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Columbia, S.C. – It is not an uncommon occurrence to have Elite Series pros remain for a day or two at a lake to work with sponsors after a tournament is over. Pros will sometimes film commercials, take part in photo shoots, or just take their sponsors out on the water.
Lake Murray, the site of the recent Carolina Clash, was no different as some of the Elite Series pros ventured out onto the lake again in support of a sponsor. However, what was different about this time is that it was the first time the Japanese premium fishing line manufacturer Sunline, had held such a meeting on U.S. soil.
Sunline’s Elite Series pro staff gathered on Monday, May 19 for meetings, fishing and a photo shoot with world-renowned photographer Seigo Saito. Elite Series pros, Takahiro Omori, Morizo Shimizu, Tommy Biffle, Grant Goldbeck, Aaron Martens, Dave Wolak and James Niggemeyer were present.
The BASS ZONE caught up with Omori, Martens and Niggemeyer for their take on the event.
Omori, the 2004 Bassmaster Classic Champion has been using Sunline exclusively since 1993, and while his faith in the product is undying, he is happy to see other pros coming on board. “It is really neat to see other top tour pros come to see how good Sunline is,” Omori told The BASS ZONE. “It is such a high quality line, and has made a big difference in my fishing career.”
He said that the recent meeting in South Carolina is further evidence of the company’s commitment to growing the brand in the United States. “This is the first meeting of its kind for Sunline here,” Omori said. “They have also established an office here in California; all of this effort is nice to see, and great to be a part of.”
Martens, the 2005 Bassmaster Angler of the Year is a tackle fanatic, and his passion for the premium products has been a part of his approach since he began fishing in the West years ago. “I fished a lot of different fluorocarbon lines over the years,” Martens said. “But, when I got a hold of some FC Sniper, I was really impressed with its consistency and smooth handling.”
He also said the meeting was great to be a part of. “We discussed everything from spool sizes, to pricing, to exploring new products,” Martens said. “What’s cool about Sunline is that they listen to us, and will work with us on new ideas. I have had offers from other companies, but the line is too good, and these guys are great to work with, so I stay with them.”
Being one of the newest members of the team, Niggemeyer said it was a great opportunity to interface with the company executives and a lot of fun to be with his Elite Series colleagues under much less competitive circumstances. “We had meetings over meals, and that made for a fun and interactive environment,” the 2006 Bassmaster Southern Tour Angler of the Year said. “Getting to know the company better, along with spending time with the other guys made it a great gathering.”
However, Niggemeyer did say that the tone changed quickly when Sunline announced that there was a prize going to be given to the angler who caught the biggest fish in the morning. “Man, you’ve never seen such a scramble to get boats in the water,” Niggemeyer said. “The competitive juices began flowing, and we all got in the water as quickly as possible to go catch the biggest fish.”
The result of the impromptu event was that Omori caught a 5-pound Lake Murray largemouth to beat Dave Wolak’s 4-pound, 8-ounce fish for the top prize. “I caught it on a Sebile Magic Swimmer on 14-pound-test FC Sniper very early in the morning,” Omori revealed.
For more on Sunline products and their pro staff visit their website at:
www.sunline.co.jp/overseas/home_top.html
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