/ 
Hello Paul, can you introduce yourself to the readers of Fishing.news ?
Paul Duval - Hello, then, Paul, 65 years old, I practice my passion of fishing in kayak on the tip of Brittany, particularly in the roadstead of Brest and on the north coast, country of Abers. I also like to move to know new places, as this summer for example, where I walked my kayak on the spots of Pornichet. I practice all kinds of techniques, lures, baits, eging, and also fishing on foot during high tides where the kayak becomes a great tool to visit the foreshore. I am a tester for the brand Galaxy Kayaks since 2014, Pro-Staff Astufish, brand of lures from Brittany, and Flashmer ambassador.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
Paul Duval - It goes back a long way, in Corsica, I was 5 years old, with my grandfather who took me with him. It is him who transmitted the virus to me. Afterwards, my job as a sailor allowed me to visit the whole world and to catch some fishes that are not found at home. I practiced freshwater fishing during my returns to France at first, then because of my anchorage in Brittany, sea fishing came quite naturally. I have now been fishing mainly by kayak for about fifteen years.
When, how and why did you agree to be a Pro-Staff?
Paul Duval - I started my collaboration with Galaxy Kayaks in 2014. At that time, for their implantation in France, they were looking for a kayak fisherman on the tip of Brittany to show their new models in situation. I had already been kayak fishing for 7 years, I had a blog and a YouTube channel, they liked my profile. Since then, I am on all new projects, it allows me to try all kinds of products and give my feelings. That's what I like most about being a brand tester.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Paul Duval - This role of tester, Pro-Staff, allows you to test various materials and to give your opinion to improve the products. At Galaxy Kayaks, I test the entire catalog, clothing, electronics and small equipment. For kayaks, I often receive a prototype a few months before release, which I hasten to put on the water and push to the limit. It is this part that I like the most. After the first feedbacks, the production of the marketed models has all the balls to make the last useful modifications. I also give my opinion on the clothing, the onboard electronics, the paddles, etc.
Besides that, there is also a part of experience sharing with future customers, during shows for example or during test rides of models. I also share a lot on social networks through my videos or the articles I write or on my blog or on the Galaxy Kayaks blog. I am also present on specialized forums.
For Astufish, I've been there for about ten years, I help Jean-Luc, the boss of Astufish, to develop the lures. We start with a draft and as we go along, it evolves into a finished product. This can last several months before marketing. This collaboration is interesting, we must keep an open mind and not hesitate to go off the beaten track, there is no lack of lures on the market.
For Flashmer, I have finished products that I fish with and promote through photos (another passion) and reviews. Some of these photos are used in their various product catalogs.
What is your best memory, or anecdote, as a Pro-Staff to share with our readers?
Paul Duval - The best memories of being a tester are the moments when a new product arrives home and when you tear open the box, it opens the door to new adventures. I'm more about what I have yet to discover than what has already passed.
If I have to remember one thing, it's when my grandson took his first bar by himself, he was 6 years old. His first gesture, once the picture was taken, was to gently release it. Passing on is important to me. Since then, he has taken others and accompanies me from time to time in my outings, he is now 12 years old.
How do you see the fishing industry in France?
Paul Duval - I am naturally optimistic and prefer to see the glass half full. It is necessary to encourage the youngest to good practices that go in the direction of the protection of biodiversity. Release the catch as often as possible, respect the mesh size and quotas, take care of the environment in which we evolve, respect the seasonality of the species. We must be aware of our impact on nature.
Good fishing is still possible for those who know their sectors and the species they are looking for, but it is more and more complicated. It is also necessary to return to a more intuitive fishing, the environment of the leisure fishing became 2.0, it is the race to the armament.
I often go on minimalist outings where I listen to the water, watch the birds hunt and use them. During these outings, I only take a few lures, my vest and my paddle, this return to basics is essential to not get lost.
Any advice for anglers who want to join a Pro-Staff team one day?
Paul Duval - Be yourself and keep a critical mind, it's the product that you have to put forward, not your person.
