Chemist John Prochnow has used his knowledge to improve fishing for millions of anglers over the past 36 years through his work at Berkley Fishing. Serving as one of the world’s leading inventors, lure designers and technical liaisons with the outdoor press and professionals in the fishing industry, Prochnow’s global impact on angling and anglers has led to products that have been used for decades worldwide in both freshwater and saltwater. His work as the Research and Development Team Lead for Berkley Fishing has not only revolutionized the fishing world, but it has also earned him induction into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.
Apart from being one of the original inventors of Berkley PowerBait, Berkley Gulp! and Berkley MaxScent, Prochnow holds multiple patents for fish attractant delivery systems for baits and lures. He is well-known internationally and travels around the globe teaching anglers about the use and importance of fish attractants with an emphasis on how fish react to various chemo-receptive stimuli and baits. Prochnow’s experience includes a lifetime study of all types of fishing and fishing techniques. He's worked with many of the legendary anglers of the past and present to develop new and innovative baits and lures.
As an avid angler and innovator, Prochnow was named one of Outdoor Life’s Top 25 Most Influential in Hunting and Fishing in the December/January 2008 issue of the magazine. In addition, he has aided in the development and scale-up of multi-million-dollar manufacturing processes and research facilities to produce and study fishing baits and lures, including the development of a full-scale carp bait research and manufacturing facility in Holland.
In addition to his work at Berkley Fishing, Prochnow has contributed time and product to various outdoor groups such as the Boy Scouts, Ducks Unlimited, Coastal Conservation Association and various other local youth fishing events. He shares his knowledge with anglers of all ages by way of radio talk shows, magazine and video interviews, as well as social media. He is often seen walking around fishing areas handing out baits to young anglers and explaining how to use them to catch more fish.
