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• Matt Mitchell of Hot Springs, AR writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Re: Scott Suggs' World Rankings debut -- I know a lot of you may be wondering who Scott Suggs is, and why he is ranked 21st in the world. Well, I could tell you, but after the FLW Championship you'll know the answer to both questions. I know Scott and have fished against him on several occassions. This guy is the next Hackney. This year was a much needed shot in the arm for Suggs' pro fishing career. He feeds off of success, and with the success he's having, the other guys had better look out. Lake Hamilton is Suggs' house! Good luck Scott!
  

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• Steve Greer of Florien, LA writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Re: Bill Lewis -- I am one of the members of the Rat-L-Trap field pro staff and have found that very few people knew about the passing of this great man. Few people have done so much for out sport with so little to start. Toledo Bend is my home lake, and it's where he tried out his lures when he would come up a new one. I have heard stories all my life about how he would hang around the boat ramps and marinas giving away his baits.

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• RJ Bennett of Roseville, CA writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2005

  I'm not sure about the new BASS women's league. I feel that this is not a sport where strength and size makes a difference. This is a sport where you are not going to compete head to head against a competitor. It is you against the bass. There are several women who compete against the male-dominated circuit, and they do just fine.
  
  

  I think that ESPN has already turned their Tour payback into a laughing matter, and this year they increased their entry fee in the Opens and decreased the payback. I don't know all the facts, but if they are going to take more money out of their pocket and start a new women's pro tournament circuit, I think that that money should go back into the Tour and these ladies have every opportunity to fish and qualify for any trail that they would like to fish. I am friends with the Mize family and support Melinda in her quest for the Tour, but it is diffucult qualifying for it, and once you get there just imagine the competition.
  
  

  The more women, the better. It would bring more fans and new eyes on to the sport. Their sponsorship deals would be great because I'm sure that more people would want to see the picture of a pretty wouman than a fat bass pro on the cover of a lure. But there is plenty of room for women to get into the co-ed circuits now -- I don't believe they need their own pro circuit.

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• Scott D. Putnam of East Chatham, NY writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Way to go Stoney! You did the right thing! I really have a problem with people who get angry at you while you are fishing their docks. I ask them if they are the landowner. When the say yes, I tell them I'm not on their land, and they don't own the water. I'm glad you didn't get shot at!

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• Gerald Frawley of Kissimmee, FL writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Classic Patterns is moving to FSN where the FLW Tour currently is. Last year I fished as a co-angler on Lake Toho in a FLW and could not watch the show because FSN is not shown in the Kissimmee area. Now I will not be able to watch Classic Patterns either. Increased viewers? I do not think so!

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• Steve Canerday of Alexandria, LA writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Re: the Laney Opinion -- A very concise and, may I say, polite response to the Ike comments. Ike should expect some flak from such an action and, like any celebrity, should take such comments in stride. Also, when will people stop bashing him for getting excited? He's a helluva fisherman at the top of his game and deserves to celebrate however he chooses. So what if the yelling across the lake takes others off their game? Deal with it. Keep it up Ike! Kudos to Mr. Laney for some mighty fine in-depth opinions also.

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• Dan Dyer of Madison, WI writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Way to go Marty! Way to fire back before the first shot is fired. It would be interesting to see what would happen if Iaconelli gets challenged by a hothead dock owner - South Pittsburgh vs. South Philly. Could be ugly -- or they might end up sharing a Philly cheesesteak sandwich and laughing about the rednecks.

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• Tim Lybrand of Wilson, NC writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2005

  The PAA is a sports union, no more, no less. Ever heard of the NHL?

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• Mike McNeilus of Dodge Center, MN writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Just read Ike's book. He seems to bring to bass fishing what Ali did for boxing.

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• Scott Wall of Millbrook, AL writes:

  Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Proof positive that the ESPN purchase of BASS was a $37 million "science project" is BASS's recent announcement to start a women's professional fishing league. Show me a female sport that generates a profit (not counting LPGA and UT basketball) and I'll show you a sport that is subsidized by grants and funds from other initiatives, and that's exactly what BASS is gong to have to do to fund an all-female pro league. BASS can't run their current operations at a profit or get enough sponsors for the highly publicized male tournament trail so how do they expect to get money to fund this? You would think BASS would try and get their "bread and butter" sport running at a profitable and respectable level before they embark on another series of mismanaged and ill-conceived concepts. Or maybe this is all one big ESPN write-off at the expense of the industry, sponsors and membership? What's after this, BASS -- the all-homosexual BASS league? I hope George Bodenheimer will take an eye off the NFL and MLB for a while and take a long hard look at what ESPN has done to BASS in 4 years. It's gone nowhere George, except to Orlando.

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• Larry June of Kansas City, KS writes:

  Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  I think the PAA should have their own tournaments. I think they will put together a set of rules to go by and will enforce them. Ray Scott started off on the right foot and tried to keep things on the up and up. When ESPN took over it's all about TV ratings. I have met most of the current pros and have looked up to them, but some of the younger pros are not from the same mold as the older ones. I hope some day professional fishing will get back to where it used to be.

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• Dean Buono of Marlton, NJ writes:

  Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  I wish both organizations would allow these guys and gals to make a living at this. Either work it out so guys can do the two-tour thing or pay them more money down the bracket. It is simple. They forget, but without the fishermen, there is no BASS or FLW or any of this. Wise up!

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• Byron Childers of Coconut Creek, FL writes:

  Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  I think all the badmouthing of Ike is uncalled for. I just finished reading his new book and it opened my eyes to a lot of things. For starters, everyone has their game face. Those who do not know Ike personally do not know Ike. Read his book and get to know him. Then we will see that the boy just loves to fish, and it's amazing what he is doing for the sport altogether. We need more fishermen with unique personalities to be in the spotlight. Love him or hate him, but if you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all.

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• Xavier Tiberghien of Johannesburg, South Africa writes:

  Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Scot Laney -- Catch a wake up. Since Ike has been around, ask ESPN about their ratings. Bet it was far higher than watching some boring schmucks try to to entertain with their old-age home antics. How many new fans has he brought to our sport? When was the last time you saw Bill Dance in a GQ mag?

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• Richard Skelly of Lima, OH writes:

  Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  The crowds and money will make BASS go west. When you can fill a large venue and the local chambers show a financial interest, they will come. I believe as the sport grows national you will see more tournaments of a major caliber going everywhere. There aren't any tours going to Nebraska, either.

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• Chuck Knowles of Columbia, SC writes:

  Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  The whole points issue is magnified 100 times when you consider that Gary Klein (not my favorite, but a darn great fisherman) didn't make the Classic, and you have guys fishing from the back of a boat catching zero fish and winning money because his pro caught a good limit. ESPN/BASS says we are moving forward. Ha ha ha.

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• Jerry Moore of St. Louis, MO writes:

  Tuesday, June 28, 2005

  Re: the Laney Op -- Iaconelli is a smack, plain and simple!

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• Jeff Lira of Roanoke, VA writes:

  Tuesday, June 28, 2005

  The WBT will begin in '06? BASS/ESPN/Disney cannot seem to service their current customer base, yet they have the idea that they can a second?

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• Steve Thurmon of Auburn, CA writes:

  Tuesday, June 28, 2005

  I'm curious why there needs to be a women's BASS tournament trail? This seems to be one of those cases where competition between men and women are on equal playing fields. Let the women step up and fish against the men.

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• Bill Newby of Columbus, IN writes:

  Tuesday, June 28, 2005

  Re: the Laney Op -- Ike fishing out of bounds had to be PR-related. The man's act is getting old -- taking the sunglasses off when the cameraman points at him with a fish, before yelling, running to the back of the boat and jumping the seat for landing a 12-inch fish.

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• John Agel of Atlanta, GA writes:

  Tuesday, June 28, 2005

  I'm not sure whether BASS management is proof that all that Disney/ESPN money can't buy sense, but mistakes and discord seem to be what they excel at. Give them credit for expanding their season, but to leave the West out of the picture again is unbelievable and just doesn't make economic sense. Though they hate to admit it, there is a world west of Texas, a neglected world with money to spend, a world that deserves a Tour stop, a Major and a Classic. There are six regions in the U.S. Fish the southern three early, and the northern ones in summer. It really is that simple. But there in BASSWORLD, simple thinking is being confused with simple minds. The Gary Klein situation is the latest Goof of The Month to display BASS's difficulty in applying common sense. That, or they simply believe the old wag, "the only bad press is no press."
  
  

  The PAA should have hosted its own tournaments long ago. I would leave the golf business in a second, or less, to go work for those guys. Tell me when and where. By the way, BassFan should sign on as first sponsor.

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• Mike Kelley of Athens, AL writes:

  Tuesday, June 28, 2005

  Laney, I like what you had to say about Ike's DQ and his swipe at you in his book. But what I really loved about it is how you didn't say it! You are a master wordsmith, a cunning technician of the spoken word.

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• Jason Klamberg of St. Louis, MO writes:

  Monday, June 27, 2005

  Re: Klein -- I don't think it's a fair system. Zero fish should not equal an advance in placement. But I also don't agree in zeroing out weights for the cut days. It's not a rewarding system to take away 2 days' worth of strategy and work, especially for those with good sacks on one or both of the first 2 days. While I understand the concepts, I just don't believe either are equitable.

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• Chris Wilson of Moosic, PA writes:

  Monday, June 27, 2005

  First Scot Laney calls it the way he saw it. Ike's DQ at the Classic, when he wasn't doing well, appeared to be a PR stunt. I believe he compared it to the 'Ah Shucks' Menendez incident earlier in the year. Ike then writes about it in his book and takes a shot at Laney. Laney, hearing about it, jabs back at Ike and you don't even have to read between the lines to see it. Ike -- Just some friendly advice from someone who deals with the press. Don't get into a war with someone who gets ink delivered by a truck.

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• Larry Hudnall of Russellville, AR writes:

  Monday, June 27, 2005

  Re: Greg Hackney winning FLW AOY -- Great job, Hack, and I hope you have a lot more in your future. Makes us proud in Arkansas.

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• Paul Jacob Ham of West Columbia, SC writes:

  Monday, June 27, 2005

  Mr. Laney's article is right-on! Ike is giving bass fishing a bad name no matter how well or bad he does on either tour. Ms and especially my wife are tired of seeing his rants and raves on TV when he declares a 2-3 pound bass as a "5-pounder." It's gotten old real quick, and I am tired of the press playing to his antics.

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• Mike Blackburn of Jacksonville, FL writes:

  Monday, June 27, 2005

  I am pleased to see that Mr. Laney took the high road when explaining his initial comments on Ike's Classic mistake. Who could ever believe that Ike had it in him to visualize, and pull off, a PR stunt like that? With pain, however, I do give Ike props on his successes. Ol' Obnoxious Yank (my nickname for Iaconelli) has been putting it on the rest of the pros recently. Thank God for KVD and the Hack Attack!

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• Kevin Meyle of Portage, MI writes:

  Monday, June 27, 2005

  Great article, Scot! I was just starting to accept Ike as a fan, little by little. He can fish and his marketing skills are top-notch, and I'm sure he sells more flame shirts than most. Obviously, he has a strong following of youth anglers and that's good. However, after his bleep-bleep-bleep thing at Lewisville, my respect for him goes back to zero. When you are in the spotlight and know you have a great youth following, there is no excuse for that behavior. We've all seen other anglers in similar situations that do not act that way. Very unfortunate.

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• Martin Danny Lamb of Lumberton, NC writes:

  Monday, June 27, 2005

  Grow up, Laney.

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• Glenn Harding of Shrewsbury, MA writes:

  Monday, June 27, 2005

  Re: the Laney Opinion -- Everything that Iaconelli does is a carefully orchestrated publicity stunt. I think he is a great fisherman, but a blight to our sport. People are getting tired of the antics and the "show". I will be glad when his 15 minutes are up. Brent Chapman was right -- he needs to grow up.

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• Em Seefeldt of Medina, NY writes:

  Saturday, June 25, 2005

  Re: the PAA and Harold Sharp's comments -- The first point that Sharp made is exactly why the PAA is needed. Does he really believe that there are a half million professional bass anglers out there? The PAA should be, first and foremost: 1) Defining the criteria for being classified as a professional; 2) Organizing all those anglers that meet that criteria regardless of which tour they fish; 3) Setting professional standards of behavior for their membership along with serious penalties for those that don't adhere to those standards; and finally, once all real professionals are PAA members, 4) Boycotting any tournament organizer that refuses to recognize and negotiate with the PAA.
  
  

  Neither ESPN/BASS nor FLW are concerned with the best interests of professional anglers. Both organizations will ultimately accept any angler with the necessary entry fee, regardless whether that angler is truly a professional. True professional sporting contests should only be open to proven professionals. The PAA's first job should be determining just who those people are, get them all signed up, and then act with one voice. When the PAA can do that, there will be no need for them to run their own tournaments, since the PAA would then have clout to effectively demand changes from the big two tournament organizers.
  
  

  Ray Scott failed in one part of what he created. He never established an organization for the true professionals among his members. He created the niche, but never clearly defined the criteria nor the standards of their behavior. BASS is not an organization dedicated to professionals, but rather to dedicated bass fisherpersons. It is long past the time that a clearly defined distinction be made and adhered to. It is what is best for the sport and all involved.
  

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• Scott Wall of Millbrook, AL writes:

  Friday, June 24, 2005

  First let me state that I truly respect Harold Sharp's opinion and obvious expertise in questioning whether the PAA should start its own tournament trail. His criteria for having a successful tournament series are founded on fact and experience, and he states a lot of great points. However, there is obviously some amount of disdain for the way BASS conducts business based upon the loud voices from the professional ranks. Also, in the last few years since ESPN has taken over BASS, there has been no attempt to truly carve out a professional entitity, only to reap the rewards of a sport that fills a void for their television ratings. ESPN/BASS has no real regard for the professional sport, and since ESPN purchased BASS the commitment to the membership has taken a backseat. I say let the PAA have shot at it. If they make an attempt to start a trail then it will only make the competition get off their butts and respond.

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• Joyce Bruno of Paola, KS writes:

  Friday, June 24, 2005

  I just read your article about Chapman and Iaconelli. With Iaconelli staying in the cut, that stopped the guy that was in 11th getting in. What about him?

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• Danny Lee Ervin of Linden, MI writes:

  Friday, June 24, 2005

  I think Under Armour will be great for the fishing world. Think of all the different weather we fish in. Great job, Mr. Swindle.

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• Dave Ballou of Winter Beach, FL writes:

  Friday, June 24, 2005

  Re: the Laney Opinion -- I like Ike, but you must remember he is a yankee. I mean, come on -- New Jersey of all places. That's worse than New York. That's why he's rude, crude and socially unacceptable. But the boy can fish.

  BassFan says: That's what we like to tell our CEO Jay Kumar, who is also from New Jersey.

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• Barry McCoy of Castro Valley, CA writes:

  Thursday, June 23, 2005

  Re: Klein -- If Gary makes the Top 12 it's a moot point. Wait until next year. Sorry for Gary, but happy for Greg Gutierrez.

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• Ruben Gomez of Friscoe, TX writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Re: Klein -- Another thing to look at is the points given to 46-50. They were zero, not 46th-place points, even though they zeroed the same as 10-12, just on different days. Try explaining that.

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• Dane Hobaugh of Decatur, AL writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Klein should be in!

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• Scott McLamb of Lumberton, NC writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Re: the Klein issue -- The norm in fishing tournaments that I have seen is that you get X amount of points for entering the tournament. Then 1st place gets A, 2nd place gets B and so on. No fish means no additional points. Anybody making the 12 cut that gets skunked should get 12th-place points.

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• Gary Garner of Yantis, TX writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Klein and Clunn -- two great anglers. Let both of them fish. They earned it.

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• Dave Le Vene of Manitowoc, WI writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Re: the Klein issue and double-qualifying -- I would like to see the Top 10 anglers from the Elite 50 that have not qualified for the Classic be taken, not jump to Tour points to take the next Classic qualifiers. The Elite 50 presumably has the 50 best anglers -- for example, KVD already qualified for both Classics, so the next qualifier (11th place) should be moved up to the Classic and so on. I believe the Top 50 anglers should have that kind of shot to make the Classic. They presumably are the most recognized names in the sport.

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• Rick Leblanc of Boston, MA writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Re: the Klein points issue -- This is just another blunder in the long line of mistakes ESPN has made since buying B.A.S.S. You have businessmen and corporate types trying to run a fishing tournament trail, and they are proving just how bad they are at it. I hope the PAA start their own tournaments, and the sooner the better. I said it then and I will say it now: It was a huge mistake selling B.A.S.S to ESPN.

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• Xavier Tiberghien of Johannesburg, South Africa writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Re: the Klein points issue -- I believe if the anglers made the cut and beat the other 38 pros they deserve to be rewarded accordingly. But if 7th-12th blank/zero, give them all the equivalent of 12th-position points. The same applies for the final day if three of the six zero: Give them 6th-place points. Or option b: add the three places' points, divide by three and give them all an equal score.

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• Joe Lybrand of Elm City, NC writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  I live only a couple miles down the road from Dustin Wilks, and had the chance to visit with him a couple weeks before last year's Classic. He invited me to come into his house and talk about -- what else? -- fishing. Dustin seems to be a determined pro. I'm sure last season's Classic will not be the last time we will see him. I wish him the best of luck for next season.

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• Daniele C. of Siena, Italy writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2005

  Re: Klein -- I think that anglers who make zero should get an average. That is, if anglers from 4th to 12th make zero, each one of them should get an arithmetic average of points available from 4th to 12th, as they all were 8th or so.

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• Greg Newman of Louisville, TN writes:

  Tuesday, June 21, 2005

  Re: Wissota -- In a weekend when the world's best golfers struggled to make par at Pine Hurst, it was exciting to see the world's best bass anglers struggle to catch keepers. Major champions are decided by major challenges. It was disheartening to hear the pros crying about tough fishing. It's your job -- deal with it!

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• Chuck Kaleel of Raleigh, NC writes:

  Monday, June 20, 2005

  Aaron Martens got into the Bassmaster Classic as AOY and through the E50s. That's a double-qualifacation so one more person should have got in, right?

  BassFan says: Good question. Actually, we thought Martens triple-qualified: AOY title, Top 25 in Tour points, and Top 10 in E50s. According to BASS, the AOY title itself doesn't count as a qualification -- only the fact that he finished No. 1 in the Tour points. So he did double-qualify (Tour and E50s), and someone else did get in the Classic because of it.

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• Tony Smith of Northport, AL writes:

  Monday, June 20, 2005

  I just read Ike's book, and while I enjoyed most of it, I couldn't help but notice that at the end of it, in the section where he thanks his friends, sponsors, etc., almost every other name of the pro fishermen he thanks is misspelled. Aaron Martin, Gary Kline, Paul Ellis and Shaw Grisby are examples of the misspellings. How disrespectful can you get?

  BassFan says: We're pretty sure that Ike knows how to spell those names. After all, the guy graduated with honors from college. Lay those errors and a few others in the book at the feet of the editors.

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• Jimmy Harshaw of McDonough, GA writes:

  Monday, June 20, 2005

  How can BASS have an 11-tournament schedule and not include the Delta or Clear Lake or most of all Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Ga. Lanier is by far the greatest spotted bass lake in North America. The spotted bass average 3-4 pounds each, and a five-fish limit, day or night, takes 19-20 pounds every tournament. Maybe it will take the Top Gun Championship in 2006 to show the fishing fanatics a great tournament venue.

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• Rusty Shackleford of Sacramento, CA writes:

  Sunday, June 19, 2005

  Once again BASS has left the West Coast out of the mix. Where is the incentive for the West Coast guys to fish the regional BASS events? National tour my butt. This is an East Coast regional tour. Thanks BASS -- I will not renew my membership again. Hello FLW! I would love to see the PAA run events. Just don't forget the West.

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• Mark LeaVesseur of Eau Claire, WI writes:

  Sunday, June 19, 2005

  Re: the Lake Wissota E50 -- Although some of the pros at the event were disappointed at both the size of the lake and the size of the fish, and were rather vocal about that in the beginning, I think it's safe to say none of the fans were disappointed in the pros. I have been to many professional sporting events in my life and have yet to see anything that rivals this event from a fan-friendly perspective. When Ike roustered the lake with his Merc and then got on the motor and did a flip off it into the lake in front of the entire crowd, everyone went nuts. And this was all after day 3 and his elimination! I would like to thank BASS and all the pros for coming to Lake Wissota. It may not have been what you were expecting, but you were all more than we expected. Thanks again.

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• Pat Dilling of Marysville, CA writes:

  Sunday, June 19, 2005

  If BASS wants to be recognized as a national circuit, they need to start including major events in the West and North, other than the Northeast -- like Nascar did. The West and the North have proven they have great fishermen and great fisheries. To me, it looks like BASS is still just a regional circuit that covers less than half the country. I was looking forward to the location announcements and came away very disappointed.

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• Jim Bowles of Dardanelle, AR writes:

  Sunday, June 19, 2005

  I was very disappointed with Mike Iaconelli's blast of "blue spew" he unleashed at the Lake Lewisville E50 after breaking off a fish in the final minutes. After listening to Jim Bitter "go off" earlier this year, I thought we might be spared from this. Note to Jerry McKinnis: Spare us the bleeps, and just don't air these people. If professional fishing is to become a family oriented sport, then they are obligated to police their ranks. Take an example from NASCAR's handling of Dale Earnhardt Jr. this year.

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• Jeff Moll of Perris, CA writes:

  Sunday, June 19, 2005

  I am highly disappointed at the scheduling put together by our major "national" pro circuit. BASS should call itself the Southeast pro circuit after the schedule it just put out. How does BASS ignore the West Coast after Aaron Martens wins AOY? BASS had three pros on their BASS Madness show, and two of the three were from the West Coast (Klein, Reese). That BASS couldn't muster a major event at Lake Mead, the Delta or Clear Lake, or even Havasu or the Columbia River, is severely disappointing. Lake Mead should have been a lock to host a major event. BASS is disrespecting the anglers and the West Coast fans by placing all events from Oklahoma east.

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• T.J. McCue of Indianapolis, IN writes:

  Sunday, June 19, 2005

  You know, I have always followed the pros and admired them. But recently they have become a pack of spoiled brats. Crying about having to fish on a tough, smaller lake? Boo hoo. I would love to fish for a living, no matter where I have to fish. I live in Indiana and it is probably one of the higher-pressured bass fishing states around. Our biggest lake is 11,000 acres, and there is at least one 120- to 200-boat tournament and several open and club tournaments on it every weekend. It is tough. These pros are supposed to be the best. That means they can deal with every situation possible, even small, high-pressure lakes. I would be happy to see more tournaments on tougher lakes instead of places that any average Joe can go and catch quality fish. These guys should realize that they live in a dream world that the majority of us will never reach. Let them work in a factory for a year and we will see if they complain about what lake they have to fish.

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• Jeff Mitchell of Hobart, IN writes:

  Sunday, June 19, 2005

  I just got back from the Lake Wissota E50. First, let me say it was awesome to be able to follow my favorite pros around a small lake (I only have a 115 horse on my boat, so I can't follow them on a large lake -- they run away from me). Secondly, to everyone who said there were no largemouth bass -- tell Iaconelli that! Third, the new BASS schedule sucks. Nothing in the Midwest. Finally, I held a sign every day at the start that stated 'I support the PAA.' I do support the PAA and hope that BASS and the PAA can get together and solve all of their problems.
  

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Friday, June 17, 2005

  Re: the PAA conducting bass tournaments -- Some questions that PAA members should consider before getting in over their heads:
  
  1. When BASS announces a tournament schedule, they have a field of half a million members to draw from. How many members will the PAA have?
  
  2. BASS has a TV network and a magazine to entice sponsors to their tournament circuit. Does the PAA have a TV network or a magazine?
  
  3. BASS has a full-time crew of many people to operate their tournament department, a full-time film and production crew to handle their TV promotion, and a full-time crew to handle BASS publications. Does the PAA have any full-time employees?
  
  4. BASS has sponsors and tournament sites on board for events several years in advance. Does the PAA have anything planned for 2007?
  
  5. BASS has one Classic, three Majors, one Open Championship, one AOY Award, one ROY Award and one Horizon Award plus the Busch Shootout, all with no entry fees. Does the PAA have any no-entry events planned?
  
  6. BASS has a major boat sponsor, a major motor sponsor, a major auto sponsor, a major gasoline sponsor, a major beer sponsor and many more sponsors that fill the payout gap between anglers' entry fees and payouts. Does the PAA have many major sponsor on board, and are there any major sponsors left?
  
  7. Conducting tournaments on the level of BASS and FLW is a full-time job for many, many people. It takes a major investment in equipment alone. It took BASS and FLW several years to get established -- does the PAA have plans beyond next year?
  
  8. If you conduct bass tournaments, you don't have time for much else, like fishing, vacations, weekends off, time to relax and not worry about having things ready and on time, like a full tournament, a weigh-in site, enough help that you recruit on site, all the equipment working properly, plans to be sure everyone is safe and accounted for at day's end, press coverage, boats and equipment that you furnish all ready on time. Is the PAA ready for this?
  
  

  I have been there and done that, and I can tell you that the anglers cannot operate a tournament circuit and also fish it. Be sure you know what you are doing before getting in over your heads.
  
  

  Re: Wissota -- That proved two things. 1) BASS will conduct a tournament in a mud hole and these great pros will find enough bass to produce a winner. 2) It was a great warm up for the Classic in Pittsburgh, which will be another skinny weigh-in.
  
  

  Tournament bass fishing is the only sport played in the dark -- the anglers seldom ever see the bass before they catch them, but they have unbelievable skill in finding bass and putting them in the boat.

  BassFan says: Harold Sharp was B.A.S.S.'s first official tournament director.

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• Carl A. Aldredge of Camanche, IA writes:

  Friday, June 17, 2005

  I keep hearing about the PAA. How do you get a hold of them? Can't find them on the Internet.

  BassFan says: http://proanglersassociation.com/

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• Steven Kirby of Columbus, OH writes:

  Friday, June 17, 2005

  BASS has made it abundantly clear that it wants nothing to do with the PAA and has let it be known that "they" better not run their own tournaments? My, my. All I can say, folks, is that one better read between the lines. No. 1: Ask yourself if the PAA "really" wants to run their own tournaments. No. 2: Ask yourself, does BASS really mean no PAA and no PAA tournaments? They can't rule unilaterally!
  
  

  Now that the existence of the PAA, possible PAA tournaments and BASS's refusal to recognize or support either are on the table, we now have a point wherein one can negotiate. I think the PAA has the upper hand at this point. BASS realizes that should they, in fact, create a trail of sorts, BASS would be the loser. BASS couldn't institute enough rules to disallow those that participated in PAA events, and even if they could, the PAA folks would just transfer to FLW. I think it's a great bargaining chip: Either BASS recognizes the PAA or the PAA will go out on its own.

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• Joe Foley of Cincinnati, OH writes:

  Friday, June 17, 2005

  Kudos to Joe Thomas on his new venture, Ultimate Match Fishing. Joe deserves the success. He has been a true professional in both pro fishing and, recently, television. I can't wait to see this new breed of tournament fishing highlighting some great anglers.

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• Brandon Buckli of Chippewa Falls, WI writes:

  Friday, June 17, 2005

  Wissota is a hard and small lake to fish. Being a resident here for 20 years, I've never seen so much gratitude by all 50 bass anglers . They all got on stage and said that we have the best hospitality they have ever seen, and they mean it. Even though not many had good days, the Chippewa Valley and I greatly appreciate all the anglers' praise. It's great to have the Elite 50 in the northern waters.

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• Dan Fenwick of Winter Haven, FL writes:

  Thursday, June 16, 2005

  All professional sports have one controlling body. Professional fishing at this point has none. BASS and FLW are tournament organizations. They are not the rules, bylaws and controlling organizations of professional bass fishing. The PAA has an opportunity to become that organization, plus be the organization that finally gets solid financial support for the sport. All professional tournament organizations would then adhere to the rules, guidelines and laws as set forth by the PAA. Just like in football, baseball and golf. This has to happen before the sport can move forward. Otherwise, you have two spoiled kids (BASS and FLW) trying to outdo each other with their flash in the pan marketing plans.

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• Andy Jepsen of Centuria, WI writes:

  Thursday, June 16, 2005

  I find it quite interesting to listen to all of these professional fishermen sit and complain about how difficult the fishing was on Wissota. This is why we call it fishing and not catching. I know we tend to use that phrase way too many times, but it is the truth. Wisconsin does not have the 10-pound monster bass, and post-spawn is a difficult time to catch fish, but that is what fishing is all about. I am from northwest Wisconsin, and to me a hard day of fishing is what this sport is all about.

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• Robert Cochrane of Westfield, IN writes:

  Thursday, June 16, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- I don't go to an event to see ESPN or ABC. I go to see and interact with the anglers. If the PAA holds an event, I will be there. I wonder if ESPN would like to make public the revenue generated from the advertisers vs. what they pay out to the anglers. Follow the money and you see why ESPN does not want the PAA to exist. The anglers drive the revenue, not ESPN.

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• Tom Marrs of Peabody, MA writes:

  Thursday, June 16, 2005

  If the pros as a group (PAA) decide that BASS won't come around on outstanding issues regarding '06, then holding an event might persuade BASS to listen to the pros' concerns. I'd think the pros would rather not be responsible for staging tournaments in which they must compete. The time constraints would impact their performance. But if such an event were successfull, BASS might well regret their decision to not recognize the pros as a group. As a fan, I can't wait for Top Gun. This could get interesting -- "It smells like...victory."

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• Victor Burmeister of Wausau, WI writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  After fishing on Lake Wissota for the first time recently with a friend who was fishing the Elite 50, I have no desire to bass-fish at Lake Wissota again. It is a beautiful lake for recreational fishing and water sports, but it is far from a premier bass lake. The majority of water has flat sandy bottoms with zero structure. We did catch some above-average walleyes and a nice musky. We did manage to catch some smallies, but they were all in a 500-yard stretch. That calculates out to about 10 yards per contestant for 2 days. It’s just really frustrating, because the northern states have several fisheries that would be far ahead of Wissota. Sturgeon Bay is a great example. This area opens up into both Green Bay and Lake Michigan, so it should be big enough, and is a premier smallmouth destination -- especially in June. Thanks BASS for selecting another great venue showcasing northern bass waters.
  

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• Tim Loper of Terry, MS writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  It is time for a new direction. I have been competing since 1987 in Bassmaster events. I have never thought of fishing any other trail. But due to the new BASS format, I will have to look elsewhere. Thirty-fifth place next year will pay $3,500. The entry fee will be a total of $3,000. That means a angler will win $500. It is hard to travel around the country on that, so one has to ask, is it worth it? I hope the PAA will have some events. I feel this will be the only direction for me in the future.

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• Rodger Stegall of Folsom, CA writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- I would support the PAA. Heck, I think that they ought create a real nationwide curcuit.

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• Roger von Jouanne of Madison, AL writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  I really enjoyed the two preview articles that I read for the tourney at Wissota. The writing style puts me in virtual conversation with the pros, and the author's knowledge of their histories and various strengths puts us on a first-name basis.

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• Eric Wilson of Marshall, TX writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  I would support the PAA by going to their events. BASS needs to at least have open dialog with the PAA. If this does not happen, it will be the demise of BASS. BASS is far away from what Ray Scott started. BASS needs to remember that they are the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.

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• Keith Wentworth of Burleson, TX writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  From the very beginning I had my doubts about the aquisition of BASS by ESPN (mega-business vs. grassroots America). I have been a life member of BASS since 1981, and while I am not a professional angler by any stretch of the imagination, I follow the happenings on the circuit regularly and always cheer on my favorite. BASS grew out of the grassroots of bass fishermen of all walks of life. Ray Scott knew this and he took great care to stay within the support structure that he knew would grow the BASS organization. At the same time, he ensured that it never lost touch with its roots or its many everyday supporters. I knew that ESPN didn't have a clue who we are or what BASS is about when they fired Fish Fishburne as the MC for their weigh-ins. ESPN wants a cash cow of a business and will run over the anglers to get it. The PAA wants higher payouts while at the same time keeping the grassroots following that they enjoyed under Ray Scott and providing the best exposure for their sponsors. And we, the faceless masses, want BASS back to its beginning of bass fishing of the people, for the people and by real-life ordinary American fishermen. I think the best thing that could happen at this point is for the professional anglers to send a message to ESPN and fish FLW tournaments exclusively (boycott) until ESPN wakes up and realizes that without the professional anglers and their followers they have nothing. The PAA should take the initative and start its own circuit. Their sponsors will follow them, as will all the grassroots anglers who have seen what is happening under the ownership of ESPN.

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• Larry Adair of Flower Mound, TX writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- Absolutely I would support the pros. Why shouldn't they be organized and represented to some extent? Sounds like a union. This is definitely a way for them to be united and in turn have bigger payouts. It only makes sense. If anyone thinks ESPN, etc. is doing this for minimal return, they need to rethink the business and where it's headed. I can only hope I have a chance to become a member of the PAA. I would join in a second.

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• Danny Whaley of Due West, SC writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  I would like to donate money to the PAA to help them with their expenses. How could this be done? Is there a non-voting-type membership for ex-tour anglers or local bass fishermen? We need to remember they are up against ESPN, not the old BASS.

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• Dan Dyer of Madison, WI writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Sure I'd go to a PAA-sponsored event, same as any FLW or BASS event -- meaning if I had the time and it wasn't too far. Most of them are pretty far from here.

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• Steve Fuchs of Lewis Center, OH writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Do I think the PAA should hold its own tournaments? Absolutely. If the BASS pros do not like what is going on with their sport, they have the right to hold their own tournaments with their own format. I think the biggest problem ahead for the sport with the way BASS/ESPN is managing it is overexposure and saturation. Why does there need to be a 200-boat field at a Bassmaster Tour-level event? Bassmaster has always meant "elite" in my mind, but with the changes to field size and payouts, my impression will change.

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• Joe Zelienka of Walnutport, PA writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Re: PAA events -- A big NO from this amateur. True or not, in the past it appears the PAA’s goal was to keep top tournaments purely professional, and not to include amateurs. This image is represented by their wish to eliminate the Federation spots from the Bassmaster Classic. Well then, they can run their tournaments without my support.

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• Steve Caro of Kalamazoo, MI writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- People dont care about BASS or ESPN. They just want to see their heroes perform. Call it what you want -- we'll still be there.

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• Chris Nors of Austin, TX writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Re: the PAA -- I would be interested in attending, but if they limit the field, which you can tell they like to do, who will fish? How do they pick and will new anglers be able to qualify for the events? If they do this and have small fields, it will be the same as the E50s -- just the big names getting all the press. How do you build a sport if no one new gets in? How do the new guys make a living? I am looking into beginning a career, but if they keep heading in the direction they are going it will be impossible for new blood to break in before they go broke. Example: Fishing 3 years before you get into an E50 event.
  
  

  Re: PAA events, I would support them if it is a 150-boat field, only 125 of the guys get to fish the next season and the rest of the spots get filled with new blood from some sort of qualifing tour. It will give the sport a chance to grow. Let's say Jay Yelas does not make the Top 125 -- then he must fish to qualify all over agian just like the rest of us. It only seems fair. Golf does it -- why would it not work? Instead of growing the current top guys, let's grow the whole sport. That means new faces should get a chance to fish along with the best.

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• Don Stephens of Fortson, GA writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- It's really a shame that big business and greed has been allowed to invade the world of bass fishing. Is it possible that money and power can destroy tournament fishing and kill the competitive drive of so many anglers? When BASS was purchased by ESPN, the writing was on the wall and the money-hungry world of television and elite attitudes came to the forefront. I've seen this happen many times in corporate America, someone purchases a large company and states that nothing will change. Bologna! BASS is about Ray Scott, Harold Sharp, Bob Cobb, and all the great people and fishermen that made this great organization. It's not about people on TV discussing fishing that have no real clue about what they are saying. The heck with big business. Let the pros do as they please.

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• Sean Smith of Gretna, NE writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Re: PAA events -- I think it's time for the pros to take their sport back. I would fully support a PAA Tour, subscribe, join as a supporting member, read the magazine, follow the tour every bit as much as I do the Bassmaster and FLW tours. So in a nutshell, do it! It's time.

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• Bill Lindoerfer of Pitman, NJ writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  I would attend the PAA events. These are the guys who people want to see and who made fishing into what it is today. ESPN is the new guy on the block and they are riding the coattails of the anglers.

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• Doug Luper of Alexandria, VA writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- It should be the anglers' choice to hold their own tournaments. I would most definitely attend. Bottom line is, I go to see and watch the pros, not BASS. On one hand BASS wants to improve the sport, but in a nutshell they are ruining it. I think it's pretty pitiful that BASS doesn't recognize the PAA. Without the pros, they are nothing, in my opinion.

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• Jeff Lira of Roanoke, VA writes:

  Wednesday, June 15, 2005

  Mark Quenzel, ESPN senior VP of programming and production, said there'd be "big trouble" if the PAA began holding tournaments? Well, what can I say other than BASS/ESPN has continued to show us, their customers, their arse. We've been jerked around by Kessel, heard the nonsensical ramblings of Don Rucks, and now we've been threatened by Mark Quenzel. Are these fellers really speakin' for Disney/ESPN/BASS or did they lose their way to the short bus at the Magic Kindom? "Big trouble?" Yes, there is "big trouble," but it's not with the PAA. It's with and within ESPN/BASS. Better grab some Bass Medics and ice, and toss 'em in the box. That nice BASS is about to go belly-up.

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

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  I think the PAA should stick to what they are: an association. To branch off into too many things makes you a jack-of-all-trades and master of none. I think they should concentrate on being the best professional angler association in the world and leave the tournament trails to the experts. With their strength in numbers, they will be more able to dictate to the current big trails what they want to see in a tournmament and the format they prefer. If they could unite on the whole wrapped boat issue, they might get the right to use their own boats on TV days.
  
  

  The way I see it is, BASS/ESPN needs to do their job (ie, run world-class bass tournaments) and make sure the needs/desires of their sponsors, fans and pro anglers are listened to and acted upon. Also, the PAA needs to do their job (ie, represent the pros to the major tournament companies and look out for the anglers' best interests) and not try to be all things to everyone by running tournaments as well.

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• Mark Hegge of Chippewa Falls, WI writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  I have been fishing around Chippewa Falls for over 40 years now. The reason I say "around" is because there literally are no largemouth in Lake Wissota. Sure, like nearly every river in Wisconsin, the Chippewa is loaded with nice catchable smallies. So what! That's reason enough to bring in 50 200-hp toys, ESPN and a whole slug of people trying to promote a bass tournament mostly touted for the mighty bucket-mouth? I don't think so. Whose dopey idea was that anyway? For those of us who live here, it's like inviting fishermen to come in to witness a train wreck. Did anyone bother to ask the locals? I have a cabin on a lake up north that's full of nice largemouths. Nearly all small Wisconsin lakes are. But not Wissota. I have lived lived here for three decades and never caught a largemouth bass. I feel sorry for the guys who have to pack up and leave the Chippewa Falls area without ever seeing a 5 or 6 pounder. They are here, just not in Wissota. Have fun living this one down boys!

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• Derwynn Anderson of Chippewa Falls, WI writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  I fish Lake Wissota every week -- I live a block away. We love having the guys here, but they are right! Why in the world come here? It's a bowl with musky food in it. Little Lake Wissota with 12 or even 6 guys, good luck. Again, I love every guy in the Elite 50 and follow every move BASS makes, but this is a joke!

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• Brent White of Monroe, LA writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  I think it's great to hear the pros whining about how tough the fishing is going to be on Wissota. Now they can all be reminded of what we "weekend warriors" go through on a regular basis. On a different note, I like the idea of there being no secret spots. We will see just who has the best skills. I love this format, especially the late take-off/weigh-in times.

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• Steven Kudingo of Chippewa Falls, WI writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  I moved here 3 years ago after being told how good the bass fishing is here. It stinks. If you catch a 14-inch bass, you are lucky. I am used to fishing quality waters, but the people here would not know quality if it bit them. Good luck to the the Elite 50 on Wissota -- they are going to need it. Now this area can be seen for what it really is. Overplayed!

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• Kevin Barrows of Redford, MI writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  It is to bad that the pros feel Lake Wissota is a poor lake. They can't always fish a lake known for its huge population of quality bass. This is exactly the kind of lake that most northern bass anglers hold their club tournaments on and is what we have to deal with every weekend: A small lake with lots of fishing pressure. This will be a great test for the pros, and only the best anglers will be at the top of the leader board.

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• Daniel C. Dutrieux of South Bend, IN writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  Bass fishing has a become a very popular sport. There are numerous pro-quality anglers that deserve an opportunity to compete in tournaments. I would say that between 100 and 200 entries would be appropriate for tournaments. I would like to see an increase in sponsored events with larger purses. I would like to see more tour events and live coverage on network television ala the PGA. Golf and fishing are two sports that are lifelong endeavors.

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• Jason Sullivan of Chippewa Falls, WI writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  I have to admit I don't follow bass tournaments, but do follow walleye tournaments very close. When walleye fishermen get on a lake with a tough bite, they tend to bear down. I don't understand the luck comments being made by the bass pros. Wouldn't the superior angler be able to put a pattern together to find legal fish, or analyze structure and cover to fish bigger fish? I agree the lake is too small for this size of event. No arguments there. But I have to say I'm a little disappointed that my first exposure to tournament bass anglers sounds like a lot of whining. Good luck guys!

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• Sean Smith of Gretna, NE writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  Regarding the E50 on Wissota, I understand the tour pros are making their living on the tour, but I have to take a point with some of these guys. I fish several regional and local tournament events, everything from Table Rock Lake, Mo. to Three Mile Lake and Okoboji in Iowa. We consistently have 50-75 boats on 800-acre lakes in the Iowa area, lakes that are no wake, idle speed, and it still takes between 15 and 22 lbs to win an event. If these guys are complaining about fishing an Elite 50 event on a a 6,500 acre lake, then they can see the other side from the ramp. I invite any of them to come and play on our field for a day. Then they can see what pressured water and limited habitat are all about. You guys just let me know who's coming, and we'll set it up.

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• Jon Anderson of Crystal, MN writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2005

  I think the pros have been a little spoiled with the lakes and timing of tournaments the last few years. Granted, Wissota is not the place for a major tournament, but give us a break. The pros that do well here deserve some credit for finding the fish and making them bite. Luck has nothing to do with it. Everyone is fishing the same spots. It's who makes the little changes that will win this E50. I hope when I attend the weigh-ins that the pros look like they are happy to be there. We don't get a chance to see our heroes up here too often.

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• Joel Kinnaird of Garland, TX writes:

  Monday, June 13, 2005

  When are we going to see more details about the Weekend Warrior Championship? The rules aren't even out yet.

  BassFan says: The Top Gun and WWC rules will be out next week, as will the WWC payout.

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• Ken Hawkins of Wetumpka, AL writes:

  Monday, June 13, 2005

  Re: Top Gun -- I think BassFan (who I wholeheartedly support) has gone from reporting on the parade to marching in the parade. You can't serve two masters.

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• Jack Hardesty of Branson West, MO writes:

  Monday, June 13, 2005

  Re: BASS and Lake Amistad -- Lake Amistad is the best kept secret in the United States right now. I just came back from Amistad after fishing the BASS Federation Central Divison Championship. Wow. Talk about a lake loaded with fish. If BASS puts it on their Tour schedule, let me tell you, there will be some giant fish and weights brought in.

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• Vince Borrego of Discovery Bay, CA writes:

  Monday, June 13, 2005

  Question re: Top Gun -- Is this going to be a pro-am event or will they be fishing alone in the boat? The am entry fee could easily offset the "show up" fee for the pros, especially if there is a guarantee that as an am you're going to draw someone ranked in the Top 25 (heck even Top 50) from both tours. As an am I recently fished in the BASS Western Open on the Delta which included a $500 entry fee and found that I knew considerably more about the fishery than my day 1 draw. Day 2 I was paired with FLW pro Cliff Pirch, who had a 2nd place fishing on the Delta the year before (Everstart) and was a pleasure to fish with. If I was guarenteed to draw someone of Cliff's caliber plus the added bonus of the tournament being televised, I would gladly pay a $500 entry fee.

  BassFan says: Top Gun anglers will have observers who will not fish, but as you said, they will have the opportunity to watch the best pros in the world up close.

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• Jeff Lira of Roanoke, VA writes:

  Monday, June 13, 2005

  Cabela's Top Gun is a great idea. This is advancement of the sport at its best.

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• Danny Weiner of Central City, KY writes:

  Friday, June 10, 2005

  Re: the Top Gun Championship -- I can't wait for this to happen. It is so long overdue. Unfortunately, I doubt I can attend, so I hope that BassFan has managed to get a TV partner for wire to wire coverage. It will be a crying shame if all us BassFans have to only track the tourney here on the Net. Thanks BassFan!

  BassFan says: Top Gun will be aired on OLN and will also be available on DVD and VHS.

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• Dave Robb of Grand Haven, MI writes:

  Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Let me get this straight: BASS has a 30-day off-limits period before a tournament, allows just 3 days of practice, and enforces a no information rule, all in the name of fairness. But they have no problem putting two pros in the same boat and calling it a level playing field? I guess fairness has a price. You would think two pros in the same boat would violate its own no-info policy.

  BassFan says: That no-info policy applies to the Tour and E50s, but not to the Opens or Weekend Series.

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• Bob Cowden of Kingsport, TN writes:

  Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Good article on Craig Powers. I fished with him a lot when he lived here. His casting ability is awesome. I've witnessed it firsthand. And also he is one of the best topwater fishermen there is, behind me (ha ha).

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• Kevin Baxter of Benton, KY writes:

  Thursday, June 9, 2005

  It is great to see Craig Powers win not once but twice in a row. Craig is a class act. When I worked at a tackle shop I got to know Craig very well. He has always been a guy I can approach anytime. Not only is he a friend, but he is someone I look up to. Now if only I could get a hold of some of those special Pop-Rs he has been throwing.

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• Charles Bowman of Kernersville, NC writes:

  Thursday, June 9, 2005

  When I fished the High Rock BFL recently as a boater, I drew a 17-year-old boy as my non-boater. If ever there has been an example of how important the non-boater is to tournament competition, this was it. The first spot we pulled up on, we caught several on topwaters and each of us had a decent keeper in the boat. You've never seen such excitment and enthusiasm as this kid had. He was stoked!
  
  

  Then it dawned on me how important the co-angler format is as it is run by FLW Outdoors. Having a co-angler, competing for himself, not depending on my catch for his weight, really fuels his competitive spirit. Additionally, young kids like the one I drew have a chance to learn about how to go through a boat check, how to act professioanlly from a boater's standpoint, how to go through check-in at the end of the day, and how to properly weigh the fish, without having the stress of doing it all themselves for the first time. Having a co-angler is an excellent training ground for devloping tomorrow's boaters.
  
  

  Furthermore, my co-angler doesn't own a boat. No one in his family owns a boat. His grandfather had gotten him into fishing years ago, but had died 3 years ago, leaving him no outlet for bass fishing, except to fish these tournaments.
  
  

  These tournaments are helping this kid learn, about everything from putting in the boat, running the boat, being careful, boater safety, tournament rules and protocol, as well as bass fishing in general. How valuable is that?

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• Shannon Leamon of Church Hill, TN writes:

  Tuesday, June 7, 2005

  The rest of the fishing world is now getting a taste of what I have known all along: CP (Craig Powers) is the best topwater fisherman around. Me and Craig have known each other virtually all of our lives. Our dads used to be tourney partners many years ago here in northeast TN, and we followed in their footsteps and fished together up until hCraig e moved to Rockwood to get into the pizza business and try his hand at pro bass fishing. Fishing here in our smaller heavily-pressured lakes in east TN, you had to learn to be able to put baits where nobody else could to be successful, and CP taught me a lot about that. He is an awesome caster and puts topwater baits in places that flippers have a hard time doing. A versatile threat year round, but an odds-on favorite in the April-June time frame. Congrats, CP!

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• John A. Goin of Three Rivers, TX. writes:

  Monday, June 6, 2005

  You guys would be amazed at the lakes in southwest Texas. Amistad, Choke and Falcon are just awesome. BASS and FLW have been making a mistake for years by ignoring what we have to offer. Rayburn and Toledo Bend are not the only bass factories in Texas.

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• Jim Smith of Auburn, WA writes:

  Monday, June 6, 2005

  Byron and Coke seem to be a winning combination for both parties. Coke has a great representative and Byron has someone to support his fishing endeavors. Good luck to both.

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• Dario Guerra IV of San Antonio, TX writes:

  Monday, June 6, 2005

  Re: the BASS schedule rumor -- Amistad is one awesome lake! I would love to see this lake fished by the Bassmaster pros. Local open tournaments usually take near 30 lbs for a one-day 5-fish event. If fished in early spring, all sorts of BASS records could be broken.

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• Marty Robinson of Rochester, NY writes:

  Monday, June 6, 2005

  A recent letter writer wrote about how FLW has Fox, which carries the Super Bowl, World Series and NASCAR, and compared ESPN unfavorably to it. In fact, FLW is not on the Fox broadcast network which carries those major events. Rather, it is Fox Sports Net, a cable network. While I don't have any numbers available to me, I'm sure that ESPN is significantly larger than Fox Sports Net.

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• Mike McAllister of Memphis, TN writes:

  Saturday, June 4, 2005

  I just spent the last 2 days reading Ike's book. I found him to be what the future of fishing is all about. I admire anyone who stands for what they believe. Whether you like him or not, we as average fisherman can't understand what they as pros go through. As a former athlete, I applaud anyone for taking a chance, and if you have the nerve to criticize him or anyone else who fishes, golfs or whatever, walk in their shoes. The window for their career may only be a few years and they need to get it while they can. Go Ike. I will support you in prayer and any other way you need.

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• Keith Fisher of Salisbury, MD writes:

  Friday, June 3, 2005

  I had he opportunity this past weekend to fish as a co-angler in the FLW Everstart series. On day 1 I was paired with pro Clark Wendlandt. The amount of fun and experience I gained on that first day was awesome. If anybody ever gets the opportunity to fish with a great pro like Clark, do not pass up the opportunity. Thanks again, Clark, and good luck the rest of the way.

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• Bobby Myers of Glenpool, OK writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- Payouts are a big concern for anyone who fishes for a living because that is where you get your retirement money. If you keep the field to 100 anglers, then you raise the payout and have less frustration. Yes it makes it harder for someone like myself to get into the tour ranks, but you better be extremely skilled to stay there anyway even if there are 200 spots available. This is the best of the best, not "let's help everyone with a dream." The best 100 should fish all the events, including the Majors, but you still have to make the Top 40 in the points to go to the Classic.

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• Jeff Lira of Roanoke, VA writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2005

  That's nice that Donnie Rucks had another meeting with the PAA. So far those meetings seem like the same types of meetings that Rucks' predecessor, Dean Kessel, had with the anglers. They kind of went like this: blah, blah, blah.
  
  

  I am a firm believer that the PAA needs to show up to the next BASS tournament or E50, put their boats in the water and when take-off begins, VanDam stands up with a blowhorn and says the following: "Unless BASS will pay well down the list, we will not fish. Also, unless we can fish out of our own boats for the duration of the tournament, we'll not fish." Guess what'll happen then? Yep. ESPN will meet the demands.
  
  

  The PAA has played nice long enough. Hopefully they'll soon put their foot down. And the PAA may put on fund-raising events to generate revenue? Hmm. Donnie Rucks, Kevin VanDam, Mercury and Triton all met up in Fon Du Lac, Wis.? Seems like ESPN/BASS were taken to the vice principal's office for a bit of an attitude adjustment. And if they don't straighten up, they just may be on the outside looking in. With the PAA, which Mercury and Triton seem to recognize, holding tournaments, it's not all that far off that the PAA may also attract sponsors. Those sponsors will follow the pros who fish PAA tournaments. After all, why would those sponsors want to continue to promote their products on a tournament trail that doesn't have any fishermen?
  

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• Jon Ehrmann of Warminster, PA writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2005

  I can't believe the Philadelphia Daily News compared Ike to T.O. (Terrell Owens)! Are they crazy? Ike is nothing like T.O. except that they both are great athletes and attract a lot of attention. I currently live in PA but cut my teeth on the same waters Ike did in Jersey, like Lake Hopatcong. T.O. is a trash-talking, highly overpaid, egotistic you know what. Granted a lot of the "old school" bass anglers out there don't like how Ike celebrates -- even I think he should be a little more modest at times -- but you have to love his enthusiam. I know when I am fishing a little club tourney, I get real excited when I start catching them and celebrate becasue I love fishing. So does Ike! T.O. event trash-talks his own teammates, and demands more money than he could ever spend in a lifetime. Don't worry, Mike, you're nothing like T.O.

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• John Gorman of Bolivar, MO writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2005

  On the Patterns Game, the question about Mark Davis fishing Table Rock last year (when he won) is wrong. It says that he used a spinnerbait and a jig to win, but he used a crankbait (Wiggle Wart) where the water went from dirty to clear.

  BassFan says: The Wiggle Wart was Davis' primary weapon on the last day, but he used other lures during that event. That said, though the Patterns Game question was about Davis fishing Table Rock in the spring, it was hypothetical and not about a specific tournament.

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• Duane Harper of Lebanon, TN writes:

  Wednesday, June 1, 2005

  FLW didn't quite make Kevin Snider whole, but they came a long, long way from where they were. I'm happy to hear they compromised on the situation and awarded Kevin a boat for his well-deserved victory at Wheeler last year. This is a positive sign. Thanks to BassFan for keeping us updated.

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• Tommy Timmerman of East Palatka, FL writes:

  Wednesday, June 1, 2005

  There is a pro that is being overlooked and has done really good, especially this year. His name is Terry Scroggins. He has fished several places that were completely new to him, such as Clarks Hill, Lake Norman and Dardenelle, with pretty good finishes. Plus he made several Top 12s and finished 3rd in the points standings. If you will check you will see that he has caught fish shallow, deep and any other way he needed to. I realize that I am in Terry's corner, but I feel it is fair for me to say he deserves to be considered when looking at who to watch. Thanks for a great website and keep it going.

  BassFan says: Scroggins is also ranked 6th in the world right now and looks to be a shoe-in to qualify to compete at the inaugural Cabela's Top Gun Championship this August in Forth Worth, Texas.

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