MINNEAPOLIS - FLW Outdoors announced Tuesday an agreement with Mann's Bait Co. to produce a line of FLW Outdoors soft plastics, jigs and spinnerbaits to be available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores beginning this month.
"We really wanted to acknowledge the fishing fans who have been very supportive of tournament fishing," said Irwin L. Jacobs, chairman of FLW Outdoors. "To do so, we combined our greatest assets - professional anglers and Wal-Mart - to offer fans superior lures to help make their fishing experiences more memorable. The FLW Outdoors line of tackle was conceptualized by some of the world's best anglers and is available exclusively at Wal-Mart. Fans can now fish with the very same baits that the pros use and can buy them at everyday low prices."
As for the type of baits the pros wanted to produce, Parker said: "We didn't do anything fancy or gimmicky. We didn't create baits that are not already on the market in some form or another. We just made the premier bass baits the best they can be made." More than 52 million people fish every year, and, for many, fishing is about spending time with families and being outdoors. A catch, however, makes the adventure all the more memorable, so FLW Outdoors lures were designed by the pros with the recreational angler in mind.
Mann's Bait Co., a leading lure manufacturer known for its high-quality products, produces a broad range of tackle for the freshwater and saltwater markets, including spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics, lead lures and hollow-body baits, all of which are made in America.
"We are really excited to be able to produce something with FLW Outdoors on the label," explained Frank Oelerich, president of Mann's Bait Co. "Fans are known for their loyalty to FLW Outdoors and the brands associated with it. With this new line being exclusively available at Wal-Mart, our baits will be in the hands of millions of anglers, and that is a great thing."
The entire line of FLW Outdoors lures comes in distinctive blue packaging that features the FLW Outdoors logo and a photo of the organization's namesake, Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of Ranger Boats. Look for the packages to hit Wal-Mart store shelves this month.
"The joy of fishing is an activity that can be shared by families and friends, young and old," said Bill Kerr, vice president and divisional merchandise manager of sporting goods for Wal-Mart. "Fishing is about spending time together and having fun. We're happy to be able to provide our customers with outstanding fishing selections to make their angling adventures memorable."