When it comes to sponsors, a contract with Rapala is about as good as it gets. The company maintains a small but dedicated pro staff. Additions are rare, as are drops, and it all helps create what many pros feel is perhaps the premier hardbait sponsorship in the sport.
That's why the following is such huge news.
Rapala has signed Mike Iaconelli to its pro staff. Ike will also represent and fish VMC hooks.
Until now, Ike's never had a truly defining hardbait sponsor. He was with Mann's and more recently Laser Lure, but the Rapala deal is clearly of a different cut.
"I'm excited to join the Rapala/VMC team," Ike said in the official announcement. "This is really a dream come true for me. I've been a big fan of the products for many, many years. I look forward to a long partnership with Rapala/VMC."
Rapala field-promotion and media-relations manager David James noted: "We couldn't be more excited to be adding Mike to our pro staff. Mike's a first-class angler and a great promoter. We know he'll have a strong impact on our brands."
Further details forthcoming.
