MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 12, 2003) - FLW Outdoors announced Wednesday that Minn Kota, the world's leading manufacturer in bow- and transom-mount trolling motors, has extended it's sponsorship with a new multiyear contract. Minn Kota has been a member of the FLW Outdoors sponsorship team since 2001 as the official trolling motor of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour and FLW Outdoors' other bass- and walleye-tournament series.
Fishing draws more than 52 million anglers to the waters across America each year. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, anglers, on average, are wealthier and more educated than the U.S population as a whole, making the group a prime consumer base for well-known brand names like Minn Kota.
"Our company continually strives to bring anglers the highest-quality equipment so that they have an enjoyable experience out on the water," said Kelly Grindle, group vice president for Minn Kota. "Our partnership with FLW Outdoors provides a valuable asset by allowing us to get our products in the hands of professional anglers, who are the first adopters of our innovative technology and pave the way for trust among recreational anglers who also use our products. We are proud to sponsor FLW Outdoors and its tournament trails."
Minn Kota trolling motors will be used on all official FLW Tour boats, and Minn Kota will remain a visible sponsor of the EverStart Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart RCL Walleye League and Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail.
Minn Kota will be featured in a variety of media formats maintained by FLW Outdoors. The brand will appear on the "FLW Outdoors" television program, which is broadcast to 65 million subscribers of the Outdoor Life Network. It will also be publicized through FLW Outdoors Magazine advertisements, prominence on FLWOutdoors.com, product displays at the Family Fun Zone, signage at tournaments, angler-award programs, and inclusion in promotional and public relations materials.
"Minn Kota's high-performance motors are exactly what competitive anglers need to make the most of their valuable time on the water," said Charlie Hoover, president and CEO of FLW Outdoors. "We are grateful for Minn Kota's continued support of our tournament trails and the reliable trolling motors that they produce."