KastKing Announces Additions to Professional Staff
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of KastKing. KastKing, a leading manufacturer of rod, reel, line and tackle accessories, sells fishing tackle around the world through a variety of supply chains. With affordable innovation, inventive designs, and fresh concepts, this manufacturer has established itself as a powerhouse in the fishing tackle industry.
“Today, I am proud to announce the addition of two Bass Pro Tour MLF Fishing Pros to the KastKing team with the signing of my old friend Skeet Reese and a new friend, James Elam. Both professional anglers bring incredible talent, passion and credibility to our brand,” said Al Noraker, President of KastKing USA.
“Both anglers signify the quality and technology that KastKing brings to anglers of all skill levels as they strive to win at every level, whether it be on the bass tournament circuit or simply enjoying the sport of fishing,” he added.
Skeet Reese has one of the most successful careers in bass fishing history. Skeet is a native of Northern California and is one of the few anglers to have earned Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year and Bassmaster Classic titles.
“I am excited to join the KastKing team. I love that they are a 10 year old company that has gone against what the big traditional brands have done. They have their own team of engineers developing their designs. KastKing started from scratch creating great products at affordable prices,” Reese explained.
“What impressed me is the combination of high quality and affordable prices. The quality is better than I have seen in many fishing products, so I would expect the price to be two to three times what they are. Comparable brands are in the $300 and $400 range, but you are often looking for comparable quality but at a median price of $100,” Reese added.
Reese will be fishing the entire line of KastKing reels; however, KastKing Speed Demon Deadbolt and KastKing Speed Demon Elite really impress him.
“One reel that is driving me crazy is the Deadbolt! It’s so simple; it makes perfect sense to pop a frog or hit. Why have extra parts on a reel you don’t use? It simplifies fishing,” Reese said.
The Speed Demon Deadbolt Baitcasting Reels were designed to eliminate the frustrations anglers had with their slipping drag when fishing heavy cover by eliminating drag. Rotation allows for powerful, slip-free hook sets.
“Speed equals efficiency. That’s where the Speed Demon reels work. You waste no time putting the bait back in the boat. At the end of the day, if I get an extra 40-50 casts, it can make all the difference,” Reese said.
A former Bassmaster Elite and Open champion, Elam joined the Major League Bass Pro Tour circuit four years ago. He will be fishing for REDCREST from Major League Fishing, the Sea Bass Professional Fishing World Championship, at Lake Norman in North Carolina this March, where he will be fishing KastKing rods and reels.
Elam’s go-to rod series is the KastKing Orange Speed Demon Pro Tournament series. “There is a rod for every application a bass angler might need,” Elam said. “Usually you will see me with a Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series and a Speed Demon Elite reel in 10.5:1 and 8.6:1 gear ratios, but there are several different reels I use for different applications,” added Elam. He uses the KastKing Bassinator Elite reel for slower applications, especially in the slower 6.6:1 gear ratio. “When I need a smaller reel that casts light baits extremely well and can really spark, I love the KastKing Kestrel Elite Magnesium Frame: BFS,” he added.
“I am excited to be on the KastKing team! I am especially impressed by the affordability of all KastKing products. When fishing for bass, it’s easy to have a lot of money wrapped up in a few products, but with KastKing, you can have a wide variety and combinations on your boat at an affordable price. They have made innovation affordable for the bass pro and weekend bass warrior alike,” Elam said.
“I hope that both Skeet and James will encourage us to continue our growth and develop new, cutting-edge technology that helps them win at the highest level. We welcome your requirement to be the best at everything we do as it will push KastKing even further to continue to develop the highest quality and most innovative products available to anglers. I look forward to 2023 and beyond. I will be their biggest cheerleader as they continue their quest to win,” Noraker said.
About KastKing:
Founded in 2013, KastKing had a vision of producing quality products designed by anglers for anglers and delivered directly to the consumer at affordable prices. True to that vision, KastKing products are developed through input from the fishing community and go directly to the manufacturing plant. This reverse formula from manufacturer to consumer introduces cutting edge features into the new products that anglers want and need. The brand has gained popularity with anglers by offering affordable innovation through in-house engineering, allowing KastKing to offer never-before-seen technology at truly extraordinary prices. Ten years later, KastKing products have been sold in more than 60 countries around the world through a variety of supply chains. Originally, KastKing products were only available online, but consumers can now find their favorite products in a growing number of retail stores. To learn more about KastKing and KastKing products, please visit our website at kastking.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.