The products – which can be seen at the Buldo and inside and a very strong grip factor. Bonnand booth at EFTTEX in Amsterdam – are all Making up the range is the Thigh Wader, which made in France using a patented new generation is 80cm high and comes with a waist strap. It has PVC manufactured by Compound Technology breathable cotton inside, a durable upper and sole Services, a leading maker of PVC. and firm grip on slimy or loose ground. It comes Buldo says that The Fish is a boot that with a life-long sealing guarantee. has been designed for river, lake EF and mountain fishing. It comes MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX STANTDTEX with a choice of three linings: No. Tel +33 476 6442 93 Web www.buldo.com cotton, 2mm neoprene and fur. Email julien.guardiola@buldo.com The Blue Marlin is said to be

H48

118 Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

C10

EFTTEX NEWS

Paladin is on the rise following a sensational reaction at China Fish After four Best of Show category awards and one overall product award in two years, the company is continuing its search for global partners at EFTTEX.

aladin will arrive in Amsterdam boosted by enormous success at China Fish and with ambitious plans to find new customers worldwide. In its first two years of exhibiting at China’s premier trade event it has won four Best of Show category awards and one overall Best of Show product award. Recognition has come for its full range of products with awards for its Sharkfin® reels, Liquid Steel LeaderTM, Trick Fisch® lures and Ready-to-fish Fly Fishing Combo Set. The company is able to serve the global angling trade in three ways: product development, international distribution and worldwide product sourcing. A new 220-page English-language catalogue is testament to the growth of its product ranges since its launch in 1985. The Paladin (Pal-a-deen) product line now includes more than 5,000 fishing-related items, 15 trademarked brands, and numerous worldwide design and product patents. The company began life in Europe with an idea to have quality German-engineered product designs produced at its own factory in China. The result was a joint venture called Paladin, whose original meaning in mythical literature is “very best friend”. Now Paladin has expanded to have international offices in China, USA and Europe supplying more than 40 countries and 1,000 clients worldwide. Product lines include nets, line, braid, leaders, lures, pre-rigged and ready-to-fish rod/reel combos, and many types of terminal tackle and rigging systems featuring the highest quality Japanese hooks. The company also supplies a wide range of angler-related items including apparel, tackle systems and outdoor equipment to enhance the fishing experience. Paladin has just announced an exclusive distribution agreement for the European marketplace with US company Uncle Josh Bait Company. Uncle Josh Bait Company was established in 1922 and has a large US distribution and

an excellent reputation worldwide for quality products. The Uncle Josh umbrella of companies includes brand names Kalin’s, Bead, Sizmic, Little Stinker, Bass Stalker, Atom and the newly acquired The Arctic Fisherman Beaver Dam. Paladin will be introducing new Uncle Josh products at EFTTEX. In turn, the Uncle Josh Bait Company will help distribute Paladin, including its Castalia Outdoors product line, in the US marketplace using Uncle Josh’s long-established US distribution system. In 2010 Paladin added distribution of the Maruto brand of quality Japanese hooks to its European and US marketplaces. Maruto has a rich history of more than 100 years of producing some of the world’s finest hooks. Finally, Paladin’s international product development service offices provide clients complete and confidential services including product development, research, sourcing,

Above from left: Paladin USA Managing Director Mike Richards, Paladin China Managing Director Christine Cong and Paladin Principal Director Guenther Burk proudly show the company’s Best of Show awards for China Fish 2011.

tooling, production, safety checks, quality control, logistics, documentation, translation, packaging, artwork, instruction manuals, catalogues, branding and advertising materials as needed. Paladin welcomes enquiries from potential distributors and agents from throughout Europe. If you are interested in Paladin products or Uncle Josh baits, make contact ahead of the show or visit Stand H11 at EFTTEX. Growing business: the Paladin umbrella covers its own brand plus top US and Japanese names.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Paladin Europe Guenther Burk Tel +49 2293 90899 0 Email info@paladin.de Web www.paladin.de Paladin Asia Christine Cong, Managing Director Tel +86 631 5283129 Email christine.cong@paladinchina.com Web www.paladinchina.com Paladin USA Mike Richards, Managing Director Tel +1 863 635 7238 Email mike@castaliaoutdoors.com Web www.CastaliaOutdoors.com June 2011 Angling International 121

EF STANTDTEX No.

H11

EFTTEX NEWS

Berkley poised with revolutionary new line

f all the many new products at EFTTEX 2011, few will be the subject of such eager anticipation as Nanofil, the new line launched by Pure Fishing brand Berkley. Pure Fishing says Nanofil is the biggest advance in fishing line the company has ever made and takes diameter-to-strength ratios to a new, never-before-seen level. Nanofil is, says Pure Fishing, a genuine breakthrough in line technology and is destined to turn the market upside-down.

Neither a mono nor a braid, Nanofil is made from gel-spun polyethylene, much like a superline, using what Berkley calls unified filament technology. Hundreds of Dyneema nanofilaments give the line tremendous strength, while its ultra-small diameter ensures super sensitivity and promises to revolutionise casting. “Nanofil really pushes the limits for minimum diameter and maximum strength,” said an excited Jan van de Bovenkamp, Senior Product Manager at Pure Fishing Europe. “Thin and smooth are the first words that come to mind when

you touch it. These qualities allow effortless casting with unsurpassed precision. All types of angler are going to appreciate the longer casting that Nanofil facilitates. It will also be the first non-stretch line that can be used include advice on how to achieve best on pole, Bolognese and match rods.” knot strength. It will be available in 50 Nanofil will have a dedicated metre, 125 metre, 270 metre and 1800 launch in Etten-leur, Holland, before metre spool sizes in clear mist colour. being taken to EFTTEX. It will then be available to consumers from September EF in specially MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX STANTDTEX No. designed Tel +33 45 09 67 700 Web www.eu.purefishing.com packaging Email jvbovenkamp@nl.purefishing.com that will

C44

Sébile targets more awards with latest lure innovations Sketches of the new versatile AT Minnow.

places or when a finesse approach is needed. Sébile’s reputation for innovation will once again Both the lures will also be available to see in be to the fore in Amsterdam. the Best New Product area as well as on the Exhibiting under the Pure Fishing banner for Pure Fishing Europe stand. the first time following its acquisition by the global giant earlier this year, Sébile plans to continue the momentum that saw it achieve a virtual clean sweep of lure awards last year. Company founder Patrick Sébile collected an amazing eight awards from the EFTTEX, ICAST and AFTA shows in 2010 and Pure Fishing Europe has two brand new products for the new PURE FISHING’S EFTTEX SURPRISES season that could well achieve similar acclaim. One is a swimbait rig that incorporates a Pure Fishing promises some “nice surprises” for visitors special wide gape hook to improve hooking rates, to its stand in Amsterdam. “As usual we will try to present the maximum with a low profile lead weight on the shank and a number of new products at the show,” said EMEA special ring enabling easy addition or removal of Products and Marketing Director Pascal Grillot. an extra hook for open water fishing. “There will be lines, lures and accessories and visitors Also on show will be the AT Minnow, a lure are invited to come and find out more. Berkley Nanofil with a universal profile designed to be as versatile is a major innovation and the new Sébile lures will also as possible. The result of a complicated piece create a lot of interest. There will also be more new of engineering, this soft minnow is available in products from the Gulp! Carp development process.” 8cm, 10cm, 12cm and 15cm sizes. Small ‘canals’ Pure Fishing collected two Best New Product awards through the body of the lure make it suitable for at last year’s EFTTEX in Valencia and is hoping for more a wide range of rigging options such as an addithis year. “We have a good chance, particularly in lines and baits,” added Grillot. tional treble or single hook hidden in the tail. It is recommended as EF MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX the ultimate bait for all STANTDTEX No. Tel +33 45 09 67 700 Web www.sebile.com vertical and drop shot Email contact@fr.purefishing.com techniques in snaggy

C44

122 Angling International June 2011

LINEAEFFE ARRIVES SEEKING YET MORE OVERSEAS BUSINESS A regular at EFTTEX, Italian-based Lineaeffe is a leading company in the design and manufacture of ﬁshing tackle. It has over 30 years of experience in the industry and during those years has established itself as one of its country’s most important ﬁshing tackle traders.

Lineaeffe says that by using its experience it has been able to produce high quality products at very competitive prices, including rods, reels and ﬂoats. Today Lineaeffe exports products all over the world with overseas business accounting for more than 60% of the company’s turnover.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +39 051 6660000 Email info@lineaeffe.it Web www.lineaeffe.it

EF STANTDTEX No.

C12

WHICH COMPANY HAS HAND-PAINTED LURES? See p131

Northland sees big future in Europe for its lures

orthland Fishing Tackle is taking what it describes as an important step in developing the brand and global awareness of the company with its first-ever appearance at EFTTEX in Amsterdam. The American-based fishing tackle manufacturer is looking to expand beyond its highly successful main markets in the US and Canada. Its Assistant Brand Manager, Chris Morgal, said: “In today’s economy globalisation ensures growth and stability – allowing for a strong financial future. “We feel that Northland has many new and existing products that are easily adaptable to major fishing markets across the globe. Creating global awareness is the next logical step.” Morgal said that with the help of EFTTEX the company will be aiming to establish

partnerships in various regions gions within wi Europe, Asia and South America. merica ca. He added: “At EFTTEX there will w be a big emphasis on our LiveForage series of spoons and look d we loo ook forward to introducing them hem to new ew markets.” The company is also planning to introduce new products, including additional predator baits, bigger spinner nner baits and adaptable terminal tackle. ackle. Morgal said: “Attendingg EFTTEX is a big deal for Northland, but we believe eve the time is right for us to broaden oaden our horizons and we are all looking forward to the challenge.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +1 218 751 6723 Web www.northlandtackle.com Email sales@northlandtackle.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

H54

“Our products are easily adaptable to major global markets.”

US bait favourite ready to expand into Europe Since it was founded in the US in 1922, Uncle Josh has proudly followed a tradition of providing ﬁnely crafted lures and baits. Now Uncle Josh is expanding into the European market with a range of new and proven baits for carp, trout, whiteﬁsh and a wide range of species in fresh and saltwater. The company’s products, which will be distributed by Paladin, include several brands such as Kalin’s, Atom, Bass Stalker, Bead, Little Stinker, Sizmic and the newly acquired Arctic Fisherman Beaver Dam.

Product highlights include the new Meat series of Uncle Josh lures which include natural pork rinds crafted to imitate night crawlers, minnows and leeches. These unique new lures have a natural texture, colouring and scent to attract fish, says the company. They also have the toughness to last through multiple catches. For trout fishermen, the company’s Natura Floating Bait is an all natural, scented and easily-moulded doughpaste with a selection of radiant fleckfilled colours designed to enhance the trout-catching experience. Also offered are preserved minnows, meal worms, wax worms, shrimps and grasshoppers packaged in convenient travel packs that store easily in the tackle bag or box. Uncle Josh also offers a selection of easily-moulded dough carp baits flavoured and coloured to catch carp in any conditions. They are packaged in convenient 280g resealable tubs.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +1 920 563 2491 Email mbichanich@unclejosh.com Web www.UncleJosh.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

H11

June 2011 Angling International 123

EFTTEX NEWS

Lure innovator Wake accelerates growth plans

ure company Wake has come a long way since making its EFTTEX debut last year. The Finnish business enjoyed a successful 2009 but it was after the Valencia show in 2010 that export sales really started to accelerate. Now Managing Director Jose Jaakkola and his team are preparing for Amsterdam in the expectation of tripling annual turnover for 2010/11 – with a big part of that momentum driven by export customers. And with even more focus on R&D and four new lure concepts on the drawing board, Jaakkola is anticipating further growth next year. “At least one of the new lures will be ready in time for EFTTEX and another we are pushing to have out for ICAST,” he told Angling International. “First is a soft version of our Jigwobbler, which our customers have been impatiently waiting for.

“The original hard model has already proven to be a top seller and fish catcher and we are confident that the new soft version will be equally successful. “Secondly, we have devised a new, innovative swimbait that has the same key functions that made the Jigwobbler such a success. That is, an unusually attractive swimming action when sinking and also when retrieved. “The other two lures currently under R&D are so special I cannot reveal too much at the moment, except to say they are in the full hybrid category. “Our distributors will be the first to know what is coming down the pipeline,” he added. Wake has recently invested 20,000 euros on new software that will ensure a quicker and better automated service to customers, providing distributors with up-to-date information on stock levels and order processing. At the same time the company is reinvent-

MD Jose Jaakkkola: “We will have more new lures ready for EFTTEX and ICAST.”

ing its website to integrate mor more oree functional software. “When these projects are complete it will give us a real competitive advantage,” said Jaakkola. “It means we can serve clients better and more efﬁciently and will reduce order lead times. Our new system and web pages should be up and running by the end of July.” Wake has distributors in over 30 countries and is appointing new ones almost every week. Around half of these are exclusive while the rest are smaller distributors or retailers who buy directly. The company goes to EFTTEX looking for further exclusive distributors willing to work with the brand and the bulk of its range.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +358 44 377 3733 Email info@wakeﬁshing.com Web www.wakeﬁshing.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

G63

Angler Pro changes pace with new own brand lines Owner Daniel Paluch is set to impress new customers at EFTTEX. “It’s a key meeting ground,” he says.

As he prepares to exhibit at his 14th consecutive EFTTEX, Daniel Paluch has no doubts about the importance of the show to his business. “EFTTEX has taught me about the European tackle industry and has deﬁnitely helped me build my own business over the years,” says the owner of Swedish ﬁshing line manufacturer Angler Pro. “It is a meeting ground for everyone in the industry and a chance

to get together with your customers in one place in a cost-effective way. My business year runs from one EFTTEX to the next.” This year, however, the objectives will be a little different. The company began developing its own brand lines in 2011 and is eager to profile these alongside its popular OEM products. “This year we are open to see new customers, as well as welcoming existing ones and re-establishing old ones,” added Paluch, who believes the Rai Centre in Amsterdam is the best possible venue for Europe’s top show. Angler Pro is proud of the fact that it is among the first to be licensed by Dyneema under the new Dyneema Brand Licensing programme and will be showing a wide range of fishing lines incorporating genuine Dyneema.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +46 735 155150 Email info@anglerpro.eu 124 Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

D51

EFTTEX NEWS

Mustad puts faith in new Grip-Pin

ustad has put almost 200 years of experience and craftsmanship into perfecting the process of hook manufacturing. So when it brings a new hook to EFTTEX it is all about quality, says the Norwegian-based company. Mustad also adds that when two of the biggest names in fishing team up to develop a new product it is bound to be good. Multi-Bassmaster Classic champion Kevin VanDam has worked with Mustad to design the new Ultra Point Grip-Pin Hook for soft plastic baits. It features an integrated welded pin that securely anchors the bait without tearing. The versatile ‘no slip/no slide’ design is said to rig easily and enhances presentation of a wide range of soft baits from flippin’ tubes to jerkbaits. The hook design includes an extra wide gap and a precise point-to-eye angle for more hook-ups. The Grip-Pin Hooks are coated with a smooth black nickel to enhance penetration. The hook body undergoes a three-stage Nor-tempering process that creates a fine grafted ultra-strong microstructure that is up to 30% stronger than conventionally tempered hooks, explains Mustad. The point features Mustad’s 4.3 Micro Sharp Point Technology for a slim, sharp and strong point. Kevin VamDam said: “The Grip-Pin Hook finally solves a big problem we’ve all had with traditional soft plastic hook designs. It’s easy to rig and the baits don’t slide down the shank. “I have noticed the welded pin also keeps the baits from tearing, helping to extend the use of soft plastics and saving money.”

Hobie: ‘We are now gathering a real head of steam in Europe’ OUTBACK

Hobie® kayaks already enjoy huge popularity with fresh and saltwater fishermen in the US. Now the innovative Californian company is using EFTTEX to recreate that powerful brand presence in European markets. Amsterdam will be Hobie’s fifth consecutive EFTTEX and Richard Barth, owner of Ibusa, Hobie’s distributor trading under the name Hobie Kayak Europe, is delighted with both the upsurge in kayak fishing in European territories and the corresponding growth of Hobie sales. “This show has definitely helped get our foot in the door in Europe. Hobie is gathering a real head of steam here,” he told Angling International. A number of Hobie’s top-selling fishing boats will be on show in Amsterdam, including the ever-popular Outback and the Revolution, a kayak designed for a younger age group looking for something a little faster to go a little farther. Also on the stand will

MIRAGEDRIVE SYSTEM®

be the Oasis tandem and, of course, the award-winning Pro Angler. All Hobie kayaks feature the hands-free MirageDrive® system. Ibusa will make the hourlong journey to Amsterdam with the objective of seeing all its existing customers and finding new distributors and dealers, whichever is most appropriate for each territory.“Part of our objective is also to educate our existing distributors and dealers about the benefits of fishing boats,” explained Barth, who anticipates a good turnout of visitors. “Some are focused on leisure craft and we need to make them aware of the high potential among fishermen.”

REVOLUTION

OASIS

PRO ANGLER

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +47 61 137700 Web www.mustad.no Email info@mustad.no 126 Angling International June 2011

EF STANTDTEX No.

C34

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +31 187 499 440 Email richard@hobie-kayak.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

B59

WHAT NEW LURE IS MOLIX BRINGING TO EUROPE? See p128

Koppers: ‘The saltwater sector has never seen anything like our lures’

oppers is launching a new range of lures “like nothing the global saltwater market has seen before” at this year’s EFTTEX and ICAST shows. The company, which has offices in both New York and Canada, is already renowned for its lifelike freshwater lures. Now it plans to replicate the successful concept for saltwater and will have the first samples in Amsterdam. A comprehensive saltwater series including 117 skus will be available in the shops in the autumn. “We are the first company to ever launch

such a broad range in saltwater,” said the company’s Tom Chopin. “What is so unique about our line is that it is complete, meaning we have something for every dealer and every angler in all saltwater markets.” Koppers is offering six different species in the Livetarget ultra-lifelike tradition, along with 10 different tools. The range comprises: * Mullet (top water (walk-the-dog), twitch and wake bait). * Scaled Sardine (twitch and wake bait). * Menhaden (sub-surface walking bait and ultra deep diving crankbait).

* Spanish Sardine (jerkbait). * Spotted Mackerel (deep diving crankbait). * Pinﬁsh (lipless rattle bait). “The appearance of these products is nothing like the global saltwater market has ever seen before,” added Chopin. “This line will certainly change the game.” c

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +1 905 468 4448 Web www.koppersﬁshing.com Email info@koppersﬁshing.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

B22

Izumi ready to expand into Europe and North America Japanese lure maker Izumi is looking to EFTTEX to expand its European sales network. The company will be using the Amsterdam showcase as an opportunity to meet new partners, mainly in Europe but also in the US and Canada. Its main market is currently Russia, but company spokesman Oleg Harlamov said: “We want to make the Izumi brand stronger.EFTTEX is the best exhibition in the European Union to do this. We are looking forward to meeting new partners when we exhibit at the show.”

Izumi, which was founded in 2008 by Japanese and Latvian engineers, will be unveiling a new product promotion at EFTTEX and later at ICAST. The company will also be introducing Umami, a realistic ﬂoating bait that imitates a small ﬁsh rummaging for food, plus a series of baits called Water Fly. The latter can be used from the boat or shore when jigging or spinning.

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +371 22 326 688 Email info@izumi-ﬁshing.eu Web www.izumi-ﬁshing.eu

EF STANTDTEX No.

B51

FLY MAKER DRAGON PUTS FOCUS ON OEM Dragon Tackle International will be promoting its comprehensive range of high quality flies as well as demonstrating its ability to service OEM customers with large volume fly programmes. “Dragon branded flies have been on display at EFTTEX for over 20 years, but that is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Terry Clease, Dragon’s MD. “Our volume business lies with our OEM partners, supplying a vast range of bespoke flies in a variety of different packaging formats. If EFTTEX 2010 is anything to go by – with over 30 meetings held, mostly with existing customers – the 30th anniversary will be a huge success. Anybody wishing to visit us is urged to pre-book to avoid disappointment,” he added.

Dragon says its latest range of boxed fly sets enjoyed a great response from the UK and Ireland during 2011 and is sure to be well received at EFTTEX, as will its latest European catalogue and price list. Dragon customers can now plan their fly programmes without the need to consider exchange rate fluctuations. Dragon will have a fly tying demonstration to show the versatility of its new range of Bug Pitt Stop flies. Dragon is also seeking exclusive distributors for the Aqua Pro brand of fly lines and accessories available from the company’s UK warehouse in MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Wales. Aqua Pro offers distributors the Tel +44 1656 862444 benefits of Chinese prices combined Email flies@dragontackle.com with European shipping. June 2011 Angling International 127

EF STANTDTEX No.

F13

EFTTEX NEWS Alps arrives at the Rai with ﬁve new launches

Taiwan manufacturer Alps Rod Components is set to launch ﬁve new products at EFTTEX. The company will be unveiling its new mini roller guide, aluminium spinning and casting seats, a new TRI Butt Cap, new Scienna brown guides and high-strength titanium guides. The company has exhibited at EFTTEX for the last seven years and says that the event is an ‘important bridge’ between the company and its European customers. Product Manager David Lin said: “Europe is a very important

market for us and many of our products are developed for it. “It is good that EFTTEX has a different venue every year because it gives us knowledge of different countries and their requirements. We feel that if we can establish ourselves in Europe other sectors will grow for us also.”

MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX Tel +886 62922474 Email tataka6333@yahoo.com Web www.alpstackle.com

EF STANTDTEX No.

F54

Molix brings Vario Crank to Europe

Molix Fishing Tackle says that its Vario Crank as South and North America. Vannini said: lure is flying off the shelves ‘like a rocket’. “We will be glad to talk to potential new The Italian company launched the partners at EFTTEX.” product at ICAST last year and will be The company’s main markets are showing it to the European market for the currently its homeland, Italy, alongside first time in Amsterdam. Spain, France and Russia. The lure is the brainchild of a specialist Vannini added: “Russia has been growing Italian bass angler and is said to have a steadily for us. It is a good but tough market. unique action that mimics a fish being There is a lot of competition there. The chased by a predator. product has to be right and offer something Weighing around 14g and measuring 60mm, different.” it comes in ten exclusive colour patterns. He also revealed that Molix has set up a Paolo Vannini, Molix International Sales sales office in the US. He added that more Manager, told Angling International that the details on the American venture would be company is currently looking for distributors announced at ICAST in July. in Norway, EF Scandinavia, MAKE CONTACT BEFORE EFTTEX STANTDTEX Sweden and No. Tel +39 051 887 919 the NetherEmail info@molixfishing.com Web www.molix.com lands as well

D56

Advertise with us. One annual fee. No hidden extras.

(a) 1cm x1 column for €288 or £250 or $400; (b) 2cm x1 column for €438 or £380 or $608; (c) 4cm x1 column for €807 or £700 or $1121

lucie@angling-international.com 128 Angling International June 2011

S U P P OR T ING P R OD U C T IN NO VAT ION W OR L D W IDE

at Angling rs ito ed t uc od pr e th th on m Each t exciting new International select the mos To help you t. ke ar m to t gh ou br g in be le tack customers, we decide on their appeal to yoeurmanufacturers so will include insight from thss immediately. you can start doing busine

products you need to know about

Ab bait ait rrocket ocket from Holly y Kudos that changes the game... game Holly Kudos says that normal bait rockets – or spods – are designed for easy casting and not for simple or fast retrieving. However it says that its team of consultants has come up with the EZ Retrieve Bait Rocket – a bait rocket that turns around when it is reeled back in. The aerodynamic shape means that not only does it cast further, but it also helps retrieving. What the maker says: “Innovation is our strength – it is not just a slogan. It is our promise to our customers and what our buyers expect of us. We innovate and invent – just like the EZ Retrieve Bait Rocket.”

...plus yet more innovative end tackle Following the successful introduction of its new, ultra-fast sinking Downforce Leader Lines, Chinese company Holly Kudos is launching a whole new range of Downforce Carp Systems. Leadcore Carp Systems are already an important element of the go-ahead company’s extensive end game range, but it is now offering them with Downforce Leader Line instead of leadcore. Downforce Carp Systems are available in camou green and camou brown and in two lengths – 80cm and 100cm. Only the Heli/Chod rig is available in 120cm. They are available in OEM only. What the makers say: “This new range offers many advantages over leadcore. It is softer and hugs the bottom better. It is also more durable because it doesn’t have a core that can break. Downforce Leader Line and Downforce Carp Systems can be used in waters where leadcore is banned.” 132 Angling International June 2011

Business contacts Tel: +86 511 868 16788 Email: info@hollykudos.com Website: www.hollykudos.com

Lures with a ‘fantastic’ action The new Trendex-Squidmaster is a hard lure with very soft tentacles and a ‘fantastic’ swimming action, says Behr Fishing. Its diving depth is approximately 1.50m to 2m and the lure can be used both fresh and saltwater. The TrendexSquidmaster 1 is 18cm long and comes in four different colours while the TrendexSquidmaster 11 comes in 17cm and 22cm and ﬁve colours. Both lures are equipped with extremely sharp Japanese treble hooks. What the maker says: “The lures are most effective when slow trolling and spinning with medium speed reels. When at rest the tentacle shirt goes into action.”

Business contacts Tel:+49 6203 923 874 Email: export@behrﬁshing.de Website: www.behrﬁshing.de

The first 100% biodegradeable fishing line Eagle Claw says that bioline is the first 100% biodegradeable fishing line on the market. Made from a special combination of biodegradeable polymers, it is engineered to retain its strength and durability for the first 10-12 months of use and then completely degrade on land or in water within five years. Standard monofilament fishing line lasts over 600 years. What the maker says: “Eagle Claw strives to be the leader in green fishing gear for anglers around the world and looks for opportunities to work with other organisations committed to conserving our natural resources and waterways. We are proud to bring bioline to the market.” Business contacts Tel: +1 720 941 877 7 Email: mgray@eagleclaw.com Website: www.eagleclaw.com

A fast sinking fluorocarbon leader that maintains its transparency for hours Blood Fishing Tackle says that its new ProPower 10X Fluorocarbon Leader is one of the first leaders to maintain its transparency for hours when used. A special blend of resin produces a transparent soft fluorocarbon while a low memory makes tying a strong hook easier. It is also fast sinking, supple and boasts ‘excellent’ abrasion resistance and excellent knot strength. What the makers say: “This is a line that should be in all tackle boxes.”

Business contacts Tel: +65 6844 4601 Email: salesbloodft@gmail.com Website: under construction

Boone Bait’s latest: atest: tthe he h highly ighly versatile UV Hoochie Celebrated world saltwater brand Boone Bait Company has introduced the UV Hoochie. Generally trolled from a downrigger, behind a ﬂasher, the 4.75-inch-long Hoochie is available in ten colours pre-rigged with two single hooks. It is also available in a new 25-inch-long version that comes in packs of ﬁve and six colour options. What the makers say: “The Hoochie is productive for chinook, salmon, pink salmon, king salmon and steelhead.” Business contacts Tel: +1 407 975 8775 Email: boonebait@earthlink.net Web: www.boonebait.com

Lures that work brilliantly in all temperatures Fishunter lures are remarkable in that they work equally well in cold and warm seasons, say their Polish makers. Brought to market under the Mikado brand, Fishunters are designed so that their bodies and tails move perfectly in colder water to attract predators. They retain the capacity to be softer in warm temperatures, so that they vibrate brate in the water to stimulate attacks. They are available in a variety of sizes and colours. What the makers say: “The mimimised head along with the enlarged body and tail make a special streamlined shape. The ribbing on the end ﬁn is set at the perfect angle to create movement, and we use a speciﬁc mix so that the material retains elasticity in low temperatures. They work fantastically well under any circumstances.” umstances.” Business contacts Tel: +48 22 751 74 97 Email: abramis@ambramis.com.pl Website: www.mikado.pl

products you need to know about

The latest realistic lure from Halco

Ultra-protective lenses from the USA’s Flying Fisherman

One of the new additions to the Flying Fisherman Master Angler range of polarised eyewear collection for 2011 is the Pago. The sturdy TR90 frames have extra wide temples to block out side glare while the shatterproof RhinoLenses are said to be 35 times stronger than CR-39 – meaning ultimate protection in a world of flying hooks, lures and debris. What the maker says: “The Flying Fisherman AcuTint lens system enhances colour contrast without distorting natural colour so you can spot fish and structures below the surface of the water. “They are available in Black/Smoke, Black Smoke-Blue Mirror, Tortoise/ Amber-Green Mirror, Crystal Tobacco/Amber and Shiny Black/Vermillion lenses and come with a micro-fibre case.”

Business contacts Tel: +1 305 852 8989 Email: Linda@flyingfisherman.com Web: www.flyingfisherman.com

The Hamma 085 is described by Halco as the ‘little brother’ to its Hamma 123 and is a suspending casting lure measuring 85mm and weighing 13g. The realistic, clear body, with holographics and internal scale ﬁnish is armed with number 4, forged black nickel Mustad trebles. The lure is available in ten colours and should be available soon after EFTTEX. What the makers say: “The 085 features a custom weight transfer system that moves all the weight to the rear of the lure to enable long, accurate casting. On splashdown, the weight moves forward for the perfect orientation as it suspends. It is supplied with two interchangeable lips in 3mm and 1mm.” Business contacts Tel: +61 8 9430 5080 Email: tim@halcotackle.com.au Web: www.halcotackle.com.au

134 Angling International June 2011