DEARBORN, Mich. (January 27, 2020) – As part of its continued support of the sport, Carhartt announced today the addition of Bassmaster Elite Series pros Caleb Sumrall and Chris Zaldain to their team, along with Trait Zaldain, a longtime competitor in the Bassmaster Open series.
Sumrall, a former oil industry supply yard worker, became one of bass fishing’s all-time dream-come-true stories in 2017. The husband and father of two young children went from the stressful concerns of being laid-off in the Southern Louisiana petroleum industry to a B.A.S.S. National Champion, earning a $40,000 cash prize, and an invitation to become a Bassmaster Elite Series pro.
The highly personable Iberia, La., pro has since leveraged his pro angling opportunity to the fullest with six Top 30 finishes in 2019 that sends him back to the Bassmaster Classic for the second time, and builds great promise for his still young career.
Speaking of making the most of an opportunity, few pros in the world converted a promising fishing career into one of best in the business last year more so than California native, turned part-time Texas cattle farmer, Chris Zaldain.
Zaldain notched three super-impressive, yet somewhat heartbreaking second-place finishes in 2019, and qualified for his fifth Bassmaster Classic – an event he nearly won last year. He makes hard work the common fiber to all he does, whether challenging for an Elite Series win or managing Black Angus near his Fort Worth home.
However, Chris is not the only Zaldain who fishes. His wife Trait was raised by an avid angling father, and was already competing in B.A.S.S. tournaments when she and Chris met. Trait has worked diligently to further her tournament fishing career, while inspiring other females to become involved in fishing.
Carhartt has been recognized as America’s leading workwear brand since 1889, but many may not know the iconic brand has been an avid supporter of bass fishing for the past eight years. In fact, its hats, raingear, shirts and more have become the outdoor clothing of choice for passionate college anglers and those who enjoy trading their toolbox for a tacklebox, no matter the season.
“We’re excited to welcome these world-class anglers to the Carhartt family,” said Brian Spiro, Manager of Partnerships and Influencer Marketing at Carhartt. “We know they will outwork them all, just as our rugged gear does for our consumers every day, either on the job or off.”
Hard work, honesty, and a passion for fishing are just a few of the characteristics these anglers share with 30 million other Americans, and Carhartt is excited to be a part of their 2020 season.