Bass Pro expands sponsorship of fishing tournament series

Bass Pro Shops is upgrading its sponsorship of a bass fishing tournament series.

The Springfield-based outdoor retailer is expanding its relationship with the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society through a new multiyear sponsorship agreement of its Bassmaster tournaments. The financial terms of the deal were undisclosed in a news release.

"As a young angler, fishing in the first national B.A.S.S. tournament on Table Rock Lake served as my inspiration for starting Bass Pro Shops," said Johnny Morris, the Springfield company's founder, in the release. "Now, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bass Pro Shops this year, our expanded partnership brings it full circle. We're excited to work alongside our friends at B.A.S.S. to further elevate the sport of fishing, connect folks to nature and invest in conservation."

Through the new agreement, Bass Pro will be a premier sponsor for the B.A.S.S. Tournament Trail, including the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bassmaster Classic, and title sponsor for the Bassmaster Team Championship. Bass Pro will continue to be the presenting sponsor of the Bassmaster College Series.

"For decades, B.A.S.S. and Bass Pro Shops have shared a vision to get more people on the water and fishing, and we deeply appreciate their continued partnership as they elevate their sponsorship of the Bassmaster Tournament Trails to the premier level," B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson said in the release. "Their sponsorship and support for both college anglers and for team trail and grass-roots anglers from across the country are invaluable."

B.A.S.S. was among organizations that participated in the March 30-April 3 World's Fishing Fair at Bass Pro's flagship store in Springfield.