Trade show news

SAFTAD 2009
More visitors despite the recession

Aug/ Sept 2009

Early August has become a fixed date for retailers in the tackle trade: that is when the trek to the SA Fishing Tackle Trade Show in Gauteng occurs. This year, retailers again braved the freezing cold in larger numbers than last year (see right) to come and see all the new tackle products launched.

For those not lucky enough to have made the trip, we give a short summary of some of the highlights of the show.

Adrenalin Importers

The many visitors to the Adrenalin Importers stand got an opportunity to feel the lightweight magnesium frame (only 170g) of the latest OMOTO baitcaster reel, the Cerveza 103A Low Profile 11 + 1 BB.

Their Adrenalin range is aimed primarily at the average angler looking for products suitable for local waters, at affordable prices. The new 2-piece10‘ and 12‘ Adrenalin Havoc Carp Rods in composite graphite; the 9‘ Adrenalin Heavy 2-piece dropshot rod and the Adrenalin Shad Master — a light spinning rod specifically designed for shad (elf) fishing with a coffee grinder, in 10‘ and 12‘- attracted visitors’ attention.

The new Adrenalin carp hooks 0.5 to #7 in packets of 100 were also well received.

A J F Agencies

AJF Agencies was recently appointed as agents to distribute Cressi products in SA, and retailers stocking snorkelling and swimming equipment got the opportunity to view the new products on their stand (Sunnyshore Investment still supply Cressi to the scuba stores).

New products from Hardy & Greys also generated interest. The new Greys X-Flite 4-piece high modulus rods have enhanced user-friendly characteristics like top grade cork handles and an anodised metal reel fitting mounted on hardwood spacers.

The latest X-Flite reels feature a die-cast main cage with barstock face plate for strength, lightness and saltwater compatibility. The tri-pillar assembly increases strength, while the high-impact GV4H metal replacement polymer mouldings reduce weight and improve long term durability. Spools can easily be changed or converted to left or right without the use of tools. They are supplied with three interchangeable spare spools. The new GRXi+ reels are also supplied with three additional spools and are fully interchangeable with previous models. The high impact GV4H metal replacement polymer mouldings reduce weight and improve durability, while the Rulon disc drag system with twin pads increases control and smoothness.

Greys’ Platinum XD 4-piece saltwater rods feature twin, large diameter butt rings for rapid clearance of slack line, while the unique, one piece, saltwater-anodised reel fitting gives total protection. The 9’ 12-weight model comes with a fighting grip for shark or big tarpon.

Hardy is introducing two Angel rods with fast tip action and incomparable loop formation with a low profile for improved power transfer. The slim profile blank reduces wind drag and the unique anodised reel seat has a texalium insert.

Mustad’s new 4.3 point technology is designed to maximise both hook sharpness and strength, while creating a slimmer point.

Akals

This year Akals had a dominant position at the show. With their stand spanning almost the width of the hall, there was sufficient space for the constant stream of visitors to view and inspect their many new product launches.

Among the highlights was the new Okuma saltwater spinning reel, Beachcaster Legend, which features five stainless steel ball bearings and screws and an Alum spool. It is available in sizes 20 to 80. Okuma’s new multiplier, Classic Pro, with and without ball bearings, as well as the new boat reel, the Okuma Soltera, also generated interest. The latter features stainless steel forged gears, a forged Alum spool, oversized drag washer system and machined Alum power handle knobs. It is available in SLR15, 20, 30 and 50.

The attention of freshwater enthusiasts was attracted by Okuma’s Longbow 11Carp baitfeeder, which features a graphite body, 6 ball bearings, an Alum spool, EOS system, machine cut pinion gear and double balanced handle. It is available in sizes 40 and 50. Gear tester Gilbert Foxcroft was on the stand to demonstrate the benefits of the new Gilfox Carp reel with its graphite body, 7 ball bearings, machine cut brass pinion gears, worm shaft system and aluminum spool.

For bass anglers there is the new Loomis Creman reel with a brass pinion gear and Alum forged spool with a point hole. It is available with 3, 6, and 9 ball bearings, with a gear ratio of 6.3:1 and 7.0:1

The new Okuma Integrity Large Arbor fly reel with its die-cast Alum frame and spool, features a multi-disk cork drag washer. It is available in sizes 5/6, 7/8, 8/9, 10/11.

Saltwater rods of interest are the Elbe Power Spin and Power Cast boat rod, available in spinning and casting, with a solid glass power tip; and the Loomis & Franklin saltwater surf rods with improved guide wrapping, all available in new colours. The 2-piece models are now also available in spinning from 10’ to 13’.

In freshwater rods the new addition to the Gilfox carp range drew attention: the 12’ Titanium features a 40ton carbon blank, slim line butt, titanium guide inserts and has a 3.5lb test curve. The Gilfox Endurance is now available in 12’ with 2.5lb and 3lb test curve. Loomis & Franklin have introduced new mid-range level bass Trigya rods in spinning and baitcast.

Okuma joined in the latest trend of catering for the ladies by introducing new pink and purple matching rods and reels in their Crystal Combo set, available in 6‘, 7‘, 8‘ and 10‘.

There is a new range of Okuma braid and monofilament nylon lines, including fluorocarbon nylon, manufactured of Japanese quality material, available in various lengths and breaking strengths. The new range of Elbe Fly lines are available in sinking, floating, intermediate and multi-density. Braided loops, tapered leaders and tippet material are also available.

A new range of Catch Dropshot Lures have been introduced in popular colours at competitive prices.

Akals now also offers a new range of Japanese hooks for bass and carp under the brand name of Maruto.

The new bag ranges for carp, bass and saltwater were well received.

Basil Manning

Two exciting new developments from Assassin attracted visitor attention on the Basil Manning stand: the limited edition Bronze Series of the Beachmaster, with top end fittings at a very good price; and the new Surf Special in “Toray Graphite”, with “amazing graphite features,” says Barry Wareham.

A new range of Daiichi sport-fishing hooks in great packaging, including the new stop-gap bait stop technology, also generated interest.

The CID range of lures, as featured on the “Off The Chart” TV show, was a huge attraction for the salt water lure fishing fraternity. The range includes surface lures, top-quality painted jigheads with eyes and a very comprehensive range of long-casting, fast and slow action spoons.

Brentoni Distributors

Another regular exhibitor, Brentoni Distributors, have every year expanded their ranges aimed at the fishing community. This year, they introduced 28 new knives in their Dogs of War and Maple ranges — including new bait and filleting knives, a new yachting knife and hunting knives.

Showing that anglers can also be trendy, Rob Beamish sported the cool new white Ballistic frames with blue flash mirrors, which drew the attention to their extensive range of Brentoni and Ballistic polarized eyewear for watersport enthusiasts.

They also introduced their new full-time representative in Gauteng, Charles Gordon, to the retail trade.

C1-D2 Tackle Traders

The impressive wooden frame display boards on the C1-D2 Tackle Traders’ stand was the ideal backdrop for displaying their new Halco lures. “This is a glimpse into a future trend with the introduction of the first Halco clear body ABS lures,” says local distributor Cobus van Biljon. These finesse style lures have been designed to look extremely lifelike with the new R33 Jelly Prawn colour sporting a subtle orange/brown back and holographic scale like sides.

Preliminary fishing results have been extremely encouraging, says Van Biljon, and the colour looks set to be a big hit amongst anglers this summer.

The R33 Jelly Prawn will soon be available in Laser Pro 45, Sorcerer 35, 52, 68, Poltergeist 50 and 80, Night Walker and Night Walker Nano.

Carp World

Bernie van Nieuwenhuizen and Marianne Brits are very keen anglers who saw the opportunity to make their hobby their living when the Carp World Mealiebom Manufacturing Business came on the market a few years ago. Since buying the business, it has grown tremendously due to the demand for their products.

They now offer a wide selection of feeds and baits — everything from specie specific to general floats, mealie bombs, dips, doughs, tigernuts, boilies, particles and the new giant maize. Prepared particles and target series bottles are very popular, says Van Nieuwenhuizen, who is very happy with their reception since last year’s exhibition.

DAM South Africa

The new owners of D.A.M. SA Wholesale had plenty of interesting new items to show visitors on their stand. An example is the new Mad range from D.A.M., a carp-specific range designed by top international anglers, “which has great specimen carp terminal tackle display boards, carp accessories, Realtree clothing and an awesome cammo 10 ball-bearing baitfeeder,” says Samantha Geyle. Another example is the new Magicflex supernatural and Kicks spinners in the D.A.M. Efzett lure range.

The Mann’s Bait co’s HardNose baits (reinforced plastic nose) range has been extended, offering grubs to wonderworms, toads and snakes, plus 12” jellyworms. The full range of crankbaits and Stretch saltwater plastic lures are also now available in SA.

“Silstar also has loads of great premium fresh and salt combos, that did well,” says Geyle.

Goya Trading

Goya Trading, who has just moved to Durban from Cape Town, has added several new brands to their stable. They are the pro-designed and tested quality MiHatchii/Yuvella pro bass hooks for fresh and saltwater; scented Kamakazee baits, each made with a specific kind of plastic suited to its use; Seaguar flourocarbon line and leaders with an unique double structure technology to improve both knot and tensile strength, with all aspects of the line made in their own factories; JJs Magic garlic dip with the “magic” formula that allows the colour and scent to penetrate soft baits and last longer; and Mend-It-Glue to repair most soft plastic baits.

They also showed several new products from their existing brands, for example the Spro BBZ 4” shad swimbait, with its realistic scale pattern and eyes, that was the runner-up in the hard bait category at EFTTEX. They have introduced four new baits and a quick snap and swivel from Spro; four new lures from Salmo; three swimbaits from Tru-Tungsten, including the Depth Shad designed by Angler of the Year Mike Iaconelli, and a spinnerbait, spinnerbait skirt, jig and jighead from Picasso.

Four new models were introduced in the Solar Bat eyewear range — including a sun goggle and high visibility goggle.

“Goya is known for working hand-in-hand with anglers at the top of their craft to test and create innovative new lures, and we have done just that with our 2009 product ranges,” says Preston Dale.

Henkor

Another first-time exhibitor, Hennie de Beer of Henkor, showed “the largest variety of imported specimen carp products available in SA”. Their ranges of quality European specimen carp tackle and baits for beginners to advanced anglers include the complete range from the British manufacturer Gardner Tackle — from carp luggage, rig accessories, indicators, metalware to a complete range of boilie baitmaking equipment. The Gardner Covert range of terminal tackle was launched as a show special and their baitmaking range was complimented with a range of boilie base mixes and ingredients from various British suppliers.

They also launched the complete range of boilies available from Mistral Baits, one of the oldest bait manufacturers, as well as a range of barrel boilies, the latest innovation from the Specialist brand.

Top quality electronic scales, thermometers and depthometers were on display from British supplier Reuben Heaton, as well as a huge range of imitation plastic baits from Enterprise Tackle.

JW Apex

JW Apex, who launched 40 new reel models at the show, offered visitors a “one stop shop” for reels, as they had something across the spectrum for all needs and price points.

They also introduced several new brands.

The sturdy reels from their new Fin-nor brand had been used worldwide by anglers setting 381 world records — including a marlin weighing 182 lb. Specialising in boat reels, Fin-nor was the first manufacturer to make a marlin reel. JW Apex will bring in the whole range, which includes vertical jigging, ski-boat reels for off-shore, and even coffee grinders to be used on boats or kayaks. The reels are very strong, but come at an affordable price.

Another new brand that they have taken on, Quantum, offers top quality reels for the high end, discerning, bass and saltwater anglers. In the US it is extensively used on the Tour. The range, with sealed bearings and a corrosion-resistant coating, is ideal for the sea fisherman. “This is good for the SA market, where tackle often get wet as anglers walk out onto rocks,” says Howard Joscelyn.

Their new Rovex brand offers a full range of lines, jigs, etc. at very good price points, in addition to the Nitrium carp reel that was popular because it offers good value for money. The fixed spool reels, used for drop shot and vertical jigging, were also popular.

The Watersnake trolling motors are always popular — especially now that they can offer a 2.3m inflatable boat and 34lb trolling motor for R3 000 wholesale, due to the favourable Rand/$ exchange rate.

Jandi Trading

Xplorer Flyfishing has spent the last year developing and testing some new fly fishing gear and the new products they launched at the show attracted a steady stream of interested visitors.

They have completely redesigned their technical packs and bags and added some new waterproof bags, vest packs and flats packs — to name a few. They also added a few new waterproof fly boxes to their range, now boasting the largest range of fly boxes available on the local market.

The new Xplorer Guide II fly rod, packed in a carbon rod tube, was launched at the show — a complete upgrade of the popular Guide Series fly rod with all new fittings, cosmetics and some 4-piece models.They also generated interest with a range of new Xplorer fly lines.

They also showed two new float crafts for the upcoming season: a new V-shaped craft and a pontoon boat. These are just a few of the new items for the 2009/2010.

Killerdeals

Clint Voigt and Leon Kadley, who were impossible to miss in their bright yellow and red Killerdeals tops, were very happy with the orders they received at the SAFTAD show. “We try and source unique products and offer them at a good price,” says Voigt.

Their National Geographic professional weather station, for example, costs about a third less than many others in the market, he says. When connected to a computer, you can download stored info and view weather patterns via graphs. We have just taken on the Yatching fish finder range; the New wireless baitboat fishfinder with a wireless distance of 300m.

Their water safety products were also popular — namely, a strobing light that is attached to a life jacket (soon it will be compulsory for all life jackets to have lights) and a floating keyring with a strobing light that can burn for 100 000 hours (that is 11 years). Out of the water, the latter can be used as a torch. It would retail for about R125.

More and more tackle shops are also doing very well by stocking marine radios, says Voigt, who distributes the Navstar and Gme marine radio at a competitive price.

Kingfisher (The)

Apart from “a massive new range of rods and reels” — especially the Daiwa rods and reels and Kingfisher Poseidon rods — shown on the Kingfisher stand, several other products attracted attention.

For example, the new locally made dropshot lure from McCarthy showed that dropshot lures don’t have to cost huge amounts of money to catch fish, says Mike Philip.

The Kingfisher Pro Jig range of jigging spoons are available in three styles, five sizes (150, 200, 250, 300 and 400g) and six colours. The erratic action of the Pinnacle range ensures bites, while the Reef Raider’s thin taper and heavy bottom ensures speed to the bottom, and the Depth Charge has has a glow strip on the side for deep water jigging.

They also introduced the hand moulded Safari Chiller cooler boxes, reinforced with a fibreglass outer and inner casing, filled with high density polyurethane foam — hence offering excellent insulation that can keep fish or bait fresh for up to a week if packed correctly.

Outdoor 365

The impact made by Sebile lures at this year’s ICAST and EFTTEX Shows was repeated on the Outdoor 365 stand at SAFTAD. At ICAST Sebile lures won both the best new soft bait category (Magic Swimmer Soft Pro) and hard bait category (Spin Shad). At EFTTEX the Spin Shad was runner up in the new metal lure category, while the Flatt Shad was runner up in the hard bait category and the Stick Shad Hollow in the soft bait category.

The Stick Jacket (trademarked) knitted plastic rod sleeves in bright colours that can be removed with a flip of the rod, were very popular with visitors and even other exhibitors.

Mias (S.I.)

As always, the Mias stand was a hub of activity with retailers viewing and discussing the new products they introduced to their already substantial ranges.

They have further enlarged their own Pioneer range, aimed at the more budget-conscious customer, to ensure that they have a product available for every need. They have added a saltwater lever drag reel to this range, the PLD25, “which offers fantastic value,” says Abdullah Mia. New HMG 36T high modulus graphite 3-piece surf rods and Granite graphite composite series spinning combos further complement the existing Pioneer rod and reel offering. They have also introduced hi-abrasion 600m lines and carp specialist lines in three popular colours.

In the higher end Predator range, the Elite IM9 tournament series bass rods were very well received, as were the component upgrades to their ever popular range of Predator rod pods.

Other products that received a lot of attention were the new Fish X carp specimen accessories, and the new Tenki range of flooks, soft frogs and soft mice, ideal for bass fishing.

Pro Angling Equipment

The bright red shirts of the staff on the Pro Angling stand contrasted well with the greyness of the weather — and set the tone for the new colours, shapes and sizes introduced in their bass lure ranges.

New products from the Zoom Bait Company are the Magnum Ultravibe Speedworm (5 colours) and the Magnum Finesse Worm (5 colours). New colours that were introduced in selected Zoom baits are Watermelon Candy Red and Green Meenie.

The Cotton Cordell Super Spot, which lures fish with sound and vibration, has four new colours, namely Foxy Shad^TM, Foxy Momma^TM, Baby Bass and Royal Chrome.

Several new models and colours from Heddon attracted plenty of attention: for example, the Super Spook in two new colour patterns, Foxy Shad and Foxy Momma, and the Rattlin Spook (5 colours) with a new rattle chamber containing tungsten that intensifies the sounds of panicked and fleeing baitfish. It also makes it easier to produce smooth walk-the-dog retrieves. The Heddon One knocker Spook (5 colours) has a single tungsten rattle, contained in a sound-intensifying chamber, which produces a loud thump that draws bass from long distances.

In the Yum range, the Money Minnow Weighted Swimbait hook comes in three new sizes — 3/0, 6/0 and 7/0. There is also a new Yum Money frog, in four beautiful hand-painted colour patterns, that attracts bass in a variety of ways over any kind of terrain. The Money Hound (5 beautiful colours) with high-flotation material is a weedless topwater that walks the dog.The belly slit ensures positive hook-ups when rigged Texas style.

The new Booyah Micro pond magic spinnerbait (5 colours) is a tough, durable, unique, fish-catching bait with realistic 3-D eyes and a high quality Mustad® round-bend hook.

Rapala VMC

The Rapala VMC South Africa stand was once again a hub of activity as retailers were introduced to the new brands they have added to the extensive selection they distribute, as well as new products in their existing ranges.

New brand Slam with Ultrabite is a fully biodegradable environment-friendly lure range that has been treated with pheromones, which dramatically increase the strike rate, and also attracts specific species.

Rapala VMC are the new distributors of the Sufix line range of quality fishing lines. New products are the fluorocarbon and monofilament Wind-on leader (30lb to 500lb), the Zippy shockleader (up to 300lb), Supple link freshwater leaders, the IGFA-rated Key Lime range in pre-tested line classes and the Dacron line in greenspot, black and high-visibility yellow in 30, 50, 80, 130 and 200lb breakage strengths. New supple braided lines in the range include the Performance Braid, Tru-Braid, Matrix Pro and Gyro Braid. Other specific application lines in the range also includes Black Silt, Camo Skin, Synergy, Siege, Elite, Cast ’n Catch, as well as a Duo Core sinking line. Sufix also offers an unique line marking braid Knot-It to pre-mark your monofilament for bank angling applications.

The hard bait category at this year’s EFTTEX fishing tackle trade show was won by the Rapala Max Rap, not yet available locally. Rapala VMC has, however, introduced several new models, colours and sizes that are currently available in their freshwater Countdown, Jointed, Floating, Original, Shallow Magnum, Jointed Shad Rap, X-Rap Shad, X-Rap Deep, X-Rap Shallow and X-Rap Slashbait series. In the saltwater range there are new colours, models and sizes in the Shallow Magnum, Action Jointed Shad, X-Walk subsurface and in the X-Rap 15, 20 and 30 series.

The Rapala accessories are always popular with visitors and make ideal gifts — new tools include new model digital scales, a transparent counter box that holds 30 scissors, and the giant Rapala lures that makes an impressive above counter or bar counter display.

Rapala’s new fishing and travelling bag range offer backpacks, duffel bags, sling bags that can take a computer, hip pouches, lure bags (lure trays in a padded bag) to meet all possible needs for transporting gear, extra clothing or food when fishing, enjoying the outdoors or even going to work.

The Shimano Stella SW won the best spinning reel category at EFTTEX and the Shimano Stradic CI4 won the best freshwater reel category at the American Sportfishing Association’s ICAST show. There are several new Shimano products that are currently available in the local market: the new Baitrunner XTRA in a 6000, 8000 and 10 000 and the new Curado baitcaster 200E5 and 200E. The Shimano Torsa is also now available in a 20lb and 40lb model.

The new Shimano Aerocast 2.7m three-piece extra heavy drop shot rod with an oval blank offers more sideways action for the angler that wants extra heavy leverage was on display and will be available soon in tackle stores. The Nexave rods have undergone a major cosmetic change.

The winner of the new saltwater rod category at 2009 ICAST was the Pro Green 882S from G. Loomis, a brand also distributed by Rapala VMC. They also distribute Plano tackle boxes, whose Liqua-Bait Locker System won the new tackle management category at ICAST.

Russell Keeny Adventures

Russell Keeny s is marketing Lite-Optec products specifically aimed at the fishing retail trade and this first-time exhibitor had a busy time showing their extensive ranges to visitors.

Highlights included the Bug Button and Super-Band Insect repellents, a small disk or wristband that keeps all bugs at bay when pinned to a garment or worn around your wrist.

Among their wide range of headlamps, lamps and torches, the Lite Xpress Liberty 115 fishing headlamp, with an extremely bright beam, generated plenty of interest. “The headlamp range is extensive and there is a torch for every possible use, but visitors were very impressed with the fishing headlamp, it has the brightest beam I’ve yet seen,” says Keeny.

ScientificFly

Arno Laubscher of ScientificFly expanded his range of SciFlies to include various new fly patterns for the coming season for trout, small- and largemouth yellowfish. The range will be expanded even more over the next couple of months.

Retailers are also able to select from the 150 000 to 180 000 flies that he keeps in stock at all times -ensuring quick and easy delivery.

All the flies are tied on Grip Hooks, designed and developed by ScientificFly, which have become very popular in both SA and abroad. ScientificFly has registered Grip Hooks as a trademark in the US and Europe, as well as in other major markets.

Senqu

“This was our first time on the show and we have found it very interesting,” says Robin Lavery of Senqu. “Our objectives were to showcase our performance range to tackle retailers, meet new stockits and to strengthen relationships with existing account holders , and from that perspective it was very successful.”

The Senqu Aquatex range, made from 100% nylon rib-stop fabric, generated plenty of interest. The garments are light weight, quick drying and tough. All pockets are mesh bellowed, making them self- draining. Styles include vented short and long sleeve shirts, the Thundershower waterproof windbreaker and self-belted shorts and zip-off pants for men and ladies.

Also on show was the Senqu Solarex range of UV and moisture management short and long sleeve fishing shirts in plain and camo printed colourways, with a new addition: short sleeve check shirts.

Another new range, launched in SA for the first time, the UV and moisture management short and long sleeve t-shirts and golfers, elicited a good response. They are made from 100% combed, lightweight cotton.

“On the fly fishing side we are really excited about the new Wader Jacket…. this lightweight , waterproof breathable ribstop jacket is a winner!” says Lavery. It tucks comfortably into waders, and has a double storm flap and fold away hood option. “ Vertical zips allow quick access to chest packs and fly boxes, cuff adjusters seal off unwanted drops of cold water and when you’re done, it folds away into neat little bag…”

Renowned fly fisherman and author Tom Sutcliffe tested the proto-types and had this to say about the jacket: “The consensus is uniform, this is a lovely wadding jacket and I checked it with seven serious anglers. It scores 10 out of 10 for lightness and seal against rain. Its virtually bullet-proof in this regard.”

Sensational Angling Supplies

The large Sensation booth was again full of life and well displayed in a retail store format, with all customer needs catered for: from food and beverages, to a place to sit and best of all, an opportunity to test bass rods, reels and lures on live bass in a pool. No wonder visitors spent so much time viewing their huge range of new innovative products.

The stand layout reinforced Ridwan Dockrat’s philosophy that retailers should display categories together (e.g. bass, carp, fly etc.) instead of products (rods, reels or lines), to show customers the full extent of ranges available.

“The customers seemed to be more than impressed because they were able to buy complete ranges from Sensational,” says Dockrat.

In carp, new ranges of rods, bait-runner reels, storage systems and accessories drew much attention. A sure hit was the innovative rod stands alarms, adaptors and muti-boxes, which seemed to fill a huge gap in the carp market. “Customers found the systems to be well thought out and also potentially highly profitable,” says Dockrat.

The specimen carp Docks brand seemed to have gained much momentum with the addition of a huge range of terminal tackle. What makes the brand attractive for retailers is the fact that all the products fit on three display boards — supplied by Docks — with a well worked out range in high class packaging. The range includes readymade hair rigs, carp systems, hooks, swivels, hook links, end tackle,carp tools and PVA. “Clients were really taken by the affordability of the product,” explains Dockrat.

Their new range of bass equipment had bass tackle dealers excited as they tested them in a large casting pond. The Sensations swim minnows, with realistic colour and swim action available in 3-6”, were especially popular. Bass tackle bags and boxes were available in a large range for various purposes and Damiki, Strike Pro, Eagle Claw, Gamma and Hayabusa were also featured very strongly.

There was a new range of 3-piece drop shot rods, supplied in a tube, available in up to a 9` to throw bigger baits. The new Hollow minnows drew much attention featuring 3D eyes and very natural swim action. The well-designed Drop Shot Pro bag also elicited much attention.

In rock and surf the new ranges of paddle ski and multi piece surf rods seemed to gain much favour amongst stores. The rods are very well finished and well priced.

Stealth Fly Rod & Reel

On the Stealth Fly Rod and Reel stand Dave Levene and Gary Preston were kept very busy with a constant flow of visitors seeking information on their new products and catching up on news. They were very happy with the reception of their new products and the show in general… bar the icy weather.

One of their new sole right products that created major interest, is the Cumberland float tube. “The customers were not just impressed with the price, but their interest was mainly roused because of the design and quality.” This would be a one of their main selling products, predicts Levene. The extra high foam seat offers good visibility and makes it easy to cast, while the hydrodynamic hull keeps you steady. Nice touches are the ruler for measuring your catch on the stripping apron (easy to release), additional backpack straps for carrying, the many pockets and two drink holders.

Other products that they are confident will be doing well are the new Hatch fly reels and the extended Accurate range of reels, with new sizes to fit the needs of serious anglers going after big game fish.

The versatile Hatch, in the higher price level, has already done very well in the US and initial responses show that this popularity will be repeated here. It is distinguished by a stacked disc drag system (stainless steel and Rulon) that gives you a braking surface on both sides of the stainless steel discs, ensuring that the material wears evenly. The larger braking surface area ensures a smoother, more durable drag and reduces start-up inertia, and because heat is distributed over multiple surfaces, stick slip problems caused by extreme heat are eliminated. “I am quite certain that Hatch will become a household name, especially amongst those who are looking for absolute quality,” says Levene.

“The Accurate reels that we introduced at the show last year have become more popular, due to the lower price created by the better exchange rate,” he adds.

“Our new medium priced fly rod, the “Adventure” has come in at the right price point, and that too was very well received, as well as the new Mid Arbor Stealth Reels.”

Tecni-Sport

The talk on the Tecni-Sport stand was all about line, in particular, the new Perlon lines introduced to visitors. The new Perlon Superbass is made of purest grade co-polymer, which gives the line exceptional linear strength. It stretches minimally, allowing for immediate response to a bite, while the ultra-low memory of the limp line enables for accurate casting. The superthin diameter ensures a better overall feel.

Another new introduction that generated plenty of interest, is the Perlon fluorocarbon — a 100% fluorocarbon line made of the highest grade of polyvinylidene fluoride, which has a faster sink rate than monofilament. It matches the light refractivity of water making it virtually undetectable by fish. They have also added thinner diameters to their braid — ranging from 0.12-0.50 in diameter (10-100 lb).

T-Line Pro

For the past ten years Mike de Gouveia has established T-Line as a local manufacturer of quality monofilament line with a high production capacity and the flexibility to fulfill specialised needs of customers. This is borne out by the interested visitors to their SAFTAD stand.

A tapered leader for rock and surf angling is a new introduction that is expected to be highly popular with local anglers, especially as it is the first to be manufactured in SA. The leaders have the advantage of being thin at the end that is tied to the line on the reel. This allows for a small knot with high knot strength. The small knot produces less friction when it passes through the line guides and is therefore much easier to cast. The thicker part of the leader, to which the terminal tackle is tied, has a high breaking strength and can absorb the force of the cast. The stronger part of the leader can absorb much more friction from rocks while landing a fish.

The leaders are produced in 8 different sizes ranging from 0.45 — 0.80 mm to 0.95 — 1.80 mm and in two different packages containing one and five leaders respectively. They are all 9m long and are produced in high abrasion clear mono filament.

T-Line Pro also manufactures I.G.F.A.-standard high performance monofilament for competitors, a high-abrasive extra strong titanium line for the bigger catches, a high abrasive stepped leader and their Classic high abrasive line.

Vivtek Fishing Equipment

Apart from the locally manufactured quality products that made Vivtek Fishing Equipment famous among local anglers, visitors on their stand were also introduced to some interesting new imported products.

One of them is a lightweight, kink-resistant, 7-or 1-strand titanium leader for tigerfish, cuda or any toothy fish. “It stays straight, no matter how you scrunch it up, and lasts much longer than the standard leader,” explains Charmaine Foster. The wire is coated with a black oxide so that it can be drawn through the die to get the required wire diameter and break load — which makes it very slippery and difficult to attach a sleeve. This slippery problem was solved by putting on stainless steel sleeves with a hydraulic press and covering them with plastic covers.

The patented German manufactured Sharkfin reel has a uniquely designed spool that casts further without the tangles or “birdnests” so often encountered with spinning reels. The “fin” design reduces friction and line stress when casting, allowing the angler to cast further and with greater accuracy. It also retains the line loops to release them freely on the next cast, eliminating tangles.

W.E.T. Sports Importers

Andrew Wentzel (jnr) and Patrick Frank of W.E.T Sports and their agents once again enjoyed exhibiting at the annual SAFTAD show, where they met their many friends and clients in the industry and showcased their growing product range.

New additions at this years show included a selection of Mustad tools, metal spinners and an electronic scale.

They have continued the expansion of their popular Prohunter range of hooks, swivels, scales, knives, tools, guides and tips, spinners, lures and accessories.

Prohunter has an exciting new range of Bardi Grub Minnows, which made their first appearance in SA at the show. They are also bring in a new inexpensive bait knife, which was well received.

They also launched the new LAV MD spinner range, which attracted plenty of attention, it is a great quality range at very competitive prices.