BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Gamakatsu, a leading manufacturer and innovator of fishing hooks and terminal tackle, has signed on as the title sponsor for the 2024 season’s first Elite Series event. The 2024 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend will be held February 22-25 in Many, La.
“Gamakatsu is very excited to partner with B.A.S.S as the title sponsor for the first Elite event in 2024 at Toledo Bend,” said Ted Thibault, sales manager at Gamakatsu USA. “Kicking off the season in Texas should be fun for the anglers and the fans at a fishery known to produce big fish.”
A perennial favorite on Bassmaster Magazine’s annual 100 Best Bass Lakes List and one of the country’s oldest, most famous fisheries, Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Texas/Louisiana border has been one of the best big-bass factories in the world for many years, and those genes continue to thrive. When the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series visited Toledo Bend in mid-April, Texas pro Ben Milliken — who would go on to qualify for the 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series — took the tournament with 77 pounds, 14 ounces — the third-heaviest total in a three-day Opens tournament in B.A.S.S. history.
Gamakatsu has deep relationships within the Elite Series ranks, with a variety of current Elite Series anglers on their pro staff, including four-time B.A.S.S. champion and Texas native Lee Livesay.
“It feels great to start the year off here at Toledo Bend,” said Livesay. “Half in Louisiana and half in Texas, I feel right at home. I loved seeing Gamakatsu as the title sponsor for this event. They are a great company to work with and I look forward to showcasing their variety of world-class fishing products.”
Live coverage of all four days of the Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite at Toledo Bend starts Thursday, Feb. 22 on Bassmaster.com, Tubi and the FOX Sports digital platforms. FS1 will also broadcast live with the tournament leaders beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.
