FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 17, 2018

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Johnson Outdoors, one of the most innovative companies in the fishing and boating industries, has expanded its sponsorship of B.A.S.S. events, including the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series.

Under the multiyear agreement announced today, three of Johnson Outdoors’ most powerful brands — Minn Kota, Humminbird and Talon — will be premier sponsors of B.A.S.S., the world’s largest fishing organization with more than 500,000 members, through 2019, 2020 and 2021. Minn Kota and Humminbird will continue their prominence at Bassmaster events. Minn Kota’s Talon shallow-water anchors brand is new to the family of premier sponsors of B.A.S.S.

“We at B.A.S.S. value our close relationship with Johnson Outdoors companies, and we appreciate their loyalty over the years,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “We share a dedication to inspire more people to experience the great outdoors, and we look forward to working alongside Johnson Outdoors to accomplish that goal in the coming years.”

“We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with B.A.S.S. as it reflects our mutual commitment to the sport of fishing,” said Johnson Outdoors Senior Director Joe Brown. “Minn Kota and Humminbird have deep roots in the fishing community. Educating and inspiring anglers from first-fish to high school competitions, and even up to the Bassmaster Elite Series, is the embodiment of our agreement, and it gives us a platform to connect with anglers at every stage of their passion.”

Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics will serve as a premier sponsor in three categories — boating electronics, trolling motors and shallow-water anchors — for all levels of B.A.S.S. competition, including the Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops and Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series.

The Classic is set for March 15-17 in Knoxville, Tenn., with Minn Kota, Humminbird and Talon logos prominently on display at the Bassmaster Classic weigh-ins at Thompson-Boling Arena adjacent to the Tennessee River in Knoxville.

“The 2018 Classic in Greenville and Anderson, S.C., drew record attendance of more than 143,000, and we look forward to a similar turnout in Knoxville,” Akin added.

But before the Classic, the new premier partnerships will kick off Jan. 24-26 with the BassPro.comBassmaster Eastern Open on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes at Leesburg and will continue with two back-to-back Elite Series events, one on the St. Johns River at Palatka, Fla., Feb. 7-10, and another at Lake Lanier, Gwinnett, Ga., Feb. 14-17.

The nine-stop Elite Series circuit features a full field of 75 top-tier professional anglers striving to catch the heaviest five-bass daily limits on some of the hottest and most productive bass fisheries in the United States. In addition to $100,000 first-place prizes in each contest, the anglers will be gunning to qualify for the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” the Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. The career-making event will be held in the spring of 2020 and will mark the 50th Classic since the inaugural championship on Lake Mead, Nevada, in 1971.

In addition to connecting with anglers through 35 Bassmaster tournaments next year, Minn Kota, Humminbird and Talon will reach bass fishermen through B.A.S.S.’s diverse, industry-leading media, including Bassmaster.com, Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines, The Bassmasterstelevision show, Bassmaster LIVE, Bassmaster Radio, social media and expos at the best-attended tournaments in existence — the Elite Series and Classic.

About Johnson Outdoors
Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson Outdoors and consists of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Talon® brands. Humminbird® is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Minn Kota® is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as battery chargers and marine accessories. Minn Kota® Talon® offers a complete line of shallow water anchors. http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2 and Pursuit Channel), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, BassPro.com Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Series presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.