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So, this month we thought we would gauge the reaction to Trump’s tariffs from inside the USA. But not from those brands that are currently dizzy from checking their prices from China. No, from those tackle makers that should, if the tariffs do as Trump promised, be reaping the rewards as domestic producers.
I have an American friend who tells me ‘Here’s the thing…’ to make sure I have her attention before she starts explaining something to me. So… here’s the thing about those American-based tackle manufacturers that we talked to. They all agree that tariffs might help a little by raising the prices of their competitors, but what will sustain their businesses in the long run will be their innovative products.
You might think that the owners of Rome Specialty Co., Cashion Rods and KISTLER, the rod maker from Texas, would naturally claim that they are innovators in their sectors. What company does not have pride in its products?
But what I found heartening is that each of them believed there was good business to be had from focusing on innovation and product development. And, despite the challenges of costs and sourcing, it was good business even before the tariffs arrived to offer an extra degree of protection.
Customers like what they make – and like the service that underpins the products – and they are willing to pay a premium for it.
What is also heartening is that those interviews with these American business owners – expertly conducted by our Editor, Anthony Hawkswell, by the way – sit within an issue that is something of a showcase for innovators in fishing tackle.
As the trade prepares for ICAST in the USA and counts down to EFTTEX in Europe, I am delighted to give a platform to a number of tackle innovators this month, including two that are convinced they are about to revolutionise their target sectors.
Let me ask you this. Is there a third way in hooks alongside barbed and barbless? UK-based tackle company Pallatrax not only believes there is, it has gone as far as developing and manufacturing a completely new design. Anglers who have tried Gripz hooks with their patented groove configuration say they will never go back to the alternatives.
Pallatrax MD Simon Pomeroy is now actively seeking global distributors. Gripz are fully market ready, and those anglers who are already loyal customers are yet more proof that there is good business in innovation. Who among you wouldn’t want to pick up the phone to start a conversation with Simon?
Meanwhile, from Germany we have picked up the story of a product developer from outside the angling trade who, using his knowledge of ventilation and water engineering, has created a fishing float that turns conventional thinking on its head.
Clever Float needs no lead in its design for balance and can be 3D printed in eco-friendly materials. Its inventor Walter Zimmerly is convinced of its power to disrupt the market and will be at EFTTEX in Brussels in September to connect with equally ambitious distributors.
Is there good business in this innovation? My advice? If you like what you read in this issue, make that call and be part of what could be a fascinating journey.
Look carefully in this issue and you will find other innovators eager to connect with international partners. And if you are an innovator on the cusp of bringing your product to market, please make contact with me or Anthony.
At Angling International, we pride ourselves on providing a platform for the newcomers who will breathe life into the angling industry. No publication can match our record on that, including giving you the space in our pages and the attention of our writers to tell your story in full.
In a world of trade barriers, creating inspiring products and seeking out long-lasting global connections matters more than ever before. We’re playing our part, so come join us.
