Bassfan Feedback

• Rick Holt of Jackson, TN writes:

  Wednesday, November 30, 2005

  I have noticed that several people keep mentioning the potential Classic spots as a benefit of the Federation being associated with BASS. Have you ever really looked at the odds of getting one of those spots? You'd have a better chance of winning a lottery or getting struck by lightning. I can see no real benefit for the Federation being associated with BASS. BASS will never allow the Federation to cost them money, so you're going to pay your own way anyway. So why don't you do it all youself? Keep the dues, get your own insurance, have your own tournaments all the way up to a National Championship. You already do most of this anyway. Once you get a plan together, then go get your sponsors. They are out there and willing to get involved, and you will have all the sponsor money rather than what crumbs BASS will give you.

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• Matt Eisenbacher of Springfield, MO writes:

  Wednesday, November 30, 2005

  I have been a member of the Federation since 1994. I started tournament fishing in this organization and recently became more involved with the youth side. I feel bad for the children because I know how much they look forward to the youth tournaments and the casting events. They want to belong to this organization as badly as anyone. My vote is to separate from BASS. That being said, I am forced to renew my membership and keep my adult club in good standing with BASS so my youth club can send a member to the Youth National Championship in 2006. We paid our dues in 2005 but will again for 2006 even if the Federation separates. Thank you BASS for taking our dues as well as those of the children. BASS and ESPN says they want to build a bigger and better Federation. It doesn't look that way to me and obviously many other members. Hope you sleep well at night when you've run us out the doors.

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• Jonathan Ashcraft of Rancho Cordova, CA writes:

  Wednesday, November 30, 2005

  As a Federation Member I agree this is about business. It is good business for the Federation to open itself up to all parties. As Ray Scott once said, If you are a great leader they will follow. So the onus goes back on the big business -- which one is the best leader?

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• Martin Danny Lamb of Lumberton, NC writes:

  Wednesday, November 30, 2005

  Scot Laney is right on target again. We the Federation are holding the cards. It's up to us to get the best offer. Who says we can't have the best of both worlds?

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• Roger Lustri of Myrtle Creek, OR writes:

  Wednesday, November 30, 2005

  B.A.S.S. was the epitome of one man's dream, a vision that was achieved through hard work and comraderie. Once Ray achieved his dream and sold to Helen, BASS became just another commodity, even more so with its current owners. It's no longer about the comraderie or the sport, it's about making money. This sport is not aligned with NASCAR, it's aligned with poker. From small, Tuesday night, get-together-with-the-guys living room games to high stakes, show it on TV flamboyancy. It doesn't matter whose game you're in, once you leave the living room, it's all about the money.

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• Steve Shintani of El Mirage, AZ writes:

  Wednesday, November 30, 2005

  It was explained to me once that a Federation was an organization to promote the sport to people that wanted to excel in the sport of fishing and to help youths enter fishing. What seems to be happening is that all of this controversy on who the Federation should go to is turning prospective Federation members at the state levels away. I personally conversed with several people who joined a Federation and then found out that the Federations are in turmoil and then leave. A lot of people just want to join an orginization to meet people, fish, gain experience and have fun fishing.

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• Art Ferguson III of St. Clair Shores, MI writes:

  Wednesday, November 30, 2005

  I'll miss Roland out on the tours this year. I've been working on Lake Okeechobee for 15 years out of what used to be his marina. I got to know Roland and began a great friendship with him back around 1993-1994. He has been a HUGE mentor in fishing as well as one who pushed me to do more and go for it on the trails and in my career. I lived with Roland for 3 years in the winter months and can tell you firsthand that while some people see a "rude" person when meeting him, he's actually one of the most social people I know. He just is soooooo focused on what he does, he might be short with someone. Anyway, I just wanted to say congratulations to Roland for being the greatest angler of all time in my book, and a great friend. I've never met someone so knowledgable in the industry as Roland in all areas of the sport. God bless Roland Martin in whatever he does.

  BassFan says: Art Ferguson is a tour pro from Michigan.

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• Harold Jones of Monmouth, ME writes:

  Wednesday, November 30, 2005

  I appreciated the opportunity to read Ray Scott's comments on the current situation. I agree with many of Ray's points. I disagree with the position that the divisional reps can be summarily dismissed by BASS. BASS needs to understand that the federated clubs pay dues to affiliate with BASS. They do not belong to BASS. If the federated clubs, through their state organizations, choose certain representatives to be a liason between the federated clubs and BASS, then BASS is obligated to communicate with them until such time as BASS is able to convince its affilated clubs that a new arrangement needs to be made.
  
  

  Neither side is in a position to dictate to the other. It is a relationship that requires negotiation and a consensus of opinion to move forward. I hope both sides can communicate effectively to negotiate a resolution to these issues. We have many challenges facing our sport. Public access, conservation and anti-angling groups, just to name a few. We the federated members need the voice of BASS championing these causes on our behalf, and BASS needs our grassroots support.
  Let's find a way to work together for our mutual benefit and the benefit of those who come after us.

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• Jim Tutt of Longview, TX writes:

  Tuesday, November 29, 2005

  Congratulations to Mark. However, he is not the first angler to fish a pro tour out of an aluminum boat. My first year on the then Top 100 in B.A.S.S. in 1995/1996, David Ashcraft fished the entire season out of an aluminum boat and I think he made the Classic that year.

  BassFan says: Jim Tutt is a tour pro from Texas.

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• Philip Hebert of Westbrook, ME writes:

  Tuesday, November 29, 2005

  BASS loves what the Federation does for them and how it makes them look, but they like to keep their thumb on us. Tell Ray his butt will stop hurting when he gets off the fence.

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• Garrett Smith of Cedar Rapids, IA writes:

  Tuesday, November 29, 2005

  I don't see why TBF doesn't go it alone and have a big tournament with a big payout at the end instead of sending anglers to the Classic. Sure the Classic is everyone's dream, but in all reality what are the odds of making it? Make the Federation Championship the workingman's Classic.

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• Paul Carter of Kingston, TN writes:

  Tuesday, November 29, 2005

  I find this to be outrageous. I've been a member of BASS and the TBF for years, and was worried something like this would come about when Ray Scott left. My loyalties remain with TBF in this matter. I think BASS needs to come down a few pegs. They've gotten so big they've forgotten the whole point. BASS and the TBF were created for the young and the old to come together in a sport involving one fish species in good sportsmanship and fun, not for the power and the abuse that I've seen here lately. WWJD?

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• Jonathan Ashcraft of Rancho Cordova, CA writes:

  Tuesday, November 29, 2005

  Ray Scott said he felt the $5.00 increase was justified. Based upon what? What information does he have that we, the Federation, do not have? When the Federation asked for an accounting of how the monies are to be used, we received none. We have not recieved an accounting of the last dues increase by BASS. Why should we come out of pocket even further?
  
  

  If the Federation is the heart of BASS, wouldn't ESPN/BASS feel that we are hurting? Wouldn't they know that we are sick and tired of being demanded of, that we offer our services and market share to BASS and its advertisers and still we are treated this way?
  
  

  When Ray Scott speaks of lack of communication, I wonder if he means scheduling a meeting, breaking it off and then notifying the Federation that BASS refuses to talk to the people that we voted on for them to talk to. I do not know Ray Scott personally. I do not know any of the management at ESPN personally. I do know my divsion rep Gary Bradford and my state president Tony Stoltz personally. They respond to my communications, they listen to angler and community needs. They lobby Congress and the DFG on fishing-related issues. They organize Casting Kids, C.A.S.T. and teen events. I know of their character, and if it is cancerous I encourage all of the Federation to get infected.
  
  

  In regards to Mr. Scott saying he doesn't like "saboteurs and troublemakers and those whose primary motivation is to dislodge the Federation from BASS. I don't like torpedo-men who might work for others" -- I wonder if he has considered that the Federation members are the driving force behind these so called "saboteurs." I wonder if he could even understand that we don't want to be subservant to BASS -- we want to expand ourselves to other available markets. If BASS truly cared about the message of community, environment and reaching out to kids and new fishermen, why would they care where that message comes from?
  
  

  As a West Coast angler, I have felt shunned from BASS for years. Calling me a cancer and subservant is enlightning for me, and hopefully others, to see how the new regimea at BASS sees its market share -- a cancer that should be removed. So I say to you, Ray Scott, just as you sold yourself out from us to gain power and money, let us continue the tradition of following in your footsteps. Leave BASS and work with the highest bidder.

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• Dale Luckey of Charlotte, NC writes:

  Tuesday, November 29, 2005

  Ray was and still is "the man." He had a vision and worked his rear off to make the sport of bass fishing what it is today. On the reverse side of the coin, now that Ray has made it to the good life, his opinions seem to lean toward the dollars. I believe that he wants the Federation to remain the force that it is, but I have to wonder if he still owned BASS if we would have ever got to this point.

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• Kenneth Taylor of Skiatook, OK writes:

  Tuesday, November 29, 2005

  I feel Ray Scott is no longer someone whom I can respect. Ray said the Federation is wrong to think this is about money and to look at the grassroots of why it was formed. He was correct that the Federation was formed to entice new blood into the sport of bass fishing. But with that new blood comes the dues or money to fund the relationship between BASS and the Federation. I fish the Federation because I love the sport, not because someone said I could fish if I paid more dues. Most Federation members wouldn't mind the dues increase but we have organizations that have members, not dictators, to decide that. Protocol is a way of communicating and making things work, which is the way the Federation works. Ray started BASS for the bass fishermen to be recognized, but you can't tell me that he has not gotten rich in the process. BASS may need more money to continue it's relationship with the Federation, but the question remains: Does the Federation need BASS to get back to the grassroots of introducing more people to the sport of bass fishing? Ray sold BASS for money, ESPN bought BASS for money, so how is this not about the money? I think the Federation is the only one who doesn't get the money, but supplies it. BASS can now ban me for saying something that they don't like. Thanks BassFan for the chance to have a voice.

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• Al Perry of Lafayette, LA writes:

  Monday, November 28, 2005

  Super article on Roland. He is truly one of the all-time best in the sport.

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• David Reminga of Grand Rapids, MI writes:

  Monday, November 28, 2005

  Roland Martin has kicked some butt, plenty of it. It's just too bad he couldn't land a Classic. I've always wished I would have the opportunity to draw and fish with him, but now it will never happen. Not to take anything away from Rick, but Roland Martin is number 1.

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• Mike Bingham of Brandon, MS writes:

  Saturday, November 26, 2005

  Mark Burgess might be the first guy to go aluminum on the FLW Tour. But during the 1998-99 BASS Top 150 season, I fished the entire year from an 18' aluminum Bass Cat with a 115 Mercury. That season's Top 150s were at the Potomac, Louisiana Delta, Logan Martin, Toho, Lake Mead and Old Hickory. None of these locations were small, but the Cat did fine. I never felt I was at a disadvantage. In fact, at some places it was better. I did get some odd looks from some of the guys, but most of my non-boaters were glad to to be riding at 50 mph instead of hanging on at 70-plus. I also had a much lower fuel bill, both for the boat and for my tow vehicle. Overall I had a very good experience with the aluminum Bass Cat and would do it again. There are plenty of fish close to most ramps, and fishing close can be very productive sometimes. Legendary angler Ricky Green also fished one season from an aluminum rig on the Top 150 trail during the '90s.

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• Riley B. Cooper of Oklahoma City, OK writes:

  Saturday, November 26, 2005

  Go for it! My next boat will be aluminum as well. Although I'm an XPress boat fan, G3 makes a great boat too. I've owned both glass and "metal" boats, and glass has more disadvantages to me. Timber and rocks are hard on any hull, but heavy-gauge welded aluminum is far superior than glass in those situations. High-performance hull design in the aluminums makes speeds in the 70s-80s no challenge. And the rough water/rough ride argument is more about the operator than the hull. Aluminum still dominates the walleye/muskie markets, and rough water is an expected part of their equation. Mark Burgess is thinking out of the box. Hopefully others will see the metal advantages and follow his lead.

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• Matt Mahle of Sunbury, OH writes:

  Friday, November 25, 2005

  I am writing to comment on Mark Burgess story. I own a Skeeter ZX200 and my father owns a G3 HP200. Most of the time we fish tournaments out of the Skeeter, but there are times when the G3 is employed. The G3 is more comfortable to fish out of, but one thing you did not mention, and I believe to be the only downfall of the aluminum boat, is wind. If the wind is more than 10 mph, we for sure leave the G3 at home and fish the Skeeter.
  
  

  Also, although my dad's G3 doesnt handle wind well, it doesn't sticker for $38,000-40,000. The value of the G3 HP200 is ridiculous if you compare it with any glass rig. Where else can you get a legitimate 20 footer that will run 70 mph with a front casting deck like a dance floor? There's not room for two flippers up front -- there's room for three! And the holeshot of my dad's boat even with a 150 4-stroke is unrea. It will eat the Skeeter's lunch in the 0-40 mph range.

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• Mike Diver of Auburn, IN writes:

  Friday, November 25, 2005

  Don Rucks has stated that the divisional representatives crossed the line, but he crossed first by not discussing raising the dues with the representatives and explaining what the $5 increase is for. The last time there was an increase from $12 to $15 it was stated that BASS would increase the payout money for the divisional tournaments and that didn't happen. Mr. Rucks should sit back in his big leather chair and think about this for a while because he has a lot more to lose than we do.

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• Brian Keister of Sicklerville, NJ writes:

  Thursday, November 24, 2005

  I think it is great that Dave Wolak is fishing the Elite Series. He is a great angler and deserves a shot. Glad he got a good sponsor.

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• Marc Rice of Davie, FL writes:

  Thursday, November 24, 2005

  It's a big, BIG mistake to take Loudmouth Bass off the air. That show was far better for the fisherman than any of the Bass Tech shows. Nobody cares about putting a stero in their boat over information that could help you on the water. Both Jay and Zona will be missed. All I know is if there is something good going on, ESPN has to mess it up. I hope those guys are on another channel. I'm going to stop watching ESPN.

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• Tom Branch, Jr. of Lilburn, GA writes:

  Thursday, November 24, 2005

  Why didn't you guys ask Tim Horton, member of the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) board of directors, why he crawfished on fishing the Elite Series after all that big talk? After all the talk and meetings, BASS changed nothing! But Tim and KVD signed up to fish the Elite Series. Just my thoughts, but it makes the PAA useless. If I was a memeber, I would be asking some on the board to resign. If you are going to stand up for what you believe in, do it. Don't back down and join them.

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• Kevin Johnson of Yokosuka, Japan writes:

  Thursday, November 24, 2005

  Thank you for your happy Thanksgiving comment. A lot of people forget about us serving in the miltary overseas. It is good to see at least BassFan does not forget about us servicemen and women.

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• David Kepner of Hopewell, PA writes:

  Wednesday, November 23, 2005

  BASS is way out of line. Who are they to dictate to state Federations what we will and will not do? To me, this sounds like a dictatorship. When did BASS start caring more about corporate sponsorship and their pockets than the grassroots membership? I think the boys in the boardroom better think twice about what they're doing because you don't go poking a stick in a bee's nest without expecting something bad to happen.
  
  

  Ever since ESPN stepped into the picture I have seen no good thing happen at state level for the average state member. So BASS, ESPN and all that, do what you want -- get rid of the Federations. You're only going to shoot yourself in the foot, but go ahead if that's what you want to do. Remember it's we the members who made this all happen, and took BASS this far. Without us, where would you be?
  

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• Kevin D. Reece of Scottsburg, IN writes:

  Wednesday, November 23, 2005

  I will totally support the Federation and follow accordingly. Whether I always agree with the Federation or not, they are our lifeline. However i hope all can be worked out and be a win-win for all.

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• James Terry Penley of Barren Springs , VA writes:

  Wednesday, November 23, 2005

  The rift that has occurred is going to cause a lot of hard feelings within the Fed ranks. I have been a life member of BASS since the early '80s and am proud to be one. The $5 dues increase is fine, but it needs to go through the proper channels. I have felt that since ESPN purchased BASS that the members, which made BASS what it is today, have been pushed to the side to a certain extent. One example: Just a few years ago, BASS wanted to take the Federation spots from the Classic. Our elected state officials discussed this with BASS and got them to keep the spots.
  
  

  I really don't know enough about this instance to pick sides, but it is a slap in the Federation members' face for BASS to throw our elected officials out. True BASS is owned by ESPN, but a lot of our membership are members of BASS because of the Federation. The sponsors are selling to the Federation members and that may affect how their sponsorship is given out in the future. In closing I would like to say that I would like to see the rift repaired for all's sake. We just want to fish, have fun and show others how great of a sport we have.
  

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• Greg Bearden of Hueytown, AL writes:

  Tuesday, November 22, 2005

  I feel that when BASS created the Weekend Series, this was meant to take the place of the Federation. You are able to make any changes you want when you have total control. The Federation and BASS have a co-worker relation. BASS and the Weekend Series have an owner and employee relationship.

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• Jeff Jones of Denver, CO writes:

  Tuesday, November 22, 2005

  You all don't get it. There are not enough hardcore bass anglers out there to warrant even one whole morning's programing. ESPN is not looking to keep you happy with the shows. They want 'the masses' to watch the shows so that advertisers will want to buy time. They have to bring new viewers in, or sooner than later outdoor programming will be back where it started, on the little cable networks which must have a niche to survive. If every single BASS Federation member watched the Saturday morning lineup, they still wouldn't have more than 50,000 viewers. That is not enough.
  
  

  That said, I too hope that Loudmouth will find a new home because I enjoyed that show. Kumar and Zona are the classic straight man/funny man combo. You figure out which is which. I fear the future of 'Bass Saturday' will become more and more basic, and less useful for the hardcore angler. And if you haven't noticed, lately BassCenter has 'dumbed down' in an effort to appeal to those not already watching. How many hardcore anglers need a 'Back to Basics' segment, or care to see Velvick buy a starter kit from Bass Pro Shops?

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• Dan Fenwick of Winter Haven, FL writes:

  Tuesday, November 22, 2005

  BASS/ESPN has done it again. Throwing their weight around is exactly one would expect of a corporation that has no idea of what it is doing. They also seem to have a knack of getting rid of the people that do understand the Federation. That's why I let my membership lapse. There's and old adage: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Only problem here is that ESPN would know if anything was broke or not. They are too busy trying to take a few fishermen and make stars out of them so they can sell advertising for their television shows.

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• Richard Newell of Aurora, IL writes:

  Tuesday, November 22, 2005

  ESPN cannot tell us how to run our Federation. I stand behind the Federation.

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• David James Stubbs of Murfreesboro, TN writes:

  Tuesday, November 22, 2005

  I am new to the Federation in Tennessee. Why does the Federation need BASS? I feel it can do a better job with less money. I also feel the Federation can start three divisions. A division for boats of 125+ hp, a division for boats of 50 hp to 124 hp, and a division for boats of 1 to 49 hp.
  
  

  It seems BASS is only interested in big money and making all the rules. I could be wrong, but I believe less than 15% of boaters who fish own boats powered by motors over 150 hp. The little guy is being ignored by BASS. I believe we need to help all fishermen.

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• Martin Armstrong of Bridgeport, CT writes:

  Tuesday, November 22, 2005

  I guess freedom of speech is dead at BASS.

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• Randy Bartlett of Franklin, TN writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  I'd say the consensus is clear. Bring back Denny! Bring back Denny! He can have Charlie Moore's spot.

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• Gene Snyder of Roland, AR writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  Why in the world would ESPN keep two cornball shows on and let Denny's go? Here is a guy who gives you a true and honest professional grade on one's ability in all aspects of bass fishing. The tips he gives are a help to even the most serious bass fisherman. This guy has forgotten more than these punks will ever learn.

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• Brett C. Meyn of Mechanicsville, VA writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  What is Don Rucks thinking? Does he not realize that without the Federation BASS is just another tournament trail? I think Rucks is slowly destroying BASS. First the insane entry fee raise and now this -- it's like he doesn't care at all. I wish he would pay more attention to what the members want than the business side of things. Without the members, BASS has no support. I'm not saying Rucks is a bad man, I'm just saying he is making the wrong decisions at the wrong time.

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• Michael Vines of New Lenox, IL writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  BASS is an arrogant organization. Members know it, pros know it and there's no question I'm not renewing my membership. There's too many good information resources out there to put up with the corporate slugs. I wrote a letter of concern to them earlier this year and recieved a smart-alec response. I'm done with them.

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• Don Ellis of Grand Prairie, TX writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  As a BASS member since 1978 I find myself shocked again by BASS management and the Federation over a $5 increase in dues. The problem is not the $5 but rather communication errors and power plays for control.
  
  

  When I look at BASS through Ray Scott's vision, I see a very different organization than is appearing in today's marketplace. The term marketplace is key to this situation because ESPN now markets its product (BASS) to the world of mass media (TV). ESPN has the size, clout and ability to push BASS to success no matter who or what it leaves behind. ESPN needs to understand that the average member sees these problems and feels less connected to BASS than ever before. It seems to be headed to an organization for the Elite 50 or whoever ESPN wants to market.
  
  

  I have always felt like I was an asset to BASS by being a member, but I am beginning to feel like BASS/ESPN doesn't really care if I am or not. It really won't affect the success of BASS where ESPN is taking it. I feel like what BASS has been to me all these years is fading away and the new BASS doesn't really need me, the average member, anymore.
  
  

  The Federation is and has always been the core of BASS because of all that it does on the local level everywhere. The Federation is the ministering arm of BASS that reaches out and touches people's lives everywhere. The Federation is BASS's ability to reach people on the local level. ESPN doesn't need this tool anymore because it doesn't fit the marketing plan for BASS. Fishing needs the Federation and always will. The Federation will be left behind by BASS/ESPN somewhere down the road. So will I.
  

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• Floyd D. Payne III of Chicago, IL writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  What we have here is a failure to communicate. The question is, is this done on purpose by BASS? To facilitate a 'shake out' of loyals vs. not loyals to achieve their goals? There appears to be a history of this lack of communication (or late communication) that puts Fed members 'under the gun' and pros too. And the pros who flipped over to FLW: Did they see some or all of this in the wind? Man, it seems that ever since ESPN bought out BASS, things have gotten funky all the way around.

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• Alexander Voog of Chicago, IL writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  This whole ESPN/BASS thing, right from the get-go, has been one giant SNAFU. It reminds me of the old days when moms used to give their children castor oil, all the while telling them "it's good for you." Well, be that as it may, I'm here to tell you it still tastes like crap! My 20-pound test is so chafed that it's more like 2-pound test, and if ESPN/BASS/Rucks doesn't stop testing my breaking strength, I may just have to devote all my time, energy and money – yeah, my money – to FLW and all its sponsors.
  

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• Joe DiGiovanni of Sterling Heights, MI writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  Big mistake ESPN. Loudmouth Bass was the best show on Saturday mornings. Best of luck to Jay and Z-man. You guys did a great job and didn't deserve the fall.

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• Brannon Hilton of Indianola, IA writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  This whole thing makes Jay Yelas' statements about BASS hold more water. Maybe the Federation should look at running its own semi-pro circuit.

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• Robert B . Busby of Petawawa, ON, Canada writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  Louder yelling and bigger threats might work with employees or soldiers, but it does not work in the current situation with BASS. While I am sure the increase was justified, it had to be sold, not dictated. Rucks and Jones must go. Their dictatorial style of leadership is highly offensive.

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• Scott Neely of Chattanooga, TN writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  On the Federation vs. BASS issue: Uh oh, what's that smell? Lawyers. This whole mess is going to degenerate into a legal free for all, with the regular anglers getting screwed. What about all the guys who have already sent their dues in months ago? Are they supposed to send in an extra 5 bucks now? Only people who have not sent their dues when this announcement came out should even be considered as having to pay a higher fee. Everyone who has already paid did so in good faith, which makes for a binding contract, and no one - not BASS or the Federation - can legally change that.
  
  

  If an angler who has qualified for the championship goes ahead and ponies up the extra cash, will he be able to fish? Or does BASS have to have all the fees from that state to make him/them eligible? No where in the bylaws that I have seen does it say that you must be registered for the coming season to be eligible for the championship of the past season. That's almost extortion. Are the dues that are being held hostage affecting the coming season or the season just past? If it's for the 2006 season, then it has no relevance to this championship, which has already been paid for by the dues tendered for the 2005 season. Again, a valid contract.
  
  

  ESPN has, I'm sure, tons of high-powered lawyers. They are going to need them because their position is going to be very hard to defend in court. And you better beleive that is where it is heading.

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• Bob La Londe of Yuma, AZ writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  I am curious if anybody sees the financial implications of this as it regards BASS. In my opinion, BASS is having cash-flow problems at the very least. Having seen a number of large companies go out of business in the past, I can say that it very rarely works to raise prices and make it harder to pay the bill on time, especially with a reduction of services or a threat to take back rewards already earned and paid for. It's a poor business decision.

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• Gene Rockwell of Falling Waters, WV writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  I find it ironic that when things get tough, BASS invokes the name of Ray Scott. He is two generations removed from any active participation in the organization he founded. He sold it. Helen sold it. Disney owns it. It is not the organization it was 40 years ago. Things change. Mr. Scott needs to move on, and so does the Federation program. There were many bass clubs, and even some state Federations, before B.A.S.S. brought them together in the early '70s. To quote Harold Sharp, "I know. I was there."

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• Dean Edwards of Joplin, MO writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  I'm sorry, but it seems as though BASS just wants to fight with everyone from the tournament pro to the Federation, and even down to the weekend angler that gets their magazines with the sex ads in the back. I don't care who you are, if you can't see something is wrong with the upper management of BASS, you have got to be blind. People used to be proud to wear the BASS patch and the sticker on the windows of their trucks, but it has become a joke. You can't build this sport if internally you keep trying to tear it down.

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• Jeff Lira of Roanoke, VA writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  BASS revoking membership? Never seen the injured reject a transfusion. The Federation is not part of BASS. Don't like the suggested $15.00 going to state reps? Too bad. Why should the Federation allow BASS to skim off the top? BASS get out of my pocket! Greedy, misguided thieves. The Federation needs to - today! - completely sever all ties with BASS.

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• Victor Leake of Mannford, OK writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  I am a life member of BASS and have been a member of the Federation for years. It saddens me when BASS will not even sit down to talk. Twice Federation members have tried to have a sit-down, and each time BASS was a no-show. Now without even trying to talk, they want to out the Fab 5? BASS is making the same mistake England made over 200 years ago. Does BASS really want to go the way of the dinosaurs?

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• Gene Steinke of Troy, OH writes:

  Monday, November 21, 2005

  I sent my dues in 12 days before I read these articles on BassFan. Where does that leave me? Someone now has my dues and I have no control over where they go.
  I have never heard of this Cartlidge fellow, let alone have I had an opportunity to vote for him or any other Federation bigshot. So how does my voice get heard in the Federation? I may get to vote for my district officers, but I don't even get to vote on my state officers. On the other hand, I don't see what BASS has in store for me in the future.
  
  

  I do know this: When I give my hard-earned money, I expect good representation. I also expect the parent organization to define what my benefits are -- before they get my money, not after.
  
  

  There are several organizations conducting fishing tournaments that I do belong to, and a large number of others that I can join. Perhaps, now is the time to just have fun fishing instead of worrying about a bunch of babies fighting over my meager BASS dues.

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• Larry Krueger of Colorado Springs, CO writes:

  Sunday, November 20, 2005

  I am probably a typical BASS member. I joined BASS and the Federation in 1987, have held many local and state offices, and have participated in nine divisional tournaments. I have a college degree and am self-employed, probably the type of person most advertisers are trying to reach. I personally feel ESPN/BASS could care less about the Federation. We are not a profit center and they are about making money. ESPN is also taking BASS where most of our members can't go anyway. I also suspect the majority of people currently working for BASS have no real interest in the sport of bass fishing.
  
  

  We are a small Federation and certainly no real player in this drama, but our Federation, at its just-concluded quarterly meeting, has decided to see what happens with the large state Federations before we decide how to respond. So no real loyalty to BASS.
  
  

  Rucks' response was way over the top. He was grossly arrogant in presuming he could tell the states who could serve and who couldn't, and probably just alienated more Federation members. If he wants the Federation to go away he should have the nerve to say it. All TBF Inc. was saying was, "Hey, talk to us." I believe this could be the beginning of the end of BASS and the BASS Federation.
  Thanks for the objective reporting of this situation. Keep up the good work.

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• Michael McMillan of Greenfield, MN writes:

  Sunday, November 20, 2005

  When ESPN purchased BASS I was concerned that an entertainment corporation would not keep the best interests of the membership in the forefront. As time has passed, it has become very clear that ESPN purchased BASS for its marketing value alone and has little to no interest in the general membership. The tournaments are geared to the select few professionals and they continue to make it impractical for the average member to participate. The membership is what started BASS and ESPN should consider these members when making changes, or send us on our way to do what we want.

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• Erick Allen of Seattle, WA writes:

  Sunday, November 20, 2005

  This used to be fun, and now it is all about money. We used to vote and now we are told waht to do. I used to love Ma BASS, now I just don't care. You can have my BASS membership too. The one who will suffer most is my Federation. This will cause many members to jump ship.

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• Cecil Cole of Durand, MI writes:

  Sunday, November 20, 2005

  ESPN cancelled the only two shows I bothered to watch on Saturdays. I haven't talked to anyone over the past year that didn't like Loudmouth Bass. What a shame.

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• Joe Strong of Thayer, MO writes:

  Sunday, November 20, 2005

  The Federation should have seen this coming. I believe ESPN could have benifited this sport, but as with all buisnesses it is the bottom line that matters most. The fishermen will pay the increase because we all love this Federation format. It is something we look forward to every year, and although it is true that costs are rising, there should be accountability for this increase. Spell it out on paper. Show where the cost lies so that every member can see. Never play hide and seek with someone's hard-earned money. We give it freely to our sport. Don't abuse it.

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• Gerald M. Martin of Norwich, CT writes:

  Sunday, November 20, 2005

  It is great that Hartford has landed such a major tournament in the All-American. I hope the speed and no-wake zones are waived for this tournament. The Connecticut River is a great fishery and I think the bags will be better than where they held the Bassmaster Classic this year. Good luck to all the participatants.

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• Bruce Greig of Brentwood, TN writes:

  Saturday, November 19, 2005

  As a 19-year member of BASS and the Federation, I can only say one thing about BASS's action: piracy. The Federation I joined back in 1986 was never about BASS. It was about being in a bass club that had an affiliation with an organization, BASS, that gave autonomy to and encouraged independence and freedom to enjoy our favorite pastime. They had a newsletter and some insurance and gave us a way to get to the Classic. What they did not have and still do not have is ownership over our actions and activities.
  
  

  They ask for dues and have described what those dues are for. All previous increases have been agreed to after being voted on by the membership. Now BASS wants to remove that right. Now they say no to a request for audit. Now they kick out the group that was legally selected to represent the Federation in dealings with BASS. This is wrong and will certainly be the beginning of the end of the Federation's relationship with BASS as it currently stands. Federation members are tired of getting the corporate runaround when we, its grassroots members, ask for simple accountability.
  
  

  National BASS sponsors say they designate money and support for the Federations, and yet existence of this can't be seen much below the national Federation level. BASS asks the Federation to provide the labor for their events, including the Classic, National, Divisionals, Weekend Trail, National Junior program, Casting Kids, and conservation. Where would those programs be without the Federation? Would the sponsors BASS so covets still want to participate without the Federation? Ask yourself who benefits whom?
  
  

  ESPN's BASS is all about the money. The Federation is not theirs, and hopefully will continue to be an independent group of grassroots fishermen whose goal is not to serve BASS but the membership it was organized to serve. Federation members raise your hand against what can only be seen as corporate greed and heavyhandedness. Who's to say the next move won't be to disband the state presidents. Email and call BASS/ESPN and give them feedback on this piracy of our freedom of choice. You can make a difference.
  

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• Terry Kleeman of Joplin, MO writes:

  Saturday, November 19, 2005

  I support BASS as a Federation member and I don't have a problem with a $5.00 increase. But it's only fair that we know where the money goes.

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• Bill Cox of Russellville, AR writes:

  Saturday, November 19, 2005

  Rucks did the right thing. Federation members beenfit from BASS and ESPN. Without their cooperation, the Federation would be nothing but confusion. Not many members would be participating if not for the opportunity to fish the Bassmaster Classic.

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• Chris Wilson of Moosic, PA writes:

  Saturday, November 19, 2005

  When a top BASS executive shot from the hip once before and angered the pros, a major sponsor held a meeting with BASS and surprised them with the presence of the PAA president. Again, a top BASS executive has shot from the hip in a way that can seriously affect BASS's relationship with sponsors in an extremely negative way.
  
  

  Mr. Rucks, you do not own the Federation, you do not control the Federation and you do not tell the Federation who you will and will not recognize. You tried to tell the PAA that you would not recognize them and you see where that got you. Now you will find out just how many Federations are going to stand behind their presidents. If you don't want to talk to them, Mr. Jacobs will. But somehow I think the sponsors are going to get involved. Not in trying to bring us back into the fold, because Federation members will still support them because they support fishing and a number of them support the FLW, but by telling you that you are not worth the amount of money without us that they are spending. We know that - you should know that - Mr. Jacobs is very aware of that.
  
  

  So before this mess gets any further out of hand, think about it. I along with a number of other Federation anglers buy Citgo gas wherever we go. I run a Mercury Optimax, a MotorGuide trolling motor, I have three high-end Lowrance units and I buy from other BASS sponsors. Some of them, i.e. Citgo, inked long term deals. They inked those deals knowing there were nearly 50,000 hardcore bass enthusiasts as part of the deal. What are those sponsors going to do to BASS if you lose even the bulk of Federations?
  
  

  A great general knows not to get into a fight unless he knows he can win. But a good General knows when to make a strategic withdrawal and live to fight another day.

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• Bean Lefebvre of Malden, MA writes:

  Saturday, November 19, 2005

  We elected the TBF to act on our behalf. Nnow we need to step up to the plate and give them our full support.

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• Dennis Becker of Troy, OH writes:

  Saturday, November 19, 2005

  Before commenting on the current Federation issues, I would like to list my background to lend credibility to what I am about to say. I have been on the Ohio BASS Chapter Federation Board of Directors since 1980. I served 15 years as president, and am currently past president and president emeritus. I am the recipient of one BASS Divisional Federation Man-of-the-Year award and one National Federation Man-of-the-Year award. I've taken state teams to 18 divisional tournaments, and have been to 16 Classics and 13 Federation Championships. I've seen the good and bad days of the Federation.
  
  

  One fact that I have not seen in the current reports is that it was BASS that proposed the idea of creating the Fab 5. Shortly after ESPN took over, they did not want to deal with 50 state presidents so they requested the smaller panel. Unfortunately for them, it appears to have worked too well.
  
  

  I have know all of those dismissed by BASS for many years and have the highest respect for all of them. And I can tell you for a fact that it was never their intent to pull away from BASS. In fact, they did just the opposite: there were days early on when some wanted to separate and they worked hard to calm those efforts and allow time to work things out. My last official contact with them was in October of this year and that was still their goal at that time.
  
  

  This whole issue is not about a $5.00 dues increase. BASS is using that to rid itself of Federation issues one way or another. I could write volumes on recent and past history to explain the problems. Those of us who have been there know them, and no one at BASS/ESPN seems to listen or care. The Fab 5 have earned my respect. Right now I cannot say that for anyone at BASS/ESPN. I hope I do not have to make a decision between the two. It will be easy if I do.

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• Greg Grehawick of Springfield, VA writes:

  Saturday, November 19, 2005

  Nice move Don Rucks. I've already cancelled my subscription to Bassmaster magazine and relinquished my BASS membership. Don Rucks is bad for BASS and bad for tournament fishing (professional or otherwise).

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• Martin Danny Lamb of Lumberton NC writes:

  Saturday, November 19, 2005

  I was truly disappointed to read that Ray Scott was backing Rucks' actions concerning the Federation. My respect for Ray Scott has been significantly reduced.

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• Chad T. Keogh of Comox, BC, Canada writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  Re: the Federation turmoil -- Maybe BASS stands for "Bullies of American Sportsmen Society" and ESPN stands for "Extra Spending Pennies Needed" (500 pennies to be exact). BASS is taking a beating from all angles these days. First they anger the pros with an ambush announcement that they'll have to turn over $55,000 in cash and a good chunk of their jersey and boat for BASS advertising. Now it's the backbone of the entire organization they are getting upset. I think they'll be in for a rude awakening when the dues don't come by Dec. 31 and a good chunk of the Federation jumps ship. The Federation asking for an accounting breakdown of where their dues are actually going is more than reasonable, and BASS withholding that information will just make them look guilty of some misappropriation of funds. As for my membership in BASS (non-Federation), the only benefit I get is the magazine. Sure it's an awesome magazine, but I think I'll instead subscribe to Bassin' or Bass West USA when this subscription is up. At least then I won't be fooling myself into thinking I'm getting something more than just a subscription.

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• Ray Coleman of Henderson, NV writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  The arrogance of BASS is overwelming, as is their complete lack of savvy when it comes to the rank and file.

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• Dan Fenwick of Winter Haven, FL writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  Boy, am I glad I let my BASS membership lapse. ESPN is going to make sure the Federation finally breaks away. They must be very cunning and conniving. They are forcing the Federation to jump from BASS and making sure the Federation looks bad doing it. But thank goodness for Jacobs. He knows what the real worth of the Federation is. That's something ESPN will never grasp. Way to go ESPN/BASS. Shoot yourself in the foot again.

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• Rocky Bridges of Palatka, FL writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  It is not the $5.00. It is the mandate, the timing, and the fact that BASS did not have the common courtesy to discuss the increase with the Federation leadership. This is a wake-up call for all Federation members. Just because you elect your state president or your state president elects individuals to represent you, if BASS does not like what they say or they do not do what BASS says, BASS just revokes their membership. These state presidents and/or reps are elected by the membership and are not employees of BASS, so what's up with that?
  
  

  Rather than BASS showing some leadership and working with the reps, I guess the easy and "corporate weenie" way is to just revoke their membership. It seems obvious to me that BASS does not want the leadership of the state Federations. They just want the membership to do their little chores at all the BASS events so they (BASS)can take all the credit and prestige for all they do.
  
  

  I guess my membership is in jeopardy now -- I am an elected officer of a state Federation and I am speaking out. More importantly, I certainly do not agree with the way BASS is pushing the Federations (which they do not own) around.

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• Steven H. Kirby of Columbus, OH writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  The actions by BASS/ESPN, in the person of Don Rucks, in expelling the Federaton Representatives from BASS and permanently banning them from all present and future BASS events are terribly wrong. Subsequent to this, the actions by Ray Scott in supporting Rucks' decision is a huge letdown to all of us who "know" BASS. Unlike Ray's flimsy excuse related to the "old days," today's circumstances are so diametrically different as to make one wonder just what the father of BASS was thinking when he gave his blessing to this obviously bad decision. This situation harkens back to several years in the past when the original PAA was just formed. They sought a meeting with BASS and were initially granted one, then on the day of the meeting, no one was there and all of a sudden BASS had a new advisory group, the PBA.
  
  

  The fact that BASS doesn't own the Federation goes a long way in setting the course for the future -- IF the various states have the intestinal fortitude to do what's right and pull out. What's there to lose? At one time Classic spots made the difference. Today, with the elimination format, it's nothing but a carrot that's always a little bit too far out of reach. Then there are the Federation Nationals -- you know, the Federation biggee which still pays the same as when it was set up.
  
  

  I've been a BASS member since 1982. Prior to that I read the magazine and supported them as I could. Today, I resigned my membership from the Federation and requested a refund on the remaining time on my magazine subscription. I will not be party to an organization which conducts its business in such a manner, nor will I be part of an organization whose founder, who I deeply respected, takes the "money" course and lamely supports these actions with a comparative analysis from years back, which means absolutely nothing in today's situation. Ray, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

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• Ralph H. Zug of Brookville, OH writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  If any program should be axed on Saturday morning it should be Beat Charlie Moore. The best show I have seen in many years is Schooled by Denny. We also got to here both sides of issues on Loudmouth.

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• Larry Watson of Anderson, IN writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  It seems to me that an explaniation of why our dues are being increased and what we get for that extra $5.00 would be a better way to pass along costs than just to do it and say, "Pay now and do not ask questions."

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• Eldon Crabtree of New Castle, IN writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  As a twice-elected president of the Indiana Federation and a officer/director for over 22 years, I am not surprised at BASS's action. Ever since ESPN has taken over, its Federation leadership has taken a tremendous plunge downward. We are all volunteers giving hundreds of hours in service to BASS and its programs. If anyone doesn't think BASS is in big trouble, look back over the past 5 years as to how many long-time sponsors have left their ranks but still stayed involved with tournament fishing. We Federation members will be much better off to be the TBF and tell BASS to go their merry way. I support the Fab 5.

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• Eric Burton of Irving, TX writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  BASS and ESPN are notlistening to their audience. Schooled was a great show. Yeah Denny did beat these guys down, but I saw myself in a more than a few of the situations. It was fun to see a regular guy get his day to day fishing habits critiqued. I learned a great deal from that show and was able to put it into practice.
  
  

  Loudmouth Bass was a show that enabled us wannabees to learn about what's really going on in our sport. Almost every major sport that ESPN produces has a show where the general population get the straight story from insiders. But because ESPN and BASS are in the same bed, it looks like the officials at the network canned the show because it was no fun to see your dirty laundry aired on national TV.
  
  

  ESPN needs to grow up. If they think they know what anglers want, then straighten up and fly right. Today's anglers are very educated (mostly) and politically active. If we don't get the dirt there, we'll get it elsewhere. Check the fishing boards across the country. ESPN cannot hide their problems and shortcomings any better than Tormanen hid his fish. ESPN should bring back Schooled and Loudmouth Bass and get their respect back.
  
  

  Lastly, Charlie Moore needs to beat it from my television. This show is the worst fishing show I have ever seen. We don't want this poor imitation of a show in our living rooms.

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• Bruce Flesher of Meridian, ID writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  I will not comment on whether the actions taken by BASS to revoke the memberships of the reps was right or wrong. But it is wrong for BASS to institute a dues hike effective Nov. 1. I paid my club dues for 2006 2 weeks ago for one club of which I am a member, and will pay to the second club tomorrow evening at their annual banquet. Neither of those clubs is prepared to pay the additional $5.00 BASS dues by Dec. 31. This is only one of several times that BASS has made a last-minute decision. States have as many as 12,000 members -- how do they get that word to their membership in this timeframe? BASS creates their own problems when making these types of choices. Let's enact the $5.00 increase, but make it for 2007. If BASS needs more than $5.00, so be it, but give the membership time to collect. Our state has increased the cost of a tournament permit by $2.00. They advised us of that increase in June. We purchase our permits in January. Mr. Rucks, do you see the picture? Administratively you are killing your membership.

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• Alan DeVaughn of Larue, OH writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  As a long-time Ohio Federation member, and a life member of BASS, I find this a shame. With the takeover of BASS from ESPN, things have gone downhill for the Federation member. A $5.00 increase in dues for every Federation member is a lot of money for ESPN, but the $15.00 each member in every Federation pays would be a greater loss for ESPN if all the Federations pull out. It's time ESPN looks at the big picture. They do little for the Federation member and even less for their life members. When does the greed for money stop and compassion for the membership take over?
  

  BassFan says: Al DeVaughn was the Federation Man of the Year in 2003.

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• Ken McAlister of Salisbury, NC writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  I think anyone who cheats is lower than whale dung. If this guy is guilty, I feel that he should be made to pay back all monies that he has won, and have his picture posted thoughout the U.S. for everyone to see so he wouldn't even be able to fish a wildcat tourney. For that matter, rip his arms off at the shoulder and we wouldn't have to worry about him fishing ever again.

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  Re: the BASS Federation -- For some time I have believed that BASS would cut the Federation loose because it does not fit the ESPN/BASS future of producing TV shows for profit. It is hard to sell a TV show of good guys enjoying this great sport. It is not the "in-yo-face" TV that ESPN produces. The hard-working club guys that enjoy bass fishing on off days do not produce the clowns that the Elites do, so it looks like BASS has found a good excuse to toss them back. They just gave Irwin 100 top pros, so they won't miss 50,000 "bubbas" that someone must keep track of. Look for a strong organization of worldwide bass clubs to rise from this mess. There are plenty of good Federation officers to get it done, and the bass fishing world will take notice when it happens. The bass club program and BASS were both started at the same time. I should know as I was there when it started.

  BassFan says: Harld Sharp was one of the original employees of B.A.S.S.

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• Eric Wilson of Marshall, TX writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  Re: the Federation -- This is really bad PR for BASS. What else can BASS do to alienate its members?

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• Doug Vest of Okeechobee, FL writes:

  Friday, November 18, 2005

  Re: Tormanen -- FLW needs to learn from this on how to handle cheaters.

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• David Munaretto of Chicago, IL writes:

  Thursday, November 17, 2005

  IF this guy is proven guilty, there should be a process and a governing body to permanently revoke his right to obtain a fishing license in any state. I hereby sign a petition asking the federal government to establish a black list of "proven cheaters" that all states must reference prior to issuing a fishing license. This list should contain known cheaters to the sport of fishing, and known terrorists -- which are basically the same thing.

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• Joel B. Harris Sr. of Germanton, NC writes:

  Thursday, November 17, 2005

  As a tournament director, I have been watching the Tormanen indecent very close. I hope that if this person is found guilty that he receives a harsh punishment. But let's not convict him on-line or over the Web. Let the courts do it.

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• Steve Bozeman of Andalusia, AL writes:

  Thursday, November 17, 2005

  I was happy to hear of the example the BASS tournament directors made of Tormanen. Maybe the rest of the fishermen will think twice before doing something that stupid.

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• Brian L. Grim of Springfield, MO writes:

  Thursday, November 17, 2005

  I have always had a concern about the ease at which anyone could cheat at fishing tournaments. The "tethered fish" incident has confirmed my suspicions. Perhaps zero tolerance, huge penalties and serious jail time to those convicted will deter most, but there is very little that can be done to monitor and prevent cheating before it happens. There is always a certain element that will try to get away with it.

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• Ken Sherman of Baton Rouge, LA writes:

  Thursday, November 17, 2005

  It's good to see the parties handle this cheating situation the way they are. They need to set a standard with this case that will make people think twice about pulling a stunt like this.

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• Mike Blackburn of Jacksonville, FL writes:

  Thursday, November 17, 2005

  I too think the old Skeeter commercials were funnier than the recent Evinrude commercial. What made the first commercial with the Skeeter guy meeting the new boyfriend even better was the commercial sequel when the same Skeeter guy actually pried the new boyfriend away from momma and took him fishing on his Skeeter bass boat. What a way to introduce a new friend to the world of bass fishing. I would bet both are now part of the BassFan Army!

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• Randy Shank of Lancaster, PA writes:

  Thursday, November 17, 2005

  I think it's an injustice to cancel Loudmouth Bass and Schooled by Denny Brauer. Those were by far my favorite shows in the Bass Saturday lineup. Chances are, I will not spend near as much time this upcoming year in front of the TV Saturday mornings. Schooled was great because amatuer anglers are always on the water wondering what the pros would be doing different to catch fish. Loudmouth Bass was just plain entertaining. I loved watching Kumar and Zona argue with each other about all parts of bass fishing. It also gave insight to the side of professional angling that most of us never see. I was at the Classic this year in Pittsburgh, and absolutely loved getting to see Jay and Mark on the set at the point. We want you guys back in a bad way!

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• Tracy Mitchell of Springfield, MO writes:

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  Re: Tormanen -- If he cheated, I hope he gets the maximum sentence. A statement needs to be made to the cheaters who steal from the competitors that are honest. If you cheat, you pay the price. If you cheat, you are a worthless loser. I have competed against this individual and often wondered how he made such a quick run of the Central Divison tournaments. Guess we won't have to be concerned about him anymore. You can compare this to the steroid scandle. Some people are just too week and have no courage to do it on their own.

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• Dave Bewley of Blue Springs, MO writes:

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  There's no room in the sport of tournament fishing for cheating. If Mr. Tormanen is found guilty of fraud, he should be banned for life from all tournament circuits. These allegations bring into question his recent top finishes in local tournaments in Missouri. Circuits like Heartland and the Central Pro-Am should follow BASS's lead and ban him for life.

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• Ralph B. Spoerl of Mukwonago, WI writes:

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  Two words for Dan Bowen: You're wrong!

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• Dick Traud of Alachua, FL writes:

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  The person that was said to have committed fraud in the Open tournament should never be allowed to receive a fishing license from any state. If this was done then he could never enjoy fishing again, nor could he ever dupe another tournament.

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• Kenn Harding of Cicero, NY writes:

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  I can't believe ESPN would cancel Loudmouth and Schooled By Denny Brauer, and keep Charlie Moore. Loudmouth is informative and funny. The interviews are good and I enjoy their commentary. Brauer gives us the only opportunity we have to get what we do compared to what a pro does. The only problem I had with the Saturday programming is I was out fishing while the shows were on. They should be replayed in the evening during the week.

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• Dave Dieling of Elmhurst, IL writes:

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  I find some irony in that the state of Louisiana is eagerly prosecuting an alleged cheating tournament angler (which they should) with a team of wardens yet effectively ignored a previous incident where a tournament angler (Gary Klein) was shot at in full view of an eyewitness, where the angler could have been seriously injured or killed. Go figure.

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• Danny Payne of Glendora, CA writes:

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  This is the first time I have responded to something of this nature. I totally disagree with the cancellation of Schooled by Denny B. and Loudmouth Bass. Both shows along with BassCenter and Bassmasters are why I watch, or tape when I am fishing. As for Bass Tech and Beat Charlie Moore, I almost always go do chores or fast forward past them. I fish in a bass club and also compete on a team tournament curcuit. In addition to information and fishing techniques, I also enjoy knowing what is going on in my sport.

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• Mark Poulson of Los Angeles, CA writes:

  Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  If Schooled by Denny Brauer is too technical, the ESPN folks must think you have to be an idiot to fish. Just tell me where to sign up, and I'll watch Denny's show.

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• Bill Burrows of Yorba Linda, CA writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  BASS did the right thing by banning that guy for life. Apparently he wasn't even a very good cheater. I guess he couldn't catch enough weight in practice to tie them up. What a joke!

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• Jeff Bundenthal of Dayton, OH writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I agree with canceling Loudmouth Bass. I used to change the channel when it came on. It was too much like SportsCenter and I did not like the arguing about topics. The Denny Brauer show to me was too slow and boring, with too many commercials and interruptions just when you want to know something.

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• Mike Zaifert of Santee, SC writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Denny was a great instructional tool and Loudmouth was a fun exchange of ideas. Charlie Moore is the one show I fast forward through on the tape. Maybe Jay Yelas was right in his critism of ESPN. They might not get it.

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• Ed Dyer of Byron Center, MI writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I am very sorry to hear that Loudmouth Bass is being cancelled. I loved the show, especially the good-natured hijinks between Zona and Jay. I doubt it will be the last we will see of the Z-Man. Thanks for the entertaining shows and also to Jay for BassFan.

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• Ray Coleman of Henderson, NV writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Again it is apparent that ESPN doesn't get the true hardcore bass angler. Why would they cancel Loudmouth Bass in favor of BassCenter? I believe that Kumar and Zona are the team that delivers real info to the hardcore bass angler.

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• Dave Reynolds of Sterling, MA writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I love Beat Charlie Moore and his New England fishing show Charlie Moore Outdoors. His shows are such a breath of fresh air for this fishing generation. My kids will not sit still for more than 5 minutes to watch any how-to fishing shows, yet they are glued to the TV when Charlie comes on. He has done more to promote the sport of bass fishing here in New England than any other person on TV.

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• Patrick McBride of Chattanooga, TN writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  The decision to axe Loudmouth Bass was an uninformed one. Educated anglers want to be to educate themselves further on issues outside of what color lure to throw. The cancellation of LMB is a huge mistake. Why not cancel Charlie Moore? I get tired of watching him fish against poor anglers and women. Never in a thousand years would he fish against anyone not a big name who would smear his cocky rear.

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• Danny Dunn of Jacksonville, FL writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Hate to see Loudmouth Bass cancelled. Hate to see Loudmouth Bass cancelled.Hate to see Loudmouth Bass cancelled. Hate to see Loudmouth Bass cancelled. Hate to see Loudmouth Bass cancelled.

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• Don Millet of Humble, TX writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I see it just the way others do. Beat Charlie Moore is boring. Need to keep Brauer's show and Loudmouth. They are both great. I think it is a political Ranger vs. Triton, BASS vs. FLW deal. Again the viewers lose. I thought we finally had a good line up.

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• Scott Loftis of Canton, NC writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I'm another fan critical of ESPN's move to cancel Denny and Loudmouth. I thought Denny was the best programming in the block. Kumar and Zona were good, except for the bump board. What was that? Maybe Bowen should combine Loudmouth and BassCenter. I would watch.

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• Rick Greene of Waterloo, NY writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  To keep Bass Tech and cancel Denny Brauer, which educates fishermen, lends itself to the following thinking: ESPN would rather present shows that are geared toward fluff than education. Is there a serious fisherman who wants to know how to trick out a bass boat? I would have to answer that with a resounding 'no.' Serious fishermen want to have educational content in the show. Loudmouth Bass was both educational and offered a different viewpoint.

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• Ryan Said of Wixom, MI writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  A valiant effort on Mr. Bowen's part, but unfortunately that explanation does not work. Nothing against him personally, but there are more holes in that explanation than in my landing net. I can understand Loudmouth and Schooled not resonating with Saturday morning viewers -- because Saturday morning viewers are rarely fishermen! If it is Saturday, I would gamble that even a casual fisherman would be out fishing by 7:00 a.m. 50% of the time. I have not seen a Loudmouth show since April (when the ice melted up here) because I have literally been fishing every Saturday morning since then.
  
  

  If he wants to talk focus groups or surveys, how about a website called BassFAN -- meaning the people who give feedback on there are fans of bass fishing. If he seriously thinks Schooled is too thick, I would wonder if he has ever fished competitively. Yes, bass fishing really is that thick if you want to try to consistently catch them critters. And I don't have a son, but if I did, he certainly would not be watching a cocky, cursing, farthest-thing-from-a-professional, bass fisherman in Charlie Moore. What exactly is the "take-away" there that is not in Schooled? I could go on as I know many other BassFans could. I am just tired of being fed excuses when the truth seems obvious. I get enough of that at work.

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• Alvin Shaw of State Road, NC writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Cancelling Loudmouth Bass is very disappointing. The talk among all the competitors and fans alike was, "Did you see Loudmouth Bass this week?" The show is always in the know and pointed out the elements that make bass fishing a professional sport. Tour coverage shows should be where the fans can get knowledge to use the next time they are on the water. Shows like BassCenter and Loudmouth Bass are where the fans and competitors go to get the inside story (what makes the angler tick) in the world of tournament bass fishing. To take bass fishing up to the levels of other sports, you have to have fan-to-angler relationships. Loudmouth Bass was making that relationship.

  BassFan says: Alvin Shaw is a tour pro from North Carolina.

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• Dave Dickens of Sarasota, FL writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  The decision to drop Loudmouth Bass and Schooled by Denny Brauer from the Saturday ESPN line-up will prove to be a mistake. Loudmouth filled a void for the tournament fisherman that will be sorely missed. While content of the program from start to finish might need a little revamping, the fisherman/businessman relationship of the hosts provided info to the audience that I can only assume Mr. Bowen isn't concerned with. I hear that the active fisherman isn't the target viewer they are looking for. Wrong! If they aren't, they should be.

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• Kevin Brown of Madisonville, TN writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I cannot make myself watch Beat Charlie Moore. I have always enjoyed watching Loudmouth Bass and Schooled By Denny Brauer.

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• Joseph K. Kusic of Houston, PA writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I thought these were the most informative and entertaining shows in the lineup. Denny Braurer certainly gave significant tips when critiqing his student, even though he was a little rough at times. And the new format for Loudmouth Bass is much better than the old format. I think the absolute worst shows were Bass Tech, Beat Charlie Moore and The Fishin' Hole. The best and most informative were Schooled by Denny Brauer, Bassmaster, Loudmouth Bass and BassCenter (in that order).

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• Erik Steenblock of San Diego, CA writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Re: the Bowen article -- It is so disingenuous. If Schooled By Denny Brauer didn't give anglers something to "take out on the water" with them, I can't imagine what will. The justifications provided for the cancellation of both shows was completely scatter-brained. Does anybody watch Beat Charlie Moore? And what the heck is an "experiential window?" And why does ESPN think I want or need one?

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• Dewayne Bonham of Brentwood, CA writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Concerning the ESPN/Bowen interview -- What they don't seem to understand is that no one but a serious fisherman is going to get up at 4:00-6:00 a.m. to watch a fishing show. Their first question to ask in the focus groups should have been, "Would you get up at 5:00 a.m. to watch a fishing show?" If the answer was "no," then their opinions are not relevant.
  
  

  ESPN is targeting a market that they cannot draw with the programming in the current timeslot. In the process they are canceling shows that us participating spectators, who will get up or record to watch later, really enjoyed. I know that for the first time in years, I thought their programming had a variety of fishing shows with interesting programming for everyone from a beginner to a tour pro.
  
  

  In regards to the Loudmouth Bass cancellation, I feel that ESPN has found that in-depth analysis of a sport is a different animal when you own one of the organizations that will frequently get critiqued. What sounded like a good format turned bad when they were open to negative press through their own media outlet. Thank God for BassFan.com. At least we have one media source that is not handcuffed and can cover the news of the sport.

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• Jim Lohr of St. Louis, MO writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Loudmouth was a great show that I woke up to watch every Saturday. As far as Charlie Moore, I would switch to other outdoor networks while he and his challenge were taking place. Who cares? Zona and Kumar were great and they had great guests and some of the funniest skits, poking fun at some of the world's best anglers in the E3s -- and the classic Saturday Night Live rip-off with the snakehead at the door. Neither Brauer nor Charlie Moore could have pulled that off -- priceless. I hope Zona and Kumar will resurface in the near future. The sport needs personality to grow, and those guys have it.

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• Mark Willis of Garner, NC writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  These so-called experts are so out of touch with their audience that it's ridiculous. Two of the best shows on TV don't "resonate" because of their time slots, not because of the content.

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• J T Hipps of Benton AR writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I liked the show Loudmouth Bass. I would rather keep Denny's show and Loudmouth Bass and let Beat Charlie Moore and Bass Tech go. I would get up early during the week to watch LMB reruns if I missed it on Saturday. LMB was informative with a good twist of humor. I will miss LMB.

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• Dereck Bigford of Cicero, NY writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Loudmouth Bass was the best show of all of them. Taking it off is a big mistake. In talking with the guys in the three bass clubs I am a member of, everyone wants it. I think ESPN did not like what Zona and Kumar had to say all the time and that was the problem. The fans would rate the show No. 1. Bass fishing guys want the scoop on the topics they were covering. Put the show back!

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• Jim Loufman of Downers Grove, IL writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Are you kidding me? "Schooled by Denny Brauer" is about as real as it gets. Every angler can relate to trying to figure out a new body of water and cracking the code to find fish for that day. To see average anglers go at it and be critiqued by Denny with all his experience provides viewers with a real learning opportunity. This is as real as fishing gets and Denny is one of the best teachers on the planet.

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• Margaret Lesinsky of Vista, CA writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I think ESPN should get rid of Beat Charlie Moore and keep the Denny Brauer show, as far as having a show that is more into giving the fans something they can take out on the water.

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• Jerry Owens of Wichita, KS writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I believe ESPN dropped Loudmouth Bass because the show told it the way it was. The guys (Kumar and Zona) didn't seem to care if a story made BASS look bad just because ESPN owned and ran the show. Simple as that.

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• Tom Miks of Maryville, IL writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  If ESPN would listen to the fans I think they would see the truth. Axing Schooled by Denny Brauer and Loudmouth was not a popular decision with the fans. Bass Tech is already getting old. I would never tie up storage space with a thump and boom sound system or a video game. Give me a break.

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• Richard "Dick" Smith of Hancock, NH writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I agree with Bowen that the majority of us want programming whereby we learn something that we can apply on the water in order to catch more/bigger bass. Therefore it baffles me that ESPN continues to air programs like the Fishin' Hole and Beat Charlie Moore where little if anything is learned.

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• Martin Mazur of Shawnee Mission, KS writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  A few things to say about Dan Bowen's comments:
  
  

  > Quote: "Let me make this clear: I'm not saying the goal is to dumb anything down." He does not want us to know completely about the troubles going on in BASS/ESPN. He would rather us not know about the disputes going on between anglers and BASS/ESPN management. Rembember ESPN is in the job of entertaining. Hence the E in ESPN for Entertainment.
  
  

  > Quote: "And Bowen did point to Bass Tech and Beat Charlie Moore as two shows that achieve what Loudmouth Bass didn't." Bass Tech is good. Charlie Moore? Well, I cannot say what is on my mind about him. I am too much the gentleman.
  
  

  > Quote re: Charlie Moore: "It's an opportunity for any fisherman in America to live vicariously through fishermen who line up against him. Charlie serves the experiential side of the viewing experience." But Charlie does not educate us in what to do. Denny did that with Schooled.

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• Nick Barr of Lacey, WA writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I cannot believe Bowen is cancelling the two best shows on TV, Loudmouth Bass and Denny Brauer. In his statements he never really gives a straight answer or valid explanation. And I also want Charlie Moore cancelled. Most of the time it is not bass fishing, and Denny Brauer is a way better show than Charlie Moore.

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• Rob Jasper of Arlington, TX writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I will miss Loudmouth Bass. I think it is a mistake. I liked learning what was going on behind the scenes and hearing the tough debate. My wife even got into this show, along with BassCenter which does not happen with fishing shows. I may be alone, but I can’t get into that Beat Charlie Moore show. And I could beat Charlie. That to me should have been the one to take a seat.
  

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• Bob Engleke of Toms River, NJ writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Pulling Loudmouth and Denny Brauer is by far one of the stupidest decisions I've seen ESPN make. I learned things fron Denny's show. It was one of "us" out there on a strange body of water learning some things. Loudmouth was informative and the most entertaining bass show on the air. I really hoped that it would be expanded, not cancelled. ESPN got it wrong again. Bass Tech is fantasy and worth nothing. I watch it for the personalities, not to learn anything. BassCenter? The jury's still out. I can take it or leave it.

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• Joe Broadhurst of Houston, TX writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  On Dan Bowen's statements about the cancellations of "Schooled" and "Loudmouth" and new programming -- What a load on nonsenseical rubbish. It's obvious that ESPN has no idea whatsoever what to do with BASS. Mr. Bowen, FISHERMEN loved Schooled and Loudmouth. Where, sir, is your head? BassFan -- You gave this guy an award?

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• Steve Canerday of Alexandria, LA writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  ESPN's reasoning for canceling two of the better shows on Saturday is a complete crock! And they say they're not "dumbing it down?" What do you call it then? Loudmouth brought all the issues to light concerning the real professional side of bass fishing, which I guess us anglers aren't really concerned about. We'd be better off watching Byron talk about his (non)performance every chance he gets on BassCenter, or watch Charlie Moore scream about 1-pounders and play flag football. Yeah, that's what us BassFans really want. Oh well, it really doesn't matter - I hardly ever got to catch it anyway. The programming really didn't "resonate" with me either. I was too busy catching bass and shooting deer when the shows were on.

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• Rodney Lomax of Linden, TN writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Who in the world is Charlie Moore? I ask myself this question each time the show comes on. How many bass tournaments has he won and on what tour? And what exactly does it teach about bass fishing that you can take to the lake and apply? Keeping Charlie Moore and dumping Denny Brauer is pretty typical of the decisions ESPN and BASS are making -- stupid. How great would it be to have a show similiar to what Bassmasters used to be when Bob Cobb was at the wheel? It actually showed how someone won a tournament without a bunch of acting.

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• Maynard L. Logan of Ft. Wayne, IN writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  What a line of BS from Dan Bowen of ESPN. What possible bit of info could a viewer "resonate" from the Charlie Moore show? I haven't seen him teach anyone anything. People who are BassFans want to know the inside information that was provided by Zona and Kumar.

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• Jim Crowley of Bloomington, IL writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Both shows that were canceled were two of the reasons that I watched on Saturday morning. They were not the same catch a bass and say, "Nice, giant, awesome, what a beauty fish." I took information away from both those shows. Each had a good format. Now I must turn the channel or be forced to watch Charlie Moore. Say it ain't so! I will watch the TV guide channel before I watch another episode of Bass Tech, which is just a "wanna be" Monster Garage with fins.

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• Richard Floyd of Garland, TX writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Beat Charlie Moore is the worst fishing show on television. Loudmouth is fun. Kumar can go, but you need to find a show for Zona. How about bringing back Larry Nixon? He has always been well-spoken.

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• Corey Miller of Brandon, MS writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  The end of Loudmouth Bass and Schooled is a joke. Once again we are seeing a change in the marketing and promotion of a once great sport to make it more interesting to the novice. It's painfully obvious that there is not an executive at ESPN who fishes for bass past the beginner level. Take a look at the changes that ESPN has made since the take over:
  
  > Bassmaster magazine is missing depth. It is loaded with articles about plankton, the greatest angler debate, and most recently the weakest spot I've ever seen, "5 sure bets for fall fishing."
  
  > They changed the co-angler format so that any bonehead with a cane pole can cash a check without catching a fish.
  > Now the powers that be have gotten rid of two of the most entertaining and informational shows they offered.
  
  

  BASS is now to fishing what the XFL was to football. I can't wait to see their earth shattering, ground breaking, report on the Creek Chub vs. the Red Wiggler.

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• Shawn Thurber of Donaldson, AR writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  I've got to say this is the biggest bunch of horsecrap I've ever heard. Beat Charlie Moore is the sorriest show I've ever seen. I'm on the lake every Saturday morning, so I tape Bass Saturday, and I fast forward through every single Charlie Moore and Bass Tech. They are just plain stupid. I have learned a lot of little things from Denny's show and really enjoy it. Loudmouth Bass was my favorite show in the whole Saturday lineup. I'm a bass fisherman, but I'm also a huge fan of the professional side of the sport. I hope Loudmouth Bass and Schooled By Denny Brauer make their way to another station.

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• B. E. Stanaland of Jupiter, FL writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Schooled by Denny B. and Loudmouth Bass will be missed. Both could be improved upon with some minor changes, but I don't agree with their cancellations. On the other hand, Beat Charlie M. is remaining on the air? What does anyone take away from that show?

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• Doug Dulin of Greensboro, NC writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Again, this move by ESPN shows they truly do not understand their core base. If they want to attract bass fishermen, leave the two shows on, get rid of Charlie Moore and return BassCenter back to its SportsCenter model. Can you see the guys at SportsCenter going to Dick's, buying the right football and then going outside and passing it?

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• Eric Guimond of Standish, ME writes:

  Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Re: the Bowen interview -- I am sure the shows would "resonate" a lot better with the people if they were not aired on Saturday mornings when most outdoors people are out doing what they do.

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• Ronnie Bache of Fredericksburg, VA writes:

  Sunday, November 13, 2005

  Good article in every way. Zell is a friend of mine, and he's not done winning yet.

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• Dan Shuga of Botkins, OH writes:

  Sunday, November 13, 2005

  I fished with Sandy Melvin at the EverStart Championship. What a class act. One of the best pros I have ever fished with. I learned many things from a guy who respected me as a person, not just some guy in the back of the boat. Good luck this year, Sandy, from the guy from Ohio.

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• Jim Short of Ocean Pines, MD writes:

  Saturday, November 12, 2005

  Scot -- Thanks for the thanks. As a 20-year Vietnam-era Marine, I can especially apreciate your attitude, unencumbered as it is by the political correctness of times past.

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• Wallace Calloway, 1SG Army Ret of DeRidder, LA writes:

  Friday, November 11, 2005

  I want to take this time to thank you for your obviously heartfelt comments. For so many years after Vietnam, military members were scorned and spat upon. Nonetheless, thousands of young men and women continued to find honor in this great profession. It is good today to see our service members given thanks and made to feel appreciated. Whether we agree or not with the politicians who cause our troops to go into harm's way, we should never turn our backs on those who choose to serve this great country and willingly give their lives to protect our way of life. I've been retired for many years now, but I'll never lose the pride I have for having served, or the sorrow in my heart for those lost in combat. Again, thank you for your well-written thoughts.

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• John Goin of Three Rivers, TX writes:

  Friday, November 11, 2005

  Well said, Mr. Laney. As a veteran, I applaud your article. It is proabaly one of the best articles thanking veterans that I have ever read. Thank you for the kind and heartfelt words. It was an honor to serve a country as great as the U.S.A. and citizens of this country who loved and appreciated those of us who served.

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• Bernie House of Mt. Juliet, TN writes:

  Friday, November 11, 2005

  Re: the Veteran's Day Laney Opinion -- Awesome sentiments. I and many others I'm sure appreciate the comments and feelings you have expressed. Ours may not be a perfect country, but at this point and for the last 225 years it has been the best one on Earth. Let's work together to keep it that way. God bless our troops and their efforts.

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• Jon Hardenberg of Schnecksville, PA writes:

  Friday, November 11, 2005

  The Patterns Game you started this year was great! I looked forward to it every week. Is there a way to download all the questions and answers? I would like to have a record of what the scenarios are and how the pros catch fish under those conditions. And when does the next game start?

  BassFan says: The scenarios and possible answers will be posted soon. The next game will start next year, but we don't have an exact date yet.

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• Jack Miller of Pickerington, OH writes:

  Friday, November 11, 2005

  I must take exception to the statment that the Evinrude commercial is the funniest fishing commerical ever. You must have forgotten the Skeeter commercial in which the lady discusses her husband and his passion for fishing in his new Skeeter bass boat, and then introduces us all to her new boyfriend Bob. As I recall, that one won several advertising awards. It was funny, with class.

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• Lon Shipe of Tomball, TX writes:

  Thursday, November 10, 2005

  Pro fishing is now all about the money and marketability. Skill only plays a small part in pro fishing nowadays, and it's getting worse. Not that some so-called pros aren't good fishermen. But real fish-catching ability is distorted by those who can pay to play and those who can't. As a nobody, given my choice of equipment, all expenses paid, I could outfish atleast 50% of either Series or the FLW Tour. Skill and equipment catch fish. Marketing and salesmanship sell products. Are they pro fishermen or pro salesmen?

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• Michael Cass of Crossville, TN writes:

  Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  I totally agree with Mr. Yelas. His viewpoint is absolutely correct. What good does it do for me as a parent to stress manners, politeness, respect for self and respect for others, then turn on ESPN and see the absolute opposite of these values rammed down our throats? I have participated in FLW events, and his comments are absolutely true. I was shown nothing but courtesy from start to finish. Passion and excitement for the sport is one thing, but profanity and total lack of professionalism is another.

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• Chris Murray of Grand Bay, AL writes:

  Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  I was disappointed to see that Mark Quenzel has left ESPN. He was one member of the senior management of the company that I thought "got" BASS. More importantly, Quenzel has a way of getting things done and not just shuffling the issues off to someone else. Hopefully, whoever takes his place will have the same characteristics.

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• Joe Nize of Wentzville, MO writes:

  Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  BASS and FLW have become too commercial. Next they will be asking if you are wearing Ranger or Triton underwear at a tournament. A new circuit without all this stuff would be appreciated. Let us just go fishing!

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• Jeff Edgarton of Erieville, NY writes:

  Wednesday, November 9, 2005

  Re: ESPN program airtime for fishing -- If ESPN is justifying the Bass Saturday lineup timeframe with the ratings excuse, let's think about it. If the people the programming is geared towards are on the water and not in thier living rooms, how do they expect to get a true rating? Secondly, how many re-runs of poker, NFL films or whatever get run time? How about showing the fishing block in one of those timeframes so fishermen and women can actually watch the programs? I'd have to say that it is apparent the ESPN programming analysts do not know anything about when fishermen will watch TV.

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• Tim Miller of Castaic, CA writes:

  Tuesday, November 8, 2005

  As to the Brigman article, I could not agree more. For BASS to leave out so many of the sport's top pros to glorify a small group is a huge marketing mistake. Tournament winners are not the individuals being marketed by BASS. Can you name any of the winners of this past year's regular-season tournaments? For example, the G-Man has never won a BASS event, and I could go on. To give an example of the publicity around actual event winners, you need to realize that we hear Kevin VanDam's name all the time (deservedly so) but even KVD has not won a full-field event in years. What does this mean? That these "elite fields" are excluding the majority of the anglers winning tournaments, leaving the door open for KVD or Mark Davis to win not one but multiple events. My point is that as the entry fees rise and the size of the field is reduced, the BASS events are going to be more and more mediocre. I have already "moved on" and will be watching the FLW with larger, more-competitive fields.

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• Matthew Fornoff of Nashville, IL writes:

  Monday, November 7, 2005

  Re: the Brigman column -- Excellent article! Just because bass fishing is a feel-good sport, doesn't mean it is privileged beyond the point of criticism. Don't get me wrong -- I love fishing, and I'm all for the growth of the sport. But this article raises some good points. And everyone needs a reality check at some point.

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• Duane Watkins of Summerville, GA writes:

  Monday, November 7, 2005

  Agree with Jay Yelas or not, you have to respect him for staying true to his beliefs. My hat's off to him.

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• Keith Timmons of Oxford, AL writes:

  Monday, November 7, 2005

  I think it is time that all of us are honest and admit that ESPN/BASS is already NASCAR. Most of the anglers are showboats and have an NBA gangster thug mentality. Pro bass fishing is dead as a decent man's sport.

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• Michael Gepson of Van Nuys, CA writes:

  Monday, November 7, 2005

  Classic Patterns has become my new favorite fishing show. I love it. Big on good, solid information and less of the flash, bang, hype of some of the other fishing shows. I truly enjoy this show. Watch it if you get it.

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• Barry Tarpley of Palm City, FL writes:

  Monday, November 7, 2005

  I met Greg Pugh on Lake Okeechobee through a mutual friend a few years ago. Our conversation went as most fishing conversations: "If you need help or information on a lake, give me call." Greg seemed genuine at the time, but I'm not in the same fishing class as Greg. However, Greg has stayed in touch by phone on a regular basis. I must say it has been a pleasure and somewhat of a ego trip for me to know Greg. As you noted in your article, he has certainly come up the ranks in his short pro career.
  

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• Terry Fletcher of Bartlett, TN writes:

  Saturday, November 5, 2005

  Steve Brigman is right on. Who cares how many sponsorships you can talk yourself into? Who cares how well you can dance, or how many different hairstyles you can wear? Who wants to hear you holler and scream after you catch a 12-incher? I have one message to BASS and all of their pros, and it's the same one I used to hear when I was growing up: Just shut up and fish!

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• Jordan Paullo of Coventry, CT writes:

  Friday, November 4, 2005

  Having competed on the 2003 Bassmaster Tour, I am not sure what BASS envisions this sport to be. Bass fishing is just not cool to people who don't do it. This is not a shot at the sport of bass fishing. I enjoyed many years of BASS and had a career I am proud of. But I guess I saw the light at the end of '03 when I competed in the six Tour events and three fall Opens. I cashed checks in four Tour events and had a Top 10 in a fall Open and got a 1099 for $10,500. Ha! The joke was on me. Let's be real and get back to what made bass fishing popular: fishing. Not bass fishing alone, but fishing. Time with the guys, family and friends. The smell of the outboard starting in the morning, sunrise and sunset. Bass fishing has turned in to a bunch of cowboys who have little respect for other anglers on the water. The true heroes of this sport are the Stacy Kings, Denny Brauers and Larry Nixons because they appeal to the audience that finds our sport interesting.

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• Rob Douglas of Roseburg, OR writes:

  Friday, November 4, 2005

  Re: the Brigman article -- Right on! Exactly my feeling. I get tired of these cocky younger anglers who think they're the hottest thing to come along since mono fishing line. They are disrespetful to the guys who pioneered the sport before them and think that because they are on a hot streak now, they are better. BASS is taking on a bad-boy cocky skater type attitude. I miss the BASS of old.

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• Kevin Matthews of Whispering Pines, NC writes:

  Friday, November 4, 2005

  I just read the article from Steve Brigman. Man, is he ever right on the money. It's all about BASS and FLW, and who has the better tournamet trail. Hopefully another trail will come along and you can use your own boat, wear your own clothes and advertise who you want to, not be told what to wear and what boat to fish out of.

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• Deb Singleton of Cullman, AL writes:

  Friday, November 4, 2005

  I love Greg Pugh. Not only is he a great fisherman, he is a great guy. I would love to see more articles about him in the future.

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• Mike Nemec of Murrieta, CA writes:

  Thursday, November 3, 2005

  Re: the Bill Siemantel interview -- Awesome. People should buy his book. No matter where you live, this stuff works. I had a 26-pound limit today using his tools and techniques.

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• John Nyquist of Sanford, NC writes:

  Thursday, November 3, 2005

  Re: FLW and the National Guard -- It's about time. I think it's a great advertising tool for the military. As a retired Air Force member, I wish they would jump on board as well. It would be great to see that screaming-eagle wrap on an Allison flying to the first hole.

  BassFan says: As a reminder, the Skeeter BassFan Army takes all comers, but active and retired Armed Forces members can sign up free. Click here for more info.

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• Marty Robinson of Rochester, NY writes:

  Thursday, November 3, 2005

  There have been a lot of negative comments directed at ESPN for airing their bass shows on Saturday morning when anglers are out on the water. Sure it would be great to see these shows in prime time, but let's not hold our breath waiting for higher-rated shows to be bumped by fishing. It's not just ESPN: the Saturday morning block programming goes back to the old days of TNN. Is there something we fishermen know about airing broadcasts that the TV executives don't?

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• Lawrence Watson of Old Hickory, TN writes:

  Thursday, November 3, 2005

  Hate to see Roland hang it up. I like the old-school guys that have ties to the beginning of BASS. Doubt that his records or Angler of the Year achievements will ever be matched. The best, in my thinking. Hope he can enjoy his retirement. He will be missed.

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• Ken Bragg of Fayetteville, WV writes:

  Wednesday, November 2, 2005

  I think watching tournament fishing won't be quite the same without Roland.
  A true legend in bass fishing with a record that is beyond anyone else out there.
  Roland's consistency over the years is what every tournament fisherman dreams about. We will miss you Roland.

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• Chris Minton of Gold Point, NC writes:

  Wednesday, November 2, 2005

  Dave Wolak is a great guy with a great family. I met his wife and in-laws at the Classic in Pittsburgh. Dave's father-in-law gave me a Yamaha hat one morning at the launch and proudly told me that Yamaha was one of his son-in-law's sponsors. They were such nice, humble people. It's good to see anglers like Dave get the exposure that he deserves.

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• Philip Hebert of Westbrook, ME writes:

  Wednesday, November 2, 2005

  Re: Roland Martin -- A truly sad day in bass fishing. Thank God he'll still be on TV. I always admired his enthusiasm.

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• Elton Luce Jr. of Sam Rayburn, TX writes:

  Wednesday, November 2, 2005

  It was a sad moment for me when I read this. Bass fishing in general will never be the same without the legendary Roland walking across the weigh-in stage. His presence was always felt around the spectators, as fans would draw to him. It was a honor to know him and compete against him. Good luck in your retirement, and if you get around Sam Rayburn, look us up.

  BassFan says: Elton Luce Jr. is a tour pro from Texas.

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• Buck Doran of Westerville, OH writes:

  Wednesday, November 2, 2005

  Good luck and enjoy your retirement, Roland. We will surely miss watching you compete.

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• Scott Wall of Millbrook, AL writes:

  Tuesday, November 1, 2005

  As a former employee of BASS, I am dumbfounded that ESPN assumes it can recreate an entire sport by alienating the true legends of bass fishing with their newly formed Elite Series. Putting all of their eggs in one basket with several unheard of pros while leaving the big names behind does not help grow the sport, but rather will deter those of us who have grown up watching some of the top pros. This series promises huge payouts, more publicity and assures the anglers that they will be household names. Unfotunately, there is no bargaining power or collective group of pros who have the power to put ESPN on the line if they fail to deliver all they have promised. Again, it's nothing more than a high-stakes poker game, and the burden of this Series is on the anglers themselves and not ESPN.

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• Jo Dee Bucki of Birmingham, AL writes:

  Tuesday, November 1, 2005

  Thank you for posting that article about the first women's Bassmaster tournament. This tournament trail is going to be a huge success and really show that us gals can truly fish. This tournament changed my life. Going into it I had only hoped to get some experience and a Top 25. Now, after placing 5th in the non-boater category, my whole life has changed. I will be at every tournament next year thanks to my sponsors: my employer FlexDigital, my grandparents Art and Bette Milow, Team FisherGirl, Lip Lock Fish Formula, Net Baits, Alabama Lakes, AcuTech, Heavenly Hair of Bessemer and Concept Printing. Hopefully after doing the non-boater thing for a year I will be prepared to go pro. That is my goal, and to have some fun too.

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