Mike Iaconelli throws whole weight behind Berkley

One of the best known professional bass anglers has thrown his whole weight behind the Berkley brand.

After being on the Pure Fishing brand’s soft bait team for many years, Mike ‘Ike’ Iaconelli has upped his involvement with Berkley by joining the hard bait and terminal tackle side of the business.

Hard lures including Money Badge, Stunna, Frittside and Dime will become staples in Ike’s weaponry moving forward.

He has fished on the Bassmaster Elite Series since 2000, and has recorded eight career wins including the 2003 Bassmaster Classic along with winning the Bassmaster Angler of the Year title in 2006. To cap it off, Iaconelli has accrued over $2.7 million dollars in career tournament winnings with both B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing.

“I am beyond excited to be joining the hard bait side of the Berkley team,” said Iaconelli. “I have had the privilege of having a hand in developing some amazing Berkley soft baits over the years and this truly brings everything full circle for me to join this team and I couldn’t be more excited to have this opportunity.”

Having helped develop several popular Berkley soft baits, Iaconelli looks forward to Berkley’s new launch of hard and soft baits that are specifically optimised for forward-facing sonar.

“With this forward-facing sonar craze happening right now, Berkley is creating innovative baits and techniques to help utilise this technology and change the way we fish,” he said. “Berkley is truly establishing itself as a leader in dominating sight and technology. I look forward to helping assist in how we better interact with fish using such an advanced sonar.”

“Mike is someone who has paved his way as one of the most consistent and well respected anglers in the industry, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him join the Berkley hard bait and terminal tackle team,” said Berkley’s Vice President of Marketing Communications, Marc Kempter. “He has played a crucial role in the growth and development of some of Pure Fishing’s biggest brands and there’s no question he will do the same for Berkley’s hard bait and terminal tackle team.”