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VA. - Virginia Tech's Scott Wiley and Brett Thompson became the 2007 Under Armour College Bass National Champions, by outfishing 35 of the top college bass teams in America last week. I talked to Scott several weeks ago and would like to think that having Gamma line on the winning teams reels helped get the job done. Congratulations guys!
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AL. - Pro Team member, Russ Lane, was able to crack the "Top 10" last week at the Bassmaster Southern Open on Lake Wheeler. Nice fishing Russ.
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WV. - AZ. - Congratulations to pro staff members Jeremy Byers (WV), and Ron Johnson (AZ) for fishing well enough to make their corresponding State teams. We've received a number of great, end of the season reports, and as pro staffer Jason Dudek (MN) states; "this stuff gives me so much confidence...I'm already looking forward to next year!"
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CA. - Known for getting his clients some real whopper bass, pro staff member John Chiarpotti reports another great day on the water. Congratulations to Pro team member Ken Wick, who recently had a nice finish on Clear Lake in CA, netting him a $10,000 check. Good fishing Ken. Now how about the rest of you guys out west? Surely John is not our only pro staffer on the west coast catching nice fish and promoting Gamma! Let's see some pictures and reports!!
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Another 7' creature was recently brought boat side on a similar rig. Cliff Wiedman from Kistler rods was down in the Everglades doing some fishing and hooked into this gator. After a careful release, they were able to get this picture of him the next day while he sun-bathed. In this instance, Cliff was going with 16lb Edge. Warning: Do not attempt to do this at home using Vanish. Cliff is trained professional!
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We couldn't let October finish up without adding just a few more "entries" into the Gamma news. First we begin in Minnesota, where pro staff member Jerry Firth provided this great news. Jerry and his partner finished up the MN Tournament Trail in a respectable 17th place out of 125 teams. Along with this fine finish though, they were also granted the "Sportsman of the Year" award. Jerry, when not out on the water, helps Gamma out by making his local Gander Mountain store "Number 1" for Gamma line sales. Nice news to hear Jerry, and thanks for the help!
AZ. - How would a new, loaded, Skeeter boat and $2000 in cash sound? It sounded terrific to pro staff member Shannon Coppell! Shannon and his partner recently won the 2007 All-Star Championship in AZ and got to take home a new boat and some cash. Shannon promotes Gamma line not only by his tournament results, but also by providing various seminars at the local Sportsman's Warehouse and other venues in AZ. Teaching kids to fish and winning boats and cash by successful fishing. Life is good!
OK. - Things are okay in OK for pro staff member Ron Brown. Finishing 4th in his year-end championship event capped of a great year of fishing. Ron notes that numerous anglers in this club series have been converted to Gamma. They credit it's use for more bites and more fish. Providing hats, decals, and a banner at this years classic kept the Gamma name in the forefront.
MI./ MN. - Pro staff member John Gipson was recently a "cast" member (pun intended) of the popular ESPN television show - BACKROADS with Ron and Raven. John joined up with hosts Ron and Raven (dog) to film the show and reports that he proudly displayed Gamma on his reel, boat windshield, and shirt. John's enthusiasm and fishing prowess should no doubt make for a great show. Let us know when it's to air John!
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I'd like to take a minute here to express our thanks and appreciation to those pro staff members who are taking the extra step in their efforts to promote Gamma line. As much as we like to hear about fantastic finishes and checks to be cashed, we really like hearing the news that you are trying your best to help us increase sales. Having the best line on your personal reels is nice to have, but we need to see it
being used by as many fishermen as we can get the word to. For those of you who have had success in doing this, please pass your ideas along in an email to me
and maybe I'll put together a "GAMMA Guide to Successful Promotion" for the
rest of the staff to follow. Remember, these type programs only work if it works for everyone, from the smallest tournament angler or guide, to the top level guys.
Thanks again.
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USA/World - Making the Top 100 in the B.A.S.S. rankings were: Greg Hackney, Brent Chapman, Terry Scroggins, Dave Smith, Mark Tucker, and Russ Lane.
In the FLW Tour, and finishing in the Top 100 were: Jacob Powroznik, Dave Lefebre, Tracy Adams, Anthony Gagliardi, Ray Scheide, Scott Suggs, Ken Wick, Matt Herren, Mike Hawkes, Jim Tutt, Jim Moynagh, Vic Vatalaro, and Alvin Shaw.
Current BassFan World Rankings have Gamma Pro Team members Greg Hackney, Terry Scroggins, Dave Lefebre, Anthony Gagliardi, Matt Herren, Brent Chapman, Jacob Powroznik, and Ray Scheide all in the Top 50. What a surprise! Yea right. These guys can fish. Not only that, but their fellow Gamma team members are right on their heels. Nice going guys.
World record catfish? Maybe. Gamma team member, Matt Herren recently had this experience. While participating in a bass tournament on Lake Wheeler, Matt hooked into a huge, blue catfish. After a brief tug-of-war, Matt was able to start lifting the fish towards the surface, and finally got it along side the boat. What he and his boat partner were looking at was a fish of immense proportions. Try as he might, Matt was unable to hold the fish up at the surface with one hand, while trying to get a picture with his other. They were however able to take a quick eye-measurement while it was along the boat and when checked, measured about 7 feet! The record blue out of Wheeler weighed 111 lb and this fish was no doubt in (or out of) that category. For this type of catfish angling, Matt uses a Kistler rod rigged with 20 Edge rigged with a Sweet Beaver bait.
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Business Talk - In conclusion, October begins our Pro staff - Pro Team program evaluation process. As the fishing division of Gamma grows, so does our understanding of what our needs and expectations are in this program. Our evaluation process this year will utilize advice from our advertising agency, so I ask that you provide me with a brief description of how you promoted Gamma this year, and if possible, any known results. This can be sent either by mail, or email and I will then see that it is reviewed. For those that have kept up on providing quarterly reports, please just let me know of any new items to add.
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Thanks!Tom
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