In a joint press release from October 10th, 2019, Major League Fishing announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire FLW.
“We’re thrilled about welcoming FLW to the MLF team,” said Jim Wilburn, President and CEO of Major League Fishing. “FLW shares our commitment to creating tournaments and opportunities centered on the success of the angler. Through this acquisition, we are better positioned to support anglers and sponsors at all levels.”
Each year FLW offers thousands of anglers of all skill levels across the globe the opportunity to compete for millions of dollars in prize money in five tournament circuits. Under the leadership of Irwin Jacobs, FLW expanded the top level of competition to include the industry’s first seven-figure purse.
I reached out to several anglers for comment. In general, the reactions were positive, sprinkled with a healthy helping of, “Let’s wait and see.”
Anglers I spoke with who fish the FLW Costa Series were excited to see the drop in entry fees.
What’s Changing?
For the anglers not yet in the thick of the professional ranks, the changes are most positive.
FLW High School Fishing, YETI College Fishing, T-H Marine BFL and Costa Series circuits will continue in 2020 and beyond, with the addition of three regions in the Costa Series, and reduced entry fees for both BFL and Costa Series boaters and co-anglers.
Changes For The Pros
The biggest changes will be evident in the professional ranks. Essentially, there will be a mix between the traditional format tournaments we are used to seeing in FLW, and the newer format originated in the BPT.
The Pro Circuit will operate on a six-day competition schedule that features FLW’s traditional five-fish-limit format on Days 1 through 3, transitioning to the MLF catch, weigh, immediate-release/every scoreable bass counts format on Days 4 through 6 (which include two 10-angler Knockout Rounds and a final 10-angler Championship Round).
As is the case in all rounds of the MLF Bass Pro Tour, MLF-appointed in-boat officials will manage the competition and weighing of fish on the final three days of the FLW Pro Circuit.
For more information, visit https://majorleaguefishing.com/news/mlf-acquires-flw/