Yamaha, Skeeter ink deal with BASS

BASS recently announced that Skeeter Boats and Yamaha Outboards have signed on as the official boat and motor sponsors of the popular tournament organization.

Based in Kennesaw, Ga., Yamaha owns Kilgore, TX.- based Skeeter. Rumors that the two companies were lining up to support BASS began to circulate last fall, so the January announcement made just ahead of the 2008 Bassmaster Classic really came as no surprise.

"By becoming a sponsor of BASS, Yamaha promotes its brand and supports boating and fishing, which are activities we truly believe in," said Ben Speciale, vice president, operations and planning for Yamaha Marine Group.

"Reliability and innovation are at the core of the Yamaha brand and the demands of competition have taught us how to make our outboards even better."

BASS' affiliation with Skeeter comes at a time when both companies are celebrating milestone anniversaries.

BASS, which popularized tournament fishing in the late 1960s, turns 40 this year. Skeeter, a pioneer in the bass boat industry, turns 60.

"This is a great way for Skeeter to kick off its 60th anniversary as both Skeeter and BASS share a rich heritage in the bass fishing industry," said Jeff Stone, senior vice president and general manager of Skeeter.

"It is only fitting that we combine our passion for the sport to embrace and further enhance the success and growth of tournament fishing."