Abu Garcia Report
Abu Garcia Top 100
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, famed fishing equipment maker Abu Garcia announces the Top 10 in its list of the country’s Top-100 Fisheries. A list designed to inspire curiosity and exploration as well as debate, the Abu Garcia Top-100 Fisheries list includes natural and man-made lakes, as well as rivers and sections of rivers, across 38 different states—all of them known for delivering the quality, quantity and species of fish most sought after by Abu Garcia loyalists.
Abu Garcia Report
Abu Garcia Top 100
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, famed fishing equipment maker Abu Garcia announces the fisheries voted No. 1-100 in the Abu Garcia Top-100 Fisheries list.
Today’s list includes 11-100 with the top 10 being named March 15.
The Abu Garcia Top-100 Fisheries list includes natural and man-made lakes, as well as rivers and sections of rivers, across 38 different states—all of them known for delivering the quantity and quality of fish most sought after by Abu Garcia loyalists.
Selected in collaboration with a panel of fishing-industry experts, these fisheries were chosen because they stand out in a host of areas. The list places a premium on those fisheries that offer the best overall multispecies angling opportunities. The list also preserves space for those fisheries offering unparalleled species-specific fishing opportunities and experiences, whether it’s chasing world-record-class redear sunfish on Lake Havasu, fighting a flathead on Santee Cooper or looking for the best five largemouth bass in Lake Guntersville. True trophy-quality angling opportunities for a wealth of different species, from bass to white sturgeon, are included in the list.
Rather Outdoors Report
Rather Outdoors has announced that it has acquired Zebco Brands (“Zebco”), the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based manufacturer of fishing rods, reels and accessories. Quantum rods and reels were included in the sale.
Zebco is a preeminent marketer of fishing tackle and outdoor gear. Operational since 1949, it is now one of the oldest companies in the Rather Outdoors portfolio of brands.
Rather also owns Lew’s, Strike King Lures, Salmo and Fox fishing companies.
A key component of the Zebco acquisition is the strong Europe portfolio, which includes Telford, England based Preston Innovations (“Preston”), and Zebco Europe, located in Tostedt, Germany. Preston, a leading UK match fishing brand, has an established presence in coarse, carp and bait segments of the European market. Zebco Europe distributes the namesake Zebco brand, but also has a strong share of Europe’s predator fishing with Quantum, which originally launched in the United States in 1984, and is well-established in the lexicon of American and European angling. Together, the acquisition of Zebco Brands solidifies Rather’s goal of attaining a leading global position in the fishing tackle space.
Lew’s Report
The Lew’s & Strike King Freshman Scholarship Program for 2021 is back.
The Lew’s & Strike King Freshman Scholarship Program is designed for graduating High School seniors who will be advancing their secondary education at an accredited two or four-year institution.
There is no stipulation on the field of study.
Lew’s & Strike King will fund up to five scholarships with a $5,000 maximum contribution for each recipient.
Those interested must complete the application which is available on the Lew’s website. We are partnering with the Future Fisherman Foundation in the screening and processing of all applications. More information and the actual application can be found on www.lews.com.
BFHOF Report
Kevin VanDam
The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame will conduct its first Digital Hall of Fame Week online auction offering up an incredible selection of fishing-related items not available elsewhere.
The auction kicks off Tuesday (Sept. 22) and runs through Friday.
All proceeds from the event will fund the Hall's continuing efforts to celebrate, promote and preserve the sport of bass fishing. The Hall's Board of Directors announced that it was funding grants for four conservation efforts. Those projects and others will be the direct beneficiaries of the auction's revenue.
"Unfortunately, we were not able to hold our 2020 induction banquet as planned," said Hall of Fame President John Mazurkiewicz. "We have been truly overwhelmed by the generosity of the industry and pro bass anglers in filling this auction with amazing items, and we are glad that the public will be able to participate."