Big week for 13 Fishing as it signs two-time AOY and MLF sponsorship deal
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In a big week for 13 Fishing, the Florida company has partnered with the Major Fishing League (MLF) and signed twice Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Gerald Swindle.
13 Fishing will be presenting sponsor of the 2021 season-opening Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit at Lake Okeechobee next month. The circuit, now in its 26th season of professional competition, is bass fishing’s premier five-fish limit tournament series, with166 top-tier bass anglers competing for up to $135,000 at each regular-season tournament and up to the $235,000 at the title championship.
“As an angler-centric league, MLF aligns perfectly with 13 Fishing in putting our professional anglers and their needs at the forefront of the sport, both on and off the water,” said MLF President and CEO, Jim Wilburn. The 2021 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit will feature 154 two-hour airings on network television, in a run that includes 24 airings on Outdoor Channel and 130 airings on Sportsman Channel, for a total of 308 hours of programming.
“We are extremely excited to partner with Major League Fishing in 2021,” said Ben Alcocer, 13 Fishing Marketing Director. “As one of the fastest growing brands in the fishing industry it makes sense that we partner with such a prestigious tournament series and media powerhouse. Seeing our professional anglers like Ron Nelson (Pro Circuit 2020 Angler of the Year) not only compete, but win, using our product on one of the most competitive stages in the world is what it’s all about.”
Gerald Swindle, 13 Fishing’s new high-profile signing, said it was a combination of the company’s ‘cool-factor’ and functional products that attracted him to the brand.
“First off, the rods and reels are lights-out,” said Swindle, who has made 18 Classic appearances and scored 55 top finishes in addition to his AOY titles. For the price of some of these rods and reels, they’re as good as anything I’ve ever fished with. So I’m just as happy with a $125 to $150 rod as I am with a $400 model. But also, I like the 13 image – it’s got a little swagger to it. It’s a stylish, cool brand and that’s very appealing to me where I’m at in my career.
“With that image, it’s a lot easier to relate to people who are in their 20s, who are in college. They get into the brand. They like the way everything is ‘murdered out,’ as they call it.”
Alcocer added that Swindle’s big personality is a perfect fit for the brand. “His abilities on the water and his product insight cannot be overstated. It’s a great match.”
Swindle is also a pro with Rapala, the company that bought a 49% stake in 13 Fishing’s parent company in 2019 and which distributes 13 Fishing products outside the US.
