Skeet Reese dropped by Terminator/Normark!

[flyphisher #]

Reese was dropped by Terminator this past week.He was the only pro let go. Wonder if this has anything to do with a Lucky Craft/Rapala conflict?

[Sam]

Probably.

But who knows?

The Shadow knows.

[cabela10]

I'm pretty sure the Rapala thing is the reason. Why would Normark keep a guy that uses someone elses crankbaits. They don't need Skeet Reese. I'm sure they asked if he wanted to switch from Lucky Craft to Rapala before they dumped him and he said no. I'm sure there is more to it than just Normark dumping him without any warning, like he said.

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For 10 years, Skeet Reese has been the face of Terminator Lures, but that all changed this afternoon when he received word from Rapala which had recently agreed to purchase Terminator that his contract would not be renewed. He said the news was a surprise, because he expected to continue with the Terminator brand after Rapala's acquisition.

"Rapala's no longer supporting and working with me in regards to Terminator," he said. "I was a little surprised to find out today. They said they had to tighten up their budget. After 10 years of working with the Terminator brand, I'm sad about it. I felt like the people at Terminator, along with myself and Jimmy Houston (the other pro originally associated with the brand) had done a good job of growing together. We've been pretty instrumental in the growth of the brand, so it's sad to part ways.

"It's a brand I believe in, and it's the first time I've ever lost a sponsor," he added. "It feels weird. I've lost sponsors by my own choice, but this is definitely the first time I've ever been let go from a deal."

another site spoke with Reese after close of business, and Rapala could not yet be reached for comment. Reese noted that Jimmy Houston and Rob Kilby are still with Terminator. another site confirmed with Brent Chapman that he will continue to represent the Terminator brand this season as well.

Reese's situation is problematic for a few reasons. First, most of the current Terminator packaging features Reese's likeness. That will likely continue as stores sell through existing product, even though he's no longer associated with the brand. He also received new jerseys in preparation for the upcoming Bassmaster Classic, which of course include Terminator signage. He plans to use tape to cover the logos until new jerseys arrive.

His current wrap is Lucky Craft, so he won't need to make any changes there. It's not known whether his association with Lucky Craft, a major competitor of Rapala, factored into the decision.

One other notable item: He's been using Terminator spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and jigs for so long, he's not really sure what else is in the market that he'd like to be associated with. "Am I a free agent now? Absolutely. Will I look at (other bait-sponsor) possibilities if they come my way? Absolutely. But I'll take my time. I won't rush anything. To tell you the truth, I haven't fished any other brand of spinnerbaits or jigs in I don't know how long, so I don't really know what's out there that I'll be happy with."

[JT Bagwell]

That really sucks for Skeet. I think he did a nice job with the Terminator brand, but

this is business. I really doubt that it was anything person, but I would not be the

least bit shocked if it was a result of his strong ties to Lucky Craft.

JT Bagwell

[Pond-Pro]

It shouldn't effect Reese that much as he made  $600,000 in sponsor money last year.  

[JT Bagwell]

It shouldn't effect Reese that much as he made $600,000 in sponsor money last year.

What if 1/2 of that was from his Terminator deal?

lol Still more than I made last year.

JT Bagwell

[Rattlinrogue]

I'm sure ole Skeet will be back in the saddle in no time flat.

[JT Bagwell]

I noticed a Terminator logo on his hat several times today during the classic. I would have

covered it with tape or a magic market.

JT Bagwell

[cabela10]

Maybe he forgot to cover it, or his contract was through the 2007 Classic, considering the Classic is part of last years tourney.   I'm assuming he had to keep the logo presentable.

[bassmaster8100]

This really sucks for Skeet, but I say its their loss. Skeet is a great representative of the sport. Put Simply having Skeet represent your company is just good for business.

[topwtr81]

this was a very bad choice by normark for the following reason

today at my gander store I recieved my terminator stocking order for 07 included was a dozen of each color skeet's double buzz

with skeet's picture on every pack

Normark definately didn't like the lucky craft conflict that I can guarantee. however dropping him after shipping out all his bait's was a bushleague move now they will continue to make money off his likeness

my hope is that skeet continue's to get paid for this run of terminator's

normark should have let this year play out and then part way's

I just dont' like the way it was done

but as stated skeet will be fine especially because it look's like he's coming on with two cali tourney's coming up

[superstud55]

oh well im sure it wont effect him to much, im sure he isnt to happy about it but it shouldnt be to hard for him to find anoher sponser