Great Lakes Finesse (GLF) signed Bassmaster Elite Series pro Cooper Gallant to its pro staff in 2026, formalizing a partnership that has quietly existed since the brand’s earliest prototype stages.
Gallant, a Bassmaster Opens and FLW Canada champion, is widely considered a specialist in smallmouth bass fishing. Since qualifying for the Elite Series, he has maintained a perfect qualification record for the Bassmaster Classic, cementing his status as one of the sport’s young talents.
The partnership marks a strategic move for GLF as it expands its footprint in the finesse market — a segment of the industry focused on highly realistic, subtle lures used primarily in clear or heavily pressured waters.
From Prototypes to the Elite Stage
While the signing was made public recently, the relationship between the angler and the brand began long before GLF products were available on retail shelves. According to Dan Miguel, Global Brand Manager for Great Lakes Finesse, Gallant was one of the first anglers to test the gear.
“Early on, I was sharing prototype baits in simple zip-lock bags,” said Miguel. “Cooper recognized the potential immediately. He lives the values of innovation and precision that we built this brand on.”
For Gallant, the move to officially represent the company felt like a natural progression rather than a new sponsorship. He credits the specialized lures for a significant portion of his success on the national circuit over the last few seasons.
“I’ve been a fan of Great Lakes Finesse since before the brand even existed,” Gallant said. “The focus on dialing in the details that other brands miss matches exactly how I fish. These baits have been a real part of my success the past few years.”
Future Implications
The partnership signals GLF’s intent to compete at the highest levels of professional bass fishing. By aligning with a dual-threat angler like Gallant—who is successful in both Canadian and American waters — the brand aims to validate its products across diverse environments.
Moving forward, the partnership will extend beyond marketing. Gallant is expected to play a hands-on role in product development, helping the brand design new terminal tackle and soft plastics specifically for the high-pressure environments of the Elite Series.
