In a couple of weeks 180 of the best pros in the United States will kick off the season at Lake Okeechobee. The winner will receive up to $125,000. The payout will extend deep into the field, with the 90th-place finisher taking home $4,000. That is 50-percent of the field!

The FLW Tour isn’t the only circuit experiencing this kind of success. Angler participation in the newly named Rayovac FLW Series is as strong as ever. The Walmart Bass Fishing League is seeing its highest participation numbers in five years. The popularity of FLW College Fishing has exploded since its inception. And the number of states that are sanctioning bass fishing as official sports in high schools is on the rise.

What does all of this mean? Tournament bass fishing is incredibly popular, and I think FLW is doing it right. From the operations staff who put together smoothly run tournaments, to the marketing staff who secure quality sponsors who recognize the value of what FLW means to consumers.

Oh, and don’t forget the newly revamped FLW Fantasy Fishing at www.FantasyFishing.com. A lot of work was put into the restructuring of the game, and it’s more competitive, yet fair, than ever.

This season is set to be one of the biggest and best yet for FLW, the competitors and fans. I can’t wait to watch it unfold.

For a complete FLW Tour schedule, click here.

For complete rules, entry fees and contingency awards for the FLW Tour, click here.

Do you have a topic you’d like me to discuss? Contact me at [email protected] or Twitter at @FLWChadGay.