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A wide array of GoPro accessories and mounts enable fishing videos from unique points of view. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brent Ehrler, a GoPro athlete, used a hat-clip mount to create this image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Following a picture-perfect inaugural association with the world championship of bass fishing last year, GoPro, enabler of some of today’s most immersive and engaging content, once again will be a presenting sponsor for the GEICO Bassmaster Classic, set for Feb. 20-22 at Lake Hartwell out of Greenville, S.C.

The agreement also makes GoPro the exclusive camera of B.A.S.S., and it provides GoPro premier-level sponsorship of Bassmaster events and circuits, including the Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, B.A.S.S. Nation events, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster College Series and Bassmaster High School events.

“Installing GoPro cameras in the anglers’ boats at last year’s Classic proved a huge success, and we are excited to introduce creative new ways to use these innovative products to help put B.A.S.S. fans right there in the boat with the pros,” said Bruce Akin, CEO of B.A.S.S. “With these versatile, durable and high quality cameras and accessories, our fans will be able to watch America’s best anglers from all new angles.”

The 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro is the 45th annual championship of professional bass fishing. GoPro cameras and gear will be used throughout the event to deliver the most compelling bass tournament content ever seen.

During the three-day competition, 56 of the world’s best bass fishermen will compete for an overall cash payout of more than $1 million on Lake Hartwell.

“When the world’s best fishermen gather on the biggest stage in the sport, fans around the world will have access to some of the most incredible content ever created and shared, powered largely by the capabilities of GoPro HERO4 cameras,” said Paul Crandell, VP of Marketing at GoPro. “This affiliation will continue to give anglers and outdoors enthusiasts inspiration and ideas to capture and share their own epic adventures and stories on and off the water.”

As the exclusive camera of the Bassmaster Classic, GoPro will exhibit at the Classic Outdoors Expo presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, it will receive prominent exposure during arena weigh-ins, and it will be featured in some of the 12 hours of television coverage on ESPN2.

GoPro has wide appeal among outdoor sports enthusiasts and people pursuing their passion, whatever it may be, around the world as well as professional photographers and videographers who have discovered the versatility of the HERO4 camera simply by watching The Bassmasters on ESPN2. JM Outdoors, the TV production arm of B.A.S.S., has been using GoPro cameras for more than two years, said Mike McKinnis, producer of the award-winning sports show.

“With GoPro cameras and gear, we have achieved cutting-edge video on — and under — the water, as well as of the professional anglers themselves,” McKinnis said. “The HERO cameras and innovative mounts such as chest harnesses and cap clips offer a compelling point of view for our videos.”

GoPro also will be featured on Bassmaster.com, the largest fishing site on the Internet. Content will include how-to segments, tournament coverage and “Best of GoPro” collections during 2015 and 2016.

Widely recognized as the world’s most versatile cameras, GoPros have generated some of most popular photos and video online. Founded in 2004 by Nicholas Woodman, the company’s product line includes the new HERO4 models, as well as more than 50 mounts and accessories, available at retailers worldwide. GoPro also offers the free GoPro App and GoPro Studio editing software to quickly and easily capture, edit and share photos and video across social networks.

To see how Bassmaster Elite Series pro Brent Ehrler uses GoPro cameras and accessories, see the video here: http://youtu.be/PLqS9Px0Rl8

For more information about the company and the GoPro HERO4 camera, go to http://gopro.com.

About GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO)

GoPro, Inc. is transforming the way consumers capture, manage, share and enjoy meaningful life experiences. We do this by enabling people to self-capture engaging, immersive photo and video content of themselves participating in their favorite activities. Our customers include some of the world’s most active and passionate people. The quality and volume of their shared GoPro content, coupled with their enthusiasm for our brand, virally drives awareness and demand for our products.

What began as an idea to help athletes self-document themselves engaged in their sport has become a widely adopted solution for people to self-document themselves engaged in their interests, whatever they may be. From extreme to mainstream, professional to consumer, GoPro has enabled the world to capture and share its passions. And in doing so the world, in turn, is helping GoPro become one of the most exciting and aspirational companies of our time.

For more information, visit www.gopro.com or connect with GoPro on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or LinkedIn.

GOPRO, HERO, the GOPRO logo, and the GoPro Be A HERO logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro Inc. in the United States and other countries.

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2), social media programs and events. For more than 45 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series presented by Allstate, Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation events, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series, Costa Bassmaster High School Series, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro.

Doral, Florida February 13, 2015 – Mustad, the world’s leading hook manufacturer since 1877, is proud to announce the signing of Bassmaster Elite Series Angler Kevin Short to its pro staff.
Kevin Short, is a 5 time B.A.S.S. Tournament Champion entering his 14th year as a professional angler. Known to Bassmaster fans as “K-Pink”, Kevin is a tough competitor recognized both for his larger than life Hot Pink jersey and Bass Cat boat, as well as his outgoing personality and sense of humor; and in 2014 overcoming great odds to make the cut for the 2015 Bassmaster Classic, his third appearance at the event.
“Mustad is very pleased to have a man of Kevin’s energy and character on our team; his knowledge and experience is a great asset. When you attend a Bassmaster Event you can easily see the appreciation that the fans have for him,” says Mustad Sales Manager Steve Tagami. “The inner strength Kevin has shown in dealing with a major personal catastrophe in the loss of his home, and to work through it with such a positive outlook commands great respect. To come back after that with two consecutive top ten finishes in a row is inspiring.”
Kevin’s arsenal will include the following Mustad UltraPoint™ Series Hooks featuring 4.3Technology™, the engineering process that means UltraPoint™ Hooks Stay Sharp Longer:
Mustad UltraPoint Elite Series™ Treble Hooks:
TG76NP-BN 2X Short / 1X Strong KVD Elite Triple Grip Trebles
TG58NP-BN Standard KVD Elite Triple Grip Trebles
TR78NP-BN 1X Strong Round Bend Elite Trebles
Mustad UltraPoint Grip-Pin™ Series Soft Plastics Hooks – featuring the Super Strong Grip-Pin Keeper System:
Grip-Pin MAX™ (Ref# G34131NP-BN) Flippin’, Pitchin’ and Punchin’ Hooks
KVD Grip-Pin™ (38101NP-BN) Offset Wide Gap Soft Plastics
”I have been using Mustad hooks for many years and am happy we can work together,” says Kevin. “Whether fishing the Bassmaster Classic or just for a day of fun, one of the most important things to do is control all the variables I can to maximize my catch. I know when I tie on a Mustad hook, I’m using the sharpest, strongest hooks I can get and that’s one less thing for me to worry about.”
About Mustad
Every year since 1877, more anglers worldwide put their trust in Mustad than any other brand to catch their fish of a lifetime. Sold in over 160 countries, Mustad Hooks are the world’s best-selling brand and heralded by top anglers for strength, sharpness, and quality. At the heart of every Mustad Fish Hook is wire drawn and processed specifically for fish hook production at the Mustad Factory, in operation for over 180 years, in the town of Gjovik, Norway. This exclusive process means that Mustad is the only company in the world that controls all phases of fish hook production from wire to finish. Mustad brands include Mustad UltraPoint Hooks, Mustad Classic Hooks, Mustad Signature Fly Hooks as well as Terminal Tackle and Fishing Tools. Included in Mustad’s portfolio of legendary styles are Demon Perfect Circle Hooks, KVD Elite Series Treble Hooks, Slow Death Hooks and the new ground breaking Grip-Pin Series.
For more information on Mustad’s newly expanded lineup of product, call (305) 597-0553; write O. Mustad & Son Americas., 2315NW 107th Ave. Box 88 Doral, FL 33172, visit www.mustad-americas.com or the Mustad Hooks Facebook page.

CYPRESS, California, – Daiwa has added FLW Tour standout angler Cody Meyer and Elite Series rookie Seth Feider to their pro team for 2015. Feider will be joined on the Elite Series by Daiwa Pro Team angler Brent Ehrler, who is making the switch from the FLW Tour.

Meyer, the 2014 FLW Tour AOY Runner-up, will be using Daiwa rods and reels. Meyer said, “I have had a long relationship working with Curt (Arakawa), Daiwa’s marketingmanager. We worked together for many years prior to him rejoining Daiwa. I always enjoyed working with Curt. The fact he is with a premier rod and reel manufacturer like Daiwa made joining their pro team an easy decision.”

Curt Arakawa manages the Daiwa team that is loaded with talented anglers that include; 2014 Bassmaster Classic champion Randy Howell, two tour standouts Ish Monroe andAndy Montgomery, Forrest Wood Cup champion Brent Ehrler, 2004 Bassmaster Classic champion Takahiro Omori, and other top-tier anglers. Arakawa said, “We feel Cody Meyer is a top-tier angler and has many titles in his future. We know our product will help him in his quest to win events, championships, and angler of the year titles for the remainder of his career. My time working with Cody in the past was always a pleasure, he understands what his sponsors need and always did a great job. He’s an excellent addition to our pro team.”

Seth Feider, the 2015 Bassmaster Classic contender, joins the team after many years using Daiwa product. “I’ve always used Daiwa products, I’ve had one particular Daiwa reel on my boat for almost 15 years.” Feider added, “That reel is a testament to the quality and durability of Daiwa products. It’s still in perfect condition, but I think I will be replacing it with a new Tatula or Zillion reel for the Bassmaster Classic.”

Arakawa is impressed with Feider’s fishing ability and brand loyalty. “Seth has been fishing excellent and we are excited to see how he does at the Classic, and on the Elite Series trail in 2015. One thing I really liked about Seth is his loyalty to Daiwa. His love and knowledge of our products has shown, he’ll be a valuable asset to our brand.”

Meyer is alsoimpressed with the products, “I can’t get over how great the product is. I have been fishing with it quite a few times this off-season. I really put the equipment through the test in freezing temperatures with some catching giant 7 to 9-pound spotted bass. While all the gear has been fantastic, one thing that stood out to me was the Daiwa Steez spinning reel, it’s the smoothest reel I have ever used – even in the worst possible conditions.”

Ehrler’s been a dominant force on the FLW Tour and with Major League Fishing for most of his career. 2015 is the start of a new chapter in his career, the B.A.S.S. Elite Series chapter. “I am more excited about this upcoming season than I have been in quite a while. I really like the schedule, and with eight tournaments there are more opportunities to win.”

In regard to Daiwa, Ehrler stated, ”Daiwa products have been and will continue to be an integral part of my equipment. I made the switch to exclusively all Daiwa rods and reels before last season, and I couldn’t be happier. The product, from top to bottom, is rock solid and cutting edge. The biggest improvement in my fishing has been in my casting distance and accuracy with the T-Wing System(TWS) on the reels.”

“I think all of us here at Daiwa, along with the rest of the bass fishing fan base, are really looking forward to seeing Brent fish the Elite Series. He’s one of the most recognizable professional anglers on any circuit and we think he’ll do exceptionally well against the B.A.S.S. anglers,” said Arakawa.

Daiwa offers a full line of rods and reels from affordable products for the casual angler to finely tuned high-end gear for the technical enthusiast or professional anglers. Meyer, Feider and Ehrler will mainly use rods and reels from threeseries’ of Daiwa products – Steez, Zillion and Tatula lines of rods and reels,

Meyer kicks off his 2015 season at the FLW Tour Lake Toho event on March 5, 2015. Feider’s season starts with the Bassmaster Classic on February 20th and Ehrler’s first event will be the Bassmaster Elite Series event on the Sabine River on March 19th.

For Daiwa’s latest color catalog and/or information on Daiwa dealers in your area, callDaiwa’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: info@daiwa.com.  The URL for Daiwa’s website is http://www.daiwa.com.

We sat down with IMA Lures pro Paul Mueller for a pre Classic Q&A. Paul is a true grass roots fisherman that will be fishing in the Super Bowl of bass fishing next week at Lake Hartwell. After finishing second in 2014 he is ready to give it another shot.