THE LATEST NEWS

MINNEAPOLIS (Jan. 8, 2019) – Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) the world’s largest tournament organization, announced today three additions to the “FLW Live” coverage team for the 2019 FLW Tour season – veteran FLW Tour pros Peter Thliveros and Todd Hollowell, as well as internet talk show personality Matt Pangrac. Thliveros and Hollowell will step off the front of the boat and into the FLW Live broadcast studio as the primary color commentators for six of the seven regular-season FLW Tour events, while Pangrac, a familiar face to fans as co-host of the popular internet show “Bass Talk Live”, stepping in for the Grand Lake event. The three personalities will share the “FLW Live” desk with host Travis Moran, who has been a mainstay on the show since its inception in early 2017.

“We wanted to bring in pros with extensive knowledge of what it’s like to be competitive on the FLW Tour. Peter T. is a legendary angler who is loved by fans, and Todd Hollowell has had many successful years on the Tour and continues to fish,” said Peyote Perryman, Executive Producer of “FLW Live” and the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show. “Matt Pangrac is a younger guy who reports on the industry and competes at the Costa FLW Series level. All of our additions have some sort of experience to share with our audience.”

Known as ‘Peter T.’ among friends and fans, Thliveros first joined the FLW Tour in 1996, winning the coveted FLW Tour Angler of the Year (AOY) title the same year. Thliveros went on to enjoy a 16-year run on the FLW Tour, and celebrated a victory at Michigan’s Lake St. Clair in 1999. The Florida pro also racked up six FLW Cup appearances and nearly $620,000 in career earnings during his tenure.

“I’m looking forward to the whole experience. With the amount of water I’ve fished over the years, I’m familiar with the terminology and have gained enough knowledge about the places the anglers are going to compete at,” said Thliveros. “For 35 years I was the one occasionally getting interviewed. Now I’m going to be on the other end of it, and to me it’s just as exciting.”

Hollowell first fished the FLW Tour as a co-angler in 2009 before joining as a full-time professional in 2012. Since, Hollowell has earned two FLW Cup appearances, two top-10 finishes in Tour competition and more than $250,000 in career earnings.

“I think FLW is on the cutting-edge of bringing the fans what they want to see through FLW Live,” said Hollowell. “As an angler who has been competing on the Tour for seven years, it’s an awesome opportunity to sit in the studio and get an inside look at how some of the best anglers in the world break down these lakes. I also believe I’ll be able to help communicate some of the thoughts and feelings some of these anglers are experiencing. I’m very thankful to be a part of it.”

The 2019 season of “FLW Live” kicks off this weekend with live, on-the-water coverage on Saturday, Jan. 12 and Sunday, Jan. 13 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST at the FLW Tour at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by Polaris. The live on-the-water broadcast will air on days three and four of all FLW Tour regular-season events from the boats of the tournaments’ top pros, as well as all three days of the FLW Cup.  For additional coverage details, visit FLWFishing.com.

About FLW

FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money in 2019 across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, with offices in Minneapolis, FLW and their partners conduct more than 290 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain. FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show while FLW Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. For more information visit FLWFishing.com and follow FLW at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two Alabama students were each awarded a $5,000 scholarship from B.A.S.S. and Alabama Power, the companies announced today.

“We are proud to partner with Alabama Power to support students who want to further their education in a trade,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “And, we’re even more pleased to provide additional scholarship opportunities for students.”

Brenton Godwin of Stapleton and Grey Terry of Tuscaloosa are the recipients.

Godwin is currently a senior at Baldwin County High School (BCHS) in Bay Minette, Ala., and plans to attend Coastal Alabama Community College.

“I plan on starting my college career at Coastal Alabama Community College, then transferring to Auburn University to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Poultry Science Production,” said Godwin. “While in college, I aspire to fish at Auburn on the collegiate level.”

He has been an active member of the Baldwin County Fishing Team for the past three seasons, as well as several activities at school and in his community. He participates in Key Club, French Club, Technology Student Association, Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society and the BCHS Varsity baseball team.

“It means so much to me to have been chosen for this scholarship,” said Godwin. “I’ve always loved the sport of bass fishing, and the fact that I’m able to pay for college through this sport is something I never would have imagined 5 years ago.”

Terry, a senior at Northridge High School, has been a student in the welding program at Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy and Shelton State Community College’s Dual Enrollment Welding class.

“My goal is to complete an Associate’s Degree at Shelton State and pursue a career in welding,” Terry said. “Since I began taking these courses, I have learned so much about the importance of skilled trades.”

“Congratulations to Brenton and Grey for this acknowledgement of their environmental stewardship and hard work in the classroom,” said Zeke Smith, Alabama Power executive vice president of External Affairs. “These scholarships continue to help students develop the high-demand skills needed for a career in the future workforce of Alabama, and we are proud to partner with BASS to make it happen.”

Applications were open to students currently attending, or planning to attend, a technical school in the state of Alabama.

The scholarship recipients are able to apply the award toward tuition, textbooks or living expenses.

Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will open early this year. Visit Bassmaster.com for details.

About Alabama Power Company
Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides affordable, reliable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. Learn more at www.alabamapower.com.

About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S. is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 500,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), television show (The Bassmasters on ESPN2 and Pursuit Channel), radio show (Bassmaster Radio), social media programs and events. For 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, BassPro.com Bassmaster Open Series, Academy Sports + Outdoors B.A.S.S. Nation Series presented by Magellan Outdoors, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Team Championship and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.

MLF Bass pro and prior Bassmaster Classic angler Edwin Evers is one of six presenters at The Bass University’s fishing classes in Tulsa, Oklahoma on January 12-13 at the Osage Casino from 8am to 5pm. The program is supported by the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) and the Tulsa Sports Commission. During the seminar, anglers of all skill levels will learn new tactics directly from the top professional anglers and gain confidence in their skills and techniques. Attendees can ask questions during the round-table discussion and rub elbows with the pros during the pre-seminar reception and group breakout sessions. They also receive special offers from sponsors of The Bass University and have a chance to win great prizes.

Interested anglers can register online at TheBassUniversity.com/class-training to guarantee a spot in the class. Walk-in registrants are welcome, if space allows, starting at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. Special rates are available for students and youth under age 18.  Groups discounts are available as well.

The Bass University offers an online video library of over 500 classes covering a wide range of bass fishing topics, conditions, techniques, etc., with a new class added each week. Preview videos and information about monthly and annual subscriptions are available at Bass U tv. Interview and on-air guest opportunities are welcomed.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Edwin Evers

Even before he won the 2016 Bassmaster Classic, Oklahoma pro Edwin Evers was already on track to be one of the all-time greats. He’s qualified for 18 Bassmaster Classics, including nine in a row, and has won an amazing 11 B.A.S.S. tournaments on all different types of fisheries. Whether it’s sight fishing in Florida, “video gaming” on the Great Lakes, or cranking an offshore ledge on one of the TVA impoundments, he’s a master of the technique, and can explain the intricacies in simple terms. The now MLF Bass Pro, Evers is excited to share his fishing know-how with attendees.
FIRST TOPIC: Jigs: A Customized Approach
SECOND TOPIC: Bait Spawns

Carl Jocumsen

Since coming to the United States, Australia’s all-time leading money winner has proven that he’s a two-continent superstar. He’s earned top ten finishes on both major circuits, everywhere from Texas to Alabama to the Thousand Islands of New York, while proving himself highly versatile on the water and a social media juggernaut in front of the camera
FIRST TOPIC: Giant Swimbaits for Giant Tournament Bass
SECOND TOPIC: Total Boat Control

Mark Daniels Jr.

Since winning the 2013 TBF National Championship, and its accompanying “Living the Dream” package, Mark Daniels Jr. has proven himself to be one of the most talented and adaptable pros on tour. He’s fished three Forrest Wood Cups and qualified for two Bassmaster Classics. Whether it’s slinging a big swimbait or dropping a Ned Rig on deep smallmouths, as he did during his Elite Series win on Oahe, nothing fazes this rising star.

FIRST TOPIC: Fine Tune Finesse Fishing
SECOND TOPIC: Shallow Cranking Secrets

James Watson

James “Worldwide” Watson has one of the sharpest senses of humor in bass fishing, if not the entire sports world, but he backs it up with an ability to catch bass anywhere they swim. Watson, now an MLF Bass Pro, contributed to popularizing big fish tactics like the Whopper Plopper and flutter spoons around docks, and he’s won both a Bassmaster Central Open and an FLW Tour event on the way to qualifying for one Classic and three Forrest Wood Cups.
FIRST TOPIC: Spoon Jackin’
SECOND TOPIC: The Ploppin’ Life

James Elam

Former All-American wrestler James Elam has taken the discipline developed on the mat and translated it to the water, where he’s qualified for four straight Bassmaster Classics. Along the way, he’s won two Central Opens, plus the 2018 Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship on Lake Chatuge. More amazing than the fact that he’s finished in the money in over 60 percent of his B.A.S.S. tournaments is his ability to finish close to the top – nearly a third of the time in the top 20, and over 40 percent of the time in the top 30.

FIRST TOPIC: Versatile Tournament Fishing
SECOND TOPIC: Prepare Like a Pro

Jeff Kriet

The Squirrel, now a MLF Bass Pro, has competed in eight Bassmaster Classics and won both a B.A.S.S. Central Invitational and an FLW Outdoors Texas Tournament Trail event on Lake Travis. While he hails from Oklahoma, where muddy water power fishing is often the key to success, he has also proven himself particularly adept with finesse fishing techniques. Any time he’s not competing on tour he’s likely in his offshore boat, looking to tussle with even bigger quarry.
FIRST TOPIC: Different Tournament Strategies – Five fish limits vs. Every Fish Counts
SECOND TOPIC: Catching Suspended Bass

ABOUT THE BASS UNIVERSITY

Founded in 2010 by Mike Iaconelli and Pete Gluszek, The Bass University (BU) offers acclaimed bass fishing education programs in three formats: online, in the classroom, and on the water. Their motto is “Never Stop Learning”. The Bass University strives to build effective programs that help anglers of all skill levels gain confidence in new tactics and techniques to catch big bass consistently. Each year during the off-season of tournament bass fishing, The Bass University offers four 2-day classroom training programs taught by today’s top bass anglers. During warm weather, BU offers personalized on-the-water instruction with a top pro angler in one-on-one or small group sessions. Anglers around the world—from Japan to Australia, South Africa and beyond—subscribe to Bass U tv, an extensive, online library of instructional videos.

The Bass University has students of all skill levels, including the top tournament anglers. Similar to other professional sports where athletes study their competitors, several pro anglers have won big by participating in Bass University classes and watching The Bass University TV instructions. Always look to The Bass University for your fishing instruction.

ABOUT THE TULSA SPORTS COMMISSION

The Tulsa Sports Commission, Inc. (TSC) was created in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization to create a positive economic impact in the Tulsa region through attracting, developing and facilitating amateur sports events, sports-related conventions and other sports ventures. The TSC is a founding member of the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) and is an integral part of Tulsa Regional Tourism’s efforts to showcase Tulsa as a preferred destination.

ABOUT THE GRAND RIVER DAM AUTHORITY

The Grand River Dam Authority is an agency of the state of Oklahoma, created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1935 to be a “conservation and reclamation district for the waters of the Grand River.” Headquartered in Vinita, Oklahoma, the Grand River Dam Authority is a non appropriated state agency, fully funded by revenues from the sale of electricity and water instead of tax dollars.

All students receive a tee shirt and a loaded gift bag full of tackle and special offers from our sponsors.

Salem, Va. – January 4, 2019 – Fishing for money and paying no entry fee is no longer only for the pros. Missile Baits is beginning their No Entry Fee Tournament Series. The one day, team events will feature a guaranteed $2,500 total payout with the winning team walking away with a guaranteed $1,000. The teams will only be allowed to have Missile Baits soft plastics and Missile Jigs skirted jigs in their boat but any brands of terminal tackle will be allowed.

John Crews, company owner and pro angler, said, “My dream is for every angler to get to fish for no entry fee and have a chance to get some cool exposure. Our No Entry Fee Tournaments are going to be open to anyone and will be a fun experience for anglers of all skill levels. I know that when even more anglers have the incentive to fish with more Missile products, they will be into catching plenty of bass.”

The first event will be held on Lake Lanier in Northern Georgia on February 24th. Hammond’s Fishing Center will be the host dealer and assist with the tournament logistics. The second tournament will be May 11th on Old Hickory Lake, near Nashville, Tennessee. Flipper’s Bait and Tackle will be the host dealer and help with that tournament. Anglers can purchase Missile products from any retail location.

Anglers will be able to sign up on the Missile Baits web site or at the host dealers for the No Entry Fee Tournaments. The tournament weigh ins will be streamed live on YouTube and each event will be followed with a recap video with interviews of the top 5 finishers and other participants. Anglers may participate in additional side pots to increase their potential winnings. Follow Missile Baits social media for updates on when signups will begin, more tournament details, and other information as the events get closer.

MISSILE BAITS is a small company dedicated to creating SERIOUS soft plastic baits to help anglers catch more fish. The designs are straight off the top-level professional bass tour. Based in Salem, Virginia, MISSILE BAITS works relentlessly to make the best baits, show their customers how to use them, and stay on the cutting edge of bass fishing. Founded in January 2012, new products and videos will continue to be launched. Log onto www.MISSILEBAITS.com for videos, tips, and more.

FLW Tour angler Charlie Evans and Bass Pro Shops have entered into an agreement for the 2019 season in which Bass Pro Shops will share top billing with Paw Patrol on Evans’ jersey, Toyota Tundra and Ranger Z520L.

Following a 28 year career with FLW Outdoors Evans began his second career in 2011 as a pro angler with the intention of promoting the sport that had been kind to him. “Lil Anglers was the perfect fit for me; their Kid Casters brand of Paw Patrol No-Tangler rods are ideal tools to introduce kids to fishing,” Evans said. “I jumped at the opportunity to share Lil Anglers’ mission of encouraging kids and their family to get outdoors.”

“The only thing that could improve having Paw Patrol’s Skye, Chase and Marshall along with me at tournaments and appearances is partnering with the company that provides more support to our sport than any other,” Evans added. “One of Bass Pro Shops’ key conservation initiatives is connecting kids and families to the outdoors.”
Christine Wamsley, Director of Marketing for Bass Pro Shops, said, “We are excited that Charlie has joined our Pro Staff. He brings a ton of industry experience with him and we love his involvement with kids through Paw Patrol. The Kid Casters rods are available in our stores and on our website.”