FLW Outdoors announces extension of Chevrolet sponsorship

MINNEAPOLIS – FLW Outdoors announced Thursday that Chevrolet has extended their partnership with FLW Outdoors. Chevrolet, a longtime partner and supporter of tournament fishing, has been involved with FLW Outdoors since its inception in 1996. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Chevrolet’s commitment to this industry is second to none and we are excited about continuing our long-term relationship with them,” said Trisha Blake, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of FLW Outdoors.

"Chevy is proud to have taken a part in the continued growth of competitive fishing in cities and towns across the country. Whether it’s supporting FLW Outdoors and their conservation efforts, or when hitching the family boat to one of our award-winning trucks we look forward to being there for today's anglers and generations to come,” said Phil Caruso, National Promotions Manager - Chevrolet.

As part of the sponsorship, Chevrolet will receive exposure and be allowed a prominent presence across the various platforms of FLW Outdoors, including all 189 bass and walleye events, FLW Outdoors’ multiple websites, FLW Fantasy Fishing, FLW Outdoors Magazine, “FLW Outdoors” television show on Versus and additional functions operated by FLW Outdoors.

Chevrolet will continue to serve as the official vehicle of FLW Outdoors. Chevrolet will also be the title sponsor of the Chevy Open on the FLW Tour, held this year in Hot Springs, Ark. from May 26-29, 2010. Chevy will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the BFL All-American, the championship for weekend anglers, held on DeGray Lake in Hot Springs, Ark. from May 27-30, 2010, and the Chevy Wild Card, a tournament offering BFL anglers an additional chance at qualifying for the BFL All-American.

Fans will also have the opportunity to meet their favorite anglers as the Chevy anglers will be available for photos and autographs prior to each FLW Tour event at a local Chevy dealer.

For the 2010 season, Chevrolet will be represented by some of the best anglers in fishing. Their eight-member angling team will consist of bass-fishing pros Luke Clausen, Anthony Gagliardi, Dion Hibdon, Jimmy Houston, Dave Lefebre, Larry Nixon and Jay Yelas. Jason Przekurat will represent Chevy on the FLW Walleye Tour.

This combination of astute anglers has amassed more than $11 million in career earnings. Clausen and Hibdon are two of only five anglers to have won the Forrest Wood Cup, the world championship of bass fishing, and the Bassmaster Classic. Nixon, nicknamed “the General,” is regarded as one of the best anglers in history garnering 17 wins while earning more than $2.8 million. Yelas is an eight-year veteran of the sport and is a two-time Angler of the Year and Gagliardi has amassed four titles and an Angler of the Year award on his way to making more than $1 million. Houston, popular for his personality and outdoor television shows, has been fishing professionally since 1968. Lefebre, the newest member of the team, displays a passion for the sport which has led to seven Forrest Wood Cup appearances in seven years, three of which were top 10 finishes. Przekurat has won nearly $300,000 and was Walleye Tour Angler of the Year in 2007 and 2003.

Chevrolet will also set up a major display promoting their products, anglers and provide promotional materials to fans at the FLW Outdoors Family Fun Zone & Outdoor Expo, surrounding the FLW Tour and championship events, and the College Fishing Festivals, held in conjunction with National Guard FLW College Fishing.

Chevrolet will also continue to be a major supporter of FLW Fantasy Fishing, which is free to play and has offered the largest awards in fantasy sports history. An online extension of the Fantasy Fishing experience is the chance to learn about and win the new 2011 Chevy Silverado HD, from the family of the most dependable, longest lasting full-size pickups on the road.

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, call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FantasyFishing.com.