Rapala USA expands Partnership with Outdoor TeamWorks to the National Walleye Tour

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (March 25th, 2025) Outdoor TeamWorks is excited to announce the expanded partnership with Rapala USA to include the Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive for 2025.

Rapala, one of the most world-renown and recognized brands in walleye fishing, is proud to be a part of the NWT. Walleye anglers on the NWT have always depended on Rapala products in tournaments, and rarely does a tournament come and go without a top finishing NWT Pro-Angler giving credit to the Rapala Jiggin’ Rap. With the addition of the Rapala “Crush City” soft plastic line-up, many walleye anglers have been deploying a Freeloader or Mooch Minnow rigged on a VMC Tungsten jighead utilizing forward-facing sonar to produce top finishes.

Last year, 2024 Progressive Angler of the Year Hunter Nitti reported using the Rapala Jiggin’ Rap and “Crush City” Freeloader to catch over 70% of the fish he weighed-in throughout the year to take the AOY title.

“I am very excited to see Rapala come on board and be a sponsor to the NWT”, says 2024 NWT AOY Hunter Nitti. “Rapala is pretty much the exclusive bait brand you will see in my Ranger [boat]. I depended on Rapala last season to help me win the biggest title in walleye fishing, and I will continue using it the year to defend the title and hopefully this go-around walk away with a tournament win.”

Rapala and Rapala “Crush City” baits are available at all Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s stores, plus available online here.