Greenville, S.C. – Most of the names on the 2012 Wilderness Systems Pro Staff roster have long been at the forefront of the kayak fishing phenomenon. This year, new talent from every corner of the industry joins the ample experience and enthusiasm of the industry icons. As competitors, trainers and ambassadors for the sport, the Wildy Pro Staff is a crew of undeniable experts – accessible to anyone with an interest in getting on the water and fishing from a new perspective.
“I'm excited about what the 2012 Wilderness Systems Pro Staff has to offer,” said Chad Hoover, team manager and long-time Pro Staff member. “Our team consists of some of the best anglers in the sport with diverse skill sets. Our goal is to provide anglers of all skill levels with valuable insights and expertise to make their time on the water more enjoyable.”
- Here is the roster for the 2012 Wilderness Systems Pro Staff:
- Chad Hoover (Norfolk, Va.): Author of Kayak Bass Fishing; host of NBC Sports Knot Right Kayak Fishing; Owns www.kayakbassfishing.com and jovially owns up to his nickname, “Knot Right.”
- Captain Dean Thomas (Aransas Pass, Texas): Guide, mentor, and non-discriminatory angler who will fish for whatever is biting.
- Jeff Little (New Windsor, Md.): Author, resident river smallmouth expert and undaunted by a little snowstorm when it comes to getting out on the water. Co-owner of ConfidenceBaits.net
- Jeff Suber (Crawfordville, Fla.): Adventure junkie and shallow water redfish fanatic, who co-organizes the largest charity kayak fishing tournament on the Florida Gulf Coast.
- Chris Fierro (San Diego, Calif.): Specializes in large species off the coast of Southern California and Baja, Mexico. When he’s not fishing with rod and reel, he’s spear diving from his Tarpon 160.
- CJ Siebler (San Diego, Calif.): At 24-years old, CJ is the youngest Pro Staffer and an unchallenged expert at rigging with advanced wiring and electronics.
- Chris LeMessurier (Berkley, Mich.): ACA-certified kayak instructor and record-holding angler. Owner of KayakFishtheGreatLakes.com and organizer of the popular NoMo Charity Fishing Tounrament.
- Bill Schultz (New Berlin, Wis.): Overall fitness advocate and smallmouth bass aficionado, Bill is the leading voice of fishing for smallies in legendary Door County.
- Joe Poole (Leander, Texas): Loves kayak fishing “because it is simple, silent and stealthy,” and shares that experience as a volunteer with Heroes on the Water.
- Erick Bell (Mooresville, N.C.): Splitting time between his Tarpon 140 and Ride 135, Erick focuses on competition fishing and the purity of landing a perfect cast from his boat.
- Captain Jason Stock (Madeira Beach, Fla.): Operates a private fishing charter company and known for finding fish year-round and even in the toughest conditions that South Florida can muster.
- Todd Llewellyn (St. Petersburg, Fla.): Loves the freedom of his Tarpon 160 for getting him to places where non-kayakers cannot reach.
- Chris Gorsuch (Walnut Port, Penn.): Primarily a river fisherman who grew up fishing the small streams of upstate New York and now defines a perfect day as one spent casting on the Susquehanna River.
- Tommy Samuels (Charleston, S.C.): Prefers the Tarpon 160 for Low Country, South Carolina, waters.
- Dave Easton (San Diego, Calif.): If you want to catch a white sea bass like the 60-pounders Dave has reeled in, follow his gear recommendations and paddle fast to keep up.
- Check out full bios of the Pro Staff at www.wildernesssystems.com. We welcome you to join the Wilderness Systems angling community to share and learn tips and the latest news in kayak fishing. Also, join us on Facebook.