The Association of Collegiate Anglers and the Collegiate Bass Fishing Series announced their new partnership with Bass Pro Shops.

Under the agreement, Bass Pros Shops will become the title sponsor of the Collegiate Bass Fishing Series, as well as the title sponsor of the Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley event and the prestigious School of the Year program.

Bass Pro Shops was founded in 1972 by avid young angler Johnny Morris on eight-square-feet of space in the back of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, MO. In 2017, Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company with 200 retail and marine centers and a commitment to inspire everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors.

“Bass Pro Shops founder and conservationist Johnny Morris is passionate about introducing new audiences to the sport of fishing,” said Christine Wamsley, director of sponsorships for Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. “We’re excited to contribute to the rising popularity of collegiate fishing as part of our broader efforts to connect more people to nature.”

With the series title sponsorship, Bass Pro Shops will also take over as the title sponsor of the most sought-after title in college fishing, the School of the Year program. As part of the School of the Year program, Bass Pro Shops and the ACA will continue to support a growing number of sanctioned school-run events across the nation this season, as well as major events on the national level.

In addition, Bass Pro Shops will also continue the angler favorite discount card which will be available to collegiate anglers who fish the Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series in 2019.

The 2019 Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series consists of four nationally televised tournaments , including the BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship, which are scheduled for the following dates:

  • Texas Lunker Challenge presented by Mossy Oak Elements – Sam Rayburn Reservoir – February 3, 2019
  • Bass Pro Shops Big Bass Bash presented by Berkley – Kentucky Lake – March 9-10, 2019
  • BoatUS Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops – Pickwick Lake – May 23-24, 2019
  • AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open – Lake Dardanelle – October 26-27, 2019

More information is available at www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com.