Aqua-Vu Continues to Assemble ‘Perfect Pro-Staff’
OutdoorHub 01.28.13
Underwater camera category leader Aqua-Vu recently announced the addition of two angling visionaries to an already potent pro staff. Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer Tom Neustrom and Great Lakes authority Joe Balog bolster a starting lineup that includes all-stars Brian “Bro” Brosdahl, Ott Defoe, Tommy Skarlis and Ted Takasaki.
Neustrom, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota is one of the most recognizable walleye anglers in North America. A renowned Northwoods fishing guide and angling theoretician, his background parallels that of confidants Al and Ron Lindner and the late E.L. Buck Perry. The industry insider calls on his former career as a Chicago cop and Minnesota sheriff’s deputy to communicate freely and easily with anglers of all skill levels.
He’s also known for a rare and instinctive talent for finding fish.
“I still recall using one of the original Aqua-Vu underwater cameras to observe my favorite rockpiles and weedbeds,” says Neustrom. “It was absolutely fascinating, and a major learning experience that helped me fully understand the aquatic terrain and improve my angling skills.
“Reconnecting with the great, innovative folks at Aqua-Vu—just down the road from my home in Northern Minnesota—is tremendously thrilling. I’m really looking forward to passing on the knowledge I’ve gained by using an Aqua-Vu, as well as spreading the word on just what an amazing fishing tool this really is.”
Across the Great Lakes and at home on Michigan’s Lake St. Clair, professional tournament and promotional angler Joe Balog remains the region’s most successful bass competitor. His knowledge of the Lakes and their waterscapes are unmatched, earning him over $250,000 in Great Lakes bass tournaments alone. He’s also an exceptional ice angler who spends considerable time pursuing perch and other panfish during winter.
“When I had the opportunity to re-align with Aqua-Vu this year,” says Balog, “I became really excited. Back in the 1990s, I was one of the first anglers to use an underwater camera on the Great Lakes. It really opened my eyes to the intricacies of deep structure fishing for smallmouth.
“In today’s era, Aqua Vu is producing the most technologically advanced cameras ever. Products like the AV Micro Plus with DVR are so compact and easy to use, and they’re barely larger than a cell phone.
“In my open water and ice fishing work around the Great Lakes, I’m using an Aqua Vu camera daily— it’s become one of my most important pieces of equipment.”
Aqua-Vu President Ben Gibbs, who’s guided the company to continued acclaim, adds insight on his new all-stars. “As one of most astute users of fishing technology and underwater cameras, Joe Balog is a natural for Aqua-Vu. We look forward to tapping his knowledge, while Aqua-Vu’s customers and retail partners will appreciate his tremendous ability to tell our story.
Gibbs continues: “Tom Neustrom embodies ‘legendary angler.’ We believe his insights, guidance and ability to connect with our customers will greatly benefit the Aqua-Vu brand.
