Bassmaster Event in Escanada

B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin announced Thursday during the 2014 Bassmaster Classic Media Day that they have entered a multi-year partnership with Pure Michigan. The partnership includes both bass tournaments and conservation.

The first impact of the new partnership is Escanaba, Michigan capturing the Bassmaster Elite Series AOY Championship, Sep 18 - 21, 2014. The first ever AOY Championship will feature the top 50 Elite Series anglers in points at the end of the regular 2014 Elite Series schedule. The tournament will launch out of Little Bay de Noc.

From New Bassmaster Events Slated For 2014 Season "Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship, Sept. 18-21, in Escanaba, Mich., with competition on Bays De Noc, Lake Michigan. The event host is the city of Escanaba, a partner of Pure Michigan, the official tourism and travel organization for the state."

Additional plans are tentative at this time but GreatLakesBass.com talked with one of the three owners of B.A.S.S. Jerry McKinnis, and Angie Thompson, VP, Sponsorship & Events. Mostly likely Michigan will host repeat Elite Series events in the following seasons. Lake St. Clair is one likely location discussed.

As more information becomes available and we are able, we will share it. It was very nice to hear Pure Michigan discussed during Media Day, AND Bruce Akin also talked about B.A.S.S. excitement about the the new state deal with Michigan including many other possible future benefits and results during his presentation to the 2014 Conservation Summit participants Friday morning. Michigan is one of only four states that B.A.S.S. has a state-level agreement with - the other three being Alabama, Arkansas and New York.