Hello Guillaume, could you introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Guillaume Le Berre, I'm 35 and I've been living in the Pays de Gex region for the past dozen years. I'm an ambassador for Shimano and Amorces Brand. I've been carp fishing for 18 years, and my favorite areas are rivers and lakes. I love wilderness, whether small or large. I fish for carp in battery from the shore and occasionally by boat-cabin.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
I started fishing at the age of 8, as part of a small family of trout fishermen. It was my father and my best friend Damien who introduced me to this fascinating world. At the time, I practised all types of fishing without concentrating on any particular discipline; any fish was good to catch. I remember my early days, when I caught my first bream on a spinning rod. Then, around the age of 10, I received my first casting rod for my birthday. After losing countless spoons, I started to catch my first perch, pike and trout.
It was in 2006 that my passion took a completely different turn, when I decided to pursue my studies in aquaculture. My class was made up almost exclusively of fishermen, some of whom fished for carp. I realized that it was the ideal time to deepen my passion by concentrating on a particular discipline. Little by little, I developed a passion for this cyprinid. That's when members of my class started teaching me the basics of carp fishing.
With my savings, I bought my first fishing battery. I started out on the Saône, near Mâcon, and spent day after day and night after night on the water, which, as luck would have it, were quite fruitful at the time. I quickly caught the carp fishing bug. Ever since, I've been plying the lakes and rivers in search of those famous carp.
When, how and why did you agree to become a Pro-Staff?
As far as the Amorces Brand is concerned, it all came about bit by bit. It all started 15 years ago, when I was talking to Maxime Lefèvre, the company's managing director, on fishing forums. We exchanged and shared our stories on these platforms before Facebook and Instagram came along. One thing led to another and we ended up doing sessions together, and then one day he decided to sponsor us to take part in the Chalon Open competition.
Over the years, we've had a lot of good times, and I've been lucky enough to test many products that have helped me improve my fishing.
As far as Shimano is concerned, it's only been a year since I had the chance to join the Shimano team. Early last year, I saw an advert on social networks, where they were looking for two new members to join the Shimano Tribal team. Without much conviction, I found myself working hard on my application, answering their online questionnaire. A few days later, Baptiste called me for a first interview, then a second, and finally a third, during which, together with the French marketing manager, they announced that I'd been accepted onto the Shimano team. It was then that I realized that an incredible adventure was about to begin for me, one that I'd never thought I'd be able to take part in, by joining a brand of such stature.
Being part of a team like this gives you access to top-of-the-range equipment, product testing and a presence at events.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
For me, being a brand ambassador gives me the opportunity to represent the brand on the water by testing products suited to my type of fishing. It also means adopting the philosophy of the brand you support. It means promoting its products on social networks, being present at trade shows and competitions, and educating younger people about fish conservation. Finally, it means cultivating a team spirit and sharing with all team members.
What's your fondest memory, or an anecdote, as a pro-staff to share with our readers?
I remember an unforgettable sharing session on Lac du Der with the Amorces Brand team, of which we were a part. We were fishing with a total of seven rods. The aim was to put everything in place together: the baiting strategy and the installation of the lines, with no distinction as to who had each rod. All starts were shared between us. The session was a real success, with a total of 150 hits for 120 carp, including a magnificent 31 kg carp. That was six years ago, but it's still engraved in my memory. The watchword of this adventure was sharing.
What do you think of fishing in France?
We live in a country where we're incredibly lucky from a halieutic and piscicultural point of view. Paying for a card to practice your passion over almost the entire French territory is an immense privilege compared to our neighbors. In France, we have an exceptional herd of fish of all species. That makes this passion all-consuming. What worries me today are the activist anti-fishing movements. They are very well organized and are gaining ground in our country. However, I'm still hopeful that we'll be able to tackle this problem. So we can continue to practice our passion freely in the decades to come.
Any advice for anglers who want to join a Pro-Staff team one day?
To become a brand ambassador, it's crucial to understand that this role requires rigorous work, both upstream and downstream. First of all, a thorough knowledge of the discipline in which you specialize is essential. Mastery of the field is the key to standing out and progressing effectively.
Then you need to vary your experiences by exploring different fishing grounds, solo or in pairs, whatever the season. This diversity allows you to adapt to different conditions and enrich your skills. Constant self-questioning is also an essential aspect of improving your practice. Ongoing reflection helps you to perfect your technique and stay competitive.
It's important to look after your image on social networks. Publishing quality photos and videos, accompanied by descriptions free of spelling mistakes, enhances credibility. A polished presentation attracts more attention and inspires confidence. In addition, maintaining a regular presence on social platforms is necessary to engage an active and loyal community.
Finally, when it comes to collaborating with a brand, it's important to choose a company that matches your fishing style and offers real added value. It's not about joining a team simply for the status, but for the shared values and concrete benefits that such a collaboration can bring.
