For years, a Rapala knife and cleaning table have been a staple for Randall Tharp when he prepare dinners of fish caught fresh from the ocean near his Florida home.
Starting this season, he’ll rely on Rapala baits to put food on the table in another way — throwing them to win prize money in Bassmaster Elite Series events. The company announced this week it has expanded its sponsorship of the 2013 Forrest Wood Cup winner. Last year, he represented VMC and Trigger X, which are also under the Rapala umbrella.
“Previously some of my favorite Rapala products were not even baits,” said Tharp.
But he's no stranger to the iconic lures.
“I’ve caught more bass on that little original Rapala balsa floating minnow lure than probably any other lure in my tackle box,” he said. “It was really cool over the last season to learn more about an already great company in the fishing industry and I’m honored to part of the team. It’s a big deal for me.”
“Randall is one of the most talented anglers in the game right now, both on and off the water,” added Rapala field promotions manager Dan Quinn. “He understands the promotional side of fishing as much as he knows how to catch ‘em, which makes him an excellent member of the pro staff.”
