Bass pros and conservation to benefit from latest Costa initiative

Anglers and conservation causes will both benefit from a new initiative launched this week by multi award-winning sunglasses company, Costa.

Costa Compete + Conserve is a programme for bass anglers who wear the brand’s sunglasses and compete in selected tournament trails. Competitors who post the highest-placed finish will be eligible to receive cash payouts and Costa will make a corresponding donation to one of five conservation partners chosen by the angler.

“Costa sunglasses are the best in the world and now anglers are going to get paid to fish in them,” said long-time Costa pro, Casey Ashley. “The pay-outs are incredible and you don’t have to win to get paid. On top of that, this programme gives money to organisations that conserve our waterways. It’s a win-win for the whole fishing community.”

Tournament trails eligible for Compete + Conserve include the Bassmaster Elite Series, Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour, MLF Big5 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, MLF Big5 Toyota Series, Bassmaster Opens, Bassmaster College Series, MLF Big5 College Series and the Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championships. 

Conservation partners are Friends of Reservoirs, The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, American Rivers, the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and the Johnny Morris Foundation. 

“Costa has a longstanding history in the bass fishing community and we wanted to further solidify that commitment,” said Evan Russell, Costa Pro and Ambassador Manager. “Coupled with the opportunity to give back to numerous conservation efforts, something that is part of our brand DNA, we jumped at the chance to create this programme. To be able to support a crowd that has supported us over the years and to make a difference while doing it, was a no-brainer for us.”