The Professional Anglers Association (PAA) is excited to announce their partnership with Bass Pro Shops for the 2010 PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series. Bass Pro Shops, the #1 outdoor retailer in America, will host tournament activities and weigh-ins for the nation’s top professional bass fishermen at four PAA events next year. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Springfield, Mo., the outdoor retail leader has fifty-six stores throughout the United States and Canada, serving over 100 million sportsmen a year.
“The PAA and Bass Pro Shops are going to bring the best together, “states PAA President, John Crews. “The best bass anglers in the world are going to showcase their talent at tournaments that are going to be centered at the best outdoor retail stores. The PAA is very excited about our future with Bass Pro Shops.”
Each of the four stops will be hosted in conjunction with Bass Pro Shops retail locations throughout the second half of 2010. Stores will serve as tournament headquarters by playing host to tournament registration, meet and greets, and the final day weigh-in activities. Fans can join in the excitement at Bass Pro Shops throughout the tournament week. Those who are unable to attend will also have the opportunity to join on-line, with weigh-in coverage and instructional video being streamed as part of the expanded PAA event coverage.
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris was a professional angler himself and qualified 5 times for the prestigious Bassmaster Classic. “Our company was one of the first to involve professional anglers in promoting our branded products,” said Morris. “We have a long history of great relationships with top anglers worldwide and we are very proud to be in a position to support these anglers and the PAA.”
As the Official Outdoor Retailer of the 2010 Tournament Series, Bass Pro Shops will collaborate with the PAA on marketing and promotions. Nitro and Tracker Boats will also join this partnership which will showcase America’s number-one-selling fishing boats to the bass fishing enthusiasts of the PAA.
Kevin VanDam, newly crowned five-time Angler of the Year stated, “I’m really looking forward to this partnership between organizations who mean so much to the sport. This is great for fishing, for fishermen and for all the sponsors. We all have a common purpose and this really is a boost for everyone involved.”
