JIM ALLEN OAM
Hall Of Fame Inductee – 2016
Award presented by Neil Patrick
It all began when Jim picked up his first fly rod in 1964 at 19. His love of flyfishing was born, and just three years later, he opened his first store. Over the years, the Compleat Angler increased in size, and Jim was able to open seven more stores across three states. All of his stores exhibited a level of professionalism never seen before in fishing retail. During this time, Jim was instrumental in introducing and popularising key brands such as Yo-Zuri, Calstar, Metz, Power Pro and Rapala, and he created his brand – Innovator Tackle. He was also instrumental in designing the first 50W game reel, opened the Central Highlands Lodge and The Great Lake Hotel in Tasmania and, along with Jack Erskine and Len Mossop, started the AME group (which later developed into the National Buying Syndicate). Jim also created the wholesale company Mayfly Tackle and the fishing tourism company Mayfly Travel. He has also positively influenced and mentored many people in the industry.
Jim is passionate about fishing and business and is always happy to share his knowledge. The Jim Allen ideal reaches through every facet of the industry, and you’d be hard-pressed to find major wholesalers in the trade today that don’t carry some staff that have come through the Compleat Angler ranks at some stage of their careers. This was never more evident than at AFTA’s gala dinner, where Jim received this award; those who had worked for Jim were asked to stand. Many were surprised at the number of people standing and the positions within the trade those people now hold. They had all risen from very different beginnings, too. All sides were represented. There were retailers, wholesalers, rod builders, journalists, radio and TV personalities.
After selling his business interests, Jim can now focus on fishing, where he can simply “enjoy the moment”. Jim has fished in the best fishing locations globally and, to this day, still gets excited like a little kid every time the float goes down to a garfish bite in the shallow water around his home port of Queenscliff.
You can watch the presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HICqFZYU1c