The world of fishing is ever-evolving, with advancements in technology and design leading to more efficient and effective tackle. The AFTA 2023, held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, was a testament to this progress. Drawing a diverse crowd of anglers from various parts of the world, the expo served as a melting pot of ideas, innovations, and fishing gear advancements. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the standout innovations that were presented.
Prawn Imitation Lures: Advancements in Authenticity
Prawn imitation lures have historically been lauded for their biomimetic attributes, capturing the essence of real prawns in both appearance and movement. The models unveiled at AFTA 2023 have elevated this realism, incorporating intricate design elements that mirror the natural appearance of prawns. With these enhancements, anglers can anticipate lures that provide an unparalleled level of deception, potentially increasing their catch rate.
“Everything eats a prawn, so we had to make one. The Dr Prawn has a unique tail design that swims on the sink, but also maintains that life-like prawn glide which you expect. This bait is nothing like there is in the market right now”.
Josh Lowry
Samaki / Fish Craft
Soft Vibe Lures: Advancements in Design and Functionality
Soft vibe lures have carved a niche for themselves with their distinctive vibrational patterns and lifelike profiles. AFTA 2023 presented an array of these lures, each showcasing innovative designs and features that promise to amplify their underwater performance. The advancements in these lures indicate a trajectory towards greater adaptability, catering to diverse aquatic environments and species.
Trolling Lures: Advancements in Design and Application
Trolling, a popular angling technique, facilitates the exploration of expansive water bodies. The lures tailored for this method are pivotal for its success. This year’s expo highlighted trolling lures that emphasize precision, with designs optimized to emulate the movements of injured prey. Such meticulous design considerations are poised to enhance their efficacy in luring and capturing larger aquatic species.
Soft Bent Minnow Lures: Enhancements in Design and Material
The bent minnow lure design, celebrated for its ability to simulate wounded baitfish, witnessed a novel iteration at AFTA 2023. The integration of a tactile, soft body with the traditional bent design promises a lure that is both visually and texturally appealing, potentially resonating more with target fish species.
“The one lure I am taking fishing, wherever I am across Australia, is a prawn imitation style lure. Name one fish, salt or fresh, that doesn’t eat a shrip, yabby or prawn. This year at AFTA there is an obvious push for those style of baits, and rightly so – they catch fish, and have done so for decades. My go-to will be the shimma shrimp, but there is plenty of options to look at.”
Michael Guest
Pure Fishing
AFTA 2023 stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the angling industry. The innovations presented not only reflect the industry’s commitment to research and development but also underscore the potential for enhanced angling experiences in the future. As the boundaries of design and technology continue to expand, anglers can look forward to tools that are more efficient, versatile, and in tune with the natural world.
Find out more about AFTA. Click here to discover the latest fishing gear from the world’s leading brands.
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