BASS PRO SHOPS AND NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY NHFD TO TAKE PLACE SEPTEMBER 24, 2011

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (July 19, 2011) — Bass Pro Shops has renewed its sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day that is set to take place September 24, 2011.

 

Each year NHF Day asks a renowned outdoorsman to serve as honorary chair, and this year businessman T. Boone Pickens will be serving that role.

 

In this role, Boone Pickens helps deliver the message of conservation throughout the hunting and fishing communities, which always takes place on the fourth Saturday in September.

 

Pickens is one of America’s most prominent and influential businessmen in history. He is a top authority on world energy issues, president and CEO of the investment firm BP Capital Management and founder of Mesa Petroleum.

 

Pickens is the author of “The First Billion is the Hardest” and “Boone Pickens: The Luckiest Guy in the World.” Pickens also is a noted philanthropist with gifts to charitable causes exceeding $700 million.

 

The sponsorship support of Bass Pro Shops helps support Wonders of Wildlife museum—the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

 

The Springfield, Mo., facility oversees educational initiatives to help the American public understand the indelible relationship between hunting, angling, healthy habitat, and wildlife and fisheries conservation.

 

“Johnny Morris and all of us here at Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Marine are really proud and honored to be a part of this effort to make more people aware of our time-honored traditions of hunting and fishing,” said, Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine Communications Manager Larry Whiteley. “We hope that through NHF Day as well as the free outdoor skills classes we hold in our stores across America and Canada, more people will discover the grand sports of hunting and fishing.”

 

“National Hunting and Fishing Day and Bass Pro Shops teaming together to promote wildlife conservation simply makes sense,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs, Wonders of Wildlife. “We are excited to have them as sponsors to NHF Day. Their support is a testament to their continued support of outdoorsman around the country.”

 

Congress formalized NHF Day in 1972 to remind the public that conservation depends on funding and leadership from hunters and anglers. Every U.S. President from Richard Nixon through Barack Obama has issued official proclamations of support for the annual commemoration, now recognized as one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports.

 

Sponsors for NHF Day 2011 continues to grow, and includes Wonders of Wildlife, NSSF, Bass Pro Shops, Smith & Wesson, Sportsman’s Channel, Realtree, Cabela’s, GunBroker.com, Yamaha, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Izaak Walton League of America and Pope and Young Club.

 

For more information about NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org and check out our Facebook page.

WIN A PENN CUSTOM SHOP INTERNATIONAL® REEL

New PENN Custom Shop Website Launch

The PENN Custom Shop website has been re-vamped with an advanced design that makes designing your own International V Series reel easier than ever. The upgraded site includes new click-to-change technology when selecting color and engraving options so you can instantly see updates to your reel design. PENN Custom Shop reel designs can even be shared on Facebook or sent to any authorized Custom Shop dealers for more information on how to order a reel.

 

To commemorate the launch of the new site, PENN is letting one lucky angler walk away with a custom International V Series reel.  To enter visit www.penncustomshop.com and click on the PENN Custom Shop Sweepstakes link to fill out the online form.  Then build a custom reel online and share your design with your friends via Facebook or one of the other available options on the new website.

 

More about PENN Custom Shop Reels:

 

Anglers can select from 12 game fish, the PENN logo or the American flag on any International V Series reel. Anglers may also custom engrave a name, boat or port of call for a design unique to each angler. Engraved text is available in Gold, Black or Silver.

 

Personalization of the PENN International reels begins with seven eye-catching colors including Tournament Pink, American Blue, American Red, Solid Black, Gun Smoke, International Silver and International Gold. Anglers can choose these colors to decorate their entire reel or mix it up by adding a second custom color to the reel.

 

All PENN International V Series Big Game reels consist of four separate parts including the sideplates, frame, drag lever knob, and spool that can be anodized different colors to match any style.

 

Each reel is truly custom and can only be ordered through an authorized PENN Custom Shop dealer.  For complete details and dealer listings visit www.penncustomshop.com.

 

BERKLEY EXPERIENCE TRAILER TO STOP IN SEATTLE, WASH.

Trailer Stops at Farwest July 22-24

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 15, 2011) – The Berkley Experience Trailer will be at the Farwest in Seattle, Wash., on July 22^nd – 24^th.  With 60-feet of fun and activities, the Experience Trailer brings fishing education to all levels and skill sets of anglers.

 

The trailer has videos and interactive demonstrations along with seminars scheduled throughout the day to cover the 4 main components of fishing:

• Line Selection
• Rigging Techniques for Bait
• Reel Maintenance
• Rod Selection

 

Each stop always has special retail promotions only available while the trailer is at the location.  These include not only line and bait, but rods, reels and combos.  Anglers are encouraged to come check out the super hot deals.

 

“We are excited about having the Experience Trailer on the road in 2011 and stopping at many new locations across the country,” said Andrew Marks, Berkley Marketing Director.  “Our Experience Trailer team is ready to help anglers of all ages and levels learn about fishing, our products and how best to use them to catch more fish.”

 

Other exciting elements include a knot tying contest and demonstration, where you can learn new knots and even win a prize.  Under the tent, we will have racks filled with the latest products and big screen videos that help you experience the adventure with Berkley.  The Berkley Experience staff is always on hand to help answer any questions that you have about our innovative products.

 

The next 2 stops include:

 

July 22-24 Farwest – Seattle, Wash.

July 29-31 Hooked on Toys – Wenatchee, Wash.

 

 

About Pure Fishing, Inc.
Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, Sebile®, SevenStrand®, Shakespeare®, Spiderwire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at http://www.purefishing.com.

About Jarden Corporation:

Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of global consumer products with a portfolio of over 100 trusted, quality brands sold in more than 100 countries. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, ExOfficio®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden ranks #379 on the Fortune 500 and has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For in-depth information about Jarden, please visit www.jarden.com.

NEW MEXICO CONSERVATION PROPOSALS RECEIVE RMEF GRANTS

MISSOULA, Mont.—Elk and other wildlife in New Mexico need water and foraging areas, and newly announced 2011 grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will help provide both in areas across the state.

 

Also receiving RMEF funding is a research project measuring impacts of wolf restoration on elk populations in the Gila National Forest.

 

Combined, the new RMEF grants total $75,503 and affect nine counties: Catron, Cibola, Lincoln, Mora, Otero, Sandoval, San Juan, Socorro and Taos counties.

 

“It’s a never-ending battle to knock back the pinyon and juniper encroaching into areas where elk used to graze, but it’s still one of the most important habitat issues in New Mexico today,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Providing adequate water is another concern, and we’re sending significant dollars toward replacing and repairing guzzlers for elk and other wildlife.”

 

He added, “All together, the habitat improvement projects that RMEF is funding this year could add at least 6,600 acres to the 455,023 acres that we’ve previously helped to conserve or enhance for wildlife in New Mexico.”

 

Nationally, RMEF hopes to impact about 100,000 acres in 2011 to reach the 6 million-acre lifetime mark in lands conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

 

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organization’s grant coffers in New Mexico, saying, “Because of their amazing passion and generous support, a major conservation milestone is within reach.”

 

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects, listed by county:

 

Catron County—Research elk habitat use and mortality from predation in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area of the Gila National Forest. Wildlife managers will use results to develop elk harvest quotas.

 

Cibola County—Begin first phase of the new Bluewater Ecosystem Management Project to restore habitat in the Zuni Mountains west of Grants, N.M. First-year projects include thinning 2,123 acres of pinyon, juniper and other encroaching shrubs and trees, and prescribe burning 2,720 acres in the Cibola National Forest. 

 

Lincoln County—Deepen two existing wetlands and create six additional wetlands to improve water availability for elk in 16-acre Blue Lake meadow in Lincoln National Forest.

 

Mora County—Restore riparian zones to improve wetland forage, provide water and improve habitat for elk and other wildlife east of Wagon Mound, N.M.

 

Otero County—Replace a nonfunctioning guzzler while increasing capacity to 4,500 gallons to improve habitat for elk and other wildlife on the Sacramento Escarpment on BLM lands east of Tularosa, N.M.; prescribe burn 450 acres to improve forage in the Southern Sacramento Mountains Restoration Project Area of Lincoln National Forest.

 

Sandoval County—Install two large water tanks on Santa Fe National Forest, one in the Cuba Ranger District and one in the Jemez Ranger District, to enhance habitat for elk and minimize conflicts with elk on adjacent Bandelier National Monument.

 

San Juan County—Thin encroaching pinyon and juniper on 126 acres and install a new “inverted umbrella” wildlife-watering device to improve habitat for elk, deer, turkey, bear and other species in the Rattlesnake Canyon Wildlife Specially Designated Area.

 

Socorro County—Improve forage for elk by mechanically treating 267 acres of pinyon-juniper encroachment on BLM lands in the East Magdalena area.

 

Taos County—Repair guzzler to improve water availability for elk and other wildlife on BLM lands near Cerro del Aire; construct exclosure fencing around young aspen stands to protect from over-browsing on BLM lands on Taos Plateau.

 

Projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities.

 

Partners for 2011 projects in New Mexico include Bureau of Land Management (BLM), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Texas Tech University, U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, organizations and landowners.

 

Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 256 different conservation and education projects in New Mexico with a combined value of more than $19.3 million.

 

 

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at http://www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

SEBILE D&S CRANK WINS ICAST AWARD

Innovative Crankbait Design Wins Best Hardbait Award

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 15, 2011) – The Sebile® D&S Crank won Best Hardbait at this year’s ICAST show, adding to its growing list of accolades that already include NANTES 2011 (Europe) Best New Hard Lure and Best of Show awards. This unique lure designed by Patrick Sebile gives anglers a deep-diving crankbait that can be fished in any heavy cover without worry of snags.

 

The awards are given each year to the best products in each category and then voted on by select ICAST attendees including active editorial journalists and retailers.

 

“The D&S Crank is a phenomenal crankbait for fishing in heavy cover,” said Patrick Sebile, Hard Bait Development. “The Sebile D&S Crank is a new twist on a once traditional bait. It is always exciting to be recognized at ICAST; it is exciting to win this award as part of the Pure Fishing family.”

 

The triangular-shaped body is armed with a moving wide gap hook so the point is protected by the lures flattened tail making the D&S Crank one of the first conservation-conscious lures. Since anglers no longer need deal with treble hooks, catch and release is easier, faster and much more safe for the fish.

 

Whether retrieved or trolled, Sebile’s unique Gravity Snagless Hook System uses earth’s natural attraction to hold the hook down in its lowest position possible.  This allows the bait to run through heavy grass, brush and rocks without fear of snagging. The hook moves upward on the lure’s body during a strike for an immediate hook set.

 

Internally, three partitions each contain a bead that rolls different lengths to create different sound levels, making the D&S Crank widely targetable for a reaction strike on many levels. This bait is designed to run as deep as 20 feet while cranking and 28 feet while trolling, and is constructed of heavy-duty, ultrasonic-welded ABS material.

 

The D&S Crank is a premium lure designed for any fisherman that likes to target those species that hold tight to cover, but it also works well in the open water. It is available in nine fish-catching colors including: Matte Orange/Yellow Crawdad, Matte Brown/Red Crawdad, Holo Greenie, FireTiger Gold, Hot Lime, Natural Red Tilapia, Natural Shiner, Blue Althea and Natural Gold Shiner.

 

SRP for each Sebile D&S Crank is $14.50

 

###

 

About Pure Fishing, Inc.

Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia^®, All Star^®, Berkley^®, Fenwick^®, Gulp!^®, Mitchell^®, Penn^®, Pflueger^®, Sebile^®, SevenStrand^®, Shakespeare^®, SpiderWire^®, Stren^®, Trilene^® and Ugly Stik^®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at http://www.purefishing.com.

 

About Jarden Corporation:

Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of global consumer products with a portfolio of over 100 trusted, quality brands sold in more than 100 countries. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, ExOfficio®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden ranks #379 on the Fortune 500 and has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For in-depth information about Jarden, please visit http://www.jarden.com.

SHAKESPEARE CASTING AND SOUND KITS AWARDED BEST KID’S TACKLE AWARD AT 2011 ICAST

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 15, 2011) – The Shakespeare® Kid’s Sound Kits were awarded with the Best Kids Tackle award at this year’s ICAST show in Las Vegas, Nev. The Sound Kits are highly interactive, giving young anglers a chance to learn while having fun.

 

The awards are given each year to the best products in each category, which is voted on by select ICAST attendees that includes active editorial journalists and retailers.

 

Young anglers looking for the next step in fishing gear can turn to the Shakespeare Kid’s Sound Kits. This spincast combo is ideal for kids just getting started in their fishing adventures.

 

“The Shakespeare Kid’s Sound Kits are designed to make fishing fun and exciting for young anglers,” said Casey Davidson, Shakespeare Product Manager. “Winning the award for Best Kid’s Tackle is a testament to the hard work that the entire team placed in this project. These kits are highly interactive, giving young anglers a unique fishing experience.”

 

Shakespeare introduces a new way to grasp the attention and excitement for our junior anglers. The Sound Fishing Kits are sure to captivate kids and keep them casting all day long.

 

These new Shakespeare kits feature favorite movie and character sounds from Disney PIXAR Cars®, Lucas Films®, Star Wars™ and Disney® Fairies. These great kits bring the magic of sound into fishing. Each kit comes programmed with three fun and unique sounds that play on every cast. Kids will learn to fish and be entertained by these exciting new kits.

 

The Casting and Sound Kits feature a 2’6” all-in-one rod and reel with line. Each kit also comes with foam target and hook for fun and safe casting inside or outside the home.

 

The Cars kit plays honking horns, squealing tires and revving engines. While the Star Wars kit plays a light saber and Anakin Skywalker voice clips. The Disney Fairies kit plays tinker bell rings and pixie dust spreading sounds.

 

Youth will also enjoy the interactive “Try Me” packaging that is available with each model.

 

These Casting Game and Sound Kits will liven any fishing trip up and have an MSRP of $16.99.

 

###

About Pure Fishing, Inc.

Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia^®, All Star^®, Berkley^®, Fenwick^®, Gulp!^®, Mitchell^®, Penn^®, Pflueger^®, Sebile^®, SevenStrand^®, Shakespeare^®, SpiderWire^®, Stren^®, Trilene^® and Ugly Stik^®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at http://www.purefishing.com.

 

About Jarden Corporation:

Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of global consumer products with a portfolio of over 100 trusted, quality brands sold in more than 100 countries. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, ExOfficio®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden ranks #379 on the Fortune 500 and has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For in-depth information about Jarden, please visit http://www.jarden.com.

BERKLEY® NANOFIL® RECEIVES MULTIPLE AWARDS AT 2012 ICAST NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 14, 2011) – Berkley® NanoFil® was awarded with the Best of Show and Best New Line Awards at this year’s ICAST show in Las Vegas, Nev. Berkley NanoFil is the first uni-filament line. NanoFil is optimized for use on spinning reels. It provides the angler with effortless casting, strength and superb sensitivity all in one small-diameter line.

 

NanoFil was recognized by the voters as the top new product overall and best in line category for 2012 by the select ICAST attendees, which include active editorial journalists and retailers.

 

NanoFil is made out of gel-spun polyethylene, much like a superline. The line consists of hundreds of the highest level of Dyneema nanofilaments that are molecularly linked and shaped into a unified filament fishing line. NanoFil feels and handles like the smoothest monofilament while delivering superline-type strength.

 

“This line has been in the making for nearly several years,” said Clay Norris, Sr. Berkley Product Manager. “NanoFil is the ultimate spinning line for anglers that demand the best. Anglers now have sensitivity, strength and the ultimate in casting distance all in one small diameter line. Winning the 2012 Best of Show and Best Line awards is a great honor for the entire team. Our partnership with DSM Dyneema and continued commitment to enhancing the fishing experience makes this line truly spectacular.”

 

NanoFil line lends itself to a wide variety of techniques, but it is most useful when anglers desire an ultra small diameter line for greater casting yet also need maximum sensitivity to feel the subtlest of bites. Anglers will also recognize enhanced accuracy. With NanoFil, anglers can enjoy the feel of light tackle action for a wide range of species, yet still detect even the softest pickups and land what is on the end of the line.

 

For best knot strength results use the NanoFil Knot, a “Double Palomar” that increases knot strength by over 15% that of the standard Palomar knot. For attaching leaders to NanoFil, a Double Albright knot is recommended.

 

Available in pound tests ranging from 1 to 12 pounds with super thin diameters of 0.001” to 0.008”, Berkley NanoFil is available in 150-, 300- and 1500-yard spools with an MSRP of $19.95 to $179.95.

###

About Pure Fishing, Inc.

Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia^®, All Star^®, Berkley^®, Fenwick^®, Gulp!^®, Mitchell^®, Penn^®, Pflueger^®, Sebile^®, SevenStrand^®, Shakespeare^®, SpiderWire^®, Stren^®, Trilene^® and Ugly Stik^®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at http://www.purefishing.com.

 

 

About Jarden Corporation:

Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of global consumer products with a portfolio of over 100 trusted, quality brands sold in more than 100 countries. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, ExOfficio®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden ranks #379 on the Fortune 500 and has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For in-depth information about Jarden, please visit http://www.jarden.com.

 

BASSMASTER FAN VOTING COMPLETES FIELD FOR TOYOTA ALL-STAR WEEK

LAS VEGAS—Bassmaster fans have chosen Michael Iaconelli of Pitts Grove, N.J., Jeff Kriet of Ardmore, Okla., Aaron Martens of Leeds, Ala., and Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., to complete the field of 12 for Toyota Trucks All-Star Week, July 23-31, in Alabama.

 

These final four All-Star anglers were revealed by B.A.S.S. at the ICAST trade show in Las Vegas. The announcement was covered live at www.bassmaster.com.

 

Iaconelli, Kriet, Martens and Reese will join the top eight from the 2011 Bassmaster Elite Series regular season. They are, in order of their points finish: Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Edwin Evers of Talala, Okla.; Gerald Swindle of Warrior, Ala.; Ott DeFoe of Knoxville, Tenn.; Steve Kennedy of Auburn, Ala.; Terry Scroggins of San Mateo, Fla.; Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C.; and Davy Hite of Ninety Six, S.C.

 

Together, this slate of 12 anglers will meet first on Lake Jordan near Wetumpka, Ala., on July 23-24. The top eight anglers after the Jordan leg will move July 29 to the Alabama River out of Montgomery, Ala., for a three-day bracketed competition. The July 31 finale will pit just two anglers for a winner-take-all prize of $100,000.

 

Coverage of the postseason events will be provided on www.bassmaster.com. Fans are invited to Wetumpka and Montgomery to watch the weigh-ins and get in on free fan activities. For details, visit www.bassmaster.com.

 

Over a three-week voting period, fans cast more than a half-million votes at www.bassmaster.com. Fans were permitted to vote once a day in each of four regions.

 

The closest race was in Region 2, where Missouri’s Denny Brauer led from June 21-30 until Kriet overtook him July 1 and held the lead until the polls closed July 10. Kriet edged out Brauer by 551 votes, garnering 17.8 percent of Region 2 votes to Brauer’s 17.4 percent. Rick Clunn of Missouri was third in Region 2 with 10.3 percent of the vote.

 

“I am very surprised and humbled that I got as many votes as I did,” said Kriet, whose Facebook page set up by his daughter likely helped his bid. “It means a lot to me that people would take the time to vote for me. There were a lot of really, really good fishermen in my region.”

 

Results in the other three regions were not as tight. In Region 1, Iaconelli pulled 26.5 percent of the vote, easily passing two Elite pros from Florida: Shaw Grigsby with 15.3 percent and Bobby Lane, who had 7.1 percent.

 

Region 3 winner Martens collected 16.6 percent of his region’s vote. Second was Alabama’s Tim Horton with 9.5 percent and third was Louisiana’s Greg Hackney with 8.6 percent.

 

Reese’s 23.4 percent in Region 4 was a wide margin over Alton Jones of Texas, who ended with 13.4 percent, and Brandon Palaniuk of Idaho with 11.3 percent.

 

As the final four anglers were announced, 12 fan finalists in the Toyota Trucks Fan Favorites Sweepstakes were “virtually paired” with the pro anglers for a chance to win a bass boat valued at $30,000. When the All-Star champion is crowned July 31, the fan paired with him will win a Triton 18XS bass boat with a Mercury 150 OptiMax engine. All 12 finalists will win a tackle pack from Berkley and Havoc.

 

The names of the 12 fan finalists and their pairings will be announced after all are contacted by B.A.S.S.

 

2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Official Sponsors: Toyota, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, Evan Williams Bourbon, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Skeeter Boats, Triton Boats, Yamaha

 

2011 Bassmaster Elite Series Supporting Sponsors: Lowrance, Luck “E” Strike, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Ramada

 

About B.A.S.S.

For more than 40 years, B.A.S.S. has served as the authority on bass fishing. The organization advances the sport through advocacy, outreach and an expansive tournament structure while connecting directly with the passionate community of bass anglers through its Bassmaster media vehicles.

 

The Bassmaster brand and its multimedia platforms are guided by a mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications — Bassmaster Magazine and B.A.S.S. Times — comprehensive website Bassmaster.com, ESPN2 and Outdoor Channel television programming, Bassmaster provides rich, leading-edge content true to the lifestyle.

 

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation events presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bassmaster Classic.

 

B.A.S.S. offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members and remains focused on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

 

ABU GARCIA® REVO® MGX™ WINS BEST FRESHWATER REEL AWARD AT ICAST 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. (July 14, 2011) – The Abu Garcia® Revo® MGX™ has been awarded the Best Freshwater Reel Award at the 2011 ICAST show in Las Vegas, Nev. At a mere 5.4 ounces, the MGX is the next generation of low-profile baitcast reels.

 

Lightweight and functional, the Revo MGX is the new standard by which all other reels will be measured. The Revo MGX was recognized by the voters as the top new baitcast reel for 2012 by the select ICAST attendees, which include active editorial journalist and retailers.

 

The combination of enhanced compact design, one-piece X-Mag™ magnesium alloy frame and lighter-than-aluminum C6 carbon sideplates produces the next generation of ultra-lightweight low profile baitcast reels.

 

“This award is a reflection of the hard work that our entire team put in from concept to production,” said Andrew Wheeler, Abu Garcia Product Brand Manager. “The Revo MGX is a reel that won’t wear the angler down, and doesn’t cause undue stress to an angler’s wrist. We are very excited to accept this award and look to continue the success in the future.”

 

The Revo MGX is more than just a lightweight reel. The Infinitely Variable Centrifugal Brake system (IVCB-IV™) can be adjusted externally without removing the side plate, as standard centrifugal brakes require anglers to do. The precise brake adjustments allow anglers to easily cast in a wide range of conditions and a wide variety of bait sizes, especially extremely light baits. Other baitcast reels struggle to cast these lightweight baits.  The IVCB-IV brake points are vertically implemented allowing 28 positions of adjustment, compared to centrifugal brakes that are either on or off.

 

The MGX includes nine stainless steel HPCR™ (High Performance Corrosion Resistant) bearings plus a roller bearing, Infini II™ spool, Carbon Matrix™ drag system and Titanium coated line guide. The durable aircraft grade aluminum main gear reduces weight as does the compact bent carbon handle with flat EVA knobs. The recessed reel foot is more comfortable and moves the crank handle closer to the reel.

 

The Revo MGX has a line capacity of 115 yards of 12-pound monofilament fishing line or 110 yards of 30-pound braid. Two models of the Revo MGX are available, both in right hand retrieve. MSRP is $349.95.

 

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About Pure Fishing, Inc.

Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia^®, All Star^®, Berkley^®, Fenwick^®, Gulp!^®, Mitchell^®, Penn^®, Pflueger^®, Sebile^®, SevenStrand^®, Shakespeare^®, SpiderWire^®, Stren^®, Trilene^® and Ugly Stik^®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at http://www.purefishing.com.

 

 

About Jarden Corporation:

Jarden Corporation is a leading provider of global consumer products with a portfolio of over 100 trusted, quality brands sold in more than 100 countries. Jarden operates in three primary business segments through a number of well recognized brands, including: Outdoor Solutions: Abu Garcia®, Aero®, Berkley®, Campingaz® and Coleman®, ExOfficio®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, K2®, Marker®, Marmot®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Rawlings®, Shakespeare®, Stearns®, Stren®, Trilene®, Völkl® and Zoot®; Consumer Solutions: Bionaire®, Crock-Pot®, FoodSaver®, Health o meter®, Holmes®, Mr. Coffee®, Oster®, Patton®, Rival®, Seal-a-Meal®, Sunbeam®, VillaWare® and White Mountain®; and Branded Consumables: Ball®, Bee®, Bicycle®, Billy Boy®, Crawford®, Diamond®, Dicon®, Fiona®, First Alert®, First Essentials®, Forster®, Hoyle®, Kerr®, Lehigh®, Leslie-Locke®, Lillo®, Loew Cornell®, Mapa®, NUK®, Pine Mountain®, Quickie®, Spontex® and Tigex®. Headquartered in Rye, N.Y., Jarden ranks #379 on the Fortune 500 and has over 25,000 employees worldwide. For in-depth information about Jarden, please visit http://www.jarden.com.

 

RMEF, NRA WHITTINGTON CENTER TO HOST ‘BIG BULL SHOOTOFF’

MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Northeast New Mexico Chapter is teaming up with the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, N.M., for a one-of-a-kind shooting sports event especially for hunters, August 26-28.

 

The “Big Bull Shootoff” simulates field situations and shot opportunities encountered during archery and firearms hunts for big game. The course is designed to challenge and hone shooting skills.

 

The event is open to anyone interested in hunting, shooting and conservation.

 

Competition is being divided into classes for men, women and youths—plus special divisions for RMEF chapters from around the country vying for organizational bragging rights and unique traveling trophies for the best rifle and archery teams.

 

“The event begins on a Friday with open shooting to allow registered shooters to warm up, followed by several fun-shoot events and a special RMEF reception. On Saturday, the shooting events begin in earnest. Saturday night features a big game banquet, auction, raffles and games. We’ll wrap up on Sunday with a breakfast awards ceremony to honor our shooting champions,” said Doug Doherty, RMEF regional director for New Mexico.

 

The main rifle competition offers 10 stations with 20 targets out to 400 yards, with scores based on shot placement and time. United Bowhunters of New Mexico is working with the RMEF chapter to set up a 3-D archery course using the same concept as the rifle competition. Both are limited to 150 competitors each.

 

In addition to these featured competitions, other attractions will include sporting clays, five-stand and other shotgun, pistol and rifle shooting, product vendors exhibiting their latest and greatest, and RMEF’s new Project SAFE program to help young and novice shooters discover America’s hunting heritage and conservation.

 

For event details, pricing and registration, contact RMEF volunteers Ira or Lynette Simpson at (575) 445-3988. Reservations are limited. Registration closes Aug. 12.

 

The entire event is a fundraiser to support RMEF’s mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 256 different conservation and education projects in New Mexico with a combined value of more than $19.3 million.

 

The NRA Whittington Center is one of the nation’s premier shooting sports facilities. Founded in 1973, the center offers many competitive, educational and recreational activities in all shooting disciplines—and hosted more than 115,000 visitors in 2010. On site camping and lodging facilities are available (there also are many hotels in Raton). Learn more about the center at www.nrawc.org.

 

 

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at http://www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.