To all FLW pros:
By now you have undoubtedly seen the Walmart FLW Tour program changes for 2016. Some of the changes you probably welcome, like using your own boat on every day of FLW Tour competition and the addition of two Invitationals for pros only. Other changes, such as reducing the Forrest Wood Cup’s first-place award to $300,000 and eliminating payouts for 51st through 60th place in the FLW Tour qualifiers, are harder to take. We understand.
Our goal is to strike a balance using a sustainable model that maximizes the opportunities for all stakeholders, including pros, co-anglers, sponsors, hosts and fans. To that end, we are providing the best payouts for the lowest cost of participation of any professional circuit. Nowhere else can you fish eight tournaments offering $100,000 first-place awards and reach more fans for lower entry fees and travel expenses.
The modern era of professional bass fishing, complete with deep payouts and $100,000+ top awards, was ushered in by FLW in the late ’90s and was followed by a decade of unprecedented growth. When the economy took a turn for the worse, FLW stood fast. We absorbed sponsor cutbacks and continued to provide the sport’s best payouts. This year we had to make some adjustments.
In return FLW is offering more opportunities than ever before for anglers to promote their personal sponsors, and that is a powerful thing for those that can leverage the fact that FLW’s television show airs on NBC Sports, WFN, Pursuit and internationally to more than 500 million households. It is a wonderful opportunity for anglers that understand the power of FLW’s social media platforms that now reach more than half a million followers. It is the chance of a lifetime for pros that can parlay FLW Bass Fishing magazine and FLWFishing.com coverage into lucrative endorsement deals.
Registration is open for the top 100 pros and co-anglers from the 2015 FLW Tour, the top 10 pros and co-anglers from each 2015 Rayovac FLW Series division, the 2015 TBF National Championship boater and non-boater winners, and the 2015 BFL All-American boater and co-angler champions. These anglers have until Nov. 30, 2015 to secure their priority entry. Ranger boat owners may register beginning Dec. 1, 2015, followed by TBF members on Dec. 3, 2015. All other entries will be accepted beginning Dec. 4, 2015. Qualified anglers can register by calling 270.252.1000 or online at FLWFishing.com.
We are looking forward to a great season with you on the Walmart FLW Tour.
Sincerely,
Trisha Blake, President of Marketing
Kathy Fennel, President of Operations