Reel Chat with FLW Outdoors President Charlie Evans

– MODERATOR COMMENT –
Welcome to FLW Live Reel Chat. Today we’re joined by Charlie Evans, president and CEO of FLW Outdoors. This afternoon, Mr. Evans is scheduled to answer your questions regarding the upcoming 2010 season.

– MODERATOR COMMENT –
Visitors to FLWOutdoors.com can submit questions relating to tournament format changes, tour schedules and payouts throughout the live chat. However, today’s Reel Chat also will be an open forum to discuss any additional questions or concerns our readers and tournament anglers may have.

– MODERATOR COMMENT –
So, without further delay, let’s get started.

Q: How are these BFL tournaments close to home when the Potomac and Cayuga lakes are six to eight hours apart and require eight to nine hours of travel? There are no other grass-roots tourneys that require that type of travel. Why not combine the Shenandoah and Northeast divisions or just have a Potomac Division? We had 150-plus boats compared to New York’s 100-boat average.
— Kris (LaPlata, Md.)
A: FLW Outdoors split these four divisions in 2005. At that time there were more anglers in those divisions than we could accommodate. After reviewing participation numbers for 2009, it was determined that we would better serve those divisions by putting them back together. With small tournament fields, even the winners don’t always come out ahead. Larger numbers in tournaments means bigger paybacks to more places.

Q: I’m still just trying to understand what happened to the Western Division for the Stren Series? Why did it have to go away for 2010?
— Brian the Boat Guy (Peoria, Ariz.)
A: The western United States has been hit particularly hard by the economy. We have lowered the entry fees and reduced the time necessary for the National Guard FLW Series and eliminated the Stren Series Western Division so that Western anglers can spend their valuable time and resources on televised tournaments that will give them the most return on their investment and allow more Western anglers to qualify for the Forrest Wood Cup.

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: Are you going to allow single particapation in the FLW Tour, i.e. jackpotters?
— Sam Burks (Joplin, Mo.)
A: We will follow the same plan for the 2010 FLW Tour as we did in 2009 and are confident we will fill the 150-boat field with anglers who have committed to fish all six events, so no “jackpotters.”

Q: Will the Tour payouts be reduced if there is not a full field at a particular event? Also, are deposits refundable like years past or nonrefundable like the 2009 season if an angler cannot financially fish the entire Tour, based on lack of winnings leading up to the final events?
— Clark Allen (Little Rock, Ark.)
A: Like 2009, deposits on the FLW Tour are nonrefundable and will be rolled to the final tournaments. We will take up to 160 entries at the start of the year. The paybacks on FLWOutdoors.com are for 150-boat fields; if we fish more than 150 in an event, we will pay back one place ($4,000) for every entry over 150; if the number falls below 150 by the end of the year, we will still pay like for 150, with $10,000 to 50th place.

Q: The release did not mention the use of personal jerseys for the top five pro anglers on the final day for Tour events. Can anglers wear their personal jerseys with their own sponsors, or is an FLW jersey required still?
— Jeremy Dale (Dallas, Texas)
A: During practice and the first three days of competition, anglers can wear and display any logos except for alcohol and tobacco. During the final top-five day (the television day), anglers will wear FLW sponsor logos (the companies that make the tournament and the television possible by their financial support). Many anglers realize they need to take advantage of every opportunity to promote their sponsors and are doing “in store” promotions for local dealers, inviting members of the press during practice, taking kids, veterans, etc., on fishing outings and posing for photos at the conclusion of the final-day weigh-in with their own sponsor jersey. We all need to do a better job of promoting those companies that support our great sport.

Q: The 2010 Tour payouts quoted $10,000 through 50th place; what does that mean for the top five? Are Nos. 2 through 5 also $10,000 or a higher amount? Thanks.
— Trevor Lane (Dallas, Texas)
A: The complete payout is posted on FLWOutdoors.com. Here’s the deal (scroll to the bottom of the article entitled “FLW Outdoors announces 2010 FLW Tour details” on the FLW Tour home page for the compete payout table).

Q (MODERATOR): The obvious question from everyone: When will the 2010 schedules be out? Will there be any changes in entry fees? Thanks.
A: Complete schedules are on FLWOutdoors.com and are in some cases subject to permits that are not yet available; be sure to check the Web site, where we will announce any changes.

Q: How can you justify cutting the FLW Series East, when it averaged over 140 boats, and keeping the West, which averaged roughly 90 boats?
— Mark (Little Rock, Ark.)
A: There are a number of things that were taken into account when this decision was finalized. Ultimately, we would like to have both divisions running in 2010, but are simply not prepared to offer that at this time. FLW Outdoors is doing everything possible to adapt to our country’s current economic conditions. We have been very fortunate to have the support of many of America’s most well-respected brands, who have also been affected by current conditions. We are working every day to ensure that our sport continues to stay in the minds of these supporters as well as new supporters. Having said this, we will announce all future enhancements when they become finalized.

Q: Charlie, you and your staff are doing a GREAT JOB. Is there any thought of any FLW tournaments to be held in the Northeast (New Hampshire, Maine)? Thanks again.
— David Guichard (Goffstown, N.H.)
A: David, thanks for the kind words. I agree FLW Outdoors is blessed with a whole bunch of extremely talented and dedicated folks that all have a background in competitive fishing and a burning desire to provide the very best tournaments possible on a level playing field for all our anglers. We are open to events anywhere in the Northeast, so if you have some ideas on a great location, please let us know.

Q: Hi, Charlie. Concerning the off-limits and purchasing-of-information rules for the 2010 FLW Series, there may be two conflicts with the Lake Shasta event important to West Coast anglers: a WON Bass event, also on Lake Shasta, and The Bass University seminar during that time period in Sacramento. Can you help us clarify, specifically The Bass University, if it’s a violation of the rules? Thanks. I hope to see you at each and every 2010 FLW Series event next year.
— Vince Borrego (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
A: Public seminars are not a violation of the rules, and The Bass University falls under this category. So it’s OK to visit those seminars without violating the rules. Regarding the WON Bass event, if it’s held during the off-limits period, you won’t be able to fish both events. However, if the WON Bass event is held prior to the off-limits period, it’s not an issue at all. One caveat: If you’re hypothetically fishing a WON Bass event on any day of pretournament practice, that would be OK as long as your partner also is fishing in the upcoming FLW Series event. Otherwise, you will not be permitted to fish both.

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: Will there be any thought given to the rules on the changing of the age of your boat and motor for contingency money? I currently fish on the co-angler side and own a 2005 Ranger Z21. This will be the last year this boat will qualify for contingency money. With these tough times, I can’t go out and upgrade until the economy turns around. Also, I would be willing to fish on the pro side of some events, but the contingency rule is for the original owner. Thanks.
— Brett Killingsworth (Rowlett, Texas)
A: Those sponsor contingency and bonus programs are indeed sponsor programs, which they set up. FLW Outdoors simply administers those bonuses. So that question would best be directed to the sponsors who are offering those contingency awards. In short, those decisions aren’t up to FLW Outdoors.

Q: Hi, Charlie. Thanks for doing this live chat! Question: When can we expect a BASS vs. FLW showdown?
— Paul (Buffalo, N.Y.)
A: That’s a good question. There are great anglers in both circuits. At FLW Outdoors, we feel like we have some of the best anglers in the world. And we’d be glad to compete against the best of BASS, any time and at any place. We’re ready. It would be exciting and definitely great for 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 you think fishermen should be more committed to the circuit they join and not drop out of later events, thus creating smaller fields and payouts?
— Stuart Arthur (Benton, Mo.)
A: Obviously, we’d love to have consistent fields in every tournament and every circuit, particularly for the FLW Tour. It’s designed to be that way. Regarding the rest of our events, with respect to the economy, some anglers have trouble entering all of the events, and we just want to continue to provide opportunities to as many anglers as possible.

Q: Hey Charlie was there any thought given to making stren events 3 day whole field and last day top ten
— Dan Shuga (Botkins, Ohio)
A: Strens used to be a four-day event but we changed to a three-day event last year and that seemed to work out well for most anglers. The changes have been very well received to date.

Q: Of each of the tounaments that FLW puts on — Tour, Series, Stren, BFL and TBF — how do you rate their success, and which ones do you feel are most vulnerable to the econimic downturn?
— Kevin Carter (Spring, Texas)
A: All of those circuits are critical to our success and intended to grow our sport. The Tour, for example, is our most visible circuit, but our BFLs reach out to the largest number of anglers. But again, they’re all important and serve an important role, and give an important choice, for our angling community.

Q: What will be the payouts for the Stren Series Invitational? Times are hard; I wish you the best of luck. We do not want to lose our sport that has grown over the past 30-plus years. Being honest will go a long way to retain my support.
— John K. (Worth, Ill.)
A: Those payouts will be based on participation. Up to 200 anglers will be invited, but the paybacks will be based on the number of people who compete. The top 50 anglers from each division will have the ability to fish in the invitational. So again, it will depend on the ultimate numbers. If all 200 anglers register, the payouts will be greater than Stren regular-season qualifers.

Q: Charlie, great job! And thanks to FLW Outdoors! How long do you think it will be before the BFL Regional sites and dates are announced?
— Doug (Huntsville, Texas)
A: Thank you so much for your support. The BFL Regional information will be up very shortly. Stay tuned to FLWOutdoors.com!

Q: Will you accept more than 150 boats into the Stren Series? If you do, will the payout increase?
— Elbia Ebert (Porter, Texas)
A: The field limit will remain at 150 pros and 150 co-anglers.

Q: With the announcement this week of next year’s changes, there hasn’t been much mentioned about relaxing the restrictions on non-FLW sponsor logos. What conversation has taken place regarding this?
— Regi R. (Gilbers, S.C.)
A: During the first three days of competition, anglers can wear any logos they wish outside of alcohol and tobacco sponsors. During the final day of competition, only FLW Outdoors sponsor-approved logos will be permitted.

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: Why not combine the Shenandoah and Northeast divisions, because a majority of the anglers are in the southern Maryland, central Maryland and northern Virginia areas? Many I have talked to would approve that.
— Kris (LaPlata, Md.)
A: Basically, all we did was put back the BFL tournament trails that we split up in 2005. After reviewing participation numbers for 2009, it was determined that we would better serve those divisions by putting them back together. With small tournament fields, even the winners don’t always come out ahead. Larger numbers in tournaments means bigger paybacks to more places.

Q: Charlie, thanks for your time to address anglers’ concerns. Could you elaborate more on why the FLW Tour will make the cut at the top five instead of the top 10?
— James Christian (Dickson, Tenn.)
A: Making this decision allowed us to keep our purses strong. If you refer to the paybacks on FLWOutdoors.com, you can see our purses continue to be the strongest in the sport.

Q: The April 17 Cowboy Division BFL event on Sam Rayburn is scheduled on the same lake and date as a very big bass tournament with thousands of competitors. Will FLW Outdoors please consider changing the date?
— Neal (Houston, Texas)
A: FLW Outdoors is working very hard to avoid all potential tournament conflicts. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but in this case, we will be able to do something about it. Be sure to check back periodically to FLWOutdoors.com for more details.

Q: Do you expect to release the dates for the BFL regional events before sign-up dates begin?
— Richard (Moultrie, Ga.)
A: Yes. They’ll be up on FLWOutdoors.com in the very near future. Right now we’re just waiting on the finalization of a couple of permits.

Q: There is currently talk that a few of the guys fishing the BASS circuit are going to be allowed to fish the FLW Tour. Is this true? How can one fish the Tour without previously qualifying?
— Marsha (Kansas City, Mo.)
A: We have a lot of guys from BASS who have qualified to fish through the 2009 Stren Series and FLW Tour, so BASS pros can definitely fish with us.

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.

Q: I feel that you and your staff at FLW Outdoors do a great job at promoting our sport. Most anglers, including myself, understand the tough economic times we are all in. Sponsors are cutting back with anglers as well as tournament organizations such as FLW Outdoors. The main attraction to Stren Series events is the payout versus the entry fees and the championship format. Is the fact that theres is no Stren Series Championship in 2010 related to sponsorship issues, or is it a participation issue?
— James Christian (Dickson, Tenn.)
A: The economy has affected anglers and sponsors, and this was our decision to make the Stren Series more affordable to more people.

Q: Why only 150 anglers in the Stren? Why only three tournaments? If someone does bad in the first one, they will just drop out and not fish the remaining two. Stren fishermen want to know if the championship in 2010 will be an invitational that anyone can pay to enter, or will it be a “real championship” as it has been in the past? The members of FLW always support the sponsors first. With that said, is there a possiblity that Cabela’s will be a sponsor next year?
— Tommy (Abilene, Texas)
A: The Stren field maximums are driven by the numbers. The goal was to make the trail more affordable for anglers to compete. We want to make our tournament trails as accessible as possible. The invitational will only be open to the top 50 anglers from each division. Currently, we appreciate our partnership with Cabela’s and are looking forward to strengthening that relationship going forward. Currently, we are in discussions with Cabela’s and will announce all details relating to sponsorships for 2010 when they are finalized.

Q: Why are we only having three tournaments in the Stren for 2010? Is the championship an ivitational or a true championship? Thank you, Charlie, for having such a great staff at the tournaments.
— Hag’s Tornado (Abilene, Texas)
A: In essence, the invitational is the fourth event for the top 50 anglers from each division. With three events, anglers can save some additional expenses during the season while still having the same chance of qualifying for the Forrest Wood Cup.

Q: Will there still be regionals this year for the BFLs?
— Steven Martin (Burleson, Texas)
A: Yes. Check back with FLWOutdoors.com for more details as they are announced.

Q: I know times are hard, and I know there is a change in the wind, but will we see better things to come from FLW, or is there going to be a selling of of the circuits to other organizations to run them such as American Bass Anglers running the BFLs?
— Jay (Hemphill, Texas)
A: Nobody else will be running our events. We fully expect that we’ll prosper and continue to grow the sport in the future.

Q: Tournament fishing is nothing more than an expensive hobby for 95 percent of the competitors. Is it possible for this percentage to drop closer to 50 percent, whereby the anglers are generating enough income to support themselves within the next five years?
— Neal (Houston, Texas)
A: Since the beginning of competitive fishing in 1968, never has there been more opportunity for more anglers to make more money than now. While the economic conditions might slow this sport down temporarily, tournament fishing is here to stay.

– 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.

– MODERATOR COMMENT –
Unfortunately, fishing fans, that’s all the time we have to chat with Charlie Evans this afternoon. Thanks to all who tuned in and participated. Make sure to check back shortly for a complete transcript of today’s FLW Live Reel Chat. Also, for any additional questions relating to the upcoming 2010 season, please feel free to contact FLW Outdoors headquarters at 270-252-1000.