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AFTA Trade Show Wrap 2023

By Justin Willmer

Download a PDF copy of our New Gear Catalogue at the end of this article!

That’s a wrap for another year, AFTA, Australian Fishing Tackle Association trade show done and dusted for 2023. Held on the Gold Coast (Aug 3-5, 2023), the AFTA trade show saw fishing tackle manufacturers from around Australia gather in one location, where they were visited by retailers from around the country over two days (Thur / Fri), followed up by an open day for the public on day three (Saturday).

It was another big year for Tackle Tactics, with plenty of interest in the new products launched, an award won for AFTA Best in Show – Tackle Management, for our TT Tackle Sling Bag, and a great day catching up with anglers that made it to the public day. For those that couldn’t get to the show and those interested in our new product releases, I thought I would take some time to break down some of the key new additions across the Tackle Tactics stable of brands, while also attaching a PDF of our New Product Catalogue, so that you can delve into these products more deeply, with new products dropping throughout the remainder of 2023.

You can check out all the product details in the attached New Product Catalogue, including expected release dates, however I wanted to give you a little behind the scenes on some of these products and why they have been developed.

TT Fishing

Quake Power Vibe - One release that did shake things up at the show this year was the TT Fishing Quake Power Vibe. There are a lot of same-same soft vibes out there, but there are also a lot of applications where vibes are effective, so we wanted to create a soft vibe that really stood out from the crowd. The Quake is built on a solid stainless-steel frame, which accentuates the vibration and allows the Quake to carry a full tail that moves more water and creates a more powerful vibration, designed to attract fish and trigger strikes.

Other features include a holographic internal weight, durable construction, UV-reactive eyes, 4X Japanese hooks and heavy-duty split rings. The range of unique colours attracted plenty of attention, including plenty of UV-reactive models and UV-reactive highlights. Available in three sizes to cover Australia’s favourite lure targets, a 75mm (13g), 95mm (26g) and 110mm (36g).

ETA: Late September 2023

SwitchPrawn+ - Another release that sparked plenty of interest was the SwitchPrawn+, a metal prawn vide with a unique profile, loads of action and stacks of cool colours. Available in a 37mm (5.5g), 44mm (8g) and 50mm (13g), the SwitchPrawn+ comes fitted with ultra sharp Owner assist hooks, multiple tow points to customise the action and UV-reactive eyes. Spare assist hooks are also available separately.

As with the Quake a lot of effort from the team went into designing, testing, and modifying the SwitchPrawn+ to reach the finished product, which I have been lucky enough to fish on two occasions prior to the AFTA show. The first session I landed about 30 bass, fishing deep schooled fish, and they ate it aggressively, before following it up with a quickfire 14 flathead in the salt. I have no doubt that this little metal vide is going to slay a stack of different fish species in the fresh and salt.

ETA: Late September 2023

Switchblade+ - The TT Switchblade metal vibration blade has long been a favourite for Aussie anglers and is one of the most copied lures globally. The problem with the bulk of the copies out there is that it’s one thing to make something look like something else, however the copies fail when it comes to construction and more importantly action as they cut corners on materials, design, manufacturing, and finishing. I have tested Switchblade copies that don’t vibe at slow speeds, blow out when ripped aggressively, bend, paint peels off with your thumbnail, hooks are incorrect in sizing and inferior in quality. The Switchblade swims and catches straight out of the packet, as does the new Switchblade+.

The Switchblade+ features an awesome new range of colours and patterns, including UV-reactive models, in a 37mm (3.5g), 42mm (7g) and 56mm (14g), to cover a wide variety of target species. Fitted with quality split rings and Owner black nickel, chemically sharpened trebles, this family of metal blades will be a favourite with tournament anglers and keen social fishos alike. Bring it on!

ETA: Late September 2023

Spintrix – One for the freshwater anglers and an out of the box saltwater presentation, Spintrix are a modern take on the classic inline spinner. A selection of 16 colours covers the classics, through to some popping UV-reactive models, with a unique ‘beetle’ body shape and quality Mustad treble. Available in sizes 1, 2 and 3.

ETA: Late September 2023

TT Tackle Sling Bag – After several design changes and prototypes the team were stoked with the finished Tackle Sling Bag and feedback has been fantastic, including the 2023 AFTA Award for Tackle Management. This bag is loaded with features, including two small and one large storage pockets, three ‘D’ ring attachment points, plier pocket, padded back and adjustable strap, quality SBS zips and an integrated rod holder. Simply swing it around to your back when trekking and fishing, or around to the front to access everything on the bag and stow your rod when rigging and handling fish.

ETA: Available now!

Jigheads – We have had some expansions to the models within Australia’s most comprehensive range of jigheads, along with a couple of model upgrades. These range expansions, as with many TT additions and developments, have been driven by feedback and requests from anglers, so we can’t wait to see you guys putting these to work on some trophy captures.

Big EyeZ Jigheads – Painted heads in five colours with oversized 3D strike trigger eyes and a ‘head lock’ keeper to lock your soft plastic in place, built on brutally strong Mustad black nickel chemically sharpened hooks. New additions include a 1/6oz 3/0 and 1/4oz 5/0 that will be perfect for those chasing big fish in the shallows, low current or on a dead slow sink… think barramundi, flathead, and snapper for starters. The other additions are a 1.5oz 7/0 and 8/0, which will be perfect for stopping beasts from seaways, rocks, and beaches, to deep offshore. Bring it on!

NedlockZ Jigheads – The Ned Rig System has grown rapidly in popularity in Australia, allowing anglers to present naturally buoyant ZMan plastics with a rapid stand-up action, so that they are always working, either fleeing or rapidly presenting a ‘claws up’ defensive pose or ‘tail up’ feeding pose. New larger sizes are going to take Ned Rig fishing to a new level, allowing the rigging of larger plastics and targeting of larger species, such as snapper, barramundi, bass, and Murray cod.

Featuring a ‘head lock’ grub keeper and built on brutally strong Mustad black nickel chemically sharpened hooks, new sizes include 1/4oz 2/0, 1/4oz 3/0, 3/8oz 3/0 and 3/8oz 5/0, in four colours, Black, Green Pumpkin, Chartreuse and Orange.

SwimlockZ Jigheads – The SwimlockZ range now feature an upgraded Mustad hook, for increased hook exposure and extreme strength, with that proven stainless steel belly attachment point for adding a stinger hook, assist hooks or a blade for added flash and vibration. As well as a beast stopping 1.5oz 9/0 and 10/0, we have also added some smaller weights, with a range of hook sizes to handle barramundi, snapper, mulloway, offshore species and more.

New size additions – 1/4oz 3/0 & 5/0, 3/8oz 3/0, 5/0 & 70, 1/2oz 5/0 & 7/0 and 1.5oz 9/0 and 10/0.

ChinlockZ & ChinlockZ SWS – A much requested addition has been a 5/0 in the ChinlockZ unweighted and 1/8oz and 1/6oz in the belly weighted ChinlockZ SWS 5/0. The 5/0 has been available in the SnakelockZ and Snake EyeZ, now rounding out the weedless range in a versatile size, that fits perfectly in the popular ZMan 4” GOAT ToadZ.

Jighead Value Packs – Jighead Value Packs offer anglers excellent value for money and are a great way to kit yourself out for various applications. Joining the popular Head Hunter Breamin’ Value Pack, Weedless Rig Value Pack and HeadlockZ River & Estuary Value Pack, we now have the HeadlockZ Flathead Value Pack, HeadlockZ Inshore Reef Value Pack and HeadlockZ Finesse Breamin’ Value Pack, offering anglers a quantity of five different jigheads to suit their target species or application. Check out the New Gear Catalogue and tackletactics.com for the full breakdown on each pack.

ETA: All jighead additions are available now!

TT Rods – When we started the TT Rods project it was all about creating rods from quality components, that offer anglers excellent value for money, and that we would be happy to pick up off the rack and fish with ourselves. Personally, I use and love these rods and am pumped for the new additions to the range. Thanks to everyone that has supported the birth and growth of the TT Rods range… plenty more in the pipeline.

Siva Light Surf Spin Rods – A lot of work has gone into getting these rods right in terms of build and action, and as someone that loves their beach, surf, and land-based fishing, I am pumped! Toray Carbon blanks, Fuji guides, slick aesthetics, light weight, powerful actions, and TT 3XP technology in the tip for increased strength and lifting power. Perfect for casting metal slugs, plastics, and other lures and available in 9’0”, 10’6” and 12’0”, with 6-10kg ratings. If you’re into this type of fishing, you need to check these out!

Black Adder XXH Baitcast Rods – This addition to the Black Adder baitcast rod range is all about casting swimbaits and other larger lures for big fish. Rated 12-25kg, this 7’3” baitcast beast features a butt join for easy transport and storage, along with a responsive Toray Carbon blank and full Fuji components. This is another that was high on the request list from anglers loving the TT Black Mamba rod range.

Bait JIG R Sabiki Rod – This rod takes sabiki bait jigging to another level, with its premium finish, slick aesthetics, SeaGuide entry point for smooth operation, wide opening for larger hook sizes, and 7’3” length to accommodate longer sabiki lengths. A butt join makes the Bait JIG R easier to transport and stow.

ETA: October 2023 on all TT Fishing rods

TT Braid & Fluorocarbon – TT Fishing products are tournament tested and proven, so it makes sense that we design and develop a line and leader that meets the needs of these anglers and keen social fishos alike.

TT REACT X8 Braid – Made in Australia, TT REACT is constructed from colour infused, high tech fibres, creating a braid that is thin, smooth, and long casting, in breaking strains from 6lb to 50lb.

TT REACT FC Fluorocarbon Leader – This 100% Japanese Fluorocarbon meets the high standards associated with TT Fishing products and is spooled in Australia to offer anglers more quality leader for their money. REACT FC has brilliant clarity, extreme abrasion resistance, excellent knot strength and durability, with low memory and excellent handling qualities. Available in breaking strains from 2lb to 50lb.

ETA: TT REACT is available now!

TT Tools – The TT Tools range has proven extremely popular, with the range virtually doubling in size in the next month or so. Currently the range includes a selection of scissors, pliers, crimpers, and knives, with new additions including lip grips, knife sharpeners, de-hooker, and an expansion of the pliers and scissors range. These tools offer excellent value for money, feature bright yellow highlights on most models to make them easy to locate when required, and are all about making fishing simpler, safer, and more productive.

ZMan Fishing

Stay tuned for more additions to the ZMan range later in 2023, however here’s a couple that dropped at the AFTA show.

3” HerculeZ – Coming in a two-pack, the 3” HerculeZ takes the popular 4”, 5”, and 6” models and downsizes them into a bite size snack that anglers chasing flathead, mangrove jack, barramundi, mulloway, and other baitfish eating species are going to love! Features include 10X Tough construction, awesome action, brutally strong Mustad black nickel, chemically sharpened hook, and a stainless-steel belly attachment point for adding a stinger hook, assist hooks or blade for flash and vibration. The R&D on this mullet imitation has produced some quality captures, from big flathead, to 90cm+ barramundi. Stay tuned!

ETA: Late September 2023

Micro Finesse BaitZ – Arriving post-AFTA 2022, these micro plastics were on show at AFTA 2023 and attracted the crowds. With the growth in ultralight fishing, anglers are searching out quality micro-options and these 10X Tough, ElaZtech plastics tick the box. Currently available in four models, 1.75” LarvaZ, 1.75” Shad FryZ, 1.75” Tiny TicklerZ, and 2” StingerZ, you can find these plastics punching well above their profile size on our Tackle Tactics TV YouTube channel. Stay tuned for another new addition to the family later in 2023.

ETA: Available Now!

Okuma Fishing

Fishing Reels – The Okuma fishing reel range has seen a rapid expansion in recent years, with Australia, New Zealand and the US driving product development and testing. This has seen the addition of favourites, such as the ITX, Ceymar HD and Cedros spin reels, along with the Cavalla Lever Drag Overheads. Stay tuned for more with plenty of reels currently in the design and testing phase.

Salina Spinning Reels – The popular Salina is back better than ever, with its corrosion-resistant LITECAST magnesium construction for reduced weight, 6HPB + 1RB corrosion-resistant stainless-steel bearings, Dual Force High Output Carbon Drag with up to 20kg of stopping power on larger models and HDGII: High Density Gearing for durability. This is a beast stopper that is available in sizes from 4000 to 14000, to cover heavy river and estuary work to bluewater brutes.

Makaira Lever Drag Overhead Reel - Matte Black – The world renowned Makaira Lever Drag Overhead is now available in a mean looking matte black colour! While most lever drag overheads exist in a single colour, the global popularity of the Okuma Makaira allows anglers to access five colours across the range of models – Gold, Silver, Gun Metal Grey, Blue Camo (10th Anniversary Limited Edition) and Matte Black.

Makaira Rapid Crank Handle – A cool addition for the rapid retrieval of line. The Makaira Rapid Crank Handle connects to your Makaira 50 and 80 size reels and includes a bit that attaches it to a battery drill. Quickly retrieve line when deep dropping, kite fishing and other applications that require the retrieval of large quantities of line.

Convector Line Counter Overhead Reel – A quality star drag overhead reel, with the addition of a mechanical line counter, with anti-fogging Clear View technology, and a Quick Drop Switch for precise bait or lure placement. This technology is built around a solid base of A6061-T6 machined aluminium spool, multi-disc high output Carbonite drag system, and a synchronised level wind optimised for braided line.

ETA: All Okuma reel additions are available now!

Okuma Rods – The growing popularity of the Okuma brand in Australia has increased the demand for specific ranges of rods designed for Australian species, techniques, and conditions. Here’s a few new additions, with plenty more in the works.

Barbarian Pro Spin Rods – The original Okuma Barbarian spin rods have become a go-to for bait anglers in Australia and you will find me using these rods throughout The Bait School series of bait fishing videos on our Tackle Tactics TV YouTube Channel. Keen bait anglers, including myself, have been requesting a premium series of these rods and I was stoked when the project was given the go ahead and I was involved in the development process.

There are four models in the range, with the same great classic soft actions that make them dynamite bait rods. Upgrades include premium SeaGuide stainless steel guides with zirconia inserts, along with ergonomic cut-out reel seats and low-profile hard EVA grips for increased feel and reduced weight. Aesthetically they are first class, with a dark blue blank with lighter blue labelling and binding highlights and a blue tip for easy bite detection. The tip features Okuma’s patented UFR technology for increased strength and lifting power in the tip. Models in the range include 7’0”, 9’0”, 10’0” and 10’6”, to cover estuary to light surf and species from bream and whiting, to blackfish and swallowtail dart.

Kaiyo Overhead Trolling Rods – These rods look great and are excellent value for money, powerhouse rods for anglers trolling and bottom fishing offshore. Features include UFR technology in the blank, heavy duty 304 stainless steel guides, heavy duty reel seats, oversized shrink wrap grips and ABS gimbals with gimbal cover. Available in 6’0”, 10kg, 15kg and 24kg models to cover a wide range of big fish applications.

Hybrid 8/2 Spin Rods – This premium bait fishing rod is all class and performance, with UFR technology and SeaGuide components. Exceptional finish, a highly sensitive tip and plenty of power in the bottom end is going to make this rod a favourite for targeting whiting, bream and other bread and butter favourites. At 8’2”, with a rating of 3-6kg and casting weight of 10-30g, anglers will soon find many specialist applications for this custom build.

Ceymar Baitcast Rods & Combos – The Okuma Ceymar baitcast reel has long been recognised as a quality, value for money option for anglers. We have developed two models of Ceymar rod to compliment this popular reel and they will be available separately and as an additional value add as a Ceymar baitcast combo. Rod models include a 5’6” and 6’6” length with a 4-8kg rating and 10-30g casting weight.

Azaki X Spin Combo – The Azaki combo was previously available in blue, and we have now added a striking blaze yellow to the range in four models. This is an excellent combo for stepping the kids up in quality and for those getting into lure or bait fishing, with a light, responsive and durable rod blank and smooth, 2-bearing reel.

ETA: Okuma rod additions will be dropping in October / November 2023

Platypus Fishing

Hard Armour FC Fluorocarbon Leader – The Platypus Hard Armour Leader range includes Supple, Tough and Game Leaders, covering nylon leaders from 4lb to 600lb breaking strains. To complete the Hard Armour range, we have sourced a quality 100% Japanese fluorocarbon leader that is virtually invisible in water, for targeting finicky feeders, while also offering excellent knot strength and abrasion resistance. Available in breaking strains from 2lb to 50lb, to cover many popular sportfishing applications.

ETA: Available now!

Tackle Tactics Accessories

Tournament Shirts – Our new shirts have dropped and are available now from your local Tackle Tactics stockist and online from https://shop.tackletactics.com.au/. Constructed from the latest in high tech, light, comfortable and quick dry materials, there are both collared and hooded versions available, in sizes across different models ranging from a kid’s size 4, through to an adult 5XL. All shirts carry a UPF 50 rating, with the collared shirts featuring a front zip and the hooded shirts featuring a front snap and additional sleeve length with thumb holes to maximise sun protection.

ETA: Available now!

TT Tackle Trays – Smart and simple tackle storage, featuring watertight lids with 4 lock-down points, durable UV stabilised material and plenty of internal space with dividers allowing you to customise your tackle storage to suit individual requirement. The small size is designed to fit the two smaller compartments on the TT Tackle Sling Bag, while the medium size fits into the larger Tackle Sling Bag compartment, with plenty of room for other gear.

ETA: Small and Medium available now!
ETA: Large available October 2023

130cm Ruler – A cool addition that was inspired by the portability of the Tackle Sling Bag, the 130cm Ruler packs away to virtually nothing and rolls out to 130cm for measuring your catch. This durable ruler has proven popular, with anglers cutting it down to their desired length to further increase its compact size.

ETA: Available now!

A3 Sticker Packs – Requests from you guys have seen us upsize our sticker packs to include A3 sticker packs for TT Fishing, ZMan, Okuma and Platypus. These quality vinyl sticker packs contain two A3 sheets of pre-cut stickers that offer excellent value for anglers looking for larger stickers to pimp their boats, iceboxes, beer fridges and other larger areas. Available from your local Tackle Tactics stockist and online from our tackletactics.com.au website.

ETA: Available now!

That’s a wrap… Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m exhausted after running through that lot! At the same time, I’m also pumped with all the hard work that has gone into creating this great range of new additions and excited to see you all put them to work on the fish. Keep an eye on our Inspire Newsletter and socials for product updates and releases… it’s going to be a big second half to 2023. Thanks for your ongoing support and all the best with the fishing.

See you on the water…
Cheers, Justin

Tackle Tactics 2023 New Gear Catalogue | Download