BASS or FLW? 2024

bassin_man reply :

Okay I know that I probably just opened up a huge can of worms. So please everyone that participates in this thread argue all you want but keep it civilized and no personal attacks. But I want everyones input on both as well as pros/cons everyone has. Thanks

R520dvx reply :

Yes, you did open a huge can or worms! ..... for my money, it would be FLW hands down. I base this mainly on the fact that BASS has washed it's hands of almost everything important to the average guy. They have bailed on just about everything that doesn't get the TV time. They ticked off the federation people last year, and this year they have farmed out the weekend series and canceled the Bassmaster University. Been on a major decline since owned by ESPN. Most of the guys that haved fished both the BFL and BASS Weekend will tell you the the BFL/FLW is much better organized. Just my .02.

squid reply :

I kinda agree with 520. The entry fees in BASS are gonna kill ya if ya don't get some huge sponsorship to help with the $55,000. Yes they now have more events, but that also adds up to more expenses. FLW also has bigger pay outs, with fewer events.

You just need to write out a list of Pro's and Con's for both and see which is more in tune with your wallet.

Sam reply :

In for the money - FLW

In for the glory - B.A.S.S.

cabela10 reply :

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FLW also has bigger pay outs, with fewer events.

This is actually not true. In another forum that I'm in, they've been debating this same issue for over a month now.

Shadcranker reply :

Depends what level you are talking about. If you talking the Weekend series (Bass's ABA or FLW's BFL), then the choice is clear- go with the BFL's. The new ABA format is a joke IMO (no regional and 250+ boats in their national event).

BASS made it clear that they are not interested in the weekend angler by off-loading the weekend series.

FLW on the other hand is commited to the BFLs, Federation, and the All American is as good as it gets for a weekend angler.

I made it to the BASS National weekend series championship this year (for 06 season), and it was ok, but ask anyone who's attended th All American and BASS event, and they'll tell you what's nicer. Only appeal to the ABA deal is to make the Classic, and your odds are miniscule. I've switched to BFL's this year and will not look back.

If you want to make it in big time Bass fishing and be on TV on the biggest stage, then BASS is the track. ESPN's involvement makes it the premier trail at the Elite level. Think of the biggets names in the sport, and you think Elite Series. Think biggest title, and it's still the Classic. Other than that, stay with FLW (BFL, Stren, The Series, etc.).

Other consideration is your boat brand. Perks are lined up Ranger vs. Triron. Money is much better in FLW with Ranger, etc.

The Duke reply :

I really agree with Shadcranker. But I believe that to be one of the top anglers in the world, then BASS is the way to go. Today, Little Miss Sunshine in 7th grade has heard of BASS and Kevin VanDam but doesn't have a clue who David Dudley is or FLW. Thats what BASS will do compared to FLW. The recognition and, consequently, the potential for sponsors is exponentially larger than FLW. If you can legitimately compete with the best, then I would say BASS is the hands down better choice. But if you're not at that level yet, FLW would be a great place to start and possibly work your way to BASS. FLW is a great organization and I don't know anyone who is upset they've participated in it.

To say that BASS has gotten worse and is dieing is not an educated comment. Since BASS has bought it, they've grown exponentially. Maybe not in every fishermen's garage or tackle shop, but the country can now recognize it. It is so much more widespread and recognized, to say its shrinking or stagnant is ludicrous. If its losing money, ESPN will drop them. But they still haven't and I don't anticipate it happening. You can say BASS ticked off the Federation, but it can also be well argued that TBF did some dirty things behind their backs and left them w/o much provocation ($5 dues increase, come on, give me a break!).

Good luck next season and making this decision. I hope you keep us informed!

squid reply :

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FLW also has bigger pay outs, with fewer events.

This is actually not true. In another forum that I'm in, they've been debating this same issue for over a month now.

SORRY CABELA...YOU LOST ME....WHAT PART IS NOT TRUE?

THE FLW TOUR HAS SIX EVENTS...3 WITH A 1st PLACE PAYOUT OF $125,000..ENTRY FEE IS $3500.....3 WITH A 1st PLACE PAYOUT OF $200,000...ENTRY FEE IS $4000....CHAMPIONSHIP'S PAYOUT FOR 1ST PLACE IS $1,000,000...NO ENTRY FEE. TOTAL ENTRY FEES IS $22,500 FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A GRAND TOTAL OF $1,975,000

BASS HAS 11 ELITE SERIES EVENTS THAT RUN $5000 PER EVENT AND TOP PAYOUT IS $100, 000, WITH A CHAMPIONSHIP PAYOUT OF $500,000. TOTAL ENTRY FEES ARE $55,000 FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A GRAND TOTAL OF $1,600,000.

HUMMMMM...YOU DO THE MATH.

EVEN IF MY MATH IS WRONG...MY STATEMENT IS TRUE....FEWER EVENTS WITH BIGGER PAYOUTS. $1500 DIFFERENCE IN ENTRY FEES PER EVENT AND $25000 MORE TO WIN...OR $1000 DIFFERENCE IN ENTRY FEES PER EVENT WITH $100,000 DIFFERENCE IN WINNINGS. THAT PART OF THE MATH IS RIGHT.

JMHO

Glenn reply :

A couple of things to keep in mind folks:

1. If you favor one over the other, state the positive reasons why that one is better. Bashing the other isn't what this sport is about. Let's keep it positive.

2. Keep in mind BASS made it clear a few years ago they were going "all pro", which means phasing out the weekend warriors. They have been doing just that. You don't have to like it, but it should not be a surprise nor secret to anyone. I'm not defending them.... it is what it is.

So with that said, if you're ready to go all pro, then it's a decision between the two. Otherwise, it's one of the FLW tours (BFL, Sten Series, TTT, etc.).

Ribbit_Ribbit reply :

I just wanted to add something about what shadcranker said. he said it depends on what boat brand you have. Isn't that only a consideration for sponsorship exemptions? I have talked to pro's that fish Triton and Ranger boats and was told regardless of what boat you run the company will match the contingency money regardless. Meaning that if you run a Triton in an FLW event BFL, STREN, TOUR etc. that Triton will match the contingency money offered by Ranger or visa versa. Just curious if anyone knows this to be true or not.

cabela10 reply :

Squid, I'm not gonna argue with you on this. Refer to this thread... http://www.futurebass.com/cgi/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=1251

Read this and tell me what you think after reading.

Ribbit_Ribbit, matching another persons contingency money seems like a great idea, but I've never seen that in writing that they would do that.

-badhabit- reply :

edited: ABA called and fixed problems +

Hale reply :

Ribbit, the other manufactures are offering hefty contingency payouts in all the bigger events. In most cases it is a matched payout. You just dont see as much publicity from Nitro (example) in regards to a BASS event since Triton rules that advertising space. Even so, the contingency payouts are somewhat negotiable once you start getting the exposure of being a specific brand boater.

Now Mercury and MotorGuide have stepped in with promoting their contingency programs. I think this answers most all peoples fascination to obtain sponsors....if your good, they will pay you!

I vote for BASS on the fact that they have a better road map for developing a career as a professional angler. The math that was done above may be correct in that the entry fees are more and payout is less. But with ESPN being the engine behind all of it, it allows the angler to obtain a great deal of exposure and obtain the larger corporate sponsors. The kind of sponsors that are paying Swindle 600k a year. I would love to see a total money comparison between the big name FLW and BASS guys and see if its even close.

squid reply :

CABELA10, I LIKE THAT FORUM. BUT I THOUGHT THIS THREAD WAS ABOUT BASS vs FLW.....NOT STREN, BFL, OR FLW SERIES. BASS NO LONGER HAS A WEEKEND THING ANYMORE. THEY HAVE THE TBF...THROUGH FLW, YOU CAN MAKE IT TO THE CLASSIC THROUGH THIS (I THINK)..IF SO..PRETTY INTERESTING. SO ARE THEY GETTING READY TO MERGE?

BACK TO SUBJ. AT HAND.

TWO PRO TOURS. IN BOTH...YOU STILL HAVE TO FINISH IN THE TOP 50 TO MAKE "SOME" MONEY. THIS IS TOURS AND ELITE SERIES NOW...NO OPENS OR ANYTHING CLOSE. ONE HAS THE GRAND DADDY OF THEM ALL..AND THE FAME...THE CLASSIC. STILL HAVE TO FISH OR ATLEAST PAY FOR ALL 11 EVENTS THOUGH. THE OTHER..HAS ALL THE RICHES....HAVE TO FISH 6 EVENTS.

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You just need to write out a list of Pro's and Con's for both and see which is more in tune with your wallet.

SO..IF YOU WANT TO BECOME A PRO....LET YOUR WIFE OR WALLET DECIDE FOR YOU...CAUSE ON HERE YOU WILL ONLY GET A ONE SIDE vs THE OTHER ON WHO IS BETTER.....IMO...FLW

AND LIKE GLENN SAID...IF YOU ARE GONNA GO ALL PRO...YOU HAVE BASS AND FLW TO CHOOSE FROM....OTHER THAN THAT....THE GUY WANTING TO GIVE THE BIG BOYS A TRY....(BFL,TBF,STREN, AND FLW SERIES) IS ALL YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE FROM FOR NOW.

FOR ME...THIS YEAR I WILL BE FISHING A TEAM TRAIL...MORE FUN...LESS EXPENSIVE AND HASSELS.

BUT AGAIN...LIKED THE FORUM AND THE TOPIC...GREAT POINTS TO PONDER ON.

IrishJig reply :

I prefer the BASS for a couple of reasons. First, most of my favorite pros fish that series. And more importantly, I like the extended schedule. I like the number of events and the fact that the schedule is spread out for an entire spring and summer so you get to see the pros fish a lot of different styles, and only anglers who are versatile are going to win Angler of the Year.

I'm not a tournament angler myself right now (maybe in the future), so for me it's about entertainment value.

cabela10 reply :

Squid, they were talking about the BASS vs FLW thing. They got off topic like most forum threads do. Filter out the BFL, Stren and all that other stuff they talked about. They compared how much the BASS pro's and FLW Tour pro's get for payback. I hope I posted the correct link stating that stuff for you. If not, oops.

squid reply :

YES YOU DID....I ENJOY IT....LOOKED IT OVER PRETTY GOOD YESTERDAY AT WORK...LOL THEN IT GOT TO BUSY FOR ME TO JOIN IT...WILL DO THAT SOMETIME TODAY.....THANKS FOR THE SITE.

SQUID

The Duke reply :

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but BASS events cost pros $3500 per event, BUT if they make the top 50, they have to pay an additional $1500 to fish it. Not bad, since you're guaranteed $10k for 50th place. How much is an FLW pro cost? I don't know the answer to this.

cabela10 reply :

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Correct me if I'm mistaken, but BASS events cost pros $3500 per event, BUT if they make the top 50, they have to pay an additional $1500 to fish it.

I've never heard of that. They have to prepay $55,000 before the start of the season. However that money is distributed throughout the events are beyond me. But I believe they have 3 majors that are no entry fee events.

IrishJig reply :

When Rucks was making all his changes he first threw out the idea of a tiered system for paying to fish in the tourneys. It was like $1500 to get into a tourney, another $1500 to fish the top 50, and another $1500 for the top 12. After all the anglers complained it was changes to a straight $5000 per tournament.

bassin_man reply :

It really seems like with BASS pretty much taking away the weekend series that FLW is the way to go until you know you can compete/have the money or maybe I am just looking at it wrong.

Rattlinrogue reply :

I like both tours,but I'd have to go with BASS.It just gets WAY more coverage,and imo the anglers on the BASS circuit are way more recognizable(with a few exceptions).The only time I EVER get to see FLW coverage is when I'm having a bout of insomnia and catch a round on Fox Sports South at 3:00 AM.

bassin_man reply :

In all honesty I would go with BASS in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the huge amount of money one has to need. It just seems FLW now these days are more friendly to the anglers that want to compete under the organization but not at the top level quit yet.

squid reply :

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Correct me if I'm mistaken, but BASS events cost pros $3500 per event, BUT if they make the top 50, they have to pay an additional $1500 to fish it. Not bad, since you're guaranteed $10k for 50th place. How much is an FLW pro cost? I don't know the answer to this.

FLW COST $3500.....PAYS $10K FOR 50th PLACE AND $2K FOR 75th ATLEAST THEY GET SOMETHING BACK FOR FINISHING THAT LOW...HUH?

bassin_man reply :

What are the different ways that a guy can qualify for the Classic anymore these days since BASS has pretty much done away with some of the lower tournament circuits.

cabela10 reply :

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What are the different ways that a guy can qualify for the Classic anymore these days since BASS has pretty much done away with some of the lower tournament circuits.

Everything is the same. You have all the federation guys and the 1 weekend series guy. Nothing has changed. It's just easier in the Federation now, cuz so many people switched over to FLW.

tallydude reply :

I gotta go with BASS. I don't even recognize FLW. To me, BASS has the history, tradition, prestige and the better anglers.

cabela10 reply :

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BASS has the history, tradition, prestige and the better anglers.

Well, I would freakin' hope so, FLW started in 1997. Can't build to much history, tradition, prestige in 10 years.

By the way, what makes you think they have better anglers? If I recall, Luke Clausen, exclusive FLW guy won the Classic last year. Set records. KVD was fishing the FLW before they started this 11 event Elite Series, show me how well KVD did in the FLW. I believe he is smoking the BASS guys more than he did the FLW boys. Chew on that.

squid reply :

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BASS has the history, tradition, prestige and the better anglers.

KVD was fishing the FLW before they started this 11 event Elite Series, show me how well KVD did in the FLW. I believe he is smoking the BASS guys more than he did the FLW boys. Chew on that.

I THOUGHT HE DID AWESOME IN FLW. IN 3 SEASONS WITH THEM HE WON OVER $227,250 WAS AOY IN 2001, RUNNER UP IN 2002. NOT BAD FOR 3 SEASONS. FINISHED 22 IN 2003. FISHED 1 TIME IN 99 AND CAME IN 2ND AND WON $100K. SO GRAND TOTAL...FISHING 21 EVENTS HE AMASHED $370,950

Banor reply :

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I like both tours,but I'd have to go with BASS.It just gets WAY more coverage,and imo the anglers on the BASS circuit are way more recognizable(with a few exceptions).The only time I EVER get to see FLW coverage is when I'm having a bout of insomnia and catch a round on Fox Sports South at 3:00 AM.

Still hold this opinion?

The Duke reply :

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I like both tours,but I'd have to go with BASS.It just gets WAY more coverage,and imo the anglers on the BASS circuit are way more recognizable(with a few exceptions).The only time I EVER get to see FLW coverage is when I'm having a bout of insomnia and catch a round on Fox Sports South at 3:00 AM.
Still hold this opinion?

B

I would second that opinion.

tritonman reply :

Well if you really look at it, neither one likes to show their championship live on TV.

cabela10 reply :

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BASS has the history, tradition, prestige and the better anglers.

KVD was fishing the FLW before they started this 11 event Elite Series, show me how well KVD did in the FLW. I believe he is smoking the BASS guys more than he did the FLW boys. Chew on that.

I THOUGHT HE DID AWESOME IN FLW. IN 3 SEASONS WITH THEM HE WON OVER $227,250 WAS AOY IN 2001, RUNNER UP IN 2002. NOT BAD FOR 3 SEASONS. FINISHED 22 IN 2003. FISHED 1 TIME IN 99 AND CAME IN 2ND AND WON $100K. SO GRAND TOTAL...FISHING 21 EVENTS HE AMASHED $370,950

And what are his stats in that time frame with B.A.S.S.? Alot of the top guns that are now fishing the FLW, weren't there in 2001 or 2002.

squid reply :

THE ONLY THING YOU ARE TELLING ME IS THAT HIS SKILLS HAVE BEEN FINE TUNED. KVD IS THE MAN NO MATTER WHAT LEAGUE HE FISHES WITH.

cabela10 reply :

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THE ONLY THING YOU ARE TELLING ME IS THAT HIS SKILLS HAVE BEEN FINE TUNED. KVD IS THE MAN NO MATTER WHAT LEAGUE HE FISHES WITH.

Well, nobody would disagree with that obvious statement.

Root beer reply :

If you like being a poster boy join FLW!

FLW is bunch selfish ******! I refuse to fish with them. From my expereince watching FLW the only day they get televison coverages they are cover in FLW brand clothing and ranger boats. are you kidding me? They want their name all over you rather then your sponsors. Screw wal-mart and FLW. I dont even know why wal-mart has to plaster their name all over the tour everybody going go to wal-mart no matter what so they dont have any reason to use FLW as an advertising market. Granted FLW possible pay out further down the standing, but it not that worth it.

B.A.S.S. on other hand granted ESPN has some major flaws that should be fix, but they let you promote your self to gain sponsor to get money pay for entry fees. Plus as mention above BASS is for the glory.

I personally rather take BASS over FLW any day. I've heard stories FLW made you cover up your sponsor and wear stern, FLW, or ranger boat all over you rather then your main sponsors.

Screw it I'm not going to be FLW poster boy. Take luke clausen for example he wanted in on the elite series and when he got his chance he back out claim he had "tennis elbow injury" 3 weeks later he was fishing the FLW tour. I guess he a fast healer wrong FLW paid him to stay on FLW tour.

See they are all about them self. They dont care about your sponsors they want money for them self to add to entries fees. They dont want Luke Clausen getting exposure on BASS tour.

Go with BASS. If bass is still that bad by time I get out of college. I'll get a job with them and turn it around! ;D I agree espn is bunch idiots, but they got cameras for exposure.

cabela10 reply :

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Take luke clausen for example he wanted in on the elite series and when he got his chance he back out claim he had "tennis elbow injury" 3 weeks later he was fishing the FLW tour. I guess he a fast healer wrong FLW paid him to stay on FLW tour.

Show me where Clausen said he wanted to fish the Elite Series? FLW/Chevy wanted him to fish exclusively FLW and they did throw more money at him, whats exactly wrong with that again?

FLW must be doing something right to get Larry Nixon and he's not fishing BASS anymore, and George Cochran. All guys that won the Classic at one point in there careers. If FLW is so bad, why are they leaving BASS???

Root beer reply :

HAHAHA Cabela, If you read "bassmaster" It shows that Luke Clausen wanted in on Elite Series. There was an article last may or april issue that he wanted in on the Elite Series and when he won the classic he got an automatic bid to fish the Elite Series.

If Clausen never wanted in on the Elite Series why would he try to qualify for the classic and win it or do well enough to qualify for the elite series? He try to reserve a spot in the Elite Series before the classic, but he was too late and field been set, but when he won the classic he got an automatic bid. Then he back out went back to FLW because of "tennis elbow injury."

It Obvious that FLW wants someone like him to stay on their tour rather then fish both. I bet you, if you take the top BASS guys and top FLW guys. BASS will destory them to pieces.

I cant prove he got paid by FLW/Chevy to stay on FLW tour, but it obvious. He back out of Elite Series saying he had tennis elbow injury and couple weeks later he was fishing the FLW tour. Sounds obvious to me. He really wanted in on the Elite Series.

I think main reason why the old school stars like nixon, cochran, etc. Left BASS because BASS was becoming a young gun tour, guys like Ike, Swindle, KVD, Monroe, etc are starting to be the main guys on BASS. People want to cover them more then anyone eles now.

bassin_man reply :

If FLW did pay Luke so whats the big deal? Money talks these days. Would you rather take the guaranteed money or fish the Elite series where you just don't know whats going to happen? I know what I would do. Also about the top BASS guys and the top FLW guys. While it may not be all the top guys I do recall Luke being the winner of the last Ultimate Match Fishing show where there were guys such as Ike, Swindle, etc. Most if not all of the other competitors were BASS guys except for him. He pretty much went through that show with ease.

squid reply :

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Take luke clausen for example he wanted in on the elite series and when he got his chance he back out claim he had "tennis elbow injury" 3 weeks later he was fishing the FLW tour. I guess he a fast healer wrong FLW paid him to stay on FLW tour.

FLW must be doing something right to get Larry Nixon and he's not fishing BASS anymore, and George Cochran. All guys that won the Classic at one point in there careers. If FLW is so bad, why are they leaving BASS???

I LIKE THIS POINT RIGHT HERE ..SORRY, WAS THE ONLY ARROW POINTING UP....LOL

THERE ARE SOME OTHERS WHO LEFT BASS TO FISH FLW...AND SOME STILL FISH BOTH. SO IT WOULD BE A TOURNAMENT OF TOP GUYS WHO FISH EXCLUSIVLEY WITH THEIR OWN LEAGUE....NO ONE WHO FISHES BOTH. THAT WOULD BE COOL TO SEE.

The Duke reply :

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FLW must be doing something right to get Larry Nixon and he's not fishing BASS anymore, and George Cochran. All guys that won the Classic at one point in there careers. If FLW is so bad, why are they leaving BASS???

Not necessarily true. Lets face it, Nixon & Cochran are getting a bit older and I would bet the longer schedule that BASS put out had something to do with their not fishing it. They fished both circuits for a number of years and they pulled out of BASS when their season extended. That sounds like the obvious reason.

Also, out of 102 Elite Series anglers fishing last year 97 of them have signed back on. So the whole idea that FLW is growing from the influx of BASS anglers leaving BASS is uneducated. Read the reviews from the Elite Series guys, they love BASS now. Its the premier league for professionals.

cabela10 reply :

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Also, out of 102 Elite Series anglers fishing last year 97 of them have signed back on. So the whole idea that FLW is growing from the influx of BASS anglers leaving BASS is uneducated.

Who said anything like that? Stop making stuff up, in an attempt to prove your point.

BTW, my examples left before the Elite Series started. The made a decision and I can't believe the increased schedule was the factor. Both Nixon and Cochran are fishing the Tour and FLW Series which is around 8-10 events, similar to the Elite Series.

squid reply :

DEAN ROJAS FISHED FLW AND BASS LAST YEAR.

LETS SEE IF ANYONE RECOGNIZES THESE B A S S ANGLERS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT....ALL FISHING FLW NOW.

STACY KING, DION HIBDON, GUIDO HIBDON, GARY YAMAMOTO, WOO DAVES, LUKE CLAUSEN, DAVID FRITTS, JAY YELAS, LARRY NIXON, CLARK WENDLANDT, JT KENNEY, SHINICHI FUKAE, DAVID FRITTS, DAN MOREHEAD, GEORGE COCHRAN, DAVID DUDLEY, AND CHARLIE INGRAM.

SOME HAVE WON THE BASS CLASSIC AT ONE TIME IN THER CAREER.

The Duke reply :

I wonder how many guys on the Elite Series once fished FLW. KVD & Ike, Aaron Martens, and Steve Kennedy are just a few. The funny thing, its big news for FLW when it gets a guy from BASS, proven by some posts here; there's a definitive memory of all these guys. Squib, you left a good list, but with the exception of Clausen, I could argue that all of those guys are on the downward side of their career. Not to say they're not great anglers - they are, but were not winning much money when they left BASS. Maybe they're more competitive with FLW.

I'm not making stuff up. Cabela10 you said,

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All guys that won the Classic at one point in there careers. If FLW is so bad, why are they leaving BASS???

That implies that guys are leaving BASS now. They're not. If you want to talk about the past decade of who's left BASS or FLW, vice versa, whatever, that argument is irrelevant. Whats going on now? Lets talk about the present if thats OK. Guys are not leaving BASS to fish FLW. And they're enjoying the Elite Series. Again, I wonder how many guys have fished FLW on their way up to BASS.

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BTW, my examples left before the Elite Series started.

So whats your point?

cabela10 reply :

The Duke, what are you talking. I am talking about right now. Both Cochran and Nixon stopped fishing B.A.S.S. this past year. That is pretty recent to me, not the past.

KYbass1276 reply :

BassBeat101 reply :

Yowza. I enjoy them both - whatever is on TV, I'll watch. It's tournament fishing - I could probably watch a local club tournament if they were catching fish. I liken the BASS v. FLW somewhat similar to the ol' WCW v. WWF matchup. Except without the drama - oh wait, the whole Luke Clausen thing and DQ's every tourney.

Daryl

superstud55 reply :

This is such a hard decision, but i am going to have to choose B.A.S.S. I like the coverage and the anglers. Ya espn made it go down hill a little, but is fsn any better? :-/

Yes anglers have left bass, but they have also left flw. i see bass as a better circuit, with more compitition, so if it were me i would fish the flw to gain some exsperiance then make my way to bass.

As for payouts, u shouldnt be fishing for the money, why are we turning professional fishing into every other pro sport where its all about how much money we can make? Next thing you know there will be anglers on strike because payouts arent high enough, fish for the love of the sport not to make a lil more money. i understand they need to make a living, but if ur not placing high enough to do so maybe your just not what it takes to be a full time pro, not trying to start any fights just my personal oppinion.

cabela10 reply :

It's all about the money in fishing because the entry fees are so high and the tackle/rods are so expensive you have to win money to get some of that back. Professional sports like, football, baseball and hockey don't have to pay thousands of dollars for equipment, it's all giving to them by the teams that employ them. They don't have to pay $500 entry fees to play one game during the season. If you are into tournament fishing for the fun of it, you should find a new sport because your just donating your money. Of course I am only talking about the high-end events, if your a club fishermen, entry fees at $20, then have fun, but when you get into the $100+ entry fees, you better be all about the money, otherwise you should spend that money on the girlfriend or your debt.

Glenn reply :

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not trying to start any fights just my personal oppinion.

Very important to remember, Cabela10. Let them have their opinions.

Just a reminder folks, sometimes it's best to agree to disagree. It would be fruitless to try to change everyone's opinions to align with yours.

superstud55 reply :

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It's all about the money in fishing because the entry fees are so high and the tackle/rods are so expensive you have to win money to get some of that back. Professional sports like, football, baseball and hockey don't have to pay thousands of dollars for equipment, it's all giving to them by the teams that employ them. They don't have to pay $500 entry fees to play one game during the season. If you are into tournament fishing for the fun of it, you should find a new sport because your just donating your money. Of course I am only talking about the high-end events, if your a club fishermen, entry fees at $20, then have fun, but when you get into the $100+ entry fees, you better be all about the money, otherwise you should spend that money on the girlfriend or your debt.

understandable, forgot to think of it that way. and sponsers still do provide some equipment in fishing.

guest reply :

I like the BASS schedule and rules. BASS rules are in place to test the anglers skill level as by the off limits rule.

Some old BASSers that left to fish the FLW have complained about not having an off limit period such as BASS, currently, FLW allows anglers to be on the water all month before an event as were BASS has strict practice times.

I have more respect for an angler who only gets 3 days to feel out a lake than the guys who have all year to practice on upcoming waters.

As for pay outs, you have 200 FLW competing for the same prize money were as the BASS, only 100 are competing.

I am grateful for what BASS did 35 years ago when the FLW was doing what for the future of bass fishing? Where would competive fishing be with out the ground breaking steps that Ray Scott took.

I also think competition between the 2 will keep pushing the envelope, thus making bass fishing even better.

I love bass fishing, and both seem to promote the things I care about. I favor BASS, but FLW keeps them on their toes, and thats a good thing.

Hookem

Matt.

The Duke reply :

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As for pay outs, you have 200 FLW competing for the same prize money were as the BASS, only 100 are competing.

Excellent Point. You make many good points Matt.

Bass_in_Excess reply :

I'm a member of a BASS affiliated club, which would let me fish the Federation Nation tournaments. Next year I'll be fishing some FLW BFL tournaments in the Shenandoah division. I'm going to form my own oppinion and get back to you on this question.

topwtr81 reply :

squid listed a bunch of name's that moved from bass to flw

first let's address them

if you look close the majority of them are sponsored primarily by flw title sponsor's

nixon is stratos's only pro

cochrane the hibdon's, shin fukae Ranger pro's

ranger and stratos both owned by genmar

mark davis jay yelas are skeeter pro's

david dudley shouldn't even be mentioned after his unsportsmanlike conduct his last year in b.a.s.s. flw was probrably the only option

mark davis finished top 10 at the resent southern open when asked why he was fishing the open's he stated two reason's and number 1 was to get back to the classic 2 (which I admire) was to get out with other pro's than just flw paa member's

I am a b.a.s.s. fan for many reason's as a tournament angler and ***

the coverage and media exposure for the angler's is unprecedented and can't be compared

the conservation effort's by b.a.s.s. has gotten us a voice in washington as well as the capitol's in most states'

flw's conservation effort's have been lukewarm at best they talk a good game but all I see is superficial money to look good

b.a.s.s. just signed ramada worldwide as a major sponsor of the federation nation offering discount's to all member's

the federation nation still get's 6 slot's in the classic

b.a.s.s. allow's it's angler's to negotiate contract's that suit them with whoever they want they can fish out of whatever boat they want and wear whatever sponsor's they have on stage and in official media

flw do's not allow the negotiation of team sponsorship's it's either what they say or the highway

the elite series guy's have a 1 in 2 chance of making 10k

flw tour and series guy's have a 1 in four chance of making 10k

b.a.s.s. has made mistake's but historically has been the start and presently the pioneer of the sport

I fished operation bass redman for alot of year's flw simply bought a trail and smartly put a recognizable bass name on it.

fact of the top 50 money winner's in all of pro bass last year elite series pro's where 36 of those top 50

which mean's that more than 1/3 of the elite pro's made 100k or more

all in my humble opinion

R. J. reply :

I have fished both at the amature level, ie BFL and Bass Federation and BFL is now the best without a doubt. And part of the reason that I exude that is, as a proud American and veteran I cannot support an organization, (BASS) that is even partly sponsered by an Anti-American company. Namely CITCO which is owned by the Dictator of Venezuela, President Chavez. I dropped out of the largest Federated Nation Club in the world for that very reason. I refuse to belong to BASS until they divorce themself from CITCO, but then it is all about their money isn't it. I'll walk 10 miles to another gas station before I give them even 1 American dollar.

The Duke reply :

Thats old news now. BASS had that divorce in late 2006.

Rattlinrogue reply :

Being a recreational angler,I voted for BASS from the standpoint of a fan who likes to watch televised tournaments and read good fishing magazines.No glory dreams of "going pro".BASS just has a whole lot more coverage than FLW.The magazine,while not perfect, is much better than FLW's.That being said,I also like to watch FLW coverage(just not enough of it),and I like to read their magazine.It's not a bad read.Just not as good as Bassmaster Magazine.

topwtr81 reply :

rj the duke is right B.a.s.s. listened to it's member's and did not renew their deal with citgo that's why it's the toyota elite series and toyota tundra angler of the year race now

b.a.s.s. was locked into a deal that they signed with citgo that was good through 06 you can't hold it against them for honoring the remainder of the contract I respect the fact that they listened and dropped them.

I think you should reconsider your club the citgo thing more affected the pro level and club's need quality people to help with the future of the sport, you seem to have strong conviction's and I'm sure your club could benefit from you as a member

Rattlinrogue reply :

Quote

Quote
I like both tours,but I'd have to go with BASS.It just gets WAY more coverage,and imo the anglers on the BASS circuit are way more recognizable(with a few exceptions).The only time I EVER get to see FLW coverage is when I'm having a bout of insomnia and catch a round on Fox Sports South at 3:00 AM.

Still hold this opinion?

B

yes

bassmaster8100 reply :

In my opinion alot of pro anglers are leaving BASS for FLW for the money. FLW has alot better payouts. Personally I am a member of both FLW and BASS but if forced to choose it would be BASS. They seem to do alot more for conservation and cast for kids. If you are an amatuer like myself I would encourage you to be part of the Federation Nation. In football you have the Super Bowl, baseball is the World Series. In bass fishing I mean you gotta admit its the Bassmaster Classic. This is the reason I will always fish BASS, in hopes of one day living the dream of fishing the Classic.

topwtr81 reply :

ok the money is better? let's see here simple math

last year there was 11 points elite's that paid 11 different angler's 100k

there was 3 major's that paid 3 different angler's 250k

there have been 2 classic's since the elite's started that paid two winner's 500k

and this year there have been 3 point's tourney's that have paid 3 different angler's 100k each

the key word is DIFFERENT there has been 19 elite series event's and 19 DIFFERENT ANGLER'S HAVE MADE 100K

there has not been a repeat winner yeat 19 angler's amount's to almost 20% of the field

in the same time there has been 10 flw tour event's that paid 100k to the winner

2 forrest wood cup's that paid 500k to the winner that make's 12 events that angler's made 100k in

or what is 12 divided by 200 oh yeah that's 6% of the angler's

so let's take the whole the money is better out of it

The Duke reply :

Don't forget in BASS only 100 (plus or minus a handful) anglers compete and the top 50 take home at least 10k while in FLW 200 (plus or minus a handful) anglers compete and still only the top 50 bring home a good check. 1st place is the same for both circuits 100k. Computing this... the better money is obviously with BASS.

bassmaster8100 reply :

The money may be pretty close so far this year however you do the math when the year is over, Ive done the math I can make more money as an amatuer fishing BFL than the Federation however the Federation does alot more for coservation and cast for kids and theres more to it than just tournaments for me thats why my choice is hands down B.A.S.S., that just the way I feel about it. And as I stated in my previous post just my opinion.

spinnerbaitalways reply :

Dont argue just fish!

14100

BASS or FLW? 2024

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