U.S. Angler’s Choice Tournament Trails, the largest team tournament organization in the country, made news recently when the organization announced the addition of the Western Rookie League to its properties. The organization has once again added to the strength of its resources with the addition of key industry personnel, who will continue to aid in the growth and quality of the organization.
Three former WON Bass tournament Directors, Bill Cook, Bret Smith and Gary Watts have joined the tournament staff of U.S. Angler’s Choice and will serve key positions in team, Pro Am and specialty event arenas. The trio share more than 20 years of combined tournament organizational and operational experience.
Cook has been responsible for operating tournaments in the Golden Valley, Central Coast and Lake Isabella area, while Smith has earned his stripes in the Delta and Clear Lake areas, and Watts has served in several capacities, most recently in the Motherlode region.
“We felt it was important to make a change as a group,” said Cook, on behalf of his colleagues. “We felt that it was an important move that allowed us to maintain the integrity of our trails for our loyal customer; the anglers who compete in our trails.”
Cook, Smith and Watts will operate their respective trails within the Region One structure of U.S. Angler’s Choice, and will serve as the Tournament Director and management staff of The U.S. Angler’s Choice Pro Am Series, as well as a large scale open specialty event with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
“With all that they have to offer, it became clear that U.S. Angler’s Choice was the place to provide that opportunity, for ourselves as directors, and our customers.” Cook expressed. “We felt that they would provide the best value and exposure for our anglers, with their diverse business units tied to the organization; it was the right direction for us to go; we’re proud to be a part of the organization and look forward to helping Angler’s Choice continue on its growth plan.”
Mark Mendez, president of U.S. Angler’s Choice said that he was looking forward to the new additions. “We are proud to have individuals with such talent and integrity become part of the U.S. Angler’s Choice family,” Mendez exclaimed. “Their addition will further strengthen our team events, and ultimately provide a better product for our anglers.”
U.S. Angler’s Choice is a part of MAM Marketing Group, which is the parent company of Bass West USA Magazine, Bass Tackle Depot, Westernbass, Westernbass tv, Swimbaitnation, U.S. Angler’s Choice will operate more than 400 tournaments across the United States in 2010 and annually serves thousands of anglers.By: Dan O’Sullivan
