BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. has announced that the Rapala family of brands has extended its sponsorship agreement for three additional years, continuing a longstanding relationship that will bring Rapala, 13 Fishing and CrushCity to Bassmaster platforms through 2029.
Under the new agreement, Rapala will continue as a Premier Sponsor of B.A.S.S., while 13 Fishing will join as a new Supporting Sponsor and CrushCity will expand its involvement as a new Youth Sponsor. The agreement also includes the continuation of the popular Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag program and Rapala’s title sponsorship of the Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing game.
The three-year extension reinforces the Rapala family’s commitment to competitive bass fishing, product innovation and engaging anglers of all ages and experience levels. The addition of 13 Fishing at the Supporting Sponsor level and CrushCity as a Youth Sponsor represents an expanded investment in B.A.S.S. and its mission to grow the sport while connecting with the next generation of anglers.
“These are exciting times in bass fishing. Our Bassmaster partnership has proven itself over the years, and we look forward to introducing new initiatives for the Bassmaster audience,” said Matt Jensen, Vice President of Marketing at Rapala. “CrushCity has a continued focus towards the younger audience, Rapala brings innovation year after year and 13 Fishing is launching amazing rods and reels in 2027 that will find a fit with every demographic. Our goal is to keep growing our brands through our partnership with Bassmaster.”
As a Premier Sponsor, Rapala will maintain a prominent presence across Bassmaster events and platforms, continuing to highlight its extensive lineup of fishing lures and tackle. Known for its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, Rapala has remained a trusted name among anglers for generations, developing products designed to help anglers succeed in a variety of fishing conditions.
Joining B.A.S.S. as a new Supporting Sponsor, 13 Fishing will bring its innovative lineup of fishing rods, reels and combos to the Bassmaster audience. With new rod and reel offerings planned for 2027, the brand will further strengthen its connection with recreational and competitive anglers seeking performance-driven equipment.
CrushCity will also take on an expanded role in 2027 as a new Youth Sponsor of B.A.S.S., reinforcing its commitment to introducing the next generation to bass fishing. Through its involvement with B.A.S.S. youth programs, the brand will help encourage young anglers to develop their skills, build confidence on the water and discover the excitement of competitive fishing. The new sponsorship level will provide additional opportunities for CrushCity to connect with young anglers and support the continued growth of youth fishing.
“We are thrilled to extend our relationship with the Rapala family of brands for another three years,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer. “Rapala has been a tremendous supporter of B.A.S.S., and seeing that commitment grow with 13 Fishing joining as a Supporting Sponsor and CrushCity stepping into a Youth Sponsor role is especially exciting. Each brand brings something unique to our anglers and fans, whether it’s innovative products that help competitors perform at the highest level or opportunities to introduce young people to the sport. Their continued investment demonstrates a shared commitment to growing bass fishing, and we look forward to building on that momentum through 2029.”
The Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag program will also return as part of the extended agreement. The program recognizes exceptional catches during Bassmaster competition, celebrating anglers who land impressive bass while highlighting the excitement and unpredictability that make tournament fishing so compelling.
Rapala will also remain the title sponsor of Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing, one of the sport’s most popular fan engagement platforms. The free-to-play game allows fans to select teams of professional anglers and compete for prizes based on their performances during Bassmaster tournaments. By combining strategy, angler knowledge and friendly competition, Fantasy Fishing gives fans another opportunity to follow their favorite competitors and become more invested in the action throughout the season.
The continuation of these programs, combined with the expanded involvement of 13 Fishing and CrushCity, reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the connection between anglers, fans and the fishing industry. The addition of CrushCity at the Youth Sponsor level further emphasizes the importance of developing future generations of anglers and ensuring the long-term growth of the sport.
With the agreement extending through 2029, the Rapala family of brands and B.A.S.S. will continue building on their established relationship while developing new opportunities to engage audiences, promote innovative fishing products and support the next generation of bass anglers.
For more information about B.A.S.S. and its sponsors, visit Bassmaster.com.
