Huk Performance Gear Signs with B.A.S.S.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Huk, a new performance apparel company offering quality “technical” fishing clothing to anglers, has signed an agreement with B.A.S.S. to become a Supporting Sponsor of Bassmaster tournament circuits.

Launched this year and headquartered in Charleston, S.C., Huk aims to serve all anglers, especially bass anglers, with clothing designed for their sport.

“The opportunity for our brand within bass fishing is incredible,” said Ben Verner, Huk president. “Players in the fishing business continue to focus on saltwater fishing because the bulk of the performance apparel market was historically there, but I believe that when given the right product design and a technical solution that makes them better, the bass angler will embrace our brand and products.

“All anglers fish under the same beating sun and driving rain, and they all deserve the same performance and great products.”

Under the deal announced today, Huk will be a supporting level sponsor of the 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Allstate, Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation events, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and Bassmaster High School Series.

“We’re excited that Huk has decided to reach bass anglers through B.A.S.S. media and events,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “Our millions of bass anglers and fans are Huk’s customers, and our industry-leading magazines, website, television series and events are the best ways to engage them.”

Akin said Huk intends to use the Bassmaster Classic Outdoor Expo presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods to launch its new performance apparel lines to the fishing public. The GEICO Bassmaster Classic will be held in Greenville, S.C., Feb. 20-22, and the Expo will be open on those same dates.

This week Huk debuted its new website — www.hukgear.com — which is anchored by videos of its angling pro team members, including Bassmaster superstars Kevin VanDam, Skeet Reese and Gerald Swindle. Available in the online store are new Huk Performance ICON fishing shirts, which use a durable Poly knit with moisture transport for comfort, an added mesh vent in the lower back for temperature regulation and stain release and antimicrobial treatment.

Also available are long-sleeve and short-sleeve logo tees adorned with bass and other popular fish species. The company is gearing up to introduce performance pants, shorts, jackets and foul weather gear.

Huk will be a key sponsor of the popular BASSTrakk live tournament coverage feature on Bassmaster.com. It will offer the Huk Biggest Jump Award, paying $1,000 to the angler making the biggest jump in the standings of each Bassmaster Elite Series tournament in 2015.

“This partnership with B.A.S.S. shows our commitment to the category and the anglers,” Verner said. “We gain the ability to interact on a personal level at events and to tell our product and brand story through B.A.S.S. media. For a new brand, this is a must-have opportunity.”

About Huk
Huk Performance Apparel’s mission is to unite all fishermen in the way a “huk” is a piece of equipment common to every single form of angling. From freshwater to salt, offshore to inshore, bait to artificial, spinning to casting to fly — our passion is all the same. Huk clothing represents a fresh take on the fishing world, offering styles that are young and current but still appeal to anglers of all ages. We are there for every fisherman, from the first cast to the last. For more information, go to www.hukgear.com or www.facebook.com/hukgear.

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, Bassmaster High School Series, Toyota Bonus Bucks Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by Diet Mountain Dew and GoPro.