BassFan recently obtained the informational booklet and entry form for the 2007 Bassmaster Elite Series. A lot's the same, but a lot's different – especially when it comes to the 2008 Elite Series. A full story will follow, but here's a brief look at some notables:
- The 2007 Elite Series entry fees are again $55,000.
- The Top 70 from this season's Elite Series points still qualify for the 2007 Series, but next season, only the Top 50 will requalify for 2008.
- The 2008 Elite Series will cap its field at 75 boats.
- The Bassmaster Northern and Southern Tours are being scrapped for 2007, to be replaced with the new (actually old) Bassmaster Opens. BASS will run Central and Southern Opens next year (no Westerns), and invite the Top 5 from each circuit to fish the 2008 Elite Series. The Top 3 from each circuit will also qualify for the 2008 Bassmaster Classic.
- All Elite Series anglers in good standing will fish each 2008 Bassmaster Major – there won't be a cutoff point for qualification.
- The 2007 ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series champion will qualify for the 2008 Bassmaster Classic, laying to rest any rumors that the Series would be completely scrapped.
- An expanded Rule 17 expressly prohibits the culling of dead fish.
- It's been a foregone conclusion in the sport that title sponsor Citgo would no longer be with BASS next year. Citgo is mentioned nowhere in this document, nor is any other title sponsor mentioned. About Citgo and BASS parting ways, BASS director of communications Jamie Wilkinson said: "We have reached an agreement to end sponsorship after this season based on Citgo's decision to move in a different direction. We are in discussions with a number of potential new sponsors."
