Photo: During a light moment of fun with Major League Fishing competition scales, MLF pros Jacob Wheeler (left) and Tommy Biffle "weigh in" on how their last-minute Christmas shopping strategies differ little from their approaches to fishing against the clock.
TULSA, OK - While mid-December puts many Christmas gift shoppers into panic mode, two of the country's top Major League Fishing (MLF) competitors remain calm during the countdown and remind that sometimes "best catches" come just before time runs out.
"I get especially focused and become super efficient when pressured most," said professional angler Jacob Wheeler. "I know the best spots by then and what the bass want, and shopping is really no different. Stay with top brands from trusted places and you can't go wrong. The MLF Shop is a solid option, serving up one of fishing's hottest brands on some pretty cool items."
The MLF Shop offers a variety of apparel from t-shirts to hats, as well as drink tumblers, DVD sets and gear used in MLF competitions, including electronic scales and fish grippers.
"There've been several times when one spot was all I needed to give me a big bag," said pro Tommy Biffle, also using bass talk for a comparison. "That's my preference for shopping, too, get it done but get it right. You can't go wrong with a hooded sweatshirt and it's an even bigger hit when it has the MLF logo on it."
Supporting Wheeler and Biffle's logic is the fact that the MLF Shop has its lowest prices of the year as the online store prepares for an end-of-year shutdown to make operational changes to improve the ordering experience.
"The MLF Shop is open right now and shipping daily to accommodate the holiday rush, but it will be closed Dec. 20 thru Jan. 1," said Bailey McBride, MLF marketing communications manager. "It will re-open immediately thereafter with an expanded line of products and our new ability to ship internationally. The changes are in response to requests we've been getting and I'm confident MLF fans worldwide will be pleased with the revamped MLF Shop."
Biffle also points out that like in fishing, doing the necessary homework beforehand is critical to making a scorable catch before the final buzzer sounds.
"Study your shipping options at checkout to make sure you select the choice that can deliver your purchase on time. If it can't make it, employ your fishing versatility to create some kind of special IOU that can be wrapped instead to show what's coming soon, perhaps including a favorite lure choice or two along with it," Biffle added.
Launched in 2011, MLF's made-for-television bass fishing competitions featuring the country's best professional anglers have become the country's most watched fishing show. According to Nielsen ratings, MLF was Outdoor Channel's top-rated program in first and second quarters 2016 and 2017. The TV show now also airs on the World Fishing Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network and Discovery Channel.
The MLF 2018 TV season begins airing Jan. 6, 2 p.m. ET, on Outdoor Channel with the premiere of the 2018 Summit Select from Hot Springs, Ark.
To access the MLF Shop and for more MLF news, visit www.majorleaguefishing.com.
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