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An American-based fishing tackle supplier that boasts a string of innovative brands has set its sights on Europe.
Mississippi-based American Baitworks has established itself in the US as a supplier of a comprehensive range of fishing tackle through household name brands that include BaitFuel, Freedom Tackle, Snag Proof, Scum Frog, NetBait and Halo Tackle.
With distribution across the US and North America, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer Matt Massey told Angling International that Europe is a natural extension to its export business.
American Baitworks already has representation in the black bass fishing regions of Italy and Spain and the saltwater sector through Florida Fishing in France, which Massey says has exceeded expectations.
Among its brands, Massey says that BaitFuel will lead the charge for the company in Europe with its range of scientifically-developed bait scents, attractants and soft plastics that are proven to work in both fresh and saltwater environments.
He said that the company’s priorities across Europe are the UK, Poland, Portugal, Germany and the Nordic/Baltic countries. “We are now targeting distributors that have the stability in and experience of their own markets. We are not experts in any European geography. We understand our products and what they do, but need business partners who are able to provide direction and local market support.
“We are looking for partners with an entrepreneurial mindset who want to grow alongside American Baitworks.”
Massey added that developing long-term relationships with partners across Europe is crucial. “Five years down the line we would like to be working with our original partners like we are doing in Canada, France and South Africa.”
In return Massey says it can offer business partners the opportunity of working for a company that is passionate about its business and people. “We are also constantly developing and investing in our portfolio of products.
“We can also offer them the opportunity to work with products like BaitFuel – a highly technical innovation that has been developed over the last two years and is based on extensive R&D in the laboratory with target species and real science.
“American Baitworks is a brand that delivers. Historically US brands tend to perform well in EU markets and our partners can use and leverage that strength. We are a family company that wants to help partners grow their businesses.”
Massey adds that American Baitworks is in the European market for the long-term. “Obviously we would like to be generating sales in the first year, but the key for us is laying the groundwork for long-term success.”
Massey said that he hopes to meet potential new partners when he visits Angling International LIVE in Budapest next month.
NetBait
One of the most versatile lines of soft plastic baits in the US. American Baitworks recently launched HexTek Soft Plastics at ICAST 2024. HexTek brings innovation to soft plastics by creating more surface area through hexagon pockets on the bait. These pockets allow more BaitFuel Fish Attractant to be released from the Supercharged Soft Plastic. The hexagon pockets also allow additional fish attractant to be added into these recesses to increase the release of BaitFuel Gel or Stick.
Halo Fishing
High quality one and two-piece fishing rods and combos developed by anglers with quality and affordability in mind.
Scum Frog
Legendary top water lure brand. Made in the USA.
Snag Proof
Innovative hollow-body ‘snag-proof’ lures that go where other lures can’t – Snag Proof is a USA original. The company launched its new Zoo Series in 2023 and it is a massive success in North America with more products in the development cycle for 2025.
BaitFuel
Scientifically-tested scents and attractants that work in both salt and freshwater environments. Available in a variety of formats including Gel, Hardbait Stick and the all new BaitFuel Injector.
T: +1 844 466 5738
matt@americanbaitworks.com
www.americanbaitworks.com
