Hello Jean-Philippe, can you introduce yourself to the readers of Fishing.news ?
Jean-Philippe Planes - My name is Jean-Philippe Planes, I am 38 years old and I live in the Narbonne area. I fish a little all types of fishing (carna, catfish, carp, feeder, sea...) in France and from time to time abroad. I am part of the Sportex, Kryston and Climax team since 2011. I am country manager since this summer for these three brands in France.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
Jean-Philippe Planes - I started fishing at the age of 5 or 6 with my older brother and my grandfather. We used to go to the lakes of Seine-et-Marne to hunt roach, bream and other tench. We looked forward to Sunday mornings so much that we couldn't sleep on Saturday nights. A real drug from the beginning.
In 1994, we discovered carp fishing on a canal in Narbonne with my brother and for about twenty years we have fished for carp all over France and in Spain. For the last ten years, we have been fishing mainly for carnivores in France and Sweden, but also for catfish in the south-west of France.
When, how and why did you agree to be a Pro-Staff?
Jean-Philippe Planes - In 2010, I had my own website selling catfish fishing equipment and I contacted Sportex to list their lures and rods for catfish. Sales were very high and our relationship was very good, so I helped them, little by little, to develop Sportex in France. We did together the Clermont-Ferrand, Montluçon and Efttex shows in Paris to promote the Sportex and Climax brands in France. I also helped them to develop rods for the French market (catfish rod, float-tube, carp rod in 10'...).
I then created a Team France composed of carp, carnivorous and catfish fishermen to be present on the social networks. Since this summer, I work officially for them and I became country manager France (sales, marketing and communication).
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Jean-Philippe Planes - Being an ambassador is not just receiving an annual endowment of products, it is putting your fishing experience to work for the brand. The brand is not only waiting for a few pictures of fish to put on its catalog and social networks, it is also a regular exchange on the products, how can we improve them even more, is there a specific product missing from the catalog that could interest the fishermen etc... The interest is to grow the brand with the experience and expertise of the ambassador.
What is your best memory, or anecdote, as a Pro-Staff to share with our readers?
Jean-Philippe Planes - I think that the fishing shows (Clermont-Ferrand, Montluçon...) are very often experiences and incredible memories shared with the other members of the team and the brand, but it is also the occasion to cross paths with other colleagues who are with other brands. Even if we are not with the same brand, there is no competition on the shows, and the moments of sharing are unique and rich.
In terms of fishing anecdotes, I would say my second fishing trip to Sweden with other members of the Sportex France team. This carnivorous trip was completely crazy in terms of fish and atmosphere! Several metered pikes, pike-perch of more than 80 cm, perch of more than 45 cm... In short, all the planets, the stars and the universe were aligned to have a unique fishing trip!
How do you see the fishing industry in France?
Jean-Philippe Planes - The fishing world is a world of enthusiasts, it is also a very small world where everyone knows each other. Even if we sometimes move from one company to another as employees or ambassadors, we always end up crossing paths at some point in a store, at a show, at a brand and this creates a unique and exciting general atmosphere.
Working or being an ambassador in this world of passion is a chance and a great advantage that is not given to everyone. It is a real pleasure, which sometimes gives a meaning in a life that is not obvious every day. It is important that all brand ambassadors realize that the quarrels that we read on social networks, jealousies and other pettinesses have nothing to do in this environment.
Becoming an ambassador is not an end in itself, for some people it is an ultimate goal that is often beyond reason. If you want to become an ambassador, it's because you have something to share with others, so the notion of individualism should no longer exist. We are all fishermen and we all have the same passion so let's try to live in harmony all together.
Any advice for anglers who want to join a Pro-Staff team one day?
Jean-Philippe Planes - As I said before, joining a team should not become an ultimate goal. Have fun on the water, travel, learn new techniques, share good moments with friends on the water, make beautiful pictures, videos that you share on social networks and then the brand will contact you if it sees an interest in what you do.
Approaching brands does not work 95% of the time. Brands will be interested in you because they sense the passion you have for fishing, they won't be interested in you if they sense you're doing it all just to get a few free lures. Getting into a brand is about being able to share your experience with others.
