BASS, Humminbird sign multiple-year agreement

BASS announced today a new multiple-year sponsorship agreement with Humminbird®, a leading innovator in cutting-edge technology in the electronics category. With the agreement, Humminbird will become an official sponsor of the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series in addition to a supporting sponsor of the Bassmaster Opens.

"Humminbird is very excited to support BASS and its tour anglers," said Jeff Davison, Business Director of Humminbird. "Side Imaging® sonar has forever changed bass fishing, and as the innovation leaders who invented it, we're committed to raising the bar yet again with technology that will help anglers catch more fish."

The Eufaula, Ala.,-based company recently made big news in the fishing industry, inking a sponsorship deal with five-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam.

Humminbird designs, engineers and manufactures sonar/GPS products primarily for the fishing and marine markets.

The sponsorship agreement will bring unique value to Humminbird as the company will be considered the primary sponsor of BASSCast. BASSCast, a new technology that features near real-time feeds directly from BASS anglers' boats during competition days, will now be branded "BASSCast Powered by Humminbird."

Humminbird will also enjoy a presence at the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series events and the Bassmaster Opens. Humminbird will also receive significant exposure across BASS' multimedia properties, including ESPN2, Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times, Fishing Tackle Retailer, Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com.

"Humminbird continues to deliver cutting-edge technology that anglers want while maintaining an outstanding quality and customer service reputation," said Tom Ricks, BASS' and ESPN Outdoors vice president and general manager.

For more information on Humminbird, visit Humminbird.com

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit Bassmaster.com. Visit ESPNOutdoorsMedia.com for ESPN's latest releases, schedules and images.

About Humminbird

Humminbird® is a leading innovator and manufacturer of fishfinders, fishfinder/GPS combo units, chartplotters, marine radios and digital depth gauges. The Humminbird brand is owned by Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc. along with other fishing brands including Minn Kota® and Cannon®.

About BASS

For more than 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in ESPN360.com, ESPN's sports broadband network, Bassmaster.com, BASSInsider.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content - from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage - to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.

BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.