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One of Europe’s top tackle suppliers entered the predator market this month as part of its strategy to expand its presence beyond the carp and coarse fishing sectors.
UK-based Sonik Sports says that it is set to shake up the predator and catfish markets with a ‘fresh and focused’ brand – Skeater – that is intent in delivering high performance gear designed ‘by anglers for anglers’.
Sonik Sports Managing Director Europe, Pascal Vermeulen, told Angling International: “As a global company already established in the carp and coarse markets with Sonik and Nytro, the logical next step in building our business was to enter the predator sector.
“The predator and catfish markets are huge with strong potential beyond European borders. That is why we created Skeater and registered it both here and in the USA.
“The timing of Skeater’s launch is both opportune and strategic. The time feels right as we drive to accelerate the growth of our business.”
Vermeulen added that the first step in the development of Skeater will be its growth and promotion in Europe. “Skeater is a predator and catfish brand first and foremost with no limit as to where it can go.
“Lure fishing is firmly on our road map and when we enter it we will be doing so with our own hard baits and soft lures designed by our dedicated in-house team. The brand will also start introducing baitcasting and spinning rods and reels.”
Vermeulen added that the business will follow the successful model already adopted by Sonik and Nytro. “We will be offering exceptional value for money with high quality products anglers genuinely want to use.”
Skeater has been in the development stage for more than 12 months. “Predator fishing has exploded in popularity, but there is still a gap between value and real world performance. That is exactly where Skeater comes in. Every item in the range is built with the angler in mind – smart, sustainable and serious about performance.”
Sonik Sports CEO Atle Haakonsen added: “Skeater reflects our core belief that great gear need not come at the expense of the planet. By combining thoughtful design with sustainable packaging and smart sourcing, we are building trust with anglers across Europe. We have a strategy that includes a lot more to come.”
Vermeulen added: “We are launching with Extracta (including an Extracta catfish rod), Chaser and Chaser Pro deadbait rods and the Unlimited Catfish series. Also in the range are Realist reels (for deadbait and catfish fishing), a focused luggage and unhooking mat range (including catfish versions), nets, Gripjaw pliers, Zero-X braid and fluorocarbon, Stowbox tackle boxes, accessories, Nano and Hi-Viz deadbait floats, GripJaw trebles and hooks and traces, plus the Jawz kayak and float tube.
“Phase two will move into the active side of predator fishing. We have many ideas in development that we cannot yet reveal – but we like to think big!”
