Beating out the best in the kayak fishing industry, Ardent angler Gilbert Hernandez ruled the saltwater at The Plastic Navy Trail, one of California's largest Kayak fishing trails, to earn the title of 2009 Plastic Navy Angler of the Year. Team Ardent members placed 1st, 2nd and 8th overall at the most recent Plastic Navy tournament using both the Ardent XS and C400 reels.
"Winning the title of Angler of the Year was a perfect ending to this series," said Hernandez, a float-tuber-turned-kayak-fisherman. "I will definitively use this success to propel me into upcoming competitions and more victories alongside the Ardent Kayak team."
This past year, Hernandez decided to narrow his focus on The Plastic Navy Trail. He placed 5th at both the Plastic Navy Mission Bay and Plastic Navy Huntington Harbor tournaments, 11th at the Plastic Navy La Jolla and 8th at the most recent tournament in San Diego. When he is not competing, Hernandez perfects his technique in California bays and harbors.
"Gilbert's success in both saltwater and freshwater speaks of his natural talent," said Michael J. Brooks, President and C.E.O. of Ardent. "With his extensive experience, he is a strong member of the Ardent Team, and I am very excited for his Angler of the Year status to be the start of more recognition to come for both the sport itself and our superior reels all Made in the USA."
Hernandez seized the 2009 Plastic Navy Angler of the Year with Ardent's XS and C400 reels. The Ardent XS series consists of the XS1000 and XS600 casting reels, both of which produce incredible casting distance and superior backlash resistance. The XS1000 has received the prestigious seal of approval from the North American Fishing Club and is fished by over 55 top rated professional and amateur tournament anglers including B.A.S.S. Elite 100 Series Professionals Alton Jones, Denny Brauer, Pete Ponds, Kevin Short, Jeff Coble, Jimmy Mason and more.
The Ardent C400 was also used by Hernandez in this tournament and is also a casting reel that provides the best value in a durable high performance reel.
About Ardent
With headquarters in Macon, Mo., Ardent designs and manufactures fishing reels and fishing reel accessories that are Made in the USA. Ardent was founded on the principle of creating high-performance fishing reels that can endure the test of time. In addition, every Ardent reel is hand-assembled and performance-tested prior to shipment and is backed by the industry best three-year warranty. For more information, please visit www.ardentoutdoors.com.
