‘Anglers can’t tell the difference’ says maker of lead-free terminal tackle

Ahead of the first-ever Angling International Green Issue, one company that is already making a difference in Europe is Czech Republic-based Egerfish.

With a forthcoming restriction on lead in fishing weights looming on the horizon, Egerfish believes it is well placed to offer anglers substitutes for the controversial substance. The company launched its LeadFree brand at EFTTEX in 2018 in Amsterdam when it unveiled two feeders in what Export Manager Petr Minarik described as a ‘glimpse into the future’.

That ‘glimpse’ has now evolved into reality with Egerfish blazing a trail in the production of environmentally-friendly terminal tackle to such an extent that it now boasts ranges for many types of fishing.

“Our aim has always been to make products where anglers cannot differentiate between lead and lead-free alternatives. Everything we offer in the LeadFree range looks and feels the same as anglers have been used to – nothing will change for them,” said Minarik. “We already have suitable alternatives for carp, feeder and spinfishing and continue to be at the forefront of lead-free development. We are well on our way to becoming one of the leaders in the supply of green materials. The only difference is in the size. LeadFree products are larger, but when they are on the line they perform just the same.”

Minarik believes that a ban or restrictions in the use of lead in fishing and hunting is ‘very close’ and says that his company is well placed to offer anglers a suitable alternative. “LeadFree products already make up around 15% of our manufacturing turnover and demand is increasing. That is a surprise in many ways because there has not at this point been much of a focus on lead-free fishing. 

“However, we have stable business with lead-free products in UK, Denmark, Norway and Germany. We are working on new lead-free programmes with companies in France, Holland and Hungary and look forward to doing the same with other businesses who want to be prepared when any type of ban comes into force.”

+420 775 877 881
minarik@egerfish.czwww.egerfish.cz

• To be part of the Angling International July Green Issue, contact info@angling-international.com