FLW Pro Michael Murphy Talks Tabu
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
South Carolina Pro Ready for 2008 Season
Gilbert, SC. – South Carolina pro Michael Murphy enjoyed a productive rookie year on the FLW Tour in 2007, with a season that culminated in an appearance at the FLW Championship in Hot Springs, Arkansas. While he’s understandably proud of that achievement, as his 2008 journey commences he’s equally excited about his business interests.
He ran a Slim Jim wrapped Ranger last year, and ConAgra’s decision to pull out of FLW has left that deal high and dry, but all of his other sponsors have stepped it up for ‘08.
“Berkley is a new sponsor for 2008. That’ll cover rods, reels and lines, with a focus on the Gulp! line of products. Navionics has really kicked up their support. Yamaha and Ranger have also increased their support of my career.”
Through IMA lures of Japan, he’s also the signatory for a high-tech new jerkbait, the “Flit,” introduced at last summer’s ICAST show.
While all of those brands are integral parts of his portfolio, the endeavor that seems to take up the most time these days is his involvement in a new tackle company called TABU – which stands for “Tournament Approved By Us” – in which he has partnered with Kelly Jordon, Anthony Gagliardi, Matt Herren, Dave Lefebre and, most recently, Fred Roumbanis.
The purpose behind TABU is to improve the tools available to them, while also cutting out the financial middleman.
“It’s based on the concept that in many cases pro fishermen are working for companies, but not getting paid sufficiently. A lot of time if you have a signature series (product) you only get a fraction of the benefits you deserve. The company gets millions and the pros get nothing. We wanted something of our own.” Read the full article…