How Rapala Australia is aiming to make native son’s Bassmaster Classic dream come true

Rapala Australia is aiming to help Bassmaster Elite Pro, Carl Jocumsen, achieve his dream of becoming the first Down Under angler to raise the world’s most famous fishing trophy.

The company signed its native son to fish Rapala hardbaits in his quest to achieve his dream of winning the Bassmaster Classic in the US. “We are proud of how hard Carl has worked and how far he has come over the last 10 years in the US and are happy to help him achieve his goal,” said Tim Morgan, Rapala Australia National Sales and Brand Manager.

“Now that he is using Rapala, I am sure he will achieve his goal even sooner.” The only Australian to qualify for and compete in the Bassmaster Elite Series in the US, Jocumsen remains the all-time money earner back home in Australia, despite not having fished a competition there for more than a decade.

“Carl Jocumsen is undoubtedly the best bass fisherman Australia has ever produced,” added Morgan. “Rapala Australia is really excited to be pairing up with him as we share his passion and enthusiasm for the sport of fishing. He is a great role model for the emerging generation of fishermen in Australia.”

In the US, Jacumsen’s career highlight was winning a 2019 Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Oklahoma’s Lake Tenkiller. Rapala USA Field Promotions Manager, Dan Quinn, is looking forward to seeing him compete side by side with the Rapala pro team and hoist more tournament trophies.

“We were thrilled to hear of Rapala Australia’s interest in working with Carl as he will fit right into our team of B.A.S.S. pros here in the States,” added Quinn. “B.A.S.S. and Rapala are both international brands so it is pretty darn cool to connect the two of us on an international level through Carl. His presence in the Australian and US markets is undeniable. He has worked very hard and overcame many obstacles to be where he is today.”

Jocumsen added: “Thinking about the journey and where I’ve come from and where I am now, and then to have the company reach out and want to support me is huge.”

Although a Rapala logo will appear on Jocumsen’s tournament jersey for the first time this year, his tackle boxes have been filled with the group’s baits. “I didn’t really need to order many lures because I already have loads of them. They are in my arsenal.” said Jocumsen. “These are baits that I have tied on already and have confidence in. Rapala has been part of my fishing journey ever since I can remember.”