So I'm in the process of selling off my Rapala Risto Rap collection over on E-Bay this week, and I keep receiving e-mails from buyers in Thailand if I'll do International shipping there should they bid and win. I've now had 3 requests so far which has me wondering, what the hell is going on over there? I'm guessing they don't have largemouth, so it must just be an underground market for Rapalas. Must be a pretty good one at that to be able to buy 2 or 3 lures for $10-$15 and then be willing to pay at least that much to have them shipped over there. I've checked the feedback and past transactions of the requestors and they have all been purchasing various Rapalas off the site from other sellers. My first thought always falls to avoid being scammed, but I'm beginning to wonder now.
UPDATE: Just thought I'd add an update. I've had several buyers of my various Risto's now from Thailand and they have all been great communicators and fast payers, so certainly no scam going on. Still not sure of why the hot market for what seems to just be Rapala lures though. Rather interesting...
I've been to Thailand -and fished there.
We dapped live bait in a tropical river for freshwater puffers, tropical cats, and other odd things. I was told Rattan makes the best dapping rod -better than bamboo -lighter and more sensitive. Gary Loomis, are you listening? A lot of people fished -it appeared to be part of the culture. Often there would be floods (it was the rainy season) and people were fishing with rods, with sharpened sticks and by hand. One guy had a gillnet set up in his driveway. It had a happy party kind of atmosphere, but also, very much a regular part of people's lives.
In Bangkok I spoke with anglers and realized there is a full blown western style angling culture there. Because of the prices being offered for your Raps my guess those potential buyers are ex-pats.
Posted by: Paul Roberts | July 26, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Very interesting Paul. Since I posted this I've received 2 more questions from potential buyers all asking if I'd ship to Thailand. The names on their accounts are definitely native. After I sell them all I might inquire of a couple buyers who have US intermediaries acting on their behalf to see if they'll give me the scoop. I did find this site just browsing around for answers: http://www.megafishingthailand.com/content/view/87/55/
Posted by: Big Indiana Bass | July 26, 2008 at 03:02 PM