Rebel turns 50

Rebel Fishing Lures turns 50 this year and, as part of the celebration, they're giving away a $60,000 Skeeter bass boat at the 2012 Bassmaster Classic this weekend in Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

Storied lure maker Rebel Fishing Lures turns 50 this year. It wasn’t always that way, however — storied lure maker, that is. In the early days (1962) when George Perrin, a veteran of the injection-molding business, first started the company, Rebel was known as much for their bass boats, tackleboxes and trolling motors as they were for their fishing lures.

“We have a long history with bass fishing and with B.A.S.S., a history that goes way beyond just lures,” says Bruce Stanton, vice president and general manager of the company. “A lot of people don’t know it, but Rebel was the first Bassmaster boat sponsor. In the early days we made just about everything.  Eventually we pared down to lures, but we’ll never forget our heritage.”

As a part of their birthday celebration here at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo they’re giving away hats, shirts, baits, key chains and just about anything else Stanton can find in the booth. All you need to do is hang around their booth on the first floor of the Expo and wait for the activities to begin. And, at 1 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday) they’ll give away three $500 lure packs featuring their Yum brand.

But the best prize will come a short while later. At 2 p.m. they’ll give away a new Skeeter bass boat worth $60,000. All you have to do to participate in the drawing is go to their website, www.lurenet.com, follow the links and “Like” them on Facebook.

Or, if you’re here at the show you can sign up at one of the four computers they’ve set up in their booth for that purpose. It’s free to participate, the drawing will be random and the winner will be announced publicly.

“I hope everyone who reads the article signs up for the drawing and comes over tomorrow afternoon. We’re celebrating our fishing heritage and want our fans and customers to be a part of it. Besides, somebody’s going to walk away with a nice bass boat tomorrow. It might be one of them,” says Stanton with a smile.

“And make sure they all know that we have lots of Rebel lures on sale here at our booth and also at Dick’s. We have some real bargains that say thanks to our anglers. I’d like to see everyone take advantage of that.”