2020 FLW Series and BFL Details

Expanded Format for FLW Series and BFL

MLF Press Release 

Major League Fishing (MLF) and Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) announced today the expanded 2020 FLW Series and T-H Marine Bass Fishing League (BFL) details, schedules, rules, entry fees and payouts, highlighted by lower entry fees in both circuits and an expanded FLW Series schedule, along with upping the FLW Series Championship payout to $200,000 for first place and adding a $10,000 bonus for the highest-finishing pro from each of the eight U.S. FLW Series divisions and the International Division.

The 2020 FLW Series season will consist of three events in eight divisions, up from five divisions in 2019. Anglers that fish all three qualifiers in any of the eight divisions and finish in the top 25 will qualify for the no-entry-fee FLW Series Championship for a shot at winning $200,000 cash, plus lucrative contingency bonuses. The winning co-angler at the championship earns a $30,000 17-foot bass boat with a 115-hp outboard. The new win-and-you're-in format guarantees that anglers are never out of contention to qualify for the Championship, too. Fish all three qualifiers in a division and win a tournament, and they’ll be on their way to the championship. FLW Series entry fees have been reduced to $1,700 for pros and $550 for co-anglers per tournament, while top payouts in each event remain $40,000 for pros and a $30,000 17-foot bass boat with a 115-hp outboard for co-anglers. As field sizes increase, so do payouts, with top awards reaching $65,000 for pros and $35,000 for co-anglers at 260 boats, and awards of $2,000 for pros and $550 for co-anglers extending through 65th place. 

MLF and FLW are also rolling back entry fees in the BFL to give grassroots anglers – the heart and soul of the bass fishing community – the best payouts at the lowest cost available anywhere. Entry fees are now just $200 per boater and $100 per co-angler for one-day qualifiers and $300 per boater and $150 per co-angler for two-day Super Tournaments – the lowest levels since 2014. While entry fees have been lowered, BFL payouts remain the same as 2019, with boaters fishing for top awards of $6,000 plus contingency bonuses in each one-day qualifier and $9,000 plus contingency bonuses in each two-day Super Tournament. Co-anglers fish for top awards of $3,000 plus contingency bonuses in each one-day qualifier and $4,500 plus contingency bonuses in each two-day Super Tournament. Anglers also have the opportunity to qualify for six no-entry-fee Regional championships with top awards of $60,000 for boaters and $50,000 for co-anglers, a no-entry-fee Wild Card regional, the no-entry-fee All-American with top awards of $100,000 for the boater and $50,000 for the co-angler, and even the FLW Series Championship with top awards of $200,000 for the pro/boater and $30,000 for the co-angler. 

Team Canada Wins Gold at 2019 Pan AM on St. Lawrence River

MDJ and B. Lat Top Team

By Jody White

FLW PRESS RELEASE

Stand on Guard for Thee.
(Photo: FLW)

Though Team USA locked up the top three places, Team Canada placed six teams in the top 10 and averaged 38.98 pounds to win the Pan American Bass Championship on Lake St. Francis. Results were tallied based on the average weight brought in by each team in the two sessions of fishing, which almost guaranteed an extremely close finish. Earning a silver medal, Team USA finished just a hundredth of a pound back with a 38.97 average.

Earning bronze, Team Mexico had a tough afternoon overall and finished with a 28.62 average. Team Akwesasne First Nations brought up the rear with a 23.97 average.

Nicolas Gendron and Jason Gramada were the highest-finishing Canadian team at fourth, and they also weighed the big fish of the day, a behemoth 6.26-pound smallmouth.

Gramada and Gendron took a power approach to the day, and as one of the truly local teams in the event, they were able to fully apply their history on St. Francis. 

“We’re from here, we’ve got a lot of history here, we’ve won some Canadian Opens on this body of water,” says Gramada. “This time of year, the fish migrate up towards the dam. It’s kinda unique, there are three major spawning tributaries, and I think they do their wintering there to get ready for the spring spawn. So, it’s not a secret, that’s why the weights are so close – it would have been way different fishing had it been a July or august tournament.”

Nick Salvucci Wins 2019 WON US Open on Lake Mead with 31.98lbs!

Salvucci Wins on Mead!
(Photo: WON)

He had been close the past two years, including a frustrating second place finish in 2018. Nick Salvucci had said that he wanted to win the U.S. Open more than anything – now he can claim that title as his own.

After taking over the lead on day two, Paso Robles, Calif. pro Salvucci did enough on the final day to close out the victory, despite coming in to the Calville Bay sales one fish short of his daily limit. He did enough the first two days in posting consecutive 11-pound limits, and his more than two and a half pound lead allowed for a margin of error seldom seen in a U.S. Open on Lake Mead. He arrived as the final angler to present his fish to the scales, and when the screen hit 9.44 pounds, he had what he needed and more.

Salvucci’s total weight of 31.98 pounds eclipsed DeeJay Evans, who had taken over the lead with one of the largest bags of the event only moments earlier.  For his efforts, Salvucci will receive $100,000 cash and the keys to a 2019 Bass Cat Puma FTD powered by a Mercury Pro XS 250 Four Stroke outboard. 

More importantly, Salvucci gets to take home the hardware. “I’ve wanted this trophy for so long, and I’ve been fishing this lake so well for the past several years that it hurt to come so close,” he said. “Now, I get to put my hands on that trophy and I’ve got the perfect place for it at home; I can’t believe it’s finally happened.

Salvucci reported spending his tournament in the mid-lake area. Specifically, he fished the Echo Bay area of the Overton Arm, and worked his way back towards the main lake. He said he caught them on multiple lures. “I didn’t really have any one thing that I caught them on, I junk fished my way through, throwing what I felt l needed to throw,” he said. “The reel key to this week was to keep a positive attitude and just keep my head down. I pulled the hood of my Aftco shirt over my head and stayed focused – it feels amazing.”

2019 WON US Open on Lake Mead Day 2: Salvucci Scores Lead; Kerr 2nd

Double digit limits difficult

WON PRESS RELEASE

Nick Salvucci leads with 22.54lbs (Photo: WON) 

While rough conditions can make it hard on the anglers at the WON Bass U.S. Open, Lake Mead’s black bass population thrives in the wind. The problem for the field at the 2019 edition of the West’s most prestigious event, is that there has been very little to speak of. Those conditions mean that there will be a limited morning bite, then a grind for the rest of the day.

After finishing day one in second place with 11.35 pounds, Nick Salvucci proved to be the most consistent angler on day two when he brought 11.19 pounds to the Calville Bay scales to bring his total weight to 22.54 pounds, enough to take the lead heading into the final day. Salvucci and day one leader Justin Kerr swapped places when Kerr slipped, producing 8.05 pounds on day two, falling to second place with a total weight of 19.72 pounds.

That 2.82-pound differential can be massive on a body of water like Lake Mead. That margin, and one more day of fishing stand between Salvucci and the title he has wanted so badly for the past two years.

Despite the strong lead, Salvucci said he is anything but comfortable. “I really don’t know what to expect tomorrow,” he said. “I am covering as much water as I can, but when I’m getting six or seven bites a day, anything can happen.”

Salvucci reported being able to pare down the collection of rods on his deck, but that junk fishing remained the name of the game on day two. “I probably had 10 rods on the deck instead of 20, but I still caught fish on four different baits,” he said. “I have to get out there and see how it goes; but anything could still happen.”

Kerr said that his day boiled down to one word – imperfection. “I know that there’s still a chance, but I have to land everything that bites,” he said. “My partner and I both lost fish today, and you can’t win if that happens. My whole career has been about execution, and I’ll need to be perfect tomorrow to have a chance.”

The third place pro, Jim Moynagh, brought in 11.08 pounds on day two, a huge leap from his day one, 6.98-pound performance to bring his total weight to 18.64 pounds. He is followed by two-time U.S. Open Champion John Murray, who added 8.97 pounds today to bring his total weight to 18.55 pounds, enough to leap from 10^th place to fourth. Randy Estrada M.D. rounded out the top five by bringing 9.50 pounds to the scales to finish the day with 17.60 pounds.

2019 WON US Open on Lake Mead Day 1: Justin Kerr Snags Lead

Wind whipped Mead fishing tough

WON PRESS RELEASE

Kerr and Bo McNelly net 11.67lbs for lead.
(Photo: WON)

In the days leading up to the 2019 WON Bass US Open on Lake Mead, the weather did anything but cooperate. Strong winds kept the field of 254 pro anglers and their AAA partners confined to areas that weren’t pounded by the resultant waves. On the eve of the 37^th edition of the event, the wind laid down.

 

When those conditions present themselves to tournament anglers, the immediate thought is that it the fishing is going to be tough. While the results showed that much of the field found the fishing to be difficult, someone will always find a way to put together a bite. 

 

On the first day of the 2019 WON Bass U.S. Open, that proved to be former U.S. Open champion Justin Kerr, and his partner Bo McNeely. Their 11.67 pound limit put Kerr in position to claim his second U.S. Open victory. Nick Salvucci, who has been close to winning the past two years, and his AAA partner Brandon Smith came in with 11.35 pounds to end the day in second place. 

 

Kerr, the Lake Havasu City, Arizona pro said that he just took what Lake Mead gave him. “We had an early draw today, and it took a while for the bit to get going, but when it did, we were able to put it together,” he said. “There were a lot of boats in the area, so we had to kind of lock down in one spot and do what we could; everything just kind of worked out.”

 

Kerr said that his partner helped the cause. “These events become a team event for the day, and my partner caught a three pounder that really helped,” said Kerr. “I don’t know how tomorrow will go, but I’ll go out there and see what I can put together tomorrow.”

 

Salvucci said that he used a variety of techniques, in the mid-lake area to sack his day’s weight. “I used about 20 different rods today to catch my fish; it was a junk fishing day,” he said. “I never really knew what I was going to get bit on, so I just picked something up and culled as many times as I could. I’ve been close the past two years, and I’m ready to see if I can make it happen this year.” He

Happy Thanksgiving!

MAJOR LEAGUE FISHING TO ACQUIRE FLW

by FLW & MLF Communications

Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization. The Letter of Intent (LOI) sets in motion the most significant brand merger in competitive bass fishing history, linking a tour and original, award-winning programming featuring the top professional anglers in the world to an extensive grassroots organization that serves tens of thousands of competitive anglers from high school and college to weekenders and tour pros.

“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.”

“Our business plan always included reaching all levels of grassroots fishing,” said Boyd Duckett, MLF co-founder and President of the Professional Bass Tour Anglers’ Association (PBTAA). “FLW does it best with the Tour and grassroots tournaments; their reputation in competitive bass fishing is remarkable and their culture has always been pro-angler, which makes this the perfect opportunity for both organizations. We couldn’t be more excited about FLW: their team, anglers, and sponsors.”

Abu Garcia® LTD Program Rods and Combos Promise Unmatched Comfort Alongside Iconic Abu Garcia Features

Abu Garica blends its iconic features with custom rod grips by Winn^® to bring an improved grip and comfort to the new LTD Program rods and combos. The Vendetta^® LTD and Veritas^® LTD standalone rods, as well as the Revo^® X LTD and Revo^® S LTD spinning and casting combos, provide exceptional durability and a comfortable, and well-controlled grip to suit any angler’s needs.

“The new Abu Garcia Winn LTD Program rods and combos are a marriage of expertise,” said Andrew Wheeler, director of global brands for Abu Garcia. “Combining Abu’s iconic features and designs with the impressive grip quality of Winn grips, we’ve crafted rods, without compromising other features, that anglers won’t want to put down.”

The Abu Garcia Vendetta rods feature IntraCarbon^™ technology that creates a lightweight barrier, improving durability without adding weight. The Abu Garcia Veritas rods include Sublayer^™ Armor with high strength fibers that outfit the rods with superior hoop strength and durability. Modeled with lightweight, 30-ton graphite designs, the Vendetta LTD and Veritas LTD rods are available in a wide variety of colors. The Vendetta LTD rods retail for $99.95, while the Veritas LTD retail for $119.95 – both are available in stores now.

The Abu Garcia Revo X LTD and Revo S LTD combos come in both spinning and casting models, all with stainless steel bearing systems. Constructed with a 24 ton graphite rod blank and stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts, the new combos are built to be smooth yet powerful. The Revo X LTD Combos are available in silver, blue and seafoam, while the Revo S LTD combos are available in white. The Revo X LTD casting and spinning combos retail for $149.95 and are currently available in stores. The Revo S LTD combos are also available and retail for $169.95 price.

Ontario anglers rank among Bassmaster elite

Cory Johnston fishing his heart out on Lake St. Clair.
(Photo: BASS)

Here's a cool piece on the great season of three Canadian BASS Elite anglers who each had a fantastic season.

Click here for full article

Scott Canterbury is the 2019 BASS Elite Angler of the Year; Cory Johnston Tied for 2nd!

Canadians Cory Johnston 2th, Chris Johnston 13th & Gussy 28th
By Bryan Brasher
BASS PRESS RELEASE

Canterbury claims AOY by 8 points of Johnston and Blaylock.
(Photo: BASS)

As a child, Scott Canterbury always spent his Saturday mornings watching The Bassmasters television program.

To him, the stars of that show — people like Bob Cobb, Ray Scott and Denny Brauer — are the true legends of professional bass fishing.

Now, he has forever claimed his own spot alongside them in B.A.S.S. history.

With five bass that weighed 19 pounds, 12 ounces during Tuesday’s final round, Canterbury pushed his three-day total to 59-4 and finished in 14th place for the week at the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship on Lake St. Clair.

More importantly, he finished at the top of the season points standings with 848 points, earning one of the most coveted titles in professional fishing and the $100,000 check that goes with it.

“My first goal coming into the season was to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic next year,” Canterbury said. “Angler of the Year is always there on the radar. It’s just way out there.

“You always set goals that you don’t think you can reach — because if they’re easy to reach, you didn’t set them high enough.”