BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — B.A.S.S. today announced that Daiwa has been named the title sponsor of the 2026 Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party, one of the most anticipated fan events of Classic week surrounding the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, set for March 13-15 in Knoxville, Tenn.
The Daiwa Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party presented by TNT Fireworks will welcome fans, anglers and industry partners as they gather to celebrate the start of bass fishing’s biggest championship weekend. Held at Covenant Health Park, the event will offer fans a chance to meet many of the sport’s top anglers, explore the latest fishing gear and experience the excitement leading into the first day of competition.
“When you get the chance to be even more involved with one of the biggest weekends in bass fishing each year, it’s an honor for Team Daiwa to sponsor the B.A.S.S. Kick-off Party and share in all the excitement that evening,” said Marc Mills, Senior Marketing Manager at Daiwa. “We’ll have an extensive display of all our Tatula bass rods and reels, plus all our bass-focused lures, braid and other accessories. We’ll give those attending the Kick-Off Party an opportunity to talk and take photos with many of the Team Daiwa pros fishing the Classic – including Seth Feider, Kyoya Fujita, Wesley Gore, Laker Howell, Chris and Cory Johnston, Cody Meyer, Brandon Palaniuk, Patrick Walters, along with other noted B.A.S.S. pros Randy Howell and Ish Monroe. The entire Daiwa crew, from our corporate staff, sales reps and other area pro staffers will be on-site at Covenant Health Park to talk tackle and techniques with everyone who wants to kick off the Classic weekend with us. We’re happy to help B.A.S.S. make this a memorable Classic.”
The Kickoff Party serves as an energetic launch to Classic week, bringing fans face-to-face with the anglers who will compete for the most prestigious title in bass fishing. The event will feature angler meet-and-greets, sponsor activations, product showcases and opportunities for fans to celebrate the sport alongside fellow enthusiasts before the tournament begins. This year’s Kickoff Party will also include the Bassmaster Classic Progressive Celebrity Pro-Am driven by Yokohama Tire weigh-in and meet and greet.
Daiwa’s involvement highlights the brand’s long-standing presence in competitive fishing and its commitment to innovation in rods, reels and tackle used by anglers around the world. By sponsoring the Kickoff Party, Daiwa will help create an engaging environment where fans can connect with professional anglers and learn more about the techniques and equipment that drive success on the water.
“The Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party is a special moment where the excitement of the championship truly begins to build, and Daiwa is a fantastic partner to help bring that energy to life,” said Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S. “Their dedication to performance fishing gear and their strong roster of Classic-qualified anglers make them a natural fit for this event. We’re thrilled to have Daiwa as the title sponsor and know they’ll help make this year’s Kickoff Party an unforgettable start to Classic week in Knoxville.”
The 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour will bring together the world’s best anglers as they compete on East Tennessee waters for the most coveted trophy in bass fishing. In addition to the Kickoff Party, Classic week will feature the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo presented by TNT Fireworks, daily weigh-ins, sponsor activations and a full slate of fan events across Knoxville.
For more information on the 2026 Bassmaster Classic and Classic week events, visit Bassmaster.com.