THE AFTA Best in Show awards were presented last Monday at a gala dinner on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The awards, covering many categories, recognise the best in new products released at the show. Visiting retailers are invited to judge, while AFTA carefully supervises to ensure an honest judging process.
As you’ll read below, Shimano cleaned up winning a whopping five categories. Other winners included Rapala, JM Gillies, Wilson, Cranka Crab and more.
As part of the awards, AFTA recognises Australia’s best retailers with Small, Medium, Large and Best Overall categories.
See who won below and check out our series of new products videos from this year’s AFTA show.
AFTA Best in Show Awards
Best Rod Category – Shimano – Zodias 702 Medium/Light Spin
Best Reel Category – Shimano – Stradic 2500 HG Best Combo Kit Category – Shimano – TwinPower 4000 XG/ Ocea Offshore PF3 Best Line
Category – J M Gillies – Fins G40 Braid
Best Soft Lure Category – Shimano – Squidgies 110 Wriggler Prawn
Best Hard Lure Category – Rapala VMC
Australia – Rapala X-Rap Magnum 40
Best Terminal Tackle Category – Tackle Tactics – TT Lures SnakeLockz Jigheads
Best Fly Fishing Rod Category – J M Gillies Agencies – Sage Mod
Best Fly Fishing Reel Category – E. J. Todd and Son – TFO Atoll
Best Fly Fishing Line Category – J M Gillies Agencies – Rio Light Line
Best Clothing Accessory Category – CapHat – CapHat Extreme
Best Tackle Management Category – Shimano – Shimano Tackle Bag / Backpack
Best Fishing or Boating Accessory Category – Rapala VMC Australia – Deeper Fish Finder
Best Best Watersport or Dive Product Category – V Sport/ GoPro – Hero 4 Session Camera
Best Outdoor or Camping Product Category – V Sport/ GoPro – Rinse Kit
Special Focus Category: Best Game Fishing Rod – Wilson Fishing – Venom Game
Special Focus Category: Best Game Fishing Reel – Shimano – Twin Power 14000 XG
Special Focus Category: Best Game Fishing Lure – Viva Fishing Tackle Australia – Richter Reflector Wing
Special Focus Category: Sunglasses – Spotters Polarised Performance Eyewear – Spotters Freak Nexus
John Dunphy Award for Innovation – Cranka – Cranka Crab New Single Hook Model
Best Magazine Cover – Fish Life
Best Industry Representative – Damien Grieve, Jarvis Walker
Best Small Store – Whitey’s Tackle
Best Medium Store – Compleat Angler and Camping World Rockingham Tackle World Cranbourne
Best Large Store – Tackle World Cranbourne
Best Store Overall Winner – Compleat Angler and Camping World Rockingham