That's a pretty good parallel with what we're trying to do. We're not going to let guys in our tournaments just because they've got sponsorships and a pocketful of money. They have to earn the right to get there with their fish-catching abilities. FLW is creating an avenue for young, aspiring anglers to climb the ladder via its sister Red Man tournament trail. The angler who wins the Red Man All-American automatically qualifies for all FLW tour the following season.
Anglers also can qualify on the regional level.
Anglers must maintain Top 120 status in the circuit's point system in order to re-qualify for the next season. In addition to Fritts, several other anglers who have earned fame on the prestigous B.A.S.S. Tournament Trail have made their presence known on the FLW tour. Among some of the regulars are Jimmy Houston, Ken Cook, Zell Rowland, Rick Clunn, Ricky Green, Randy Blauket and Randy Dearman. Dearman, who lives in the East Texas community of Onalaska, says FLW is a class act. The format and the money are great.