FLW Sanctions Mexican Bass Tournaments
U.S. neighbor to the south set to become the fourth International Division host nation
This morning, FLW signed an agreement with LUTCOM SA DE CV, of Mexico City, Mexico, to bring its internationally sanctioned bass fishing tournaments to the United States’ southern neighbor as part of the International Division of the Rayovac FLW Series. The agreement was signed by Jaime Luengo, president and CEO of LUTCOM SA DE CV, and FLW President of Operations Kathy Fennel during the FLW Morning Show before the day-two takeoff of the 2015 Forrest Wood Cup on Lake Ouachita.
Luengo’s organization will host a series of FLW tournaments that advance anglers, who are citizens of the host country, to a new International Division at the Rayovac FLW Series Championship beginning in 2016. The highest finisher among countries represented in the International Division will then advance to the Forrest Wood Cup, making it the sport’s only true world championship.
“Bass fishing is a year-round sport in Mexico that is rapidly growing in popularity,” says Luengo, who has experience on the Walmart FLW Tour as a co-angler. “This new era of competitive fishing will bring more awareness to my country to take care of the resources. It is great to have the support of FLW, as it allows our great fishermen to compete head-to-head with the best anglers in the world.”
Mexico is set to become the fourth country to sign on for international sanctioning, joining Canada, South Korea and China as FLW partners under the new program and will begin hosting FLW-sanctioned tournaments in 2016. More details will be available soon.
“We are thrilled that Mexico has joined Canada, South Korea and China in running FLW-sanctioned tournaments in 2016,” says Fennel. “It is well-known that there are some fantastic bass fisheries in Mexico. There are also some incredibly talented anglers, and we look forward to welcoming them to the new International Division of our Rayovac FLW Series.”
The Forrest Wood Cup continues through Sunday, with daily takeoff ceremonies beginning at 6:30 a.m. CT at Brady Mountain Resort & Marina, 4120 Brady Mountain Road, Royal, Ark. Takeoff is at 7 a.m. Daily weigh-ins take place at Bank of the Ozarks Arena at 134 Convention Blvd., Hot Springs, Ark., at 5 p.m. In between, fans can enjoy the FLW Expo, including the Bass & BBQ Festival and a series of country music concerts, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hot Springs Convention center adjacent to the arena.
For more information about FLW’s international affiliates, visit FLWFishing.com. Click here for more details on the 2015 Forrest Wood Cup.