Was just announced on the BassCat site.

Bummer! I was hoping to see him in a Legend, but I'm sure you're stoked FiveBass By the way, we need to hit the water again soon.  The announcement is on another site as well.

Bummer! I was hoping to see him in a Legend, but I'm sure you're stoked FiveBass By the way, we need to hit the water again soon.

I am seeing more and more Bass Cats on the water each year,they are building quite a following.Having Ike representing is only going to give them that much more exposure......I think Bass Cat picked up the most marketable guy around and it will probably pay off big time for them.

I wanted him in a Gambler actually but I guess they are way too fast for him. ;D

When I was down at Fork two years ago we shared a boat stall with a "brand new" Bass Cat.  I can't really put my finger on it, but ever since I saw it that is what I WANT.

A lot of guys in my club run them.  They are a nice boat.  They do have a tendency to walk a bit over 80 mph but not to bad.  Fast boats.  

Jeff

Way Cool   8-)

Do you actually think this move will boost sales?

Do you actually think this move will boost sales?

I dont know one way or the other but the marketing folks at Bass Cat obviously think it will.Certainly cant hurt having the most popular and most recognizable Elite Angler on staff.

I don't recall seeing any basscats up here in Minnesota.  I don't even think I see them at the boat shows.  Seriously.  I only see Ranger, Triton, Strato's and Champion's around here.  Not even a skeeter.

I think it will help their sales,

 I'm yet to see one on the water that would run 80MPH?

I think Ike got him a very nice ride.    BassCats are manufactured as good as any bass boats IMO.

Matt.

Will it have a reinforced flag pole?

"Most popular?"

Hmm...I would certainly agree if you said "Most Controversial." I can't stand anything about the guy and you don't need to remind me that he won AOY, I didn't say he can't fish. To me, he is just another annoying celebrity.

I like Bass Cat, too. Sponsoring this clown doesn't change that, but I wish the companies I do business with would affiliate themselves with upstanding individuals who have a history of personal integrity, not renagades.  

I don't recall seeing any basscats up here in Minnesota. I don't even think I see them at the boat shows. Seriously. I only see Ranger, Triton, Strato's and Champion's around here. Not even a skeeter.

i guess they don't see the need for fast good riding boats on Minnesota small lakes ;D

"Most popular?"

Hmm...I would certainly agree if you said "Most Controversial." I can't stand anything about the guy and you don't need to remind me that he won AOY, I didn't say he can't fish. To me, he is just another annoying celebrity.

I like Bass Cat, too. Sponsoring this clown doesn't change that, but I wish the companies I do business with would affiliate themselves with upstanding individuals who have a history of personal integrity, not renagades.

I see what you are saying RW but like him or not,he's probably 2nd on the popularity list behind KVD,so "most popular" maybe wasnt the best choice of words.

Ike and his popularity is akin to the late great Dale Earnhardt (R.I.P.) .......you either loved him or hated him but you always wanted him on the track and in the race. People who disliked Earnhardt didnt want him to win but it meant alot that he was in the race.Earnhardt was the most controversial NASCAR driver throughout most of his career but he was always near the top in popularity and the guy flat out put people in the seats at all the tracks.....everyone just wanted to see what he was going to do next. Sound familiar?

I think it will help their sales,

I'm yet to see one on the water that would run 80MPH?

key words:  "on the water"......I've seen some Bass Cats doing 80+ on the trailer going down the interstate!

bass cats i think are not fast at all but they are one of the smootest riding boats ive ever rode in. but i dont really cear for they way the look the console is HUGE. they just look like older style boats

The rails are made of some type of lexan an they have a light that makes them light up!! We have a friend who is on his fourth BassCat now and he love them. Now we get to ask him " WHO PIMPED YOUR BOAT" . and there is no way his can run any faster then 68MPH w/ Merc 225 on it.

fivebasslimit,

Great analogy! I'm sure you are right, you follow tournament fishing much closer than I do. I generally don't like to post negative comments and should probably have stayed out of this thread. I simply don't like the guy...So what?

It really doesn't matter whether I like him or not, Ike has his following.

I concede the point.

You can't compare Ike to the legendary Intimidator. This man is a legend, Ikes tantrums are legendary but he has a long way to go to be considered one of the greats.

You can't compare Ike to the legendary Intimidator. This man is a legend, Ikes tantrums are legendary but he has a long way to go to be considered one of the greats.

I knew someone would take my post deeper than it was intended to be.

EW,in no way am I saying that Ike compares to Earnhardt in the "being a legend" dept......I am simply just pointing out similarities in the way they carried themselves and performed on the track and on the lake.Both are controversial but both are exceptional talents.

I also disagree with the "he has a long way to go to be considered one of the greats" statement you made. In my opinion,any angler that has a BMC and AOY under their belt has proved to be one of the greats already.....Ike's got a long way to go and he can only get better.Who knows how far his career will go?

As far as the 80 mph thing, my partners boat is a 2003 w/ 225 efi merc, SC, livewells full, me (250lb) and him in boat w/ all equipment, batteries, 75 mph GPS. With my fat a** out of the boat and all the extra gear, water, 80 is most definitely happening.

He has a jack plate and is very knowledgable about getting peek performance from his boat. Props, angles, engine height ect...

Didn't mean to say that all cats will do 80.

They are by no means tug boats either.

Back to the topic, I hope everything works out for Ike. I may not like his "acting" when it comes to attention seeking, but that guy can fish with the best of them. I do wonder about his personality fitting in with the Bass Cat persona of a Father and Son family company? Should be exciting to watch!

Back to the topic, I hope everything works out for Ike.  I may not like his "acting" when it comes to attention seeking, but that guy can fish with the best of them.  I do wonder about his personality fitting in with the Bass Cat persona of a Father and Son family company?  Should be exciting to watch!

It is an interesting mix.  The Pierce family is one of the remaining family owned Bassboat builders out there.  They build one helluva boat.  Not exactly my style but the craftsmanship is second to none.

Yea, great analogy.

EW-He's reffering to the sociology of their fans, not the individuals themselves

There is no doubt that Ike is a excellent angler and feared competitior however, he's only been around this game on the professional level for a short time. In that time he has shown he is good and accomplished much. However, I can't consider this performance on par with the greats like Clunn, Van Dam, Nixon, Parker, Martin and perhaps one or two others. Longevity and success throughout a whole career is what determines greatness. I think to be fair and to honestly be considered one of the greats, Ike has to perform at his current level for years to come. We'll revisit this in 10 years.

RW-To me, he is just another annoying celebrity.

Amen, I'm glad KVD doesn't have schtick in his routine.

I'm curious that if Ike didn't behave badly/boldly would he be as popular as he is with fans? Certainly some of his peers don't like his act. I mean, Takahiro Omari won a Classic a few years ago and I don't know anyone who is in his fan club. There are a ton of excellent anglers who have many achievements but are not in the public eye because of their antics. My guess would be that Ike would be just a regular guy if he acted like a model tournament angler. Who is the other guy who dyed his hair blonde and acts like an idiot.....forgive me if I'm wrong but is it Gerald Swindle? That guy has been in the public eye because of his Ike impression. So obviously being bold puts you in the public eye and it doesn't matter if you stack up to your competition.