The inherent danger of internet forums

We all experienced, a few months ago, the rapid spread of the swine flu alarm that peaked at the end of April 2009, creating a temporary crash in the stock market and widespread panic buying for medication, protection masks and foodstuff.
The scare not only caused a 5% two-day slump in some stock markets, it also [...]

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Nomad launches a new Sandeel Seabass lure

By using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology, the latest available high-tech plastics and the added value of the artistic hand of skilled workmanship, the PERFEEL™ is the first SAND EEL lure to benefit from 21st century engineering and production capabilities.

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Clearing out the dead wood

The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) was not only caused by the excessive greed of a few elite banksters; it is the end result of numerous factors that include in particular the globalization of trade and the inherent consequences on European employment caused by the outsourcing of labour intensive production.
If free trade has been the greatest [...]

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Sport Fishing is not recognised by the International Olympic Committee; is it still a Sport?

As I stayed up at night and watched the undeniable success of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games; I couldn’t stop wondering why one of the supposedly most popular sports on the planet; one that counts 40 million participants in the USA alone, 25 million in Europe and so many more million in the rest of [...]

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On the road to Nowhere!

Kevin VanDam, the current leader of the World Rankings for Bass Fishing in the USA is 40 years old, has been a Pro Bass Angler for 18 years and has cumulated more than 3 Million US Dollars in prize winnings during his career. This does not include the money he receives from sponsors.
His sponsors include [...]

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Whatever happened to voluntary work?

THE latest edition of the EFTTEX show that was held in Rome last June was a reflection of the current trends in effect in our European market.
A lot of effort, time and money were spent by most of those companies exhibiting in the show. Stands were generally very nice, with many companies and brands making [...]

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EU to adopt English as the official language!

The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the European Union rather than German, which was the other possibility.
As part of the negotiations, the British Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a 5- year phase-in plan that would become known [...]

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Are European retailers hampering market potential?

A lot has happened to the structure of the European supply channels of Fishing Tackle in recent years.
Twenty years ago, the supply channel would comprise a manufacturer/vendor, an export agent, an importer/national distributor, a regional wholesaler and finally the independent retailer who would sell the product to the final consumer.
Many importers/national distributors could depend on [...]

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Making the Market grow!

The present trend in the European Fishing Tackle Market is certainly not that of clear positive growth.
All we hear about are of reductions in the numbers of regular Anglers, over-fishing, depleted fish stocks, water pollution, lack of image of the hobby, competition from other sports and a soft European economy.
Not only is our trade badly [...]

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Fortune favours the Bold!

In the same way as there is a link between the quality of a fishing spot and its remoteness; there is also a direct relation between the ease of access to a supplier and the competitiveness of his price.
Twenty years of sourcing fishing tackle have taken me to very remote places while searching for that [...]

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Rapala strengthens strategic alliance with Shimano

October 11, 2007 
Distribution Joint Venture for Russia and Ukraine
Rapala VMC Corporation (“Rapala”) and Shimano Inc. (“Shimano”), one of the leading manufacturers of rods and reels worldwide, have decided to strengthen their distribution alliance in Russia and Ukraine by establishing a 50/50 joint venture company in Finland, controlled by Rapala. This joint venture company, Rapala [...]

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Report criticises Brussels fishing policy

By Andrew Bounds in Brussels. Published: September 27 2007
Europe’s fishing policy is “poor”, with its waters among the most overfished and the industry among the least profitable in the world, according to an internal European Commission study. View the whole article published in the Financial Times..

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USA: Angling retains its mainstream appeal and broad economic impact

 September 26, 2007—Alexandria, VA—Despite competition from video games and other similar activities and increased urbanization, recreational angling remains one of the largest outdoor recreational activities in the nation as well as one of the most solid industries in the United States. Annually, nearly 40 million anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a [...]

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Eftta pledges action after sea fishing license scheme damages sales in Europe

The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association (EFTTA) today urged governments across Europe to think carefully before introducing sea fishing licences, after it was revealed that the introduction of a licence scheme in Portugal has had a catastrophic effect on tackle sales in the country.The official trade body, EFTTA, which represents almost 300 manufacturers and wholesalers, [...]

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Market collapses after new fishing law takes it toll!

Sales of fishing tackle have collapsed in Portugal following the introduction of the new legislation on sea fishing and the requirement for sea fishing licences. After years of heavy lobbying, the commercial fishermen have finally achieved their goal: To eliminate the competition by discouraging the Portuguese sea-fishermen from indulging in their favourite sport, thus guaranteeing [...]

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“I only make movies to finance my fishing”. (Lee Marvin)

For those who sweated it out at the EFFTEX show in Prague and wondered why I was wearing shorts and a summer fishing shirt on the first day of the show; well, it’s because I analysed the information available in the EFTTA Newsline last march and could remember EFTTEX in Geneva.

I can understand the decision [...]

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China; Rising to the challenge!

Olympic National Stadium, Beijing, Herzog and de Meuron, Arup Group, estimated completion 2008
I shall never forget my visit to the first CHINAFISH show in 1991.
The exhibition was held close to the entrance of the Forbidden City, right in the centre of Beijing.
I was driven to the show by an old man on a tricycle who [...]

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Manifest for the Future of Recreational Fishing in Europe!

The time has come for the European Fishing Tackle Trade to invest into its future if it is to have a future!

Our European markets are depressed, we are losing participation.

Pollution, Over-Fishing and Fish Farming are directly responsible.

Recreational Fishing is not recognised by our European authorities for either its social or economic contribution as a [...]

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The last Fisherman in Ireland

The man hadn’t caught a fish for three years now. The retired businessman had fished all his life. His father had transmitted the passion to him in his youth. He could still remember the delightful days spent fishing off the wonderful west coast of Ireland, in County Clare where he had been brought up.
As a [...]

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Going Pan-European: Choices, decisions.

There are few alternatives these days for a European National Fishing Tackle Company than to aim towards the development of new sales in neighbouring countries.
Numerous are the European brands that are presently selling outside of their original market as companies are doing everything they can to generate positive growth inside an oversupplied and rapidly shrinking [...]

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