COSTA MESA, Calif. (April 9, 2008) – Lucky Craft USA announced today the addition of Elite Series pro Casey Ashley to the national Lucky Craft pro staff.

Twenty-four-year-old, Casey Ashley has only been fishing the Bassmaster Elite Series for two years but caught the eye of Lucky Craft president, Minoru Segawa, after a successful 2007 season. After his first BASS win in his rookie year on Smith Mountain Lake in June 2007, Ashley’s career took off.

“I’m very excited about this sponsorship,” Ashley said. “This is big for me. Lucky Craft is one of the top names in the fishing industry, and I’m honored to be a part of the team; especially because of the big names who are already a part it.”

Ashley is referring to the Lucky Craft pro staff consisting of BASS pros Skeet Reese, Gerald Swindle, Kelly Jordon and Takahiro Omori. With a team of that caliber, Ashley knows he will learn a great deal from his teammates and looks forward to the year ahead.

Casey Ashley	Cary Bever	Gabe Bolivar	Gary Dobyns
Brent Ehrler	Anthony Gagliardi	Kelly Jordon	Takahiro Omori
Skeet Reese	Gerald Swindle	Joe Thomas

A self-proclaimed fast fisherman, Ashley has several other techniques he likes to use, and several of those include Lucky Craft lures.

“The places we go to fish tournaments allow you to fish fast in practice, but not so much during the tournament,” Ashley said. “I usually have to switch it up and slow down in the tournament, because all the guys I’m fishing against are so good. They are going to find the same areas I do, and they are going to try and power fish, too.

“Slowing down and being forced to change my normal pattern allows me to take advantage of other strengths I have, like throwing crankbaits and jerkbaits,” Ashley continued. “I love to do that, and Lucky Craft has some of the best crankbaits and jerkbaits on the market. I am so excited to be a part of such a great company, and I am looking forward to a great 2008.”

This season has started off well for Ashley, as he hasn’t finished worse than 28th in a tournament this year. In his first Classic, in February, Ashley boasted a 17th-place finish with 35 pounds, 12 ounces during four days of fishing on Lake Hartwell. Off to a good start, Segawa is pleased to have Ashley join the team.

“I am very excited about Ashley’s decision to join the Lucky Craft pro staff,” Segawa said. “I am looking forward to watching him grow as a person and an angler, and I can’t wait to see what 2008 brings.”