13 Fishing deals winning hand to new recruit

Former professional poker player, Kyle Welcher, who cashed in his chips to focus on full-time tournament fishing, has committed to the exclusive use of 13 Fishing rods, reels and soft baits in the Bassmaster Elite Series.

The Alabama angler has been building his own rods for years, but believes he could be holding a royal flush after connecting with the Florida brand. “What most people don’t understand is that it’s not about taking an existing blank and mixing and matching the components,” he says.

“What we are doing at 13 Fishing is starting from the ground up by designing the blanks, which makes for a better product.”

Welcher also draws similarities between fishing and poker. “Trying to be a pro fisherman kind of goes against the grain of society. It’s not the safest route to a successful life. It’s the same in poker, because 95% of players are going to lose money.

“The number one thing for me is consistency. You want something consistent and sustainable if you’re going to try to make a career out of it.

“Yeah, I’m going to try to swing and catch them as good as I can, but you have to be there on the final day. That’s the goal – get to the last day by any means necessary.”

“He gets it,” said 13’s Head of Rod Design, Ricky Teschendorf. “From the moment he started giving feedback it was off to the races and the rods have become legitimately better. He is really good at focusing on balance and the big picture.”

13’s Head of Reel Design, Matt Baldwin, says that Welcher’s elite level tournament knowledge of tackle will be a great asset. “He understands the small details that make products great. He’s already made a great impact that will show in our upcoming product line.”