French Fishing Festival rolls back the years

One of France’s top fishing brands welcomed its suppliers from Japan and the US to the first ever National Fishing Festival hosted by the country’s trade body GIFAP.

Ultimate Fishing had 10 visitors on its booth from its overseas partners that included Megabass, Tenryu, Madness, Yamaria, Duo and Patrick Sébile’s A Band of Anglers (right, main picture). Nicolas Cadiou, the company’s Communications Manager told Angling International: “We wanted to make the event very special and a unique occasion for French anglers to discuss product with some of the most influential anglers and developers in the global lure market.”

The company also launched a limited-edition Tenryu rod, which was sold out at the event, and a new colour -Belone (below) – of its Xorus Z-Claw topwater lure.

Cadiou added: “The show had a real feel of fishing shows of the past. It was great to see representatives from the whole of the French recreational fishing arena – including brands, retailers and associations – in one place. It was also heartening that we saw so many passionate and technically knowledgeable young visitors between the ages of 10 to 20. It was a good sign for the future.

“It was a good show for Ultimate – both in numbers and quality of visitors. “