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Australian tackle brand Rig Mate is setting its sights firmly on Europe with a debut appearance at EFTTEX – booth number A31 – as it looks to build on rapid international growth.
Founded by keen angler James Rapley, the company was born out of a simple frustration familiar to fishermen everywhere: spending too much time tying rigs and not enough time fishing. Rapley’s solution was to streamline the process entirely, creating a ready-to-use system that removes the need for repetitive knot tying.
At the heart of the brand is its flagship product – a compact spool of pre-tied dropper loop rigs. Rapley explained: “Each Rig Mate spool contains up to 100 precision-tied loops, allowing anglers to simply pull off the required length, attach it to the main line and start fishing immediately. The concept is straightforward but effective, delivering consistency, saving time and ensuring clean presentations across a wide range of fishing scenarios.”
Originally developed for Australian conditions, Rig Mate has quickly gained traction across Australia, New Zealand and the United States and is now stocked by more than 800 retailers, including major chains such as Bass Pro Shops. “Its versatility has made it equally suited to freshwater and saltwater applications, from targeting carp, bream and barbel in rivers and lakes to species such as cod, bass, flatfish and whiting in coastal environments,” added Rapley.
The company has also invested heavily in digital marketing, using creative social media campaigns to demonstrate the simplicity of the product and drive footfall into retail stores. This emphasis on education has helped position Rig Mate as an accessible solution for anglers of all abilities – from beginners to seasoned fishermen.
With growing direct-to-consumer demand from the UK and mainland Europe, exhibiting at EFTTEX marks a strategic next step. The brand is actively seeking distribution partners across key markets including the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy and the Nordic region – territories it sees as a natural fit given their strong fishing traditions.
Rapley says success at the show will be defined by building long-term partnerships with distributors that have established retail networks and an appetite for innovative tackle. The company is pitching itself as a proven retail performer, offering strong margins, a differentiated product and comprehensive marketing support. A show opening order special will also be available for distributors.
So far, 2026 has started positively, with the business investing in new product development, expanding production capacity and refining its supply chain to meet rising global demand. New packaging formats have also been introduced to better serve international markets.
Looking ahead, the remainder of the year is expected to be pivotal, with EFTTEX providing a launchpad for a more permanent presence in Europe.
“Despite our growth, Rig Mate’s proposition remains rooted in its original idea: simplify fishing,” explains Rapley. “By eliminating one of angling’s most repetitive tasks, the brand has created a product that resonates widely – bridging the gap between convenience and performance and appealing to anglers regardless of age or experience.”
T: +1 864 920 0424
mike@rigmate.com
www.rigmate.com
