Travis Manson has opted out of the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2013 due to financial reasons, the Wisconsin angler told BassFan today after his name did not appear on next year’s Elite Series roster.
“Financially, I’m off the fence, but emotionally I’m not,” he said. “I want to be there.”
He said he had the money for the first deposit, but was still working on securing additional sponsorship support to fund the rest of the season.
“Last year, I fished on my own dime,” he said. “That makes it tough. It was hard. It sucks because the three northern events up here (La Crosse, St. Lawrence and St. Clair) I’d love to be there. It just comes down to finances. It’s just not there just yet. It makes it tough to continue. It’s hard to fish when you’re worried about money coming in.”
The former walleye tournament pro cashed four checks in two years of Elite Series competition with his best finish (13th) coming at Wheeler Lake in the 2011 season finale. He said he’s going to regroup and intends to return to the Elite Series, which will require him to re-qualify through the Bassmaster Opens.
“In my mind, I know what I need to do as far as going out and gathering up some money in the next 3 or 4 years,” he added. “I’ll be back. That’s for sure.”
