Bassfan Feedback

• Tim Cody of Charleston, TN writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2016

  RE: Hackney's day-1 DQ – First, I want to say how sorry I am for Greg losing the AOY race this way. Also, I admit I've never been a marshal but I have been a co-angler in the pro/co-angler events and I also made a point to know the rules as well as my pro. Surely there's more to being a marshal than just riding along for the day. At least twice this year pros have been DQd for on-the-water actions that could have been avoided if the marshal knew the rules as well. Ultimately, I know it's the pro's responsibility due to how much they have to lose, but marshals need to read the rules and know them as well. Just my opinion.

  BassFan says: Marshals are there to watch and ensure that the rules are followed, not to counsel competitors on potential rules violations. Marshals who render aid to a competitor in that manner can have as much influence on the outcome of a tournament as one who directs an angler to an out-of-the-way dock that harbors a slew of 5-pounders. The marshals are observers, not advisors.

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• Neal Gilmore of Magnolia, TX writes:

  Thursday, June 30, 2016

  RE: Balog on Hackney – The marshal could not tell Hackney he was breaking a rule, but John Murray could have. Maybe the penalty would have been less if Hackney would have only been in the off-limits area for a few minutes and did not catch anything. Ultimately it was Hackney's fault, but come on, John Murray.

  BassFan says: We find it fairly ridiculous that so many fans are attempting to divert portions of the blame for this unfortunate incident toward people and entities other than Greg Hackney. John Murray did what he was required to do under the Elite Series rules. Also, there's very little chance that being in the off-limits area only for a few minutes and not catching any fish would've resulted in a lesser penalty. There are not varying degrees of off-limits violations – an angler either did or didn't fish somewhere that he he was not allowed to, and the sanctions for those who did will be uniform.

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• Dave Mauldin of Round Rock, TX writes:

  Friday, June 24, 2016

  RE: Hackney's day-1 DQ – Unfortunate! Unlike many other professional sports where the athletes play by the same rules everywhere they go, bass fishermen have to deal with multiple jurisdictions with conflicting laws. Unlike Luke Clausen's DQ, this one was clear cut and B.A.S.S. had no choice whatsoever. I like rules that are clear, and this rule was clear ... but I really feel for Hackney.

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• Charles Petit of Mountain Home, AR writes:

  Thursday, June 23, 2016

  RE: Reed leaves Elites – I am surprised that a dozen-plus other Elite anglers have not retired due to financial problems. The entry fees are too high, the paybacks are for too low, the sponsors pay too little, boat costs are too high, the number of sponsors are not enough, having to pay taxes on what sponsors give for a boat and truck, all discounts from MSRP are taxable.

  B.A.S.S. and FLW know just how much they payout and entry fees are just enough to keep the top 50 percent from quitting.

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• Ben Stacy of Cincinnati, OH writes:

  Wednesday, June 22, 2016

  RE: Megabass Levante rods – I have the Flat-Side Special. I actually traded a fishing buddy for this rod – he wanted my G. Loomis GLX cranking rod, so we swapped. By comparison, this rod is quite a bit stiffer than the Loomis but still has a nice parabolic bend. I far prefer this rod for square-bills and small cranks to the Loomis because I feel the Levante has more backbone and still plenty of give for the fish to get the bait. Plus, I think this rod will prove to be considerably more versatile for lipless and even cranks up to a 5XD or so.

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• Trevor Knight of Summit, MS writes:

  Tuesday, June 21, 2016

  RE: Reed pulls out of Elites – In my time fishing in college, the B.A.S.S. Opens, FLW EverStarts and PAA, Matt Reed was one of a select few tour anglers who always treated me with respect and courtesy. He is a class act and I am glad I got the chance to know him and fish against him.

  I stepped away from tournament angling 4 years ago and have far less stress, am happier, and am much better off financially. I hope Matt will find the same results in his choice.

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• Kent Brown of Roseville, CA writes:

  Monday, June 20, 2016

  Thanks to Pete Robbins and BassFan for the nice article about my Ultimate Bass Radio Show. Sign up for a free podcast on iTunes.

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• Stu Hinkle of La Mesa, CA writes:

  Sunday, June 19, 2016

  RE: Hackney's BASSFest win – This guy is a monster with a punching/flipping rod in his hand. Great job, Greg!

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• Clint Hicks of Clyde, TX writes:

  Tuesday, June 14, 2016

  24-pound Gliss – casts great and you can feel everything, but the line breaks at every hookset. I have tried several knots and no luck. I have lost too many fish in tournaments. It's pure junk in my book. Sad, because I really thought it was going to be great.

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• Randall Verran of Colorado Springs, CO writes:

  Friday, June 10, 2016

  RE: Balog on Evers' honesty – Did not Casey Ashley do and say the exact same thing as Evers when he won last year's Classic with the horse-head spinner his dad made? It sounded like Balog gave all credit to Evers when essentially the topic of his discussion actually happened last year.

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• Dennis Pentecost of Milford, IL writes:

  Friday, June 10, 2016

  RE: Old Timer sweepstakes – Who would want to win a fishing trip with Tommy Biffle? "Sit down and shut up" or "I am going to kick that guy's butt for fishing my water!"

  Just joking – I would love to fish with the Biff!

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• Rob Dixon of Lewistown, PA writes:

  Friday, June 10, 2016

  RE: Balog on Evers' honesty – Love the "truth" article by Joe Balog. It makes me laugh when I hear a pro say he used a Livingston jerkbait when 95 percent of us know darn well no pro is tossing a Livingston jerkbait so long as Megabass, and for that matter even Luck E Strike, are still making jerkbaits.

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• Pat Leach of The Colony, TX writes:

  Thursday, June 9, 2016

  RE: Balog on Evers' honesty – Joe, great piece on professionals telling it like it is instead of hawking sponsor baits. I learned the spin some pros will put on the newest and greatest baits a number of years back and was disappointed when asked at a seminar about a bait the pro had just recently said was the best all-around bait made told me that the company had screwed up the bill, but they got it right on this one. Since that time I have been leery of baits used.

  Both Edwin and Casey were honest when reporting they used homemade baits to win their Classics. I, like you, wish more would be totally honest and help out the masses, not just try and line their wallets.

  Thanks for another spot-on piece.

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• Randy Brandenburg of Frisco, TX writes:

  Thursday, June 9, 2016

  RE: Balog on Evers' honesty – Same as Casey Ashley's Classic victory, also. Don't forget to give him props, too.

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• Walton Little, Jr. of Magnolia, TX writes:

  Thursday, June 9, 2016

  RE: Balog on Evers' honesty – I applaud your willingness to grab this bull by the horns and speak about it. I and many others realize that no lure brand or select group of brands will always be "the one". However, a sponsor who has chosen an angler with the integrity to tell the truth has chosen wisely, in my opinion. They have shown they want to be affiliated with an angler who values integrity and honesty. That they do not push him to compromise himself for their benefit is positive, enhancing my perceived value of the brand.

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• Johnny McLean of LIttle Rock, AR writes:

  Thursday, June 9, 2016

  RE: Balog on Evers' honesty – Excellent article Joe, spot-on. You know, I kind of thought that Evers was a whiner after seeing how he acted a couple of times on camera over the years, but the way he won the Classic and how he handled himself changed my mind.

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• Neal Gilmore of Magnolia, TX writes:

  Thursday, June 9, 2016

  RE: Balog on Evers' honesty – Finally! Thank you, Joe and BassFan. We have been waiting for this a long time. A few more details and this article would have been perfect. Anglers appreciate what you did, Edwin.

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• Dave Mauldin of Round Rock, TX writes:

  Wednesday, June 8, 2016

  RE: Day 1 at Texoma – I would guess 95 are all chasing the same dwindling number of fish in the flooded stuff ... the one who is doing something different like cranking rock might do better. KVD and Rick Clunn?

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• Remi DeMatteo of Poydras, LA writes:

  Monday, June 6, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – I have zero interest in watching the "Elites" fish somewhere no one else can. Without multiple venues, I would think the sweet spots would be dialed in to all. I feel B.A.S.S. is getting further and further away from its fan base with unattainable (money-wise) boat and equipment for most of us, and second, no more co anglers (FLW manages it somehow) and now, the suggestion of special waters only for them. My question is: Who is this fan base going to be? The Elites are getting a little too elite.

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• Skip Bennett of Texico, IL writes:

  Monday, June 6, 2016

  Because of B.A.S.S.' no-net rule, there seems to be a lot of talk of getting hooks in the hand or elsewhere. Not as much talk about it in FLW. I think as soon as someone gets a hook in the eye from a fish throwing the lure, they will change the no-net rule.

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• Charles Petit of Mountain Home, AR writes:

  Sunday, June 5, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – Stop beating up on Ike Iaconnelli. His points are OK to raise without negative bias from those making a living in fishing products, etc. The fans in boats staying way back is one thing. That has been OK. But I have noticed of late, many of them are now getting quite close to the pro as they fish and following closely going down the shore as the pro fishes, using boat motors to idle close and continuing to have their fish locators operating. Now they follow them down the shoreline so the pro can't turn around and fish that shore a second time from the opposite direction.

  What happened to "Do unto others as they would nicely do unto you"? Americans are getting more narcissistic every day!

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• Rick Pierce of Mountain Home, AR writes:

  Saturday, June 4, 2016

  RE: Lucarelli's invention – The Ninja Blade is a great part and I have used it this season. At Lake Kissimmee I could literally go anywhere with my 70-pound MotorGuide Tour. It cut through a lily-pad field with ease and chopped roots up easily.

  Anyone fishing grass on Guntersville or similar reservoirs needs one of these on their motor. We now sell them through our parts store and they are not taken seriously as a part that will reduce time for grass anglers.

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• Tom Beck of Las Vegas, NV writes:

  Friday, June 3, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – At lakes Mead and Mohave, I see a fair number of tournaments each year from local to regional organizations and a couple times a year national (U.S. Open). These are big bodies of water with fluctuating water levels. To me, a big numbers tournament is purely an aggravation. I try to avoid fishing on those days.

  Personally, I don't think it's courteous to follow the tournament guys around ... even when they are practicing. Seems to make them upset even if you fish behind them, like might happen in crowded California water. Doing that leads to a weak mindset, especially if you do catch a nice sack off someone's spot because you have no "skin in the game." With money on the line, you will fish differently.

  I don't think it's a good habit to be waypointing people's spots, either, because you should be honing your own skill at finding fish. Even if you had someone's consistent waypoint your approach angle and presentation are just as critical. I don't care if they waypoint me because I know they will be gone in a couple days. The spot might replenish and conditions will change.

  On the other hand, I've had tournament competitors run past me on plane, jump the bank and set down 50 yards away. That kind of behavior pisses me off. Those people I might follow around for half an hour; with the home lake advantage I can often catch bass behind them, which pisses them off and erodes their confidence ... price of hubris.

  If I find myself on a milk run meeting another boat, I'll ask if it's a derby situation. If so I'll abandon the spot or share with the guy who paid money to play.

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• Steve Boyd of Orlando, FL writes:

  Friday, June 3, 2016

  RE: Arkansas River Open day 1 – Scott McGehee has good reason to stay away from locks!

  I fished with Scott in a 2004 Southern Open on the Tombigbee Waterway. Before I stepped in his boat, he was trying to sell it to me. And before we made it out of the lock, he speared a wave.

  Yeah, that was a good day!

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• Chuck Praznik of Hemphill, TX writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – At Toledo Bend we have quite a few tournaments, some with 500 to 700 boats. For the most part we don't have too many problems, but I was embarrassed at the lack of manners shown at the B.A.S.S. tourney. These tournaments bring lots of business to an area that can really use it.

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• Wallace Calloway of Toledo Bend, LA writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – I think he was right on target. It's funny that Iaconelli is complaining about local fishermen coming in on him and going in front of him since I can think of two occasions when he did the same thing to me on T-Bend. During their practice day he had no problem coming in on a point I had been fishing for an hour and proceeded to beat the water to a froth with a crankbait. I could very easily have cast in his boat, but he's a pro and that's okay.

  I do agree there are fishermen on the water who will come in on you when they see you catch fish. I deal with it every day. But trust me when I say, there are a lot of these pros who show no courtesy to local fishermen who were there first.

  As for leaving my lake to fish another simply because the Elites are coming to my home lake, I don't think so. We have so many big tournaments on Toledo Bend, we would never fish it. The answer is respect. These are public waters and you have no more rights to fish than anyone else.

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• Terry Bonsell of Fruitland Park, FL writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – If and when pro bass fishing becomes a private water-only event, you can count me out of B.A.S.S. and FLW. Pull up yur big boy pants, Ike.

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• Rob Dixon of Lewistown, PA writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – I totally agree with Ike on this one. What kind of "jerk" schedules his fishing trip on purpose to coincide with an Elite Series tournament, then runs around stealing their holes or purposely messing with them? We aren't talking about fans following anglers around because the sport needs that and Ike seems to love that, we're talking about people who purposely interfere with the tournament anglers.

  Tournament fishing as a whole seems to be trending in that direction. Go enter a weekend tournament on the Potomac River if you want to see dozens of guys on the "bent rod" pattern. I've never been to another body of water where you can catch a fish, then suddenly multiple boats start moving towards you.

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• Randall Verran of Colorado Springs, CO writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – I think Balog's piece hit the nail on the head. I was one of the readers of Ike's article who was going to comment but decided that my "novel" length comment wasn't appropriate for the forum. However, Balog is exactly correct. Some of these "jerks" could be anglers who don't give a flip (no pun intended) about pro fishing tournaments. They may feel as much frustration or angst toward the pro who is fishing "their" hole as the pro feels toward them. But nonetheless, the offending weekend angler may be upset enough or not care enough to NOT fish his hole (that he may have planned for, spent money on, and drove a long way to get to) just because he sees a pro, cameras and a flotilla on it.

  If a private venue is the solution, then that's the answer. Otherwise, it will never end because I highly doubt large public waters will be closed for pro tournaments.

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• Michael Lee of Philadelphia, PA writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – I think Joe needs to re-read Ike's column. Ike wasn't talking about the people just out fishing, who happen to be in the same spot where a pro wants to fish during an Elite Series event. He was talking about those who purposely jump on a spot where a pro is fishing after he leaves to go to another place, with the intention of coming back. Or even worse, attempting to fish the spot at the same time, in order to compete with the pro, to see how they measure up. Ike has no issue with a fisherman out on the water just enjoying his day.

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• Paul Wallace of Cambridge City, IN writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – Smaller lakes in our area get shut down for special deer and goose hunts. I suppose it's not that far out of the realm of possibilities to shut down for a national bass tournament.

  I don't see this being popular with the public unless the state could show a monetary gain that could offset the negativity. Unfortunately, professional bass fishing seems to be lagging way behind in money. Major League Fishing seems to have some of this solved, but it wouldn't work for a B.A.S.S.- or FLW-size tournament.

  Also, being rude on the water is wrong ... tournament or not. Fishing an area you found, maybe years ago, and then a pro claims you stole his spot is insulting. People take time off to fish, plan vacations to fish, get out of work/school to fish. If an avid angler happens to get to the best ditch, river bend, drop-off, etc. first, that's just fishing. The avid angler may have found that spot 10 years ago, before the pro even showed up.

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• Steve Linden of Hickory, NC writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – I read Ike's article and totally agree with him. Come on, guys! Pick a different lake that day to fish, watch over the Internet, wait for the TV show or sign up to be a marshal. If you do find yourself on the same lake that day, show respect and courtesy.

  I inadvertently scheduled a fishing vacation with my father years ago that landed on the same date as an FLW Tour event. We gladly moved aside when we realized we were in the same area as one of the pros. The pro thanked us for the courtesy. My dad said it best in reply, "You're fishing for $100,000, we're fishing for fun!"

  We went on to catch as many fish that week as we ever did and and gave the guys room to work.

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• Randall Kramer of New Braunfels, TX writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – Joe, I enjoy reading your articles, but I think you missed the mark on this one. He was not calling out people who are just out there fishing or "missed the memo." He was talking about guys that got the memo and purposely went out to observe the pros and to try to move in to see if they could catch them better.

  To me, there is no question whether individuals who do that are jerks or not. Also I didn't like that you used the opportunity to take shots at Ike by saying that those type of guys don't need attention or to celebrate after a catch. Get over it. Ike does so much for the sport through Bass University and his campaign to get kids fishing.

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• Lin Bell of Toano, VA writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Bass Pro Shops – Excellent article on BPS expansion and impact/downside to the industry and anglers. Myself and most small independent owners refer to them as the "enemy." But like Wal-Mart, their presence and buying clout are not going away. I have been very fortunate to peacefully exist in their giant shadow by watching their every move and staying highly flexible on the curve of trends and developments in bass tackle. It is very challenging and many small dealers have crashed and burned.

  BPS is not going away and recently flexed their greedy agenda and dumped Daiwa when they refused to play by their rules. I respect Daiwa for not laying down to the bullying and hopefully this will provide some much-needed help to the smaller dealers. Fishermen will score their tackle in every available source at their disposal, be it big box stores, BPS, online or wherever. I did before I was in the industry. A sense of urgency from the manufacturers, outdoor writers, tournament organizations, pro anglers and state fish game and fish commissions to support the smaller dealers would also be of great benefit.

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• James Gilzow of Bella Vista, AR writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: McClellands on the road – As a lifelong outdoors writer and family friend, I can testify that the sport is blessed to have the McClellands on tour. And don't forget the name Justin McClelland. If this young man plays his cards right – and trusts in God to keep him on track – he will accomplish great things. Godspeed, guys.

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• Johnny McLean of Little Rock, AR writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – Joe, as a fence-straddler on the pros and cons of professional bass fishing, I do agree with Iaconelli's article. However, as you alluded to, there is a core group of bass fishermen who consider Iaconelli an idiot, and with good reason. To sum it up, common courtesy is a two-way street and I would guess that at least half of tournament fishermen don't live by the Golden Rule when competing for money.

  Also, I am 52 and have followed professional bass fishing for years in my quest to gain more knowledge. However, if they start fishing private waters, I will definitely write it off because catching bass on private versus public water is comparing apples to oranges. I always thought that the Ray Scott derbies were a joke.

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• Chad Hill of Marion, IL writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Ike's column – I understand the conflict. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the general level of respect among people in general has deteriorated greatly. I was taught on-the-water etiquette by older fishermen that I grew up fishing with. Today's young fishermen see guys doing anything and everything on the water and on TV to make a buck and promote themselves. I've seen a lot of guys spend $500 to win a $400 jackpot. It's crazy!

  I wish I had a solution, but I don't. However, pros fishing on private lakes will only alienate grassroots anglers. It would make the rift even worse. I wish those who want to be on the water along with the pros during a tournament would just show some respect. If every angler would police himself or herself, the problem would be solved. However, I am not naive enough to think that will actually happen.

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• Gary Yexley of Knoxville, TN writes:

  Thursday, June 2, 2016

  RE: No limits in Northwest – Words do no begin to express the (lack of) intelligence of these people. So sad.... so glad to now live out in Tennessee.

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• Mike Boyles of Kimberling City, MO writes:

  Wednesday, June 1, 2016

  RE: McClellands on the road – Good luck to both of you! Include camping pictures – traveling with a camper is the best thing a tournament fisherman can do from a safety, outdoor living and organization aspect.

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• Mike Rose of Gravette, AR writes:

  Wednesday, June 1, 2016

  RE: McClellands on the road – Guys, this sounds like a lot of father and son dreams! Hope the best for the both of you – we're all praying that you both do great! Good luck.

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• George Kramer of Lake Elsinore, CA writes:

  Wednesday, June 1, 2016

  Personally, I think Joe Balog is showing some bias with his suggestions regarding a "Golden Era." That tournament fishing could go from haphazard rules to Ray Scott's vision of a real sport, and produce anglers with personality, ideas and insights previously unknown ≠ now that's golden.

  The history of tournament fishing is just like a cycling event. A few may break free from the peloton – for a while – but then the pack catches up. A snapshot of any era is just one of several from a scrapbook – but all still images. There were leaders ... and then the pack caught up.

  As we have seen with KVD (admitting he had a nice, but now rare win recently), greatness is like egg salad – it has a shelf life. We might want to wait a few more decades before we assess the sport so assuredly – unless you think there's nothing left.

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• James Biggs of Euless, TX writes:

  Wednesday, June 1, 2016

  RE: Blaylock's stellar year – Stetson is a class act and the future of the sport. If I owned a company, he'd be the guy I'd want representing my product.

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• Beverly Yamamoto of Palestine, TX writes:

  Wednesday, June 1, 2016

  Thanks to all the anglers that take their time and efforts to promote CAST for Kids!

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