Wow, what an epic week at the 2023 AFTA Tackle Show. From August 3rd to the 5th, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre welcomed thousands of anglers looking to discover the latest fishing gear and tackle from leading brands such as Daiwa, Shimano, PENN, Nomad, Wilson, Ocean’s Legacy and more.
As voted by you! The awards recognized the latest high-performing gear that anglers opt to reach for every time.
A huge shoutout to each one of you who participated and cast your votes. You didn’t just attend the show; you became a part of it. Your passion and enthusiasm are what make events like this truly special.
With no further ado, here’s the Best Fishing Gear of 2023-24.
Best Game Rod
Winner: Wilson Fishing Bone 3-piece Heavy Travel Jig Rod
Runner-up: Shimano Speedmaster
Best Rod
Winner: Shimano Zodias Travel
Runner-up: Nomad Design Seacore Slow Jigging 6’6” PE 4
Best Combo
Winner: Daiwa Australia 23 Airity 2000s-p and 23 Infeet Z 712lfs Combo
Runner-up: Wilson Fishing Electric Assist Wecom3, Tackle Tactics Okuma Ceymar Baitcast Combo
Best Fly Product
Winner: Pure Fishing Hardy Fortuna Regent 6000 Reel
Runner-up: Shimano G. Loomis IMXV2
Best Sunglasses
Winner: Liive Vision XG Caspian Mirror Polar Matt Black
Runner-up: Spotters Graphite
Best Reel
Winner: Daiwa Australia 23 Saltiga 6000-xh
Runner-up: Shimano Stradic
Best Game Lure
Winner: Oceans Legacy Keeling Pop, JM Gillies Bluewater Bullet Jet Lure
Runner-up: Black Magic Slammer XT
Best Soft Lure
Winner: Rapala Crush City Imposter
Runner-up: Daiwa Australia Baitjunkie 3” Prawn
Best Hard Lure
Winner: Nomad Design Dtx180mm Heavy Duty
Runner-up: Barambah Deton8or 58, Jackall Swing Mikey 72
Best Terminal Tackle
Winner: BKK Heavy Duty Gang Hooks
Runner-up: Viva Fishing Hayabusa Paternoster Kingfish Rig, AFN Hook Eze Orange-Large
Best Game Accessory
Winner: Oceans Legacy HD Offshore Pliers
Runner-up: Wilson Fishing Toit Aluminium Prussian Kit, AFN Kool Bag Large Deluxe
Best Line
Winner: Daiwa J-braid 8 Expedition
Runner-up: Bluefish Imports X-Braid Upgade
Best Tackle Management
Winner: Daiwa Australia D-Box SSU
Runner-up: Shimano Tackle Backpack, River 2 Sea Chasebaits Double Decker Tray, Bluefish Imports Versus Meiho VS-7095N
Best Watersport/Diving product
Winner: AFN Omni Bag
Runner-up: AFN 4254 Case
Best Fishing/boating Accessory
Winner: Minn Kota Instinct
Runner-up: Powa Beam Bubba Smart Fishing Scale
Best Outdoor/camping Product
Winner: AFN Tango Kingfish Bottle Opener Fishing
Runner-up: RPM Innovations Road Chef Micro Dingker
Best Clothing Accessory
Winner: Daiwa Australia Gore Tex Rain Jacket
Runner-up: Rapala Camo Hooded Jersey, Samaki Barra Tailing L/S Shirt
John Dunphy Award For Innovation
Winner: Daiwa Australia 23 Exist Sf 1000s-p
Runner-up: Viva Fishing Orochi X10 Rod
We couldn’t help but feel grateful for the unforgettable experience that was the 2023 AFTA Tackle Show. The showcase of fishing gear, the thrill of the awards, and the bonds forged with fellow fishing enthusiasts made it a weekend to remember.
So, until we meet again at the next AFTA Tackle Show, keep those lines tight and those fishing tales flowing. Remember, it’s not just about the gear; it’s about the passion, the camaraderie, and the joy of reeling in the next big catch. Stay hooked, fishos!
