Hello Frédéric, could you introduce yourself to our readers?
I'm currently 41 years old and 100% Cotentinois. My fishing areas range from the West to the East of France. I've been a Pro-Staï¬euros Delalande for 3 years.
Fishing has always been my passion, with varying degrees of intensity depending on the moment in my life. I fish from boats on wrecks and rock heads. My main sport is lure fishing, but I also enjoy bait fishing, which I do with my buddy Fabien (Tynilla) when he comes over.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
My first taste of fishing was with my grandfather in Barfleur, in the '87s, on a small boat on which I fished for mackerel with a trolling boat, as a complement to rock fishing with bouquet, which in our region is a delicacy. I then started fishing with a rod, first with a water bubble to catch garfish, then with lures to catch one of the most combative fish, the sea bass. Life took me away from fishing for a while to pursue another passion, cycling, which took up a lot of my time.
It was only 5 years ago that I got back into fishing seriously, with the first year being spent on board, followed by the investment in a small semi-rigid 520, which I owned for a year and which enabled me to discover the various areas in my sector. Then came the purchase of my latest boat, a 640, which enabled me to broaden my search.
When I commit myself to a passion, I give myself the means to achieve it. Researching spots, analyzing the water, currents and schedules. A few second thoughts when things don't work out, and off I go again. I go out as soon as I get the chance - sea bass, pollack, turbot, tuna - and try to increase the number of species I catch each year.
When, how and why did you agree to be Pro-Staï¬euros?
4 years ago, I started watching Tynilla's videos on Youtube, which made me want to use Delalande lures, and what's more, a French brand.
One thing leading to another, I got to know Fabien, started taking a lot of photos with decoys and gradually got noticed on the networks for the quality of my content and photos.
I was contacted by the brand, we discussed their expectations in terms of communication/sponsorship and we agreed on a partnership together. I then worked my way up to Pro-Staï¬euros status.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Being an ambassador means first and foremost promoting the brand to which we are linked, whether on social networks via photos, videos, answers to questions on forums, or in our local circle. It's all about remaining available to those seeking information.
Being able to represent a French brand, with 85% bio-sourced lures, is a real honor for me, because you have to be a bit chauvinistic after all. It also gives me the chance to get out with other Pro-Staï¬euros and enjoy some great outings together.
I'd also like to point out that you have to respect other brands and ambassadors, because you represent the brand and the image associated with it!
The Pro-Staï¬euros aspect is also an open door to participate in the evolution of the brand. By choosing active anglers, brands can gather information on lure types and colors, and have anglers try out lures in development to get their feedback. For people like me who want to participate in development, it's really great to be Pro-Staï¬euros.
Your fondest memory, or an anecdote, as a Pro-staï¬euros to share with our readers?
I'd say that being Pro-Staï¬euros has given me not one, but many wonderful memories. In particular, it has enabled me to converse on the networks with fishermen from my area, and even further afield, to take them out boating and become friends with them.
Fishing is all about sharing and a good atmosphere, and jealousy and petty squabbles have no place here.
If I had to choose one outing, one memory, it would be my "turbot fishing" outing with my teammates on all my outings, Vincent and Fabien. It was a magical outing that showed us all the seasons in one day.
What do you think of fishing in France?
We're lucky enough to have a pretty fantastic playing field. Unfortunately, the people who run our authorities are not up to the level of our passion. Having rules put in place either too late, or for nothing, without identifying the consequences for both wildlife and traders, is a bit limiting. Species evolve and move, and we need to know how to adapt.
These days, fishing is, for some people, an escape from the gloom of life. If we restrict our passions more and more, will they remain our passions?
Any advice for anglers who one day want to join a Pro-Staï¬euros team?
If an angler wants to become Pro-Staï¬euros, he or she must commit to the project. Believe in your brand, exchange with members and Pro-Staï¬euros in place. If you believe in your project, you can do it. Try to get out there as soon as possible, and make beautiful images. That's how you get noticed.
