Former FLW Tour pro Jason Knapp, who tied for 6th place with Ott DeFoe on this year's Bassmaster Southern Opens points list, will decline his invitation to fish the Elite Series in 2011.
"I really like the schedule next year, but I'm going to pass," he said. "A bunch of (entry-fee) money is due right now, a big chunk of it, and there's no way I can pay like $24,000 up front before I make a cast. I don't have huge (sponsorship) backing and for me to pay all that money up front and then spend the first few tournaments just trying to catch up, it just wouldn't be a good decision.
"I don't want to jump in and then run out of money halfway through the season."
He plans to attempt to qualify for the Elites again at some point, but won't fish a full Bassmaster Open schedule this year. He plans to compete in the four FLW Tour Opens and some regional events near his home in Pennsylvania.
