Hello Damien, can you introduce yourself to Fishing.news readers?
Damien 43 years old, living in Haute-Savoie, I'm mainly a pike and perch angler, but I also like to fish for all kinds of fish. I mainly fish in bass boats on the big Alpine lakes, and I travel a lot abroad to discover new fishing areas. I'm part of the FishXplorer team as a Pro-Staff.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
I started fishing at a very early age, and both my grandfather and my father introduced me to spearfishing from a very young age. When I was a teenager, I joined a fishing school with which I began to take part in a few departmental and regional competitions. I travelled a lot before settling in Haute-Savoie, which enabled me to fish in many different environments and countries, and to discover my passion for predator fishing.
When, how and why did you agree to become a Pro-Staff?
The FishXplorer brand spotted me through my fishing partner, whom I followed on this adventure, and also through social networks. I wanted to get more involved in the team, and after talking to the manager and explaining what I could bring to the table, he offered me a Pro-Staff position, which I obviously accepted. Now I'm also in charge of ambassador management.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
It's something we have to take seriously, because it requires us to get more involved in the world of fishing. It's a mission in itself. As a brand representative, we have to get to know and promote our product range, both on social networks and at various fishing shows and competitions.
We also have to be able to share our passion for fishing and make ourselves available to respond to any requests that may arise: presence at trade shows, brand representative at various competitions, demonstration in fishing stores.
What's your fondest memory or anecdote from your time as a Pro-Staff?
A first participation in the FFPS French Championship, even if the desired result was not up to scratch, but the moments of sharing with the other participants are also a great reward.
We also shot a video on lure fishing on Lake Geneva, and despite the difficulty of finding the fish, the positive feedback from subscribers made us really happy!
What do you think of fishing in France?
Working in a tackle store, we're seeing more and more young people taking an interest and asking for advice on how to fish. We're also seeing more and more anglers practicing no-kill, so these are positive points.
Another point would be for the various AAPPMAs and federations to copy other European countries that have understood and made great efforts to protect species! This involves no-kill fishing zones, or the introduction of a catch window, as well as combating anglers' number one enemy, the cormorant!
Any advice for anglers who want to join a Pro-Staff team one day?
To continue fishing while enjoying yourself, and not necessarily to become a member of a brand. Being an ambassador isn't just about having equipment and trying it out, it's also about doing a lot of work afterwards. Today, too many people are looking for sponsorship and forget what's essential: having fun.
