Major League Fishing Announces Additional Details of 2019 Expansion

More Money More Fame

After the initial announcement of the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour last week, league officials today announced additional details of the tour, including industry-leading media exposure with more than 850 hours of television coverage and 350 hours of live streaming, angler leadership in the series, and payouts of nearly $10 million that have never before been seen in the professional bass fishing industry.

The expanded MLF program welcomes a premier 80-angler group which will be announced in October. These anglers will, for the first time in their careers, have a seat at the table in all league decisions, including payouts, entry fees, event format, schedule and locations. Although the full schedule has not yet been announced, anglers and fans alike will be pleased to see a schedule that does not require anglers to travel or fish on major holidays such as Mother's Day and Memorial Day, a welcome change to the schedule anglers have become accustomed to in fishing other leagues.

 

"Never in the history of our sport have anglers had this much control over their own destiny, from the bathroom to the boardroom and everywhere in between," said MLF and Pro Bass Tour Anglers' Association (PBTAA) co-founder Boyd Duckett. "These 80 anglers will have the opportunity to set a precedent for our sport for generations to come - a precedent that will likely include lower or no entry fees, higher payouts and better conditions for anglers in every regard."

 

The new Bass Pro Tour eight-event series and Bass Pro Tour Championship also offer heightened payouts, made possible through enthusiastic support from Bass Pro Shops and Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG). Regular tour events will pay out more than $700,000 per event, with the championship purse exceeding $1.2 million. 

Bass Pro Shops Hooks Cabela's

Hail to the King!

By Luigi De Rose

And Sold! Bass Pro Shop’s acquisition of Cabela’s has finally occurred with a staggering $5.5 billion (US) transaction.

Under pressure for lagging sales especially in its foot ware and apparel departments Cabela’s was actively looking for a buyer. An offer of $65.50 per share is a 19.2 percent premium to Cabela's close on Friday making the takeover very appealing and lucrative for shareholders. Its stock has jumped 11.1 percent from this time last year.

This move has vaulted Bass Pro Shop to hunting and fishing retail supremacy. The combined company will have 184 stores in America and Canada. The agreement between Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops is expected to close in the first half of 2017.

For the outdoor industry it might be boom or bust. For the companies lucky to grab shelf space its brand will be showcased to outdoor enthusiasts throughout the continent. Being on the outside looking in can spell doom particularly for start-up or smaller companies. Even popular regional brands will now have a more difficult task to catch the eye of Bass Pro Shop’s buyers. Many insiders forecast that the future will see more generic store brand lures which will be a detriment to the industry as a whole. As this occurs, competition will likely be more feverish for anyone who wants to slay the beast.

BASS PRO SHOPS become King of the Bass Boat World! Buys Ranger, Triton & Stratos Boats

BASS PRO Shops acquires Ranger, Triton and Stratos boats from Platinum Equity. This blockbuster deal will change the landscape of tournament and tournament angler sponsorship for decades to come.

Here is an excerpt of the press release:

SPRINGFIELD, MO – Bass Pro Group announced today an agreement to acquire Fishing Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of fishing boats that include Ranger Boats and the Stratos and Triton boat brands from Platinum Equity.
The agreement combines popular fishing boat brands that are recognized internationally. It also creates another connection between two industry leaders, Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris and Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood, who are dedicated fishermen, conservationists and entrepreneurs. Years ago the iconic outdoorsmen both began fishing on the White River and White River Chain of Lakes in the Ozarks and even fished together in the first National BASS Tournaments.
“This partnership brings added long-term stability for both companies and for the dealer networks that provide customers with quality boats at exceptional values,” said Morris, who also is founder/CEO of Tracker Marine Group. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Forrest Wood many years, and I deeply respect him and his family that founded and built a solid performing business with excellent products.” 

Paul Castellano and Taro Murata Win the Bass Pro Shop Open

Castellano and Murata whip windy Lake Simcoe.
By Luigi De Rose

Castellano and Murata are all smiles with a great win.

Top 5

1. Paul Castellano & Taro Murata 24.1lbs
2. Patrick Campbell &  Mathew Holland 24 lbs  + 6.30lb Smallmouth
3. Ben Sabourin & Glenn Thompson 19.76 lbs
4. Simon & Melanie Frost 18.85 lbs
5. Derek Strub & Mike DesForges 18.25lbs

Bass Pro Shop and CSFL Create the Ultimate Angler

CSFL Release
Toronto, Ontario – Friday, June 28, 2013, the Competitive Sport Fishing League announced today BASS PRO SHOPS, the world’s largest outdoor retailer has chosen the CSFL and its anglers to help develop its new Bass Pro Shops Fishing Tour that will unite top anglers from across North America in search of the Ultimate Angler!

BASS PRO SHOPS Corporate USA, BASS PRO SHOPS Vaughan Mills and GROUP 360 Worldwide, the marketing firm that has been chosen by BPS to spear head this new venture, have formed the BPS Fishing Tour. This tour will work hand in hand through the multiple divisions of the CSFL to create a flawless program. This program will be unveiled in 2014 along with a very interactive North American website uniting anglers from coast to coast with no border. The BPS Fishing Tour is designed to include hundreds of events recognized by their local BASS PRO SHOP Outlet and will be based on angler performance within their own respective tour.
Please note, anglers that have participated in the Casey Cup, the Sparrow Lake BM100 or the two Lake Erie Southwestern events can still utilize these event points by simply registering your Outdoor Rewards Card at BPS. CSFL anglers without Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards Card are encouraged to take part by simply registering at BASS PRO SHOP in Vaughn Mills or on line.