Home | News & Events | News | Trade News - Matt Hayes joins Fladen

Trade News - Matt Hayes joins Fladen

By FishingMagic 08/02/2012 17:25:00

Font size: Decrease font Enlarge font
Matt Hayes (L) is welcomed to Fladen by chairman Mike De-Bear Matt Hayes (L) is welcomed to Fladen by chairman Mike De-Bear

Angling celebrity Matt Hayes has signed a five-year consultancy agreement with Swedish brand, Fladen Fishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fladen, a Swedish brand which originally concentrated upon the sea fishing market but now produces products across the entire angling spectrum and distributes throughout Europe are highly regarded and one of the fastest growing in the tackle trade. The deal was announced by company chairman, Mike De-Bear at the Spring Fair at Birmingham's NEC where they were exhibiting.


Matt commented:

“I’ve spent time talking with a number of companies but Fladen was the only one that shared my vision of making fishing fun for the whole family and making fishing gear more accessible. The company has a history of delivering products to a wider audience than most and that excites me.”


Matt continued:

“Because of my TV work my face is known to many non anglers and I feel I can play a role in developing the sport and popularising it again.”


It is understood that the very first Matt Hayes branded products from Fladen, covering the spectrum of coarse, game,  carp and sea fishing will be in shops from June 2012, with the possibility of a bait range at a later date.


Mike De-Bear, Fladen Chairman said:

“Matt is the most prominent angler in Europe and I am delighted he has agreed to work with us. His name will be a great asset and help to ensure we continue to increase the awareness of angling in this country.”

 







By the Same Author



Rate this article

0




Comments (58 posted):

Morespiders on 08/02/2012 18:08:48
avatar
Blinkin Ekk!!!
barbelboi on 08/02/2012 18:19:36
avatar
Did Matt understand what was expected of him in bait preparation:confused: Jerry [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbs64GvGgPU]Muppet Show - Swedish Chef - making donut - YouTube[/ame]
Berty on 08/02/2012 18:22:35
avatar
Will his rods sell for £16.99 now......like Des's? ;)
Peter Jacobs on 08/02/2012 18:24:00
avatar
Lykke til Matt . . . . . . . . .
paul80 on 08/02/2012 18:45:40
avatar
What happened to him running his own company TF-Gear or was that a big marketing con. Paul
the blanker on 08/02/2012 18:54:42
avatar
Will his rods sell for £16.99 now......like Des's? ;) More likley to see prices for Fladen increase, most of their stuff is awful quality.
Berty on 08/02/2012 19:28:15
avatar
More likley to see prices for Fladen increase, most of their stuff is awful quality. Yep.....from £12.99 to £16.99 now there is a name on it.
sam vimes on 08/02/2012 19:44:41
avatar
That's a turn up for the books.:eek: I dare say they'll shift a few more units though. I'm intruiged as to what this means for TFGear though.
mjw on 08/02/2012 20:59:49
avatar
What happened to him running his own company TF-Gear or was that a big marketing con. Paul Wasn't it just Fishtecs own brand with Matt as the front man? I'm intruiged as to what this means for TFGear though. Hopefully that'l be the end of there over priced rubbish
paul80 on 11/02/2012 10:44:55
avatar
Some their rods are now going for some quite attractive prices, prices that might attract more to the hobby and that is not a bad thing. I have a couple, well 4 actually and I cannot fault one of them, especially at the discounted prices. The banshee range of rods are quite usable and at under £30 each do represent good value for someone starting or trying to live on a wage well below the national average. To say they are rubbish is just wrong. I have a FOX rod pod that is rubbish, but ii would never say all their products are rubbish. Paul
sam vimes on 11/02/2012 10:49:26
avatar
I've never even seen Fladen gear outside of a Boyes store. I've viewed it as a modern equivalent of the Winfield stuff that used to be on the shelves in Wollworths. I can only presume that this will change if they intend to make a serious impression on the UK market. Does anyone seriously buy fishing gear based on the names associated with a brand?:confused:
Ron The Hat Clay on 11/02/2012 10:53:50
avatar
Does anyone seriously buy fishing gear based on the names associated with a brand? I've never bought anything yet with the name "Drennan" on it that has been rubbish!
dangermouse on 11/02/2012 11:04:57
avatar
I've never bought anything yet with the name "Drennan" on it that has been rubbish! Yeah but are you buying it because you know Drennan make good tackle or are you buying it because you like/admire Peter Drennan?
Ron The Hat Clay on 11/02/2012 11:07:56
avatar
Yeah but are you buying it because you know Drennan make good tackle or are you buying it because you like/admire Peter Drennan? Both! I've known old Pete since he was a youngster in the Oxford Specimen Group. He is a good all round angler and would never market anything that was rubbish.
dangermouse on 11/02/2012 11:16:43
avatar
Both! I've known old Pete since he was a youngster in the Oxford Specimen Group. He is a good all round angler and would never market anything that was rubbish. lol fair enough. I`ll put it another way then. Let`s say you decided to buy a Drennan rod and it happened to have Martin Bowler`s name on it. Are you buying it because it`s a Drennan or because it has Martin`s name on it?
Berty on 11/02/2012 11:16:47
avatar
Both! I've known old Pete since he was a youngster in the Oxford Specimen Group. He is a good all round angler and would never market anything that was rubbish. It seems that some would market anything to see their names upon it........is there a are medical term for such an afflication?
Ron The Hat Clay on 11/02/2012 11:33:59
avatar
I`ll put it another way then. Let`s say you decided to buy a Drennan rod and it happened to have Martin Bowler`s name on it. Are you buying it because it`s a Drennan or because it has Martin`s name on it? __________________ Actually there is nowt wrong with Martin Bowler. He really can catch fish and I'm sure if a Drennan rod had Martin's name on it, it would be a good one. I don't possess a rod with Mr. Bowler's name on it yet. And at the moment I am very well supplied with both Drennan, Harrison and Preston rods.
dangermouse on 11/02/2012 11:47:03
avatar
Actually there is nowt wrong with Martin Bowler. He really can catch fish and I'm sure if a Drennan rod had Martin's name on it, it would be a good one. I don't possess a rod with Mr. Bowler's name on it yet. And at the moment I am very well supplied with both Drennan, Harrison and Preston rods. I wouldn`t dream of criticising Martin`s fishing pedigree, he clearly knows a great deal about angling. The point though is that you would be buying the rod based on the fact that Drennan make good tackle and not just because it has a known angler`s name on it. If Martin was to stick his name on an Avanti rod I doubt you`d have the same faith in the product.
sam vimes on 11/02/2012 11:52:32
avatar
I've never bought anything yet with the name "Drennan" on it that has been rubbish! That's not what I meant at all. Does/did anyone really buy Shimano/TFG/Fladen because Matt Hayes is/was associated with those brands? If they ever did buy Shimano because of the association with Alan Scotthorne or Steve Ringer, and will they now move over to Drennan and Daiwa respectively? I can cope with brand loyalty but following a particular brand based on celebrity endorsement I find very strange. In this particular instance I consider Drennan as a brand and not a simple endorsement by Peter Drennan.
cg74 on 11/02/2012 11:54:24
avatar
I've never bought anything yet with the name "Drennan" on it that has been rubbish! I kinda agree but there were those translucent dark green blockend feeders, that had interchangeable brass weights you fixed to the bottom, firstly the lead was effectively the wrong was around for aerodynamic efficiency, and I use the term "fixed" loosely, as they were anything but fixed!! All things considered Drennan must be the most reliable tackle manufacturer bar none. I've a few experiences of Fladen tackle; their sea hooks have proved excellent.... The reel I bought for some impromptu rock fishing..... All I'm saying is; the bloody gearing collapsed before I'd even finished spooling it up with line, I kid you not,though in its defence, it was a deep spool!!
Ron The Hat Clay on 11/02/2012 12:10:30
avatar
If Martin was to stick his name on an Avanti rod I doubt you`d have the same faith in the product. __________________ Of course I wouldn't But knowing Martin, he wouldn't put his name to a piece of ****!
cg74 on 11/02/2012 12:24:14
avatar
Actually there is nowt wrong with Martin Bowler. He really can catch fish and I'm sure if a Drennan rod had Martin's name on it, it would be a good one. I don't possess a rod with Mr. Bowler's name on it yet. And at the moment I am very well supplied with both Drennan, Harrison and Preston rods. Yep, and I especially like the way he caught his first double figure tench, yep pure class.... ;)
Frank Elson on 11/02/2012 13:10:17
avatar
Some people do buy products with celebrity names attached, simply for the celebrity name. This is a proven fact within marketing and sales and is why companies continue to sign up "names". Quite obviously no-one as clever and inteligent as those of us who read Fishing Magic would buy an inferior product just for the "name", but some people do. Equally, by the law of averages, now and again a greedy "name" will allow his name to be attached to an inferior product, but equally, none of the names we like would do such a thing (cough). Of course those we don't like would... er... why we like or don't like them is another matter.
little oik on 11/02/2012 13:25:15
avatar
I saw a thing that Matt was bringing his own range of clothing out ,like the rest of you I thought he was tied up with TF gear .Perhaps that's the other reason Mick Brown went elsewhere for his tackle . I for one wouldn't buy anything just because it had a "personalities" name on it .Unless I had tried it or been recommended it I would give it the big swerve .
shelly on 11/02/2012 15:55:23
avatar
What happened to him running his own company TF-Gear or was that a big marketing con. Paul Quote from Matt Hayes on Facebook " People are asking about what is happening with TF Gear. Please spread the word that I have nothing to do with them. I have not design3d any products for well over two years. I have no association with the company and I do not endorse their equipment. I have nothing to do with them and would never get involved with them again." Hadn’t realised he had left two years ago, I thought I had seen him advertising TFG recently, must have got it wrong
Lord Paul of Sheffield on 11/02/2012 19:10:36
avatar
I was wondering what was happening with Tfg with Matt leaving I have the tfg compact alrounder rod Great little rod
barbelboi on 11/02/2012 19:16:27
avatar
I was wondering what was happening with Tfg with Matt leaving I have the tfg compact alrounder rod Great little rod It will probably self destruct just as you hit that big rudd on a cat biscuit;) Jerry
Ron The Hat Clay on 11/02/2012 19:40:02
avatar
One thing I think might be true. MH would give his eye teeth and his prominant front one too, to own a company like Drennan, who in my opinion is probably the most successful of all British fishing tackle suppliers.
barbelboi on 11/02/2012 20:11:47
avatar
One thing I think might be true. MH would give his eye teeth and his prominant front one too, to own a company like Drennan, who in my opinion is probably the most successful of all British fishing tackle suppliers. Come on Ron, you know as I know, that Peter started off in his garage with a few floats for sale and went from strength to strength because he was damn GOOD (pardon for shouting) at what he did. IMO Matt is a likable fellow who can fish a bit but - would I trust his endorsed products in the same way as Peter's:confused::confused::confused::omg: no way Pedro. Jerry
bigchub on 11/02/2012 20:28:43
avatar
That's a turn up for the books.:eek: I dare say they'll shift a few more units though. I'm intruiged as to what this means for TFGear though. Matt hasn't been with TFG for over two years and is not affiliated with them in anyway. Anything TFG with his name on it is old stock and you tackle shop shouldn't be selling it.
sam vimes on 11/02/2012 20:56:45
avatar
Matt hasn't been with TFG for over two years and is not affiliated with them in anyway. Anything TFG with his name on it is old stock and you tackle shop shouldn't be selling it. To be honest, I don't know anywhere that even stocks TFG and it's not a brand I'd give a second look if I did. I simply still associated Matt with the product and wasn't aware that they had disengaged. Looks like I'm not alone in that though. I suspect that the endless re-runs of his TV programs on Quest don't help in that.;)
maceo on 11/02/2012 21:03:35
avatar
Ha ha ha! I've seen that Matt Hayes on TV and read a few articles of his in the fishing papers. I thought he seemed a personable enough chap and a reasonable presenter. Having read that Twitter post of his though, he's gone down in my estimation a bit. Fame really goes to their heads doesn't it? Does he really think he can be one minute grinning in an advert for TFG and telling us how great it is and then the next make a post like that? What arrogance! What foolish vanity! I have a pair of TFG boots but I got them because they had good reviews and were relatively cheap. I couldn't care if they are endorsed by the great Matt Hayes or he has 'absolutely nothing to do with them'. I wished the fishing gear didn't have any names on it, apart from perhaps a discreet maker's badge. The worst thing about those TFG boots was their stupid sign plastered on the front of each of the tongue. That kind of outline fish thing that religious people stick on the back window of their cars. Finally, the Hayes/TFG divorce looks like it is final and they are having nothing to do with him either. A keyword search of the TFG site coyly reports:- Your search didn't return any results Search instead for Matt Hares?
sam vimes on 11/02/2012 21:18:38
avatar
Having read that Twitter post of his though, he's gone down in my estimation a bit. Fame really goes to their heads doesn't it? To what do you refer? I couldn't find anything particularly damning on a quick look at Twitter and Facebook. I did see plenty of confirmation that many people certainly do buy brands simply because of the name endorsing it.:eek::omg: Perhaps, in that respect, I'm more naive than I thought. While we are on the subject though. What on earth was going on with Nash and their link up with Dean Macey? Does anyone think that endorsement was ever going to help shift a boat load of tackle?
Berty on 11/02/2012 21:32:52
avatar
Matt hasn't been with TFG for over two years and is not affiliated with them in anyway. Anything TFG with his name on it is old stock and you tackle shop shouldn't be selling it. Of course they should be selling it if they came by it through honest means!!!........it's their rights!.......it's not Matts right to say "i aint playing anymore you cant sell that gear i endorsed in 2005"...........unless he had a clause written into the contracts saying so! It's NEW stuff that had his name on that they can't sell.
maceo on 11/02/2012 21:41:06
avatar
Ahhh Facebook, not Twitter. Anyway it was this one posted earlier in the thread:- Quote from Matt Hayes on Facebook " People are asking about what is happening with TF Gear. Please spread the word that I have nothing to do with them. I have not design3d any products for well over two years. I have no association with the company and I do not endorse their equipment. I have nothing to do with them and would never get involved with them again." What's wrong with just saying 'Please note I'm not working for TF Gear any more. I've moved to Fladen'. Why does he have to add the 'never get involved with them again' crack at the end? Hang on Matty, I just lashed out £30 on a pair of TF Gear boots the other week that had your grinning fizzog next to them in the advert? You're telling me they're ***** now?
sam vimes on 11/02/2012 21:51:02
avatar
It won't be the first time but I see that quite differently to you.;):p I see a business agreement that's come to an acrimonious end, nothing more. Beyond that, if you really did buy TFG stuff, at a relatively inexpensive price, in the expectation that it would be brilliant because it has an angling celebrity endorsement, more fool you.
Berty on 11/02/2012 21:57:06
avatar
Ahhh Facebook, not Twitter. Anyway it was this one posted earlier in the thread:- Quote from Matt Hayes on Facebook " People are asking about what is happening with TF Gear. Please spread the word that I have nothing to do with them. I have not design3d any products for well over two years. I have no association with the company and I do not endorse their equipment. I have nothing to do with them and would never get involved with them again." What's wrong with just saying 'Please note I'm not working for TF Gear any more. I've moved to Fladen'. Why does he have to add the 'never get involved with them again' crack at the end? Hang on Matty, I just lashed out £30 on a pair of TF Gear boots the other week that had your grinning fizzog next to them in the advert? You're telling me they're ***** now? Put it this way..........dont donate em to our lads if we have to defend the Falklands again.
maceo on 11/02/2012 22:20:14
avatar
You're missing the point Sam. I already spelt out the reasons I bought them. I couldn't care less who endorsed them and it didn't influence my decision to buy them in any way whatsoever. What I'm complaining about is advertising as a whole and those who prostitute themselves to it. Saying something's great and then spouting a load of vitriol about it when they stop paying you makes you look like someone with no conscience, a bought man and most of all a bloody clown.
shelly on 11/02/2012 22:28:31
avatar
Matt hasn't been with TFG for over two years and is not affiliated with them in anyway. Anything TFG with his name on it is old stock and you tackle shop shouldn't be selling it. He may not be affiliated with TFG but he’s on their home page video so I’m not sure what that’s all about.
sam vimes on 11/02/2012 22:34:29
avatar
You're missing the point Sam. I already spelt out the reasons I bought them. I couldn't care less who endorsed them and it didn't influence my decision to buy them in any way whatsoever. What I'm complaining about is advertising as a whole and those who prostitute themselves to it. Saying something's great and then spouting a load of vitriol about it when they stop paying you makes you look like someone with no conscience, a bought man and most of all a bloody clown. I'm missing nothing. I'm as cynical as hell of the whole endorsement thing. I have been since seeing exacty what went on in another outdoor sport where more than the odd one or two supposedly said they used one thing in that sport's press when the reality was quite different. However, I simply don't see Matt Hayes slagging the TFG product off as you obviously do. I just see a business agreement somehow gone sour.
shelly on 11/02/2012 22:51:29
avatar
You're missing the point Sam. What I'm complaining about is advertising as a whole and those who prostitute themselves to it. Saying something's great and then spouting a load of vitriol about it when they stop paying you makes you look like someone with no conscience, a bought man and most of all a bloody clown. I don’t get the argument you have, he worked with TFG and helped them to develop and promote their equipment, it worked for a time and now it doesn’t what’s the problem. He hasn’t made derogatory remarks about what was developed while he was with them but obviously he has now moved on. That’s no different from a footballer who played for a top club for a few years then leaves, does that mean he needs to be a fan of that club for the rest of his life…. no I don’t think so. As for being a clown… one well paid clown I would say.
maceo on 11/02/2012 23:04:36
avatar
Sam and Shelly - I read 'I do not endorse their equipment' to be a bit sneery and certainly the final flouty 'would never get involved with them again'. As you say it almost certainly is just the usual row amongst richies over dividing up the spoils that's caused this sulky little outburst and foot stamp. By writing something like that though, after just telling us last week that the 'equipment' was marvellous, he's being super-hypocritical in my view.
little oik on 11/02/2012 23:19:09
avatar
Trying to work out why he's gone to Fladden though.Fladden will be cock-a-hoop over it but they are to my knowledge not a well known player in the tackle world .Most of their gear is more for catalogues and the likes of Argos .They might have been bought out by some one else who see's a future in that or they might even have a few aces up their sleeves .Will be interested to see how it all pans out . there has got to be a bit more to it than an amicable agreement if he is stating what he says and the fact that Fishtec are still using his photograph though. Didnt he (matt ) have problems last year with his profile and Facebook. Someone kept hacking his page and actually set up a fake page with his picture on it .Could it be that this is raising its ugly head again. I am sure that one of the comics will have an interview with him soon.Well I would be very surprised if they didn't ..A friend of mine said he did an article in last months IYCF ,didn't mention anything about it then .it was more about 2 new fishing programmes that he is bringing out . Time will tell .I don't suppose the 3rd side of the story will ever surface but it will be interesting to read the other 2 if they ever come to light .
sam vimes on 11/02/2012 23:33:23
avatar
Sam and Shelly - I read 'I do not endorse their equipment' to be a bit sneery and certainly the final flouty 'would never get involved with them again'. As you say it almost certainly is just the usual row amongst richies over dividing up the spoils that's caused this sulky little outburst and foot stamp. By writing something like that though, after just telling us last week that the 'equipment' was marvellous, he's being super-hypocritical in my view. As I said before, my interpretation of that is quite different to yours. You aren't going to change my mind. I quite agree about the hypocrisy of the endorsement game though. It's the nature of the beast that such agreements come to and end (acrimoniously or amicably) and at that point something that was endorsed the day before is no longer the following day. Personally, I'd not touch TFG stuff with a bargepole, with or without Matt Hayes endorsement. However, I'm assured by many happy consumers that some of their kit is actually quite good.
Paul Boote on 12/02/2012 00:23:29
avatar
For a very reasonable £150 I am prepared to sign my lucky, bank-a-Monster-a dead-cert M&S Turkish- / Indian-made slips (and several girlfriends' altogether more interesting and definitely more scanty equivalents) for ANYONE...
sam vimes on 12/02/2012 00:27:22
avatar
For a very reasonable £150 I am prepared to sign my lucky, bank-a-Monster-a dead-cert M&S Turkish- / Indian-made slips (and several girlfriends' altogether more interesting and definitely more scanty equivalents) for ANYONE... Only £150? And I thought that you wouldn't be cheap!;):p
Paul Boote on 12/02/2012 00:29:57
avatar
Austerity, Sam, austerity - you know it makes sense.
sam vimes on 12/02/2012 00:32:55
avatar
I'm sorry to hear it. I suppose that "a man's gotta do......"
Paul Boote on 12/02/2012 00:35:14
avatar
Aw shucks, the "Real Deal" [sic], in these straitened times, can only try.
john m h on 12/02/2012 07:33:37
avatar
How many TFG etc etc rods will be in 'as new' condition in 20 years? My GP rods don't even have a single loose ring footing; although one does have a very badly crushed section. Result of a 20st idiot falling on it :o
paul80 on 12/02/2012 12:44:22
avatar
And why not, condition is all about how it's used, if you are going to abuse you kit then you need the strongest materials. I don't abuse my kit and my oldest rod is still in the same condition it was in when I bought it 20 years ago. And if you abuse your gear even the best can fail as nothing is made to be abused. Hard used yes but abused no. Paul
sam vimes on 12/02/2012 13:11:58
avatar
How many TFG etc etc rods will be in 'as new' condition in 20 years? That's going to depend on lots of different factors. a) How many have been sold in the first place. b) How many of those sold are actually getting regular use. c) How many don't sell and gather dust in tackle shops.
john m h on 12/02/2012 15:00:33
avatar
A rhetorical question; probably not lost on Paul, if on others :rolleyes:
chav professor on 12/02/2012 15:38:55
avatar
I wonder when tackle endorsements first started? Allcocks Wallis Wizard, R.Walker's MK IV's, Peter Stone's Ledgerstrike's. For one thing, they developed something new, a product that met the requirements of a new generation of anglers. I could add John Wilson, his avon/quiver was probably the first rod of its type and met the requirements of lots of anglers. Tackle endorsement mean a lot to tackle companies but it has to be a match made in heaven - i was quite happy using Shimano reels, just like Matt because they were damn good reels! To be fair, it is dificult to actually buy a rod that meets my specific needs. If I was to have a custom built job, it would be based on 1.25lb test curve, through action, cork handle, largish eyes as they are good for using a bobbin and have less resistance - well, my MK IV avon to be honest:D
flightliner on 12/02/2012 17:17:55
avatar
To be fair, it is dificult to actually buy a rod that meets my specific needs. If I was to have a custom built job, it would be based on 1.25lb test curve, through action, cork handle, largish eyes as they are good for using a bobbin and have less resistance - well, my MK IV avon to be honest Look for a pair of Daiwa pms 112s Chav, they may be right up your street, I had longer full cork handles fitted to mine after the purchase as I felt the factory fitted ones were inadequate. I bought a matching pair back in the early/mid nineties, had loads of big Barbs on them. Lovely rods.
Kev Richardson on 13/02/2012 10:32:16
avatar
Agree there Flightliner, excellent rods, along with much of the powermesh range, just a thought wasn't most of that stuff endorsed by Bob Roberts, so not all endorsed stuff is ****. Also I have a lovely Shimano Antares quiver, beautiful rod, endorsed by Matt Hayes. Matts problem with tfg is that they are doing nothing to make it clear that he has moved on and they still seem to be using his name and mugshot, if you buy tfg stuff then get a magazine sent with the item, with matts mug all over it you can imagine why he's not too happy. Kev
Berty on 13/02/2012 10:45:32
avatar
Agree there Flightliner, excellent rods, along with much of the powermesh range, just a thought wasn't most of that stuff endorsed by Bob Roberts, so not all endorsed stuff is ****. Also I have a lovely Shimano Antares quiver, beautiful rod, endorsed by Matt Hayes. Matts problem with tfg is that they are doing nothing to make it clear that he has moved on and they still seem to be using his name and mugshot, if you buy tfg stuff then get a magazine sent with the item, with matts mug all over it you can imagine why he's not too happy. Kev But if he took coin to enable them to use his mug and there is no inbuilt time span to the contract how the hell can he be unhappy? If they are acting wrong why doesn't HE do something?
paul80 on 13/02/2012 12:34:43
avatar
Perhapse he shouldn't have used some of the following phrase's in his Videos I designed this or that. TF_Gear is my own company. Paul


Add a comment

  • Email to a friend Email to a friend
  • Print version Print version
  • Plain text Plain text

Tagged as:

Matt Hayes, Fladen

Follow FishingMagic!