BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Rapala, maker of premium lures and other fishing tackle and accessories, will sponsor the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series, the world’s premier professional bass fishing tournaments, as well as other major B.A.S.S. tournament circuits, B.A.S.S., LLC announced today.
Under the agreement, Rapala will be a supporting sponsor of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series, B.A.S.S. Nation events, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Costa Bassmaster High School Series, in addition to the Elite Series.
“We welcome Rapala into the B.A.S.S. sponsor family,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “Rapala is known worldwide as an innovative maker and marketer of premium fishing lures and tackle, and the company has been a strong supporter of many of the Bassmaster Elite Series professionals. We look forward to helping Rapala grow its brands as it helps us grow the sport of bass fishing.”
Rapala Brands includes some of the most recognizable names in bass fishing, including Rapala, VMC, Sufix, Luhr-Jensen, Blue Fox, Storm and Terminator.
“Rapala is extremely proud to be a sponsor of the Elite Series,” said Tom Mackin, president of Rapala USA. “We value our strong strategic marketing partnership with this world-class organization. We also value our friendship with all of the great people at B.A.S.S. Together we’re building momentum … it’s really fun to be a part of it all!”
Rapala will receive signage and display space at B.A.S.S. expos and events throughout the season, including the nine regular-season Elite Series events and the season finale, the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship at Mille Lacs Lake, a world-class smallmouth bass fishery a short drive from Rapala’s headquarters in Minnetonka, Minn.
In addition, the company will advertise frequently in B.A.S.S.’s industry-leading fishing magazines, Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times, and website, Bassmaster.com.
