Shimano MD hails ‘extraordinary’ seven award-winning performance

The Managing Director of Shimano Australia Fishing has hailed the team’s ‘extraordinary’ performance in the country’s industry awards.

Shimano ended the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) show with seven awards, leaving Chad Rodgers ‘incredibly proud’. Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “It’s difficult to put into words what it meant to our team to head home from the event with seven accolades, voted for by the very retail partners who work with our products every day.

“To have our gear recognised across such a broad range of categories is something we are incredibly proud of. More importantly, it’s a reflection of a huge amount of work from our entire team, long before these products ever reach a tackle store. To our trade partners – thank you. Your continued faith in Shimano, your honest feedback and support you give our products and brand means an enormous amount to us. We never take it for granted.”

Rodgers highlighted the John Dunphy Innovation Award as being particularly special. “It was a very proud moment for all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. JD was instrumental in creating the foundations of the brand we know today – a legacy that remains an important part of who we are.

“Seven awards is an extraordinary result and we are humbled by the support behind it. But more than anything, it has added fuel to the fire. We have an incredibly passionate team, great partners and retailers who continue to back what we do. Our job now is to keep earning that support – keep improving, keep innovating and keep bringing better products and experiences to Australian anglers.”

The full list of winners on an incredible night for Shimano include:

Sustainable Product: Wilson Fishing, Mustad Circle Hook

Best Rod: Viva Fishing, Lox Vibe Traveller Rod 702L

Runner-up: Ocean’s Legacy, Aggressor Grand Seas

Best Combo: Shimano Australia Fishing, Nexave Light Spin Combo

Runner-up: Pure Fishing Australia, Abu Garcia Max Miq SX 702

Best Line: Shimano Australia Fishing, PowerPro Tenacity

Runner-up: Rapala VMC Australia, Sufix Calibr8 Surf

Best Reel: Shimano Australia Fishing: Calcutta Conquest DC 200HG

Runner-up: Pure Fishing Australia, Abu Garcia Revo Voltiq SX

Best Soft Lure: Rapala VMC Australia: Crushcity Infiltrator

Runner-up: Wilson Fishing, Wilson Hot Legs 8” Weedless

Best Hard Lure: Bluefish Imports, Samaki Redic Swimbait

Runner-up: Malosi Studio, Malosi Micro Rogue

Best Fly Fishing Product: JM Gillies, Redington Wrangler 890-4 Salt Outfit

Runner-up: Manic Tackle Project, Lamson Hyperspeed 8

Best Terminal Tackle: Lure Us In, Reaper Rig Large

Runner-up: Red Mullet Distributors, Vexed Live Bait Nose Clip

Best Sunglasses: Shimano Australia Fishing, Stella – Crystal Grey Frame/Revo Lens

Runner-up: Spotters, Torque Matt Black – Helix Lens

Best Game Fishing Rod: Pure Fishing Australia, PENN International 5101 15KG Runner Switch Bait

Runner-up: Shimano Australia Fishing, Talica Spiral Wrap Bent Butt

Best Game Fishing Lure: Shimano Australia Fishing, Ledge Runner 160F – Flyer Flash

Runner-up: United Tackle, Fatboy Lures 14” Cherry Bomb

Best Marine Electronics: Navico Group, Lowrance Active Target 2 XL

Runner-up: BLA, Iris Photon

Best Accessory: Wilson Fishing, Wilson Reel Battery 5AH Kit

Runner-up: Manic Tackle Project, SIMMS Flyweight Plier

Best Boating Accessory: JM Gillies, Response Slimline Inflatable

Runner-up: Pure Fishing Australia, Plano Marine Boat Trunk

Best Tackle Management: Tackle Tactics, TT Weatherproof Tackle Sling Bag

Runner-up: Pure Fishing Australia, Plano Go Now Trunk Fish Kit

Best Outdoor Camping Product: YETI, YETI Daytrip 20l Tote

Runner-up: AFN Fishing & Outdoors, Sea Pro USB-C Portable Vacuum Cleaner

Best Clothing Accessory: Manic Tackle Project, SIMMS Challenger Jacket

Runner-up: Daiwa Australia, Daiwa Tech Hooded Fishing Shirt

Best Australian-made Product: Home Grown Brands, Undersee 80th Anniversary Manta Ray

Runner-up: AFN Fishing & Outdoors, AFN Rigstraight XL

John Dunphy Award for Innovation: Shimano Australia Fishing, Dialuna Zoom Rod

Runner-up: Lure Us In: Reaper Rig Large