Hello Carlo, can you introduce yourself to the readers of Fishing.news?
Carlo Bertagna - Hello everyone, Carlo Bertagna, I am 37 years old, and I am from Metz in Moselle (East of France). My beautiful region allows me to look for a large number of species of carnivores according to the different seasons (with more or less success, it is true). I am for a little over two years now, ambassador of the brand of technical clothing Kuruk.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
Carlo Bertagna - I was introduced to fishing at a very early age by my father, like many of us, and I had to beg him every Sunday to take me with him. I put fishing on hold for a long time for the sport, and about ten years ago, my brother-in-law got me back into it.
I naturally started again by looking for pike, a species with a high density in our area, before widening my fishing and "trying" to fish all carnivorous fish, with a particular affection for trout.
When, how and why did you agree to be a Pro-Staff?
Carlo Bertagna - My first "real" fishing trip was in 2018 in Spain. The weather forecast was for a little 15/20 degrees in mid-March. In the end, it's a good 30 past that awaits us. A week under a blazing sun hiding in our hoodies, while the guides, were wearing a cool long sleeve t-shirt from Kuruk. A revelation for my future trips.
I took the plunge, made my first purchase, and I was taken with the brand. Very quickly, I made a series of purchases, L-shirt (the famous long sleeve t-shirt), caps and others. I contacted Eric, the owner, to know if it was possible to make a personalized series for our team of friends. Positive answer, the phone calls are multiplying for the project.
And we discovered a multitude of common points: fishing, soccer, motorcycle, mushrooms. From time to time, I sent pictures to Eric for his communication, and that's when he asked me to become an ambassador for Kuruk.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Carlo Bertagna - Being an ambassador means being part of a collective, representing a brand in which you believe, trying to contribute to the building. To give feedback on the products in order to improve them, and of course to contribute to the communication of the brand through networks, trade shows, word of mouth.
What is your best memory, or anecdote, as a Pro-Staff to share with our readers?
Carlo Bertagna - Being stopped at the water's edge and being told that the brand is great. For a French and family company, I find it very gratifying. I think it's a nice recognition for Eric and his family who live in Kuruk all year long in addition to their respective jobs.
Another anecdote among many others that is close to my heart, is to find myself with Eric (whom I try to see a few times during the year despite the distance) in the Hautes-Alpes, for an initiation to fly fishing by him and my first trout with this technique.
How do you see the fishing industry in France?
Carlo Bertagna - We are fortunate to have a country rich in environments, which especially allows us to have a huge diversity in fishing. In addition, it allows us to bring together people of all ages and social backgrounds.
Don't hesitate to share (well ok, not your best spots) and to open your mind to discover new places, new techniques, and new people. It is a little bit all that which makes the beauty of fishing.
Any advice for anglers who want to join a Pro-Staff team one day?
Carlo Bertagna - In the digital age, we are inevitably talking about photos and communication on social networks. A nice picture and a nice presentation will always make the difference to stand out. So, choose your fishing partners well. A little nod to my partner who always has a fingertip on a photo.
I think writing well is also a plus. Finally, all this is "just" fishing. Enjoy the moments and make some nice memories with the guys.
