Anyone who donates $100+ will automatically be entered to win a guided fishing trip for two with Gary “Mr. Walleye” Roach — he will draw the winner on Aug 26. Super awesome of Gary to donate a trip!
2. Abu Garcia and Berkley gettin’ in the zander biz.
Added “European predator specialist” Freddy Harbort to the team, who’s Instagram page makes me wanna hop on a plane tomorrow and head over to the land of everything-grows-stupid-big:
3. Oh snap! FishUSA already has….
…the new VMC Bladed Hybrid Trebles in stock! Won “Best Terminal Tackle” at ICAST 2019. Modeled after a longtime secret among pros to add extra flash to your favorite baits. Has a resin-sealed swivel and blade for maximum rotation and flashy goodness:
Tons of open-water applications for you tackle junkies and gear tweakers, but don’t forget about hardwater. Here’s what it looks like (underwater video) rigged on a VMC Tingler Spoon.
4. Lowrance and MotorGuide playing nicely together.
> Both brands will continue to collaborate on sonar compatibility and chartplotter integration between MotorGuide trolling motors and Lowrance sonar and chartplotter technologies.
5. MN: Lake of the Woods bite is strong.
Full fishing report right here, but check this portly feller (30″!) Jon Thelen anded during a Fish Ed TV shoot:
6. MN: Fishing to End Hunger charity tourney…
…on Gull Lake is happening Oct 5. Already has 83 boats registered ‘cuz 1) it’s a great cause, 2) has BIG-time payouts, and 3) the fish are usually snapping on Gull that time of year. More info here.
7. Lew’s/Strike King expands again.
This time sounds like more of a merger deal:
> One of Wall Street’s most prominent financiers has lured a prized catch with a £150m takeover of Fox International, Europe’s largest privately-owned provider of fishing tackle.
> Sky News understands that Lew’s Holdings, a US-based leader in the fishing equipment market which is backed by Byron Trott’s BDT Capital Partners, has struck a deal to merge with Fox.
> Banking sources said the deal was expected to be announced by the end of the week.
> The merger of Lew’s and Fox will create a major transatlantic player in the sports fishing sector.
> None of those involved in the talks would comment, but one source said Lew’s was paying in the region of £150m for Fox….
> Lew’s and Fox are said to be planning to retain their existing management structures and brands following the transaction, with further deals in the [fishing] sector being sought by Mr Trott, according to insiders.
> …Fox has made two international acquisitions: Salmo, a [European] lure brand [now in the U.S.], and Spomb, a bait dispenser.
Couple other details sent in by Lew’s:
> Fox International, Europe’s largest privately-owned fishing tackle company, today announced that it has agreed to be acquired by Lew’s Holdings Corp.
> This combination will enable an enhanced route to market for both businesses. This will be driven by an expanded geographical footprint, deeper innovation, R&D sharing capabilities….
8. Johnson Outdoors Q3 earnings up.
> Fishing revenue increased 5% due to continued success of new products in both Minn Kota and Humminbird.