BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — As the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series has become one of the hottest competitive fishing series on the planet, it makes perfect sense that a hot new reel manufacturer has signed on to support it. B.A.S.S. announced today that SEVIIN, maker of high-quality baitcasting and spinning reels, will be the supporting sponsor of the nine-event series.
SEVIIN, launched last year by parent company St. Croix, entered the market with a focus of setting a new standard for reliability. Its GF series of baitcasters alongside its GS and GX series of spinning reels were immediately put in the hands of Opens and Elite Series competitors, including Elite Series angler Derek Hudnall. The Louisiana pro put the new reels to the test during the 2023 Lake Seminole Elite Series event, where he chalked up his highest-ever Elite Series finish, landing over 72 pounds of bass for a fifth-place check.
“After 75 years, St. Croix still exists and thrives because it keeps anglers at the center of its decision making,” says SEVIIN Product Manager, Robert Woods. “When we started working on SEVIIN reels three years ago, we vowed to do the same. We rely on input and feedback from anglers with diverse interests, skills and backgrounds. Our pro staff includes Bassmaster Elite and Opens anglers so we can continue to develop reels like GF, GS and GX that deliver the performance and reliability required to support angler success and satisfaction at the highest level. When we exceed the expectations of these fierce, tournament competitors, we know our reels are going to be appreciated by anglers at all levels.”
For 2024, the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN has been bolstered. All nine events will now have live coverage on Bassmaster.com, as well as expanded coverage on FS1. Also beginning in 2024, EQ anglers (anglers fishing all nine events) will be competing for a combined Angler of the Year purse of $110,000, and event payouts have been increased, raising the entire season payout to $3.1 million.
“B.A.S.S. reaches anglers at all levels through its diverse media platforms, programs and tournament series and continues to be one of our most valuable partners,” says St. Croix Vice President of Marketing, Jesse Simpkins. “This year, in addition to our title sponsorship, we’re extremely excited to add SEVIIN reels as the Bassmaster Opens Series’ presenting sponsor. Like B.A.S.S., SEVIIN exists to support all anglers. We’re looking forward to leveraging the Bassmaster platform to bring increased awareness to what we believe are the most reliable reels you can own at their price point.”
To this end, SEVIIN is adding a new contingency program for anglers fishing Opens events, the SEVIIN Rewards Program. To be eligible, competitors must fish with a SEVIIN reel during competition days and register at the event meeting prior to the start of the tournament. $1,000 will be awarded to event champions. If the winner is not eligible for the prize, $500 will be awarded to the next-highest-placing registered angler (in the Top 10). The same applies to co-anglers, with payouts being $500 to the winner or $250 to a Top 10 angler if the winner didn’t register.
“The Opens have become one of the most exciting properties in competitive bass fishing,” said Chase Anderson, CEO of B.A.S.S. “With SEVIIN stepping up to support this series and the anglers fishing the events, there is no doubt fans will be in for a real treat as we watch the season unfold.”
The St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by SEVIIN will kick off Feb. 1-3 (Division 1) in Clewiston, Fla., on historic Lake Okeechobee. Division 2 launches Feb. 15-17 on Lake Ouachita out of Hot Springs, Ark. Division 3 will start with Lake St. Clair fishing out of Macomb County, Mich., July 11-13. For a complete schedule of the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens, visit Bassmaster.com.
