MOBILE, Ala. – With less than a month remaining before the start of the most lucrative bass fishing tournament in history, residents, state officials and bass-fishing enthusiasts throughout Alabama continue to gear up for the highly anticipated Ranger M1 tourney. The four-day, high-stakes event, which boasts a record-breaking purse of $3.64 million, will take place Feb. 27 to March 2. FLW Outdoors, the industry leader in marketing competitive fishing tournaments, will produce and conduct the historical event for live television.
“Fishing is the fastest-growing sport today,” said Irwin Jacobs, chairman of FLW Outdoors. “Fishing literally has no boundaries amongst age or gender. With over 55 million Americans fishing today, the sport is the largest participant sport in America. It is even larger than golf and tennis combined.”
Anglers vying for their share of the millions have competed all year among 33 different qualifying tournament organizations to earn a prestigious berth in the Ranger M1. The field represents every skill level from weekend warriors to world-class contenders. The first prize of up to $1 million goes to the winning pro-angler, with the winning co-angler receiving a hefty $250,000.
“Ranger has been a leading sponsor of competitive fishing for over 30 years,” Randy Hopper, President of Ranger Boats said. “To us, the M1 is the ultimate expression of our appreciation to the loyal family of Ranger owners everywhere.”
The Ranger M1, with its historical purse and media appeal, provides an opportunity to make fishing heroes of everyday anglers. This special event follows the elimination style format popular on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. On the first two days, 200 professionals will be randomly paired with 200 co-anglers, who each fish for their own weights and limits. Anglers who end up with weights in the top-20 after day two will advance to the semifinal round on day three. Weights will start again from zero on that third day. The winning co-angler will be crowned at the conclusion of the semifinal round. Professionals’ whose total weight is in the top-10 will advance to the final round of competition, where they will fish for up to $1 million.
The Battleship Memorial Park will be the location for the first two days weigh-ins. The final two days weigh-ins will be at the Mobile Convention Center, adjacent to the Mobile River. The final day weigh-in will be televised live on PAX-TV and will air Saturday, March 2 at 3 p.m. EST, 2 p.m. CST and 3 p.m.
FLW Outdoors also produces the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the Everstart Series, the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Series, and the Texas Tournament Trail. In total, FLW Outdoors hosts more than 170 and will award up to $22 million in cash and prizes during 2002.
The State of Alabama, Mobile County, the City of Mobile, the Mobile Area Sports Commission, and the Mobile Convention and Visitors Corporation have all joined together to make the Ranger M1 a success. Mobile is the perfect location for anglers and fishing fans. In 1703, Mobile, a newly founded French colony, was the capital of the Louisiana Territory. The city, named after the Mauville Indians, is celebrating its tri-centennial this year. With 17 museums ranging from science to art, plus the numerous visitor attractions, Mobile is the place for family, fishing and fun.
Ranger M1 sponsors include Wal-Mart, Ranger Boats, Chevy Trucks, Citgo, Conseco, Everstart Batteries, Faded Glory, Garmin Electronics, Mercury Outboards, Minn Kota, Snickers, Yamaha Motors and Plano.
For more information on the Ranger M1 contact either Ranger Boats at (870) 453-2222 or FLW Outdoors at (270) 362-4880.