New Tassie Devil ready for ‘sweeping’ industry changes

Wigston’s Lures – the maker of one of the world’s most iconic baits – is planning for ‘sweeping changes’ within the industry on the issue of lead in fishing tackle.

The Australian supplier of the renowned Tasmanian Devil told Angling International that with legislation currently being drafted in many countries it is expecting sweeping changes over the next two to three years.

And in preparation for expected developments, the company has launched a lead-free version of the Tassie Devil which has been entered in the first-ever digital EFTTEX Awards. Company Manager Justin Causby said: “We are excited to bring this new and environmentally sustainable product to the market and our worldwide team of Tassie Devil anglers. We are ready and looking forward to the next 40 years with a lure for the changing world.”

Causby revealed that a lead-free version of the ‘Tassie’ has been on Wigston’s radar for more than 20 years, but work on the project only started seriously three years ago. “Since then countless hours of research and development lead to a breakthrough in design and resulted in the launch of a green Tassie Devil earlier this year. We are also currently working on environmentally-friendly packaging to accompany it.

“The 100% lead-free version is the same weight and size as the original and also features the same erratic fish-enticing action.”

He added that Wigston’s currently exports 65% of the product throughout New Zealand, Japan and Europe with many new countries such as Poland most recently joining its long-term distributors in Scandinavia, the US, Canada and South America.

“The Tasmanian Devil has earned its iconic status through hard work from a great team producing a quality product, earning and retaining a strong place in the market for over 40 years. A lot can be said for its longevity alone.

“We are also lucky to have such a recognisable image for our logo. The Tasmanian Devil is endemic to our home state and proudly Tasmanian.”

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