Lofty goals have been set for the future of West Coast Bass (WCB) Pro Am Tournament Circuit.
Following in the tire tracks of the NASCAR industry, the new partnership intends to steer WCB into tens of millions of households with;
- Full color print exposure in the #1 bass fishing publication in the west - Bass Anglers Guide
- 13 million cable and satellite viewers
- 70,000 radio listeners
- International numbers through live streaming video
The NASCAR business model just might be the best path to find the spark that ignites unprecedented growth in the bass tournament industry.
Afterall, when NASCAR made the cover story on Fortune magazine at the end of 2009, it referred to the new world of NASCAR as "the fastest-growing, best-run sports business in America -- with the emphasis on business."
Behind the new concepts, riding with Larry on this trail ride is Collie Christensen, CEO of Eco2forest, a non industry enterprise. A first look at the company's website, a viewer will see the illustration of cycle.
Christensen's plans for WCB work just like that cycle … increase incentives to increase excitement to increase participation to increase viewers to increases sponsors to increases incentives to increases excitement … and we are right back where we started- goin' round the cycle again.
Anyway you look at it… there can be no sport without the anglers.
To revitalize the anglers interest in a lack luster economy you have to give more bang for your buck and that is what WCB is doing with lower entry fees and bigger prizes.
Bigger prizes come from national sponsors, national sponsors come from reaching the masses not just the local fishermen… as Christensen explained, "this is why you see NASCAR drivers blasting Viagra or Land O Lakes butter across the hood"...national sponsorship unrelated to the sport.
With a commitment to reach 80 million homes in a minimum of 12 half hour HDTV shows covering the circuit in every way from the "up close and personals" with the fishermen, the "how to's of fishing", a year of individual tournaments and the classics, WCB has peaked national sponsor interest.
Holding the notion that this sport industry can run parallel to NASCAR, reaching the same level of success, the partners looked at the best of what was offered in competitors circuits, such as the FLW and B.A.S.S and then put it together with the ideas of the grass root anglers involved.
Most fishermen participating, even the pros are workin' men and cant toss the nine to five aside just because the tournament trail is knockin'.
Traveling to and from events coast to coast can be a daunting task without having to punch a time clock, and nearly impossible when there is no option.
With this in mind, event locations were chosen from the best bass fisheries that can cater to the every day lives of the WCB anglers.
Just off the heels of the big boys of bass announcing the FLW will be pulling the cord on any events west of the Rockies, the West Coast Bass Pro Am tournament trail makes 5 Nor Cal stops.
Boasting the best lakes at the best times of the year, all launch spots are within a few hours drive of most pros, and aspiring pros that are still working that day job to pay the bills.
- February Clearlake
- March California Delta
- April Lake Shasta
- May California Delta
- October Lake Shasta
These are the new concepts of the circuit ...but what's in it for the fishermen?
Let's talk incentives…most of you have seen the custom collector's edition Harley Davidson originally valued at over $35,000 that some lucky pro will cruise home on from the season opener in Clear Lake, but have you heard that classic qualifiers count three best showings for a chance at a Dodge Hemi Truck in October.
That's two of five events that offer an angler a chance to ride home in or on a vehicle that they didn't arrive in.
Here's to the West Coast Bass winning formula of big sponsors, big prizes and big tournaments riding the circuit onto Easy Street.
A quote from the Viv…
"You will be highlighted at our events and more than likely asked to be featured in a show as well. Our show is going to be about our competitors, what they do for a living and how to catch fish on a given body of water using the technique that you are proficient in to include your sponsor's products. Our entire focus is on non-endemic sponsors so wear your best fishing industry sponsor attire to the check-in at Clear Lake. Sponsorships will be for the 2011 season and the scope of the sponsorship will depend on the product. We have several major sponsors now and we will add up to 12 as part of our program. Two to four fishermen will represent each sponsor. This is your chance ...we are offering the West Coast Fisherman what you have always wanted. Great Prizes, Multi-Media exposure and full Sponsorships"
For more information visit the West Coast Bass website.