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| FLW Tour | |
|---|---|
| Name | FLW Tour |
| Sport | Bass fishing |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Forrest L. Wood |
| Headquarters | Benton, Arkansas |
| Owner | Major League Fishing |
FLW Tour The FLW Tour was a professional bass fishing tournament circuit founded by Forrest L. Wood that became one of the most prominent series in North American sport fishing. The circuit produced marquee events on major waterways such as the Mississippi River, Lake Okeechobee, and Lake Hartwell, drawing competitors from organizations including B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing. Over decades the Tour intersected with figures like Kevin VanDam, Bill Dance, and institutions such as the National Guard through sponsorships and partnerships.
The Tour originated as the Walleye Tour in 1979 under the leadership of Forrest L. Wood and the company Mercury Marine, evolving into a bass-centric circuit that expanded through the 1980s and 1990s alongside regional series like the BFL (Bass Fishing League) and national competitions such as the Bassmaster Classic. Major milestones include the Tour’s rebranding phases, merger discussions with entities like ESPN Outdoors, and strategic alliances culminating in acquisition by Major League Fishing in the 2010s. The circuit staged events across venues on iconic reservoirs and rivers including Lake Champlain, Ohio River, and Lake of the Ozarks, reflecting shifts in sponsorship from corporations such as General Motors and Toyota to outdoor brands like Ranger Boats and Lowrance.
Events used a format adapted from traditional bass tournaments pioneered by organizers such as Bill Dance and promoters associated with B.A.S.S. Anglers competed in boats manufactured by companies like Ranger Boats and powered by engines from Mercury Marine under equipment rules similar to those used at the Bassmaster Classic. Weigh-ins followed state regulations enforced by agencies such as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with live wells and culling rules modeled after standards set by bodies like the International Game Fish Association. Eligibility and entry were managed through membership and points systems compatible with feeder circuits including the BFL and the MLF Bass Pro Tour.
The Tour’s annual schedule featured stops on celebrated fisheries: Lake Guntersville, Table Rock Lake, Kentucky Lake, Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair. Signature events included mid-season opens and the season finale hosted on lakes like Lake Okeechobee. The calendar was coordinated to fit alongside major dates for rivals such as the Bassmaster Elite Series and festival weekends in municipalities like Daytona Beach and Huntsville, Alabama. Qualification pathways integrated regional events such as the FLW Series and national qualifiers like the Bluegrass Open, allowing anglers from circuits like the FLW Bass Fishing League to advance.
Standings operated on a points system comparable to models used by NASCAR and PGA Tour for sports ranking transparency. Season points were awarded per event finish, with additional awards for daily weight leaders and special categories sponsored by brands such as Miller Lite and Cabela’s. Prize funds varied by event and were often supplemented by contingency programs from manufacturers like Evinrude and electronics firms such as Garmin and Humminbird. Major season honors mirrored those in championship series like the Bassmaster Classic, and anglers earned invitations to postseason events run by organizations including Major League Fishing.
The Tour showcased champions and record-holders including multiple-time winners like Kevin VanDam, Ott DeFoe, and Alton Jones Sr. Anglers set venue records for largest tournament bags and single-day weights on venues such as Lake Hartwell and Toledo Bend, with individual tournament feats comparable to historic performances recognized by the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. Rising stars who advanced from the Tour to broader prominence included competitors who later featured on broadcasts with personalities like Mark Zona and Jimmy Houston.
Coverage evolved from local television and print outlets such as Sport Fishing magazine to national exposure via networks like NBC Sports and streaming platforms associated with Major League Fishing. Commentators and analysts with backgrounds at ESPN and producers linked to Outdoor Life Network contributed to event telecasts, while social media campaigns leveraged partnerships with brands like Facebook and YouTube. Photography and reporting often referenced work by contributors from Field & Stream and photographers represented by agencies such as Getty Images.
The organization was structured with executive leadership, tournament directors, and regional staff coordinating with state agencies including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Ownership shifted over time and ultimately involved acquisition by Major League Fishing, aligning the Tour’s assets with corporate entities and investors who had interests in related properties like Bassmaster and outdoor media holdings tied to companies such as Pure Fishing and Reed Exhibitions.
Category:Sport fishing competitions in the United States