Shortly after the announcement that the National Guard would title-sponsor the 2011 FLW Walleye Tour, the league announced an enhanced payout structure today.
The top prize in the pro and co-angler division for qualifying tournaments and the championship are guaranteed, with the remaining payback based on the number of paid entries in qualifying tournaments. In each qualifying event, the top pro award is $50,000 with the winning co-angler earning $6,000. Additionally, pro anglers could earn up to $18,500 and co-anglers up to $4,500 in contingencies through Ranger Cup, Evinrude, Mercury and MotorGuide.
The top prize for the no-entry-fee championship on the pro side is $50,000 and the top co-angler prize is $5,000. Pros can earn an additional $20,500 and co-anglers can win an extra $7,000 through contingencies courtesy of Ranger Cup, Evinrude, Mercury and MotorGuide.
The 2011 pro Angler of the Year will win $10,000 and the Co-angler of the Year will take home $2,500. The AOY in both the Pro and Co-angler Division will also receive automatic entry into the 2012 FLW Walleye Tour Championship. Automatic entry into the 2012 championship will also be awarded to the 2011 pro and co-angler championship winners.
FLW Outdoors operations-division president Kathy Fennel noted: "With increased paybacks and new sponsor commitments, especially from the National Guard, we're extremely excited about the 2011 Walleye Tour season. I believe this announcement shows our commitment to the sport of tournament walleye fishing."
