Live Reel Chat with FLW's Charlie Evans Oct. 29

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Live Reel Chat with FLW Outdoors President Charlie Evans Oct. 29

Anglers and fishing fans can chat directly with FLW Outdoors officials about upcoming 2010 tournament-fishing season at FLWOutdoors.com

27.Oct.2009


FLWOutdoors.com has announced the latest installment of FLW Live Reel Chat. On Thursday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. Central time (3 p.m. EDT), visitors to FLWOutdoors.com will be able to correspond directly with FLW Outdoors President and CEO Charlie Evans in a special live chat room format.

Chat directly with FLW Outdoors officials

Participation in the upcoming chat is simple. At the start of the next live chat on Oct. 29, visitors can log on shortly before 3 p.m. EDT (2 p.m. Central time) and begin submitting questions. During the chat, anglers and fishing fans will be able to ask any number of questions pertaining to the upcoming 2010 season. Questions relating to tournament format changes, tour schedules and payouts are encouraged. Visitors to FLWOutdoors.com are also permitted to log on and submit questions prior to the chat in order to have the first shot at getting their questions answered. It’s also a great way to participate if you’re unable to make the live chat on Oct. 29.

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Q: Are the walleye events going to be on TV next year?
-- Ranger Ryan (Shawano, Wis.)
A: Currently, there are no plans to televise the 2010 FLW Walleye Tour. That being said, we are diligently searching for every opportunity to get these events on TV and, through our public relations department and FLWOutdoors.com, will generate as much publicity for these events and our walleye anglers as possible.

Q: Who was the new walleye circuit created for? It's too expensive for weekend anglers and not lucrative enough for tour-level pros. Do you really think guys like Gilman, Steil, Harsh, Keenan and Takasaki will want to fish for $20,000?
-- Mike S. (Anoka, Minn.)
A: Mike, if you look at our participation numbers for 2009, it is clear to see that not enough walleye anglers could afford the entry-fee level we were at during these trying economic times. FLW Outdoors has chosen to lower entry fees for 2010 so more anglers can afford to participate while our nation struggles to recover. I will remind you that, at this point, we have not added any sponsor contingency dollars, which could drastically increase the purses.

Q: Will the 250-horsepower limit be lifted in 2010 to allow for the participation of the increasing number of hulls supporting 300 horsepower?
-- Rob (Holland, Mich.)
A: Our Walleye Tour will allow 300 horsepower; our bass events will stick with the 250 horsepower for now.

Q: In an attempt to gain more anglers, will the FLW make a recognizable effort to promote individuals with non-FLW sponsors?
-- Mark Clausen (Chisago, Minn.)
A: We treat all of our anglers exactly the same, regardless of affiliation. The only difference is jersey and logo requirements on the final day of competition. Otherwise, we have an interest in promoting all of our anglers, because that's what ultimately grows the sport.

Q: On the Walleye Tour, will co-anglers only fish two days, or will the format be like the bass tour? Also, how many from each division qualify for championship?
-- Jimmy Cox (Bono, Ark.)
A: The top 20 pros and 20 co-anglers from each division will qualify for the championship. And co-anglers will get to fish all three days.


Q: Do the Ranger Cup qualifications change for the upcoming year?
-- Chad (Omaha, Neb.)
A: That will be a decision for Ranger Boats. I'm sure details will be available on this topic in the near future at Rangerboats.com

Q: Can you share more details on how you determined the Walleye Tour format and fees? And why was the league dropped completely? Did you get feedback from the participants before you made these decisions?
-- Jrohde (Kildeer, Ill.)
A: If you look at the numbers from last year, it was apparent that the course we were on wasn't working. Our goal was to make the trail more affordable and get more anglers involved in the sport.

-- FLW MODERATOR COMMENT --
In closing, Charlie Evans would like to add that these are trying times for tournament organizations, sponors, anglers and all involved parties in this industry. It's never been more important for us as an industry to band together and support each other. In particular, it's important to continue to support those companies that support the sport we all love so much. Thank you all for your interest and time.