I made an announcement late yesterday that I’ve parted ways with E-21, a sponsor for the past three seasons. I understand this is unusual. It’s possible I’ll be able to say more about this in the future. But as for now, here is what was released. And it’s about all I’m in position to say right now.
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DEMOPOLIS, Alabama – Boyd Duckett, the 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion and one of the top professional anglers on the ESPN B.A.S.S. Elite Series tour, announced today that he is parting company with E-21, one of his primary sponsors for the past three years.
Duckett said he has severed ties with E-21 because of “strong disagreements over construction of the Carrot Stix series rods” and “because of the financial instability” of the Toronto, Canada-based company. Duckett said he believes his reputation as an angler and businessman would have been damaged had he maintained his relationship with the company.
The Demopolis, Alabama-based Duckett and rod-designer Ken Whiting created the concept that became Carrot Stix rods. In 2007, E-21 began manufacturing and distributing the popular, orange rods.
Duckett learned recently that the Carrot Stix rods being sold in stores are not built as Duckett and Whiting had originally discussed. The rods are different from the prototypes that won iCast in 2007. The rods are also different than the Carrot Stix rods Duckett uses while fishing on tour.
“I’ve learned this from my own experience with the new rods E-21 gave me. I have also learned this from other people. During the past few months I have voiced my rod concerns as well as concerns about E-21’s financial status, and E-21 has not satisfied those concerns. It bothers me a lot to part ways with a sponsor I’m attempting to work with as a partner. But one of the primary reasons I’ve taken this action is that, up to now, these rods had my name on them. My reputation is at stake,” Duckett said.
“The bottom line is that we have strong differences of opinion over the whole Carrot Stix concept. For example, I’m concerned about the general quality of the rods being made and how warranties are being honored. And I’ve learned that there are too many warranty claims being made for me to continue putting my endorsement on the Carrot Stix. I don’t want any part of the direction E-21 is now going.”
Duckett also said, “In business sometimes you have to overlook profits to maintain the integrity of both the product and your reputation. And that’s the position I feel I’m in. So I felt like even though it’s going to be a financial loss, parting ways is the right thing to do.”
Duckett, who had previously “tournament fished” for more than 20 years, burst on the national stage in 2007 when he won the Bassmaster Classic and the Bassmaster Legends, a “major” tournament. That year, Duckett set a single-season B.A.S.S. earnings record. Duckett also owns a successful product-transport business: Southern Tank Leasing, an Alabama-based enterprise with terminals in 14 Southern and Midwestern states.
“My goal as a business-owner and an angler is to make sure my partnerships and alliances are with companies that offer business and moral integrity. If integrity is jeopardized, you have to take action. That’s why I’ve chosen to sever my partnership with E-21, and I’ve demanded that any association to my name or likeness be removed from Carrot Stix,” Duckett said.
“On a more personal level, I go to tournaments, fishing seminars and shows all over the country. People often look to pro anglers to give them advice about our sport and the products we use. I want to be comfortable that I’m offering the right advice.”
