ABT 100 NEWS

Phoenix Boats and the Alabama Bass Trail – A Partnership With Proven Success

By Jason Duran

The partnership between the Alabama Bass Trail and Phoenix Boats began as a natural union of two organizations with a shared passion for fishing and a commitment to supporting the sport at both the amateur and professional levels. In 2014, the Alabama Bass Trail began the first season. The ABT quickly gained momentum and became the premier fishing tournament trail in the southeastern United States and beyond. The trail’s mission is to promote Alabama’s lakes as top-tier fishing destinations, enhance tourism, and encourage anglers to explore the state’s diverse waterways. Simultaneously, Phoenix Boats, an innovative boat manufacturer established in 2007 and based in Tennessee, was also making a name for itself in the fishing world. Renowned for building high-performance bass boats with a focus on quality craftsmanship, cutting-edge features, and great customer service, Phoenix Boats was also becoming a significant player in the industry. Two organizations were looking to grow their organizations and the sport of bass fishing.

On September 3, 2013, Phoenix Boats was named the official bass boat of the Alabama Bass Trail for the inaugural 2014 season. Kay Donaldson, Program Director, often shares the story about asking Phoenix Boats to become a sponsor. “Brent Crow and I drove to Winchester to meet with Gary and Teresa. I sang almost every song on my iPod and yes, I said iPod. I was so nervous. I went through my spill and took a tour of the factory, and then Teresa slowly pushed her printout back and leaned back and said ‘I think I speak for Gary and myself. We want to be involved, but we want a three-year deal.’ I am sure I stuttered when I said whatever it was I said but I remember telling her I would get her a contract as soon as possible. Brent and I left, and I pulled over at the end of the road at the stop sign and cried like a baby. Brent said, ‘Why are you crying?’ and I said ‘I don’t have a contract; I never dreamed they would say yes.’ That is and will always be the first, and most important sponsor pitch Kay Donaldson will ever deliver. It truly gave me the confidence to move forward with the ABT.”

Recognizing that both organizations prioritized excellence and wanted to elevate the sport of bass fishing, a partnership was forged. Phoenix Boats became the official boat sponsor of the Alabama Bass Trail. The three-year deal that started way back in 2013 has now become an 11-year partnership and just announced last week, Phoenix Boats has agreed to continue that partnership for another 5 years, a partnership that has benefited both brands tremendously.

For the Alabama Bass Trail, having a reputable boat company like Phoenix on board means enhanced credibility and resources to offer anglers. Phoenix Boats’ sleek, fishermen-friendly design is a staple at tournaments, with many anglers opting to use Phoenix Boats for their superior speed, stability, and fishability. Phoenix Boat owners who compete in the Alabama Bass Trail also became eligible for various rewards and contingencies from Phoenix. “I think ABT anglers choose Phoenix Boats because of the quality of the product they receive first and foremost. Secondly, I think ABT anglers understand that we can’t pay back 100%+ unless we have committed sponsors and they honor those relationships,” said Kay.

For Phoenix Boats, in the beginning, the partnership was an opportunity to align with a rapidly growing tournament trail that attracted a wide range of anglers, from weekend warriors to seasoned pros. Being the official boat sponsor meant increased visibility at high-profile events, as well as a direct connection to anglers who were serious about their equipment. The Alabama Bass Trail also offered a platform for Phoenix to engage with the anglers and get real-time feedback from them. “One of the cool things about being in my position is I see the numbers when teams register and to see the Phoenix numbers go from 22 in 2014 to over 230 in 2024 has been remarkable. That is the loyalty that we ask for from our anglers. They heard the call and answered it!  Also, when we started showing the Phoenix Boats logo on the leaderboard and tournament results, it wasn’t a surprise at all that there are 5-8 Phoenix Boats in the top 10 in most tournaments.” 

The partnership has become a symbol of synergy. It wasn’t just about brand visibility or product promotion; it was about creating a culture of excellence and camaraderie in the bass fishing world. Tournament after tournament, Phoenix Boats helped anglers reach their goals, while the ABT provided a competitive and welcoming environment for everyone involved. Year after year the ABT slots are filled within minutes of opening, solidifying its position as the largest team tournament organization outside of Texas. Just like the anglers, Phoenix was also eager to join the team. “Having a brand like Phoenix Boats sign on as the title sponsor before we had one team signed up was a huge validation of the ‘dream’ honestly. The faith they placed in the 20 or so PowerPoint slides I presented to them in August 2013 is something I will never forget,” said Kay. 

Over the past 11 years, the relationship between the Alabama Bass Trail and Phoenix Boats has flourished, with both entities continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in bass fishing. In a press release from 2013, Phoenix Boats President Gary Clouse stated, “Alabama is renowned for its exceptional bass fishing, and where there is great fishing, you will find great anglers…We are thrilled to be the official boat of the Alabama Bass Trail and eagerly anticipate collaborating with them on marketing initiatives and future projects.” This partnership has made significant strides since its inception. The combined efforts of Phoenix Boats and the ABT have not only contributed to the growth of the sport in Alabama, but have also made an impact on the competitive fishing scene at large. This successful partnership is built on shared values, and together, they have helped position Alabama as a premier destination for anglers from across the nation.