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BOOYAH signs on as a sponsor of multiple B.A.S.S. tournament trails

Mr. I Hog the Bass 07 — 2012-01-06T16:10:14Z

BOOYAH Bait Company, a PRADCO-Fishing holding, is a new Official Supporting Sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series, the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation and the three-division Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open, all B.A.S.S.-owned tournament circuits.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome BOOYAH aboard as we move into the 2012 Bassmaster competition season,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “BOOYAH is a brand that resonates with so many anglers, from Federation Nation members to the seasoned pros on the Elite Series.”

BOOYAH is a sponsor of several anglers at the top levels of competitive bass fishing.

“Many of our Elite pros, such as Alton Jones, Tim Horton, Edwin Evers and Terry Scroggins, are involved with BOOYAH product development, along with fishing legends such as Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston and Bobby Murray,” said Bruce Stanton, vice president and general manager of PRADCO-Fishing/BOOYAH Bait Company.

The new sponsor agreement continues a BOOYAH-B.A.S.S. relationship that began years ago. The companies have partnered in promotions, and BOOYAH was the Official Wirebait Sponsor of B.A.S.S. in 2009.

“BOOYAH has been elevated to a premier national brand of spinnerbaits, jigs and buzzbaits over the past few years in the bass tournament community,” Stanton said. “We feel the B.A.S.S. members are without a doubt one of our most important consumer groups, and we are glad to be supporting the anglers and the organization with a sponsorship again.”

Established in 2005 by PRADCO-Fishing, BOOYAH Bait Company quickly became known for its high-quality spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and jigs. A prototype of the BOOYAH A-Jig helped Alton Jones to victory in the 2008 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell. Other popular models include the premium BOOYAH Buzz, a best-selling red-eyed buzzbait, and the Big Show Finesse Head Jig, a jighead designed by Scroggins for light-line applications. The introduction of one of BOOYAH’s newest lures, the Pad Crasher, is a leader in the hollow-body frog craze.

BOOYAH operates under the umbrella of PRADCO-Fishing, which also owns legendary companies such as Heddon Lures, Cotton Cordell, YUM Soft Plastics, Bomber, XCalibur and Rebel Lures, which will mark its 50th anniversary in 2012. The anniversary celebration began with the launch of a sweepstakes that will award a Rebel-wrapped Skeeter boat during the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.

Enter the Rebel boat giveaway at facebook.com/fishinglures.

2012 Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, MinnKota, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

2012 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: BOOYAH Bait Company, Lowrance, Luck “E” Strike, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ramada

About B.A.S.S.

For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

2012 Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha.

2012 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: BOOYAH Bait Company, Lowrance, Luck “E” Strike, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ramada.

Cuortesy of BASS Communications.

I Hog the Bass. All Rights Reserved.

RAPALA RENEWS SPONSORSHIP WITH FLW

Mr. I Hog the Bass 07 — 2011-12-20T22:25:20Z

MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 7, 2011) – FLW, the world’s leading tournament-fishing organization, announced that Rapala, the world’s leading brand of fishing lures, has extended its sponsorship agreement. The 2012 tournament season will mark Rapala’s third consecutive as an official FLW sponsor. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Rapala’s quality products are well known within the fishing industry. In fact, Rapala lures have accounted for more world-record catches than any other lure. In addition to lures, Rapala manufactures and markets fillet knives, scales, and other various fishing tools. Prominent Rapala brands include Sufix fishing line, VMC hooks and Trigger X soft plastics. Rapala has long operated under the philosophy “that which is irresistible to fish will always be irresistible to the fisherman.”

Kathy Fennel, President of FLW Operations Division, stated: “Rapala is a legendary player in our industry; so many of our anglers and fans grew up catching bass and walleyes on Rapala lures. And these same lures continue to win tournaments at the sport’s highest levels – the Walmart FLW Tour and the National Guard FLW Walleye Tour. We’re extremely proud to continue our partnership with Rapala.”

As part of the agreement, Rapala will receive exposure across all platforms of FLW, including its tournaments, websites, magazines and weekly television show. Rapala will also have the opportunity to display their products and provide promotional offers to fans at the FLW Expo.

"Tournament angling has become a widely popular sport among anglers of all ages," said Tom Mackin, president of Rapala USA. "FLW is one of the most recognizable tournament organizations in both bass and walleye fishing and not only provides anglers, but fans, with an exciting competition. We are thrilled to continue our sponsorship and support the anglers."

Rapala’s esteemed pro staff includes FLW Tour pros Terry Bolton, Dave Lefebre and Jacob Wheeler as well as FLW Walleye Tour pro Chris Gilman. In May, the company launched their newest product, the Rippin’ Rap, a lipless, vibrating crankbait than can be fished deep or shallow.

Rapala has been the world’s favorite fishing lure since 1936. Rapala lures are trusted by fishermen in more than 140 countries worldwide. Rapala’s reputation stems from a towering list of world records, the knowledge of pro staff, affiliation with the top brands in the industry and a history of unwavering dedication to the highest quality.

ABOUT FLW

FLW is the best in fishing, on and off the water. Anglers worldwide can compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.

Courtesy of FLWOutdoors.com

THE J.M. SMUCKER COMPANY, FLW EXTEND PARTNERSHIP

Mr. I Hog the Bass 07 — 2011-12-06T04:35:28Z

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Dec. 1, 2011) – FLW announced Wednesday that The J.M. Smucker Company has extended its sponsorship agreement with the world’s leading tournament-fishing organization. The agreement spans all levels of competitive fishing, from the grassroots Walmart Bass Fishing League to the prestigious Walmart FLW Tour. Folgers®, Dunkin’ Donuts® retail coffee, Jif®, Crisco® and Smucker’s® will be the brands highlighted.

Most notably, Folgers will continue the tradition of providing coffee and breakfast items at the popular “Folgers Morning Takeoff.” All brands will be featured on FLW’s multiple websites, magazines, via FLW Fantasy Fishing and on the weekly “FLW Outdoors” television show.

In addition to media exposure, the brands will be highlighted at the FLW Expo, both in displays and via promotional products and through signage at all FLW tournaments. Professional angler Scott Suggs of Bryant, Ark., will continue to represent Folgers on the FLW Tour. Suggs became the first instant millionaire in professional fishing by winning the 2007 Forrest Wood Cup. The 2012 season will be Suggs’ sixth representing Folgers as he competes in a wrapped Ranger Z520.

Trish Blake, President of FLW Marketing Division, stated: “The J.M. Smucker Company has been a valued sponsor for many years. Their stable of family brands is a perfect match for the family-friendly sport of fishing. We’re proud to announce the extended sponsorship, and we look forward to building upon our partnership.”

ABOUT FLW
FLW is the best in fishing, on and off the water. Anglers worldwide can compete for millions over the course of 191 tournaments in 2011. FLW has taken fishing mainstream with the world’s richest fantasy sports game, FLW Fantasy Fishing presented by Straight Talk, where competitors can play for free as well as sign up for Player’s Advantage to gain an edge. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com.

ABOUT THE J.M. SMUCKER COMPANY
For more than 110 years, The J.M. Smucker Company has been committed to offering consumers quality products that bring families together to share memorable meals and moments. Today, Smucker is a leading marketer and manufacturer of fruit spreads, retail packaged coffee, peanut butter, shortening and oils, ice cream toppings, sweetened condensed milk, and health and natural foods beverages in North America. Its family of brands includes Smucker's®, Folgers®, Dunkin' Donuts®, Jif®, Crisco®, Pillsbury®, Eagle Brand®, R.W. Knudsen Family®, Hungry Jack®, Café Bustelo®, Café Pilon^TM, White Lily® and Martha White® in the United States, along with Robin Hood®, Five Roses®, Carnation® and Bick’s® in Canada. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. The Company has appeared on FORTUNE Magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the United States 13 times, ranking number one in 2004. For more information about the Company, visit www.smuckers.com.

The J.M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks, except Pillsbury, the Barrelhead logo and the Doughboy character are trademarks of The Pillsbury Company, LLC, used under license; Carnation is a trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., used under license; and Dunkin’ Donuts is a registered trademark of DD IP Holder, LLC, used under license. Borden and Elsie are trademarks used under license.

Courtesy of FLWOutdoors.com

Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series 2012 Season Details.

Mr. I Hog the Bass 07 — 2011-11-30T05:26:24Z

Free Freedom Pass and Free Linking Deadline

Freedom Pass – Value $25.00

Guaranteed Linking

Eligible for 800 Series US Reel Drawing

Federation Nation Members Get First Year Free Membership – Value $25.00

Pick your Division and tournaments from the schedule below and enter today to be eligible for this great offer.

The 2012 season details for the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series will feature 20 divisions with each division offering 4 one-day Saturday tournaments and a two-day regional qualifier. Anglers advance from their division’s regional qualifier to one of 4 Regional qualifiers, and the top anglers will advance to the National Championship. The series champion will be invited to compete in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic®.

Divisional One-Day: Each division holds four one-day open Saturday tournaments. The tournament can pay up to $13,000 to the winning boater and has a total purse of up to $52,000. Entry fees are $200 for Boaters and $100 for Co-anglers.

Divisional Two-Day: Each division’s final event is a two-day Saturday/Sunday tournament. The tournament can pay up to $16,000 to the winning boater and has a total purse of up to $74,500. Entry fees are $300 for Boaters and $150 for Co-anglers. The top 40 boaters and co-anglers from each division advance to one of 4 Regional Qualifying tournaments.
Regional Qualifiers: Regional Qualifiers are two-day Friday/Saturday tournaments and first-place boater will take home a Triton/Mercury boat package. Regional Qualifiers have an optional entry fee. The top 50 boaters and top 50 co-anglers advance to the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship.

National Championship: The first place boater of the National Championship wins $100,000 and a slot in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic® and the co-angler champion wins $50,000. Both boater and co-anglers can be eligible for additional sponsor bonuses. The National Championship has no entry fee and will be held on Lake Sam Rayburn in Jasper, Texas November 7-10, 2012

The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series is sponsored by: Toyota, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Busch Beer, Royal Purple, ODYSSEY Batteries, Early Times Whisky, Carlisle Tire and Wheel, U.S. Reels, Simms Fishing Products, SiriusXM Weather, Hobie Polarized, Probass Networks, and Rejuvenade.

About American Bass Anglers
American Bass Anglers is the largest tournament organization for the weekend angler. American Bass Anglers operates the American Fishing Tour, The Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series and the American Couples Series. Each tour is designed specifically for the weekend angler, offering low-cost and close-to-home events where anglers can qualify for a larger championship. For more information on American Bass Anglers, visit www.americanbassanglers.com.

2012 Season Schedules - Also available online at www.weekendseries.com
Alabama North - Division - 1
02/18 Guntersville
04/14 Weiss
05/12 Neely Henry
07/14 Weiss
08/25-26 Guntersville

South Alabama - Division - 2
02/11 Martin
03/10 Lay Lake
05/19 Eufaula
06/16 Logan Martin
09/15-16 Eufaula

Arkansas - Division - 12
02/04 Degray
03/03 Ouachita
05/12 Dardanelle
06/02 Greer's Ferry
09/15-16 Ouachita

Florida - Division - 6
01/21 Toho
02/25 Okeechobee
03/24 Harris Chain
04/21 Kissimmee Chain
09/22-23 Okeechobee

Georgia - Division - 8
02/04 Seminole
03/03 Sinclair
04/28 Oconee
06/23 Eufaula
09/08-09 Lanier

Indiana - Division - 7
03/31 Patoka Lake
06/09 Monroe Lake
07/21 Ohio River, Rocky Point
08/11 Ohio River, Tanners Creek
09/15-16 Ohio River, Rocky Point

Kentucky - Division - 15
03/10 Kentucky Lake
05/05 Lake Barkley
06/30 Kentucky Lake
08/18 Kentucky Lake
09/22-23 Kentucky Lake

Louisiana - Division - 13
01/28 Atchafalaya Basin
02/18 Louisiana Delta
03/31 Red River
04/28 Bayou Black
09/29-30 Red River

Maryland - Division - 21
03/17 Potomac River
04/28 Potomac River
06/30 Potomac River
07/21 Potomac River
09/15-16 Potomac River

Missouri - Division - 16
03/24 Table Rock
04/21 Lake of the Ozarks
05/19 Table Rock
06/23 Pomme DeTerre
09/29-30 Lake of the Ozarks

New York - 23
06/16 Champlain
07/07 Oneida
08/11 Ontario
09/08 Cayuga
09/22-23 Oneida

North Carolina - Division - 5
03/24 Norman
04/21 High Rock
05/19 Jordan
06/02 Kerr
08/18-19 High Rock

Oklahoma - Division - 14
03/24 Tenkiller
04/21 Grand
05/19 Eufaula
06/16 Ft. Gibson
09/08-09 Grand

Ohio - Division - 20
03/31 Rocky Fork
05/05 Indian
06/23 Mosquito
07/28 Alum Creek
08/25-26 Erie

SC - Division - 9
01/28 Murray
03/31 Santee Cooper
05/05 Wateree
06/30 Hartwell
08/18-19 Wiley

Tennessee Central - Division - 3
03/17 Center Hill
04/28 Percy Priest
06/16 Old Hickory
07/28 Kentucky
09/08-09 Old Hickory

Tennessee East - Division - 4
03/17 Guntersville
04/14 Chickamauga
05/12 Chickamauga
06/09 Loudon/Tellico
08/25-26 Watts Bar

Texas Southeast - Division - 10
03/17 Sam Rayburn
04/14 Toledo Bend
05/26 Sam Rayburn
06/30 Sam Rayburn
09/22-23 Sam Rayburn

Texas East - Division - 11
02/11 Palestine
03/10 Tyler
05/05 Richland Chambers
06/09 Cedar Creek
07/14-15 Tawakoni

Virginia - Division - 19
03/10 Kerr
04/14 Anna
06/09 Smith Mountain
07/14 James River
09/29-30 Kerr

Regional Qualifiers
• 10/05-06 Clarks Hill
Divisions attending: Alabama North, Alabama South, Florida, East Tennessee and South Carolina
• 10/12-13 Nickajack
Divisions attending: Central Tennessee, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri
• 10/12-13 Wright-Patman
Divisions attending: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Central Texas, and Southeast Texas
• 10/19-20 Smith Mountain
Divisions attending: New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia

Series Championship
11/07-10 Sam Rayburn, Jasper Texas
Payout amounts are based on full fields, entry fees, sponsor bonuses and season participation.

B.A.S.S. Reporter’s Notebook: How Nick Saban coached Jamie Horton to victory; And then there was one; Shane Williams wants to go home to the Classic; and … Quotes from Classic winners through the Federation Nation.

Mr. I Hog the Bass 07 — 2011-11-15T04:51:32Z

How Nick Saban coached Jamie Horton to victory: Jamie Horton, the reigning B.A.S.S. Federation Nation champion as of last Saturday, contends that the coaching of Nick Saban changed his luck and life.

“Saban always preaches to not look at your goal, but at what you have to do to get there,” said Horton, 44, who lives in Centreville, Ala., not far from the Tide’s Tuscaloosa home. “He explained the difference between spending time and investing time to reach a goal.”

“I took that and went with it. I focused on doing the best I could, to my ability, on the water. Not on the outcome, or on the reward, but on what I could control. You can’t be like that on everything. You have to pick out something special, something you want really, really bad.” Horton said.

Like being the Federation Nation champion. Like qualifying again for the Bassmaster Classic, getting another chance after his first time out in Classic 2002.

Like losing weight. Horton decided the first thing he could control was excess poundage. He weighed 307.

“That was back in November (2010). I decided that if I could lose 30 pounds before the Southern Divisional in April, then I’d feel good about myself and I would fish better. Then I said that if I could lose 30 more pounds by The Nationals, then I felt like I could win it.”

He cut back his food intake. Even though Horton was not a morning person, he forced himself to exercise at 5 a.m. each morning to condition himself for tournaments. He exceeded his April goal, dropping 35 pounds before his Southern Divisional and qualifying to move on to the championship. By the beginning of November, he had lost a total of 82 pounds.

“I was so driven. I had no problem passing on the sweet tea or the candy or whatever. I knew I only had to do it for eight months to reach my goal. And I remembered that losing weight was what I could do, what I could control, to make myself better.”

He rolled with that success onto the water. Saturday’s victory on the Ouachita River, proved his determination paid off. And also served as a slice of redemption from 2007, when he led a national championship tournament for two days, but lost the event.

“I was focused on the prize, not on what I had to do. Later, when I heard Saban talk about focusing on the moment, I knew what I had done wrong,” Horton said. “This (Federation Nation win) settles that score with me.”

Horton is eager to scout the Red River, the 2012 Classic fishery. Unlike in the 2002 Classic, when Lay Lake was a new fishery to him, Horton has solid Red River experience. He wants to check out the river and how it’s changed.

But first things first: Monday morning, Horton was in a tree stand in Kansas. He had flown directly from the tournament site in Monroe, La., to Kansas to meet his brother and father for their annual bow hunting trip.

He said he passed on a buck early in the day.

“I chose to wait on a bigger one,” he said. “I have been pretty lucky lately.”

And then there was one: With six B.A.S.S. Federation Nation qualifiers determined last Saturday, there’s only one seat left on the bus to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.

The six most recent Classic qualifiers came from the Nov. 3-5 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats: Overall champ and Southern Division winner Jamie Horton of Centreville, Ala.; Josh Polfer of Nampa, Idaho, Western Division; Matt McCoy, Indianapolis, Ind., Northern Division; Chris Price, Church Hill, Md., Mid-Atlantic Division; John Diaco, Rochester, N.H., Eastern Division; and Tom Jessop, Dalhart, Texas, Central Division.

The last seat will be filled Nov. 12 by the winner of the 2011 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship presented by American Bass Anglers. The event will begin Wednesday, Nov. 9 on South Carolina’s Santee Cooper Reservoir.

Made up by lakes Marion and Moultrie, vast Santee Cooper covers more than 110,000 acres at full pool. Water levels, however, are reportedly far below normal, and some productive backwater areas are high and dry.

Shane Williams wants to go home to the Classic: When the 2012 Bassmaster Classic comes to Shreveport-Bossier City, La., in February, angler Shane Williams will be there, just like he was in 2009 when the Classic last came to his home waters of the Red River.

This time, instead of watching Classic pros on the Red, Williams wants to be one of them.

“The Classic is every fisherman’s dream. But to be in it at home …” Williams said needs no further explanation.

Williams found four chances to qualify. Three were by entering the 2011 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open, the B.A.S.S. circuit that offers Classic seats to each of three event winners. Williams did well for an Open rookie — he ranked 45th in points among 181 Central Open anglers — but only winners get Classic seats through the Opens.

This week Williams will make his fourth and final attempt of 2011. To succeed, he has to beat about 200 other anglers on the South Carolina impoundment of Santee Cooper in the Nov. 9-12 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship presented by American Bass Anglers.

Just like in a Bassmaster Open event, only the Weekend Series champ will get his ticket punched for the Feb. 24-26 Classic.

Williams, 31, competed for years in various circuits before he stepped up into the 2011 Opens. A Weekend Series angler since 2006, he qualified for the circuit’s 2009 and 2010 championships.

Although he has experience in the format, he’s never competed on Santee Cooper. That doesn’t worry him too much; the shallow-water, cypress-tree setup of Santee Cooper gives him confidence.

“A lot of the lakes in northwest Louisiana are the same kind of lake,” said Williams, who lives just south of Shreveport in Keithville, La.

Williams isn’t the only angler in the Weekend Series Championship who calls the Red River home water. He said he knows at least six other anglers with his same incentive: to fish a Classic that’s on home water.

“That’s what we’re going for,” he said.

Quotes from Bassmaster Classic Qualifiers through the Federation Nation:

“For the last, probably, 48 hours, I’ve felt like the man in the ninth inning with two outs. The adrenaline and the butterflies going through my belly are unbelievable.” — Chris Price, Classic qualifier from the Mid-Atlantic Division

“The last time (2002) I was there … I was in shock still ... I didn’t even know I was fishing. I was just looking around, just kind of casting, ‘I’m in the Classic, I’m in the Classic.’ This time I’m going to catch some.” — Chris Price after qualifying for his second Classic

“Thankful and tired and grateful.” — Tom Jessop describing how he felt after winning a Classic spot by overtaking two-day leader Jared Miller in the Central Division

“It’s a dream come true — I mean, what’s a guy say?” — Josh Polfer, Classic qualifier by taking first place in the Western Division, the second in a row from Idaho.

About B.A.S.S.

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

Courtesy of BASS Communications.

I Hog the Bass. All Rights Reserved.

B.A.S.S. Reporter’s Notebook: How Nick Saban coached Jamie Horton to victory; And then there was one; Shane Williams wants to go home to the Classic; and … Quotes from Classic winners through the Federation Nation.

Mr. I Hog the Bass 07 — 2011-11-15T04:50:57Z