BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two of the best known brands in bass fishing, Minn Kota and Humminbird, will continue their prominence at Bassmaster events in 2016, as Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics has entered a multi-year agreement with B.A.S.S. to continue as a premier-level sponsor.
“B.A.S.S. has enjoyed a long and close relationship with Minn Kota and Humminbird, two of the most powerful brands in the sportfishing industry,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “The Johnson Outdoors companies have worked side by side with B.A.S.S. to help grow the sport of bass fishing, and we value their partnership as much as our members value their products.”
“We are excited to continue our partnership with B.A.S.S. as it reflects our mutual commitment to the sport of fishing,” said Johnson Outdoors Senior Business Director Joe Brown. “Minn Kota and Humminbird have deep roots in the fishing community. Educating and inspiring anglers from first-fish to high school competitions, and even up to the Bassmaster Elite Series, is the embodiment of our agreement, and it gives us a platform to connect with anglers at every stage of their passion.”
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics will serve as a boating electronics and trolling motors premier sponsor for all levels of B.A.S.S. competition, including the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Nation, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship, Carhartt Bassmaster College presented by Bass Pro Shops and Costa Bassmaster High School Series.
The Classic is set for March 4-6 in Tulsa, Okla., with Minn Kota and Humminbird logos prominently on display at the Bassmaster Classic weigh-ins at BOK Center.
“The 2013 Classic was such a tremendous success, we couldn’t wait to return to Tulsa and Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees with our premier event,” Akin added. “With the support that we’ve received from our hosts and bass fishing fans throughout the region, we’re expecting an even better turnout in 2016.”
But before the Classic, the new Premier partnership kicked off Jan. 28-30 at Florida’s Kissimmee Chain of Lakes with the 2016 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open and will continue with two college events, the Southern Regional Feb. 4-6 at Alabama’s Lake Martin and the Central Regional Feb. 25-27 at Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Basin.
The nine-stop Elite Series trail will begin soon after the Classic, as the nation’s best bass anglers compete March 17-20 on the St. Johns River, out of Palatka, Fla. This tour also includes a stop at Toledo Bend out of Many, La., May 12-15. The fishery earned the No. 1 ranking in Bassmaster’s Best Bass Lakes of 2015.
In addition to connecting with anglers through more than 30 tournaments, Minn Kota and Humminbird will reach bass fishermen through B.A.S.S. digital, print, and broadcast platforms, including Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines, The Bassmasters television show and Bassmaster.com, as well as social media.