Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that Abu Garcia and Berkley will sponsor the 2019 MLF Bass Pro Tour that begins its eight-event tournament series Jan. 29 on Florida's Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
"Abu Garcia rods and reels and Berkley baits and fishing line need no introduction ... they've long had a presence in fishing and have always been in the forefront of the premier marketing programs in our industry, including prior involvement with MLF," said MLF president and CEO Jim Wilburn. "We now welcome them to the Bass Pro Tour sponsor team where I know their participation will further enhance the overall experience of our participating pros and viewing audience alike."
Said Pure Fishing marketing VP Jon Schlosser: "We have been investing heavily in Berkley and Abu Garcia and a big part of that investment is within the world of bass fishing, MLF is a great place for us to showcase our major new developments in bass fishing products and also allows us to highlight our alignment with several of the top pros in the sport."
The Pure Fishing brands will have promotional prominence throughout the tour. They will sponsor the show's post-game programming, plus will present The Berkley Catch Count to the angler catching the most bass in each event, and also give the Berkley Big Bass award for the biggest bass per tournament.
Additionally, Abu Garcia and Berkley will have 30-second commercials and billboards on MLF television, and the Berkley Bait of the Week will be featured on the MLF NOW! live-streaming broadcast that delivers seven hours of Bass Pro Tour coverage each competition day.
Three Bass Pro Tour stops have been announced to date: Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Florida, Jan. 29 - Feb. 3; Lake Conroe, Texas, Feb. 12 - 17; and North Carolina's Falls Lake, Shearon Harris Reservoir and Jordan Lake, all located near Raleigh, March 26 - 31. The 2019 Bass Pro Tour will culminate with a championship event held in August.
