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Pro-Guide Named Title Sponsor of Bassmaster Rookie of the Year & Kayak Angler of the Year

The future of competitive fishing is being written every season, by anglers stepping onto the biggest stages for the first time, adapting fast, and competing under pressure where there’s no room for failure.

That’s why Pro-Guide Batteries is proud to be named the title sponsor of the Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year and the Bassmaster Kayak Angler of the Year awards.

This partnership marks a major step forward in Pro-Guide’s continued investment in innovation, performance, and the next generation of anglers competing at the highest level of the sport.

Two Races That Define the Future of Bass Fishing

Few storylines in professional fishing generate more excitement than the Rookie of the Year race. Each season, first-year Elite Series anglers face a demanding schedule, unfamiliar fisheries, and relentless competition, all while proving they belong among the best in the world.

As title sponsor, Pro-Guide Batteries will be integrated throughout Elite Series events, media coverage, and season-long points race updates, following rookies as they chase consistency, confidence, and career-defining moments on the water.

Built for Anglers Who Can’t Afford Failure

From Elite Series rookies to kayak competitors, dependable power isn’t optional, it’s foundational.

Long tournament days, high-draw electronics, and ever-changing conditions demand power systems that deliver consistent performance, faster charging, and reduced weight. Pro-Guide’s lithium battery solutions are designed with those realities in mind, giving anglers confidence from launch to weigh-in.

“Pro-Guide is proud to be the title sponsor for the Rookie of the Year points race,” said Pate Shumaker, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Pro-Guide Batteries. “The fishing world is changing fast, and these young guns are coming in and shaking things up. We believe the rookie class is one of the most exciting stories in the Elite Series each year, and we’re thrilled to be right there with them as they chase their dreams.”

That same mindset extends to kayak anglers, competitors who push efficiency, adaptability, and innovation every time they hit the water.

At the same time, Pro-Guide’s sponsorship of the Bassmaster Kayak Angler of the Year award highlights the explosive growth of competitive kayak fishing, one of the fastest-expanding segments in the sport.

Kayak anglers rely on compact, lightweight, and dependable power systems to run advanced electronics in demanding conditions. Pro-Guide’s lithium battery technology is engineered to meet those exact challenges.

Together, these two awards represent where bass fishing is headed, across platforms, generations, and competitive formats.

A Natural Fit for Innovation and Growth

Pro-Guide Batteries has rapidly established itself as a leader in marine power solutions, with products engineered specifically for modern competitive fishing. The company’s focus on durability, efficiency, and real-world performance mirrors the mentality of anglers competing in Rookie of the Year and Kayak Angler of the Year races.

“These awards represent innovation, adaptability, and the future of our sport,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S.. “Pro-Guide Batteries is a natural fit because their technology supports anglers who are pushing the limits of performance across multiple formats.”

As sponsor of both awards, Pro-Guide will engage fans and anglers through on-site activations, digital storytelling, and season-long coverage tracking the progress of Elite Series rookies and kayak competitors.

Investing in What’s Next

The Bassmaster Rookie of the Year and Kayak Angler of the Year awards have a long history of identifying anglers who go on to become champions and ambassadors for the sport.

By backing these races, Pro-Guide Batteries is reaffirming its commitment to the anglers, and innovations, shaping the future of competitive fishing.

Follow along all season as Pro-Guide helps power the next generation of Bassmaster competitors and kayak anglers across fisheries nationwide.

Learn more at Bassmaster.com