After an aggressive round of signings to kick off the 2007 season, Bass Cat's at it again, and the Arkansas-based boat builder today added two new pros to its staff.

The first is Andy Morgan – an FLW Tour powerhouse from Dayton, Tenn. who's currently ranked 8th in the BassFan World Rankings presented by Tru-Tungsten. Morgan had been a Ranger pro, yet his FLW sponsor-team deal was not renewed this year (he was replaced on Team Duracell by Brennan Bosley). It's not yet clear whether that event played into his decision to change boat companies.

Bass Cat also added Bassmaster Elite Series sophomore Matt Sphar. The Pavilion, N.Y. pro finished 29th as a rookie in the Elite Series points and will fish his first Bassmaster Classic next month. He won back-to-back Angler of the Year awards with the New York BASS Federation in 2003–04.

Pierce on the Signings

The Bass Cat pro staff is heavy with BASS anglers, and Morgan is the first FLW pro of note to recently join the team.

About his decision to invite Morgan in, Bass Cat head cheese Rick Pierce said: "Andy's sort of like 'Old Home Week' for us, (and) of course we're very excited to have Andy. We know he's always a huge threat in tournament competition and he complements our staff. Many of our anglers know him well and he's spoken to a few of them on the decision.

"He knows what we're about," Pierce added. "He's been good friends with one of our longtime friends from Georgia. They've preached Andy's talent to us for some time and we're very aware of his pedigree. He knows we build an excellent product and it was just time for him to make a career change. It was time to develop his future as an independent, which we at Bass Cat do ourselves."

About Sphar, Pierce said: "At the age of 28, Matt has the opportunity for a bright future in professional bass fishing. His success in the New York Federation and then BASS has proven he's a talented angler. He has a long run in front of him, and we look forward to it together. Matt should be a large influence on the future of our sport."

Morgan Stoked

Morgan has been close to signing a new title sponsor – details, he said, are forthcoming. But the new sponsor is reportedly not connected to the fishing industry. An independent boat builder – meaning one that sponsors nether tour – would thus at least appear to be a good fit.

About his decision to switch to Bass Cat, Morgan said: "For 2008 I have my own independent agreements – these are not linked to any tournament organization. I looked for a boat company that was based on the reputation of being great folks and having a super product, and Bass Cat was my first call.

"I'm as country as they come, and I'm not much on computer email or answering services," he added. "I like straight-talk and good people. After talking with Rick Pierce, my mind was pretty much made up. I look forward to working with the Pierces and running a Bass Cat for a long time."

Sphar Excited Too

Sphar fished his rookie year from a Triton. Pros this year will run their own boats during next month's Classic – a significant departure from past Classic formats – and the timing of his decision will thus put him in a Bass Cat at the "Big Show."

About his switch-decision, Sphar said: "I'm very excited to be joining Bass Cat. With the number of tournaments that I fish, it's important for me to have a strong and reliable boat. Equally important is the fact that Bass Cat is a family owned and operated business.

"I'm confident that each boat is made with a great amount of care. Also, the personal attention that I've received from the staff has been very encouraging. This is going to be a great year."

Notable

> Pierce said he couldn't comment on whether any other pros will join Bass Cat before the new season, but he did hint that a few additional deals might be in the works.

> For more information about Bass Cat, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, click here.