THE LONGSHANK MAKES ITS INTERNATIONAL DEBUT AT ICAST WITH A GREAT STORY TO TELL

Southern Outdoors America made its international debut at ICAST 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada in July. Although the company released The Longshank…its patent pending line of spinnerbaits and buzzbaits…in January of 2007 to a national audience with much appreciated success, international accounts had not been approached. “With ICAST, we were hoping to open up larger national accounts, as well as few international accounts,” says Scott Smith, President of SOA. “We were extremely pleased that the product was so well received by buyers from South Africa to Japan, and in between. So far, the reception to our product line has been extremely positive, and several large national accounts have already agreed to take us in. It looks like we’re about to be put on the map.”

The Longshank line of spinnerbaits and buzzbaits feature an extended hook, therefore eliminating the need for a trailer hook. It’s a 50 year old story, as the bait was invented by Scott Smith’s grandfather Daddy Frank Smith back in the 1950s for his family to fish with. The bait retails for $6.99, and is gaining respect from dealers and distributors, as well as B.A.S.S. Elite Series and FLW fishermen as a premium product. In addition to the longer-shanked hook, the bait also features a hub-styled silicone skirt that is easily changeable while being resistant to rotting and color changes. Smith further adds, “We are adding both ¼ ounce and ¾ ounce sizes to our sku list in 2008 as well as a complete line of replacement skirts to bring even more versatility to our products.”

The Longshank booth was considered one of the places to visit at ICAST due to the “better mouse trap” development of The Longshank, as well as the “attitude” for which it is attributed. “We definitely have been focusing our efforts around a slightly younger demographic,” says Director of Marketing, Todd White. “We wanted a booth that represented the attitude of our consumer base, while allowing the product to gain the attention it needed. With the rock and roll music, edgy video production, and image-driven graphics, I think we accomplished what we wanted to.”

THE LONGSHANK SPINNERBAITS DEBUT AT FARRIS BROTHERS DISTRIBUTOR SHOW WITH OVERWHELMING SUCCESS

Southern Outdoors America (SOA) presented “The Longshank” line of spinnerbaits and buzzbaits at this year’s Farris Brothers Distributor show with incredible results. “We had no idea what to expect,” says SOA president, Scott Smith. “We knew we had a great product, but to see this type of overwhelming success was a dream come true for me.” The Longshank was invented by Scott Smith’s late grandfather Frank Smith (1915 - 1991) in the 60’s, and it was just three years ago that the younger Smith embarked on developing the product for national release. The concept of The Longshank is simple, but effective. It is designed to take the place of a trailer hook, therefore decreasing the chances of the common short strike. The custom hook design also hooks and lands more fish than any other spinnerbait or buzzbait on the market today. “The Longshank booth was a bright spot at our show, and the dealers embraced their concept with open arms. We are extremely glad to be representing their line of spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.” Tommy Theus, Spring Goods Buyer, Farris Brothers. Inc.