RE: Swindle, Palaniuk back to Elites – It really doesn't seem right that these guys can come back to the Elites without qualifying. It cheapens the whole field to allow people with a "name" to bypass people who qualify the proper way.
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November 2019
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Michael Nolan of Grosse Ile, MI writes:
Saturday, November 30, 2019 -
Bill Capps of Auburn, AL writes:
Friday, November 29, 2019RE: Swindle, Palaniuk back to Elites – Ex-Elite Series anglers who left B.A.S.S. to go to the MLF series and now want to return to B.A.s.S. should have to requalify through the Opens. There should be no free passes.
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Mike Giardini of Freeport, IL writes:
Thursday, November 28, 2019RE: Repeat venue poll – Repeat locations are always part of a tournament circuit. It's the conditions that change, which makes the same place different every time it's fished. Seasonal changes will always create different conditions.
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Skip Bennett of Texico, IL writes:
Thursday, November 28, 2019RE: Swindle, Palaniuk back to Elites – Swindle just couldn’t handle the stress of being on the cut line so much, maybe it’s best for his health. And "legends" should be previous Classic champions.
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Aaron Hodge of Harrison, AR writes:
Wednesday, November 27, 2019RE: Wheeler's AOY quest – Well, he better pick another circuit if he wants a tour-level AOY title because MLF is a circus.
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Logan Nevins of Memphis, TN writes:
Tuesday, November 26, 2019RE: Repeat venue poll– Going back to the same body of water is fine, but I think they need to change up more about what time of year they go back. Moving it a week or two isn't enough. If you fished Guntersville in the spring or early summer, go in the fall the next year.
Fisheries are never the same year to year at the same time, but it is still typically the same type of fishing for the most part for the bulk of the field. I know the travel is a lot but there are a lot of lakes, especially out west, that should be visited. Most tournaments rotate between the same 20 bodies of water over a few year stretch. Also, MLF fishing Table Rock twice was ridiculous. The fishing was sort of different but I didn't want to watch any of the second event due to the first one.
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Joshua Pullins of Bonne Terre, MO writes:
Saturday, November 23, 2019RE: Repeat venue poll – First and foremost, the bass fishing industry has lost its way when it comes to its demographic and funding base. Participation in tournaments is down, boat-buying is declining and this fight for viewership is watering down content to next to nil. The tournament industry and the fishing industry is creating a bubble that will eventually pop at sometime in the near future. The industry barely survived the '08 recession and if we don't make it affordable to purchase and participate in tournaments then our fate, much like the motorcycle industry when all the baby boomers pass, will decline even more rapidly because they are forgetting who they are marketing to.
We don't want to tune in to fish catch after fish catch on live streams or television shows. Many, like myself, want to know the hows and whys of something. Why are you using this color, this bait, on this bank, etc.? Now it's the same ol' lakes with the same ol' names catching fish out of a spot they have for the past six times to the lake.
B.A.S.S. turned its back on the blue-collar workers when it got rid of the Weekend Series, and FLW almost ran off everyone because they were trying to rob the poor (raising BFL entries to $300 each tourney) in order to pay for their FLW tour. Stop going to the same lakes and bring back the sport to its roots – big bass lake or tough-as-nails lake. Start highlighting other venues and cities and it will get better for us all.
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Steve McDonald of Greenwood, AR writes:
Saturday, November 23, 2019RE: Nixon's 2020 outlook – Good luck this next year. Hope your shoulder does well. Joey is a genuine good guy.
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David Larsen of Albertville, MN writes:
Saturday, November 23, 2019RE: Repeat venue poll – I do not like the repeat lakes. I think they need a three-year rotation minimum. I think they need to fish more new lakes.
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Rick Grover of Anaheim, CA writes:
Saturday, November 23, 2019RE: Repeat venue poll – Pretty sure they all go where the local Chamber will pay the money, so that's why the repeats. I think to make it to that level you're the best in the business and going somewhere new is what separates the men from the boys. Mix it up.
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Dean Lanternier of Hixson, TN writes:
Saturday, November 23, 2019RE: Repeat venue poll – Repeats are good if the launch changes dramatically. Example, St. Lawrence, use opposite ends. Clayton vs. Morrisburg. If not, don't repeat lakes annually. Maybe a three- or four-year cycle.
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Al Jones of Grand Rapids, MI writes:
Saturday, November 23, 2019RE: Balog on youth – I too am encouraged by the growth of fishing interest our youth. I've fished since the '60s and still enjoy it.
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John Orchard of Winston-Salem, NC writes:
Friday, November 22, 2019RE: Repeat venue poll – So many rivers and lakes to fish. The cities with deep pockets will win most often. It's business. Personally would like to see more waterways explored.
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Shane Burns of Durham, NC writes:
Friday, November 22, 2019RE: Repeat venue poll – I love to watch big fish being caught. Venues that are 12 to 13 pounds a day or dink-fests don’t hold my attention. The BPT recently came to North Carolina and showed off monster catches over and over. Schedule events to maximize the venues as well.
I want the fishing be saw awesome that I have go there. Clear Lake will forever be on my bucket list thanks to Steve Kennedy, St. Lawrence river is on that list. Catching small fish does energize me to make a road trip to that venue.
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Archie Wilson Jr. of Maynardville, TN writes:
Friday, November 22, 2019RE: Balog on marshals – Seems like I recall that the pro trails have always had a hard time filling marshal spots, even before the big names left. With personal cameras, tournament trail camera men and live broadcast, there is little need to worry about cheaters on the pro circuits.
Marshals, who cares? I think the answer to that question is the point. No one cares!
I always enjoy what Joe Balog has to say.
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Matt Lazenby of Auburn, AL writes:
Friday, November 22, 2019RE: Repeat venue poll – I like that the tours return to previous lakes/rivers if the the water produced in the past. The return visit displays who is fishing on history vs. current conditions. The return visit helps the fans see the abilities of the anglers to fish the present and displays the overall health of the fishery. Other pro sports return to the same venue year after year.
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John D. Battani of Sterling Heights, MI writes:
Friday, November 22, 2019I dont think it's good that B.A.S.S. cancelled the West Coast (Washington state and Northern California) this year and didn't put it on the 2020 schedule for those fans. MLF scheduled the St Lawrence River for next year along with B.A.S.S. and FLW in a short span. I think we need other lakes to showcase that area of the U.S. and promote tourism.
Do I like going every time the Elites come here to St. Clair? Yes, but I understand they probably won't and that's fine go to different venues and let the BassFans enjoy the show that all three leagues put on.
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Mark S. Poulson of Oakley, CA writes:
Friday, November 22, 2019RE: Tulsa hotel tax – The hotels are shooting themselves in the foot, but at the same time, the tax should apply to all hotels, no matter what size.
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Kevin Jenckes of New Durham, NH writes:
Thursday, November 21, 2019RE: Balog on marshals – I have to disagree with Joe's take on this "new" marshal program for the FLW Tour. It worked last year, I know, I was one of the marshals. I did one Elite in 2018 as a marshal and one FLW in 2019. I think there are pros and cons to both tours, but the cheaper fee and a chance to win a little was a bonus. Certainly makes me think about FLW again as a marshal. I don't think it will be an issue. Remember, the anglers are on top of these things and self-report a lot of mistakes.
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Shaun Boyle of Aubrey, TX writes:
Thursday, November 21, 2019RE: Sonar's mom – 110 percent class act. Wishing him all the best as he goes through this.
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James Guin of Kingman, AZ writes:
Thursday, November 21, 2019RE: Balog on marshals – I believe the program should go away – if they can't be trusted to follow the rules then they don't need to be professionals. Put GoPro cameras on all their boats that observe the whole boat and let them fish. Pay someone to randomly view film of the guys fishing with total random picks of the viewing. This would work just and like the lie-detector test, no one would know who was going to be watched and when.
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Tamara E. White of Shaftsbury, VT writes:
Monday, November 18, 2019RE: Sonar's mom – Miles, I am so, so sorry about your loss. I remember when you and Casey were competing and Jody were all in the same college tournament and your mom and I got to take you guys all out to dinner. She and I instantly became friends. I just loved her. I'm always going to remember her and the pure sunshine that she is. I know she will be missed by so many, but she will live on in every beautiful thing.
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Brain Carroll of Clarksville, TN writes:
Monday, November 18, 2019RE: Sonar's mom – Great tribute. Sorry for your loss. Like many others I've been there and time helps, but not much.
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Johnny McLean of Little Rock, AR writes:
Monday, November 18, 2019RE: Swindle's boat switch – It's funny to hear these professional fishermen (salesmen) explain why they switch sponsors when we all know it is about money. I am pretty sure there's not a dime's worth of difference between a 21-foot Triton and a 21-foot Phoenix.
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Bill Wedelich of Dolores, CO writes:
Saturday, November 16, 2019RE: Balog on youth – This article is what most of the youth and new fishermen need to read. Fishing has gotten way too complicated.
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Steve Brown of Oakland, TN writes:
Thursday, November 14, 2019RE: Balog on youth – As a former youth and high school aass club director, I could not agree more ... but I see things have gone from zero to 90 very fast! The driving force behind the huge surge in high school and college are retail sellers of boats and tackle, and understandably so, but at what longterm cost to some of these kids? So many see it as a career path and it’s akin to becoming a pro poker player. But it’s sold a lot of boats to grandparents who spent more on that than the tuition it took to get them on the fishing team.
I just think a course in “bass professional economics” ought to be taught, too. There’s only so much room and cash flow at the top of pro bass fishing. Again, I get it! I love seeing these kids involved and coming in, I’ve lived it and still promote it. Let’s just tone down selling “the dream” unless we’re willing to teach hard knocks, too.
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John Orchard of Winston Salem, NC writes:
Thursday, November 7, 2019RE: NPFL – This could be a game-changer. I have read several articles. Do we know if this will be a pro-am format?
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Bill Crumrine of Littleton, CO writes:
Thursday, November 7, 2019My deepest regards to the McKinnis family and all my fellow B.A.S.S. members and all anglers.
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Lee Cox of Frederick, MD writes:
Thursday, November 7, 2019RE: NPFL – Sounds interesting, cant wait to see who signs up.
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Martin D. Lamb of Albia, IA writes:
Wednesday, November 6, 2019RE: 2020 Bassmaster Opens – Central in Louisiana – B.A.S.S. still doesn’t employ anyone who understands geography.
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Wayne Hunter of Kemblesville, PA writes:
Tuesday, November 5, 2019I was devastated to read of the passing of Jerry McKinnis. I learned so much about fishing from him on the "Fishin' Hole" show. I still have the segment where he showed a picture of my son and answered a question for me on the show. I never met him personally, but he shaped my life to always look on the positive side, to include children in my activities, and to help others less fortunate than myself. I wish to let everyone know how much of a gentleman and leader he was as well as a genuine, good-hearted person.
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Bryant Copley of Altavista, VA writes:
Tuesday, November 5, 2019RE: McKinnis' passing – I bet ol' Norm is one happy puppy right now! Thanks, Jerry, for everything you did for the sport of bass fishing.
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Paul Liuzza, Sr. of Independence, La. writes:
Monday, November 4, 2019RE: Picachos experience – Wow!! Just reading your article has me all fired up about our trip in February. My wife and I have been to Picachos and Lake El Salto twice. Everything you wrote about is 100 percent true! No one could ask for any better service than you will get at Anglers Inn. And the bass fishing is off the chain also!
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John Shultz of Cape Vincent, N.Y. writes:
Monday, November 4, 2019RE: Mckinnis' passing – Sorry to hear about Jerry. Prayers to the family.
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Tom Tanner of Jonestown, PA writes:
Monday, November 4, 2019Wow, so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. There are many people like myself who grew up watching the early TV fishing stars like Jerry and Virgil Ward. Many of the earlier shows were shot on film without sound tracks and then narrated by the host. My Dad and I looked forward to watching Jerry on a Sunday afternoon as he fished all over the country, and we learned a lot from his show. He went on to play a major role in promoting the sport and helping it grow to the level we see today. He was truly one of the pioneers of the fishing industry and will be missed.
All Topics
November 2019
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