Duel Corporation, the parent company of Yo-Zuri America and Hardcore Bass Lures, announced recently its pro staff for the 2016 tournament season, which includes several additions from both the FLW Tour and Bassmaster Elite Series.
On the FLW side, Brandon Cobb and Braxton Setzer will join Mike Surman in representing Duel/Yo-Zuri. Elite Series anglers Clent Davis and Brandon Card will join Bobby Lane and Jeff Kriet with Yo-Zuri serving as Davis’ title sponsor.
“We are truly excited to have the opportunity to build such a strong team, along with the support of our parent company in Japan,” said Buddy Prause, vice president of sales and marketing for Yo-Zuri. “Our investment in tournament bass fishing is a testament to the continuation of our support for the industry.”
Setzer made an impression on Yo-Zuri staffers during a product development session in South Carolina last year.
“We found ourselves one boat short and Braxton stepped up to the plate and showed up to the designated location with very little notice, which immediately impressed me,” Prause said. “In today’s world, it’s exciting to find exceptional young people who exhibit strong values for success. We believe Braxton has what it takes to succeed; we look forward to working with him for many years to come.”
Added Setzer, “I am a mixture of nervous and excited heading into my rookie year. It has been a dream of mine to compete on such a high level for as long as I can remember. I also look forward to the challenge of competing against some of the best anglers in the fishing world. I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to chase my dream and look forward to being able to do so with the partnership and support of Yo-Zuri and all the great people there.”
In Cobb, Yo-Zuri has landed one of the top young anglers at the pro level, fresh off a Top-5 finish at the Forrest Wood Cup last year.
“We look forward to creating and developing a number of baits with Brandon," Prouse said. “In the last two years Brandon has truly accelerated his game and we are honored to be a part of his growth, hopefully for many years to come.”
“I am honored to have a chance to work with a company as innovative as Yo-Zuri,” Cobb added. “I will have the confidence that I am throwing the best hard baits, with styles for any situation. I can't wait to see what 2016 holds."
Davis is excited about the increased commitment shown by Yo-Zuri after his decision to jump to the Elite Series.
“His ability to successfully work alongside our product development team in Japan, and here with myself has made a huge difference in our product line-up,” said Chris Bishop, Yo-Zuri national accounts manager/product development team lead.
Added Davis, "I'm really excited about my rookie year on the Elite Series fishing against the biggest names in the sport. Having quality products in my tackle box is more important than ever, and I am pleased to say that Yo-Zuri will be my title sponsor.”
In Card, Yo-Zuri sees an opportunity to develop new products and support him as he enters his fifth season as an Elite Series angler.
“Brandon’s solid record of performances, including the 2012 Bassmaster Elite Rookie of the Year, and now competing in his second Bassmaster Classic makes him one of most qualified, young anglers to compete on the Bassmaster Elite Series,” Bishop said. “We look forward to working alongside Brandon on a number of product development initiatives.”
"Yo-Zuri already has a great product line for serious bass anglers,” Card said, “but what excites me the most is the opportunity to help the team design new products. With my design background as a landscape architect, I have been very interested in designing baits for several years now.”
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