November 4, 1999

Garmin® Announces Sponsorship of Two Major Fishing Tournament Trails

Leading marine electronics manufacturer joins forces with Operation Bass

OLATHE, Kan. – Garmin International, the innovative manufacturer of navigation, communication and fishfinder electronics for the marine industry, has signed on as the exclusive electronics sponsor for the 2000 Red Man Tournament Trail and EverStart Series.

"The Operation Bass organization is doing great things to support America's favorite pastime," said Gary Kelley, director of marketing, Garmin International. "The Red Man Tournament Trail and EverStart Series will draw some very talented and very enthusiastic fishermen. As an industry leader in freshwater fishing electronics, we are pleased to be associated with this caliber of angler."

The Red Man Tournament Trail enjoys the distinction of being the oldest and largest bass fishing tournament of its kind in the nation. More than 26,000 anglers compete every year, vying for up to $3.5 million in cash and prizes. The Red Man Tournament Trail is an entry-level competition designed to appeal to the weekend fisherman by offering low cost, one-day tournaments that are held close-to-home. The competition consists of 22 divisions with five events per division.

The top 30 anglers in each Red Man Division receive priority entry into the EverStart Series. The EverStart Series is an advanced level of competition that consists of two divisions with four events per division and a year-end championship known as the EverStart Challenge.

Garmin International manufactures a series of depth sounders for the freshwater fishing market including the Fishfinder 160, Fishfinder 240 and the new Fishfinder 100. In addition, Garmin combines sonar and satellite technology to create combination GPS/fishfinder units such as the GPSMAP® 185 Sounder, GPSMAP 168 Sounder and the GPSMAP 235 Sounder.