Tom Bedell Retires From the Fishing Tackle Industry

Dear Fishing Partners,

In April of 2007 I sold my final shares in Pure Fishing to Jarden.  Agreeing to manage the business through the transition and integration of the Pure Fishing businesses with Shakespeare and Penn, I spent a hectic and rewarding ten months as Interim President.  Effective February 1st, I am retired from the fishing tackle industryâ¦serving as an occasional Senior Advisor when I can be helpful.  Terry Carlson, the new CEO, will be an exceptional leader for the new Pure Fishing.

 Life brings many twists and turns, for my family they have been incredible.  My father, Berkley, turned his boyhood hobby into an enterprising North American fishing tackle business.  At age 29 I was gifted the opportunity to assume the reins, and with the help of countless coworkers and stakeholders, we built the worldâs leading fishing tackle business.

 Along the way we invested in conservation efforts and causes to share the joys of fishing with kids and families â striving to enhance fishing activity throughout the world.  

We created opportunities for people to build their careers and support their families in an activity they loved and through a company they could believe in. 

And I have found the fishing tackle industry to be a community of happy and wonderful people.  We compete, but mostly we are friends dedicated to a life style we cherish and fight feverishly to protect.

 There are thousands of folks who have been meaningful partners over these 29 years.  I would like to reach out to each of you individually and personally to let you know what a difference you have made in my life.  So here I offer a broad statement of gratefulness and many of you will be hearing from me personally. 

Molly and I have a full plate of activities before us.  The world of humanity is under nourished in sustenance, shelter, security and spirit.  The opportunities to give back and make a difference in small but meaningful ways are endless.  And my love for the outdoors, fishing and the fishing tackle community will forever draw me back to help wherever and however I can. 

Life is a grand ride.  Thank you for helping make mine so special. 

Cheers,

 Tom Bedell
FishermanBy: Tom Bedell