BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — After serving as title sponsor for the Elite Series season-opener and as a conservation partner for two years, AFTCO is expanding its partnership with B.A.S.S. The brand, renowned for its performance fishing clothing and precision tackle, will now serve as a Supporting Sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail and outfit all staff and marshals for these events.
“We are proud to partner with AFTCO on what is sure to be an exciting 2021 season across every level of competition,” 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. Their generous support is also allowing us to enrich our already popular Elite Series Marshal program and lake cleanup efforts.”
As a Supporting Sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens 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 and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments, AFTCO will enjoy exposure in Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and across various social media platforms as well as on the award-winning show Bassmaster LIVE.
“The entire AFTCO Team is extremely excited to expand our partnership with B.A.S.S. for the 2021 season,” said Matt Florentino, Marketing Director. “As a Supporting Sponsor for B.A.S.S. we have the unique opportunity to outfit all marshals and B.A.S.S. staff for the season. You have seen the AFTCO Pro Team reap the benefits of our gear in all weather conditions, and now the marshals and B.A.S.S. staff will get do to the same both on the water and behind the scenes.”
Marshals join different Elite anglers to spend two to three days on the water. Marshals are not allowed to fish, but they are encouraged to take photos, send blog posts to Bassmaster.com and serve as an extra set of eyes for B.A.S.S. tournament officials, making sure all rules are observed. Additionally, marshals operate the digital BassTrakk scoring system that enables fans to follow the action in real-time. New for the 2021 season, AFTCO will be rewarding marshals with a shirt, hat, sun mask, gift card and other items with a total value of $100, plus a 20% off coupon for future purchases.
When the AFTCO Bassmaster Elite Series at St. Johns River launches on Feb. 11, the field will feature 19 members of the AFTCO Pro Team. Highlighting the AFTCO-aligned anglers are Hank Cherry, who won the 2020 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk, and Frank Talley, who claimed his first Elite Series victory last year on Lake Guntersville.
