South Africa to host FLW Tournaments

Bass fishing and the tournaments that grew out of them have come a long way in a relatively short time. Now, FLW Tournaments has teamed up with WJ Lindeque CC, of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, to begin sanctioning FLW bass-fishing tournaments in South Africa.

South Africa will run a series of FLW tournaments that advance anglers, who are citizens of the host country, to the International Division at the Costa FLW Series Championship beginning in 2017. Two anglers will compete as pros, with FLW providing Ranger boats, and two will compete as co-anglers.

“I’m very excited to be part of such an internationally-focused tournament organization,” said 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 is 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 highest finishing pro from the International Division at the Costa FLW Series Championship will advance to the following year’s Forrest Wood Cup for the chance 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,” said Kathy Fennel, FLW president of operations. South Africa has incredibly dedicated anglers that we are pleased to welcome into the FLW family.”