Big Rock Sports, headquartered in Newport, NC recently announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Ardent, manufacturer of the XS1000 baitcasting reel used by Alton Jones to win this year’s Bassmaster Classic championship.

Ardent is an American-owned company that designs and manufactures fishing reels and fishing reel accessories that are Made in the USA. Ardent is located in Macon, Missouri and is proud to be the only “Made in the U.S.A.” manufacturer of casting and spinning reels. In addition to making their reels in the U.S.A., Ardent also offers a 3-year warranty on all reel products.

“We were looking for a distribution partner that would complement Ardent’s current and future business strategy. Big Rock Sports offers us that opportunity with the largest team of sales representatives servicing over 15,000 independent retailers, 6 regional distribution centers and 6 industry-leading dealer trade shows, said Michael J. Brooks, President and CEO of Ardent.

“On behalf of Big Rock Sports, I am thrilled with Ardent’s decision to utilize the Big Rock Sports distribution network. We are strongly committed to the industry and the category, and look forward to being an integral participant with Ardent for years to come,” commented Ed Small, President and CEO of Big Rock Sports. “Big Rock Sports is uniquely positioned with our national sales representatives and logistics to fully meet manufacturer’s distribution needs.”

Big Rock Sports will distribute 9 Ardent skus including the XS1000 baitcast reel, the XS600 baitcast reel, the C400 baitcast reel, the S400M spinning reel, as well as, the #1 rated Ardent Reel Butter™, Oil and Grease, Reel Kleen™ degreaser and the Reel Kleen cleaning kit.

Big Rock Sports is the parent company of All Sports, AWR Sports, CSI Sports, Henry’s and MT Sports, wholesale sporting goods distribution centers located across the nation.  Big Rock Sports companies service more than 15,000 hunting and fishing retailers from coast to coast and internationally.