Toyota Signs Two New Elite Series Pros for 2019

Texas-based Toyota Motor North America proudly announces the expansion of their professional bass angling team to include Bassmaster Elite Series anglers Matt Arey and Brandon Lester.

Arey, who passed his driver’s test 22 years ago in a Toyota truck, has won nearly $1 Million in his pro angling career, and qualified for 10 Forrest Wood Cup Championships before joining the Bassmaster Elite Series this season.

“I passed my driver’s test in a 1993 four-wheel drive, extended cab, Toyota pick-up truck with BFG All Terrain tires on it. If you can’t tell that truck still means the world to me 22 years later,” smiles Arey, who holds a degree in Business Agriculture from North Carolina State.

“These days, I’m driving my fifth full-size Toyota Tundra,” says Arey. “It’s all about reliability. I’ve never had a mechanical issue with any of the five Tundras I’ve bought, and the Bonus Bucks program is a no-brainer if you’re a tournament fisherman.”

Brandon Lester is truly one of bass fishing’s brightest young stars, and he too has been a loyal Tundra owner during his short but illustrious career that includes (23) Top 20s and 3 Bassmaster Classics. 

“I bought my first Tundra because I wanted to be eligible for Bonus Bucks, but it’s just a top-quality vehicle, and the huge 38-gallon fuel tank they have today is just awesome for those of us that tow a bass boat long distances,” says Lester.

“Honestly, I’m both honored and humbled to be a part of Team Toyota because there’s no other company in the world that has done more to support bass fishing during the six years I’ve been a pro than Toyota,” says Lester.

“Toyota is proud to have two Bassmaster Elite Series pro anglers who have been long-time customers, and successful in the Bonus Bucks Program join the Toyota Fishing Team,” concluded Matt Ozawa, Engagement Marketing Manager, Toyota North America. 

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