Hello Théophile, can you introduce yourself to Fishing.news readers?
Théophile Gonet -My name is Théophile Gonet, I'm 22 and I live in the Gironde region of Bordeaux. I've been a Shimano ambassador since 2021 and a BKK hooks ambassador since this year. I fish both sea and freshwater, preferably with lures. Over the years, I've started stalking fish from all over the world. But my favorite type of fishing, the one that keeps me awake at night, is bluefin tuna.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
Théophile Gonet -I started fishing at an early age, before I could even walk. To be honest, I don't remember the first time I went fishing. My father introduced me to this passion 20 years ago, and he passed everything on to me. Today, we share this passion through sessions and trips.
Ever since I was a child, I've lived, thought, slept and dreamed of nothing but fishing. I began by stalking black bass and carp around my home and sea bass in the Arcachon basin. Over the years, my father and I gradually specialized in bluefin tuna fishing. Fishing in all its forms: trolling, casting and even jigging. I'm lucky enough to be able to go on many trips with him, which creates lasting memories and continues to challenge us in the pursuit of ever bigger and more violent fish.
When, how and why did you agree to become a Pro-Staff?
Théophile Gonet -I started being an ambassador for the Shimano brand in 2021, I was contacted on social networks, and I was offered a collaboration. I've been fishing with Shimano products all my life, so it was an honor and a no-brainer for me to accept this partnership. I decided to become a Pro-Staff for several reasons.
First of all, it's a certain validation to have the trust of a brand to represent it, and to be the standard-bearer of its values. Secondly, having a partnership like this allows me, from a financial point of view, to spend less money on equipment and more on other expenses. This partnership has also given me visibility and, above all, credibility, which enabled me to join the Bkk international team at the beginning of 2023. Something that would never have been possible without Shimano's trust in me beforehand.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Théophile Gonet -For me, being an ambassador for a fishing brand means first and foremost reflecting the best possible image of the brand, always respecting nature and fish. You have to respect a certain ethic. An ambassador must be in tune with the brand's values, embodying them on a daily basis. Being an ambassador also means being part of a family, a family of like-minded fishermen who share techniques, advice and, above all, good times!
What's your fondest memory or anecdote from your time as a Pro-Staff?
Théophile Gonet -For me, the best moments as an ambassador come when I meet other Pro-Staff members who specialize in a type of fishing completely different from mine. I realize that I know nothing in this field, and I learn new techniques, new ways of fishing, new ways of reading the water... My fondest memories as a Pro Staff are of meeting other fishing enthusiasts.
What do you think of fishing in France?
Théophile Gonet -I have a mixed view of fishing in France, and the fact that some fishermen destroy our fish makes me sad. Our fish are part of a priceless and very fragile resource. Sea bass and meagre fishing in the south-west over the last few years has been very complicated. Of course we have good days, but they're interspersed with slack periods, and there are definitely fewer fish than before.
On the other hand, drastic European regulations to protect bluefin tuna are having a miraculous effect. Every year, we catch bigger fish in greater numbers. We're having fantastic days thanks to this, but the battle looks long and far from won. Policies to protect sportfishing fish in other countries, such as the USA, would provide an extraordinary perspective.
Any advice for anglers who want to join a Pro-Staff team one day?
Théophile Gonet -If I had to give one piece of advice to an angler looking to become a Pro-Staff for a brand, it would first be to target the brand you want to become an ambassador for. A brand is looking for an ambassador who will bring credibility, a good image and industry-specific expertise, so specialization may be the key.
Being a Pro-staff for a brand is not a task to be taken lightly, you have to bear in mind that you represent a brand that trusts you and invests in you for its image. So there are many expectations in terms of regular posting of content, material feedback, presence in the field, but also on social networks. We also need to be there to give advice when asked.
It's also important to bear in mind that brands are looking to sell products and improve their image, so they'll put their trust in people who can deliver these things. A certain professionalism is therefore necessary. So keep on fishing, keep on fishing, do your utmost to improve your fishing techniques, your content, your photos, your videos, and above all, don't get discouraged.
In conclusion, go fishing, have fun, take photos and share your stories!
