Berkley and Abu Garcia Sign Brandon Palaniuk

Newcomer to the Bassmaster Elite Series Brandon Palaniuk and industry leaders Abu Garcia and Berkley have entered into a sponsorship agreement for the upcoming 2011-tournament season. Effective December 30, 2010, Palaniuk will be fishing with with Abu Garcia reels and rods along with Berkley line and soft baits. He will be competing in his first Bassmaster Classic in February followed by the Bassmaster Elite Series beginning in March.

“We are very excited to have Brandon sign with Abu Garcia and Berkley,” said David Lund, Vice President of Marketing. “He is currently the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Champion, and has represented the sport of fishing very well. It will be a pleasure to work with him throughout the upcoming year.”

This isn’t the first time Abu Garcia and Berkley have made a big announcement of a big name rookie. During the 2010 elite series, Bradley Roy, youngest angler to fish the series, signed with Abu Garcia and Berkley, which helped him become the youngest angler to also win the Bassmaster Rookie of the Year title. Palaniuk looks to have a similar year, being the youngest angler to fish in the Bassmaster Classic.

“To fish this season with the elites will be exciting,” said Palaniuk. “I think it will be a great year to be a rookie. The series of lakes we are fishing play to many of my strengths, which should lead to a solid season. I’m also excited to have the finest sponsors on the water. Abu Garcia and Berkley have been great to work with, and their products lead the way in innovation and performance.”

The Hayden, Idaho native has competed in the Federation Nation Circuit since 2007. Palaniuk is the reigning Federation Nation Championship with his win on the Red River near Shreveport, La.

About Pure Fishing, Inc.

Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio of brands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Gulp!®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, SevenStrand®, Shakespeare®, Spiderwire®, Stren®, Trilene® and Ugly Stik®. With operations in 19 countries and a dedicated workforce conversant in 28 languages, Pure Fishing, Inc. is part of Jarden Outdoor Solutions, a leader in developing outdoor and active lifestyle products and a subsidiary of Jarden Corporation. Additional information can be found at www.purefishing.com.