Michigan's world-class fishing opportunities will be in the spotlight this September when the Bassmaster Elite Series heads to the Upper Peninsula for a four-day competition in Escanaba.  The tournament is part of a new partnership between Pure Michigan and Bassmaster to promote Michigan as a top destination for anglers.

“In the past few years we have amplified our efforts to showcase the diversity and quality of the fishing experience here in Michigan,” said Leslie Hornung, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “This partnership with Bassmaster is a terrific way to reach anglers and highlight all we have to offer in terms of fishing, as well as an overall recreation experience.”

The Bassmaster Elite Series event returns to Michigan from 18 to 21 September and will bring the top 50 professional anglers and their fans for four days of competition in Escanaba. Live coverage of the tournament will take place on Bassmaster.com.  

In addition to the Bassmaster Elite Series, the partnership will also feature a special section in Bassmaster Magazine, an online campaign with editorial content and a fan sweepstakes, an episode of Zona's Awesome Fishing Show in Michigan, a Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open presented by Allstate event to be held at Lake St. Clair, from 4 to 7 September, and a commitment to work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) on conservation projects.

“Michigan's bass fisheries are some of the finest in the world, and they're a favourite destination for our Elite anglers,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin. “We look forward to helping Pure Michigan spread the word about Michigan's fantastic natural resources to our more than 500,000 B.A.S.S. members and to other recreational anglers and their families.”

While the new partnership provides additional targeted promotional opportunities around fishing in the state, Bassmaster is no stranger to Michigan.  The 2013 Elite Series All-Star Week and Evan Williams Bourbon Championship were held in Muskegon last September. Bassmaster Magazine also named Lake St. Clair No. 1 on its Best 100 Bass Lakes list of 2013.

More than 1.2 million anglers purchased fishing licenses last year.  The most recent data from the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation reported the fishing industry generates approximately $2.4 billion in economic impact in Michigan and supports nearly 38,000 jobs in the state. 

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For further information please contact:

Melissa Lowe

Tel: 08456020574

Email: melissa@cellet.co.uk