FULL FIELDS HIGHLIGHT BEGINNINING OF 2009 SEASON FOR FLW OUTDOORS

Rosters at maximum capacity for Stren Series Texas Division, first College Fishing events at Falcon

BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2009) – FLW Outdoors announced Thursday that the 2009 season is just days away from beginning at Falcon Lake in Zapata, Texas, when the Stren Series Texas Division and the new National Guard FLW College Fishing series get under way with full fields Jan. 15 and 17 respectively.

“The excitement is tangible,” said Charlie Evans, President and CEO of FLW Outdoors. “The 2009 season is here and anglers have answered the call and have committed to making this season one of the best in FLW Outdoors history. In addition to the full fields in the first Stren Series and National Guard FLW College Fishing events, we have full fields lined up for the first FLW Series BP Eastern Division event at Lake Okeechobee later this month as well as a full field committed to the entire FLW Tour schedule.”

The Walmart FLW Tour, which features the world’s best bass anglers, consists of six regular-season events. The Tour’s companion league, the Walmart FLW Series, features four events in each of two divisions — the BP Eastern Division and the National Guard Western Division. The Stren Series features a total of 20 events in five divisions as well as the annual Stren Series Championship. The Walmart Bass Fishing League (BFL), the nation’s most affordable, close-to-home weekend tournament circuit for bass anglers, offers anglers four regular-season events in each of 28 divisions across the country that lead up to the $1 million BFL All-American.

The highlight of the 2009 season will take place in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 30-Aug. 2 when the crown jewel of bass fishing, the $2.5 million Forrest Wood Cup presented by BP and Castrol, pits the world’s best anglers against each other for the sport’s ultimate cash prize — $1 million.

FLW Outdoors announced the College Fishing trail in May 2008. The entire schedule, which is organized around the five Stren Series Divisions, can be found by visiting CollegeFishing.com, along with the rules, requirements and information on how to create a bass club.

FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the world. FLW Outdoors also is taking fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing, offering the largest awards possible in the history of fantasy sports, $10 million in cash and prizes. Sign up for Player’s Advantage for only $10 to get your edge and win.

For more information about FLW Outdoors and its tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more information about FLW Fantasy Fishing and Player’s Advantage, visit FantasyFishing.com.