 |
| FishTails: Apr.
2000 |
Letter from Ranger - Press Release - B.A.S.S. Response
For information contact George McNeilly, Director of Communications and Broadcast
Developement 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
phone: (334) 272-9530 ext. 375
fax: (334) 270-8549
http://www.bassmaster.com/ |
|
|
|
