Australia signs on as 17th country to operate MLF Fishing Tournaments - Major League Fishing
Australia signs on as 17th country to operate MLF Fishing Tournaments
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Australia signs on as 17th country to operate MLF Fishing Tournaments

Hiqua Fishing agrees to exclusive licensing agreement, will run MLF-sanctioned events in 2024
Image for Australia signs on as 17th country to operate MLF Fishing Tournaments
February 14, 2024 • MLF • Press Releases

BENTON, Ky. – Major League Fishing, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced an exclusive licensing agreement today with Hiqua Fishing, a new pioneering force in Australian fishing tournaments designed to provide Australian anglers an unprecedented opportunity to elevate their fishing prowess and gain international recognition. The agreement provides Australian anglers the opportunity to compete in MLF-sanctioned fishing tournaments in 2024. 

Hiqua Fishing will run a series of tournaments that advance anglers who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia to the International Division at the MLF Toyota Series Championship beginning in 2024. Two anglers from MLF Australia will compete as pros – with MLF providing a fully-rigged boat for each – and two anglers will compete as Strike King co-anglers.

MLF Australia will operate under the direction of Jan Oosthuizen, CEO of Hiqua Fishing.

“MLF Australia is excited to work with Major League Fishing and to be involved in the growth and expansion of Australian fishing,” Oosthuizen said. “Hiqua Fishing is thrilled to be at the forefront of this transformative new venture, offering a tournament experience that goes beyond the ordinary and adding to Australia’s magnificent fishing tournament platform.”

The top pro award at the Toyota Series Championship is $200,000, along with an invitation to REDCREST 2025 – the MLF Bass Pro Tour Championship – and an additional $35,000 Phoenix MLF Bonus for qualified anglers. The top Strike King co-angler award is a new Phoenix 518 Pro bass boat with a 115-horsepower outboard. The highest finishing pro from the International Division at the Toyota Series Championship will also be awarded a $10,000 bonus as well as qualification into the MLF Tackle Warehouse Invitationals.

“We’re excited to add Australia to the growing list of countries that are offering MLF tournaments,” said Dave Washburn, Vice President of Operations at Major League Fishing. “MLF Australia will be the ultimate platform for Australian anglers to showcase their skills on a global stage, and we look forward to the addition of talented Australian anglers to the MLF family in 2024.”

For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and its international partners, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

About Hiqua Fishing

Hiqua Fishing demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting the fishing community, offering an array of benefits and making the MLF Australia Tournament Series a must-attend event for both seasoned professionals and emerging talents. From camaraderie among participants to fostering a love for the sport, Hiqua Fishing and the MLF Australia Tournament Series aims to unite anglers and showcase Australia on the world stage. The Australia Tournament Series embraces the rich fishing culture of Australia and is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of the fishing community.