Lew’s Signs Billy McDonald to National Team

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Lew’s has added seasoned FLW angler Billy McDonald to its Team Lew’s national pro staff.

“Whether at a tournament weigh-in or sport show, Billy is easy to find because he’s always the one in the middle of a crowd who’s smiling big and talking excitedly about something to do with fishing … he’s what the sport is all about,” says Lew’s CEO Lynn Reeves in making the announcement. “We need guys like Billy McDonald in this industry and we’re proud that he’s now officially associated with Lew’s rods and reels.”

McDonald, from Greenwood, Ind., has been fishing professionally for more than 30 years, with most of his focus being on FLW Tour and FLW Rayovac Series tournaments. He has multiple top-10 finishes, a Rayovac win and an FLW Cup appearance to his credit.

“I love to compete and always want to win, but just having the opportunity to fish is rewarding regardless of where I finish. So in my mind there’s no such thing as having a ‘bad’ tournament day,” notes McDonald. “Yes, I do like to help others learn about fishing, especially youth. It’s important to me that I give back to this great sport. Lew’s has the perfect range of equipment to take any angler fishing from beginner to expert. I’m proud to be part of such a legendary brand.”

McDonald has selected the new Team Lew’s Lite Speed Spool as his primary baitcast reel of choice. He will be using the recently introduced Lew’s Custom Speed Stick series of rods that has a 7-foot, 11-inch heavy action model among the lineup.

He says the various rod options in the Custom series match up well for his preferred techniques of pitching and flipping, and the upcoming springtime opportunities will put them to the test. The 2015 FLW Tour opener on Florida's Lake Toho in March can’t get here fast enough for him.

“Anticipation is always high for the first event of the year, but going to a place like Toho where some giants live gets me really excited. Nobody will be working harder for a big bite there than me and my Lew’s gear,” he says.

McDonald joins a quality Team Lew’s staff that consists of many top tournament anglers along both the FLW and BASS tours, including Glenn Browne, Stephen Browning, Jason Christie, Mark Davis, David Fritts, Guido Hibdon, Dion Hibdon, Payden Hibdon, Tim Horton, Mark Menendez, Michael Murphy, John Murray, Cliff Prince, Marty Robinson, Mark Rose, Terry Scroggins, Michael Simonton, Kevin Short, Peter Thliveros, Andrew Upshaw and Jay Yelas.

For more information on Lew’s products and pros, visit www.Lews.com.