Minn Kota extends support of MLF Fisheries Management Division Habitat Restoration Programs

BENTON, Ky. (March 7, 2024) – Johnson Outdoors, a longstanding partner of Major League Fishing (MLF) and the premier outdoor recreation company that designs, manufactures, and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands, including Minn Kota and Humminbird, will serve as the title and presenting sponsor for this year’s Bass Pro Tour event at the St. Lawrence River.

The Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Humminbird will be held Aug. 9-12 in Massena, New York. It will the seventh and final stop of the 2024 Bass Pro Tour season and will decide the ultra-competitive Fishing Clash Angler of the Year (AOY) race along with qualifiers for REDCREST 2025 and the General Tire Heavy Hitters all-star event.

The St. Lawrence River is a familiar fishery for MLF, as dozens of tournaments have been held on the storied waters, across its multiple tournament circuits. When MLF’s top level (the Bass Pro Tour) last visited in June 2021, two-time AOY Jacob Wheeler targeted groups of smallmouth with a drop-shot rig, a Ned rig and a Tokyo rig to catch a final-day total of 35 bass weighing 129 pounds and earn the fourth victory of his career.

“The St. Lawrence River offers unparalleled fishing opportunities across a range of environments,” remarked Brad Henry, Senior Brand Manager of Johnson Outdoors Fishing. “From expansive, deep waters to shallow backwaters, anglers encounter diverse scenarios where having adaptable, reliable equipment is critical to conquer any environment. We’re confident that anglers equipped with our latest innovations – the Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST brushless trolling motors, Raptor shallow-water anchors, Humminbird fish finders, and LakeMaster mapping – will be primed for success at Stage Seven of the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour on the St. Lawrence River. As sponsors, our team at Minn Kota and Humminbird take pride in supporting this event.”

The MLFNOW!® broadcast team of Chad McKee and J.T. Kenney will break down the extended action at the Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Humminbird live on the final two days of the Qualifying Rounds, the Knockout Round and the Championship Round of competition. MLFNOW!® is live-streamed on MajorLeagueFishing.com and the MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) app.

Television coverage of the Minn Kota Stage Seven at the St. Lawrence River Presented by Humminbird will premiere as a two-hour episode on Discovery starting at 7 a.m. ET, on Saturday, Nov. 16. New MLF episodes premiere each Saturday morning on Discovery, with re-airings on Outdoor Channel.

In addition to the title and presenting sponsorship of Stage Seven, Minn Kota has extended its support as the title sponsor of the MLF Fisheries Management Division Habitat Restoration Projects into 2024. With support from MLF and Minn Kota pro staff, five habitat restoration projects will take place around the country in conjunction with Bass Pro Tour and Tackle Warehouse Invitational events.

“Anglers across the country are being presented with more opportunities to fish than ever before, resulting in heightened pressure on our lakes. While we at Minn Kota and Humminbird view this increased activity as a positive sign of growing interest in the sport, it’s imperative that we prioritize the conservation and development of fish populations. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations of anglers can continue to enjoy the sport we hold dear. Our partnership with Major League Fishing on these habitat restoration programs represent a significant step forward in this mission,” explained Henry.

For additional information about MLF, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. To learn more about Minn Kota and their QUEST brushless technology, visit the Minn Kota website. For more information about Humminbird and their full line of marine electronics and mapping, visit the Humminbird website.

About Johnson Outdoors
Johnson Outdoors is a family of core brands preferred by consumers for creating the best possible outdoor experiences, earning the company industry awards, customer loyalty, and above all, consumer trust through innovative, top-quality products. Built on the passion, ingenuity, and expertise of their employees, Johnson Outdoors values creativity and encourages innovation with a commitment to collaboration and teamwork.

Johnson Outdoors Fishing is comprised of the Minn Kota®, Humminbird® and Cannon ® brands. Minn Kota is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers, and marine accessories. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports Network, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 17 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.