The Complete Fisher Forum

[Whistlekiller]

I had this brought to my attention earlier this afternoon

Link: Fake fishing lines catch out eBay seller and manufacturer

In case anybody else has seen it and is wondering, SKB Fly Fishing has nothing to do with the manufacturing company or director involved in this fly-line counterfeiting case or the eBay trader known as ‘Telewatcher’, both of whom have received prison sentences. Our fly-lines are our lines and only available direct from us, Ladybower and Toft Fisheries and Thornwood Springs.

Rich'
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[springwell]

Well, well,

I got a cheapo line a few years ago from telewatcher for fly fishing for carp and light swffing.
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There is a fine line between the angler and madness

[Allrounder]

Me too. My lines from telewatcher were advertised as 'Snowbee Ex Demo' lines and although the price was low I wasn't that suspicious as I know manufacturers sometimes offload surplus products this way.

Now I would like to say the lines were utter garbage but in truth they were fine and having owned Snowbee lines before I had no reason to doubt they were genuine. In fact they are still in use today 3 years later.

However Rich made powerful point on FB that I hadn't considered before. While I have little sympathy for the big brands who in my opinion massively overprice their lines, the real damage is done to those manufacturers and retailers who are trying to provide good tackle for sensible prices and who might have picked up the business if punters like me didn't choose to spend our money on the supposed 'bargain' instead.

Food for thought.

Alan
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Member of ...
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BRFFA
B.A.S.S.
Pike Fly Fishing Association

If you see me on the bank, say hello... from a safe distance!

[springwell]

Same here Alan,

Mine was apparently a Rio Windcutter which I still use, can't say it is bad though.
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There is a fine line between the angler and madness

[Allrounder]

It is an easy thing to do on ebay, Bill

For example Fishtec are still offloading Airflo sinking lines on ebay as we speak for £4.99 + £2 P&P against a RRP of £39.99.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AIRFLO-NEW-COLD-SALTWATER-FLY-FISHING-LINES-VARIOUS-DENSITIES-RRP-39-99/310975002745?hash=item48678df879:m:muoCDA6fb2LPEiPA0iOVryw:rk:3:pf:0

Makes it really difficult to pick out the genuine bargains from the counterfeits.

I suppose the answer is 'caveat emptor' ... let the buyer beware ... or if you dont want to take the risk, stick with the small guys who provide value for money tackle with a reputation to protect.

Alan
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Member of ...
The Angling Trust
BRFFA
B.A.S.S.
Pike Fly Fishing Association

If you see me on the bank, say hello... from a safe distance!

[fossil-fish]

Thanks for clarifying this Richard. I suppose like the article says if it is to good to be true it probably is. Applies to most things, not just fishing tackle.
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