More Laboratory Tests on Mono

EFTTA Releases 12 New Line Test Results

Independent laboratory analyses diameter and breaking strengths

Twelve new fishing lines have been analysed by EFTTA, the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association, as part of its innovative line test programme.

Twice a year, EFTTA randomly buys monofilament samples from across the world and tests them in an independent laboratory for the accuracy of their stated diameters and breaking strengths.

The findings are then updated on the EFTTA website, published in the international press and unveiled at EFTTEX, the European Fishing Tackle Trade Exhibition, which this year will take place from 15-17th June in Prague.

The testing programme allows manufacturers and wholesalers to benchmark products among competitors – and helps retailers decide which monofilaments they should offer in their shops.

EFTTA has also started publishing the line test results in consumer magazines and set up links with a wide range of European fishing websites, promoting the ‘EFTTA-approved’ logo to reassure anglers that the tested lines have satisfied the rigorous quality processes.

Kathleen Glausch, of EFTTA, said: “It’s great to see that the consumer is finally being educated about the situation with wrong labelling on fishing lines. By checking out the EFTTA website they can make an educated choice of what line to purchase in the future.

“People are particularly interested in receiving information on lines that we are testing and those that have been given the EFTTA approved logo and the public response to the programme has been tremendous.”

EFTTA introduced the line testing programme in 2004 and has since awarded EFTTA approved logos to more than 80 lines.

The EFTTA approved laboratory carried out random tests on line and the following results were noted:

• 11% tested achieved or were better than their stated breaking strength
• 5% tested had more than 50% less breaking strength than declared
• 36% tested had between 30% – 50% less breaking strength than declared
• 26% tested had between 20% – 30% less breaking strength than declared
• 22% tested had up to 20% less breaking strength than declared
• 83% of the lines tested had all samples below their stated breaking strength
• 9% of the lines tested had some of the samples below their stated breaking strength
• 8% of the lines tested had samples that achieved their stated breaking strength

These results are alarming and the trade needs to act now by implementing an industry approved standard before national governments enforce regulations. EFTTA invites all companies to submit their lines for testing and apply for the EFTTA approved logo.A widespread marketing and promotional campaign will educate retailers and the public about the meaning of the logo and the quality standard of the product bearing it.