STAFF BLOG

#30 Our ace in the hole: Brandon Card2012.05.21

2012 is an important year for DUO. The global sales strategy which we have started last year shall culminate this year as DUO starts distribution in the most of major markets in the world. The greatest market internationally is without a doubt United States of America, which DUO has entered this year via DUO North America. The main line which we will focus on in North American market will be the bass series, Realis, for which DUO NA has already found a great promoter in Brandon Card, an Elite series pro, the first pro to quality y to Elite straight from college circuit.

Brandon has been making us very proud here at DUO being 4th in the “Angler of the Year” category and being at the moment an undisputed leader in the “Rookie of the Year” category. Way to go, Brandon.

Seeing how Brandon can`t help himself, but being in the spotlight, I think it might be a good idea to get introduced to him and see what Brandon Card`s story is:

Brandon started fishing for bass at a very early age. Growing up only a few miles from Norris Lake, TN, Brandon stayed on the lake every chance he had. He competed in his first bass tournament at 14, and bought his first bass boat at age 16. Brandon honed his bass fishing skills by competing in many local and regional events throughout his high school years, including BFL tournaments and Bassmaster Weekend Series.

Following high school, he enrolled in the University of Kentucky’s landscape architecture program. Brandon joined the University of Kentucky Bass Fishing Team in 2005 and competed in his first college national championship that very year. The following season, he was appointed president of the UK Bass Fishing Team and served as president for the following three years. Throughout college, Brandon competed in six national championship events, including 2006, 2007, 2009 BoatU.S. National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championships, 2007 Ultimate Match Fishing College Edition, and 2008, 2009 Under Armour College Bass Championships.

In June 2007, Brandon won the Ultimate Match Fishing College Edition tournament on Oneida Lake, NY. Through that championship win, Brandon gained national exposure as he was featured in five episodes that aired on the Outdoor Channel. That win also gave him the confidence to pursue bass fishing as a career. Since graduating from college in May of 2009, Brandon has made great strides toward achieving his dream of becoming a professional angler.

Shortly following graduation, Brandon qualified and competed in the 2009 BASS Federation Nation Championship. The very next season, he won the 2010 BASS Federation Southern Divisional. That win re-qualified him to fish the BASS Federation Nation Championship for the second consecutive season.
 

Last year, Brandon competed in the 2011 BASS Southern Opens where he posted 4th, 9th, and 13th finishes in all three of the Southern Open tournaments. He finished 2nd place in Angler of the Year standings and received an invitation to compete in the 2012 Bassmaster Elites Series, where he is sponsored by DUO North America is already building a reputation for being a talent to watch for the future.

PERSONAL STATS
Born: 7/25/86 Hobbies: Basketball, football, and anything outdoors.
Hometown: Caryville, TN Favorite Food: Seafood.
Height: 6’ 3” Favorite Music: Country and Christian music.
Weight: 180 lbs. Favorite Movie: The Borne Ultimatum

ANGLING STATS
Titles/Honors: 2012 Bassmaster Elite Series Qualifier, 2010 BASS Federation Nation Southern Divisional Champion, 2008 & 2009 Kentucky BASS Federation Nation State Champion, 2007 Ultimate Match Fishing College Champion, 2009 & 2010 BASS Federation Nation Championship Contender
Favorite technique: Throwing jerkbaits and topwater for smallmouths.
Primary Fishing Strength: Shallow fishing with soft plastics.
Secondary Fishing Strength: Sightfishing.
Angling Hero: Jay Yelas. “He is a very versatile angler and extremely consistent.”
Why I Fish? “I love the challenge. Every lake is different. Every day is different. I love putting the pieces of the puzzle together.”

The next challenge for Brandon will be a Toledo Bent Battle starting on 7th June. Hope our Realis baits will bring you a nice catch – go get `em, Bradon!