THE Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) recently held its annual tackle trade show on the Gold Coast.
The show, although a trade-only event, is a great way for fishing tackle retailers around the country to catch up and see first hand what’s new in tackle while stocking the shelves for the year ahead. As usual there were heaps of new and innovative products from all the major manufacturers and distributors including: Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Halco, Jarvis Walker, Pure Fishing, Australian Monofil, JM Gillies, Basser Millyard, Frogley’s, EJ Todd and plenty more from the smaller companies.
Fishing World spent three days at the AFTA show playing with all sorts of new gadgets and chatting to tackle companies about the latest fishing technology. We also spent a fair amount of time shooting a series of videos that are being posted on site. Stay tuned for plenty more vids over coming weeks. View the clips HERE.
During the show AFTA also staged its annual Tackle Awards which rewarded companies with standout new gear releases. Check out the winners below and keep an eye out in your local tackle shop for these new products.
Best of AFTA Awards for 2011
Best Overall – Shimano Australia
Best Large Stand/Display – Rapala VMC Australia
Best Medium Stand/Display – River2Sea
Best Rod
GL2 8500 esp – G.Loomis/Shimano
Best Reel
Revo MGX – Abu Pure Fishing
Best Terminal Tackle
Snap on Sinker Klik – Alvey
Best Line
Nano Fil – Berkley Pure Fishing
Best Soft Lure
Ecogearaqua Bream Prawn – Eco Gear JML Trading
Best Hard Lure
2 Deadly Killalure – Basser Millyard
Best Tackle Management
Plano 787 Guide Series T/Box Plano – JM Gillies
Best Boating Accessory and Electronics
Nemo underwater camera – Viva
Best Fishing Accessory
AGR Pliers – Shimano
Best Kids
Plano 100 pc T/box – JM Gillies
Best Clothing Accessories
Big Fish Graphics- Big fish Shirt
Best Giftwear
BBQ Set Marttiini knives – Rapala VMC Australia
Bradley Sissins of Daiwa Australia with one of the company’s latest reels.
Rapala VMC was well represented at this year’s show.
John Dunphy of Shimano Australia with a swag of awards.
Tom McCullough (left) and Josh Kerr of Big Fish Graphics with the award for Best Clothing.
Pollies want some tackle? – Bruce Alvey of Alvey Australia flanked by Katter’s Australian Party leader Bob Katter (right) and Aidan McLindon.
