/ 
Hello Jérôme, would you like to introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Jérôme Lefrancois, I'm 39 years old. I'm a father, salesman and Sico-Lure ambassador for 3 years now. I live in the Auvergne region of France, where I'm lucky enough to be able to practice my passion for lure fishing all year round, on both top-class rivers and reservoirs.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
I come from a family of fishermen, so I started when I was very young. My grandfather was a fisherman, as were my father and uncles, so I was around water from a very early age. I was really immersed in it. Even during family dinners, fishing was always present. I started fishing with a jig, then quickly with a toc. At a very young age and of course without any means, it's an inexpensive way of fishing. It's a great way to learn how to read a river and know where the fish are. It's also a great way to learn about trout feeding, because before the actual fishing there's the search for bait. I then tried my hand at minnow fishing, which led me to switch to swimming fish. Less restrictive, as it removed the problem of catching and preserving minnows.
After a short break in my teenage years, I was back on the water again very soon after turning 18. My passion for lure fishing only grew. We were a group of 4 or 5 friends who were totally hooked, and we were constantly striving to improve our skills. The frustration of the closure of the first category in September was so great that we had to find a palliative. We quickly turned to carnivore fishing on the region's dams to extend the season. Pike fishing on the banks and vertical pike-perch fishing. Thanks to specific regulations, we're lucky enough to be able to fish with lures 12 months out of 12.
When, how and why did you agree to be pro-staff?
So if some people are lucky enough to receive offers, I'm the one who took the first step. It was a childhood dream to become an ambassador. The biggest fishing show, the CNPL, was held in my region, and every year it was a big event for us. I met people who represented a brand and dreamed of one day being in their shoes. I used to fish a lot for trout, and I really liked Sico-Lure products, so I contacted the brand. The timing was right, as they were expanding their range and looking for new representatives. My profile as an angler in the field appealed to them, and that's how I got the chance to join the team.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Being an ambassador means being an integral part of a team. It means taking part in events to present the brand's products. It means exchanging ideas with other anglers, whether beginners or experienced. It also means contributing to the development of the company. I've never dared to take the plunge into lure design, and I'm delighted to be able to participate, in my own small way, in the development of new products by giving my opinion and feedback.
What's your fondest memory, or anecdote, as a pro-staff to share with our readers?
There are already a lot of good memories, but there's one that stuck with me more than the others. It was my first year with the Sico-Lure team, and founder Baptiste invited the whole team for an extended weekend on the Ile de Ré. Unforgettable moments, especially for a freshwater angler like me. Incredible moments of fishing by boat or wading and rich human encounters. On one boat trip in particular, we were lucky enough to witness several hours of intense hunting. Of course, we didn't just watch the action, we took in every bite!
What do you think of fishing in France?
So I'm 39 years old and I only fish in the public domain. So I have a bit of hindsight, and unfortunately I can only observe the decline in the quality of fishing in our country. Salmonid populations are declining year after year. Many of the areas where I started out, for example, are almost devoid of trout. The situation is no better for carnivore fishing on dams. Fishing pressure has increased, and fish are under much greater pressure, particularly with the arrival of new echo sounder technologies. All of which does not make fishing any easier. What's more, water levels are lower every year, the water is getting warmer, cyanobacteria are appearing... The priority of these dams is to generate electricity, not fish welfare.
Not a very optimistic view, but not defeatist either, there are things to be done. I'm thinking in particular of those long stretches of river that are first category in name only, since salmonids have all but disappeared. Let's face it, global warming is only going to make things worse, so why not create stocked runs that can be fished all year round? This could give a boost to the fishing industry in a given area, giving work to guides and fishing stores, as well as restaurants and hotels. But for that to happen, it's up to us and our younger members to get involved in our associations and make things happen.
Any advice for anglers who might one day want to join a pro-staff team?
Well, since it worked for me, it can work for others. So go for a brand that you know and, above all, that you like and that matches your fishing style. Feed the networks well, while taking care to respect the environment and the fish. And don't hesitate to try your luck by contacting the brand when you feel the time is right - sometimes you have to force fate a little.
Thank you very much for this interview Jérôme. It's a pleasure to talk to a field angler like you and to feel your joy at being part of this Sico-Lure family, which seems to be very close-knit. I wish you an excellent year on the water and many great projects to come with the team.
