Bassfan Feedback

• Jack Miller of Pickerington, OH writes:

  Friday, October 31, 2014

  RE: King's cancer battle – Stacey, best of luck for a full recovery. We're praying for you.

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• Riley Cooper of Aniston, AL writes:

  Friday, October 31, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – Good read. The costs of tournament bass fishing are far beyond what most are willing/able to spend. Even at the local jackpot level there is the pressure to have the latest and greatest boat, motor, etc. It is a turn-off to many who would otherwise like to compete, learn and possibly advance.

  Boat manufacturers may build some more affordable models, but those aren't the ones they market or advertise to any degree. The message implies success is dependent on having the biggest and fastest. I really don't see B.A.S.S. or FLW challenging the perception. The advertising dollars are too important.

  The only point I disagree with is the four-stroke statement. Fuel efficiency is as good or better with today's two-strokes. My last tournament partner's 250 Pro XS gets 6 mpg at 80 mph. Emissions are compliant at the same level as the four-strokes. The new G2 E-Tecs meet every emission standard on the planet. There is no reason to buy a four-stroke unless it is just personal preference.

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• Mark Allard of Sioux City, IA writes:

  Friday, October 31, 2014

  RE: King's cancer battle – Hoping for the best for you. Stay strong.

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• Paul Wallace of Cambridge City, IN writes:

  Friday, October 31, 2014

  There is really only one way for B.A.S.S./FLW to succeed. Each tournament needs a title sponsor. It will probably need to be a sponsor outside of the fishing industry. Let's say Bank of America sponsors the Guntersville Elite tornament. They put up the prize money for that tournament, then they are done until next year. The next B.A.S.S. tournament on Kentucky Lake is sponsored by UPS. They put up the money for that one.

  This is a proven model for golf. It has to be what bass tournaments strive for. Also this would hopefully eliminate entry fees, which are the scourge and death of tournament fishing.

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• Jim Hicks of Ft. Payne, AL writes:

  Thursday, October 30, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions – I think that anyone fishing the Elites for the full season who's a past winner should be exempt from having to qualify.

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• Jo Bowden of Wichita, KS writes:

  Thursday, October 30, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers _ Although a lot of times Joe is very outspoken, he's on to something. Co-anglerss impact too much at big events. Well written, Balog.

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• Lawrence Mooneyham of Yuma, AZ writes:

  Thursday, October 30, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – Well said and true. Speaking of the high cost, it amazes me when you are eye-balling a $50,000 boat and it has lead acid batteries in it.

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• Jason Haney of Spruce Creek, PA writes:

  Thursday, October 30, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – I completely agree with a majority of your points. A reduction to 150 hp will limit fuel expenses, drop insurance rates and likely reduce boat size, making towing a boat for 4 hours more economical. My only concern is that new boat owners, like myself, who just spent years of savings to purchase a mid-2000s model 20-fot boat with a 225-hp outboard won't be able to use it in state tournaments.

  Yes, smaller boats are cheaper, but if bigger boats are outlawed, I'm stuck with a boat that I can't sell or use in tournaments. If downsizing horsepower limits is in our future, I support the move. I just hope that we're given a couple years notice so that the average angler has time to adjust.

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• Jim Barclay of Acworth, GA writes:

  Thursday, October 30, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – I agree. As with all competitive sports, it's all about the money and who you know. I've been there and done it for years. I just fish for fun mostly these days – maybe one big tournament a year. It's a lot less stress and money and a lot more fun.

  I guess me getting past 60 years old, the competitive spirit is not there like it was.

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• Tim Brown of Ridge Top, TN writes:

  Thursday, October 30, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – I couldn't agree more with the prices of bass fishing rigs. Heck, you can get a new Corvette with a V-8 engine that will get 23 mpg for $70,000. What do you get with a new 20- or 21-foot top-of-the-line bass boat? Not to mention the engine in the 'Vette will last a heck of a lot longer than the uutboard will!

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• Tom Baldwin of Cedar Hill, TN writes:

  Thursday, October 30, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – I read the article and it hits home. Boat prices are out of this world! FLW is increasing the BFL entry fees. Seems that everything goes up, but never decreases in price/cost.

  Good thing we can still fish clubs, and they still can provide you a way to the next level if your club is federated through B.A.S.S. or FLW. Club fishing has not changed – still fun, still cheap and you can still compete!

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• Tim Feller of Coral Springs, FL writes:

  Thursday, October 30, 2014

  RE: Yelas' rough year – He doesn't get too excited about minor league championships? If it's your only way into the Cup you should be! You lost your passion for the sport – time to give it up.

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• Trait Crist of Fort Worth, TX writes:

  Thursday, October 30, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – Joe, keep writing stuff like this. Hands down you have the best articles on any website. The honesty, truth and raw info is a necessity if the sport is going to move remotely in a positive direction. Thank you for doing what you do.

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• Chad Keogh of Nanaimo, BC writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions – Look at all other professional sports. They don't allow quarterbacks from past winning teams to just walk onto the field and start throwing. If they want an event for past Classic champions, they should have a Legends event or something like that.

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• John Orchard of Winston-Salem, NC writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – Mr. Balog has been on the front lines. I am glad to see someone speak out about this sport and how out of control the finances are. More influential leaders should use some common sense and speak out. Good luck to all the wannabes.

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• Marc Devine of Agoura, CA writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – Great view on this subject. Put it this way, most of those so-called pros are members of the Lucky Sperm Club. I know guys who can out-fish any of those guys, but we're never a member of the club so we work just to fish weekends.

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• Rick Wolfe of San Mateo, CA writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – The next crop of pro anglers will come from the colleges; so many of them are getting involved in competitive angling that they will feed the pro ranks.

  That's the model that all pro sports thrive on – NFL, NBA, MLB, etc. But to supplement that you need a minor league – low entry fee, only rookies, etc.

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• Jeff Sullivan of Frostproof, FL writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – I am sorry to see that FLW is also going to do away with co-anglers. It was disappointing when B.A.S.S. did that, but I do understand it. It does take the dream away from many. For some, it is just the dream to fish with a pro and the hope of drawing a favorite to fish with. For some, the dream is to win that rig and give it a go it as a boater.

  I will never forget it as I lived those dreams. My first event I went to meet the pros and just have some fun. My first meeting I spent 15 minutes chatting with Roland and Judy Martin and I could not believe the openness of them and all the pros. When the draw came I drew an unknown guy (at the time) named Jason Quinn, who developed into a friend who supplied me with cherished memories talking and practicing through the years I was active until, for family reasons, I couldn't do it anymore.

  But the dream part, except the last step, came as I finally achieved what I was after when everything aligned right and I won that rig in 2009. Family was more important though, as I needed to help my dad, who passed in 2010, and my Mom in 2013, so I never got to finish my dream off. But the point is I got there the only way I could do it financially and now those avenues are closing to others.

  I have said it before and it still holds true – It is their game and if you want to play, you have to play by their rules. It is still sad to see. But I will forever be grateful to all the wonderful guys I had the pleasure to fish with. I will also say to all who dream, keep dreaming and working and you can find a way.

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• David Morgan of Rutledge, TN writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – I totally agree with the comments about the impending and certain demise of the bass fishing industry. In today's times, even at the local levels, the cost to play has become insane. Not so much from an entry-fee standpoint, as we are blessed to have trails in the Southeast that pay out $10,000 for 1st with $125 entry fees, but the cost associated with all of it just to be able to compete at any level.

  I have a great job and a wife who lets me spend without question on my addiction to bass fishing, but there are so many talented anglers out there who simply cannot afford all the things that are required just to compete. Remember the days of $20,000 (or even less) 150-hp bass boats? Now the engine costs $20,000 for a 250-hp four-stroke. And if you're not running the down- and side-scan graphs, the 70-mph boat, fluoro line that costs $20 for 125 yards, lures in excess of $10 a piece, etc., etc., etc., the deck is stacked against you. I'm not saying you can't win, but good luck because you're gonna need it!

  It literally makes me sick to put a figure to all of it and most have no shot of ever being a pro as they can't quit their job because we have to pay to play. I respect all the pros – they have an intestinal fortitiude that should be commended, no doubt about it – but like you I feel the sport it at a tipping point and unfortunately, I feel it tipping the wrong way to a world of the haves and have-nots. I'm not sure what or how to fix this, but I would think that nothing will really change until the rising costs start hitting the manufacturers in their pocketbooks.

  When it all started I thought it was a great thing for the sport and for the people who made their living from it. Now with private equity firms, investors, multi-million dollar companies, etc., It's all about the revenue and profit each company can generate.

  I guess I need to quit rambling on now as I sound like a dinosaur even though I'm only 46 years old. Keep writing and provoking thoughts in this industry!

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• Bill Wolf of Center, MO writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – I agree with Mr. Balog, I think that BASS and FLW have forgotten who keeps them in business. And I think certain pros have forgotten where they came from.

  So go ahead, industry, and eliminate the co-angler. And in a few years when your business falls apart, do not blame the "co-angler. Remember, you did it to yourself.

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – Joe is getting closer to hitting the nail on the head with his statement: "The industry has gotten out of hand with the accepted model." Then he states: "I believe we are at the tipping point of a potential collapse." I agree with Joe; we are close to a collapse in professional bass fishing.

  I was there at the beginning in 1967, here's my view of what happened:

  Ray Scott announced the organization of B.A.S.S. in January 1968. In his first issue of BassMaster Magazine he listed the eight purposes of B.A.S.S.:

  > To organize the Bass Anglers of America.
  > To stimulate public awareness of bass fishing as a major participation sport.
  > To improve our skills as bass anglers through the exchange of expert bass-catching techniques and ideas.
  > To offer our states' conservation departments our organized support.
  > To demand adequate water standards and enforcement of existing standards.
  > To encourage private and governmental study into why fishing on our streams goes bad.
  > To promote and encourage youth fishing.
  > To present national championship bASS fishing tournaments.

  Notice that Ray listed tournaments last.

  For the next 18 years, B.A.S.S. set the pace for professional bass fishing with close ties to everyone in the industry and the membership went from Don Butler's first entry to over 600,000 worldwide members.

  What changed the professional bass Fishing direction? Here's my view as tournament director during that period:

  First Ray Scott sold BASS and at that point pro bass fishing lost its leader. Next Forrest Wood sold Ranger Boats and one of the leaders in the industry was missing. Then FLW entered the tournament picture and gave bass anglers another schedule of events, but it also developed into a contest between B.A.S.S. and FLW for control of the sport.

  Next came a move that began to change everything – B.A.S.S. did away with the 150-hp limits. This move sparked the industry's race for larger products that cost more money, resulting in tournament rigs costing over $50,000. It also boiled over into tackle prices going out of sight.

  Next came the co-anglers and marshals who were paying less into the payout, resulting in an increase in the pros' entry fees. It also provided the co-anglers and marshals a boat and driver and no much need for tackle as they did not control the fishing. They also did not learn much as the pro did not share info with them as they had with other pro partners.

  The entry fees went up, the payout went up and the industry went out of sight.

  The next move that changed everything was the sale of B.A.S.S. to ESPN. This put the control of professional bass fishing in the hands of TV people who could care less about the eight B.A.S.S. purposes. They are only interested in promoting themselves and making a TV show where they direct all the action, as they do in all major sports, once they take control.

  In quick order the following changes happened:

  > B.A.S.S. changed the direction of the B.A.S.S. Federation and half the chapters left and formed their own Federation.

  > ESPN sold BASS and suddenly everyone was excited about high school and college team fishing. Remember that B.A.S.S. purpose No. 7 was to encourage youth fishing. Kids don't go fishing, they are carried fishing. This is what the B.A.S.S. Federation was involved in. High school and college anglers should belong to a bass club.

  > The worldwide membership in B.A.S.S. was over 600,000 when Ray sold it, but is way below that today. The entry fees were less than $500 a few years ago. B.A.S.S. just announced a $6,000 entry fee for the 2015 BASSFest amateurs.

  B.A.S.S. and FLW both are reducing the available entries and increasing the entry fees for 2015. This encourages bass anglers to look for other ways to enjoy bass fishing without going broke.
  How can this potential collapse be changed?

  Pro bass fishing has no leadership, so maybe it's time to form a commission that would control the direction of the sport. All other major sports have done that to control the owners and players and advance the sport. B.A.S.S., FLW and the industry leaders who are still around should think about that.

  Do away with co-anglers and marshals, go back to the rule that had two pros in the boat, paying the same amount, sharing the boat control time and exchanging fishing ideas. It worked at B.A.S.S. for 20 years without problems.

  Go back to horsepower controls that will reduce the cost of rigs. Change the scoring so you count every bass that's caught – this will keep anglers fishing instead of boat-racing around looking for five bass.
  B.A.S.S. and FLW should look at dividing the USA into divisions – North, South, East, West and Central. This would provide events with less travel cost. It would also provide more events to qualify anglers for the world championships events that could be conducted in large cities with sports shows like the Classic and Forrest Wood Cup. This would boost the industry and promote the sport across America and around the world. But it must not be controlled by TV people, it must be in control of bass fishing people, such as a pro bass fishing commission board of directors.

  Today the sport of professional bass fishing in being controlled by the TV people who want to make things happen that will sell TV shows. It should be controlled by anglers and industry people who are interested in the sport of bass fishing for everyone to enjoy.

  This sport will not survive with a handful of anglers breaking even and the rest going broke. The industry had better take a look at where we are heading.

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• Ray Coleman of Henderson, NV writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – The idea that I will pay several hundred dollars to "marshal" a pro is ridiculous. Me being expected to be grateful to be in the boat with a pro is not happening. I participated in the B.A.S.S. Top 150 as a co-angler decided that when B.A.S.S. changed the rule I would not be an active member.

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• Steve Sendelweck of Ramsey, IN writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – I agree that the cost of boats and equipment has gotten out of hand, but mandating a certain size boat for different levels of competition is not the answer. That would require a guy who fishes BFLs and a few higher-level events to have two boats. What about the guy who has a 20-footer with a 250 that is paid off? Now he has to buy an 18-footer just so he can fish a Rayovac tournament? Not very cost-effective.

  As far as giving co-anglers an opportunity to move up to the front of the boat, most I talk to don't want to. They like not having the pressure of making the tough decisions and having the big expenses. Most co-anglers do it for the experience and not the money or the competition.

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• Keith Chapman of Gainesville, FL writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – Although I agree with Joe on many accounts here, I believe one factor needs to be considered further. It should not be assumed that a co-angler, winning a major tournament from the back of the boat, is ready for the FLW Tour. It is in no way realistic to assume that that a co-angler, given the necessity at the next level to run a boat, find his own fish and manage them for 4 days, is ready to do so because a David Dudley or Larry Nixon put him on fish.

  Finding your own fish is much harder than it sounds, especially given the talent at the highest level.

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• Tom Dorothy of Tulsa, OK writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers – As someone who is going to jump into the fray as a co-angler next year for the first time, this is a very well-timed article. Having to consider which series to enter into to, Rayovac, BFL or B.A.S.S., the FLWs still appear to offer more for the co-angler, but from what I read, it may be impossible to even get in as demand is high. B.A.S.S. has the more prestige of the two, but FLW gives me more opportunity to compete with being able to possibly qualify for regionals or a championship series. B.A.S.S. offers me experience and maybe some cash and a boat, but nothing else.

  Being someone who wants to compete at a higher level eventually, it is a tough decision to make as the family and vacation time comes into play. I am not for sure if I want to pay deposits for Rayovac and go on a waiting list and not compete or fish a B.A.S.S. Open series and not have a real reward. Tough decisions for all of us to make.

  Keep up the good work on tackling the tough issues that others will not.

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• Gary Yexley of Knoxville, TN writes:

  Wednesday, October 29, 2014

  RE: Balog on co-anglers: Excellent article. Thank you for saying it.

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• William Strickland of Florence, AL writes:

  Monday, October 27, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions – I think that winning the Classic should be similar to winning a major in golf – it should carry an exemption to future Classics for 3 to 5 years.

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• Rob Dixon of Lewistown, PA writes:

  Thursday, October 23, 2014

  RE: BASSFest 2015 – B.A.S.S. should be ashamed of itself charging $6,000 to enter a tournament you have to qualify for. That's almost so absurd I didn't believe it at first. It will be full of more Skylar Hamilton types (young rich kids whose parents bought them $50,000 rigs and pay their entry fees) or ex-NFL players. The average Open angler won't be paying that unless they've won a big tournament recently. Really shocking and truly sad.

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• Roy Wiley of Toronto, OH writes:

  Thursday, October 23, 2014

  RE: Ehrler to the Elites – This is your 2015 Elite series Rookie of the Year! Been waiting to see him step up to the Elites for quite some time now! Get 'em, Brent!

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Thursday, October 23, 2014

  RE: B.A.S.S. Brawl – Watching paint dry.
  Watching grass grow.
  Watching leaves turn.
  Twelve casts per minute equals 720 per hour.
  No fish.
  No strikes.
  No picture.
  Sanders wins jaw-jacking contest.
  Get real, B.A.S.S.

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• Dave Fuerst of Saint Charles, IL writes:

  Wednesday, October 22, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions – The Classic rewards in-year performance for anglers who remain active in the sport and should reward not only those anglers by giving them the best chance at the sport's top prize, it should also reward those sponsors who committed themselves and their dollars to the sport. An alternative like the Masters golf event might be to allow former winners to compete in an adjacent one-day competition.

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• Robert Chapin of Osakis, MN writes:

  Wednesday, October 22, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions – Absolutely not, you should have to earn your way into the Classic every time.

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• Alex Posey of Cumming, GA writes:

  Wednesday, October 22, 2014

  I bet Brent Ehrler will win AOY in his first year, especially with the western swing.

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• Rodger Timmons of Thomasville, GA writes:

  Tuesday, October 21, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions – If KVD is the best ever, then he should have qualified for the Classic. He had the same opportunities as everyone else.

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• Jeff Parker of St. Louis, MO writes:

  Tuesday, October 21, 2014

  Brent Ehrler will dominate on the Elites. Nearly everyone who fishes the FLW tour and qualifies for the Elites seems to do well. Even some of the guys who couldn't compete in FLW have done well in the Elites. FLW fishermen seem to be better than the Elite fishermen for the most part.

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• Ric Riles of Lafayette, LA writes:

  Tuesday, October 21, 2014

  Very happy to see Brent Ehler qualify for the Elites. If you read between the lines he was under great pressure to fish the Elites to keep his sponsors. Not surprising considering the difference in perception of the two tours. I really would like to see the Thrifts, Dudleys and Morgans take the same tack and try and qualify to get all the best on the one tour that's recognized by the industry as the leader.

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• Richard Bowers of St. Louis, MO writes:

  Tuesday, October 21, 2014

  RE: Ehrler to the Elites: People are wondering how he would do fishing the Elite Series? Considering the success the FLW converts have shown the past couple of years after changing tours, I think we should begin to wonder of the Elite Series is actually just that. Just look at the current top 10 angler rankings, it's dominated by FLW anglers, or anglers who have recently switched over. Sorry, but fishing against the likes of Hartley, Velvick, Smith and a score of others hardly makes the Elite series "elite."

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• John A. Argese of Sayreville, NJ writes:

  Monday, October 20, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions: One more time: KVD did not qualify for the Classic! You must earn your juice box and nap blankey!

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• Paul Ryan of Naples, FL writes:

  Monday, October 20, 2014

  Six thousand bucks to fish BASSFest? I thought I was seeing double. Congrats to all Open anglers who qualify, now refinance your house so you can fish it.

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Monday, October 20, 2014

  FLW is increasing entry fees. FLW is cutting the field from 180 to 150.

  B.A.S.S. and FLW are using marshals and co-anglers, furnishing them a boat and driver at lower entry fees, which raises the pro entry fees. The marshals can't fish so they do not need to buy tackle. The co-anglers do not need to buy a boat, motor, trailer or vehicle to pull it.

  Bans on new lures. Canceling tournament days that anglers paid to fish for qualifying points and money.
  Classic qualifiers using bass caught in team events by other anglers and they are not required to be B.A.S.S. members.

  No more "win and you're in." Three-day entry fees at $6,000. Higher entry fees and fewer entries available.

  Where are we heading?

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• Jason Houchins of Clarksville, VA writes:

  Monday, October 20, 2014

  RE: 2015 BASSFest format -- Congratulations Open anglers, you have qualified for BASSFest ... that will be $6,000! This blows my mind.

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• Dave LeVene of Manitowoc, WI writes:

  Sunday, October 19, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions -- Similar to NASCAR's "champion's provisional," there should be a ranking order and an opportunity for an established, past champion to be in the Classic. While I understand that current performance is everything, isn't it really a shame that KVD is not in the 2015 Classic? Really? The best bass angler of a generation not able to participate? It simply seems that having this type of "provisional' opportunity should be available. Refined, and created to be fair and yet recognizing the past Classic champs.

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• James Smith of Lorain, OH writes:

  Sunday, October 19, 2014

  RE: Elite Series changes -- Please don't mess up the Opens and take qualifications for the Classic from them. They will become empty and interest would be greatly reduced. FLW thinks it would be a good idea because it would bring customers back to them.

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• Terry Bonsell of Keyser writes:

  Friday, October 17, 2014

  RE: Elite Series changes -- Good changes. Reducing field even further would have been better. Create a true top tier and cut the field to 100.

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• Curtis Richardson of Belleville, ON writes:

  Friday, October 17, 2014

  I have two questions regarding the recent FLW changes. First, why? Second, who does it benefit?

  It doesn't benefit the anglers who will now be spending more to fish for less. Cutting it back by 30 boats means there's $120,000 less per event in the pot and increasing the entries by $300 only adds $45,000 per event to the pot – eaning that there's $75,000 less on the table per event.

  Will more sponsor money be added to pot to make up this difference?

  This sport is hard enough for guys to make a living as it is. I don't see this change been good for the sport.

  Wouldn't it make more sense to increase entries by $1,000 instead of $300? This would add $150,000 to the pot (per event), meaning the pot would grow by $30,000 (per event) even after cutting the field size by 30. Now there is more money and better odds of cashing a check.

  As for the changes with final-day sponsor boats, how does allowing guys to fish from FLW boats instead of FLW sponsor boats help anyone? It's not helping the pros because they are not able to showcase their sponsors and it doesn't help FLW because without guys running the FLW sponsor boats these sponsorships are worthless.

  Perhaps I am missing something and with further clarification these questions will be answered. Maybe there is more to this and in the end these will be changes for the better.

  Here's hoping ...

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN. writes:

  Friday, October 17, 2014

  RE: Elite Series changes -- Years ago, long before the invention of Elites, B.A.S.S. Invitationals were limited by the number of contestants that the B.A.S.S. staff could handle during weigh-in, plus the size of the fishing waters and the available housing around it.

  The entries were first entered and we always had a waiting list. We also had a list of anglers that were automatically entered in all events. Then along came the Elites and marshals. This gave the pro total control of the boat and fishing waters and it also raised his entry fee because the marshal was not paying the same as the pro. This cut the incoming entry fee money that everyone was fishing for in half, so those controlling the boat had to pay more.

  Here's a suggestion to B.A.S.S. on how to change the Elites: Do away with the marshals, go back to two pros paying the same entry fee and fishing for the same money. Install the old B.A.S.S. rules that stated the two contestants had to agree on which boat to use and each could select the fishing waters and control the boat half the time, if that's what they wanted. The two anglers had to agree on this or flip a coin to settle it. This rule worked for over 20 years, we never had a problem with it and many friendship were created that have lasted for over 40 years. This would lower the entry fees as everyone would be paying the same. It would also allow more than 108 or 110 pros to fish, as everyone would be a pro paying the same entry fee.

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• mike kozub of vernon writes:

  Friday, October 17, 2014

  RE: Balog on big water readiness -- I am continually amazed when I see in real life, and particularly on TV, anglers remove their vests after a run. What makes them believe they can survive a fall off the front deck is beyond me? Chilled water or even a hit on the head going overboard and it is all over, let alone the boat drifting away in the current.

  A friend related a story where his brother drowned on a beautiful Fall day with no breeze when he fell out of the 14' boat he was in. His PFD was on the seat. Personally, I have used an inflatable vest religiously since they received the Coast Guard's blessing. I figure at the least, if I go over and drown my wife will have a body to bury. I think it is insane to not use the inflatable vest at all times on the water and I'm glad to see a professional angler of Balog's stature is getting the word out.

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• Jack Miller of Pickerington, Ohio writes:

  Thursday, October 16, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions -- I for one feel that B.A.S.S. should continue to allow Cliff Pace and others in a similar situation the opportunity to come back.

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• Chris Fondren of Old Hickory, TN writes:

  Thursday, October 16, 2014

  RE: Garmin GPSMap 1040xs review -- Great article Tim! I have never really looked into Garmin electronics other than seeing Scott Martin promoting them, I have never really looked into the capabilities of the Garmin units. Now I am intrigued!

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• Shane Burns of Durham, NC writes:

  Thursday, October 16, 2014

  RE: B.A.S.S. bans umbrella rig -- Very disappointing news by B.A.S.S., but the fishing purists, including the Elites, are fine with battery-powered fishing lures by Livingston. It's all about the sponsor $$$, not to mention the fish-attracting device that KVD and other Elites support with the HydroWave.

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• John Anderson of Empire, NY writes:

  Wednesday, October 15, 2014

  RE: B.A.S.S. bans umbrella rig -- Glad to see this. I hope FLW follows suit all the way down to the BFLs as well. Does this mean the team tournaments that you can qualify for the Classic you will not be able use it? And to Skeet Reese's back-handed comment to the Open anglers -- I guess that shouldn't be fishing the Opens. Who do you think you are? I personally don't think if you call yourself an Elite or Tour angler you should be fishing the triple-A events anyway. It should be for trying to make it to the tours, not a second chance for you to qualify for the Classic because you weren't good enough to make the Classic. These guys still have to work a regular job and not fish every day like yourself. Don't know which one of you Cali boys is the worst cry baby -- you or Ish.

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• Jef Nelson of Tyrone writes:

  Wednesday, October 15, 2014

  RE: PAA cancels season -- Since the PAA is a professional circuit how about making it a winter organization taking on Mother Nature in the harshest elements the best of the best will shine in the cold?

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Wednesday, October 15, 2014

  RE: B.A.S.S. bans umbrella rigs - B.A.S.S. just keeps adding rules that they can't enforce, such as this one and Rule C7 which states: "All Bass must be caught inside the mouth and verified by your partner before being unhooked."

  Several times they have been short on marshals, so they send contestants out alone. If contestants are allowed to fish alone, who enforces the rules about using umbrella rigs or counting bass caught outside the mouth?

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• Scott Strong of Layton. Utah writes:

  Tuesday, October 14, 2014

  RE: 2015 Opens schedule – No west coast. I guess it's to tough for the pros. They would have to learn how to fish. That ain't gonna happen. I won't spend any more money on these clowns, paper tigers at best. Sad, sad, sad.

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• Ray Arbesu of Henderson, NV writes:

  Tuesday, October 14, 2014

  RE: 2015 Opens schedule – Why does B.A.S.S. keeping leaving the west coast off the Opens? We have plenty of fishermen out here who would love the chance to have the same opportunity as the rest of the country.
  Disappointed to say the least.

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• Jason May of Huntsville, AL writes:

  Tuesday, October 14, 2014

  RE: 2015 Opens schedule – I like the diversity of the lakes on the schedule for next year! That is what a tournament trail should be like.

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• Curtis Richardson of Belleville, ON writes:

  Tuesday, October 14, 2014

  Do FLW and B.A.S.S. have a different map than the rest of the world?

  Why is it that every year when the Northern division schedule comes out there is a James River, Chesapeake Bay etc. These are not northern lakes.

  There are many Canadians, upstate New Yorkers, etc. who would love to fish these but choose not to every year because of the added expenses associated with the extra travel. The Southern opens don't have an event on Lake Erie. Why are we going to Virginia every year?

  I have fished both of these tours in the past and won't again until it's a true Northern division. This time of year I check the Internet every day waiting for the schedules to come out, hoping that it's a schedule we can fish finally.

  B.A.S.S. is getting the boats, so I suppose they don't care, but the Rayovacs are hurting and I know they could really use the dozen or so Canadians who would jump at the chance if the schedules were conducive.

  Let's face it, the payouts in the Rayovacs and Opens are not very good and with this unnessesary travel it makes more sense for us to just jump up and do the Tour.

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• Jason May of Huntsville, Ala. writes:

  Friday, October 10, 2014

  RE: Elite Series qualifications – Interesting that one of those facing re-qualifying has two Elites series wins in Starks.

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• Vince Borrego of Cave Creek, AZ writes:

  Friday, October 10, 2014

  RE: Elite Series qualifications – Wouldn't the Elite Series Tour benefit greatly if they cut the field size down to say 75 and removed the huge entry fees involved? Have this be somewhat on par with the PGA Tour where someone can actually earn a living fishing the elite tour? I think this would make for better television as well and less stress/hardship just to play the game. This would also create more competition in the Opens having a truly Elite Series event and open the possibility of events out west or other locations than the same lakes year after year. Sure, a $1 million purse for angler of the year is great but I'd much rather see an actual Elite Series where each angler doesn't have to risk financial ruin if they don't perform well.

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• Joe McKinnon of Waltham, MA writes:

  Friday, October 10, 2014

  RE: Classic 2015 field -- I was happy when Cliff Pace won the Classic. He is truly a great angler and a true champion. He will do it again, he is that good, but I feel this has become a popularity issue. B.A.S.S. likes Cliff, so they want to let him defend his crown 2 years out. Luke Clausen never got the chance to defend his because he was not fishing the BASS Elite trail. Too much favoritism to anglers they like.

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• Joe McKinnon of Waltham, MA writes:

  Friday, October 10, 2014

  Re: Balog on big water readiness -- Great article Joe!!

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• Rich Chriscinske of Seymour, Tn writes:

  Friday, October 10, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions -- Exemptions would take away from the prestige of qualifying for the greatest bass tournament on earth. I agree that it would be a nice thing for past champions to fish, but they have to earn it on a year-to-year basis. Remember, each year the fishing and the conditions are unique to that schedule, so you can't base an angler's performance on past seasons no matter their resume. Anglers need to be rewarded for their performance for the current season and conditions.

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• Larry Anderson of Raleigh, NC writes:

  Thursday, October 9, 2014

  RE: Possible Ross Barnett Open in 2015 – BASS should never return to this venue again.

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• Mike Bingham of Florence, MS writes:

  Friday, October 3, 2014

  I'm wondering how the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame elects new members. How has it gotten to this point without naming Shaw Grigsby, Tommy Biffle, Davy Hite, Mark Davis? All of these men seem more qualified than the two latest pros named for induction. Count B.A.S.S. wins, Classic wins, AOY and these four I've named all deserve to be included.

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• Rob Dixon of Lewistown, PA writes:

  Wednesday, October 1, 2014

  B.A.S.S. has absolutely nothing to do with $70,000 boats and $500 rods. Do you see any B.A.S.S. brand boats or B.A.S.S. brand rods? There are a ton of boats and rods out there to be had for far cheaper that are more than adequate for the average Joe to use. I fished tournaments for years out of a $4,000 Hydrasport and beat many $70,000 rangers loaded with G. Loomis rods using my Abu Garcias and my 20-year-old boat.

  Don't be so negative. Some are born with a silver spoon and some have to work for it. The sooner you accept that then the sooner you will get things you want.

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• Joe Rogers of Fayetteville, AR writes:

  Wednesday, October 1, 2014

  B.A.S.S. should be embarrassed for hosting their "all star" event or whatever they are calling it this year and having literally no payout. I'm surprised there wasn't some type of angler uprising over this. I guess that's just the world we live in.

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• Todd Langford of Ashburn, VA writes:

  Wednesday, October 1, 2014

  RE: Sonar's adjustments – Forget the balance. Don't be like the rest of us who are "committed" and can't go for it anymore. Go fish, have fun – the woman can wait.

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• Tim Hoste of Roseville, MI writes:

  Wednesday, October 1, 2014

  While it is commendable that B.A.S.S. wants to give Cliff Pace the chance to defend his Classic title, the situation needs to viewed as what is best for growing the sport. No other professional sports organization will allow an injured player the chance to compete again just because they were injured and missed out on an earlier opportunity.

  If B.A.S.S. truly wants to grow its fan base, actions like this appear "bush league" and reduces its credibility. I also feel that by allowing Cliff Pace to "defend" his title cheapens Randy Howell's opportunity to defend a title that is truly his.

  I feel bad for the fact that Cliff Pace didn't get the chance to defend his title, but his misfortune doesn't make it B.A.S.S.' problem.

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• Greg Lineberry of Galax, VA writes:

  Wednesday, October 1, 2014

  RE: AOY Championship – if they are going to fish the Great Lakes, have some bigger boats made available for the contestants like the ones the walleye guys use. Those waters are too massive for even a 22-foot bass boat. I've fished up there and that's like being on the ocean when it gets bad and it's life-threatening.

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• Rick Simonson of Somerset, WI writes:

  Wednesday, October 1, 2014

  RE: Classic exemptions – Last year's champ only should get in.

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