Hall of Fame Inductee Irwin Jacobs Changed Professional Fishing, Boating
gengberg February 21st, 2010
As Chairman of the largest professional fishing tournament organization in the world, Irwin L. Jacobs of Minneapolis serves as the leader of FLW Outdoors and visionary founder of FLW Fantasy Fishing.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary season, FLW Outdoors conducts America’s largest fishing tournament trails, including the FLW Tour, FLW Series, FLW American Fishing Series, Bass Fishing League, FLW Walleye Tour and National Guard FLW College Fishing. As chairman, Jacobs leads the FLW organization that operates bass and walleye fishing-tournament circuits offering millions of dollars in cash through its 189 professional tournament events.
FLW Outdoors’ tournament portfolio includes the Forrest Wood Cup - a no-entry-fee event that offers the richest bass-fishing championship payout in the world. Winning checks of $100,000, $200,000 and $500,000 are now commonplace in fishing tournaments thanks to his efforts in promoting the sport.
As founder of FLW Fantasy Fishing, Jacobs has taken the popularity of professional angling to the next level. Launched in 2007, the series of fantasy tournaments compliments Jacobs’ vision to grow fishing beyond the 50 million anglers who participate in the sport annually. FLW Fantasy Fishing allows anyone, regardless of ability and/or experience, to compete and win unprecedented cash and prizes.
In 2009, Terry Moberly won $1 million for playing Fantasy Fishing. In 2008, Michael Thompson won FLW Fantasy Fishing’s grand prize and was crowned fantasy sports inaugural $1 million cash winner.
Today, Jacobs continues to tap into the buying power of the nation’s fishing enthusiasts through new ventures in business and sports. Throughout his career, Jacobs has owned and/or controlled multiple large, small and start-up companies. However, he remains a passionate and relentless innovator, linking sports and business for the benefit of sponsors, fans and anglers alike.
