Berkley and Abu Garcia, two of Pure Fishing’s global family of quality fishing tackle brands, have signed on as premier sponsors of the Bassmaster Classic and other bass fishing series and events, B.A.S.S. announced today.
Berkley is renewing its premier sponsorship, and Abu Garcia has joined the lineup of top-tier B.A.S.S. sponsors, said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO.
“These two iconic brands are highly respected by our more than 500,000 B.A.S.S. members as well as the millions of fans who follow Bassmaster events in person, online at Bassmaster.com and on ESPN2,” Akin said. “Their sponsorship of the most prestigious bass fishing events in the world makes the statement that Berkley and Abu Garcia are dedicated to serving the most demanding anglers in the sport.”
According to the multiyear agreement, Berkley and Abu Garcia will be listed as premier sponsors of the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens Series, B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster College Series and Bassmaster High School Series. Berkley, an 80-year-old company that manufacturers fishing line, lures, rods, accessories and other tackle items, has been a premier sponsor of B.A.S.S. events since 2002. Founded in 1921 in Sweden and known by bass anglers for its Revo reels, Abu Garcia is stepping up to the premier sponsorship level for the first time this year.
“Abu Garcia and Berkley are thrilled to continue this relationship with B.A.S.S.,” said Neil Eibeler, CEO of Pure Fishing. “We are always looking for ways to connect with passionate anglers, and this partnership allows us that opportunity. We are committed to fostering growth in the sport of fishing and working with such a renowned organization like B.A.S.S. is a great way for us to do that.”
Berkley also will be title sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite tournament on Kentucky Lake at Paris, Tenn., in May, while Abu Garcia will be presenting sponsor of that event. In addition, Berkley will again sponsor the Berkley Big Bass Award for the heaviest bass weighed in during the Bassmaster Classic. The agreement also entitles Berkley and Abu Garcia to exhibit space at Classic and Elite Series expos and similar venues at each of the tournaments.
The Berkley Bassmaster Elite at Kentucky Lake presented by Abu Garcia will be held May 4-7 and is the fourth of nine regular-season events in the Bassmaster Elite Series, the exclusive, top-tier bass tournament circuit including 111 of the best-known professional anglers in the world. The 2018 series kicks off Feb. 8-11 on Lake Martin, Alabama.
Elite competition will break for the 48th GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina, March 16-18. Long known as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” the Classic is a three-day, no-entry-fee championship in which 50 bass anglers will compete for a share of the $1 million purse.
The Classic and Elite Series are covered in television programming on ESPN 2, while on-the-water fishing action from those events are streamed live on Bassmaster.com and ESPN3.
Founded in Montgomery, Ala., in 1968 by Ray Scott, B.A.S.S. celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
About Pure Fishing, Inc.: Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Chub™, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Hardy & Greys™, Hodgman®, Johnson™, Mitchell®, PENN®, Pflueger®, Sébile®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. Pure Fishing, Inc. operates in 22 countries with a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages. Pure Fishing, Inc., a part of Newell Brands’ strong portfolio of well-known brands, is a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com.
About Newell Brands: Newell Brands (NYSE: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, Dymo®, EXPO®, Parker®, Elmer’s®, Coleman®, Jostens®, Marmot®, Rawlings®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Oster®, Sunbeam®, FoodSaver®, Mr. Coffee®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products®, Graco®, Baby Jogger®, NUK®, Calphalon®, Rubbermaid®, Contigo®, First Alert®, Waddington and Yankee Candle®. Driven by a sharp focus on the consumer, leading investment in innovation and brands, and a performance-driven culture, Newell Brands helps consumers achieve more where they live, learn, work and play. Additional information about Newell Brands is available on the company’s website, www.newellbrands.com.
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 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), social media programs and events. For 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, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
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