
White River Marine, the boat arm of Bass Pro Shops/Outdoor World, has acquired Hobie, adding this well-known and popular fishing kayak brand to its stable of other fishing craft, including Tracker, Ranger, Nitro, Triton, Mako and Hatteras, as well as other non-fishing boat brands.
“The agreement will unite two of the most storied and well-respected watercraft manufacturers in the world,” according to the Bass Pro Shops announcement.
Born from the passion of true trailblazing pioneer founders, Johnny Morris and the late Hobie Alter, who were both driven to provide the most innovative, high-quality watercraft at the best possible value anywhere in the outdoor market.
Alter launched his company in 1950 in his parents’ garage in Southern California, handcrafting a surfboard and launching his dreams. Over the course of 75 years, he built a reputation on a relentless focus on quality and innovation, holding more than 20 revolutionary patents that showcase his commitment to advancing watercraft design.
“From pioneering pedal-driven kayaks to continually refining performance and comfort, Hobie products embody ingenuity and craftsmanship, delivering reliable experiences for every adventure on the water,” Bass Pro stated in the news release on the Hobie acquisition.