Fishing

3/5/2025 |  EXEC: Rapala VMC Getting Big Hits with CrushCity Lures as Soft Baits Dominate (SGB UPDATE) Rapala VMC President and CEO Lars Ollberg said the fishing company strategically strengthened its business in a challenging year, focusing on brand value, customer relationships, and market positioning in North America and Europe.

“Despite initial commercial headwinds, we stabilized operations and created a robust foundation for future growth,” he shared. “Our targeted efforts successfully improved overall business performance.”

2/11/2025 |  Bass Pro Shops to Open Outpost in Arkansas (SGB UPDATE) Bass Pro Shops announced plans to open a new Outpost store in Fort Smith, AK, its third in the state. The 70,000-square-foot location will be in central Fort Smith, with an expected opening in early 2026.

2/5/2025 |  2026 Bassmaster Classic Headed to Knoxville (SportsTravel) Knoxville, Tennessee, will host the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour from March 13–15, the city’s third time hosting the “Super Bowl of Fishing.”
Knoxville hosted the Bassmaster Classic in 2019 and 2023, which generated an estimated economic impact of more than $35.5 million for the community. The 2023 event was awarded Best Professional Event for the 2023 SportsTravel Awards.

1/28/2025 |  Michigan to Host 2025 XXI World Ice Fishing Championship (SportsTravel) USAngling has announced that the 2025 XXI World Ice Fishing Championship will take place February 11–16 on Tamarack Lake in Lakeview, Michigan — 45 minutes northeast of Grand Rapids.
It will mark the first time for Michigan to host the event, which has been around the world since its inception in 2004.

1/24/2025 |  EXEC: Megabass is Latest Outdoor Brand to Partner with L Catterton (SGB UPDATE) Megabass has entered into a strategic partnership with global investment firm L Catterton. The deal positions the Japan-headquartered fishing gear manufacturer for continued expansion by leveraging L Catterton’s operating capabilities and industry network as demand for its products increases.