In the latest fishing industry news...
Industry veteran John Mazurkiewicz is the new president of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame as part of a transition of its executive board.
Mazurkiewicz moves up from vice president and will serve a two-year term. He has served on the board for nine years. Mazurkiewicz owns Catalyst Marketing Services, assisting major brands in the sportfishing industry, including Shimano and G. Loomis, in various media relations, advertising and event marketing roles.
Previous president Donald Howell now assumes the treasurer role.
Other board moves include:
— Daren Cole, general manager for Blue Heron Communications in Oklahoma, moves to vice president, focusing on the Board operations with the Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, and annual induction dinner activities.
— Longtime board member Tim Carini, director of sales at B.A.S.S., takes on the second vice president position, overseeing Board efforts on its communications, nominations, and membership/sponsorship committees.
— Steve Bowman of JM Productions in Arkansas relinquishes his four-year stint as a Board Vice President, but remains active by chairing the fundraising committee and induction dinner planning.
“Under Donald’s steady hand when our efforts needed direction and purpose, we experienced immense growth over his time as president, most important being establishing a permanent home for the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame within the Wonders of Wildlife facility,” Mazurkiewicz said. “We are now in position to execute on the strategies that just a few years ago seemed like impossible dreams. I am thrilled to take over the leadership of this distinguished board. We have a collective vision of how to further our goals in both the short and long terms.”
Other board members include Curt Arakawa with Daiwa; pro bass angler Guy Eaker Sr.; Gene Gilliland with B.A.S.S.; Todd Hammill with Wired2Fish.com, Bill Huntley with T&H Marine; Teresa Johnson with Phoenix Boats; Melinda Mize-Hays with HUK; Dave Precht, now retired after a lengthy career at B.A.S.S.; noted fishing/travel journalist Pete Robbins; and Casey Shedd with AFTCO. Barbara Bowman serves as the Executive Director.
Tackle Warehouse Title Sponsor of FLW Pro Circuit
Online retailer Tackle Warehouse is the new official tackle retailer of FLW and title sponsor of the FLW Pro Circuit.
“FLW is proud to showcase sponsors like Tackle Warehouse that help build the sport of competitive bass-fishing and demonstrate support for their customers’ passion for fishing and the outdoors,” said FLW executive VP and GM Kathy Fennel. “We look forward to a long and rewarding partnership with Tackle Warehouse that benefits our anglers and fans across the FLW and Major League Fishing organizations.”
Tackle Warehouse also will assume title sponsorship of the FLW College Fishing School of the Year Awards and presenting sponsor of the FLW High School Fishing Camp, scheduled for July 2020.
“FLW and Tackle Warehouse have long made it their missions to serve tournament anglers," said Tackle Warehouse COO Rich Zeilenga. "From collegiate anglers to touring professionals, FLW has offered unique opportunities for anglers to compete and excel."
Canterbury Signs Deal With Fishlife
Scott Canterbury of Alabama, the 2019 Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, has signed with Fishlife Fish Care Products for the 2020 season.
Fishlife produces fish care treatment chemicals and livewell cleaners, as well as Fin Clips, Fizz Needles and Fish First Aid Treatment for deeply-hooked bass.
Canterbury competes on the Bassmaster Elite Series, the Bassmaster Opens and other events.
“As someone who makes my living catching fish, I know how important every one of them are, and I am passionate about protecting the resource,” he said. “A single dead bass could have been the difference between me winning or losing the Angler of the Year title last year; these products will help me keep fish alive and return them to the water unharmed.”
Fukae Joins Bass Cat Boats Team
Veteran bass pro Shinichi Fukae has joined Bass Cat Boats and will run the company's Lynx model.
Fukae won the FLW Tour Angler of the Year title in 2004, his rookie season on the circuit. He currently competes on the MLF Bass Pro Tour and has $1.7 million in winnings on combined tours during his career.
“This was a very big decision for me and I did not take it lightly,” Fukae said. “I visited the factory and asked a lot of questions. Everyone there was patient, and they welcomed me and my wife and explained the reason behind everything they do. It means a lot to me to be part of the Bass Cat family and I am confident that the boat will enhance and improve my on-the-water experience.”
Gamakatsu's B10S Fly Series Gets Fluorescent Colors
Gamakatsu has added four fluorescent UV-coated colors to its popular B10S fly fishing hook series.
"The B10S is one of our most popular fly hooks," said Gamakatsu's Joe Quiocho. "The B10S is unique. Although heralded as a hair bug and streamer hook, you can use it for just about any application. It has a wide gap; it is 1X-strong and available in a wide range of sizes."
"We realized how effective fluorescent colors are in our Octopus hooks. They're great attractors, so we decided to offer fluorescent colors in the B10S series of fly hooks," he added.
The fluorescent-UV coating provides a subtle glow, which has been scientifically proven to attract fish and provide a focal point when they decide to eat.
