FLW Outdoors, Rapala Hook Sponsorship Extension

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- FLW Outdoors and Rapala, the world's leading brand of fishing lures, have signed a sponsorship extension for 2011, reaffirming the bait manufacturer's longstanding commitment to tournament angling. Through FLW Outdoors' lucrative bass and walleye tournaments, Rapala will showcase its extensive line of world-record-catching baits, tools, knives and fishing accessories. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"Rapala's reputation as an industry leader has been honed over several decades, and their performance proves that," said Kathy Fennel, president, FLW Outdoors Operations Division. "So many of our pros rely on their products for their success, and to have Rapala support our anglers as well as our fans speaks volumes of their commitment to the sport."

Rapala officials said the FLW sponsorship offers great opportunities to support tournament anglers in both the bass and walleye arenas.

"The popularity of tournament angling has grown substantially," said Tom Mackin, president of Rapala U.S.A. "FLW Outdoors has pioneered the way for tournament anglers and we are thrilled to be a part of the action by extending our sponsorship with the organization, and to lend our support to the anglers." 

Rapala's all-star pro staff includes FLW Tour pros Terry Bolton, David Fritts, Dave Lefebre, Tom Mann Jr., Larry Nixon and FLW Walleye Tour pro Chris Gilman.

Featured in a variety of media formats, Rapala will be included in the weekly "FLW Outdoors" television program on VERSUS, FLW Outdoors' multiple websites, and its bass and walleye magazines. Rapala will also benefit from FLW Fantasy Fishing, which has offered the largest awards in fantasy sports history, with various prizes in cash, products and promotions.

Rapala will have the opportunity to display their products, including Sufix and Trigger X, promote their anglers and provide promotional offers to fans at the FLW Outdoors Expo, held in conjunction with the Walmart FLW Tour, and the College Fishing Festival, held in conjunction with National Guard FLW College Fishing events.

Rapala has been the world's favorite fishing lure since 1936. Rapala lures are trusted by fishermen in more than 140 countries worldwide. Rapala's reputation stems from a towering list of world records, the knowledge of pro staff, affiliation with the top brands in the industry and a history of unwavering dedication to the highest quality.

ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for millions over the course of 189 tournaments in 2010. FLW Outdoors has also taken fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing awarding the largest prizes in the history of fantasy sports. FLW Outdoors memberships are available featuring numerous benefits including Player's Advantage. For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FantasyFishing.com.

FLWOutdoors.com

Visit the FLW Outdoors Media Center at FLWOutdoors.com/mc for additional information .

SOURCE FLW Outdoors