Joins with FLW Outdoors for New Season
Skeeter Boats has some great news for its owners and pro anglers. Starting in January, Skeeter Boats will become a boat sponsor of all six FLW Outdoors tournament trails, including the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the EverStart Series, the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour, the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye League and the Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail.
“Adding FLW Outdoors to our list of tournaments is a welcome and significant addition to our sponsorships,” said Jeff Stone, senior vice president of Skeeter Boats. “The new sponsorships will be good for both Skeeter and FLW Outdoors – and especially the anglers.
“By joining FLW, we have added new competitive opportunities for anglers of all levels, and we’ll be part of a marketing juggernaut that has brought the thrill and fun of fishing to millions. FLW has written the book on bringing non-fishing-related sponsors to fishing tournaments. Their attention to anglers’ needs, along with their proven track record for effective marketing, has taken tournament fishing to the next level.
“Skeeter owners are well known for their highly competitive spirit in tournaments, whether they’re pro anglers or those who just enjoy the fun of competitive tournaments. While we sponsor a number of other tournaments, with FLW we’ve got something for everyone.”
Stone continued, “Skeeter’s goal and responsibility, as one of the premier national fishing boat brands, is to grow the sport of fishing and to support our owners. That’s why we examine tournaments very closely before we get involved. After learning what FLW Outdoors has planned and hearing from our pros who have fished FLW, we know this was a good move for us and the right place to be.
“Skeeter boat owners will get priority entry into all FLW Outdoors bass tournaments and the availability of a Skeeter service truck at many of the FLW Outdoors tournament takeoff locations. We’re going to really take advantage of all the FLW promotional activities.”
Skeeter-sponsored anglers have long been high-profile competitors on various FLW Outdoors tournament trails. Jay Yelas, for example, was named FLW’s Angler of the Year in 2002, the same year he won the Bassmasters Classic. He says, “Skeeter’s FLW sponsorship is a good move. FLW runs a great circuit, first class. They are every bit as professional and innovative as any other national trail.”
Skeeter pro Dean Rojas agrees. He’s had two top-10 finishes on the 2004 FLW Tour, seventh on Lake Okeechobee and sixth on Atchafalaya Basin. Rojas said, “I’m glad to see Skeeter hook up with FLW. Its tournament staff is great to work with. They’re tuned in to the needs of the anglers. They’re very approachable and want to make sure all the competitors get what they need. They’re good people at FLW.
“Skeeter has always been a great boat company, and it has evolved into truly a national brand from a regional one.”
Located in Kilgore, Texas, Skeeter Boats is part of Yamaha Marine Group, which is headquartered in Kennesaw, Ga. Yamaha Outboards has been a longtime engine sponsor with FLW Outdoors.
For more information about FLW Outdoors tournaments, call (270) 252-1000.
By: Walker Agency
