TULSA, Okla. (Jan. 14, 2013) - Bobby Garland Crappie Baits has stepped up its sponsorship of the Crappie Masters tournament trail for 2013, elevating to the level that includes a boat wrap program. Dan Dannenmueller Sr., the 2011 and 2012 Crappie Masters National Team Angler of the

Year, is the one tapped for the Garland fisherman sponsorship.

The sponsorship is part of a two-year agreement with both the angler and the tournament trail and includes other exposures for the Bobby Garland brand in Crappie Masters' tournament materials, magazine and television show.

"Garland has been a Crappie Masters sponsors for several years, thanks to an early involvement with the brand by Missouri's Ned and Betty Rutledge," said Chris Lindenberg, owner of Bobby Garland Crappie Baits, a brand under the

Gene Larew Lures company umbrella.

"Crappie fishing is a fun sport whatever the level of participation, but as fishermen ourselves with competitive bones, we understand the allure of tournament fishing. Paul Alpers and his team seem to have a good model in Crappie Masters for appealing to the diverse following of crappie aficionados, from fun to hardcore. Although not for everyone, we feel Crappie Masters is a good choice for those who like to compete and thus our enhanced involvement. We couldn't be happier about Dan being our Garland angler and running our wrapped boat. Besides his tournament successes, he also does a lot to give back to the sport of crappie fishing. I'm confident we'll make a great team."

Dannenmueller, of Wetumpka, Ala., is the founder and CEO of two businesses, KMS Inc. and River Regions Outdoors, both of which incorporate his web technologies and marketing expertise. He is also co-founder and co-publisher of the CrappieNOW online magazine.

The Garland boat wrap has recently been completed for Dannenmueller's Ranger boat, and he will be pulling the rig with a similarly designed cover for his Ford pickup tow vehicle. The wrap features an underwater crappie scene with Bobby Garland baits trailing from overhanging rods above. The angler's tournament jersey is also a match to the wrap artwork.

"Hey, I do a lot of spider rigging, so my truck and boat leave no doubt as to what kind of fisherman I am and who my sponsors are," said Dannenmueller. "As for the Garland opportunity, I think we're a perfect match. Garland's baits and colors are outstanding, and it was fun to see them being made in their Tulsa (Okla.) manufacturing facility. The year is off to a fast start for promotions and I'm excited for my first tournament to get going next week. I'm ready for what looks to be a busy, busy year."

Dannenmueller joins a Garland prostaff that features a number of anglers known for their prowess with soft plastic crappie baits, including Kevin and Charlie Rogers (Missouri), Jeff Schwieterman and Chris Waters (Texas), Ned Rutledge (Missouri), Gary and Barbara Kendrick (Alabama), Lee Pitts (Alabama), Brad Chappell and Bo Hudson (Mississippi), Doug Sikora (Indiana), Greg and Luke Humphrey (Illinois), Ivan Martin (Oklahoma) and Terry Blankenship (Missouri).

Dannenmueller will be among several of Garland and Larew's pro team members in Tulsa Okla., for special promotions planned for the company around the 2013 Bassmaster Classic, Feb. 22-24, in Larew's home city.

The Bobby Garland 2" Baby Shad is one of the most popular of all soft plastic crappie baits on the market. More recent introductions include the Slab Dockt'R, Scent Wiggl'R, Minnow Mind'R, Stroll'R and Slab Slay'R.

"At Garland, our goal is to create baits to help folks catch more crappie," said Lindenberg. "That's why you'll find each and every one of our baits has a unique design with innovative features, and made with a particular fishing application in mind. I'm confident you'll also find Dan and the rest of our prostaff to be helpful in sharing what they know about catching this awesome species. I hope you'll join us in Tulsa during Classic week for a tour of our facility."

For more information about all Garland and Larew products, visit www.GeneLarewLures.com.