B.A.S.S. and A.B.A. join forces 2024

JT Bagwell reply :

The following is a copy of an email that I received today

from David Hagood of the American Bass Anglers.

I thought some of you might find it interesting.

JT Bagwell

For immediate release

Nov. 14, 2006

BASS TO LICENSE BASSMASTER WEEKEND SERIES TO AMERICAN BASS ANGLERS, INC.

The Bassmaster Weekend Series Operated by American Bass Anglers will continue to send the

overall national champion to the CITGO Bassmaster Classic, the world championship of bass

fishing. American Bass Anglers also plans to continue the popular one-day tournament structure

and operate a schedule similar to the 2006 format. The tournaments will be conducted according

to BASS rules and under the organization's highest fish-care standards. The first tournament is

scheduled for January 2007.

American Bass Anglers has successfully operated a tournament trail for weekend anglers for many

years, said Jim Downs, BASS senior director of events. This gives BASS the opportunity to

focus on the Elite Series, memberships and publications while serving the weekend angler with

BASS-sanctioned events.

While all Bassmaster Weekend Series participants must be members of both BASS and American Bass

Anglers, BASS Federation Nation members and BASS Life members will receive priority entry into

the tournaments. Additionally, BASS will provide priority entry into the Bassmaster Opens for

the top six Bassmaster Weekend Series anglers from the Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship.

We are very excited to work with BASS and its staff on this alliance, said Morris Sheehan,

president of American Bass Anglers. The Bassmaster Weekend Series is the perfect addition to

American Bass Anglers' current format, and to have a member of the Bassmaster Weekend Series

earn the opportunity to compete in the Bassmaster Classic is a great honor. American Bass

Anglers and BASS are fully committed to growing the Bassmaster Weekend Series to be the biggest

and best national weekend series in the country.

BASS will continue to deliver the news and information on the Bassmaster Weekend Series to

members and fans in BASS Times as well as on www.Bassmaster.com. More information can be found

at www.AmericanBassAnglers.com.

About American Bass Anglers

American Bass Anglers offers over 1,100 tournaments per year in 41 states that are designed for

the weekend angler. American Bass Anglers commitment is to providing low cost, close to home

tournaments for the weekend angler and at the same time offer each an upward path for angler

progression. For more information on American Bass Anglers and the Bassmasters Weekend Series

operated by American Bass Anglers visit www.americanbassanglers.com or call the weekend angler

hotline toll free at 888-203-6222. American Bass Anglers is headquartered in Athens, Ala.

About BASS

BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than 20,000 events through the

BASS Federation Nation annually. Guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans, BASS sets the

standard for credibility, professionalism, sportsmanship and conservation, as it has for nearly

40 years.

BASS sanctions and stages bass fishing tournaments for every skill level and culminates with the

CITGO Bassmaster Classic. Through its clubs, youth programs, aquatic resource advocacy,

magazine publishing and multimedia platforms, BASS offers the industry's widest array of

services and support to its nearly 530,000 members. The organization is headquartered in

Celebration, Fla.

For more information, contact BASS/ESPN Outdoors Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit

www.Bassmaster.com.

texasbass1 reply :

You beat me to spreading the new JT. Great news for both organizations.

Gatorbassman reply :

That is the best thing I've heard in a while. What a positive for BASS and ABA.

PutPut reply :

I could care less one way or the other but look at both sides. On the B.A.S.S. Forum the anglers who fish this trail have a different outlook on the change.

Hillbilly_Hooker reply :

I was planning on fishing the Weekend Series in '07 and, as an avid B.A.S.S. supporter, was quite shocked that ABA will be running the series next year. On the other hand, I've been around long enough to know that the ONLY constant is change. I don't know much about ABA but I guess I'm in for an education, because I'm still planning on fishing the weekend series regardless.

Hillbilly

PutPut reply :

B.A.S.S. Said it will be run under bass rules in 07 but go to another siteARMY and the head guy at ABA

states that there will be changes made, who knows.I'm like one of the other guy's on the other board, "you don't jump on a sinking ship"

Hillbilly_Hooker reply :

PutPut,

Maybe my 47 year old eyes are failing me more than I realize, but I've read the *** article twice now, and I still haven't seen any mention about rule changes to the Weekend Series. What am I missing?

Thanks,

Hillbilly

Its a big one reply :

Quote
PutPut,
Maybe my 47 year old eyes are failing me more than I realize, but I've read the *** article twice now, and I still haven't seen any mention about rule changes to the Weekend Series. What am I missing?

Thanks,

Hillbilly

david haygood ( v.p.)said it on the aba forum. and on the b.a.s.s. forum some people said they called aba and thats what aba said

Hillbilly_Hooker reply :

Since my last post, I've also read that ABA has stated that it is likely already too late to make any changes for '07 and that any major changes will probably have to wait until the '08 season. I guess time will tell...

Zel... reply :

I look at it in a different perspective.

I consider the recent trend at BASS:

- Allowed loss of 2/3 of Federation members

- Change in leadership

- Focus on Elites, and the reduction of other big tournament trails (minimizing the expenditure to operate a structure for up-and-coming anglers into the Elite series).

- No more Bass University

- An apparent transition into a Sell Off (this is what I believe it will eventually become, with a prize partnership with BASS) of the Weekend Series to ABA

In my opinion, If I were a competitor of BASS, trying to figure out what is going on there, I would have to guess that BASS is attempting to transition the fan base from away from a Participation sport into an Appreciation sport, sort of like NASCAR.

If I was working at BASS and given this directive, I would follow the same lines of events, making the transition seem as seamless as possible, and with as little impact to the fans affected.

I've heard that some trails and ventures are not profitable. But any major change, venture, or shift from a new organization (such as ESPN taking over BASS) is usually expected to be financially unsound in the short term with anticipation of long term gains. You make tweaks to your plan, but you don't abandon so much unless your directive has changed dramatically. To make such drastic changes and so many changes after just a few years has me scratching my head. The only conclusion I could garner, is either the brass hasn't a clue (which isn't true) or they have been given a mandate to change the entire focus of BASS.

Again, just my perspective on the changes. I'm sure others have just as equally valid differning assumptions.

Matt Fly reply :

With the recent flood of complaints about ABA, this is gonna be interesting. No doubt that BASS has cut back on opens and other trails needed to help qualify for the Elite series. ABA might be just what the doctored ordered, or maybe not.

Time to sit back and

Matt.

cravenfish reply :

I've been reading all the post on here, ABA and Bassmasters. I fish two different weekend series and enjoyed em as much as any other tournament series. I've never fished an ABA tournament, but I can tell you that if they dont do better payback then bass did it wont be long lived. There are too many other tournaments around that pay back better for the weekend angler. BUT we shall see!!!

The Duke reply :

With the low attendance BASS weekend series were getting its a good thing ABA is going to helping (running it) them. Otherwise it would be history in a few years if not sooner. I'm glad for the union.

Duke

Its a big one reply :

(shoot) b.a.s.s. weekend series and a.b.a. are not having good turn outs look at the tourn. results. a.b.a. can.t get 10 boats a tourn.

texasbass1 reply :

70% pay back isn't all that bad and that is what both trails payout. I'm looking forward to fishing the Weekend series again this year, I hadn't plan on it until the change.

texasbass1 reply :

Quote
I could care less one way or the other but look at both sides. On the B.A.S.S. Forum the anglers who fish this trail have a different outlook on the change.

I just left the BASS forum, I didn't see but one post with a negative tone about ABA taking over the Weekend Series. Maybe I missed something.

Its a big one reply :

theres 2 threads and about 4 pages on each thread

PutPut reply :

Quote

Quote
I could care less one way or the other but look at both sides. On the B.A.S.S. Forum the anglers who fish this trail have a different outlook on the change.

I just left the BASS forum, I didn't see but one post with a negative tone about ABA taking over the Weekend Series. Maybe I missed something.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't see anything in my thread you quoted about any negative tone about ABA. I see it will be the same here as on ABA's board,if your not 100% ABA ,go away....There are other anglers out here who have the wright to voice an openion the same as you. The guy's at BASS Weekend trail didn't ask to come onboard with ABA, so they should be ....well I know the answer you guy's always use "if you don't like go fish somewhere else" I've heard it to many times within the mix at ABA.

5bass reply :

Quote
(shoot) b.a.s.s. weekend series or a.b.a. are not having good turn outs look at the tourn. results. a.b.a. can.t get 10 boats a tourn.

That's true.ABA struggles to get anybody to show up to one of their tournaments around here.

The merge should be very interesting to say the least.The BASS Weekend Series definitely needs a kickstart but I'm not sure that ABA is the answer.

JT Bagwell reply :

There are some very interesting viewpoints so far.

Let's keep them coming.

JT Bagwell

cravenfish reply :

[highlight]70% pay back isn't all that bad and that is what both trails payout. I'm looking forward to fishing the Weekend series again this year, I hadn't plan on it until the change.

The payout structure needs to be changed, in the regionals $50,000 for 1st, 2,000 for second, 7th was 750.00

texasbass1 reply :

Fish to win

texasbass1 reply :

PutPut, I didn't say your comments were negative. I stated I didn't see but one negative comment on the BASS forum, and I also said I may have missed something, you commented that this board is like the ABA board it is either ABA or nothing. Well I guess some want this board to be the antiABA. It has been said that we can exchange opinions here, and I was just stating my opinion and observations. One thing that I notice on all boards that is easy to voice your opinion using a handle. It ensures atonomy (sp). I don't want to tick anyone off, but unless you have fished a trail and have personal experience about problems that have been taken to proper authorities within the organization, I don't see any reason to just slam any organization to make you or your trail look better.

Again, JMPO

PutPut reply :

I for one have fished the ABA and BASS and do not want to slam any trail . Facts are facts .If you hide behind a screen door in a mud slinging contest you are bound to get dirty.This is a great forum ,at least they stand on the outside and look in with an open mind.JT Bagwell said it well. There are a lot of good comments on here ,let's keep them comming.

Bassinfreak2 reply :

One thing I didn't care for when I heard about the merge was that you had to be a member of both ABA and BASS. More membership fees out of my pocket.

Perhaps I am not very computer savy but when I went to the ABAs website I had a very hard time finding the things I was looking for. I will go back and look again but I wanted the Indiana central tournament results and all I could find was the name and phone number of the director.

There will always be change and this one looks like a pretty sizable one. I guess I will wait and see how this all plays out.

Does anyone here fish the Indiana ABA and/or the bass weekend series? What do you guys think?

PutPut reply :

The only thing I have heard or read is how the ABA anglers like the idea because the extra membership fee's will give ABA more money to work with and how the ABA current ABA members will have larger fields at their tournaments ,meaning more money for them.My question is still where do the BASS guy's gain? paying out more money to a smaller scale tournament trail.This is not ment to be a slam on ABA, just a question.

Lane reply :

I can understand BASS unloading their Weekender's Series under their present circumstances.

They did not feel that the series had enough of a draw to continue with their current program.

I can also understand why they went with ABA, since Triton boats is a ABA sponsor as well

as one of the MAJOR sponsors of BASS. There are pros and cons, so each angler will have

to decide what is best for their individual circumstances.

BASS is very aware of the independence of the PAA. The PAA will have their first classic next

spring. No entry fees for the pros, ONE MILLION dollar purse from Toyota, media coverage

of the event by CBS and the Outdoor Channel, each pro can openly promote their sponsors,

including individual boat sponsors, etc. That format and payout is going to be HARD TO BEAT,

especially when some of the procedes will go to benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife youth

program. More PAA events are being planned around the country. BASS must FOCUS on the

Elite Series.

Some anglers will like the change in the Weekender's Series and some will not. The bottomline

is that there are plenty of other trails with opportunities. Many have comparable payouts!

Bassfreak2, if you live in Indiana check out www.HoosierOpen.com, they have a 80% payout.

Another really good trail to check out is, www.nbaa-bass.com. They are one of the fastest growing

trails in the country. Anglers can shop around! Just my 02 cents!

Bassinfreak2 reply :

Thanks for the info Lane. I am well aware of Paul Jollys HOTS tournaments and have fished a few. The nbaa is new to me though and I will certainly check that out.

JT Bagwell reply :

I personally think every one gains in this situation. Of course,

some will gain more than others.

ABA will be the big winner because they are going to get a

huge influx of new members and a lot more media.

BASS will gain because now they can still have their weekend

series with less liability and work on their part.

The BASS members gain a little because they still

get to fish the Weekend Series. It doesn't sound like the Series

would have been around much longer had someone else not

taken it over.

This whole deal was supposed to take place a few years ago. I

knew, prior to the Weekend Series coming out, that ABA and BASS

were communicating on getting a trail that could rival FLW's BFL.

Hopefully, everyone can gain a little something from this joint venture.

JT Bagwell

Banor reply :

IF they are going to rival the BFL they are going to need to offer the series in all of the states that the BFL does. Again, Michigan so far is not on the weekend series list.

JT Bagwell reply :

I was just having a similar conversation with a friend of mine. It appears

that they also left Illinois and Iowa off of the schedule for 2007. I just can

not understand how they expect to grow these markets if they pull the plug

on the tournaments after just one season. Now would be the time to really

get a foot in this area if in fact Team Supreme is closing shop.

JT Bagwell

Banor reply :

With both Stren and BASS pulling out of tournament trails in the northern area you would think that any major tournament trail would have a good boater turnout. Michigan is hungry for a big tournament trail. I know I am not the only northern angler left shaking their head at all of this. My only option for close to home tournaments with respectable payout is the BFL. Dont get me wrong, I had planned on travelling for the bigger tournaments but I wanted a closer to home Stren type trail to add to my schedule. I most definately will not fish the ABA tourneys with the boater/nonboater competing against eachother format. (Never understood the concept behind that - just a hideous way of running a tournament).

cabela10 reply :

Quote
I most definately will not fish the ABA tourneys with the boater/nonboater competing against eachother format. (Never understood the concept behind that - just a hideous way of running a tournament).
B

Usually when it comes to a non-boater in the ABA, I have experienced that they are very unskilled individuals and that they are just looking to fish with somebody that has a boat. The non-boaters in the ABA events, usually aren't finishing with the top 20 guys. If by chance there is someplace in the ABA events that a non-boater is waxing everyone, then it's time for him to get a boat and fish on the boater side, since it's the same price.

Banor reply :

I would have to say that is not an accurate assessment. Even so just the fact that I have to compete with someone in the back of my boat and deal with them, by rule, having the right to pull fish out from under me. In addition, there are some great fishermen out there who cant afford a boat. The prize money from ABA tournaments is not going to buy a new boat.

cabela10 reply :

That's not what the ABA's purpose is. It's for the weekend angler to compete in bass tournaments with others around there area. It's not the Elite Series and it's not the FLW Tour. Maybe that is the problem you're having with this, your trying to compare it with those two tours.

The ABA is a low entry fee event that is suppose to be fun while in a competitive atmosphere. The nice thing about America is, if you don't like something, then stay away from it, but I don't see a reason to bash it.

God forbid you let some other person step in your precious boat.

Banor reply :

I would never compare the ABA to those tours.

I think I've made it clear I will exercise my rights as an American - rights that I contribute to defending every day.

I'd appreciate it if you didnt assume that it's about me thinking I'm too good for people to be in my boat.

I'm defending your average joe who cant afford a boat but is an exceptional fisherman good enough to beat most boaters. Your statement made it sound that he doesnt belong in the ABA unless he fishes out of his own boat. I'd welcome him in my boat any day! As a team mate, not as an adversary.

I truly hope the ABA makes the BASS weekend series a success. I'm just a tad bit bitter that they have chosen to not include a state with some great lakes and great anglers - Michigan. And I'm very skeptical that based on the decisions they've made in the past and my experience with them that it will be much of a success.

So, back to the thread topic. B.A.S.S and A.B.A join forces, which I assume JT threw out for fair and balanced discussion not just the rosey fanboi opinion. I dont think it will be a success and I'm dissapointed already in the execution of it. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

cravenfish reply :

Wait a min., I may be wrong and you guys can correct me, but the ABA/Bass weekend series is the same as it was last year, Boaters against boaters and Non-boaters against non-boaters, no shared weight and the non-boaters have a 3 fish limit. The other ABA events may have a different set of rules and I never looked at them since we are talking about the ABA/BASS merger which only concerns the weekend series. As for compeating against a non-boater in the back of your boat, that is how most local clubs do it,

Matt Fly reply :

Can I ask a question that pertains to the Northern states? Reading about some of the states that got left out.

Does the PWT, Proffessional Walleye Trail, hurt the numbers in those northern states for a bass trail?

Is there more call for Walleye tournaments?

In the south, we don't have a call for those trails, and Bass just seems to be the only ticket, but in the north, I see more Blog about walleye trails than bass tournaments.

Any ideal of what kind of ratio there are between walleye fishermen and bass fishermen?

Matt.

JT Bagwell reply :

You know, that is a very good question. I happen to live right where they

have held 2 of the last 3 FLW Walleye Tour Championships (at least I think

that is what they are calling it now). We are also hosting the Walleye League

Championship this coming season. Walleye fishing is big in this area, but I am

not sure that it is as big as bass fishing. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it starts

to get as big as bass fishing in the North because of all of the new tournament

trails available for those guys to fish.

JT Bagwell

cravenfish reply :

If your a Walleye fisherman, do you have to talk funny " ahh" ;D ;D

cabela10 reply :

Quote
If your a Walleye fisherman, do you have to talk funny " ahh" ;D ;D

That wasn't nice to say. ;D

dumbbasses reply :

First of all, let's not labor under any delusions. All the angler means to any of these organizations and their sponsor is MONEY. It's not a one way street: the angler wants cash, prizes, and recognition.

That said, if an organization doesn't provide what the angler wants, he bails. That's why the BASS weekend series failed and clearly why ABA starts out behind the eight ball. For whatever reason, ABA has their own problem with declining participation in their OWN weekend series.

Don't shoot the messenger: facts are facts and you can torture them to say whatever YOU want them to say. Decline is decline. If you can't fix the decline in your own organization, why take on a second pig? Could it be the lure of being on national TV somewhere down the road saying mark it Dewey

Tournaments here in XXXX that could draw over a hundred boats are lucky to have the minimum anglers for full points. Others that used to have barely enough for full points are not even worth fishing. And with the increase in fees, I hate to say it but, It IS the money, stupid! Wake u-u-u-u-p!! Anglers wanted an increase in payback so, what did they do? Raise the entry fees!!! When an organization can't read what the tea leaves are saying, they are in trouble. (Sorry for the X's, I'll be excommunicated if they find out my identity.)

If these organizations aren't careful, they could go the route of the World Bassing Association

Matt Fly reply :

In all fairness to the messenger, in Texas, the TTT, BFL also has not had full fields. Its not just BASS and the ABA having problems. And its not just in 2006.

We have so many avenues to fish in Texas, what a wonderfull opportunity to fish any one of these trails.

I would like to know the actual numbers over the last 2-3 years to see for ourselves the numbers that are dropping. What you call fact maybe only covering a couple of districts. What actual facts can you bring to the table?

Not opinion, but facts as you say.

Matt.

cabela10 reply :

Minnesota ABA districts are thriving. The attendence has gone up 2-4 more anglers per season since 2001. The total right now is around 45 per event in the Twin Cities area. Thats pretty good for a low-end tournament.

Its a big one reply :

good point dumbbasses most of the A.B.A. southeast can't hardly get full fields. the north mississippi A.B.A. director got mad and quit. theres some local trials paying 80% to 90% at the ramp and close to home. most of us are going to fish these. the heck with the national trials gas is to much

cabela10 reply :

Quote
good point dumbbasses most of the southeast can't hardly get full fields. the north mississippi director got mad and quit. theres some local trials paying 80% to 90% at the ramp and close to home. most of us are going to fish these. the heck with the national trials gas is to much

???

dumbbasses reply :

Hi Mat

Merry Christmas!

Matt, in answer to your question regarding what do I bring to the table.for starters, how about common sense, a little bit of attention to detail, personal observation, and sound inductive reasoning? You appeared to have taken it personally and in all candor, I have not gone back and looked at the other two pages to see if you even posted anything. When I commented, it was not personal and if you took it personally, you misunderstood. The insinuation about my post not being factual is debatable dealers choice. Trust me, if it was personal there would be no doubt in your mind.

However, in short, the specific points in my post were: 1) it's about the money; 2) the angler will bail if the organization doesn't meet his expectations; 3) ABA DOES have an uphill battle with the BASS weekend series 4) facts are facts and CAN be tortured to say what you (not you personally just generally speaking) want them to say 5) from personal observation I know several districts with severe decline in participation; 6) the increase in payback was remedied in the manner I described; 7) any organization that does not meet the needs of it's members will go belly-up.

Is there any specific point that you feel I need to address further?

PutPut reply :

Well dummies looks like you put a stop to that.I agree about the money,don't have a problem with paying, like you I would like to see some of it come back if I win. People get caught up in makeing the trail and sponsors look good that they forget about the one that counts.If the trail had no anglers what would they have? Nothing in my book. They say its all about the anglers but you would not only have the ones in charge talking up the trail but a massive force of anglers who would be proud to lift the flag and speak wellof a trail.There is good and bad in all that we do , most of us would just like a little more good.

Matt Fly reply :

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year back at you and every one else!!

I was asking for facts that you stated as to be truths. Can you give us some of the districts that are in decline. Numbers?

I say that because, we have so many great choices in Tx with, some have ties to FLW and BASS, but we have great trails for the weekend warrior, not too mention the great bass clubs that have open tourneys also.

I respect your opinion and your common sense. My post just ask this, and I don't even know how many districts the ABA has, you state they are down, far as I know, you may be talking about a few districts in your neck of the woods, and thats not showing the whole picture.

In all fairness to the ABA, there is too many choices, great choices in Tx, and all the FLW and BASS series in TX didn't have full fields for the past few years.

Is that a knock on FLW and BASS when all the other trails are not getting full fields either? I don't call any of those trails a failure, because there are so many choices to fish.

With all do respect, what state and region do you fish from. How many other trails are in your area?

How about the guys that don't have 20 trails in there area and are forced to fish one trail!

If you fish a small weekend series, and its all about the money, maybe you should step on up to one of the bigger trails that have full fields so you can get more bang for your buck. All or most trails pay back % of entries, so in all fairness, your trail pays ya'll back based on your numbers of entries recieved.

This is just a suggestion. If you want larger fields in your area, then the negative press you keep generating is not going to help you achieve your wants of having a full field.

Hook'em

Matt

dumbbasses reply :

Here's hoping the New Year brings us all the best fishing yetand sound, logical deliberations in forums like this one

Matt, first of all, let me dispose of the issue of negativity. As far as I'm concerned, it is just as important an issue as anything else being discussed. I would be flattered beyond description to think that my statements in my current posts are so powerful that they affected declining rates in tournaments in SEVERAL districts during the PAST year.

I did not generate negative press any more than I would be generating negative press by stating K'Mart stores are declining more all the time. The decline is not my fault and yes I can give you specific store closings. But, if you take personal observation of the closings in your area, couple it with observations from other people across the nation, add to it Kmart closings that you also observe as you travel through other states, you can arrive at a fairly sound generalized statement about Kmart's continued decline.

Without being negative, it's also a fair conclusion to say there's a problem. Somewhere along the line, management didn't listen to the customer. As in tournament participation, it's the reason for the decline that's important.

As for negative press, there seems to be a perception that because somebody surfaces an issue about an organization that the one doing the posting is somehow, negative. That's not true. I really am amused by individuals who simply say, pick up the phone call em they're easy to talk to right, and I've got some beach front property in Arizona for sale.

A lot of times, people who post in public forums do so out of frustration because of the unavailability of someone in management who will even LISTEN. Enough about negativity.

PutPut reply :

Dumbbasses, I agree with you on the feeling that saying something negative about an organization does not make you a pessimist or negative person. As for me, I have noticed that tournaments are started/disbanded every year and only the strong survive. When a tournament trail starts to go downhill like the BFL/FLW, (Matt) I think it is time to analyze WHY. There can be a lot of competing trails but the one that offers the most will ultimately survive. Tournament trails that are dwindling in numbers need to look at what they offer, compare it to their competitor and incorporate the best of both worlds. Can you bring it on down by comparing Kmart to tournament trails and what you say is a decline?

dumbbasses reply :

Sure I completely neglected to address Matt's comment about facts. I can provide some details. However, I won't be drawn into identifying specific districts that would be unfair to those who work so hard to shore up the declining numbers. Plus, it would be like asking me to air somebody's dirty laundry which Matt specifically stated generates negativity.

I'll give you my background and the extent of my facts. I have fished tournaments since 1975. Serving in the Army for over twenty years, I had an excellent opportunity to fish MBAA/ABA from Lake Champlain to the Red River. I fished with Red Man/Operation Bass/Federation Clubs/misc. tournaments like the Mt. Dew, Bass Pro Shops (owners tournaments), blah, blah, blah. Hopefully, that will add some credibility to my pointI've been at it for 31+ years and know a trend when I see it. Over the years, I have kept in touch with several angler friends both military and civilian.

Now, for my facts. Since these organizations won't open their books to memy facts are based on my observations and considering current tournament numbers vis--a-vis the numbers over the last few years. Some of these are available to members only, others may be available to the public at large.

Anyway, like Matt's situation, we have a ton of choices around here from Lake Nickajack, just keep going south and south and south I am fortunate to live in an area where I think that just about ANY given weekend I can drive to an ABA tournament. That's an opportunity you just don't get with any other tournament trail NONE. Add to that, BFL and others, it's an incredible opportunity for tournament anglers.

While the statement about declining participation was general in nature, it was based on personal participation in no less than seven districts within easy driving distance; then there are a couple across the border in Georgia; one over the line in Tennessee. Add to that a little feedback from old Army buddies in the east coast corridor, and so on. Like my analogy to Kmart, it's fairly safe to conclude there's a general decline. Matt even mentioned BFL/FLW declining numbers which I didn't, - which further underscores my point. Like the legal world, the truth is a defense and statements of fact are not a knock.

cabela10 reply :

I think a lot of the declining numbers are because of the increased gas prices. I know it cut down my traveling to fishing tournaments. It's not cheap to run a truck/boat combo over 100 miles to a tournament, you don't place, then drive 100 miles back. That's a 200 mile trip, and spent around $150. I'm sure the guys that aren't showing up to these tournaments are the bottom feeders. Novices are gone from the circuits.

PutPut reply :

You are right about the gas prices.People who don't have to count their money may not be affected but those who do (myself) included have to come up with the extra from somewhere.I know , I know "If you can't afford to fish it then don't" that has been said to many times. I guess that is the point some anglers are trying to make . Gas goes up now entry fee's go up . now you can try to come up with more money for both.

dumbbasses reply :

You folks are right on the money. I'm retired, I do not have anything but TIME on my hands. Two years ago, I was going to Joe Wheeler State Park three times a week. Now, I might go ONCE a month if someone goes with me and splits expenses. And I know for a fact that, with my retirement income and my wife's salary, I make a lot more than the average Joe. Gas prices AND the increase in tournament fees have had an impact on my participation. Tournament costs are getting beyond the reach of the typical weekend angler. Anybody who tells me to take it down the road if I can't afford it is out of touch with reality and will be sorely disappointed in my response.

Those so desirous of facts need to realize that facts, in and of themselves, can be deceiving. For example, one of the local districts is a good example. If I told you the district had quadrupled it's membership and tripled it's monthly participation you'd agree- it sounds pretty impressive, doesn't it?

What the facts may not show or be pointed out by management' is that the new district was being revived from the ashes of a defunct district who had their fill of management's B.S.everybody bailed. Now, with a new director, and membership up to FOUR, it HAS quadrupled. Likewise, with three members, the tournament participation has tripled! The Guntersville club used to have boats lined up to launch and now, last minute folks are a welcomed sight.

PutPut reply :

Dumbbasses,If I ever get down your way I would love to het the lake with you.I hear that the fishing is grand in your area.P.S. not to worry I will split all the cost with you , I am (retarded)I mean I am retired also ;D

PutPut reply :

dumbbasses. Please send me your e-mail or phone number,I have a legal problem I would like your insight on. You sound like you are in the know.

cabela10 reply :

Since B.A.S.S. turned the weekend series over to the ABA. Do you think that B.A.S.S. will even be a part of it after next year or a few years from now. To me, it seems like they want nothing to do with the weekend anglers and it will eventually not even be a way to get into the Classic.

JT Bagwell reply :

Quote
Since B.A.S.S. turned the weekend series over to the ABA. Do you think that B.A.S.S. will even be a part of it after next year or a few years from now. To me, it seems like they want nothing to do with the weekend anglers and it will eventually not even be a way to get into the Classic.

I think B.A.S.S. will continue to play a small roll in the weekend series. For starters it adds a lot more strength to their market approach for sponsors. They will continue to have you be a B.A.S.S. member to fish the tournaments and that adds more selling power for sponsors.

JT Bagwell

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