South Africa to Sanction FLW Tournaments

WJ Lindeque CC signs exclusive licensing agreement to run FLW bass fishing tournaments in South Africa

Fishing League Worldwide (FLW), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced an exclusive licensing agreement with WJ Lindeque CC, of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, to begin sanctioning FLW bass-fishing tournaments in South Africa. The agreement was signed by FLW President of Operations Kathy Fennel and Hannes Lindeque, a managing member of WJ Lindeque CC.

South Africa will conduct a series of FLW tournaments that advance anglers who are citizens of the host country to the International Division of the Costa FLW Series Championship beginning in 2017. In that event, two of South Africa’s anglers will compete as pros – with FLW providing Ranger boats for their use – and two will compete as co-anglers.

“I’m very excited to be part of such an internationally focused tournament organization,” says Lindeque, who has competed in FLW tournaments in the United States. “I know that South Africa has some of the world’s best anglers and it’s a dream come true to give them an opportunity to compete at a high level. I look forward to seeing how they fare at the Costa FLW Series Championship in 2017.”

The top pro award at the Costa FLW Series Championship is $95,000, including a Ranger Z518C boat, if the pro is Ranger Cup qualified, and the top co-angler award is a Ranger Z117 boat. The pro who finishes highest among the International Division contenders at the Costa FLW Series Championship will advance to the following year’s Forrest Wood Cup to compete on the sport’s biggest stage. FLW will also provide a Ranger boat for use in the Forrest Wood Cup.

South Africa is the fifth country to sign on for the international sanctioning program, joining Canada, South Korea, China, and Mexico.

“We are thrilled to add South Africa to our growing list of countries offering FLW events," notes Kathy Fennel, FLW president of operations. "The global bass fishing community has embraced FLW as a unifying force as we strive to provide unsurpassed opportunities for anglers, fans and sponsors worldwide. South Africa has incredibly dedicated anglers that we are pleased to welcome into the FLW family."

Additional FLW qualifying tournaments in other countries are forthcoming. Watch FLWFishing.com for details.