Leader in outdoor recreation renews sponsorship featuring new contingency awards, enhanced digital integration and continued commitment to conservation initiatives
BENTON, Ky. (May 23, 2025) – Major League Fishing (MLF) and Johnson Outdoors, a global leader in outdoor recreation, announced today the renewal of their partnership for the 2025 season. The partnership builds on Johnson Outdoors’ extensive support of MLF and introduces exciting new elements centered around the company’s innovative product launches and conservation efforts.
For over 50 years, Johnson Outdoors has inspired outdoor exploration through innovative, high-quality products in watercraft, fishing, diving and camping. Their flagship brands, Minn Kota® and Humminbird®, offer industry leading integration between the brands that elevates the angling experience through their advanced trolling motors, cutting-edge marine electronics, and sonar fish-finders, delivering unmatched clarity and precision for anglers.
As part of the 2025 renewal, Johnson Outdoors has focused their investment on the MLF5 circuits, reaching more than 30,000 competitors and millions of fans across 170 events nationwide – including the Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, Toyota Series, Phoenix Bass Fishing League (BFL), Abu Garcia College Fishing and Abu Garcia High School circuits. Johnson Outdoors also offers Toyota Series and BFL anglers a contingency award program, centered around the MEGA Live 2 Forward-Facing Sonar unit, that rewards anglers who leverage this cutting-edge technology in competition.
“Humminbird’s heritage has been rooted in fishing for generations and the entire Humminbird team is excited to partner once again with Major League Fishing to support thousands of anglers across America as they follow their passion,” said Jeff Kolodzinski, Johnson Outdoors Brand Manager – Fishing. “In an effort to bring things a little closer to home, Humminbird has offered a new contingency program in 2025 that pays Toyota Series and BFL anglers who finish in the Top 10 up to $500 in regular-season events and up to $1,000 in regionals and championships for utilizing Humminbird products in competition. We’re excited to help provide anglers a great place to fish and the opportunity to earn a bonus check when they do well.”
Johnson Outdoors has further demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship in 2025 by serving as the title sponsor for four MLF Fisheries Management Division (FMD) habitat restoration projects. These initiatives focus on enhancing fish habitats and ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of fisheries across the United States, aligning with Johnson Outdoors’ dedication to preserving natural resources for future generations of anglers.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Johnson Outdoors into the 2025 season,” said Kathy Fennel, MLF Executive Vice President and General Manager. “Their investment in our grassroots anglers across the MLF5 circuits allows those anglers to reap even more benefits for their dedication and commitment to our sport. The cutting-edge technologies at Johnson Outdoors align perfectly with our mission to elevate competitive bass fishing across all circuits, and their commitment to conservation demonstrates their deep investment in the future of our industry.”
Johnson Outdoors will continue to receive widespread exposure across MLF5 platforms in 2025, ensuring their brand remains at the forefront of the competitive fishing industry. Their presence will include commercials and graphic billboards featured during MLF5 television broadcasts, along with in-show logo placements and product mentions during MLFNOW! livestream coverage. Additionally, Johnson Outdoors’ innovative products will be promoted across MLF’s digital platforms, including the league’s website and social media channels, further solidifying their connection with anglers and fans alike.
For more information on Johnson Outdoors and its portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands, visit JohnsonOutdoors.com. For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing, its tournaments and sponsors, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news, and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
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.