March 27, 2012
By Florida Sportsman
The World Fishing Tour announces their largest tournament of the season will officially be renamed the World Sailfish Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops. The union pairs the most prestigious fishing tournament in the world with America's premier outdoors retailer.
“We could not have hoped for a better partner to become the presenting sponsor of the World Sailfish Championship than Bass Pro Shops,” said Christopher King, Chairman and founder of the World Fishing Tour. “With our 10th year upon us, this is a perfect alignment between the world's most high profile fishing tournament and the world leader in outdoor sports equipment."
As part of their sponsorship, Bass Pro Shops will be giving away a VIP trip to Key West for a lucky Bass Pro Shops customer. This VIP trip will include a chance to fish with Team Bass Pro Shops during the Championship and the opportunity to win a share of the $100,000 guaranteed purse – last year's total payout exceeded $1 Million!
“All of us at Bass Pro Shops are honored to be the presenting sponsor of this outstanding tournament that raises so much money for various charities,” stated Bass Pro Shops founder and avid saltwater fisherman Johnny Morris. “This is also an opportunity to get great exposure for our Offshore Angler brand of merchandise to these avid fishermen.”
Known as the “Superbowl of Sportfishing” the World Sailfish Championship is preparing to celebrate its 10 Year Anniversary, and anticipation is building to see what this year brings. Located in beautiful Key West, FL, the World Sailfish Championship spares no expense when it comes to entertainment – from F-18 military flyovers to star-studded parties and amazing fireworks displays, the World Sailfish Championship has proven time and time again why it is the fishing event of the year.
This April 17-21, the world's best captains and teams descend onto Key West to partake in this incredible fishing event. Over 70 teams are expected to compete in this year's event and NBC Sports, home of the summer Olympics, will be there to catch all of the action as sportfishing boats line the docks, crowds closely follow the leader board and live scoring, and both professional and amateur anglers go head-to-head during the three days of competitive fishing.
The World Sailfish Championship offers its participants endless first class amenities. From gourmet cuisine and live entertainment to interaction with celebrity anglers at private parties, there is something for every fishing aficionado at this years event.
Major league Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench will take the reigns as this year's Honorary Chairman. The ten time golden glove recipient will follow in the footsteps of Honorary Chairmen Emeritus General H. Norman Schwarzkopf and legendary Miami Dolphins head coach, Don Shula.
“It is a true honor to fill the shoes of my predecessors and to be a part of this world-class event that has done so much in the name of charity and for the world of fishing. We look forward to a successful 10th Anniversary,” states Bench.
A large part of what differentiates the World Sailfish Championship from other tournaments is its charitable patronage. In only nine years, the tournament has raised more than $2 Million for various causes, including the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, Camp Boggy Creek, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Key West.
For more information on the World Sailfish Championship, visit http://www.worldsailfish.com/.
###
The Sailfish Pro Series is a professional series of sailfish tournaments designed to showcase the sport of professional sailfishing. The next event is the World Sailfish Championship in Key West, April 17-21. The Sailfish Pro Series Finale in Miami Beach will take place for the top ranking teams after completing the season.
