The 2005 debut of Tarpon Bay Tales is still more than 3 months away, but already the show is making big news. Today, Fins & Tales Productions, producers of the popular weekly fishing series, officially announced that Mercury Marine has become the new Title Sponsor. “For years Mercury has been a leader in the marine industry, and we’re very excited to have such a great company as our top sponsor,” said Capt. Alex Suescun, the show’s host and creator. “I’ve been running Mercury outboards most of my life, and I know the name really stands for quality and reliability,” Alex added.
The move comes after Action Craft, Tarpon Bay Tales’ Title Sponsor for the last 2 years, decided that professional tournaments will play a more important role in its 2005 marketing strategy. Suescun, who also competes in the pro redfish circuit, continues to figure heavily in the company’s new plans. He explained that Action Craft relinquished the Title Sponsorship only to become his show’s second major supporter. “Pro tournaments can help increase national exposure for their boats, and the change won’t affect the show, since Mercury and Action Craft will still be our top sponsors!”
Several other major players were recently welcomed to the Tarpon Bay Tales family. J L Marine Systems, maker of Power-pole (perhaps the most revolutionary angling related product to come along in years), has signed a 2-year deal. Spike-it Outdoors (maker of numerous innovative fishing products) has signed on as the show’s new exclusive soft plastic lure sponsor. South Fishing, one of the top angling expedition companies in the country, will sponsor a special travel segment. And Owner America (Tarpon Bay Tales’ hook sponsor for the past 3 years) will begin to also promote Cultiva, its top line of hard baits, on the show.
In addition, Lowrance Electronics, Navionics Electronic Charts, Rocket Trailers, and StowMaster Nets have also joined the show’s impressive sponsor line-up, which already included Quantum Reels, MotorGuide, Stiffy Rods & Pushpoles, and D-Zigns Pro Fishing Apparel. “Every year more and more top companies are finding out what a good promotional vehicle Tarpon Bay Tales is,” mentioned the show’s host. “We have a loyal audience that grows every season, plus we really believe in the products we promote on the show, and I think that comes across,” Suescun expanded.
Tarpon Bay Tales will kick off its sixth season on April 1st. This year the show will again be seen 5 times a week from Virginia to Mississippi (a total of 11 states, including Florida) on 2 popular sports networks – Sun Sports (formerly Sunshine Network), and Comcast Sports Southeast. The new 26-week schedule will soon be posted on the show’s website.
