Mike Iaconelli will be joining the "Bass Cat Family".

[Basscat7]

Press Release from Bass Cat Boats
RE: Mike Iaconelli

The Bass Cat Family of Owners, the Pierces and staff of Bass Cat Boats are pleased to announce that Mike Iaconelli will be joining the "Bass Cat Family".

He comes into a rich history of over 35 years for Bass Cat this season. Mike will be embraced and welcomed to the Elite angler group of the "Bass Cat Family" and by the entire "family" of Bass Cat Owners. The first open "Family" Ownership exposure to Mike will be at this seasons Bass Cat Invitational to be held on Lake Norfork, May 4th and 5th, 2007.

"Our Owners have become known and acknowledged as "Family", and they will all be anxious to meet the real Mike Iaconelli. That interaction will allow them to see the Mike they meet and compare him to the 'Ike' of television." Stated Rick Pierce

Mike's angling achievements are numerous, and his winnings totals speak for themselves, along with his many titles. He worked his way up through the BASS regime from the roots of the Federation. Mike is the reigning Angler of the Year from the BASS Elite Series and has multiple BassMAster Classic qualifications. Though Bass Cat is most excited about the relationship and the youth that Mike brings to the sport.

His character plays well to youth and children everywhere. He will stay hours on end to get that last autograph signed, when others have gone on to their rooms. That dedication is going to bode well for him as a part of the "Bass Cat Family". It shows he cares.

This merging of Mike and Bass Cat will reach out that younger market base, to which BCB desires to appeal. The traditional market for a Bass Cat is a baby boomer market. That market is changing and Mike as well as other new staff members to be announced after the first of January.

The BCB company is poised for growth in the bass boat market after redirecting the bass boat line up in 2003.

"Both Jan and I are in support of this move, as we strive to change in a changing bass fishing market. Mike will be here soon, to just spend time and visit with all of us, and learn more of what we are about." Commented Ron Pierce

[Tritonrob]

Not a huge fan of some Mike actions at times, but he is very pleasurable to talk to in person and is one heck of a fisherman.  Just hope someone shows him how to operate the livewell switches before goes to use them .  I'm sure he will do a great job propmiting them.  He does do a great do promoting his sponsors.

[Basscat7]

Not a huge fan of some Mike actions at times, but he is very pleasurable to talk to in person and is one heck of a fisherman.  Just hope someone shows him how to operate the livewell switches before goes to use them .  I'm sure he will do a great job propmiting them.  He does do a great do promoting his sponsors.

You are right Rob, In person He is the complete opposite of the guy you see when the camera is on him.....A lot of that was put on for ESPN....
He is very personable, will talk fishing with anybody, and spends hours with kids after tournaments....

[Tritonrob]

Absolutely right about ESPN doing that with Ike.  They have asked others to do the same.  Some have and some haven't.  I had talked with Ike several times right after he turned pro after the federation and enjoyed every conversation.  Glad to see he still takes the time for the kids.

[Holden]

I happy for Mike. Sure he has an attitude but #1. He can fish and #2. He is bringing in tons of Youth. Mr. Iaconelli is the one who inspired me to start tournament bass fishing. Thanks

Holden

[BASSINNMS]

Ike is who i am pulling for and i am going to do my best to shake his hand after the Classic.  I hope i get the chance to talk a little fishing with him.  That'd sure make my day!

[mikenestle]

Met Ike in person once and was not what I expected. He is a great guy just a showman. He will do a great job.

[PorneCopspede]

that top bolt hole sure looks hogged out...  can you get a new nose piece that has round holes with the right diameter?