Josh Bertrand is dedicated to the sport of fishing, and has developed an impressive list of accomplishments. Through his young career, the Arizona native has developed a reputation on tour as a leader that strives to give back to the sport he loves and as a relentless competitor. It is this drive and passion for the sport of fishing that lead to a renewed contract between Bertrand, Abu Garcia and Berkley.
“The upcoming years are going to be exciting,” said Bertrand. “Not only will I be fishing with the brands I grew up with, but I get to help develop innovative products that help get more anglers out on the water. I know the products coming out from Abu Garcia and Berkley are fostering the next generation of elite anglers. This is an exciting time to be part of the team.”
Throughout the length of the contract, Bertrand will represent the brands during the Elite series, in-store appearances, seminars and various events. Bertrand will also be working with the brand teams to develop the next wave of innovative products from Abu Garcia and Berkley.
The B.A.S.S. Elite series pro has had four top-ten finishes and has finished in the money 20 times in his brief time on the professional bass fishing tour. In only his second Elite series event, Bertrand finished in fourth place at the Sabine River, which eventually led to him qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic in 2014.
Although performance is important to gaining traction with sponsors, representing the sport of fishing in a positive light is vitally important. Bertrand has been on the forefront, giving young anglers tips and tactics as well as developing the next generation of angler through special events Bertrand attends. He has worked developing junior bass anglers in the western states, volunteered with the We Love to Fish program and mentors local high school bass-angling clubs.
“Josh has proven to be an invaluable part of the Abu Garcia and Berkley team,” said Hunter Cole, Sr. Mkt. Mgr. Media & PR, Pure Fishing. ” This is certainly an exciting time for the brands, and Josh has had an impressive start to what is sure to be a great, long lasting career. We look forward to increasing his involvement with Abu Garcia and Berkley in the upcoming years.”
Abu Garcia and Berkley have been a staple in the young pros career. He used to go out of his way to buy up all the used Abu Garcia Revos he could when he was first guiding bass fishing trips. Bertrand grew up relying on Berkley baits to get him through his club fishing years as well.
“When you first start out trying to make fishing your career you use what works,” said Bertrand. “For me, it was always Abu Garcia and Berkley. They were always on my boat whether I was fishing a club event or guiding clients. Each of the companies are innovative with products that can catch fish anywhere. I am excited to be part of the Abu Garcia and Berkley teams because I’ve trusted them for so many years, and they’ve really developed my angling skills since the beginning.”
Next stop for Bertrand is the 2016 Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake in Tulsa, Okla. This marks the second time Bertrand has qualified for the biggest bass fishing tournament.
