Brookville, Ind. – January 15, 2024 – Bill Lowen, the Bassmaster Elite Series pro from Brookville announces his joining the pro staff of Ark Fishing International. Lowen, entering his 20th season in Bassmaster competition, has signed on to promote Ark Rods, Reels, tungsten and hardbaits.
A veteran of 184 Bassmaster entries since his career began in 2005, he joined the Elite Series in its inaugural 2006 season and has placed in the money 138 times in his career. Along the way he has finished in the top 10 22 times and notched a victory at the Guaranteed Rate Bassmaster Elite at Pickwick Lake in 2021 and is an 11-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier.
Lowen said the decision to join Team Ark was an easy one because of high quality of the products, the relationships he has with current Tean Ark pros, but also because the more he got to know Ark Fishing’s Louie Zhang, the more he felt like he had found the place he wanted to call home. “I have worked with a lot of different companies in my career and I get that family vibe from Louie and that’s exactly what I look for in a partnership,” said Lowen. “On top of that, he has the kind of mind that has taken the input of his team, listened to their needs and made products that help them exceed what they wished for in the finished product; I’ve never known anyone like him, and I am looking forward to being a part of this family for a long time to come.”
On the water, Lowen said that the Team Ark lineup will give hm the tools he needs to compete from the outset because at every level, Ark makes what he needs to perform. “These are some of the best feeling fishing rods I have ever felt throughout the lineups,” he said. “The Gravity reels are the freest and smoothest casting reels I have ever used, and they have all of the necessary gear ratios to make every presentation we need; it is a very full lineup, and they are working to make it complete in every area.”
On top of the feelings, Lowen said that he appreciated the honest communications he has received from Zhang. “Louie is so genuine that you know where you stand with him without question,” said Lowen. “I know how I can help promote the company immediately and what we can expect to do in the future. There will be opportunity for me to work on projects with him and the team, and that clarity is something I know I can count one with Ark.”
Team Ark Captain Randall Tharp said that Lowen is exactly the type of angler the company looks for. “We are a family here at Ark Fishing. We work very closely, we communicate frequently, and we have the kind of relationships that foster great camaraderie,” said Tharp. “Bill is without a doubt a great angler, but he is the kind of person that not only fits in here, but he has the kind of character on and off the water that strengthens a group, and we’re proud to have him as a part of the team.”
Wes Logan, who began his Elite Series career with Ark, echoed Tharp’s comments. “I’ve been around Bill for several years now, he is a well-respected angler with amazing on the water skillsets, and it says a lot about our company that he wants to join our team,” said Logan. “That respect doesn’t stop once he leaves the water, he is one of the nicest, most well-liked guys on tour and he is a great addition to the Ark team.”
Ultimately, the decision to add an angler to the pro staff falls on the final decision maker, and in the case of Ark Fishing, that is Zhang. He said that his decision to partner with Lowen was twofold. “We are thrilled to welcome Bill Lowen to Team ARK Fishing this season, he is an amazing addition to our roster,” said Zhang. “His exceptional skill in tournament fishing speaks volumes about his prowess on the water, he showcases a mastery that aligns seamlessly with our team's commitment to excellence.”
He added that the decision went beyond his angling abilities. “Bill has a sterling reputation as a person, both on and off the water, he exudes integrity, sportsmanship, and has a positive influence within the fishing community,” continued Zhang. “These qualities make him a perfect fit for Team ARK Fishing. He has a dedication to fair play, camaraderie, and unwavering passion for the sport not only enhances our team's competitive edge but also contributes to fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.
“With Bill Lowen on board, Team ARK Fishing anticipates a season marked by shared success on the water, a strengthened sense of camaraderie within the company and a broader reach of visibility to the fishing community.”