Skeeter & B.A.S.S. Ink Multiyear Sponsorship Deal

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Skeeter Products Inc., maker of high-performance bass boats, and B.A.S.S., the world's most prestigious bass tournament organization, have signed a multiyear agreement for Skeeter to continue as an Official Premier Boat Sponsor of all B.A.S.S. circuits. The agreement includes all Bassmaster events conducted within the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series and the grass-roots B.A.S.S. Nation regional tournaments. Also included is the Bassmaster Classic, the annual world championship of bass fishing. "There is no better way for Skeeter to show its commitment to the sport than through B.A.S.S. competition," said Jeff Stone, senior vice president and general manager of Skeeter Products. "We live the sport of bass fishing and so do our customers. The Bassmaster Classic is the way we start our year; the Elites show what professionalism is all about; and the B.A.S.S. Nation is where many of our customers compete each weekend. I just can't imagine bass fishing any other way. We are grateful for what B.A.S.S. sponsorship has done for our customers, our boats and the sport." Skeeter, based in Kilgore, Texas, and B.A.S.S., which is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., have partnered since 2008 to promote their products and the sport. The renewal of the sponsorship agreement announced today extends their collaboration through 2016. "Skeeter and B.A.S.S. share an important goal: to grow the sport of bass fishing," said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. "A sponsorship renewal is a recommitment to that goal. B.A.S.S. eagerly looks forward to the next steps of our partnership." Skeeter bass boats include models in the FX, i-Class, ZX and TZX series. They are showcased at Bassmaster competitions, including the annual Bassmaster Classic, nine Bassmaster Elite Series events, nine Opens tournaments and six regional events in each of the College and B.A.S.S. Nation circuits. Especially popular with fans is the free Skeeter Performance Boats Demo Tour at the Classic and Elite Series events. The program allows bass fishing fans to experience the smooth, fast and controlled ride of a Skeeter boat powered by a Yamaha V MAX SHO® engine. The next opportunity to sign up for a Skeeter ride is at this week's Elite Series event, the Aug. 8-11 Evan Williams Bourbon Showdown at St. Lawrence River out of Waddington, N.Y. Fishing enthusiasts also learn about Skeeter boats through other B.A.S.S. properties. They include The Bassmasters TV show, Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines, and Bassmaster.com. About Skeeter Products, Inc. Skeeter Products, Inc., an Official Boat Sponsor of B.A.S.S., makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner's tournament, its "Real Money" tournament incentive program and a top-notch dealer network. Skeeter designs and manufactures innovative and high-performing bass, walleye, fish and ski, and saltwater boats. Skeeter is the recipient of 11 consecutive NMMA® C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index awards, and its boats are certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and American Boat and Yacht Council standards. For a catalog, call 800-SKEETER, or for more information, visit www.skeeterboats.com. Skeeter Media Contact: Ben Jarrett, 903-983-5640, ben_jarrett@yamaha-motor.com About B.A.S.S. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles. The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications - Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times - comprehensive website Bassmaster.com and ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle. The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, B.A.S.S. Nation events and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.