Legendary Brand Named Title Sponsor of FLW College Fishing

FLW and Major League Fishing (MLF) announced today a sponsorship agreement with Abu Garcia, a legendary fishing brand and industry-leading manufacturer known for their high-quality, innovative rods and reels. Abu Garcia will immediately assume title sponsorship of the FLW College Fishing circuit. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Abu Garcia is an iconic brand known for their quality and reliability,” said Kathy Fennel, FLW Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Their products are a favorite among our fans and anglers, and we are proud to announce our association with such a powerful brand.”

“Abu Garcia’s sponsorship of FLW College Fishing is yet another way for us to support bass fishing at grassroots levels, ensuring these talented collegiate anglers have a venue in which to compete,” said Abu Garcia Vice President of Marketing Jon Schlosser. “College bass fishing provides an important next step in the angling careers of so many junior anglers, whether they go on to fish for a living or simply for fun. We’re proud to be associated with organizations which bring anglers into the sport and keep them there.”

Abu Garcia will also receive exposure across all FLW and MLF media platforms, including websites, all tournaments and expos, MLFNOW! and FLW Live on-the-water and weigh-in streams, social media, Bass Fishing magazine, podcasts, and television programming. The MLF Bass Pro Tour airs on CBS, Discovery Channel and the Sportsman channel, while the FLW television show will air 312 hours of programming in 2020 on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel.

“Abu Garcia has been a terrific partner of Major League Fishing since before we launched the Bass Pro Tour and we value their expanded support as we’ve grown to include the FLW properties,” said Jim Wilburn, President and CEO of MLF. “Their title sponsorship of the College Fishing circuit is a perfect fit Abu Garcia. As one of the most well-known brands in the outdoor industry, they consistently strive to improve both products and fan engagement. We look forward to building upon our combined efforts on and off the water in 2020.”

The successful Berkley & Abu Garcia Student Angler Program contingency program will also continue for high school and college tournament anglers. The program offers high school and college anglers across the United States product and team jersey discounts and the opportunity to be mentored by a Pure Fishing Pro angler.

The Abu Garcia College Fishing season kicks off this week, Feb. 7, at Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia and culminates with the Nov. 20 event at Lake Hartwell in Anderson, South Carolina.

To learn more about Abu Garcia®, their products, and details on the student angler contingency program, visit AbuGarcia.com. For more information on the 2020 MLF Bass Pro Tour, the league and anglers, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For more information about FLW, Abu Garcia College Fishing, their tournaments and sponsors, visit FLWFishing.com.