No more WBT 2024
Olebiker reply :
BASS has announced the cancellation of the Women's Bass Tour citing declining participation.
fishfordollars reply :
Nothing BASS/ESPN does these days surprises me.
They could give a rat's a** about the sport anyway.
Probably just the start of things to come.
While I'm at it, their Saturday morning programing s**ks to.
Jack
Glenn reply :
Yep, I just recieved the official notification.
So let's see if I understand this correctly...the economy tanks, which drives participation down, so BASS quits a good thing based on low participation.
Brain damaged.
If they had any sense about them, they'd realize even the best of best things took a hit the last 2 years due to the economy. This move only proves one thing. They are ...
Brain damaged.
fishfordollars reply :
QuoteYep, I just recieved the official notification.So let's see if I understand this correctly...the economy tanks, which drives participation down, so BASS quits a good thing based on low participation.
Brain damaged.
If they had any sense about them, they'd realize even the best of best things took a hit the last 2 years due to the economy. This move only proves one thing. They are ...
Brain damaged.
Glenn, you are way too kind.
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteQuoteYep, I just recieved the official notification.So let's see if I understand this correctly...the economy tanks, which drives participation down, so BASS quits a good thing based on low participation.
Brain damaged.
If they had any sense about them, they'd realize even the best of best things took a hit the last 2 years due to the economy. This move only proves one thing. They are ...
Brain damaged.
Glenn, you are way too kind.
Yes , way too kind.
Zel... reply :
Sorry to hear the news about the WBT 
. I had hoped that BASS, with all their resources, could have made a women's tour successful. Sometimes I wonder if the cast of mind at BASS hasn't become It's always darkest right before the pitch black.
Simp reply :
Wow that's messed up. Really the whole way ESPN runs BASS is messed up!
burleytog reply :
Not surprising. Nothing but a money waster for ESPN/BASS.
Did anyone (other than participants) even follow/care about the WBT?
Olebiker reply :
QuoteNot surprising. Nothing but a money waster for ESPN/BASS.Did anyone (other than participants) even follow/care about the WBT?
I sure did. Pam Martin-Wells is a local lady. I also followed Marcia Rubin before she got sick and had to drop out.
Glenn reply :
I've been following it since it's ***. Female anglers are the largest growing demographic of the fishing industry. It's a shame ESPN has decided not to support them any longer.
bocraw reply :
I don't blame BASS for pulling out if the support wasn't there. It has to be a win-win for everyone. But the lack of notice is no good. Those ladies who were planning on participating had already put a great deal of work into 2010. Their sponsors had bought in based on what BASS had published it was going to do. They could have held the 2010 season with a less than full field and cut the program at the end of the year.
Copen1822 reply :
Makes sense to me. Why have a separate tour anyway. All these lady's are more than welcome to continue fishing opens and such and work their way up the ranks. Am I wrong? :-?
fishfordollars reply :
QuoteNot surprising. Nothing but a money waster for ESPN/BASS.Did anyone (other than participants) even follow/care about the WBT?
Yes I did. Juanita lives 3 miles from me and she was always in the top 5. Great fisherwoman.
Glenn reply :
QuoteMakes sense to me. Why have a separate tour anyway. All these lady's are more than welcome to continue fishing opens and such and work their way up the ranks. Am I wrong? :-?
Technically, you're correct. But most of the women don't feel welcome, speaking from personal observation as well as conversations with many of them. You only have to look at Burley's comment to understand why.
little_stephen reply :
three points
1. if you think its a waste its about time you catch up to the times...... females are one of the fastest growing demographics in almost any field!
2. i think that it is kinda silly that they needed a seperate tour. i get that they dont feel welcome. but then id just recite the same comment above to any professional angler.
- to put it bluntly...... fishing isnt a sport where other than the willingness of a sponsor to jump onboard (which they have every right to choose to endorse a male over a female-welcome to free market system!) there really isnt a need to have a seperate division.....
- its not like where looking at college womens basketball versus mens...... where there is obviously a physical gap to overcome. last time i checked, most of us here would get our a**es handed to us by those ladies......
-i think they should be more than welcome on the elite trail.....
3. If you think its ESPN pulling the strings then you dont know jack...... go do you're homework and see who owns who. ESPN is not the top of that foodchain..... the fate off everything bass lies alot higher up than that!
but besides the fact. it still sucks. noone has the patience to wait anything out. it takes at least 2-4 years for something to get to its fullest level! and on top of that the female fishing population is just now getting a rolling start towards booming. that just got shot in the foot (well maybe just the big toe. itll still take off)
little_stephen reply :
and one more comment.
If any of those ladies read this.......... ID GLADLY TAKE A CHANCE TO GO FISHING WITH ANYONE OF YOU!
lol. bust i still think it sucks!
RI_Bass_Guy reply :
QuoteNot surprising. Nothing but a money waster for ESPN/BASS.Did anyone (other than participants) even follow/care about the WBT?
I know I cared ande followed it. One of my friends has fished the co-angler side since it started and has told me on numerous occasions how great it was. This was about the almighty dollar and thats it. The day any of the other trails do not meet the projected profit margin you will see them meet the same fate. ESPN does not care about anything other than their bottom line...period
fishfordollars reply :
Quoteand one more comment.If any of those ladies read this.......... ID GLADLY TAKE A CHANCE TO GO FISHING WITH ANYONE OF YOU!
lol. bust i still think it sucks!
Probably shock you what you could learn from these very talented ladies. You would be a lucky man if you could spend a day with any of them.
Olebiker reply :
QuoteQuoteand one more comment.If any of those ladies read this.......... ID GLADLY TAKE A CHANCE TO GO FISHING WITH ANYONE OF YOU!
lol. bust i still think it sucks!
Probably shock you what you could learn from these very talented ladies. You would be a lucky man if you could spend a day with any of them.
I saw Pam Martin-Wells on a fishing show last year and, in addition to her being a good fisherman, she looked like she would be a hoot to fish with.
burleytog reply :
QuoteESPN does not care about anything other than their bottom line...period
They're a business, what else are they supposed to care about? The sole purpose of a business is to make money.
Those women have two options. Fish the opens and make it that way. Start their own tournament organization.
RockvilleMDAngler reply :
Danika Patrick races cars with men and I am sure they were not all thrilled to have her on the circuit when she started. Even if there is some sexism at the Open events (and I don't see why there would be, someone who thinks women are bad at fishing should be happy that they are contributing their entry fees to the pot that they won't win), these ladies should still sign up and prove themselves. The fish don't care what gender you are so there should be no seperate tour. I am sure a lot of these women would fare very well in the opens and I wouldn't be shocked if a few made it onto the elite series!
Reelady reply :
First of all... I want to thank any and all of you who were supportive of the Womens Bassmaster Tour.
I'd also like to apologize for my sudden (and extended) absence in the fishing world. It's a bit lengthy to give you all the details, but in a nutshell, I had surgery to repair a herniated disc in my neck in February 2009.
Well, my worst nightmare became my reality when I awoke from surgery to discover that I had NO voice. I ended up with a paralyzed vocal cord which not only robbed me of my ability to speak, but it also robbed me of the ability to live a "normal" life.
I made a living "speaking". I also had just filmed a television show pilot a few months before my surgery. My life was incredible, and my opportunities were growing at a record pace. Then suddenly, it all ended. No voice means talking. No talking means no promoting, selling, fishing seminars, guest appearances, radio interviews, television appearances among a few things....
I had fished the WBT since its *** in 2005. These women were by far the most ambitious, dedicated, independent, and passionate women I have ever met. I feel so lucky to have been part of such an amazing group of ladies.
The ladies tour offered something very unique, and that would have been the "personality" of the WBT. Unfortunately though, the lack of national media coverage made it near impossible for people to get to know us in order for them to feel that special "connection" to us as a tour.
But those that did make an effort to get to know the faces and personalities of the WBT quickly realized what a very special group of ladies they were.
It absolutely breaks my heart that the WBT is no more. Prior to me losing my voice in Feb 2009, fishing was my life, as well as my income. I was a Professional Angler, and dedicated my life to promoting fishing in any and every way imaginable.
Now in response to some comments that I have read...
Why did the women need their own tour? Because BASS/ESPN saw it as a 'niche" and a possible source of income to them. It was a business decision, and not made because "women don't want or like to fish with the men."
As far as how the women feel about fishing with the men.... I'll be very honest and tell you that I have heard absolute HORROR stories from some of the gals that fished as a non-boater in other male dominated tournaments. I've also heard horror stories from male non-boaters as well.
Whether you are male or female makes no difference. If you are on the back of someones boat, and they make your day so unpleasant by the way they speak or through their actions..., well that is just not a nice way to spend your day. I've heard the most appalling stories. So bad, that they have vowed to never fish with another male again. That makes me so sad that someone who calls them self a "Professional Angler" could treat someone in such an unprofessional manner. That is just wrong.
"Who follows or really cares about the WBT anyway?" - many many more than you would ever imagine. Here is a question to you.... How many people really care about the Opens or who fishes them? Did local guys fishing the Opens develop huge fan bases like the ladies did? I'm guessing not. Why? Because while these women were fierce competitors on the water, off the water we are Mothers or act in a maternal way. We love to talk to anyone that will talk about fishing... and as far as kids... we embraced them.
We attracted attention because we were ladies traveling around the country in our big pickup trucks with our bass boats in tow. Not a very usual sight to see one, let alone 100 of them invading a town for a WBT event.
"So they'll just have to compete against the boys and fish the Opens". - Well, only one problem with that which is actually getting to fish. For example, when I fished the WBT Championship in 2008, this gave me priority entry into the Opens. I was in the second "wave" of people that could sign up for the Opens. I called to register on the second day of my week of registration and ended up 200 something on the waiting list. And THIS was with me having "priority" entry.
What about those that don't have priority entry? Forget it. It's not happening... or maybe they might call you to fish the third and final tournament because so many people who weren't doing well in the standings found no use in fishing the last tournament, so they bailed.
Now I'm about to go out on a limb here because I am friends with many of the Elite guys. But... I don't think that they should be allowed to fish the opens if they are fishing the Elites. If they can't qualify to fish the Elites because they had a bad year on tour, then that's just how it goes. They should have to fish the Opens the following year and hope to re-qualify for the Elites. But for the Elites to use the Opens as an "insurance" policy to fish the Elites if they were to bomb on tour just doesn't seem right.
And what happens if they "double" qualify for the Elites? They will use their qualification from the Opens to fish the Elites, and their Elite qualification will be handed down to the next eligible Elite angler.
Basically, this is robbing the "ordinary Joe's (and Janes) of pursuing their dream as a Professional Angler.
Personally, I think that if 20 Elite guys are fishing the opens, that they should increase the field by another 20. I also feel that if their is a double qualification to fish the Elites, that they must use their qualification through the Elites, and that the Opens qualification would be granted to the next eligible Open's Angler.
So there you have it.... Marcia's opinion in a nutshell. So yes, even without a voice... I still have plenty to say 
I thank ALL of you who supported the ladies of the WBT. It's such a shame that we were never given a chance to shine because so many of you would have bonded with us as a tour, if you were only given the opportunity to get to know us. We were bound and fiercely determined to make a difference in the fishing world... we just needed the chance.
It is truly a sad sad day... not just for the WBT, but for the sport as well as we were incredible role models to so many.....
Grey Wolf reply :
I am very sorry to hear about your problems after your surgery. May the lord help you get through this horrible period in your life.
I know it' a rough world for a woman when they are competing against the men. It truly is sad that you are not treated with the respect you deserve.
Reelady reply :
Quoteand one more comment.If any of those ladies read this.......... ID GLADLY TAKE A CHANCE TO GO FISHING WITH ANYONE OF YOU!
lol. bust i still think it sucks!
Well then let's see to it that you do! We are practically neighbors after all 8-)
Reelady reply :
QuoteI am very sorry to hear about your problems after your surgery. May the lord help you get through this horrible period in your life.I know it' a rough world for a woman when they are competing against the men. It truly is sad that you are not treated with the respect you deserve.
Thanks for those kind words Bass Brat. I do appreciate them so much.
Now as far as the respect thing?
I have personally never experienced the flagrant disrespect or rude behavior like the stories I have heard from others. But I also really want to stress that it's not just the ladies that are being treated in this sort of manner, as I have heard unbelievable stories from guys who have fished out of the back of the boat as well.
I've really only fished off the "back of the boat" for a few tournaments, and those experiences were just fine. Gosh, had I been treated badly or in a condescending sort of manner, that would have really been upsetting to me. I'm guessing I would probably be a bit gun shy to get in the back of someone else's boat again, be it a man or a woman in the front.
A big part of me wishes that somehow, some way, that there could be more of a "team" spirit on the boat instead of feeling like you are competing for the same fish, and against each other.
I absolutely LOVE team tournaments and the feeling of working WITH someone towards the same goal. It's just a much better atmosphere if you ask me. I have a friend who fishes in a local club, and they have it so that they are weighing in 3 different weights. One is a combined weight, and the other two are them weighing in the fish that they caught as an individual.
SWMIBASSER reply :
They absolutely deserved their own trail. Without a doubt. I saw NO problem with that. And while I didn't follow it religiously I liked to check in on the ladies.
The above isn't an issue of the WBT AOY making that classic. I also didn't have ANY problem with that. They didn't take away someone elses spot. They added a spot for the WBT AOY.
Women are at a disadvantage. Until women regularly own 'AND' operate their own boat regularly they will be at a disadvantage.
I think this is why women don't fare as well in open tournaments as boaters but as co-anglers do just fine-----Renee Hensley comes to mind. She may well be a good boater but fishes as a co-angler and does well in the stren series. (she is local to me and her and her husband are great)
Women NEED to get to the front of the boat, and start taking command of things.
My wife isn't that interested in fishing so I'll enjoy my time operating my boat by myself 
Nitro364 reply :
I have a question for any of the WBT members.... Who lives close to Lake Russell in SC, and would like to teach someone how in heck to catch bass on this lake?! I have lived in SC for 12 yrs, and just got back into fishing. I am from Canada originally, and the fishing here is WAY different. No weeds, water temps are a lot warmer, stained water.... alien to me. I caught my share of largemouth, but it is frustrating. I see professionals pulling bass out of pressured ares in hot weather, etc etc. I have tried to get some pointers from people, but they are not overly interested in even helping just a little bit.
Pointers on where to be fishing, what baits, colors, etc would make things a lot less frustrating. I am about ready to chunk it all and learn how to cut hair! A few good pointers, just a day on the lake with a pro, to learn southern fishing.... lawdy lawdy!! anyone?
And yes, i have gotten tips from people, but being on the water with someone who knows is a whole lot different than someone telling you. Frustrating, really frustrating!
burleytog reply :
QuoteWho lives close to Lake Russell in SC, and would like to teach someone how in heck to catch bass on this lake?!
To threadjack...
I'm not a WBT member, but try a carolina-rigged green pumpkin or natural blue lizard in the spring. Main lake points and around wood.
Also try a green pumpkin worm on a shakey head and a blue/silver jerkbait (LC Pointer 100 in Aurora Black is a good one). Throw the shakey head on steep rocky banks and the jerkbait around shallow humps.
I've only fished the lake in the spring, so take that FWIW.
Russell is a good numbers lake, there are a ton of spots in that lake. You'll catch a few decent fish, but expect a lot of barely keeper fish.
Keri reply :
Nitro364 wrote "I have a question for any of the WBT members.... Who lives close to Lake Russell in SC"
I'm sure there are WBT members near your location that would be happy to help you. I wish I could be hey I'm a long way from SC.
Keri
Glenn reply :
Nitro,
I'm sure there are a number of WBT anglers who would be happy to help you out. They're a bunch of friendly, approachable gals that can really fish!
We also have a large number of articles on this site, as well as these forums with helpful, knowledgeable folks.
Marcia - good to hear from you. We were beginning to wonder where you went. It's unfortunate what happened to you, but I know you - you're not a quitter. I fully expect you to triumph over adversity and become even more of a role model than you already are!
As for the WBT - if ESPN had put half as much effort promoting it as it does for the Elite series, there wouldn't have been any participation issues. It failed because they failed to market it properly, not because there isn't an interest in it.
Zel... reply :
Marcia, good to hear from you. I had also been wondering what happened to you. I always looked for you in the WBT standings.
My heart goes out to you, and I have the utmost respect for all the ladies who had the guts to chase the dream. Hopefully when one door closes, another opens.
I was in a car accident last year, which has unabeled me to fish, and am looking at a similar operation on the neck to have two disks removed. It is a hard decision to make when you weigh what you have lost against what you can lose.
cart7t reply :
Quote...Now I'm about to go out on a limb here because I am friends with many of the Elite guys. But... I don't think that they should be allowed to fish the opens if they are fishing the Elites. If they can't qualify to fish the Elites because they had a bad year on tour, then that's just how it goes. They should have to fish the Opens the following year and hope to re-qualify for the Elites. But for the Elites to use the Opens as an "insurance" policy to fish the Elites if they were to bomb on tour just doesn't seem right.
And what happens if they "double" qualify for the Elites? They will use their qualification from the Opens to fish the Elites, and their Elite qualification will be handed down to the next eligible Elite angler.
Basically, this is robbing the "ordinary Joe's (and Janes) of pursuing their dream as a Professional Angler.
Personally, I think that if 20 Elite guys are fishing the opens, that they should increase the field by another 20. I also feel that if their is a double qualification to fish the Elites, that they must use their qualification through the Elites, and that the Opens qualification would be granted to the next eligible Open's Angler.
So there you have it.... Marcia's opinion in a nutshell. So yes, even without a voice... I still have plenty to say
.....
Glad to see you back Marcia.
That situation sounds familiar to the issues within NASCAR racing and the participation of Cup regulars in the Nationwide series races (the next lower rung on the NASCAR racing series ladder). Nationwide drivers tend to get the shaft, so to speak, when better funded Cup drivers come down to their series and pick off many of the top paying spots in each race leaving the regulars with the skimmings. What must be galling for them is to realize those drivers are participating for the opportunity for extra practice time so they can learn a little more about the race track for their primary interest, their cup race the next day.
The Nationwide series points to the fact that without those Cup regulars filling the field, the typical Nationwide race w/o them their would have fewer cars. The ratings on TV increase with their participation as well as at track attendance that increases because of those "names" being in the race.
I guess the point is, there's too many wanting to participate at a professional level in bass fishing and not enough slots in each tournament to satisfy the demand. Yet, create spinoff series like the WBT and the interest in the series, which equates to $$ to support the series just isn't there.
Not sure there is an answer.
Nitro364 reply :
Guide services? yea, there is one, they take you where they want to go, and none of them fish the upper end that most of us fish.
fishfordollars reply :
If you were unsure if they (ESPN/BASS) were serious about the WBT just glance at the payouts listed. That should tell you all you need to know.
burleytog reply :
QuoteIf you were unsure if they (ESPN/BASS) were serious about the WBT just glance at the payouts listed. That should tell you all you need to know.
Yes, there aren't many sponsors interested in sponsoring a women's bass tournament trail.
Glenn reply :
MARKETING or simply LACK OF MARKETING drives (or inhibits) participation. The abismal failure of BASS to promote and market the WBT is directly accountable for the lack of participation. Not only that, but concentrating the Tour events into a relatively small geographic area severely limited who could/would participate.
No sponsor is interested in sponsoring a tournament trail that isn't promoted, marketed, nor supported by the parent company. As fishfordollars noted, the payouts were trivial at best, underscoring how little BASS put behind their effort. Pretty obvious.
bassnleo reply :
IMHO, the FLW took on a major task when agreeing to accept the Federation members a few years back. Since then the TBF/FLW has been great.
Maybe it's time for the FLW to try a womens tour?
Irwin Jacobs is a creative person and if anyone can pull it off his organization can.
Big-O reply :
I agree with ya Glenn......I think that the WBT was under marketed and under funded from the beginning. I also think that this is a real set back for the fishing industry as a whole.....I don't think that it was ESPN's intention, because they are obviously not in the business of providing the entire fishing industry with new marketing avenues.
The majority of us want to see more quality fishing lakes and rivers with better management practices, better access and facilities for both tournaments and family environments. Seeing these hopeful additions in our future are dependant on the amount of participation and sincere interest generated at local, state and federal levels.
Since Women are 1/2 of the adult voting and buying population, and they average having more influence on children than men....Common sense would say that a very important part of the fishing industry's potential and future is in their hands.
The real and obvious benefit that the WBT had in this industry was reaching this huge and basically untapped demographic that could provide new opportunuties for growth in many aspects. But this type of marketing challenge can't be taken on a short term basis. Making a gender specific tourney trail for the Gals was an innovative and good strategy in my opinion, but missed the boat on innovative long term market planning.
StatosDadRI reply :
I have been down this road with the kids. It's all about profits. They are holding on by strings. All the good people are gone at bass and the offices is empty. The few that are left can never turn things around. bass as we know it is all but dead.
To those few still trying; thanks, we know it wasn't your decissions that ruined something good these past few years.
Reelady reply :
QuoteSince Women are 1/2 of the adult voting and buying population, and they average having more influence on children than men....Common sense would say that a very important part of the fishing industry's potential and future is in their hands.
I can vouch for that first hand. I create fishing,hunting, boating and fly fishing graphics that are available on various gifts and apparel. I sell my products through multiple online stores, and I think I am safe to say that 90% of the purchases are made by women. If you are curious, here is a link to one of my stores
www.cafepress.com/reelgifts
QuoteThe real and obvious benefit that the WBT had in this industry was reaching this huge and basically untapped demographic that could provide new opportunuties for growth in many aspects.
I would have to disagree with this... Yes, there is a whole demographic of female anglers or potential female anglers that is virtually untouched. Yes... this is a goldmine.. BUT, like you already stated... targeting this group will take TIME and time was something we did not have).
But here is where I disagree....
The real and obvious benefit of the WBT should NOT have been directed towards that untouched demographic.... Instead, they should have used the WBT to promote to the "majority", and not gone after sponsors who were targeting a female demographic audience.
Since 75% of the anglers are male, this should have been the targeted audience. Using females to promote male or non-gender based products is nothing new. Look at Danica Patrick. Does she have Revlon or Playtex as a sponsor? No... her sponsors are Bell Helmets, Peak Antifreeze, Alpinestars (manufacturers of high performance apparel and technical footwear & clothing), Kaenon (Polorized Eyeware), Samsonite (luggage), Tissot (Swiss Watch), Troy Lee Designs (they paint custom helmets), Marqui Jets (Private Jet Co.), and GoDaddy.com (Internet services).
As you can see, none of her sponsors are targeting the female demographics of her sport. They were playing the numbers.
So will men take notice of a women who is driving down the road pulling her boat wrapped in a Gillette, Maxim, Adult Swim, or Verizon Wireless theme? Ummm.... YES, they will and they DO. Men are intrigued by women that do "guy" things.
ESPN/BASS should have recognized this and used us as yet another way to target the majority demographic.
Now the beautiful thing about this is that it would have had a trickle down effect on the wives, girlfriends and daughters. So basically they would have been targeting this untouched demographic through the "back door".
Why? Because women who do "guy things" as a profession often become a HUGE role model to children, teens, and young adults who are in the process of finding themselves. I took this role very seriously, as I quickly began to realize how what I was doing could affect someone else's life, and the decisions that they make. I have personally received so many letters from young girls who basically say that when they grow up, that they want to be just like me. That is serious!!!
I believe someone in the marketing department seriously dropped the ball here and blew an incredible opportunity to market new or existing (male or non-gender targeted) products in a whole new, refreshing kind of way, rather than the same old same old.
We were there. We were eager and chomping at the bit to make this work. We fished for little payouts knowing that we were paving the way for new and upcoming female anglers.
These ladies were all absolutely incredible women who I have the utmost amount of respect for. Trust me, fishing a tour is no easy task. It is financially draining, physically demanding, and at times emotionally taxing. We fished in everything from 106 degree bluebird skies and no wind in North Carolina to 33 degrees of sleet, ice, snow and rain in South Carolina. Just like the men, there was NOTHING that would keep these women off the water. Nothing.
It really makes me sad to know that after 5 years of these ladies doing everything in their power to grow the WBT... it all ended with 3 sentences which read very much like a "Dear John" letter.
StatosDadRI reply :
it all ended with 3 sentences which read very much like a "Dear John" letter.
bocraw reply :
Did the anglers who had already registered find out the circuit had been canceled through the same press release the rest of us saw? Or did they get a "heads up" ahead of time?
Reelady reply :
QuoteDid the anglers who had already registered find out the circuit had been canceled through the same press release the rest of us saw? Or did they get a "heads up" ahead of time?
No, it was not made known to the registered anglers, otherwise, they wouldn't have registered.
We were informed via an email blast at 11:45 AM on Jan 4. I'm not sure if that message was made public at that time, or if it was just to the WBT Anglers.
bocraw reply :
BASS says that a really low number of women were registering. Has anyone found out HOW short they were? What was a full field? How many boaters had registered?
Reelady reply :
QuoteBASS says that a really low number of women were registering. Has anyone found out HOW short they were? What was a full field? How many boaters had registered?
It was not unusual for many of the ladies to hold off paying for the tournament until the last possible moment. I mean, why give away money that could be sitting and earning interest if you don't need to?
But then there was the group of ladies who put their deposits down for each tournament at the beginning of the season and then pay the balance for each tournament just prior to the event.
Now in the past, when they would see a low number of registered anglers for a tournament, they would send out email blasts reminding everyone to register and pointing out the fact that the entry's were low.
But this time, there were no reminder emails... nothing about low numbers.
As the matter of fact, I just went back to read some of the emails that I received regarding registration for 2010. Here is a portion of it.....
"2010 WBT REGISTRATION: Early priority registration for the top 50 pros and co-anglers from the 2009 AOY points series ended Sunday, November 8, at 11:59pm. Thirty-four percent of those eligible took advantage of their opportunity. Registration for any WBT angler who wants to register for all four regular 2010 season tournaments opened at 9:00am today, Monday, November 9th. Within the first thirty minutes nine people registered. Although we know everyone is not able to register early, we encourage those that can to do so. Early registration dramatically improves an anglers chance of being guaranteed to fish."
And here is something interesting they included at the end of that email....
"WBT DATA TIDBIT: Beginning with the very first WBT preview tournament at Lake Lewisville, Lewisville, TX, October 2005, through the 2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors WBT Championship, October 2009 (19 regular season and 4 post season Championships), there have been 495 women who have participated in a WBT Tournament. Of those 495, fifty-two have participated as a pro or a co-angler at one time or another.
I wanted to share this tidbit so people would realize how small of a population of anglers participate on the WBT Tour. Approximately 14.7 million people bass fish in the United States. Women account for 12%, or 1.7 million, yet only 495 have become part of the WBT Family. "
The ladies of the WBT are fierce promoters. We promoted the tour in every way imaginable... but we, as individuals can only reach so many people....
Alright... so tell me.... how many fishing shows does ESPN broadcast where there is a female host or co-host? How many commercials do you see with females promoting fishing products, or products targeted to the middle aged male demographic? What about magazine ads in fishing or hunting magazines... How many women do you see in those advertisements?
I'm a little women, and I drive a big truck and pull a big boat across the country all by myself. Those elements combined could be the basis for a great ad campaign that would be non-gender specific.
Why would that work? Because guys love big trucks and are eager to learn about new technology that will make their driving experience more convenient or enjoyable.
At the same time these men are learning all about the latest gadgets and gizmos on this new beefy truck, the women readers take note of a little woman driving a big (safe) truck across the country, all alone with a boat in tow. They think... gosh, if SHE could do it, well then so can I!
Same thing with a boat. How many ads have you seen with a woman driving the boat... big motor or trolling motor...
So please tell me.... if women don't see other woman owning and operating these (big scary) boats, that THEY own, then how are they to know that women boat owners even exist???? If ladies made their decisions simply based on the ads that they saw on television or in magazines, they would never purchase a truck, and certainly would never dream of owning a boat!
Ladies... if you can drive a car... you can drive a truck.. If you can drive a truck... you can operate a boat. It is truly that simple. Yes, there is a learning curve, but nothing different then learning how to ride a bike or learning how to drive.
The WBT ladies were absolutely incredible when it came to the promotion of the sport. These ladies are not a shy group of ladies. These ladies are adventurous, fiercely motivated, and completely dedicated to the sport. But we couldn't do it alone, and from the stats that were mentioned in that email that I had received, it almost seems like "we" are to blame for the low number of women that have competed in the WBT.
We needed exposure from the big boys if they wanted to grow this sport into its full potential. Television exposure, Feature articles, females used to advertise products in outdoor related magazines.
Basically, we needed what BassResource did for the WBT on a much bigger scale if we were to succeed. Glenn... I cannot thank you enough for being such an incredible supporter and promoter of the WBT. Your site was a key player in our growth, as you kept everyone up to date with everything WBT. You helped your subscribers to get to know us. This is exactly what we needed. Thank you... thank you.... thank you.
Keri reply :
Thank you Marcia. I'm with you 110%
cart7t reply :
QuoteQuoteBASS says that a really low number of women were registering. Has anyone found out HOW short they were? What was a full field? How many boaters had registered?
It was not unusual for many of the ladies to hold off paying for the tournament until the last possible moment. I mean, why give away money that could be sitting and earning interest if you don't need to?
But then there was the group of ladies who put their deposits down for each tournament at the beginning of the season and then pay the balance for each tournament just prior to the event.
Now in the past, when they would see a low number of registered anglers for a tournament, they would send out email blasts reminding everyone to register and pointing out the fact that the entry's were low.
But this time, there were no reminder emails... nothing about low numbers.
As the matter of fact, I just went back to read some of the emails that I received regarding registration for 2010. Here is a portion of it.....
"2010 WBT REGISTRATION: Early priority registration for the top 50 pros and co-anglers from the 2009 AOY points series ended Sunday, November 8, at 11:59pm. Thirty-four percent of those eligible took advantage of their opportunity. Registration for any WBT angler who wants to register for all four regular 2010 season tournaments opened at 9:00am today, Monday, November 9th. Within the first thirty minutes nine people registered. Although we know everyone is not able to register early, we encourage those that can to do so. Early registration dramatically improves an anglers chance of being guaranteed to fish."
And here is something interesting they included at the end of that email....
"WBT DATA TIDBIT: Beginning with the very first WBT preview tournament at Lake Lewisville, Lewisville, TX, October 2005, through the 2009 Academy Sports + Outdoors WBT Championship, October 2009 (19 regular season and 4 post season Championships), there have been 495 women who have participated in a WBT Tournament. Of those 495, fifty-two have participated as a pro or a co-angler at one time or another.
I wanted to share this tidbit so people would realize how small of a population of anglers participate on the WBT Tour. Approximately 14.7 million people bass fish in the United States. Women account for 12%, or 1.7 million, yet only 495 have become part of the WBT Family. "
The ladies of the WBT are fierce promoters. We promoted the tour in every way imaginable... but we, as individuals can only reach so many people....
Alright... so tell me.... how many fishing shows does ESPN broadcast where there is a female host or co-host? How many commercials do you see with females promoting fishing products, or products targeted to the middle aged male demographic? What about magazine ads in fishing or hunting magazines... How many women do you see in those advertisements?
I'm a little women, and I drive a big truck and pull a big boat across the country all by myself. Those elements combined could be the basis for a great ad campaign that would be non-gender specific.
Why would that work? Because guys love big trucks and are eager to learn about new technology that will make their driving experience more convenient or enjoyable.
At the same time these men are learning all about the latest gadgets and gizmos on this new beefy truck, the women readers take note of a little woman driving a big (safe) truck across the country, all alone with a boat in tow. They think... gosh, if SHE could do it, well then so can I!
Same thing with a boat. How many ads have you seen with a woman driving the boat... big motor or trolling motor...
So please tell me.... if women don't see other woman owning and operating these (big scary) boats, that THEY own, then how are they to know that women boat owners even exist???? If ladies made their decisions simply based on the ads that they saw on television or in magazines, they would never purchase a truck, and certainly would never dream of owning a boat!
Ladies... if you can drive a car... you can drive a truck.. If you can drive a truck... you can operate a boat. It is truly that simple. Yes, there is a learning curve, but nothing different then learning how to ride a bike or learning how to drive.
The WBT ladies were absolutely incredible when it came to the promotion of the sport. These ladies are not a shy group of ladies. These ladies are adventurous, fiercely motivated, and completely dedicated to the sport. But we couldn't do it alone, and from the stats that were mentioned in that email that I had received, it almost seems like "we" are to blame for the low number of women that have competed in the WBT.
We needed exposure from the big boys if they wanted to grow this sport into its full potential. Television exposure, Feature articles, females used to advertise products in outdoor related magazines.
Basically, we needed what BassResource did for the WBT on a much bigger scale if we were to succeed. Glenn... I cannot thank you enough for being such an incredible supporter and promoter of the WBT. Your site was a key player in our growth, as you kept everyone up to date with everything WBT. You helped your subscribers to get to know us. This is exactly what we needed. Thank you... thank you.... thank you.
It sounds more like this was an issue of the corporate sponsors of the WBT, those companies sponsoring the women Pro's like a Ranger or Ford, not utilizing the the participation of the very women they were sponsoring in their own ads.
It's up to the sponsors like rod and reel manufacturers, boat manufacturers, etc. to utilize the women pro's in their everyday advertising that builds brand awareness among women. I've rarely seen it happen. ESPN can only promote the sport so much, much the same way the PGA can only promote watching golf. It's the sponsors of the pro's that do the vast majority of the promoting of the sport through ad's utilizing the very pro's they have deals with that gets the word out about a sport or series.
What difference does it make in the long run if Triton or Ranger sponsors a women pro by giving her a boat if they fail to follow up with additional advertising that tells the nation that this particular woman is using said product. Seems the entire industry is as responsible as ESPN/BASS. IMO.
Reelady reply :
As a professional Angler, I have devoted an incredible amount of time studying fishing demographics. At first, I targeted "female" oriented company's. But, after a few back to back rejections, I QUICKLY realized that I was targeting the wrong market segment. The reason they declined was because the demographics of "people that fish" did NOT target the female consumers that they sought out. It makes TOTAL sense. These company's want maximum ROI (Return On Investment), therefore, it only makes sense to target the #'s.
In support of my theory that the Women's Tour marketing strategy was targeting the wrong demographic (women)... Read this...
Taken from The Outdoor Wire January 6, 2010
"And it would be hard to fault BASS or their parent company for their efforts - or the decision. Even awarding WBT anglers in the Bassmaster Classic failed to kindle much interest in women's competition. Truth be told, it's pretty darned difficult to kindle much interest - or financial support- for women-centric outdoor activities in general.
The reasoning, according to industry insiders I've spoken with is simple: women's products simply do not sell to the levels commensurate with the percentages of women reported to be participating in the outdoors.
Last year, I asked one technical clothing manufacturer if they would be offering new gear based on a breakthrough fabric in cuts designed for women. The response was pretty simple: no. The reasoning? Women were not buying the current products. There was no way to sell top management on putting hard-to-get fabrics into lines the marketing departments didn't believe would sell.
Having said that, there are companies focused on women's gear that are surviving in the marketplace. For the most part, they seem to be doing well - and offering ever-broadening lines and product selections. But if you look at them as a subset of the overall outdoor market, they are really only a tiny fraction of the overall marketplace. In today's economic climate, fractional groups are getting an emphasis directly proportional to their impact on the bottom line. That's true of any small category. If there are no sales in existing lines, there's less than zero interest in expanding a moribund category."
I have put the key points in bold. Read them carefully as I feel that THIS poorly thought out marketing strategy is what lead to the demise of the Women's Bassmaster Tour.... NOT the lack of participation, as they claim.
Here is post that I came across on another fishing forum regarding the decline of participants in BASS Tournaments.
"Just seems funny to me BASS says "lack of participation" and there is (still) 2 1/2 months left before the first tournament for the girls to get registered. How in the heck do they know there is lack of participation. If they claim this, it should have been decided in October at the end of the 2009 WBT championship. Why wait 2 1/2 months and claim lack of participation.
Heck last year the first tournament of the Northern Opens had 191 entries and the third tournament had 104. This is a decline of 87 boats.
Southern Opens went from 197 for #1 to 126 for the third tournament which is a drop of 71 boats.
Central Opens started with 201 boats and dropped to 126 for the third tournament which is a decline of 75 boats.
Seems like a pretty good "decline in participation". But I see they (the Opens) are still around for 2010.
The girls % of decline in participation from start to finish is less than the opens."
Interesting......
Well, here is what I know for sure. There is already talk of a new Women's Tour as their have been multiple inquiry's made by new potential title sponsors (not female oriented) interested in exploring a potential relationship with an all female fishing tour.
Something else I know is that whoever it is that decides to come on board to use this group of women as a platform to increase their brand awareness (through proper marketing) will have the most incredible army of devoted women who are unmatched in their drive to succeed and to grow this sport to its full potential.
We are a "niche" within a "niche", very comparable to Danica Patrick. She is a woman in a "man's sport" and her presence has brought a lot of attention to her sport. I don't watch racing, and personally have no interest in it, but I do know who Danica Patrick is. How did I first discover her? I saw a full page ad in a magazine dressed in her racing attire, sporting a Swiss Watch. Correction... she was used in a "Got Milk" ad campaign. Awesome huh? Seeing that ad gave me hope that yesterdays advertising standards were a thing of the past. I'm sure it caught the attention from the guys reading the magazine, but for very obvious and different reasoning then mine... She is beautiful and is 100% woman from head to toe. The outfit she was wearing proved that.
History shows that Niche marketing can and WILL produce results. Now I do not have a degree in marketing, but I do consider myself very business savvy as well as having excellent salesmanship and communication skills.
Believe me, I sit here chomping at the bit because I feel very confident that I would do an incredible job marketing the ladies of the WBT as a whole to new potential sponsors. I was part of this organization since its *** in 2005. I know these ladies. I know their drive and ambition. I know how capable and determined they are. I know how passionate they are. This group of ladies is a goldmine just waiting to be discovered.
Unfortunately, not having a voice, and more surgeries on the near horizon puts a real damper on my ability to pursue this... at least for now....
Thanks to all who take the time to really read my messages. I know I go on and on, but hey, I am a woman after all, and I do love to talk, or in this case... "type". I've been quiet for WAY TOO LONG!
Reelady reply :
This ad caught my attention, and I have zero interest in racing. This campaign worked, and brought a LOT of attention to her sport from non racing fans as well.
I mean heck, here it is years after I saw that ad, and it still lives on in my mind, not because of her sex appeal, but more because it gave me hope regarding the future of Professional Female Anglers, and our ability to grow the sport that we love...
cart7t reply :
As someone who is a fan of Indycar racing and has followed Danica's career before she even broke into the major leagues of racing a few things must be realized when making comparisons.
1. Danica is competing in a mens sport against a field of primarily men. She's certainly not the first but has easily been the most recognizable female race driver to have competed.
2. Danica drew a lot of attention to herself (she admitted to this) early in her racing career (before she got the Indycar drive) by posing for some rather risque photo's in the mens magazine FHM. She has since followed this up by posing in the SI swimsuit editions.
3. While Indycar racing received attention, which resulted in higher ratings due to her participation along with a 4th place finish in the 2005 Indy 500, ratings have lagged since that first year to the point the Indycar racing series has been delegated to accepting a TV deal on the rather obscure Versus network. The Danica effect is no longer working.
4. Danica has largely dimissed the negative press she's received due to her lack of winning performance and instead, focuses on selling her "Branding". Danica has transcended the sport itself, largely because she hasn't produced winning results and is now cashing in on the celebrity status she's achieved due to her being a female in a male dominated sport.
I think the key here is one word.
SEX
Whether you're talking about how Danica has changed opinions and viewership towards racing or how Jan Stephenson did the same in the 80's in womens golf or even Anna Khornakova in womens tennis, all those women used their bodies to sell interest in their career in a sport they were participating in that normally didn't draw a lot of attention before
I'm afraid unless somebody shows up and pushes the envelope as far as using the sexual aspect of their personality, aka an Anna Khornakova of bass fishing, nothing will change as far as perceptions towards womens bass fishing or women in bass fishing.
RockvilleMDAngler reply :
QuoteAs someone who is a fan of Indycar racing and has followed Danica's career before she even broke into the major leagues of racing a few things must be realized when making comparisons.1. Danica is competing in a mens sport against a field of primarily men. She's certainly not the first but has easily been the most recognizable female race driver to have competed.
2. Danica drew a lot of attention to herself (she admitted to this) early in her racing career (before she got the Indycar drive) by posing for some rather risque photo's in the mens magazine FHM. She has since followed this up by posing in the SI swimsuit editions.
3. While Indycar racing received attention, which resulted in higher ratings due to her participation along with a 4th place finish in the 2005 Indy 500, ratings have lagged since that first year to the point the Indycar racing series has been delegated to accepting a TV deal on the rather obscure Versus network. The Danica effect is no longer working.
4. Danica has largely dimissed the negative press she's received due to her lack of winning performance and instead, focuses on selling her "Branding". Danica has transcended the sport itself, largely because she hasn't produced winning results and is now cashing in on the celebrity status she's achieved due to her being a female in a male dominated sport.
I think the key here is one word.
SEX
Whether you're talking about how Danica has changed opinions and viewership towards racing or how Jan Stephenson did the same in the 80's in womens golf or even Anna Khornakova in womens tennis, all those women used their bodies to sell interest in their career in a sport they were participating in that normally didn't draw a lot of attention before
I'm afraid unless somebody shows up and pushes the envelope as far as using the sexual aspect of their personality, aka an Anna Khornakova of bass fishing, nothing will change as far as perceptions towards womens bass fishing or women in bass fishing.
Great points!
Marcia I have read all your posts on this topic and I respect your passion; however, it appears as though you are so involved in the WBT that you see more interest in the WBT than actually exists. The WBT had a niche market and did not receive enough exposure to break out; however, bass fishing in general does not receive that much exposure. The people who follow the WBT are going to the events and are showing you the support but there aren't thousands of them at home who care but don't go.
If BASS tournaments were in prime time and guys like KVD were household names throughout the US then a WBT would have a much better shot. The reality is that there is a passionate group of people who love fishing and follow the pros and are willing to get up on a Saturday morning to watch but they are not enough to get ratings in the primetime spots let alone support a women's tour. If you asked 100 random people who KVD was you would probably get 10-30% of the people who knew (not necessarily followed) who he was depending on the area you question. Since fishing means so much to those of us on this site we tend to surround ourselves with like-minded anglers and assume that more people are familiar with this stuff but that really isn't the case. The vast majority of tackle and boats are purchased by Men, these same men support the men's tours by buying advertiser's products but they buy them because the BEST ON EARTH are using it and winning with it. Why would these same Men watch a tour where the competitors are not as good (not trying to knock Women anglers but the Elite Series guys are the cream of the crop pulled from a larger pool of anglers who compete at many different levels while the WBT was struggling to get enough women to even sign up) when he can just as easily dedicate his time to follow the elite? If I am buying tackle do I want to buy the stuff that let KVD win or the stuff that let Kim Bain Moore win in a smaller field?
If you were a tackle manufacturer in a tough economy would you want to support the Elite guys who have the attention of 88% of the tackle buying public or support the Women's tour that might get the attention of 12% of the tackle buying public? My wife is a d**n good angler and she fishes as a co-angler in my club (and has cashed several checks) but she is not as passionate about fishing as I am, she uses the gear I buy and watches the fishing shows I watch. I would wager that a majority of female anglers are the same way.
Sure a properly supported Women's tour might get the attention of more Women and cause more Women to buy tackle and boats but it has not been a hobby that Women have traditionally been active in. It would be a big risk for any group be it ESPN, FLW, Ranger etc. to dedicate the funds to try and get more women to become boaters and anglers especially in this tough economy. The WNBA exists solely because the NBA is (actually was) so profitable that it could lose money on the WNBA and actually net profit because of the tax savings caused by the WNBA losses. Should a generation of young girls grow up watching the WNBA they may create a profitable market years down the line, but this would not be possible without the NBA paying the bill. NBA owners were fine with the tax savings and the possibility of an ROI years down the line but now that NBA owners are struggling the WNBA is barely breathing. The same is true with BASS except that BASS was not exactly printing cash like the NBA.
I agree that the Elite guys should not fish in the Opens. The waitlist is still long because there are enough people who want to be pro anglers. While it sucks that not everyone gets the chance to fish the Opens I don't think it is a result of sexism it is just a numbers game. There are more men applying! I am sure that with enough persistence and skill anyone no matter the gender could get into an Open and fish their way to the Elite series. I wish you the best of luck with your fishing career and with your passion I think the sky is the limit!
bocraw reply :
Admins--Is there a problem with the site? I was reading a thread on the WBT and then someone posted a picture of Danica Patrick. After seeing that picture all I saw was "blah blah blabbitty blah blah blah". I wonder what happened?
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteAdmins--Is there a problem with the site? I was reading a thread on the WBT and then someone posted a picture of Danica Patrick. After seeing that picture all I saw was "blah blah blabbitty blah blah blah". I wonder what happened?
Hormones !!!!!!!!!!!!
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
QuoteNot surprising. Nothing but a money waster for ESPN/BASS.Did anyone (other than participants) even follow/care about the WBT?
I cared, I had hopes to participate in it when I retired.
I am rooting for Pam during the Classic.
I'm one of the gals who bought the boat, have no problem fishing our local tournaments with the guys, even if its bymyself when Hubby can't get off work. I'm interested in seeing who will start up a women's tour.
I drive him crazy on the weekends to get up early to go fish.. ;D
Fishing Cowgirl reply :
QuoteAdmins--Is there a problem with the site? I was reading a thread on the WBT and then someone posted a picture of Danica Patrick. After seeing that picture all I saw was "blah blah blabbitty blah blah blah". I wonder what happened?
LOL ( I used to look like that at her age, my husband says I still do, I sure do love him!)
FishinTN reply :
I'm with nitro, I'm just your average weekend fisherman, and I'd be tickled to have a pro go to the lake with me and teach/school me on the water male or female. There's lots of big bass in KY lake, they just hide well from me. ;D I was surprised to hear this though, I thought the WBT was doing well. Maybe BASS will have a change of heart next year if they catch enough grief over this???
Dan: reply :
If sports that have high numbers of participants like women's basketball and soccer can't make it then I don't see any way that women's bass fishing can succeed.
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