Ken Duke attends ICAST with new trade launch

Ken Duke has left US trade publication Fishing Tackle Retailer (FTR) after nine years as Managing Editor.

But Duke is not leaving the industry. Just a few days after announcing his resignation, Duke revealed that he has become Editor-in-Chief of Fish Insider, a new media business which includes a print and digital magazine, a website, an e-newsletter and a consulting service. He attended last week’s ICAST trade show in his new role.

Duke, who confessed to being emotional about his departure, resigned his position at FTR less than a month after longtime owners Brian Thurston and Carlton Veirs sold the media business to outdoor TV executive Angie Thompson.

Duke began contributing to national outdoor magazines as a teenager and became senior editor of B.A.S.S. Publications for a decade before joining FTR.

“Fish Insider is focused on helping our industry do better business,” says Duke. “If we do that, we grow the sport and the market. It is the platform and the tool set I’ve always wanted to help the companies that make our sport great – large and small.

“Today’s kitchen table operation can be tomorrow’s multi-national manufacturer with the right advice and strategy.”

Fish Insider’s print magazine is free to dealers, wholesalers, distributors and industry professionals, along with its e-newsletter ‘Fish Insider News.’

“As much as I feel the pangs of leaving, I’m even more excited about the prospects of something new,” added Duke.