FLW Tour pro Marty Stone told BassFan today that his longtime affiliation with Bass Cat Boats has come to an end. Stone was not only a member of the company's pro staff, but also served as its Southeast regional sales representative for more than 2 years.
"We worked really hard to keep the relationship going, but it just didn't work for either party and we've mutually agreed to go our separate ways," he said. "I've thrown out a few feelers, but right now I don't have a boat sponsor for 2013.
"I'm looking for my next boat home, but every time something like this happens, the Lord opens up a new avenue for me. One of my few regrets is I was unable to win a (tour-level) event in a Bass Cat, but it wasn't because of the boat. I'll always be friends with the Pierce family and I felt like I helped them sell a lot of boats."
Said Bass Cat pro staff manager Ed Whaley: "Marty will be missed – he's a great guy, a great pro and an asset to the industry. He has some things he wants to achieve that didn't quite fit at Bass Cat. He's leaving on good terms and there are no hard feelings – it was just time. He always did everything right."
Stone returned to tour-level competition this year after leaving the Bassmaster Elite Series upon the completion of the 2010 season. He finished 60th in the FLW Tour Angler of the Year race, with a top placement of 3rd at the first Major of the year at Lake Hartwell.
"My fishing wasn't quite what I wanted it to be this year, but the business side exceeded all expectations and I don't see that slowing down. Fishing-wise, I had my moments, but hopefully it'll be better next year."
