BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. today announced that Pro-Guide Batteries has been named the title sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year award and will also sponsor the Bassmaster Kayak Series Angler of the Year award, further expanding the company’s presence across professional bass fishing while reinforcing its commitment to innovation, performance and the next generation of anglers.

The Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year race is one of the most closely followed storylines of the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season, recognizing first-year competitors who demonstrate consistency, adaptability and competitive excellence at the sport’s highest level. As title sponsor, Pro-Guide Batteries will be integrated across Elite Series events, media coverage and points race updates throughout the season.

In addition, Pro-Guide Batteries’ support of the Bassmaster Kayak Angler of the Year award highlights the brand’s investment in one of the fastest-growing segments of competitive fishing. Kayak anglers depend on lightweight, efficient and reliable power solutions to run electronics and accessories in compact, demanding environments, making Pro-Guide’s lithium battery technology a natural fit for the discipline.

“Pro-Guide is proud to be the title sponsor for the Rookie of the Year points race,” said Pate Shumaker, Pro-Guide Batteries Chief Product and Marketing Officer. “The fishing world is changing fast, and these young guns are coming in and shaking things up. We believe the rookie class is one of the most exciting stories in the Elite Series each year, and we’re thrilled to be right there with them as they chase their dreams.”

The partnership aligns Pro-Guide Batteries with anglers who represent the future of professional bass fishing across multiple platforms. Rookie Elite Series competitors and kayak anglers alike rely heavily on dependable power to support advanced electronics during long, high-pressure competition days. Pro-Guide’s lithium battery technology is designed to deliver consistent performance, faster charging and reduced weight — advantages that translate directly into competitive confidence.

Pro-Guide Batteries has rapidly established itself as a leader in marine power solutions, offering products engineered specifically for the demands of modern competitive fishing. Its focus on durability, efficiency and innovation mirrors the mindset of Elite Series rookies and kayak anglers who must adapt quickly and perform at a high level on diverse fisheries.

“The Rookie of the Year and Kayak Angler of the Year races both represent innovation, adaptability and the future of our sport,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “Pro-Guide Batteries is a natural fit for these awards because their technology supports anglers who are pushing the limits of performance across multiple formats. Their expanded involvement helps elevate two of the most exciting pursuits in competitive fishing.”

As sponsor of both awards, Pro-Guide Batteries will engage fans and anglers through on-site activations, digital storytelling and season-long coverage tracking the progress of Elite Series rookies and kayak competitors. The partnership also provides opportunities to educate anglers on the importance of reliable power management across all fishing platforms.

The Bassmaster Rookie of the Year and Kayak Angler of the Year awards have a long history of identifying anglers who go on to become champions and ambassadors for the sport, making each race a key indicator of future success.

For more information on Pro-Guide Batteries sponsorships and season-long points races, visit Bassmaster.com.

About Pro-Guide Batteries

Pro-Guide Batteries is a premier manufacturer of high-performance marine batteries, dedicated to powering outdoor adventures with reliability and innovation since 1980. Based in Golden, Missouri, the company specializes in advanced lithium-ion solutions, including the cutting-edge Alpha line, which delivers unmatched energy density, safety features, and efficiency for trolling motors, marine electronics, and demanding deep-cycle applications. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Pro-Guide Batteries ensures that anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts have the dependable power they need to elevate their experiences on the water. For more information, visit proguidebatteries.com.

 

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, 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 organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 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 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.