Just Another Fisherman (JAF) has partnered with Japanese fishing brand Daiwa to release The Talking Stick, a limited-edition rod created to raise funds for Gumboot Friday and to remind anglers to check in with their mates.

The collaboration builds on a relationship JAF and Daiwa have developed through Angler’s Escape, JAF’s annual fishing event raising money for mental health. That event has fed a six-year relationship between JAF and Gumboot Friday. The Talking Stick is the next chapter, bringing Daiwa into the fold and turning the message into something anglers can hold in their hands.

The Talking Stick, a limited-edition rod created to raise funds for Gumboot Friday and to remind anglers to check in with their mates.

The Talking Stick is a light spin rod built for lure fishing, finished in a colourway and branding designed around its purpose. Every detail leads back to one idea: fishing for your health. The rod comes with a Heritage Check flannel rod bag carrying the Talking Stick branding, made to travel with the rod as a physical reminder every time it is used.

Just Another Fisherman (JAF) has partnered with Japanese fishing brand Daiwa to release The Talking Stick.

“The Talking Stick is all about talking with your mates, about how you feel,” says Aaron Styles, JAF cofounder. “The environment is fishing, and the rod is a symbol and a reminder to express how you are feeling and not be scared to share it.

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A limited-edition run has been made and each rod sold is able to put meaningful funds towards Gumboot Friday. But for JAF, the money raised is only part of the point.

Young sailors competed in a range of classes at the PredictWind New Zealand Youth Championships in September.

“The goal isn’t just the money,” says JAF. “It’s the reminder to anglers to chat with their friends.”

The Talking Stick launched with a panel discussion at Swashbucklers in October, a venue chosen for its heritage feel and its nostalgic connection to the outdoors and fishing.

The panel was hosted by Bryce Casey in conversation with Aaron Styles, Al Brown, Hayden Scott and Dwayne Sweeney. All with genuine ties to fishing and the outdoors, talking openly about mental health, fishing and life. The conversation will be filmed and recorded live, then cut into a YouTube feature and a series of short reels.

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