Gamakatsu congratulates Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kyle Welcher on securing the 2023 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Angler of the Year title. Welcher held off a stacked Elite Series field during the nine-event schedule, besting South Carolina pros Brandon Cobb and Patrick Walters to secure his first AOY title.
The Opelika, Alabama, pro never finished below 44th place during the 2023 campaign, proving his diversity as an angler from Florida to New York. Logging two Top 10 and three Top 20 finishes along the way, Welcher utilized a variety of Gamakatsu hooks throughout the season in both finesse and power fishing scenarios. Welcher is extremely grateful to join the ranks of former Bassmaster AOY winners.
“I don’t think it has really set in,” said Welcher. “I can’t believe it is true just yet. It has been a great season and winning AOY is one of those things where everything just has to go right for nine tournaments. I am extremely grateful to have my name mentioned with all of the great anglers who have earned this title before me. Gamakatsu hooks were an extremely important element of my success this season.”
Ted Thibault, Gamakatsu USA sales manager, is honored to have Welcher as a member of the team.
“Kyle is a very valuable member of our pro team, and we are honored to be a part of his monumental achievement,” said Thibault. “He is one of the most mentally focused people you will meet and I’m sure he will continue to have tremendous success in the future.”
