THE AFTA tackle show awards, sponsored by Fishing World and other fishing media, were announced at the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre on Sunday, August 9.
These awards are independently judged by editors and retailers at the annual tackle trade show with tackle distributors and manufacturers vying for top spot in the various categories. A win, especially in one of the more prestige categories, is considered a pretty big deal by most tackle companies.
Although the awards have been tainted by allegations of cronyism in the past, they’ve been cleaned up in recent years and are now generally regarded as being well run and fair. That said, there is work to be done in regards to providing more information for judges, including indicative RRPs. Hopefully the 2010 awards will incorporate that sort of info.
The 2009 winners are as follows:
Best Rod – Shimano Jewel
Best reel – Fin-Nor Marquesa
Best terminal tackle – JM Gillies Location Packs
Best Line – Oskaka Tackle Jinkai
Best Soft Lure – Berkley MF40 Hybrid
Best Hard Lure – Halco Twistie Jigging Range
Best Tackle Management – JM Gillies Liquibait boxes
Best Boating Accessory & Electronics – Jarvis Marine Watersnake
Best Fishing Accessory – Black Magic Fishing Pliers
Best Clothing & Accessories – Composite Developments Sierra Soft Shell Jacket
Best Giftware: Black Pete Marine ZipVac
