KATY, Texas – Academy Sports + Outdoors’ Elite Series Pro angler Stetson Blaylock is set to compete in the 2023 Bassmaster Classic with all new H2OX fishing gear that he helped design. Appearing in his fourth consecutive Bassmaster Classic, Blaylock will look to improve upon two 3rd place finishes using all new rods and reels from the all-new H2OX on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn., March 24-26.
Blaylock and Academy Sports + Outdoors teamed up to design the Evo Series and bring anglers an elevated product offering unique, innovative features. The Evo Series rods (MSRP $89.99-$99.99) are available in seven casting and three spinning models and feature a LM8 helical core graphite blank with semi-micro Kigan Sic guides, Fuji reel seat, EVA foregrip and carbon fiber rear grip. The Evo Series casting reel (MSRP $99.99) is available in 7.3:1 and 8.1:1 ratios with a 1-piece aluminum frame, centrifugal brake system and lightweight carbon side plates.
“Being able to use the gear that I had a hand in planning, testing and designing at an event as iconic as the Bassmaster Classic is a dream come true,” said Blaylock. “I’m excited to compete this year and am looking forward to the future of fishing knowing there is accessible performance gear, like the Evo Series, for anglers everywhere.”
The H2OX brand, unveiled by Academy this February, is designed to help anglers of all skill levels build confidence on the water at an incredible value. It is organized into three families – Premier, Ethos and Evo – to help anglers identify products that are designed as systems. Additionally, the brand offers products across several fishing categories including rods, reels, combos, hard baits, soft plastics, tackle storage, line, terminal, pliers, knives, nets, and more.
H2OX joins a trusted list of exclusive, private brands at Academy that offer tremendous everyday value and quality such as Magellan Outdoors, which provides fishing apparel, footwear and more for the outdoor enthusiast. Customers can check out the new H2OX line in all 268 Academy Sports + Outdoors locations or online at www.academy.com/shop/H2OX.
Academy Sports + Outdoors is the title sponsor of the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic, in which 55 of the world’s best bass anglers will compete on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn., March 24-26th.
About Academy
Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to 268 stores across 18 states. Academy’s mission is to provide “Fun for All” and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy’s product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com.
