TULSA, Okla. – January 16, 2012 – Bass fishing fans are about to see a production – the Major League Fishing Challenge Cup – that offers viewers a “totally new angle” of the sport, Bass Cat owner Rick Pierce says. Because of his company’s appreciation of this fresh approach and its long-term potential, Bass Cat today announced its sponsorship of Major League Fishing.
“When they first contacted us about Major League Fishing, we jumped in early at that first opportunity. This is exciting and will change anglers’ styles as their approach will be different from normal tournament fishing,” Pierce said.
“The format will capture the viewers and present a totally new angle of the sport. Just seeing how the audience reacts will be interesting. It is not like a typical bass tournament. It’s more of a very high-amp skins game, sort of an IROC race on steroids. We are pleased to be a part of the new format the anglers and the Major League Fishing directors have presented. “
Major League Fishing, a partnership between Outdoor Channel and 24 of the world’s best anglers, features made-for-television bass fishing events designed to bring high-level challenges to participants and entertainment, as well as insight, to audiences.
The league’s first event, the Challenge Cup, will be offered beginning February 13 on a series of Internet-based pay-per-view broadcasts. The event will also air on Outdoor Channel in April.
“We are extremely pleased that Bass Cat sees the excitement and the long-term potential of Major League Fishing, and we’re honored that this excellent company is stepping up as a sponsor,” said Major League Fishing Commissioner Don Rucks.
Major League Fishing’s first event, the Challenge Cup, took place November 6-11 on Lake Amistad near Del Rio, Texas. The Lake Amistad event debuted the league’s innovative format that allows anglers to compete with no limit on the number of legal fish they can catch and weigh. Competitors were not allowed to begin competition with stored, user-generated GPS waypoints, and were not allowed any practice time. The anglers also were equipped with real-time leader boards in their boats.
About Bass Cat
Bass Cat Boats, a manufacturer of fiberglass bass boats and trailers, was founded in 1971 by Ron & Jan Pierce and is still owned by the Pierce family. BassCat is the longest existing tournament bass boat company in the USA and has received five consecutive JD Power and Associates Awards for “Best in Fiberglass Bass Boats.” For more information, visit: www.basscat.com.
About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing is a partnership of 24 of the world’s most talented, influential professional bass anglers and Outdoor Channel. For more information about the new game, with new rules and no limits, visit: www.majorleaguefishing.com.
About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America’s Leader In Outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America’s leading and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. also owns and operates the SkyCam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information, please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.
