After a successful first year as a 2013 Bassmaster Supporting Sponsor, Shimano is back for another year.
Shimano is continuing in 2014 as a Supporting Sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens presented by Allstate, B.A.S.S. Nation events and the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series.
The Bassmaster events are owned and operated by Birmingham-based B.A.S.S. LLC, a member organization that also supports a multimedia platform of print, digital and television properties.
“Being involved with B.A.S.S. provides the opportunity to bring awareness of Shimano tackle to the 500,000-plus members of B.A.S.S. through the various Bassmaster media outlets, and to thousands more at Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments across the country,” said Bob Mahoney with Shimano’s marketing team.
“Shimano and B.A.S.S. have a shared vision of growing the sportfishing market while preserving our fisheries resources,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “We look forward to strengthening the B.A.S.S.-Shimano connection throughout 2014.”
Key aspects from the first-year partnership will continue, Mahoney said. One is activities for fans at Elite Series events. Elements of Shimano’s involvement include a full display of Shimano bass tackle; the Shimano Experience Team “bass crew,” experts who are available to answer questions and talk fishing with fans; and an eye-catching, specially wrapped Shimano Toyota Tundra tow vehicle and Skeeter bass boat powered by Yamaha.
At times throughout the Elite Series season, the Shimano Experience Team will conduct the Cast-Pitch-Flip Challenge, an opportunity for attendees to attempt to win prizes while trying out some Shimano gear, such as the new Curado baitcasting reels and Antares, Metanium and Chronarch CI4+ reels.
Another key aspect of the Shimano-B.A.S.S. partnership relates to the care of tournament anglers’ catches. A Shimano wrap on each Bassmaster live release boat testifies to Shimano’s commitment to keep bass healthy before they are released alive, a practice Shimano was instrumental in developing.
The two companies also are working together on a new project, the B.A.S.S./Shimano Youth Conservation Initiative. Announced in February, the initiative was designed to be a funding source for fisheries enhancement projects undertaken by the youth members of B.A.S.S. Nation chapters in the United States and Canada.
About Shimano
Shimano American Corporation is the U.S. subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Shimano, Inc., a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of fishing tackle. Along with its sales, service and distribution operations in Irvine, Calif., and Peterborough, Ontario, Shimano manufactures its PowerPro braided fishing line in Grand Junction, Colo., G.Loomis fishing rods in Woodland, Wash., and maintains a product distribution center in Ladson, S.C. Shimano also handles the sales, marketing and distribution of Jackall Lures in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit www.shimano.com.