Xcite Baits, a Texas-based manufacturer of top-grade bass tournament tackle, announced today that they’ve added 2024 Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Wesley Gore to their pro-staff. The 23 year-old Alabama pro finished 7th in the highly-competitive 2023 Bassmaster Opens EQ standings, ahead of numerous established pros many years his senior. He’s been a known commodity in Alabama and throughout the southeast for several years, and hopes that the partnership with Xcite will contribute to his rise on the national stage.
“The biggest thing that stands out to me is the cooperation with Xcite owner Lloyd Walker,” Gore said. “He listens to his team, he’s super devoted and will do anything to help them succeed. His lures have already been big players in my success, and I look forward to using them and helping develop new products as I work toward my twin goals of winning the Rookie of the Year title and making the Bassmaster Classic.
Walker has helped to mold several young pros’ careers in recent years, including that of Tyler Rivet, who finished 9th in the Elite Series Angler of the Year race in 2023. Rivet also earned his first tour level win at Lake Okeechobee, and Walker sees in Gore some similarities.
“On top of his impressive fishing resume, Wesley’s values and work ethic align with everything we do here at Xcite Baits,” Walker said. “Between our expertise on product development and Wesley’s vast knowledge of forward facing sonar, we’re excited to push the limit on what we can do as a premier bait brand. This partnership will positively impact all bass fans and we couldn’t be more eager to get to work together.”
As Walker indicated, Gore is exceptional with his electronics, and used forward facing sonar for much of his 2023 success, which included 11th place finishes in the first two events, and 8th place finishes in two of the last three qualifiers. Nevertheless, he considers himself a power fisherman at heart.
“I like to fish really fast, so the Xcite Heckler is a big player in my arsenal,” he said. “And I’ve been using XB-1 squarebill crankbait for years. It takes a complete system to compete at this level and I’m glad that Xcite will provide me with the tools that I need.”
Stay tuned for more press releases from Xcite in the months to come as we continue to release additional products and report on successes with our lures.
