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Rapala/VMC adds Swindle to pro staff

Rapala/VMC adds Swindle to pro staff

Gerald Swindle is no longer without a hardbait sponsor as the two-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year has joined the pro staff of Rapala VMC, the company announced today.

The 48-year-old Alabama native says he has long been a connoisseur of Rapala baits.

“I’ve got a bunch of Shad Raps I started collecting when I was 19,” Swindle said in a release announcing his addition to the pro staff. “This young pro saw my collection and says, ‘You’re an O.G. when it comes to Shad Raps, G.’ I said, ‘Yessir!’ A Shad Rap, a DT-6, a DT-10 have always been staple baits of mine.”

For those who may not know, “O.G.” means “original gangsta” – and that’s a compliment.

“Throughout it all, a Rapala – a DT-6, a DT-10 – if it’s a shallow-crankin’ tournament, ol’ Gerald’s gonna have ‘em tied on,” said Swindle, who will compete in his 16th Bassmaster Classic this year. “And if they’re deeper? I tell everybody the best all-around deep crankbait ever is the DT-14, hands down. You can’t beat a DT-14 for the depth it runs, what it will achieve and what it will do. It’s an all-around bait for that range. It’s the right size, you won’t lose many on it, and it wobbles right.”

Since Swindle became what he laughingly calls a “free agent” in the hard-bait pro-team market (after parting ways with Pradco), “Rapala was the only brand I had my eye on,” he says. “Because I want to be with a company that I already win money with, already believe in 100 percent, heart and soul.”

“I feel like when I put Rapala on my chest, that’s going to be a big pride thing,” he added. “I’m looking forward to this relationship.”

The admiration is mutual, says Rapala field promotions manager Dan Quinn.

“We have a stable full of thoroughbreds when it comes to our pro staff and I’ve always had the motto of quality over quantity,” Quinn says. “With that mindset, I haven’t had a need to grow our team. But, after getting to know Gerald the last few years, he didn’t give me a choice. G is the full meal deal, incredibly talented on and off the water, and his genuine passion for Rapala/VMC products frosted the cake. He’s one of the very best and will be a valuable addition to the Rapala and VMC Pro Staff.”

While Swindle is looking forward to growing his Rapala collection with newer game-changing baits like the RipStop, Shadow Rap and BX Brat, he says Rapala’s classic balsa baits will always have a place in his boat. The balsa-wood bodies of Shad Raps and DT baits impart action that imitators just can’t match – especially in cold water.

“When it gets to be cold, balsa’s gonna whoop your butt about anywhere you go,” Swindle says. “That’s just how it is. It’s just got the right wiggle.

“I’ve said this a thousand times in articles,” he continued, “when the water temperature gets below 49, you cannot beat a Shad Rap in the South – period. And a DT is right there with it.”

In addition, Swindle will also use and endorse VMC hooks and terminal tackle.

“I’ve been using these hooks for a long time, so I know a lot about them and have a lot of trust in them,” Swindle said.

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