Thursday
Nov262009
New Frabill Pros
Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 9:27AM
Frabill Aligns with Angling Dynamos
Roach, Gustafson and Neustrom join elite Pro-Staff
Jackson, WI – In an ambitious move, Frabill announced the addition of three influential anglers to their celebrated lineup. Tony Roach, Jeff Gustafson and Tom Neustrom add to a virtual dream-team of Frabill fishermen, which also includes Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, Scott & Marty Glorvigen, John Gillespie, amongst other notables.
Hailing from Northern Minnesota, Tony Roach was raised in a boat and on the ice, schooled in all things fishy by his father and great uncle, the legendary Gary “Mr. Walleye” Roach. On the water over 250 days a year, “T-Roach” has been a year-around professional guide for over a decade, operating the highly successful Roach’s Guide Service on famed Mille Lacs in Minnesota. Besides a rare talent for live bait rigging walleyes in open water, Roach devised the innovative “ice trolling” system, which has been highlighted in the national media. He appears frequently on television, seminars and in print publications, including In-Fisherman Ice Guide TV, Midwest Outdoors, Game & Fish, Outdoor News and In-Fisherman magazines.
“Frabill is one of the truly great fishing companies,” said Roach. “They’re the type of organization that everyone wants to work with. Not only do they make incredibly innovative gear, they make the stuff I use and abuse everyday—landing nets, ice shelters, live bait-care products, Snosuit…you name it. I’m proud to be a part of the Frabill Nation—these guys are the best of the best.”
Another of these elite Frabill recruits is Jeff “Gussy” 
Gustafson—a highly prominent name among Canadian anglers and ice fishermen across the Continent. An all-star fishing guide, Gussy instructs his clients on the finer points of fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and many other species on Lake of the Woods and other hotspots in his home region of Kenora, Ontario.
Gustafson—a highly prominent name among Canadian anglers and ice fishermen across the Continent. An all-star fishing guide, Gussy instructs his clients on the finer points of fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and many other species on Lake of the Woods and other hotspots in his home region of Kenora, Ontario. In addition to a hectic guiding and seminar schedule, Jeff has a bug for competitive events, twice winning the prestigious Kenora Bass International on Lake of the Woods. A frequent magazine contributor, Gussy has been featured in In-Fisherman, Outdoor Canada, Ontario Out-of-Doors and writes a weekly local newspaper column entitled "The Livewell." He has also appeared on In-Fisherman Ice Guide TV, Facts of Fishing, Bob Izumi's Real Fishing Show, Fish'n Canada, and hosts a local two-minute tip segment called "Fishin' with Gussy".
“I'm really stoked to be part of Team Frabill,” Gustafson said. “Their products are a big part of my success operating in the rugged Canadian Shield. From bait storage systems to nets, ice shelters to tip-ups, I never worry about Frabill products performing. And Snosuit is by far the warmest, finest fitting winter outerwear I’ve ever worn. It makes a Canadian winter seem less brutal.”
Meanwhile, at home in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame angler Tom Neustrom has spent more than 35 years as a professional fishing guide and tireless promoter. Off the water and ice, he leads fishing seminars and in-store promotions, writes articles, and even conducts a fishing school. He often appears in publications such as In-Fisherman, FLW Outdoors, North American Fisherman, Fishing Facts and Minnesota Sportsman. Since 1992 Neustrom has also hosted “Guides Corner” heard on KMFY-FM radio in Grand Rapids.
“Frabill aggressively pursues new and interesting fishing products,” said Neustrom. “They have a tremendous vision for the future, as well as a rare insight into the products anglers will be using many years from now.
“I look at what’s developing in the realm of invasive aquatic species, which is already affecting the way guides like me conduct business. A product like Frabill’s Aqua-Life Bait Station lets me transport dozens of minnows without having to drain livewell water. And for catch-and-release fishing, we use their Conservation Series nets to safely land and return fish to the water, healthy as ever.”
Frabill Marketing V.P. Jeff Kolodzinski, who has been instrumental in assembling the impressive Pro-Staff lineup, offers further insight. “We appreciate working with well-rounded promoters. Lots of guys can catch fish, and these guys can, too… believe me. But how do they treat the public during promotional events? What kind of feedback are they providing in terms of new product development? Do they have a smile on their face? What’s their relationship with the outdoor media? Guys like Tony, Jeff and Tom each exemplify what Frabill is all about—making trusted fishing gear, and putting that degree of trust in our consumers.
“Together we’re anticipating a strong future for Frabill and Snosuit.”
ABOUT FRABILL
Frabill, Inc. (Jackson, Wis.) is celebrating 71 years of building the most trusted gear in the fishing industry. Frabill’s ice fishing product mix consists of portable ice fishing shelters, rod and reel combos, tip-ups, bait containers, portable aeration and other related accessories. Open water products include landing nets, portable aeration, bait containers, bait care, bait traps and seines, and other accessories. Visit www.frabill.com.
