Rapala, a legendary company already in possession of the industry’s most accomplished and diverse pro-staffers, announces the addition of the reigning National Walleye Tour AOY, Duane “Dewey” Hjelm.
Hjelm will partner with the company for Rapala hard baits, VMC hooks and jigs, as well as Sufix line.
“Rapala baits have helped me catch fish everywhere I go. I am excited to join the team and really look forward to an amazing partnership,” Hjelm said.
About Duane Hjelm
Hjelm has been fishing for walleyes his entire life, beginning in his hometown of Woonsocket, S.D. and now in Pierre, S.D where Duane resides with his family today. After one of the most impressive seasons in the history of walleye tournaments, he has made the decision to quit his day job and fish for a living.
“I’ve been using Rapalas my entire life and have complete confidence in them, it’s a dream come true to make this partnership official,” stated Hjelm. “Fishing at this level, you have to control the controllables and a lot of that boils down to equipment. From my rod and reel, to the line, to the lures, jigs and hooks, everything needs to be perfect.
“Working with Rapala®, VMC® and Sufix® makes my job that much easier,” he added. “Every minute on the water is valuable so when I pull a Shad Rap or a Deep Husky Jerk out of the package, it runs true and that means I’m spending more time fishing.”
“Duane came onto the walleye scene in a BIG way. You’d have to be living under a rock not to have noticed what he did last year, it was nothing short of incredible,” said Dan Quinn, Director of Field Promotions and R&D. “With the level of competition in fishing tournaments these days, you have to have something special to stand out which Duane has proven he has and made it look easy!”
Head to rapala.com for all of your walleye needs.