Quinte Fishing

From what i understand Shimano wanted Bob to sever some ties with other sponsors, and he was not willing to do so hence the split. It was not more money or any of the other reasons quoted, he simply chose to be loyal to all his other long time sponsors instead of being exclusive with Shimano at the expense of his other sponsors. He will be a great ambasador for Abu, I bet they are elated.

Although Izumi is well to do to say the least, it's as said before, it's all about the money! Why give up his bread and butter, now he keeps it all plus with Abu he get's more.
I'm not a big fan of Abu reels, except for maybe big game fishing, but I must admit being a user of Shimano reels, (especially the chronarch,curado and calcutta), the quality, especially of the curado and chronarch, have diminished "greatly!", dispite the better price of these mentioned. The chronarch and the curado are of the same body and parts and I don't like them "at all" and have returned them both, six in total, to the retailer and now looking to find better.
My dime.

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Lar, your response follows mine very closely.

I said:

we all think it was due to money.

what about the fact that shimano has sunk so far on customer service its almost to a level of embarrasement.

from the loomis clusterfuhk (nrx) to the horrible return policies (TC4 crucial crankbait rod sent for warranty in July 2012 - still not back) to the horrible downgrade in reel qualities (curado and chronarch and calcutta to name a few) to the corkless shimano line of rods ... man ... it can go on and on.

new stradic Ci4 reel (4000) size that drag blew on first salmon (i'd assume the 4000 size would handle a salmon) ...

shimano is having serious issues, both on quality, and customer service.

maybe a guy like Bob doesn't want to be associated with a company that is taking every measure to reduce quality in order to reduce price any longer?

i'm sure money was a factor, but shimano's quality, or lack thereof, on recent product developments, may have been a factor as well.

We are of the same mind Steve, just added a little personal experience.
"The Shimano Dynasty Is Dead"...and not because of Izumi packing his bags.
Be prepared for Abu Garcia Izumi Signature Rods,lol.

_________________
Thanks to
Pro Staff- TEAM AMSOIL RACING.. syntheticmotorlube.com
"Basically Bass" Guided Fishing Adventures
Pro Staff- Larry The Lizard Custom Baits
Canadian Rep/Distributor Larry The Lizard Custom Baits
Pros Staff- Woo Tungston
Pro Staff- Liquid Mayhem
Pro Staff- Gino's Pizza & Spahgetti

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
says it all

I am sure its just a rumour but I heard shimano canada may be going bankrupt, anyone else hear this?
I agree with the quality aspect of the reels, and I was sad to see loomis bought buy them.

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O2BFSHIN

A BPS opening in Kingston is a better bet.

Inside info says jjz is correct Jim is wrong (although Jim is correct in his view on how money wins 9/10 times) now everyone don't worry about, it just fish!CHEERS

I fish a reel/rod combo because I like the feel of it, bob fish with it because he gets paid to be seen with it.
Where do I sign up.

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Fishing is all fun & games until someone loses a walleye

Yup, a bag of money transcends all other considerations I guess....which is why 'endorsements' by 'names' have never meant much of anything to me when considering a purchase.

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Remember, the best weather to catch fish in, is the weather prevailing when you do!

Be happy, take care, enjoy!

I obviously cannot speak for Bob, however I can only imagine that there are some very real emotional ties to what was a long 20+ year relationship. The ideals of ethics and loyalty come hand-in-hand in such long standing business relationships and I assure you that Bob is above reproach when it comes to those qualities.

From the outside looking in – he’s at a point in his career where X-thousand form whomever and wearing a label doesn’t impact his quality of life. The money doesn’t matter. He’s fishing with his son and enjoying what he loves – fishing.