T.J. Stallings passed away this week. T.J. was the marketing manager for TTI/Blakemore that included TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group (Home of Road Runner Lures and six hook brands including Tru-Turn, Daiichi, XPoint, Team Catfish, Mr. Crappie and StandOUT Hooks. He was a 45-year tackle industry veteran.
T.J. was always the first to respond to requests for help for the Southern Fishing News Operation HOOAH for wounded Soldiers and Student Angler Classes. We knew him as a friend as well as an industry supporter.
T.J. Stallings
He was one of the world’s leading experts on fishing-tackle design, T.J. Stallings acquired a deep interest in sportfishing while working as a youngster in Tim’s Tackle Box, a popular hangout for Florida anglers his father established in 1971 to sell jigs he designed and made himself. Before he was a teenager, T.J. was tying jigs, building custom rods and studying fish behavior. His in-depth knowledge of fishing led to positions with big-name tackle companies such as Shimano, Bass-Assassin and Hildebrandt. Stallings was also the co-founder of Crappie NOW Magazine.
T.J. will be missed greatly.
He had three daughters and four grandchildren.
I was fortunate enough to have worked for TJ and his
Dad Tim at Tims Tackle Box in orlando. He was a hard worker and taught me a lot about working and fishing when I was in Highschool. He was fun to work with and always kept me laughing. Sorry for your loss.
February 3rd, 2017