I've been doing some investigating trying to substantiate the rumors that are flying around regarding Fishlander. From everything I've been able to find out Fishlander is going out of business, I've tried to get confirmation directly from Fishlander but to no avail. I have confirmed this from multiple sources so I feel confident that the information as it stands now is accurate, that doesn't mean things won't change. Fishlander's website is still up.
The reason I've even decided to put this on the message boards, after much deliberation, is because we have some very devoted Fishlander users here. So if you're Fishlander fan go out and stock up on your favorite colors, I know some stores have put them on clearance already. It's an unfortunate part of the business that some of the most loved companies end up going by the wayside.
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Greg , It is my understanding that Mike is no longer involved with Fishlander , there was a managment change and Mike is no longer with the company. I have heard they were going to try to sell off part or all of the compnay but that may have been a rumor. When I think of Fishlander I think of Mike , he was the one out in front selling the product at the shows and events and with Mike's leaving that means I am no longer a Fishlander buyer or supporter , I never saw any of the others involved out helping promote the product like Mike was. Mike could answer any question there was about the downriggers , he would come out to your boat and make a repair for you if needed , I doubt the new managment will do this , he also knew what colors were hot and would custom paint anything you wanted. Sorry to see Mike gone but with his experince and background I'm sure he will land on his feet. I'll still use the Fishlanders I have already but when I replace them it won't be with Fishlanders. There are a lot of good lure manufactures out there. Now this is just my opinion based on what I know and have seen and I'm sure others have thier own opinion.
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Fishlander is still in business, I dont know for how long or if they will ever go out of business. And yes Mike Steffes was let go, he called me about 3weeks ago the day he was let go. Mike is a great friend of mine. As Rick stated, he will end up on his feet and already has. When you think of Fishlander you think of Mike Steffes and the Steffes Family who made the Company what it is today. Big Papa will not carry Fishlander Downriggers or rodholders as of now. And we have some of the spoons on clearance for Christmas. The rigger part of the business was being sold to Berts, but that fell through. The riggers will still be serviced by fishlander. There are things in the works and I will keep you posted about Mike's future plans. I will try to answer any questions you guys have. Big Papa Sports
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Like everyone here, I too am a little dissappointed in Mike leaving Fishlander. Mike was the guy that I talked to, always helped me with any little problem I had . A very caring and sincere man. Will be looking for him in the industry. Best wishes in any new endeavor Bob
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Somehow I can't imagine that Mike will disappear. Someone else out there would be well served to snatch him up for their company. As others have said, Mike was the face of Fishlander. Best of wishes to Mike in his future endeavors.
www.salmonheadcharters.com
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I agree, Mike was the public face of Fishlander...they will have a hard time replacing him...if they even try. He is a good guy...cares about customers...and is very knowledgeable...he will be an asset to whoever he goes to work for. I look forward to seeing him in some new role and wish him the best of luck!
I'm sorry to see Fishlander falter, but that is the nature of business (and especially small business)...it is very hard to be successful with limited resources in a tough, competitive market. It's important to remember that there are real people behind the products you buy and use. Many of these companies give their time and $$ to support our sport via tournaments, shows, seminars, etc. Make sure you support those local businesses that support you.
Tom
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fish lander with out Mike is like a meat rig with no MEAT I have been a long supporter of the slow old clunky fishlander for some time now only because of mike and his customer service . now i have nothing holding me back whats the fastest rigger on the market? I feel a upgrade coming
oh by the way any one want to give me a bid on a pair of 1 year old fish lander captains choice rigger sets
happy holidays to all and especially to mike and his family
I've run my Scottys 3 full seasons now and have had absolutely zero issues with them, the've been rock solid and super reliable as well as scary fast. Before I took the old Mag 10's off the boat mid season this year, the Scottys could pull 13 lb torpedo weights up from 100 feet faster than the Mag 10's could pull 10 lb cannonballs up from 40.
Tim
Salad is what FOOD eats!!
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Cannon now has a 291FPM retreival rate (with a 7lb ball) on their entire 2007 lineup. The new Mag 10 HS will pull a 20# weight up 250FPM!! SMOKIN!! And it's MSRP is only $499. You'll see them at discount retailers for less than that. In my opinion, THIS is the ONLY way to go in 2007.
Here's the only link I could find to some of their new lineup. Cannon hasn't updated their website yet, but I have the '07 catalog at home and the new riggers look amazing. The link is to the new Mag 20 HS Tournament Series, which is also available as a Mag 10.
Tim, Thanks for the info, everyone says there ugly I think they look as good as any out there. It's time for some new ones and Scotty's are Made in the USA that means a lot to me. I dont like the Cannons at all I've fished on many boats that had them and they had more trouble coming up than I could stand. Big Papa Sports
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To each his own I guess. I feel just as strongly against Scotty as you do against Cannon. I've run Cannon's on my boats for over 20 years without so much as one single issue. Now they're even faster than the Scotty's. I've fished on several boats with the Scotty's and I've had issues with the stop beads getting hung up in surface weeds and sliding and subsequently not stopping the ball at the water. We've lost more than one release due to Scottys not stopping at the water level. It's a really cheesy stop system if you ask me. And their rod holders are second-rate at best. Just my $.02. You'll never see Scottys on my boat.
My bad Billy, The auto stops where the problem with the Cannons in rough water other wise they where ok. I dont need auto stops. I just wish all of the rigger companies had the Fishlander rodholders. Big Papa Sports
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