Leading global lure supplier gives European debut to lead-free option

One of the world’s largest suppliers of lures returned to Europe’s trade show last month, giving a regional debut to its lead-free line of baits.

PRADCO-Fishing was a regular at the show before the onset of COVID. The company’s Director of Sales, Chad Van Kooten (pictured right with Clayton Reano), told Angling International: “We were really excited to attend our first international show after four years and show off developments to historic brands and introduce newcomers to our ranks like Great Lakes Finesse (GLF) and Bobby Garland.”

The company also revealed it plans to transition its entire Lindy Fishing portfolio into a lead-free brand, starting with the Lindy B-Max, an upgraded version of the Lindy Jig. It is made of a non-lead metal blend that is comparable in size to lead but harder. It fishes like tungsten but at a lower cost.

“There are many regions in the US and Europe where fishing with lead is heavily regulated and the B-Max provides an alternative for those. Our plan is to convert the whole Lindy range to lead-free by 2027 and if successful, it gives us the option to look at other brands in our portfolio.

“It was very interesting to hear customers in Europe talk about our non-lead plans for Lindy. Fishing with non-toxic weights is very topical for anglers in the region,” added Van Kooten, who also reported interest in the BOOYAH Flash Point suspending jerkbait at the show. “Visitors were intrigued by the willow leaf in the head and its flash in the water.”

Europe makes up around 10% of PRADCO’s worldwide sales and has maintained momentum over the years with Bandit, Bomber and Rebel among its most popular brands within the sector. “They are known in Europe and help us open the door to other brands within our portfolio.

“We have a range of products that are suitable for fishing for a wide variety of species that are popular in Europe including for perch, zander, catfish and lake trout. There is a PRADCO lure for most fishing applications in Europe.”