Tacoma, WA – Congratulations to Gamakatsu pro Kyle Welcher on securing the 2023 Bassmaster Progressive Angler Of The Year title. Welcher held off a stacked Bassmaster Elite Series field during the 9 event schedule, besting South Carolina pros Brandon Cobb and Patrick Walters to secure his first AOY title. The Opelika, AL pro never finished below 44th place during the 2023 campaign, proving his diversity as an angler from Florida to New York. Logging 2 top 10, and 3 top 20 finishes along the way, Welcher utilized a variety of Gamakatsu hooks throughout the season in both finesse and power fishing scenarios. Welcher is extremely grateful to join the ranks of former Bassmaster AOY winners.
“I don’t think it has really set in. I can’t believe it is true just yet, It has been a great season and winning AOY is one of those things where everything just has to go right for nine tournaments. I am extremely grateful to have my name mentioned with all of the great anglers who have earned this title before me. Gamakatsu hooks were an extremely important element of my success this season,” said Welcher.
Gamakatsu USA Sales Manager Ted Thibault is honored to have Welcher as a member of the team. “Kyle is a very valuable member of our pro team, and we are honored to be a part of his monumental achievement. He is one of the most mentally focused people you will meet and I’m sure he will continue to have tremendous success in the future.” Ted Thibault, Sales Manager
About Gamakatsu USA.
From humble beginnings as Japan’s smallest fishing hook manufacturer in 1955, Gamakatsu® Ltd has evolved to become the world’s preeminent hook manufacturer. Over the years, manufacturing upgrades and cutting-edge innovations have fueled Gamakatsu® USA’s rise as a top producer of fishing hooks, apparel, and fishing-related items.
When anglers purchase Gamakatsu® hooks, they are buying an original product made exclusively by Gamakatsu®. Gamakatsu® is continuously testing new materials and striving to improve its products, which already sets the standard for the rest of the industry. For more information, please visit WWW.GAMAKATSU.COM
