Berkley Bedell, one of the most famous figures in the history of the American sportfishing industry, died yesterday after suffering a stroke. He was 98.
Bedell was born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, where he founded Berkley & Co., which later became Pure Fishing, the world’s biggest manufacturer of fishing tackle. He was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2018.
He was named Small Businessman of the Year in 1964 and received his award from President Lyndon B. Johnson in Washington.
After attending Iowa State University and serving in the US Army from 1942 to 1945, Bedell went on to make his mark in politics. He became a congressman and represented Iowa’s 6th District in the US House of Representatives from 1975 to 1987.
“We feel sadness that Dad’s inspiration of unrelenting determination to make the world and humanity better will have a quieter voice,” said Tom Bedell, who followed his father into the fishing tackle industry.
Bedell endorsed Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts democrat, for President earlier this year. “He always fought hard for the people of Iowa,” said Warren.
Befell’s wife, Elinor, died in 2017. He is survived by three children.
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The 2020 Sakura catalogue, now in its fifteenth year, is now available.
Part of the Sert Fishing group of brands, Sakura was launched by Francis Coutou when he was President of the French tackle company, and it has continued to grow in popularity.
Highlights of the latest edition include the Ionizer, Tsubaki, Shükan and Mitsio rods. Customers can also discover Sakura’s new reels, including the Tsubaki 2507 FD and the Wombat 71 LJ.
In addition, the catalogue features the brand’s complete range of braids, with the arrival of the new 12-carrier version and new diameters in the 8-carrier offering.
Sakura is, of course, famous for its lures and all the latest creations, including the Gemibug, the Roll Swimmer, the Phoxy Minnow and Skoon Fat spoons, the Gobygo soft lures and the new soft swimbait, Shadura, can be found in the catalogue.
Those still waiting for their printed copy to arrive can view the digital version at www.sakura-fishing.com.
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Former Harley-Davidson executive, Greg Falkner, is the new General Manager of Lowe Boats, part of the Brunswick group of boat brands.
He will have responsibility for growing the Lowe brand and managing its portfolio of products within the Aluminium Boat Group.
Falkner worked in a number of leadership positions at Harley-Davidson, most recently as head of the Parts and Accessories Product Portfolio, where he led the development and execution of consumer-driven growth plans for the $400 million business.
“Greg brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Brunswick and we are excited that he will be leading our Lowe Boat division,” said Jeff Behan, President, Aluminum Boat Group Commercial Operations.
“His strong experience in product and category management, along with his proven track record of working closely with the channel on consumer-led growth initiatives, positions him well for this role.”
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The annual Progressive Cleveland Boat Show in Ohio, about to enter its 62ndyear, is being expanded to include a recreational fishing expo.
The show is being held in Cleveland’s I-X Centre – the ninth largest convention centre in the world – from January 16 to 20 and will feature the inaugural Fishing Expo.
The Lake Erie Marine Trades Association (LEMTA) has signed a multi-year agreement with the International Exposition Center to produce the Fishing Expo in conjunction with the boat show.
To meet the demands for both the increased boat show space and to accommodate the new fishing content, LEMTA is expanding the footprint for the combined event by more than 10,000 square feet.
“The northern Ohio region is rich in fishing opportunities, said the President of LEMTA, Michelle Burke. “But there currently isn’t a good fishing show in northern Ohio. Now there will be. It is fitting we rename the event, which will now be officially known as the Progressive Cleveland Boat Show and Fishing Expo.”
The Fishing Expo will include fishing tackle and related equipment, fishing charters and resorts catering for anglers. In addition, it will feature hands-on demonstrations, virtual sportfishing simulators, a fly-fishing lake and a line up of continuous seminars and clinics with angling pros atop a 5,000-gallon aquarium in the Buckeye Sports Fishing Theatre.
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Dick Tallents, the former Presidentr of EFTTA, and Managing Director of UK-based Masterline Walker, has died.
Dick, who served on the EFTTA Board for 12 years, retired from the company in 2013. He was also an active member of the British Fishing Tackle Trade Association – the forerunner of today's Angling Trades Association (ATA).
More to follow…
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Lew’s Holdings Corporation, owner of the Lew’s Fishing, Strike King Lures and Hunters Specialties brands, has recruited Connie Parker from Pure Fishing to its Board of Directors.
Parker was Director of Stewardship and Corporate Sustainability for Pure Fishing and also serves on several national boards, including Ducks Unlimited.
“Connie’s profound impact on the advancement of conservation policy in the US, combined with her experience in the angling industry, will be invaluable to both our business and industry as we enter the next decade,” said Ken Eubanks, CEO of Lew’s Holdings Corporation.
Parker has also served as an advisory board member at the Union Sportsman’s Alliance (USA). Her appointment to the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Blue-Ribbon Panel has resulted in ongoing legislative public policy initiatives contributing to the success of conservation projects at both national and state level.
She is also a longstanding member of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation (FFWF) and was recently recognised for her leadership and impact on Florida conservation through initiatives with youth and education.
“The success of Lew’s is directly linked to the success of conservation in our nation,” said Parker. “It consistently upholds the highest standards in the preservation of land and water.”
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