BASS announced today that Kennesaw, Ga.,-based Yamaha Marine Group and Texas-based Skeeter Products, Inc., have increased their sponsorship agreement to include presenting level support of the BASS Federation Nation Championship and the BASS Federation Nation Divisionals.

With the new agreement, the six divisionals will be titled the BASS Federation Nation Divisionals presented by Yamaha Outboards and Skeeter Boats and the championship event will be the BASS Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha Outboards and Skeeter Boats. 

Yamaha, which is an Official Engine sponsor of BASS and its prestigious tournament structure, and Skeeter, which serves as an Official Boat sponsor of BASS, will continue to serve as premier sponsors of the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens and the Women’s Bassmaster Tour presented by Academy Sports & Outdoors.

“The BASS Federation Nation represents the “heart and soul” of our great sport of bass fishing,” said Jeff Stone, senior vice president and general manager of Skeeter. “From local club competitions to the national championship, this great organization provides the foundation and inspiration that helps drive the bass boat industry today. We look forward to building upon this rich heritage with the Federation Nation by providing support and exposure to its many members and our customers and dealers.”

“At Yamaha we strive to provide outboard motors that truly exceed the satisfaction expectations of bass anglers across the country,” said Dale Barnes, division manager, marketing for Yamaha Marine Group. “We believe this opportunity to become more involved with the BASS Federation Nation will help us understand the needs and desires of federation members from every state even better as the market continues to evolve.”

Both companies will continue to support BASS’ youth initiatives including the Bassmaster CastingKids Championship and Junior Bassmaster World Championship. The announcement was made on the heels of the completion of the BASS Federation Nation Championship, which qualified six amateur competitors for the 2009 Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 on the Red River and Shreveport-Bossier City, La.

The agreement also includes a large presence across BASS’ considerable multimedia platforms, www.Bassmaster.com and www.ESPNOutdoors.com. 

“We appreciate the support from Skeeter and Yamaha, particularly as it relates to our Federation Nation programs,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager of BASS. “Both have fantastic reputations in the industry and continue to advance the sport of bass fishing.”

For more information on Yamaha Marine Group, visit www.yamahaoutboards.com or for more information on Skeeter Boats, visit www.skeeterboats.com. 

For logos of both companies and other related photos, click here.

About BASS: For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences. The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually. BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

About Yamaha Marine Products

Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world. Yamaha Marine Group, based in Kennesaw, Ga., supports its 2,200 U.S. dealers and OEM partners with marketing, training and parts for Yamaha’s full line of products and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine is the only outboard company to have earned NMMA®’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. Visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.

About Skeeter Products, Inc.

Skeeter Products, Inc. makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with owner’s tournaments, “Real Money” tournament incentive program, and a top-notch dealer network. Skeeter’s heritage dates back to 1948, and today it designs and manufactures innovative and highperforming bass, walleye, fish & ski and saltwater boats. Skeeter is the recipient of seven consecutive CSI customer satisfaction awards, and its boats are NMMA certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and American Boat & Yacht Council standards. For a catalog call (800) SKEETER, or for more information visit www.skeeterboats.com.