I caught up with Warren and Jules as they were headed out for a tarpon fish a
couple of days after the Port Charlotte tournament. Congratulations on becoming
Team of the Year in the inaugural season of the Ranger Mercury Redfish Tour.
What exciting has happened for you since winning?
Warren: "We have been able to approach potential sponsors much more easily
with the notoriety we gained from the title. It has helped us pick up nine new
ones."
Jules: "We have also met some great fishermen and made many genuine
friendships with the other guys on tour."
How about the talent this year and its effect on becoming repeat
champions?
Warren: "Being able to repeat in any sport is a dream come true. There is
obviously more depth on tour this year and a core of experienced tournament
fishermen to compete with."
What are your goals for year-end?
Warren: "We are going for a top 10 finish. Titusville was tough on everyone,
I wish we could have at least gotten one small fish – but we have put that
behind us and have been able to make two paychecks since then."
Do you have a particular strategy on how to get there?
Warren: "We plan to prefish for at least 3-4 days before each tournament."
Jules: "Warren doesn't want to toot his own horn, but he is a tremendous
competitor from his years as a tennis pro. He has an ability to form a game plan
and the tenacity to stick to it. That has been a big part of our success."
Tell us a little about your sponsors.
Warren: "Ranger Boats has offered us a package on a new boat. Mr. Twister is
another one that we have done well with – we have won at least $50,000 using
their soft plastics in tournaments. Power Pro Lines, Power Pole, Diawa,
Mirrolure, and Yozuri are also helping out."
Jules: "I am particularly excited to be endorsed by the Make a Wish
Foundation. I have donated a significant portion of my winnings to their
organization and they have made us the first fishing related entity that they
allow to use their logos as a beneficiary sponsor. We also picked up Panama Jack
sunscreens, Mustad Hooks, Big Fish Tackle, Ocean Waves sunglasses, and Standard
Mapping. They provide us with the aerial photos we use to find spots at every
tournament.".
