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B.A.S.S. Responds To Ranger Press Release
For information contact George McNeilly, Director of Communications and
Broadcast Development at (334) 272-9530
Ranger Boats criticism of World Championship Fishing is without merit
according to B.A.S.S. The following is a statement issued by the Bass
Anglers Sportsman Society which sanctions WCF:
Since 1968, the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society has been dedicated to a core
principal of growing bass fishing into an industry and sport of prominence.
For many of those years, the Ranger Boat Company has shared in this spirit
of working together to attract increased participation and investment in
the sport. Over the last three decades, we have had unprecedented success
toward achieving that common goal.
Sadly, since the inception of the FLW tour in 1996, which enjoys the same
ownership as Ranger Boats, we have observed Ranger's steady and ever
increasing departure from our fundamental philosophy. As most anglers know,
if you do not own a Ranger Boat, it is very difficult to participate in
FLW events. In fact, the FLW rules prohibit contenders from displaying any
competitive sponsor logos during filming days of their tournaments.
B.A.S.S. believes that any policy that excludes a fisherman or manufacturer
from competing on a fair and level playing field
is detrimental to the future of the sport. The integrity and credibility
earned by the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society will never be compromised.
Even if it costs us a sponsorship(s), B.A.S.S. will vigorously safeguard
the guiding principles and values shared by our 600,000 members and as well
as millions of anglers worldwide.
It is our hope that Ranger will support their anglers and once again join
our effort in making America's greatest sport available to all who wish to
participate.
The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society will continue to serve Ranger Boats and
all BASSMASTER Tournament Trail sponsors at the very highest level.
Facts about the World Championship Fishing series, sanctioned by B.A.S.S.
with regard to Ranger Boats:
World Championship Fishing. WCF, which has been in the planning stages for
years, was devised as a means of reaching a new audience of potential
anglers and boaters. The very first event in August 1999 did just that,
attracting more than 38,000 spectators - the largest crowd ever to attend
an outdoor fishing/boating event.
These spectator-friendly, made-for-TV events already have proved to be the
most exciting developments in fishing and boating in decades. They have
been and will continue to be a tremendous boost to the sports.
Ranger Boats was never asked to sponsor World Championship Fishing. WCF's
only desire was for Ranger to allow those anglers they have under contract
to compete in the summertime series of events -- Ranger refused. Can you
imagine a car maker telling a NASCAR driver or a golf club manufacturer
forcing a PGA Tour player to withdraw from several exhibition events
designed to promote the sport and its stars? We believe this sends the
wrong message to the fishing and boating public.
MarJean Corkran
Media Relations Coordinator
B.A.S.S., Inc. Communications Dept.
5845 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36117
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