Tackle Trade World |

Feb17

Ben leaves AFFTA president’s role after eight years

Posted by John Hunter on Feb 17, 2021

Ben leaves AFFTA president’s role after eight years

The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) has been left shocked following the resignation of Ben Bulis, its president for the past eight years. Ben joined AFFTA in April 2012 as an interim general manager and quickly moved into the role of president, where he has been a key figure in growing the organisation into a larger trade association with a strong voice in trade and conservation issues. His incredible passion for the industry of fly fishing and the fly fishing community has resulted in effective programs, from successful annual trade shows to connections with state and federal legislators in pursuit of trade and conservation policies that are important to AFFTA membership. “I’m sure I’m joined by all prior AFFTA chairmen and chairwomen, board directors past and present and our greater membership in thanking Ben for his efforts on behalf of AFFTA and the fly fishing community,” said Jim Bartschi, AFFTA board chair. “Ben has been a great leader of our association and leaves AFFTA in a far better place than when he joined us in 2012. His passion for our industry and our members will be missed. I’m sure we’ll have a chance to continue our relationship with Ben in the places we hold most dear, on the water.” Ben added: “I’ve enjoyed every moment I’ve had at AFFTA and know the relationships I’ve forged over almost a decade leading this organisation will be with me for the rest of my life. “We’ve done some incredible work together over the years and grown into a significant voice that has helped all our members be more successful.” He will be working closely with the board during this transition, helping to ensure the important work AFFTA does on behalf of its members and the fly fishing community continues...

Feb17

Zebco brands sale confirmed by Rather Outdoors

Posted by John Hunter on Feb 17, 2021

Zebco brands sale confirmed by Rather Outdoors

Rather Outdoors, the firm which owns Lew‘s, Fox International and Salmo, has confirmed to TTW that it has acquired the portfolio of Zebco brands, which includes Zebco, Preston Innovations and many more. While an official statement has yet to be released, Rather Outdoors’ CEO Ken Eubanks told TTW: “I can confirm that Rather Outdoors has, in fact, purchased Zebco brands. We will be releasing an official statement in the days ahead as right now our focus is on continuity of the business.” The deal would bring together some of the best-known and most successful fishing brands of recent years. Rather Outdoors, which acquired its new name late last year to better represent its interests, began life in 2017 as Lew’s Holdings Corporation, following the merger of the Lew’s and Strike King businesses in the USA. Then in 2019, the Lew’s Holdings portfolio grew as it bought Fox International and its family of renowned European brands, including Salmo, Fox Rage and Matrix, for £150 million, ushering the organisation into a wider global marketplace. TTW had been monitoring rumours of a deal to acquire the Zebco group of brands from W C Bradley, so a brief announcement a few weeks by the Vienna-based Federal Competition Authority (Bundeswettbewerbsbehörde) came as little surprise. The official statement read: “Rather Outdoors Corporation (Lexington/United States), a portfolio company of the BDT funds, intends to acquire all shares in and sole control over W C Bradley/Zebco Holdings, Inc. (Tulsa/United States) and its subsidiaries. The proposed concentration concerns...

Feb12

UK trade body responds to European lead ban discussions

Posted by John Hunter on Feb 12, 2021

UK trade body responds to European lead ban discussions

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is developing a timetable to phase out lead in fishing weights as part of wider restrictions designed to reduce the risks of the material to people, wildlife and the environment. The ECHA proposes a ban on the sale and use of lead sinkers and lures, with transition periods depending on weight, for example a three-year timespan for weights of 50g and under and a five-year period for those above...

Feb09

Can you lead Zebco Europe in France?

Posted by John Hunter on Feb 9, 2021

Can you lead Zebco Europe in France?

Zebco Europe, the major tackle supplier with exclusive brands Zebco, Rhino, Black Cat, Quantum, Magic Trout Browning and Radical, is looking for a country manager to handle its French operation. The successful applicant will be working to lead the firm’s growth in France, with responsibilities including coordinating with its marketing and product managers, leading its salesforce, directing its sponsored anglers, coordinating local content and video creation and supporting customer care and administrative functions. You...