Bass Cat Boats has added veteran FLW competitor Bill McDonald to the company’s national pro team. McDonald has competed at FLW’s top level for a total of 11 years and is a two-time Forrest Wood Cup qualifier who's earned over $375,000 in FLW competition.
“When the opportunity came up, there was only one company that interested me and that was Bass Cat,” McDonald said. “The longevity of the company and the way Rick Pierce runs it is important. It’s a family in every aspect.”
Bass Cat Boats already leave the factory filled with Lucas Marine power-steering fluid, brake fluid and other lubricants. Lucas is McDonald’s title sponsor and his move to Bass Cat will enhance that existing synergy.
“It’s a partnership that makes a lot of sense,” said Pierce, Bass Cat's president. “Bill is one of the most well-liked and well-connected anglers in the industry. We’re thrilled to be able to add a pro of his caliber. It also helps that his Indiana home is just a short drive from Sherm’s Marine, one of our leading dealers, further making this an easy fit.”
McDonald will run a Cougar FTD on tour in 2021. Upon delivery, he took it straight to the set of a commercial, where he encountered 30-mph winds. “The dry ride of it is unbelievable,” he said. “And I 110-percent love the way it handles. The incredible speed is just an added bonus. I’ve crawled around in a lot of boats and this one is superior in every way.”
Said Bass Cat pro staff director Kevin Short: “It is important to us to have staffers not only of the highest character, but also across all of the major professional tours. I’ve known Bill for a long time and his exceptional professionalism and understanding of our sport makes him a prime acquisition. We expect that he’ll stay in the Bass Cat family for the rest of his career.”
