VMC, a Rapala Respected Brand known for their award-winning hooks for every style of fishing, rigs, jigs and terminal tackle, has signed a multiyear agreement to serve as a supporting sponsor for the Bassmaster Tournament Trail. Additionally, the new VMC Monster Bag prize will award an additional $2,000 to the angler who weighs in the heaviest single-day catch of the event at every Elite Series tournament.

The addition of the VMC Monster Bag prize is capturing the attention of fans and Elite Series pros alike.

“Take it from me, VMC is the sharpest, baddest hook in tournament fishing,” said two-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gerald Swindle. “I can’t wait to get paid to carry the VMC Monster Bag to the scales.”

As a tournament sponsor, VMC will not only be featured during Bassmaster LIVE broadcasts on the FOX Sports platforms, but will also enjoy exposure to enthusiastic fans of sportfishing and B.A.S.S. members during tournament weigh-ins as well as across Bassmaster.com, Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times magazines and various social media platforms.

“Our fans tune in to Bassmaster LIVE for incredible coverage of every catch, learning from the pros about techniques that will help them become a better angler, and then eagerly cheer on their favorite pros during weigh-ins,” said B.A.S.S. chairman and CEO Chase Anderson. “We’re excited to welcome VMC as a new partner and showcase the hooks some of the sport’s most successful pros — like Seth Feider, Brandon Palaniuk and Mike Iaconelli — use when landing every fish matters. The last few years, B.A.S.S. fans have been treated to record-breaking limits, and we can’t wait to see who will take home the new VMC Monster Bag prize when the Elite Series heads to some of the country’s best big bass factories during the 2022 season.”

In addition to sponsoring the Elite Series VMC Monster Bag prize, VMC will be a supporting sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens Series, Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship and the grass-roots TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation regional and championship tournaments.

“VMC is one of our most historic brands under the portfolio of brands at Rapala VMC,” said Matt Jensen, Rapala USA director of marketing. “Here in the U.S., it has been our fastest-growing brand year after year for the past eight years. With the innovation VMC has brought to market it has proven itself to be a top hook brand in tournament fishing today, and we are excited to partner with Bassmaster and grow VMC into a supporting sponsor.

“The VMC Monster Bag at Elite events is going to be the talk of the town. Bassmaster is all about ‘Big Bass. Big Stage. Big Dreams.’ Well now, VMC will add ‘Big Bags’ to the mix, and excite pros and fans with the new VMC Monster Bag prize!”