Top 4 boating and fishing accessories from the 2025 AFTA Tackle Show

Each year, the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) brings the industry together for one massive event on the Gold Coast, where the latest and greatest innovations in fishing gear are revealed.

The show continues to grow each year, with a record number of attendance for this year’s event which ran from July 24 to 26, 2025.

AFTA is a fantastic opportunity for like-minded anglers to connect under one roof, meet brand ambassadors and manufacturers, and have direct conversations with the people behind the products.

There was plenty on offer at this year’s show. Here are our top picks for accessories that can be mounted on a boat or kayak.

BLA unveiled its next-generation Extreme electronics mount line-up, offering users the flexibility to customise installations for multi-display setups, sonar poles or RAM-based upgrades. Previously, the brand only offered a single mount for one sounder, but with increasing demand for dual displays, BLA has responded by introducing dual mounts.

The updated range now includes dual-screen configurations with pole-based integration. These mounts feature 360-degree rotation at both the base and top plate, along with a 90-degree height adjustment thanks to a heavy-duty tooth-and-catch mechanism designed to hold firm in rough conditions.

They’re available in various configurations, starting from $579, and users can purchase individual arms to customise their setup to suit their boat.

For the kayak fishos, Haswing’s stand showcased its brand-new W40 GPS kayak trolling motor. Designed for Hobie and Hobie-compatible kayaks, the W40 includes a spot lock feature that allows anglers to hold their position over a GPS mark or structure without dropping anchor.

Producing 40lb of thrust, the motor can push a standard kayak at around 7-8km/h. It's quiet and brushless, reducing noise and vibration to avoid spooking fish. The W40 comes with a wireless remote, which can be programmed to suit your preferences and includes a reverse function that is perfect for making fine adjustments on the water.

Priced at $1899, the W40 offers great features without breaking the bank. Just be sure to check compatibility with your kayak’s drive well, and keep in mind it adds an extra six to 7kg to your setup.

To find out more about Transducer Poles Australia’s latest innovation, we caught up with owner, Rob. Transducer Poles is an Aussie-owned business designing and manufacturing gear out of Brisbane since 2019. Rob’s reputation for attention to detail and personalised service has earned him plenty of repeat customers.

His latest innovation, the central hub, allows anglers to remove sounders and electronics from their boat quickly and securely. Power leads exit from the rear for easy disconnection, while the side ports allow for connection of your live scope and is customisable to any brand. The demo hub featured both Lowrance and Garmin plugs to showcase its versatility.

All you have to do is simply unplug your sounder, remove the pole and slide out the stand, leaving only the hub in your boat. With modern sounders now worth a small fortune, this is a smart way to reduce the risk of theft.

A big hit at the show was the Scanstrut Ultra wireless phone charger which we believe will be very popular with boaties. It is the first marine-grade Qi2-certified charger and features Mag-tech magnetic alignment for secure, fast charging on the water.

Small in size, it requires only a modest dash cut-out for installation and supports both 12V and 24V systems. It’s IPX6 waterproof rated, features 15W fast charging, and includes toughened glass to handle harsh marine conditions.

The clean, clutter-free setup is perfect for keeping your phone accessible and secure, and it's a practical upgrade whether you’re in a tinnie or a luxury yacht.

That’s a wrap on our favourite accessories from this year’s AFTA Tackle Show. All the products featured here have just launched, with some now available for pre-order.

In 2026, AFTA will be moving to a new venue — the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the public day scheduled for Saturday, August 22nd.