FLW announced the 2014 EverStart Series schedule today, featuring a slimmer slate of events and the return of the no-entry fee championship.
Among the highlights from the announcement, the complete version of which can be read by clicking here:
> Entry fees have increased to $1,500 per event for pros ($500 for co-anglers).
> Each division (Central, Northern, Southeastern, Texas, Western) will feature three events, down from four apiece.
> Payouts increased through 40th place.
> The top 30 pros and co-anglers from each division will qualify for the 2014 EverStart Series Championship, scheduled for Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at Wheeler Lake.
> The highest finishing pro and co-angler from each of the five divisions based on final results at the 2014 EverStart Series Championship qualify for the 2015 Forrest Wood Cup along with the top 5 overall finishers, meaning a total of 10 berths to the 2015 Forrest Wood Cup will be up for grabs at the 2014 EverStart Series Championship.
> Co-anglers will be allowed seven rods in 2014 (they had been allowed five previously). Umbrella rigs will be restricted to a maximum of five wires, five spinners and five lures, only three of which can have hooks.
Here's a look at the 2014 EverStart Series schedule:
Central Division
April 3-5: Grand Lake
May 29-31: Kentucky Lake
Sept. 18-20: Mississippi River (La Crosse, Wis.)
Northern Division
May 1-3: James River
June 19-21: Potomac River
July 24-26: Lake Champlain
Southeast Division
Jan. 9-11: Lake Okeechobee
March 13-15: Santee-Cooper
April 24-26: Lake Guntersville
Texas Division
Jan. 23-25: Sam Rayburn Reservoir
March 20-22: Toledo Bend
Oct. 2-4: Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Western Division
Jan. 30-Feb. 1: Lake Havasu
May 15-17: California Delta
Oct. 9-11: Clear Lake
Championship
Oct. 30-Nov.1: Wheeler Lake
