Mr. Bridgford, You might note that Larry Nixon is now available for sponsorship, as Chevy pulled the plug on several of the pros. What an addtion to your pro team it would be to add "The General."
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November 2014
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Maynard Logan of Fort Wayne, IN writes:
Wednesday, November 26, 2014 -
Randy Blaukat of Joplin, MO writes:
Wednesday, November 26, 2014Al Bridgford exemplifies exactly what the sport of professional angling has sorely needed for years – a leader in the corporate world who has a passion for fishing and totally "gets it" when it comes to realizing the value of professional fishing as a marketing tool. In the past, many large endemic companies failed to see how many impressions professional anglers can generate for a company because they don't have a passion or understanding of the target market. Al does, and continues to work on activating and maximizing Bridgford's investment in the sport.
All endemic and non-endemic companies would do well to follow Al's lead on the most effective and best value in advertising and marketing – partnering with professional anglers and others businesses associated with the sport.
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Robert Behrle of Hoover, AL writes:
Tuesday, November 25, 2014The inaugural Bass Pros Against Childhood Cancer event is in the books. Bill "Booza Bug" Taylor and partner Stephen Dabbs took home the trophy for 1st place. Special thanks goes out to Elite Series pro Kevin Hawk, FLW Tour pros Rick Cotton and Charlie Evans and FLW tournament director Bill Taylor for helping raise over $2,700 for a young man named Payton Francis. Payton is currently at St. Jude Hospital undergoing treatment for cancer for the second time.
Also a very special thank you to all the corporate sponsors: Motivated Movers from Birmingham, All-South Excavating, Fargason Building Corporation, Airport Marine, Ranger Boats, Evinrude Motors, Cornerstone Homes and individuals Blake Harlow and Geof Walker. God bless and thank you all for helping with this special event.
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Mark Allard of Sioux City, IA writes:
Monday, November 24, 2014RE: Classic exemptions – It's the right thing to do. You know, like the Masters. Respect.
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Jeff Mitchell of Cincinnati, OH writes:
Sunday, November 23, 2014RE: Chevy team disbanded – I find it funny - Chevy has been sponsoring anglers for decades, as your article states, yet the minute they make a decision to step down the sponsorships people are like, "I'll never buy another Chevy again!" At least they have sponsored fishing. How many companies and products do we buy on a daily basis that have never even tried to put some money into the sport we all love?
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Ruth Ferguson of Dallas, NC writes:
Sunday, November 23, 2014RE: Cherry's awareness push – All families of Sanfilippo children are grateful to Hank Cherry and BassFan. Spreading awareness is so important to us.
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Gene Nornhold of Mt. Sterling, KY writes:
Friday, November 21, 2014RE: Chevy team disbanded – I have respectfully run Chevy trucks and Tahoes for 20 years. I always felt they sponsored the sport I love and I wanted to give back. But no more. The fisherman buys high-dollar toys and Chevy Tahoes are among them. Thank you for the years. You leave us, we leave you.
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Rodney Baldwin of Dallas, TX writes:
Friday, November 21, 2014RE: Chevy team disbanded – Companies change promotion campaigns all the time depending on their budgets, or maybe target new markets. Rarely do most Fortune 500 companies sponsor one organization as long as Chevy did FLW. Compare it to NASCAR – it's seen major recent sponsorship changes from Busch, Nextel, Nationwide, Sprint and now Xfinity. So Chevy makes a decision to cut its marketing budget with FLW and suddenly it's the worst product ever made? Or a team fisherman got cut so I'll never buy another?
I guess those same people will also never eat another Snickers, Pop Tart or Corn Flake? Or buy Mt. Dew, Castrol, Pedigree, Lipton Tea, Timex, Pringles, Dr. Pepper, Dial, Coppertone, 7-Up, Hawian Punch, Tylenol, Stren, Berkley, Abu Garcia, STP and the list goes on and on.
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Nathan Ranallo of La Crosse, WI writes:
Friday, November 21, 2014RE: Balog on FLW changes – This is a pretty optimistic view of the FLW situation. No business makes drastic changes like this with such significant financial repercussions that's not in some sort of financial problem. And sponsors don't leave organizations that are giving them value for their dollar.
FLW's business model clearly wasn't working for the anglers and it doesn't appear it was working for the sponsors either. Whether or not FLW remains a top-tier professional fishing organization remains to be seen. My guess is that it will be something of a minor league of bass fishing. If you see a mass exodus of FLW anglers headed for the B.A.S.S. Opens, that should give us a good view of the future of FLW.
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John Kovaka of Worth, IL writes:
Thursday, November 20, 2014If anyone has the insight of B.A.S.S. it's Harold Sharp. I had the pleasure of meeting him several times on the old B.A.S.S. circuit. The man knows the hows and whys of tournament fishing.
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Bob Drake of Noblesville, IN writes:
Thursday, November 20, 2014Balog on FLW changes – Great article. It answered a lot of questions that I had. Don't forget that FLW was the first to offer $100,000 payouts to the pros and their Cup payout forced B.A.S.S. to increase its payout. BFL is still the best program for the majority of fishermen.
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Shane Deel of Norton, VA writes:
Thursday, November 20, 2014RE: Chevy team disbanded – It's sad that they have to talk good about Chevy even after Chevy just pulled the plug. I'm sure they are a lot more mad than they are letting on in interviews. I'll never buy any Chevy product!
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Charlie Hartley of Grove City, OH writes:
Thursday, November 20, 2014RE: Balog on FLW changes – Another great post from Joe! Facts and not just knee-jerk opinions. No tour or sponsor is obligated to provide you an income for fishing, that is the individual pro's responsibility.
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Scott Kamien of Orlando, FL writes:
Thursday, November 20, 2014RE: Chevy team disbanded _ Chevy has become anti-American since the government buyout. They couldn't manage their finances or run a company and stuck it to the taxpayers. I've owned Chevy trucks for over 25 years. I had already decided not to ever purchase another because of the quality issues on my Silverado, but this move against some of the classiest icons in our sport supports my decision.
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Paul Zuest of Klamath Falls, OR writes:
Thursday, November 20, 2014RE: Chevy team disbanded – I worked for Chevy dealers' parts departments for over 15 years. I've been a Chevy owner for 50 years, but when Chevy pulled their dealer from our town my wife and I both bought new Toyotas (made in the USA) and are impressed. Chevy products are not what they used to be and way overpriced.
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Greg Hawk of Vandalia, OH writes:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014RE: Kerchal's legacy – As a fellow 1994 Federation Wrangler Angler on the five-man Classic team, I still think of Bryan quite often. My most fond memories are from our official practice period at High Rock Lake. Nearly every afternoon of the 9 days we were allowed, we were chased from the lake by nasty storms. After the storms passed, Bryan and I would sit in his boat or mine and study the lures that each of us liked. Bryan was incredibly hungry for anything that would make him a better fisherman. He would study lures that I had made or modified, asking about any tiny piece that was not standard.
This article does bring back the memory of the last time I saw Bryan at a B.A.S.S. tournament at Lake Lanier. He came to me looking for advice on getting over stage fright because he was asked to speak at the Wrangler employee event. He wanted to make a good impression, and I'm quite sure he did. The accident was just a few days later.
Rest In peace my friend. Your legacy lives on!
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Jann Swaim of Auburn, AL writes:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014It's nice to see anglers representing their schools on their jerseys instead of some brand-name sponsors.
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Don Watts of Naples, FL writes:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014RE: Parker to Lew's – Great decision to add Hank to a great brand that continues to improve under Lynn Reeves' partnership. I still have one of the first black pistol-grip rods given to us at a tournament by Lew in 1973 on Lake Lanier. Keep up the great work.
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Tony Battalio of Tarrytown, LA writes:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014RE: Kerchal's legacy – I'm 72 years old and I remember him like it was yesterday. When I'm fishing I sometimes think about him. I have a tape that B.A.S.S. sold about him fishing. When my 18-month-old grandson gets older I will show and give it to him. I had one of his whistles but misplaced it.
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David W. Barnes Sr. of South China, ME writes:
Tuesday, November 18, 2014RE: Kerchal's legacy – I roomed and traveled with Bryan for 2 years. After his Classic win Bryan never changed. I remember fishing with him at the next tournament, which was on Lake Lanier in Georgia. Bryan finished in the Top 50 and received a check. He said to me afterwards how great it made him feel to place in the tournament and show people after his Classic win that he had not won the Classic by just luck – that he could compete all the time.
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Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:
Tuesday, November 18, 2014I met Bob Cobb in 1967, and since then I have read everything he wrote about bass fishing. During the first 16 Bassmaster Classics I met and associated with the best outdoor writers who covered bass fishing, from Homer Circle to Dave Precht. I never remember anyone telling the bass Anglers to "shut the hell up."
The pages of Bassmaster and BASS Times, plus the space on the Bassmaster website, should be used to teach and promote bass fishing, not to tell the bass anglers to shut the hell up. I still wonder what B.A.S.S. is trying to prove with Don Barone.
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Curtis Lewis of Anniston, AL writes:
Tuesday, November 18, 2014RE: Tour-level co-anglers – There are enough tournaments out there for non-professional anglers to participate in so there is no reason for them to be in the back of the boat with the pros. I've never tuned in to a fishing show to watch the co-angler which is like putting a fan beside Tom Brady on the field.
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Rodger Timmons of Thomasville, GA writes:
Monday, November 17, 2014RE: Kerchal's legacy – I still have my Brian Kerchal fish whistle in the dash on my boat!
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William T. Cook of Houston, TX writes:
Monday, November 17, 2014RE: FLW sponsorship – When Platinum announces that Ranger is up for sale, all sponsors get flaky, mainly because the future is unknown. Whoever purchases them will decide if the circuits are worth supporting and that will be a bottom-line business decision based on sales promotion via tournaments or back to a normal marketing approach. One thing for sure is the ol' basser will be the last consideration (as always).
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Rick Pierce of Mountain Home, AR writes:
Monday, November 17, 2014I was fortunate to have known Bryan Kerchal and a few other Federation anglers who are not with us anymore. I got to know him better through our friendship with Terry Baksay. Bryan was an admirable young man – quiet, reserved, fun and sharp. Who knows if he would have gone on to succeed after his Wrangler Angler season in bass fishing. When last I saw him we all had dinner together at the Invitational on Lake Lanier just a few short days prior to his passing. He is whistling now and left his mark for Federation anglers everywhere.
His light went out too soon.
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James Biggs of Euless, TX writes:
Saturday, November 15, 2014RE 2015 FLW Tour – I'm glad to see that the payout hasn't changed. FLW is still taking care of the anglers despite the sponsorship shake-up.
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Jason May of Huntsville, AL writes:
Saturday, November 15, 2014RE: 2015 FLW Tour – Increased cost to fish and no increase in payouts? That will probably cause some to reconsider!
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Paul Zuest of Klamath Fall, OR writes:
Friday, November 14, 2014RE: Classic exemptions – It is not how you used to fish, it is about the current competition. it is earning your way into the championship every year. I like the new system.
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Rick Pierce of Mountain Home, AR writes:
Friday, November 14, 2014Kudos to Robert Allen for coming to support Don Barone. Don is an award-winning writer who has embraced our sport and hung around because he likes this sport. He could do hockey again, the NBA, NFL or even MLB. He loves the true passion the anglers bring, the total involvement with no game clock on the day. No bravado, limited egos, no dirt stories and a glass half full outlook of men fishing from usually their own pocketbooks. The anglers love him and he is a friend of many.
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Robert Allen of Adairsville, GA writes:
Friday, November 14, 2014I think it's sad to see someone take a shot at Don Barone, a widely respected journalist in his own right who loves not only fishing, but fishermen. His style might be too demanding for the lazy reader or for those too deeply rooted in 1972 to move forward.
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Jeff Mitchell of Cincinnati, OH writes:
Friday, November 14, 2014RE: FLW sponsorships – Looks like the beginning of the end for the FLW tour. I believe the anglers know it and FLW knows it. It makes sense why the "good" FLW anglers are working hard to move over to B.A.S.S. now.
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Bill Day of Frankfort, KY writes:
Friday, November 14, 2014Regarding sponsors pulling out of FLW, just remember that when one door closes, another one opens. It's just a bump in the road. Not a fun bump, but merely a bump. Things may not ever be the same, but like the great Tommy Biffle once said, "There will always be a bass tournament somewhere, and I'm gonna fish 'em as long as I can."
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Chris Brummitt of Atlanta, GA writes:
Friday, November 14, 2014RE: FLW sponsorships – I think FLW is a class organization and have fished their events for the past 9 years, but when you see sponsors and high-level customers (tour pros) leaving, it may be time to revamp the marketing strategy.
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Charlie Hartley of Grove City, OH writes:
Thursday, November 13, 2014RE: Balog on sponsorship – Another great Balog blog. Hard to argue with Joe – he knows bass fishing. Old school is still cool!
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Dave Levene of Manitowoc, WI writes:
Thursday, November 13, 2014This is a great segment. Really like the 5-Spot! Keep it up.
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Ray Arbesu of Henderson, NV writes:
Tuesday, November 11, 2014RE: 2015 Classic – I am going to DeGray Lake and hoping to win that last coveted spot.
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John Gaulke of Ithaca, NY writes:
Tuesday, November 11, 2014RE: Balog on bass records – I agree with questioning the validity of some of these old fish records. In New York state for decades there was a popular statewide fishing contest sponsored by Genesee Brewing Company. Oftentimes the Genny records were at odds with the state records, but in looking back it's very clear to me that many anglers didn't really know their fish species.
The official Genesee record smallmouth bass was an 11-pound fish out of Lake Ontario. It had to be a drum or sheepshead. The record pickerel was around 12 pounds out of the St. Lawrence River. There were virtually no pickerel there until recently. Probably a pike with different coloration. Rock bass was 4 pounds plus. Likely a smallmouth bass. Someone probably thought if the fish had red eyes, it was a rock bass – but you get the idea.
Many people just didn't know their fish and species. Information wasn't around. I guarantee this New York example isn't an isolated one.
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James Biggs of Euless, TX writes:
Tuesday, November 11, 2014RE: Mueller's Elite quest – I'm very proud for Mueller! What a great win for a great guy. I'm hoping he gets the backing to fish the Elites next year. Congrats to all who made the Classic.
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Ken Fisk of Belvidere, IL writes:
Monday, November 10, 2014RE: KVD's streak – I think you are excellent competitor and I am proud of all your accomplishments. Good luck.
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Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:
Monday, November 10, 2014Like many others, I enjoy clicking on BassFan to read timely, informative articles by Joe Balog on our sport of bass fishing. I also wonder what B.A.S.S. is trying to prove with Don Barone.
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Chad Keogh of Nanaimo, BC writes:
Monday, November 10, 2014I feel like KVD is going to tear it up in 2015 and silence those who think he's lost his edge. That's my prediction.
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Jason Houchins of Clarksville, VA writes:
Friday, November 7, 2014Nice piece on Roy Hawk. It really shows the struggles, sacrifices and the type of commitment it takes to just make it there to fish. I loved his quote about the deposits – "If I can just get the $6,000 for the deposits, I'm all in." That's commitment! He's not even worried about the rest of the money. I have to pull for this guy.
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Edward Stansifer of Pickerington, OH writes:
Thursday, November 6, 2014RE: Balog on co-anglers – You hit the nail on the head. It is because of this I terminated all my involvement with B.A.S.S. They expect our money but don't wish to do anything for us except a magazine. You can get high school and college students to fish but realistically you cant afford to fish any of their tournaments except state qualifiers, which are nothing more than glorified Opens.
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Joe McKinnon of Waltham, MA writes:
Thursday, November 6, 2014RE: Balog on bass record – Great article as always, Joe. I would love to see you do an article on spawn fishing. Does it hurt the fisheries? Would love to here the your opinion on this.
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Steve Earle of St. Peters, MO writes:
Thursday, November 6, 2014RE: Balog on records – Call me a skeptic, but after everything I've read growing up until now, I don't believe in the Perry 22-04 or the Hayes 11-15 ... and the Harper 25-00 walleye is doubtful to me as well.
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Bill Schroeder of Paducah, KY writes:
Thursday, November 6, 2014Balog on bass records - Wow, another interesting article, Joe. I think that the largemouth bass record will, in time, be broken. Not so sure about the smallmouth record. Those questionable weights give the bass anglers of the world weights to shoot at. I look forward to reading your timely, well-written articles.
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James Wiltzius of Green Bay, WI writes:
Wednesday, November 5, 2014RE: Gallagher at Rayovac Championship – Nice article. People don't realize that not all of these tournament fishermen have sponsors to help pay the bills. Very nice to read one took the chance and won enough to pay for the trip and the experiences along with the fishing tournament.
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Russell De Camp of Newport, NJ writes:
Wednesday, November 5, 2014RE: Lucas' Elite transition – I had the pleasure of meeting and spending a day on the water with Justin. Prior to that day, he was only a name. After that day, I know that I met a person whom is very sincere as a friend. He is also a great fisherman and will be reckoned with in the very near future.
I saw him for 3 days in Philly at the weigh-ins and he was extremely fan-friendly, signing autographs and talking with the crowd. He is a true asset to the Elite group.
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Rodger Timmons of Thomasville, GA writes:
Tuesday, November 4, 2014I can't understand why there even has to be an AOY Championship Tournament. What part of "of the year" don't they get?
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Tom Spencer of Constantine, MI writes:
Tuesday, November 4, 2014RE: King's cancer battle – Thoughts and prayers for your speedy recovery.
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Dustin Daggett of Twin Lake, CO writes:
Tuesday, November 4, 2014Apparently B.A.S.S. learned nothing from the debacle that was the AOY Championship this year.
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Lonnie Stanley of Huntington, TX writes:
Tuesday, November 4, 2014RE: King's cancer battle – Fished with Mr. King for years – great person and I have the greatest respect for him as a leader in anything he does! Get well.
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Jonathan Wright of Hebron, KY writes:
Monday, November 3, 2014The B.A.S.S. AOY Championship is starting to remind me of my old bass club's year-end championship. It was always the same location year after year at roughly the same time. While that was good for me since I usually did very well, it became stagnant with the same fishermen doing well there again and again doing the same things.
Now, I realize it's not the same body of water, but it's still the same northern smallmouth fishery where the same guys tend to do well. I'm not saying that there shouldn't be an AOY Championship on northern waters – they are, after all, world-class fisheries. I'm only saying it shouldn't be year after year.
Isn't variety what defines a true AOY, being able to go to any body of water and catch good fish? That time of year B.A.S.S. can go to any lake in the country (or river, for that matter). Let's see some variety.
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Chad Keogh of Nanaimo, BC writes:
Monday, November 3, 2014RE: D&J Plastics tour: Wow! Okay, two questions: Are they hiring? What's the staff discount?
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Larry Crouch of Fort Worth, TX writes:
Monday, November 3, 2014RE: Classic exemptions – It's an open tournament and you have to produce to get to the Classic. Yes, you were once on top, but it seems like you always fall off there somewhere and again you have to work for it like in any other sports.
All Topics
November 2014
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