James Stricklin, a 39-year-old Texan who was a rookie on the FLW Tour this year, has opted to fish the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2011. He gained his Elite invitation via a 7th-place finish in the Central Open points standings.
"I had a choice to make and the Elites just seem to be more my style – I'm more of a power-fisherman," he said. "Plus the Elites are probably going to get harder to get into in the future, so I figured I'd better get in while I can."
His primary sponsor will be MyCashCenter.com, an online loan agency owned by a friend of his. The company also owns several car lots and Stricklin serves as the buyer.
His other sponsors include American Rodsmiths and Stanley Bait Company.
