In an April 2000 press release, B.A.S.S. made several critical statements regarding its relationship with long-time sponsor Ranger Boats and the operating policies of Operation Bass’ Wal-Mart FLW Tournaments. Operation Bass and Ranger Boat Company believe these statements were inaccurate. B.A.S.S. regrets making these critical statements and retracts them.
In its April 2000 press release B.A.S.S. suggested that anglers did not have a level playing field in FLW events due in part to Wal-Mart FLW Tournament rules that prohibit contenders from displaying any competitive sponsor logos during filming days of the tournaments. B.A.S.S. recognizes that the rules and guidelines set forth by Operation Bass are not intended to disqualify any angler from qualifying and participating in Wal-Mart FLW Tour events. B.A.S.S. applauds Operation Bass and the Wal-Mart FLW Tour for their commitment to grow the sport of bass fishing.
The B.A.S.S. press release also suggested that Ranger Boats’ decision not to enter into sponsorship renewal discussions with B.A.S.S. was influenced by Operation Bass. B.A.S.S. also portrayed the Wal-Mart FLW Tour and Ranger Boats as having the same ownership. B.A.S.S. recognizes this statement is not completely accurate. While Irwin L. Jacobs is an owner of Genmar, which owns Ranger Boats, and is the Chairman of Operation Bass, B.A.S.S. acknowledges that Operation Bass and Ranger Boats are managed by different managers. B.A.S.S. recognizes the decision not to sponsor the WCF Tournaments was made independently by Ranger Boats’ management and was based on the differing philosophies.
For 30 years Ranger was a valued sponsor of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail. During those 30 years the two companies worked side by side in building the sport of bass fishing. The relationship represented a true partnership in spirit and performance.
Helen Sevier, President of B.A.S.S., which was recently acquired by ESPN, stated, “From the very early days of B.A.S.S. and organized bass fishing, Forrest and Nina Wood have been a part of the B.A.S.S. family. Together, we have worked to grow the sport of competitive bass fishing and to provide anglers with a safe, fun and productive fishing experience on the water. Forrest and Nina are icons in the sport of bass fishing and we truly appreciate the contributions they have made to B.A.S.S. and to the sport we all love.”
Sevier continued, “Ranger helped B.A.S.S. carry forward, through its tournaments, conservation messages like `catch and release’ with such innovations as the Ranger patented recirculating live-well system. Ranger’s commitment to safety through the years helped B.A.S.S. pioneer and make possible the implementation of safety rules such as the use of mandatory safety stop `kill’ switches and many other practices considered commonplace today.”
Irwin L. Jacobs, Chairman of Operation Bass stated, “I applaud B.A.S.S. and all of its members for all they have done over the years in helping the growth of our sport and industry of bass fishing.” Jacobs added, “Operation Bass and all of its members are committed to working with B.A.S.S. and all other tournament organizations in furthering the continued growth, awareness and participation in bass fishing.”
“Everyone at Ranger has always been committed to grow the sport of fishing. Our commitment today is no less than it has ever been in support of B.A.S.S.’s over 575,000 members and families,” said Randy Hopper, President of Ranger Boat Company. “Ranger Boats will continue to support B.A.S.S. members and all other tournament organizations that work together to grow the health and popularity of the fishing and boating industries.”