Simms supports B.A.S.S. Federation Nation

CELEBRATION, Fla. — B.A.S.S. LLC and Montana-based Simms announced today that Simms has signed on to become a Supporting-level Sponsor of the remaining 2011 and all 2012 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats. 

Diane Bristol, director of marketing and brand management at Simms, stated, “We are very excited to partner with B.A.S.S. to launch into the broader fishing market. B.A.S.S. has incredible reach with avid anglers, which is an excellent channel for Simms to introduce the brand. Both Simms and B.A.S.S. strive to provide the best products, and that makes for a great partnership.”

As part of the contract, Simms will have the opportunity for on-site activation at all B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events, and the company will outfit the B.A.S.S. staff for the 2011 and 2012 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats. In addition, Simms will also provide $100 gift cards to all B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship qualifiers.

Simms Fishing Products, fly fishing’s leading manufacturer of waders and outerwear, expands into new segments of the fishing industry this year with an innovative line of outerwear and footwear designed to keep anglers — particularly those who fish from boats — warm, dry and on the water longer. Among the new items Simms is bringing out are the new Pro Dry™ GORE-TEX® Parka, Bibs and Pants that have been designed with input from tournament anglers and used this year at the Bassmaster Classic.

Simms recently welcomed five Bassmaster Elite Series anglers to its inaugural Simms Pro Tournament Angler Staff: Gary Klein, Shaw Grigsby, Aaron Martens, Kelly Jordon and Ish Monroe. Each has already proved instrumental in assisting Simms develop and refine the new Pro Dry™ GORE-TEX® Parka, Bibs and Pants.

“Tournament anglers have a lot to contend with. They put it all on the line and get the job done, rain, sleet or shine. Products such as what Simms develops enable anglers to compete under adverse weather conditions. B.A.S.S. is proud to have Simms become a supporter of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation,” said Jerry McKinnis, an owner of B.A.S.S.

The 2011 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats is scheduled to take place on the Ouachita River out of Monroe, La., Nov. 3-5, 2011. Daily launches and weigh-ins will take place at the Forsythe Boat Dock, 2201 Riverside Drive, Monroe, LA 71201, and are free and open to the public. Bassmaster.com will feature live streaming video of the weigh-ins.

For more information on Simms, visit www.simmsfishing.com.

 For more information on the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats, visit www.bassmaster.com/federation-series.

2011 Bassmaster Federation Championship and Federation Divisional Championships presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats Official Sponsors: Toyota Trucks, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Mercury, Skeeter, Triton, Yamaha

2011 Bassmaster Federation Championship and Federation Divisional Championships presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats Supporting Sponsors: Humminbird, Lowrance, Minn Kota, MotorGuide, Owner Hooks, Simms

About Simms Fishing Products

Established in 1980, Montana-based Simms Fishing Products is the recognized leader in guide-quality fishing waders, outerwear, footwear and apparel. Their full line of gear is available at specialty and large format retailers nationwide.

About B.A.S.S.

For more than 40 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, 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, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats 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 Celebration, Fla.

Media Contact: Melissa J. Dixon, B.A.S.S. (407) 566-2295 or melissa.j.dixon@bassmaster.com

Matt Crawford, Pale Morning media (802) 583-6069 or matt_crawford@madriver.com