One of the biggest names in professional bass fishing and recent Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, Mike “Ike” Iaconelli has joined the Berkley hard bait and terminal tackle team for 2024. After being on the Berkley soft bait team for many years, Ike is becoming universally Berkley baits for the upcoming season. He is no longer with Rapala and VMC for hard baits and terminal tackle.
Being affiliated with Berkley soft baits for many years, Ike recognizes Berkley’s innovation with cutting-edge new hard baits. Baits including the Money Badger, Stunna, Frittside, and Dime will become staples in Ike’s weaponry moving forward.
Ike has fished on the Bassmaster Elite Series since the year 2000, and has recorded eight career wins including the 2003 Bassmaster Classic on the Louisiana Delta 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 Ike. “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. I couldn’t be more excited to have this opportunity.”
Having helped develop several popular Berkley soft baits, Ike looks forward to Berkley’s new launch of hard and soft baits that are specifically optimized for forward-facing sonar.
“With this forward-facing sonar craze happening right now, Berkley is creating innovative baits and techniques to help utilize this technology and change the way we fish,” said Ike. “Berkley is truly establishing themselves 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.”
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