Premier Event of 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Season Coming to Florida | Sports Destination Management

Premier Event of 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Season Coming to Florida

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Feb 05, 2020

AFTCO, maker of precision tackle and performance fishing clothing, has signed on as title sponsor for the premier event of the 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series season, B.A.S.S. announced. The 2020 AFTCO Bassmaster Elite at St. Johns River will be held Feb. 6-9 in Palatka, Fla.

“We are proud to partner with AFTCO to present the first tournament of what is sure to be an exciting 2020 season,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “Both brands have a long history focused on both conservation and growing the sport of bass fishing, and our enthusiastic fans are the perfect audience for AFTCO to promote their gear and clothing.”

As part of the festivities at the Bassmaster Outdoors Expo, fans can enjoy live music, kids’ activities, Elite angler clinics, opportunities to meet their favorite pros and more prior to weigh-in.

According to AFTCO President Casey Shedd, “It is a great association for AFTCO to further partner with B.A.S.S. the same year they are celebrating the 50th Bassmaster Classic. In an industry where clothing and tackle companies are increasingly encroached upon by private equity firms looking to maximize short term profits over quality, B.A.S.S. is a heritage organization that, like AFTCO, is ultimately owned and operated by a family business that prioritizes long-term thinking. From outfitting anglers with the perfect set of cold weather clothing to their favorite sun hoodie, we look forward to being the title sponsor of first 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series event at Palatka, Florida.”

More than 9,350 fans attended last year’s tournament on the St. Johns, which was one of the most exciting in B.A.S.S. history. Legendary angler Rick Clunn weighed 34 pounds, 14 ounces — a bag that included two bass over 9 pounds — on Championship Sunday to come from behind and win with 98-14.

About AFTCO - AFTCO MFG. CO., based in Santa Ana, California, reflects a legacy of building the finest in fishing tackle and performance fishing clothing. For over 60 years, AFTCO has maintained the highest level of craftmanship trusted by fishermen worldwide. The AFTCO name represents unparalleled quality, performance, reliability and a commitment to conservation. Every year since 1973, AFTCO and the Shedd family have contributed more than 10% of company profits to help protect our resources and ensure a sustainable fishery for future generations. To learn more about AFTCO and the company’s 10% Pledge for Conservation, visit aftco.com/conservation.

About B.A.S.S. - B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 510,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2 and The Pursuit Channel), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, new Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX presented by Abu Garcia and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.

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