Bassfan Feedback

• Doug Amos of Mallorytown, ON, Canada writes:

  Wednesday, August 31, 2005

  Scot -- Thank you for saying what most of us in the silent majority are all thinking. ESPN should listen up.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Cody Branstetter of Hayneville, AL writes:

  Wednesday, August 31, 2005

  Well let's hand it to BASS. They have gone and done it now, with the tour level at $1,500 per tournament now and only $75,000 in payback. Just 2 years ago the top pros were paying that and got $100,000 in payback. I can go fish the EverStarts for $750 per tournement and get $60,000 in payback. That sounds a lot better to me. And BASS will need a stepping stone for the people in the Bass Weekend Series -- not all of us make $50,000 a year or more. I want to thank BASS for taking the little guy out of fishing.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Lee Johnson of Birmingham, AL writes:

  Wednesday, August 31, 2005

  People need to remember it's a fishing contest, not who is the biggest nut or has the most outrageous personality.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Craig Johnson of Augusta, GA writes:

  Wednesday, August 31, 2005

  Scot Laney -- I hear you brother. I miss the days when guys won tournaments or caught huge sacks in the clutch and seemed humbled by it. I'm one of those guys myself. I would rather see real personality rather than made up characters. Seems a lot like wrestling. Maybe I'll fish my next tournament in a pair of tights with a boa around my neck. Not! I will still talk with the crowds, but with my own "character," not someone else's.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Ed Stinnett of Vacaville, CA writes:

  Wednesday, August 31, 2005

  Laney -- After watching Ike screaming "Never give up" at the Classic a couple of years ago, I thought, Wow, a bass fisherman with a personality about to win the biggest tounament of his life. Then after watching him go nuts over a 1-pound bass, it looks like he is putting on an act. I respect your opinion: Is he really authentic?

  Back to top Comment on this

• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Wednesday, August 31, 2005

  Every now and then Laney says something that makes some sense. He is right on with the characters that ESPN is developing. Will they last another 35 years like ol' George and the boys have? BASS is the acronym for Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, but maybe it's time to look at some new acronyms, such as:
  
  > BASS: Bass Anglers Swan Song
  
  > ELITE: Everyone Losing Interest To Enter
  
  > BASS TOUR: Bass Anglers Sad Song To Old Unwanted Rejects
  
  > ESPN: Elite Series Pleases Nobody
  
  > PAA: Pissed And Angry
  
  > FLW: Fat Lady Warmingup

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jim Morton of Edmond, OK writes:

  Wednesday, August 31, 2005

  Mr. Laney -- You have hit the nail square on the head. I appreciate your straightforward approach to a problem that it is only going to continue to grow out of control. Who will determine what a good TV personality plus great
  angler will be? I will leave it at that.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Kent Brown of Roseville, CA writes:

  Tuesday, August 30, 2005

  I find it interesting that Mr. Rucks can say that BASS hasn't left anyone out of their new plan and yet the West Coast does not have a single BASS event planned for the 2006 season. Many of us have supported the Opens and fished each of the events even when this year they cut the fields to 125, raised the entry fees to $1,200 and cut the payback, plus made the final cut day 35 down from 50 last season -- and now only give the Western Opens 15 qualifying spots for the Open Championship when our first event at the Delta drew 148 anglers and outdrew events that will pay 50 places and take 25 qualifiers to the championship. The West has a pretty good following on the BASS tour events with a pretty good track record. Let's see: Angler of the Year, Open Championship winner, several Classic qualifiers each year and and at least one tour winner from the West the past 3 years -- and now not one event?
  
  

  BASS has in fact forgotten the West once again and I guess that Triton doesn't need to sell boats here, Mercury doesn't need to sell motors, Toyota doesn't sell any trucks here in the West so there is really no reason for BASS to be a tournament organization that takes an interest out here.
  
  

  We still have two Western Opens for 2005 and I will be at both of them. So if you really care. Mr. Rucks, you will come on out to Clear Lake or Shasta and tell us yourself how you haven't left us out. We will be a captive audience so don't send out your directors to do the dirty work.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Matt Herren of Clay, AL writes:

  Tuesday, August 30, 2005

  Let all of our thoughts and prayers be with all those in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama that were devastated by hurricane Katrina. Several BASS and FLW Tour pros live in the areas hit hard by the storm. Our prayers are with you.

  BassFan says: Matt Herren is a tour pro (and Top Gun angler) from Alabama.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Samuel Garcia of Springfield, MO writes:

  Tuesday, August 30, 2005

  Here in FeedBack Greg Grehawick wrote: "Phil Mickelson doesn't play to win his own money, nor does Tony Stewart." To me, that is a ridiculous statement. Those sports generate huge sponsor dollars, and pro fishing just isn't there yet. That is what BASS is trying to do. You can't blame ESPN for trying to take their investment (BASS) to the next level. Don't you understand that it is a business? This isn't supposed to be your daddy's BASS. Trust me: if you are good enough to qualify for the Elite 100, then you and your sponsors will have no trouble coming up with the entry fees. BASS is going to separate the men from the boys and become the most elite series in the world.
  
  

  They changed the name of the Opens to a "tour" because in the minds of future fans and viewers, that puts the BASS "opens/tour" on the same level as the FLW Tour, thus separating the Elite Series. I know that a lot of guys have dreamed of fishing the BASS tour since they were kids, but now, to become a pro angler at any level you might have to make some tough decisions about where and who you are going to fish with.
  
  

  That doesn't mean we now should hate BASS. It just means you have to get used to the fact that they are a business and they are going to separate themselves from others by taking it all the way big. In a few years you will be thanking BASS because the raw exposure of the sport will draw in more big sponsor dollars. Sponsors that aren't boat companies or tackle guys -- companies like Southwest Airlines, Visa or any of the large entities you see sponsor other major sports. With this new money and popularity on TV and at tournaments, the sport will grow back to you and you will have a better chance to afford to be a part of all that. It is about fishing at its best, but it is a business. That's the bottom line. Peace!
  

  Back to top Comment on this

• Howard Etue of Evadale, TX writes:

  Tuesday, August 30, 2005

  Re: the Elite Series -- Name one professional in the NFL, NBA, etc. that is there because of finances and not because of ability and hard work.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Dean Coleman of Kingwood, TX writes:

  Tuesday, August 30, 2005

  What is this comparison between BASS and NASACAR? I just don't get it. NASCAR has three levels of racing and almost every race is televised on some network. The Cup level races draw hundreds of thousands of spectators. It's a big deal if a bass pro has 40 boats following him. When is ESPN going to realize that unless you're a bass angler, there just isn't that much interest in fishing? Sure, the Classic coverage is a spectacle, but a prime example, during the Classic coverage was that not a single person in Kalamazoo, when approached by KVD himself, knew of him or had ever heard of him. In his own hometown! Just because you slap a few stickers on a bass boat does not make it the same level of excitement as NASCAR race. Let's see: I can watch ol' Jim Bitter slouched down in his butt seat pitching a worm at a snail's pace (man, I'm sweating with excitement!) or I can watch the Daytona 500. Get real, ESPN.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Chuck Medley of Owens Crossroads, AL writes:

  Tuesday, August 30, 2005

  I read Mr. Rucks' comments concerning the new tour changes. Regardless of his intent, it appears that BASS's attempts to grow the sport from a media standpoint might actually have the opposite result with their "bread and butter," the weekend angler. Underestimating the power of those lower-level tournament anglers and the weekend anglers in the marketplace is a bad mistake. One of the great things about fishing was the fact that you believed you could fish with these guys. I can't drive my car 200 mph, but I had a chance of competing against a BASS pro. I guess we'll all just have to wait and see what the long term results will be.
  
  

  The other issue that concerns me is what appears to be a misguided attempt by some of our tour professionals and one emcee to make our sport more "urban," e.g., "Give me some digits, Trip." Look, our market is never, ever, going to be the intercity kid from NY, and I don't see NASCAR or golf professionals dancing and acting like fools after they make a good shot. Excitement is okay, but doing the cabbage patch might reinforce a stereotype that I'm not sure is good for the sport. Ike pulls it off because that's who he is. That's what makes him different. Skeet, well Skeet, just get a haircut and we could probably live with the rest.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Charles Bowman of Kernersville, NC writes:

  Tuesday, August 30, 2005

  Re: 100-man fields -- Even 100-man fields may be too large. To really elevate the sport, you've got to get the field size down so that people know the participants by name. Also, you need controversy. A good way to get that is to make the field small enough such that good anglers don't make it into the elite tour. Good is not good enough.
  
  

  A good comparison of this is to look at NASCAR and the Busch and Truck series. Mike Skinner, Jimmy Spencer and Bobby Hamilton Jr. were former Nextel Cup drivers who were simply "filling the field" for a good portion of their careers. They ended up having to drop back down to the Truck and Busch series while new, young, energetic talent took over the vacated spaces in Nextel Cup. The Truck and Busch series give a stage where these guys can still be seen, if you're a fan of them, but Nextel Cup is where the elite of the drivers are.
  
  

  The same could be true of the elite angling tour. I say cut the field to 40 anglers. That's plenty. Then the folks like Roland Martin, Denny Brauer and others, who really haven't put the "points on the board," would have to fish the Southern or Northern tours. If you're a fan of theirs, you could still see them from time to time, but the new, eager, young anglers like Edwin Evers and KVD could mix with the still-performing, ageing anglers like George Cochran, and you'd have a true, elite group of professionals.
  
  

  I respect what Roland Martin, Denny Brauer, Rick Clunn, etc. have done for the sport, but Richard Petty had to hang it up, as did Ali, Jimmy Connors, Cal Ripkin, Wayne Gretzky, etc. There just comes a time when we can't keep these old guys in the tournaments just because we have a sentimental feeling toward them. They've got to perform too, at the most elite level.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Rob Jasper of Arlington, TX writes:

  Monday, August 29, 2005

  I think the BASS Elite Series is great. I don’t think it is just for the rich. It is for the top pro anglers. These are the anglers that should be fishing at this level. The pros will get most of their entry fees, if not all, paid for by the boat wrap sponsors. If they are good enough, they will beat half the field and make 10 grand for 50th place. Does it make it harder for me to move up? Yes it does, but is it good for the sport? Yes it is. This truly takes this sport one step closer to NASCAR and that is what we really want to see happen.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Matt Meeks of Clarksville, TN writes:

  Monday, August 29, 2005

  On the new BASS Elite Series -- Now this is what I'm talking about, a tour taking the right step to ensure that a select few anglers become household names like any other pro sport. When you throw 200 or more anglers into competition, it is too hard as a fan to understand who's doing what. And for all of those cry babies whining about entry fees and now I can't fish because I have a job and three kids to feed, go and fish the BFLs, the BASS Weekend Series, the ABAs and all of the other dozens of tournament trails that fit your budget. Now the true professionals can get more sponsor support where all of the money before had to go and cover mediocre performances by mediocre anglers. This has nothing to do with a rich man's tour. It has everything to do with keping up with top-notch professionals being at the top of their game and getting paid to do it.
  

  Back to top Comment on this

• DavidWoodall of Canton, GA writes:

  Monday, August 29, 2005

  We need to all chip in and buy back BASS, then hire Ray Scott to run it. Otherwise in a couple of years there won't be a BASS.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Don Kennon of Lafayette, LA writes:

  Monday, August 29, 2005

  Well, here we go again. Don Rucks and ESPN want bass fishing to be in the same category as other sports but still want the anglers to pay to play. There is no other sport that requires the elite sportsman or athelete to pay to get into a tournament. As always, the group putting on the event will pay the elite to attend and pick up all expenses. Rucks and company want to make a profit from the elite fishermen and make a profit from sponsors. It's become more about money than the sport of fishing. Too bad.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jamie Jones of Benton, AR writes:

  Monday, August 29, 2005

  I think the BASS ideas are great. I hope that this will grow our sport. I do think that the Weekend Series should be some kind of qualifying venue for the Northern or Southern Tours. It would make the Weekend Series seem more appealing and give it more credibility. I think that to be able to fish at another level you should qualify for each level. It gives the trails much more credibility. I also think that they should do away with the call-ins. They should go down the lists by qualifications of lower tours and call and invite the anglers to participate. If the angler that qualifies and doesn't have the money to put up front for entry fees, the organization should have some kind of plans to be offered, or help them along. This will enable the best fisherman to be there, not just the richest anglers.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Greg Grehawick of Springfield, VA writes:

  Monday, August 29, 2005

  The new Elite Series qualification process looks complicated. It'll be interesting to see who, if anyone, gets left out, and if a big name does get left out what BASS will do to fix the situation.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Chris Conlan of Bronx, NY writes:

  Sunday, August 28, 2005

  I like where BASS is going with higher payouts and more events, plus I like that they are going to have a Northern Tour (this will give northern anglers a chance to show their abilities). I'm a little against higher entry fees -- it will make it a bit harder for a newcomer to crack into this sport as a pro. All in all, I feel that BASS is on the right track.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Steve Jones of Hurley, MS writes:

  Saturday, August 27, 2005

  I saw where Dave Gliebe recently won an EverStart event on Lake Michigan. I know he started in California, and many years ago set the Bassmaster Tour on fire for a few years then kind of dissapeared. He's been back in the last few years here and there, and is still whacking them wherever he goes. His story is very interesting to me. He used to be a flipper, and now he's whacking smallies on Lake Michigan. This man is obviously one of the best "sticks" of all-time. I would like to hear more about the life and times of his fishing career.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Tim Miller of Castaic, CA writes:

  Saturday, August 27, 2005

  Scot Laney -- I agree with your coments on the weekend fisherman vs. the "new" attitude we are all seeing on TV. This "new" attitude of screaming over a small fish (if a TV camera is watching) and making jokes about others, as one well-known angler who has never won a major but gets plenty of TV time is doing, is contributing to a negative view of the sport by at least 50% of the viewers. Does this "new" attitude really attract new viewers? The answer is no. The sport is attracting new viewers due to the increased payouts, and dramatically increased television time. New viewers would be just as enthusiastic if the anglers simply had a helpful, positive attitude. Every major sport that has had "bad boys" eventually pays the price. Viewer interest spikes up and then overall interest declines well below the previous level. The more the sport moves away from the weekend angler and family, the worse the future will be.
  
  

  I will put the blame on the shoulders of ESPN and BASS. TV coverage has turned into a personality contest more than a performance contest. Think about this: How much do we know about Mike Iaconelli's techniques? He is a great fisherman but most of what we hear is only his yelling. My advice to these anglers is work on attracting all the fans, not one segment.
  
  

  The worst part of all this is the weekend anglers trying to emulate some of these attitudes. Please keep fishing in perspective! Do the best you can, support the other anglers and most of all take care of the fish. Don't stand around with a weigh-in bag of fish with little or no water while you talk about yourself.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jim Smith of Weatherford, TX writes:

  Saturday, August 27, 2005

  I have been competitively bass fishing since 1990 and have never actively sought sponsorship, although I have worked pretty hard for the companies that produce my personal choices of tackle, boats and gear. Just by letting everyone know why I chose these products and encouraging them to try the product themselves, I know I am doing the most valuable type of advertising available.
  
  

  I finally decided to see what I could do and I just got accepted as a Level III Pro Staff member with SavePhace Inc., the inventor and manufacturer of the FishHedz boating mask. I recently participated in a 2-hour conference call with about 30 or so fishermen from around the U.S. and Canada, and the president of SavePhace, Inc. and inventor of the FishHedz mask, Jerry Wright. He talked about the rocky start that his company has experienced due to problems with the lenses of the masks. He talked about the extraordinary attention that has been paid to his customers, to which I can attest: I received four different sets of lenses as soon as they were available, with each new set being an improvement over the previous ones.
  
  

  Jerry has been the one who has demanded perfection from the lenses and told us that he finally has military grade, optically perfect lenses, which absolutely will not fog, and can be wiped clean with out special care.
  
  

  I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed wearing my FishHedz, and how easy it is to take on and off, and how it easily fits over my glasses even when I have my Cocoons on over them. I want to tell you how the cold raindrops bead up and roll off of the lense without distorting my vision when I’m running down the lake, how the mask protects my face from the friction and temperature extremes of the wind whether it is cold or hot, how I can turn my head without the wind trying to lift the mask from my face, and how the sounds of the bugs hitting it make me glad that they aren’t hitting me in the face. The lens wraps around to the side of the mask enabling full peripheral vision. The mask is made out of semi-flexible plastic that make it practically indestructible, and comes in some great colors and patterns. I wear mine every time I go to the lake, and tell anyone who will listen how much I like it and even let them test my spare.
  
  

  Please check out www.savephace.com and then get in touch with Jerry Wright at 1.866.783.3223. And please let him know that I encouraged you to make contact with him.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jeff Lira of Roanoke, VA writes:

  Friday, August 26, 2005

  In regards to the interview with Don Rucks, I'll get right to the point. If you have $55K, you fish the tour (if you have money, you'll fish the tour). This, we're told by Rucks, is the way to elevate the sport and its athletes. Actually what that 55k does is keep the talent limited. Think I'm off base? One name: Gary Klein. God forbid that we should have a Classic without Klein, who didn't qualify.
  
  

  One question, how many fellows do you know could spank the majority of those athletes fishing the Tour were they to have money? Yeah, I know a few as well. The Bassmaster Tour only pays for those who have money to play the tour game.
  
  

  "Sponsorships?" Donny says that they'll make money with sponsorships. Uh, let me ask this question: How many pros are getting free boats, engines, trucks, rods, reels or lures? That's what I thought. Well, guys, gettin' stuff at 20 to 30 percent off is not a sponsorship. He said, "If they win, they get more money from their sponsors." That's true, if their names are VanDam, Ike, Clunn, etc.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Chris Nors of Austin, TX writes:

  Friday, August 26, 2005

  How in the world is new blood going to afford $5,000 a tourney. Now that is crazy. So much for any normal non-Lotto-winning angler to not just make but afford the tour.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Dean Buono of Marlton, NJ writes:

  Friday, August 26, 2005

  If the Elite Series costs $5,000 per event per man, where is the sponsorship money going if there is any? Sounds like a club where the membership dues and tournament entry fees fund the entire thing. BASS has it all wrong and guess what: they used to be the big dog. But now nobody cares about them.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Alexander Voog of Chicago, IL writes:

  Wednesday, August 24, 2005

  Wow! That's all I can say in regard to your phenomenal coverage of Top Gun. Even though it was your own tournament, once again you have shown me (and I hope all the other true BassFans) your dedication to the sport of professional bass fishing and the full and fair reporting of it. I was unable to attend Top Gun tournament, but almost I feel as though I was there after reading the many very detailed reports of the anglers, their patterns and techniques, and how they adapted to the changing conditions. Thanks again BassFan for the unrivaled coverage you provide to those of us afflicted with the malady bassaholicism.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jim Settnek of Trafford, PA writes:

  Wednesday, August 24, 2005

  Re: Hobson Bryant's research revealing that favorable media coverage can double the economic benefits -- Maybe Kissimmee, Fla. would choose to use the Classic as a way of selling Florida bass fishing to the world, but in Pittsburgh they have not done that nor had they planned to. Instead Pittsburgh used what they and ESPN called a successful Classic to showcase the city on national TV. With great imagery of the city and pros talking about how much fun they had and how great the people were, Pittsburgh wins. With big crowds at early morning launches, Outdoor show attendance and weigh-ins, ESPN and bass fishing wins.
  
  

  I'm willing to bet dollars to donuts that few people if any had Pittsburgh on their list of places to travel for bass fishing opportunities in the first place. There was nothing to lose, only to gain. I believe the Classic was a win for everyone but the fan who wanted to see big fish. In fact, the word around Pittsburgh is that BASS is planning to hold one of their Majors here in '07 or '08 and have already begun talks with the city. It doesn't sound like it backfired to me.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Craig Johnson of Augusta, GA writes:

  Tuesday, August 23, 2005

  Re: the Skeeter video -- Please take this stupid video down. At least have the guts to call it a commercial. Ya'll look ridiculous.

  BassFan says: That was intended to be funny -- we thought it was, and props to Skeeter for a unique product launch.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Michael Howard of Nashville, AR writes:

  Tuesday, August 23, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- I went to the FLW Championship at Hot Springs. It is hard to get excited about someone catching 3 pounds of fish or five 12-inch fish -- especially when they could have gone down the road to lake Quachita and been catching 10-20 lbs a day. As an angler, I want to see people catch fish. All that tournament did was make me think that anyone could catch a few 12-inchers. This country is full of lakes that have good fishing. Catching is what it is all about.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Dan Fenwick of Winter Haven, FL writes:

  Monday, August 22, 2005

  Re: the U.S Open on Lake Mead -- Just 102 degrees? What was the humidity? Anything below 85% humidity is a cake walk compared to here in Florida, where it can hit 100 with 95% humidity. Now that is stifling heat.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Gilbert Graham of Louisville, TN writes:

  Monday, August 22, 2005

  During the Classic, I noticed that Mike Iaconelli at one point ran his boat into extremely shallow water. He was shown wading, trying to push the boat back to deeper water. He was fishing out of a yellow boat at the time, but later in the day he was shown in a red boat. Why was he entitled to have another boat brought to him so he could continue to fish? It appears to me that he should have had to finish the day in the one he started in since it looks like neither the boat nor any of its equipment malfunctioned. I can understand receiving help to get the boat floating again, but not just handing him another rig if that is indeed the way it happened. It seems he received no punishment for making the kind of mistake that most of us have made at one time or another.

  BassFan says: BASS's official response to this was covered in Dock Talk on Aug. 8.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Joel Kinnaird of Garland, TX writes:

  Monday, August 22, 2005

  Re: the Skeeter iClass amateur video -- Yeah right -- and I just won the Bassmaster Classic too. Nice try!

  Back to top Comment on this

• Mitch Conine of Burleson, TX writes:

  Monday, August 22, 2005

  I was just wondering when the Top Gun is going to aired on TV and what channel it will be on. I was there the final day at Cabela's and I just have to say it was an awesome event. Hopefully there will be another one in the great state of Texas in the next few years.

  BassFan says: Thanks for your interest. The Cabela's Top Gun Championship telecast will air Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10:00 a.m. EST on the Outdoor Life Network, and will also be available for sale on DVD sometime after that airing.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Susan Bryan of Flower Mound, TX writes:

  Monday, August 22, 2005

  When will the Top Gun Championship be televised, and where?

  BassFan says: The Cabela's Top Gun Championship telecast will air Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10:00 a.m. EST on the Outdoor Life Network, and will also be available for sale on DVD sometime after that airing.

  Back to top Comment on this

• R. Jason Burton of Wheelersburg, OH writes:

  Monday, August 22, 2005

  Re: Dave Lefebre and Please dad? -- Now that's what this sport is about, taking time for a kid and giving him/her a lifetime sport. Way to go!

  Back to top Comment on this

• John Ax of Lexington, VA writes:

  Monday, August 22, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- Why have your best of the best anglers in the world struggling to catch fish? It doesn't have to be a sight-fishing slugfest, but at least have it where several different patterns are working to catch quality bass. With all the media and fan attention, we are supposed to be showcasing our sport and our best anglers. A "dink derby" does not showcase anything, and for the semi-angler watching it, it is just plain boring.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Bob Strange of Warren, TX writes:

  Sunday, August 21, 2005

  Re: Please dad? -- This was absolutely great to read. Dave Lefebre is a real man in my book. Thanks for being such an ambassador for our sport.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Fred Dougherty of New Holland, PA writes:

  Sunday, August 21, 2005

  Re: the current poll -- The people fishing the Classic are supposed to be the best in the world. They should not be placed on the best lake under perfect conditions. They should face the same conditions as the average weekend angler. Put the average weekend angler in the middle of Lake Toho during the spawning season and he/she may do as well as the best of the professionals.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Dave Nuckolls of Claremore, OK writes:

  Sunday, August 21, 2005

  It appears that in order to increase the paybacks, BASS and ESPN are expecting the entrants to do so though higher entry fees rather than major sponsor participation. This puts a heavy burden on the angler without increasing the financial obligation of either BASS or ESPN. Compared to golf and other higher-paying events, it looks like the PAA is back to square one.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Russ Pino of Spring Hill, KS writes:

  Saturday, August 20, 2005

  I currently fish the Bassmaster Weekend Series. I was hoping to use this circuit as a first step towards qualifying for higher circuits. With the new costs of fishing BASS, it is unrealistic of me to even try to do this. I will probably fish the BFLs or EverStarts to try to accomplish this now. $55,000 for entry fees basically means that very few people are going to be able to do this.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Doug Scott of Jonesville, MI writes:

  Saturday, August 20, 2005

  Re: Please dad? -- My son and I met Dave Lefebre at a fishing show in Grand Rapids, Mich. last spring. He was real talkitive to the kids there, but I figured since he was in a sponsor booth, he was making it look good. I am really impressed that he took the time away from his fishing time to go up to this 12 year old and present a card to him and even take the time to write on it. Way to go Dave. You proved me wrong about you. You are one of the most decent fishermen out there.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Lee Johnson of Birmingham, AL writes:

  Friday, August 19, 2005

  Re: Please dad? and Dave Lefebre -- It's things like this that make a difference. Kudos to Dave.

  Back to top Comment on this

• John Ellman of St. Paul, MN writes:

  Friday, August 19, 2005

  Re: Please dad? in Dock Talk -- Great story. Brings tears to my eyes. It was great that Dave Lefebre thought about putting a note on the back of his card, and then the father following through. And what Dave told the father is so true. I got my son into fishing and golf, and between the two of those sports and school there was no time for him to get in any trouble.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jeff Arnold of Lewisville, TX writes:

  Friday, August 19, 2005

  Re: Please dad? with Dave Lefebre -- If you could forward the dad's name and contact info to me or forward my email address (jeffarnold34@yahoo.com) to him, I will take the dad and kid fishing. I have fished since I was 5, so I am very experienced. I have two kids of my own (girls 6 and 2) and volunteer my time to the local YMCA. I truly believe if I would have spent more time fishing between the ages of 12 and 18, I would have been exposed to less negatives during that time.

  Back to top Comment on this

• John Ellman of Orlando, FL writes:

  Thursday, August 18, 2005

  Re: Scott On-Line -- Ray, what happened to your memory? I was at the Bassmaster tourney in the early '90s at Lake Harris where the catches were really small. A fish kill in the lake caused only small fish to be caught. Do you remember how much fun it was seeing only a handful of pros come up each day with only a few fish? I do. It was not fun at all. It was a big waste of gas to drive from Orlando to see a few puny fish weighed in. It was the least amount of fish of any Bassmaster tourney in history. Gee, that was fun. Yeah, right. It wasn't fun for the pros and it wasn't fun for the spectators.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Bill McCray of Pikeville, KY writes:

  Thursday, August 18, 2005

  I had the pleasure to fish with George Cochran at a tour event on Lake Seminole. He was first class in every aspect. What occurred at the Classic weigh-in was entirely uncalled for. Keith Allen should never be on stage for another BASS event. To have fished with BASS for the years he has, George was surely treated wrong. I think Keith along with ESPN/BASS owes George a public apology.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Todd Davidson of Carlisle, OH writes:

  Thursday, August 18, 2005

  Re: the Elite 100 -- I think these pros {PAA} are scared of the 200-boat field. They don't want any more competion. They are afraid all of us will figure out they aren't that good. I can't believe they can change the rules again. This is not good for the sport. It's almost more than I can take. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same.

  Back to top Comment on this

• John Lipe of Anderson, IN writes:

  Thursday, August 18, 2005

  I really enjoyed reading how the pros did in Top Gun. Thanks for the good covering
  of the event.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Bret Curry of Ft. Worth, TX writes:

  Wednesday, August 17, 2005

  I just want to thank BassFan for Top Gun. It allowed me to visit with my three favorite anglers -- and I was shocked to see my picture on the Week 33 On Tour With Team Lucky Craft journal with Marty, Skeet and Gerald. Those guys are awesome. I'm a Team Lucky Craft number one fan.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Ryan Smith of Jonesboro, GA writes:

  Wednesday, August 17, 2005

  Over the past few months I have really been dissapointed with the State Farm World Rankings. There is no better angler now than Kevin VanDam. He is by far the most versatile and feared angler in the game right now. How can you argue with these stats? Over the past eight tournements he has finished 12, 17, 4, 5, 10, 1, 1, 1! By far the majority of Bassmaster Tour pros agree that Kevin is the best.

  BassFan says: Your sentiment is no doubt widely shared (some people here share it). Disappointment with the World Rankings is bound to happen, for pros and fans. It happens with all rankings in all sports. Usually the only happy people are the person (or team) at the top of the rankings and his/her fans. The State Farm World Rankings are fair and accurate. And as we have said many times: the rankings are over a rolling 2 years so there is some lag in movement; they only involve the tours at present because 40% of the Elite 50 field gets in via a non-current-performance standard (the BASS money list); and BassFan is looking at a fair way to include the E50s, Majors and other events henceforth. Most importantly, World Rankings are not a popularity contest. It is interesting to note that no one complained about the rankings when Mark Davis won two E50s in a row. It also interesting to note that some people conveniently forget about Kevin VanDam's so-so (for him) performance on tour the last 2 years, as, for example, compared to Greg Hackney's stellar performance (2nd, 2nd, 1st and 5th in the points) over the same period. That's a no-brainer.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Randy Potter of Camas, WA writes:

  Wednesday, August 17, 2005

  I certainly hope that any "condensing" of the Bassmaster Opens into two divisions does not end up excluding the West. That would suck!

  Back to top Comment on this

• Kevin Atwell of Silverhill, AL writes:

  Wednesday, August 17, 2005

  Re: the BBZ -- I have read and re-read the book -- it is fantastic! It will become as dog-eared as Giant Bass by Bill Murphy. I keep it on the night stand and re-read things every chance I get. One thing I would like is more info on weighting optimum-style swimbaits, or should I just use external jigheads?

  Back to top Comment on this

• Keith Amerson of Bethel Springs, TN writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  I don't understand what ESPN, BASS or the PAA is thinking. What about the future of the sport? How will a rookie ever break into to the tour? I was hoping to be able the fish the Opens as a boater, but I am sure they will make it too expensive for a newcomer to fish it too. It's seems as though the current pros want to make it impossible for rookies to fish. I am really frustrated with all the changes that ESPN and BASS have made. It will truly be a rich man's or established pro's sport. What happens when all of the current pros retire in 10 years? Who's going to fill their shoes? I wish I could say it would be me, but at those prices they have crushed my dream. I am 35 years old with a family and I can't afford to sacrifice them for my dream. I want to fish as a pro, but $55,000 is too much for me.

  Back to top Comment on this

• John K. Kyle of Belmont, WV writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  I live about a 100 miles south of Pittsburgh where the Classic was held. It was refreshing to find out that the pros didn't do any better than the local fishermen. It's good to bring them back to reality every once in awhile, instead of going to the best fisheries all the time. But hats off to all of them. Now they know what we have to put up with, and they put on a good show.

  Back to top Comment on this

• John Ellman of Orlando, FL writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  Re: Dean Rojas -- I hope he keeps with the frog and does not give up on it. Use other stuff now and then, but frogs are good and I cannot understand why other pros don't use them. They are truly missing the boat.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Eric White of Anderson, AL writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  Re: the Bassmaster Tour -- Let's wait and see what gas prices are going to rise to before we start talking about raising entry fees any higher than they already are. At $3.00 per gallon, there may not be a tour next year.

  Back to top Comment on this

• David Wynne of Oregon City, OR writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  Scot Laney -- As one who is quite fed up with the antics of the Iaconelli type of anglers, I couldn't agree more with your piece on the weekend anglers. Thanks for recognizing that there is more to bass fishing than jumping around on the deck of the boat and screaming about a 2-pound fish like it was Moby Dick. I can only hope that the hype of the "new" breed of angler wears off soon enough to keep the fishing the main reason for fishing tournaments.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Chris Nors of Austin, TX writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  Re: the Bassmaster Tour, my question is how new guys will be able to get into the sport. The entry fees will keep all the new blood out of the sport unless you win the lotto to pay for the $55,000 worth of entry fees you have to pony up. It would cost about $80,000 just to fish the tour. Who in their right mind would fish at that expense, especially with limited sponsor help when you're just starting on the tour.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Craig Johnson of Augusta, GA writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  Re: the new Bassmaster Tour field -- If in fact the field was cut down to 100 or 125 anglers, I can't believe that the existing contracts with the host cities or counties for the upcoming tournament trail wouldn't be considered to be in breach. I have been involved in this process here at my home lake, and the money was put forth to insure that X amount of dollars would come from having the 200 anglers and 200 co-anglers (2006 fields up from 154 in 2005) present at the tournament. Hotel rooms, meals, tackle, gas, etc. for 400 people are cut in half.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Charles Bowman of Kernersville, NC writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  Re: Expensive 100s -- Any professional sport is a rich man's game. Let's compare professional angling to other sports. Professional angling first: The angler is the owner, manager and participant of his "team." He alone is saddled with schedules, practice, competition, endorsement of product, and managing of money (both for his business and personal matters). It takes a great deal of money to run this "team" of one.
  
  

  Compare that to a NASCAR team. All teams are owned by rich people. All sponsors are rich companies or they couldn't be involved. People are employed by these teams to handle PR, sponsors, schedules, practice, testing, etc. It takes a great deal of money, and as such only the rich can participate. If we look at drivers only, we would find that all (not some, all) drivers are weathly. I live here in the heart of the North Carolina and I have been to many drivers' homes. They are wealthy people.
  
  

  Now let's compare angling to the NFL, MLB and NHL. All teams are owned by wealthy people with a host of employees hired to manage the day-to-day working of the team. In individual sports such as the PGA, LPGA, professional tennis, etc., the Top 50 or so atheletes have a host of employees to manage their time, their PR, their money and sponsors, their entry fees, etc. It's a team of people. These folks are companyies in themselves.
  
  

  Angling is no different. Its difficult to come from working the farm, or welding, or masonry, or carpentry, where you've done the work and collected the money yourself, to become a "team" of one, where you become the product and it takes a group of employees to manage you. Professional anglers must come to grips with the fact that to become professional athletes, they have to develop a company around themselves that simply makes them the product. It's going to take money out of pocket to get started at this, just like any other professional sport, if you are going to be an owner/driver.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Greg Grehawick of Springfield, VA writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  Re: the PAA and BASS meeting -- Why would a pro want to fish for his or her own money? Phil Mickelson didn't win his own money when he won the PGA Championship. Tony Stewart doesn't win his own money when he crosses the finish line 1st. If BASS wants professional fishing to be a "real sport," they have got to find a way to draw more sponsors and bigger sponsors to invest in the sport (ask FLW how that's done). To do that they have got to be able to communicate to potential sponsors in real terms what they can expect in terms of a return on their investment. I love professional bass fishing, but as long as anglers continue to compete to win their own money, professional fishing will be, at best, a second- or third-tier sport.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Victor Burmeister of Wausau, WI writes:

  Tuesday, August 16, 2005

  Congratulations Brent! A few years back I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Brent Chapman through a mutual friend. The inaugural Cabela's Top Gun Championship could not have asked for a better champion.

  Back to top Comment on this

• James White of Wylie, TX writes:

  Monday, August 15, 2005

  Do you know when Dean Rojas' new frog will be out?

  BassFan says: He said about a month or two. You'll hear about it in Rock Talk as soon as wek know.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Trey Derryberry of Azle, TX writes:

  Monday, August 15, 2005

  I'm 13 years old, and I just want to say that I thought the Top Gun tournament was awesome. I live on Eagle Mountain Lake, and fish the lake quite often. To see the Top 25 anglers in the world launch at the same place my dad and I launch, and then fish on the same lake as we fish was too good to be true. The one thing I would like to say is that all the pros were very friendly, and made me feel a part of the tournament. Not one of them refused an autograph, and all of them seemed to be happy to sign autographs and be out with the crowd, unlike my past experiences at baseball, football and hockey games. These guys are the real pros. I am a bass fisherman and a fan of all these guys for the rest of my life. I hope that this tournament takes off, as the FLW and BASS tours have.
  
  

  I really want to thank Terry Brown from BassFan. My dad spoke to him about how excited I was about the tournament, and meeting Mike Iaconelli in person. Terry had my dad bring me to the tournament weigh-in on Sunday, and let me help the pros with their weigh-in bags. That was a real thrill for me to be involved in the tournament. Before this tournament I would have never looked at bass fishing as a career. But after this tournament I will be looking at that possibility a little closer. But whether I fish for bass as a career or not, I will always remember this tournament, and experience with the pros, as my first true start in the sport of bass fishing. Thank You Mike Iaconelli and Terry Brown. Trey Derryberry

  BassFan says: Thank you, Trey, and your dad for being BassFans. Keep fishing!

  Back to top Comment on this

• David Loveless of Weatherford, TX writes:

  Monday, August 15, 2005

  First I want to say that I really appreciate the idea of Top Gun. Secondly having it on a lake that I fish regularly was great as well. Now to the crux. I and my 10 year old son are avid fishing fans. And it is because of him I am writing this. While at the Top Gun held last weekend we had the opportunity to watch many of our fishing celebrities. My son really admires Swindle, Skeet and Ike, so I made it a point to spend the day watching each as they went about their day. I was totally embarrassed for the sport when I saw Ike hurl a fish through the air be cause it was short. I am not saying a short toss, but one that I would guess would have measured around 25-30 yards. I am trying to raise my children with a respect for the outdoors and animals in general while having the pleasure of and privilege of hunting and fishing. I am not sure if the rules for the Top Gun would have prohibited such an act but I think the should. I had bought my son Ike's book "Fishing on the Edge" and will be returning it to the publisher with a letter explaining why. There was a total lack of class with those actions.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Robert Engleke of Toms River, NJ writes:

  Monday, August 15, 2005

  God Bless Buck Perry. I was introduced to "structure" fishing by Buck and Fishing Facts magazine back in the early '70s. Although I never caught a bass on a spoonplug, he was the "father" of structure fishing and taught me an awful lot. All of the terms we use today, like breakline, points, humps, weedlines, etc., he talked about years ago. He was the reason I bought that Little Green Box Lowrance way back when. Thanks, Buck.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Hobson Bryan of Tuscaloosa, AL writes:

  Sunday, August 14, 2005

  The issue is not why BASS chooses a particular location for the Classic. Local and state sonsors pay big bucks to BASS to host the event in anticipation of even bigger bucks in the form of direct and indirect economic impacts on the local and regional economy -- up to $27 million, according to a series of studies I did for BASS a few years ago. My research also revealed that favorable media coverage can double the economic benefits. But this can backfire in the event of a poor fishery. After watching this year's Classic, would you rather go to Orlando or Pittsburgh for a family vacation and fishing trip?

  Back to top Comment on this

• Geoff Walker of Birmingham, AL writes:

  Sunday, August 14, 2005

  I would just like to say that Matt Herren all but called his good finish at Top Gun. He is consistent and knew going in that against the best out there he could rise above most, if not all. Congratulations Matt!

  Back to top Comment on this

• John Ellman of Orlando, FL writes:

  Sunday, August 14, 2005

  Re: Top Gun -- Looks like all the good fishermen are not just from BASS.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jerry Northington of Phenix City, AL writes:

  Sunday, August 14, 2005

  Let's face it -- it's all about the money. What chamber of commerce has the budget and is willing to pay huge sums for the FLW Championship or the Bassmaster Classic? The fishing waters must be close to a metropolitian city that has a huge facility to house the venue. The 2006 Classic will be on Toho, I'm sure the event and weigh in will be in Orlando. Personally, I love to see the big, heavy limits. It's not much of a thrill seeing an angler battling with a 14-ouncer. Regardless of the size of fish, it's all about the money.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Frank Richard Thomas of Marion, NY writes:

  Sunday, August 14, 2005

  From a business and promotional standpoint, big-name tournaments such as the Classic should be fished on big-name waters like Champlain, 1,000 Islands, etc. It's not about how big the fish are or how tough the bite. More people/viewers would be interested becasue many have either fished these waters or at least know of them. That in turn sparks their interest in the sport of tournament fishing. When was the last time a U.S. Open golf major was played at a relatively unknown course? It should be the same for major fishing events. Like the U.S. Open courses, there are bodies of water that have the reputation of greatness and that is where the pros should be when it comes to championships.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Curtis Spindler of Missoula, MT writes:

  Sunday, August 14, 2005

  Televised fishing tournaments on waters where not even top pros can catch fish doesn't do the sport any good. It also doesn't do the community that put up millions of dollars to get the tournament any good. How many people that watched the Classic this year are planning a fishing trip to Pittsburgh to catch small fish? The communities put up so much money not only to get the immediate business but also to showcase the fishing for future business. If communities don't see a return for their money, they will stop putting up so much money and that isn't good for the growth of the sport. As for making fishing tournaments a spectator sport, nobody wants to see guys catch smaller fish than they can at the local community pond.

  BassFan says: Curtis Spindler is president of the Montana BASS Federation.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Chris Conlan of Bronx, NY writes:

  Sunday, August 14, 2005

  Just wanted to say that I think Top Gun, which has the best of both the BASS and FLW tours, is great. Shows that there is great talent in both the BASS and FLW tours. I hope that you'll continue to do this tournament in the future and let it become and annual event. I'm not able to fish the way I wish I'd be able to, but watching these pros on tour (BASS and FLW) is great. I follow them all season long. Keep up the good work!

  Back to top Comment on this

• Doug McCulley of Ft Worth, TX writes:

  Saturday, August 13, 2005

  Re: Top Gun -- Great job on a tournament well-run. I was on the water on day 2 when all the anglers left from West Bay Marina. It was a sight to behold. I live 3 miles from Eagle Mountain Lake and have fished it for 20 years. It's great to see this event come to a town such as mine. I followed Mike Iaconelli for most of the day, and got to see him catch 12 to 15 fish with one keeper by noon. I think most of the anglers will all agree that the sportsmen that live and play on this lake are more than happy to give a day of their fishing up to follow, watch amd learn from the pros. We thank them all for the experience. I had my 17-year-old grandson with me today and I will say it was a day he will remember the rest of his life. Thanks again.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Rich Ison of North Vernon, IN writes:

  Saturday, August 13, 2005

  The Classic may have appeared to stink on TV, but it was a different story if you were there. It was an awesome Classic and the turnout was great. The weigh-in was awesome if you were actually there.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Howard Coon of Brandon, MS writes:

  Friday, August 12, 2005

  I liked the Classic at Pittsburgh. Small fish kept all the fishermen who made the last day cut in contention for a win until the last minute. It was also a lake that most of the fishermem had little or no experince on. I was pulling for Aaron to win because he has been so close before. Most fishermen can relate. We have all lost fish that really hurt bad. Aaron impressed me the way he handled such a heartache. A real class act. I'll be pulling for him again in February.

  Back to top Comment on this

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

  Friday, August 12, 2005

  It takes away something from the Top Gun event that Kevin VanDam was not able to compete. It would be like having a Top Gun golf tournament without Tiger Woods. You may be the Top Gun of that event, but are you really the Top Gun?

  Back to top Comment on this

• Scott MacRobbie of Baltimore, MD writes:

  Friday, August 12, 2005

  Will the Top Gun event be televised?

  BassFan says: Yes. The Cabela's Top Gun Championship telecast will air Saturday, Sept. 24 at 10:00 a.m. EST on the Outdoor Life Network. It will also be available for sale on BassFan in a special DVD edition.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Donald E. Kidd of Fort Worth, TX writes:

  Thursday, August 11, 2005

  I enjoyed the article on Dave Lefebre very much. On August 9 I was bass fishing at Lake Worth and came upon another boat in a cove. I could tell the fisherman was probably a pro due to his pitching accuracy around docks and also the sponsor names on his boat. We introduced ourselves and talked a few minutes. He told me he was just fishing to get used to Texas lakes (he could not practice on Eagle Mountain until the next day). Dave was very polite and I believe he is a good ambassador for the sport. I wished him well, and told him I hope he catches the lake record and wins the tournament. I have heard that some pros are not very friendly and don't want to take time to talk to the public, but Dave Lefebre is definitely not in that group.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Joel Kinnaird of Garland, TX writes:

  Thursday, August 11, 2005

  Scot Laney -- It was a real pleasure to shake your hand at the inaugural Skeeter Weekend Warrior Championship. I am in total agreement of your column. We don't need all of the outlandish behavior that is seen on TV these days. The "salt of the earth" people at the grassroots of bass fishing don't care for all that. The WWC competitors were all a class act, both on the water and on stage, even with the funny antics of Fish Fishburne. I thoroughly enjoyed the 4 days of fishing and socializing with some of this country's finest individuals. I hope to qualify for the next event, and see you there. Thank you again.
  

  Back to top Comment on this

• John Embry of Fort Scott, KS writes:

  Wednesday, August 10, 2005

  Re: Top Gun -- For putting on such a first class event, I find it ridiculous that your organization would not mail any potential qualifier with a full set of rules in hard print by the off-limits period. Not everyone has or wants access to internet, therefore the DQ of Stacey King stinks.

  BassFan says: A fair point, though it should be noted that no other Top Gun competitor to our knowledge violated the information off-limits.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Scott Wall of Millbrook, AL writes:

  Wednesday, August 10, 2005

  I could not agree more with Scot Laney's column on what a "real" bass fishing fan is. We are not those who enjoy anglers screaming on camera over every fish they catch. We are not those who enjoy grown men speaking urban language as if they were 18. aAd we don't like the bandana-clad weekend ski-doo crowds crashing our sport. Keep it simple, keep it competitive and keep it fun. These are a few of my favorite things.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Ted Nguyen of Long Beach, CA writes:

  Wednesday, August 10, 2005

  A Classic out west would be great, but Clear Lake and Delta do not have the facilities to host such an event. You need a convention center big enough to hold the entire Classic expo and its exhibitors, and an arena for the weigh-in. The Delta may work if they launch from Sacramento. Other than that, you will see more and more of the Classics at venues like Pittburgh, as to go mainstream they have to go where the population density is to get exposure.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Maurice Smith of Jacksonville, AR writes:

  Wednesday, August 10, 2005

  I like to think of myself as a serious co-angler. I fish the Arkie Division of the BFLs, the BASS Federation and my local club, the Metro Area Bass Club, in Little Rock, Ark., from the back deck. I am totally focused on being a professional bass fisherman from the front deck. However, the time and financial restraints of being a single father of two, with full custody, doesn't allow me the opportunity to fish as a pro. And I don't own a tournament-ready boat. But fishing as a co-angler allows me to at least remain competitive, learn new things on the water and hopefully make a little money.
  
  

  So I was ecstatic when I read about BASS's new Weekend Series -- until I read about the new shared-weight rule. the new rule totally deflated me. There is no way the co-angler can be taken seriously. A co-angler is often not taken seriously in a lot of situations. But we could always find solace in the fact that we were competing on an even playing field. The shared-weight rule doesn't allow that.
  
  

  Every co-angler has the freedom to choose the trails he will fish, and I won't judge anyone for fishing BASS. They are the ones who started this fishing craze. iIwish we could have at least voted. However, I will not fish the new series until they change that rule. I can find better things to buy, like groceries, than spend my hard-earned money on a high-priced boat ride.

  Back to top Comment on this

• George A. Foster III of Baton Rouge, LA writes:

  Wednesday, August 10, 2005

  What a true sportsman. I hate to that Stacey King did not fish Top Gun, but it is really good to see the honesty in his contacting BassFan and letting them know of this infraction. I think it is because he is from the "old school of thought." In the near future, people of this integrity will be hard to find with all the money that will be up for grabs. Very noble.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jack Miller of Pickerington, OH writes:

  Wednesday, August 10, 2005

  What an absolute class act. Professional fishing needs more people like Stacey and less of the yelling, screaming, trash-talking group that the media seems to focus on lately. Hate to see him not in the Top Gun, but he did the right thing.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Kevin Johnson of Leesville, LA writes:

  Wednesday, August 10, 2005

  Re: Stacey King and Top Gun -- Wow, that has to be one of the most noble acts I have ever seen in this sport. I realize there are rules for a reason. Almost a shame he couldn't just have some weight deducted or something and let him fish Top Gun, just for being so honest. Had he not said anything, as most people would do, no one would have ever known. Hats off to Mr. King. Much respect for his honesty.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jason E. Mitchell of Harvey, LA writes:

  Tuesday, August 9, 2005

  Wonderful article. I appreciate the way you brought out that Mr. Cochran placed family above the Classic.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jamey Harshaw of Buford, GA writes:

  Tuesday, August 9, 2005

  Re: the Skeeter Weekend Warrior Championship -- After 2 days of competition in the Texas heat, no deceased fish were brought to the scales. Great job BassFan!

  Back to top Comment on this

• Anthony McBay of Athens, AL writes:

  Tuesday, August 9, 2005

  I think it is sad that anyone has to go through what George Cochran did at the Classic. Any emcee who constantly focuses on the negative instead of the positive should be replaced. That was not the time nor the place to ask those questions. Definitely bad taste.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Daniel O'Sullivan of Rocklin, CA writes:

  Tuesday, August 9, 2005

  Scot -- I couldn't agree more with your opinion about the antics in bass fishing. There are bound to be emotions as these guys compete for a lot of money in what has become a high-profile sport. Some of the things we are seeing are to be expected. However, most of the viewers I speak to here in the West are put off by the image put forth by anglers trying to get more face time.
  
  

  Sure, ESPN's ratings are up, and more people watched the Classic this year than last. But while the majority of professionals in the fishing industry understand the marketing angles being used, the majority of them feel that ESPN has forced us into a different arena to draw "new fans." New fans bring temporary ratings, but the majority of them will never become a lifeblood of our sport. Most of them will turn back to the X Games when they realize that fishing is boring if Iaconelli or Rojas is not screaming into the camera.
  
  

  I personally have a hard time watching anymore, and at 35 years old, am not neccessarily a grumpy old man, but the tradition of the sport is going away. My only question is this: What happens if ESPN pulls the plug? Are we left with an improved product? Or do we instead have a group of fans who leave because they truly don't understand fishing as a sport, and only came because of the acting? Don't leave the diehards out of the equation. We are what made ESPN buy BASS in the first place.
  
  

  Baseball is sacrificing the love of its greatest fans to try and lure NFL fans to a more exciting version of the game. MLB is also trying to speed up the game so that the writers don't have to work so long, but they have lost the romance of the game. The intelligence has been sacrificed to draw in the distracted few who would rather watch football and wrestling than read a book. I hope ESPN's coverage doesn't do the same to bass fishing.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Larry Heagy of Collinsville, IL writes:

  Tuesday, August 9, 2005

  Re: Stacey King -- Sounds like a simple mistake and anyone could have done the same. Stacey does show a lot of respect for the sport by disqualifying himself. I respect the man for that, and look forward to rooting for him in the future.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Arthur Trim of Conyers, GA writes:

  Tuesday, August 9, 2005

  I identify with George Cochran, big-time. The desire is still there. I am 65 with diminishing eysight, coordination, arthritis and a back problems. But this does not diminish the spirit or will to compete. Tournament days are 12-hour days, start to finish, and yes it does get harder. I stll fish 15-18 tournaments a year, and will continue to do so as long as I can still achieve. Go for it, George!

  Back to top Comment on this

• Wallace Calloway of DeRidder, LA writes:

  Tuesday, August 9, 2005

  Scot, I agree with you 100 percent. I get so sick of trying to watch Bassmaster or FLW and having to listen to idiots scream and run all over the boat for a 2-pound fish. I end up muting the TV like when Dennis Miller was on Monday Night Football. Also, when was the last time any of the "old guard" was involved in a conflict or was DQd for a rule violation, let alone an unsportsmanlike conduct allegation? The likes of Clunn, Brauer, Nixon and untold others have class. They are true role models for our kids, unlike the gangster-rapper, drug-user ball-player types that are so popular right now. I don't have a problem with getting excited about catching fish or winning a tournament, but do it with grace and leave out the "in your face" trash-talking. And if you really feel like you just have to stand on your head, take up yoga.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Craig Chase of Barre, VT writes:

  Tuesday, August 9, 2005

  I couldn't agree with you more, Scot. VanDam impresses me with his actions, not his antics.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Robert Braden of Raceland, KY writes:

  Monday, August 8, 2005

  I totally agree with Mr. Laney and I'm so glad to hear someone else feels this way. I very tired of yelling and screaming every time a fish is boated, and I can't help but think that this is an act to get more attention.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Rich Zaleski of Stevenson, CT writes:

  Monday, August 8, 2005

  Stacey King is an honest and admirable guy. He turned himself in for inadvertently fishing to close to a gas pump in the Classic at High Rock some years ago, too.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Dennis Becker of Troy, OH writes:

  Monday, August 8, 2005

  Scot -- Right on! I've been involved with BASS for over 25 years, 15 of it as a state Federation president, and I've really lost interest in the direction it seems to be going now. It's been a long time since I've heard the term "Bass Class." Motivation and respect have been replaced by screaming and controversy. I'm glad I was around to enjoy the "good old days." BassFan, working with the BFI and PAA, appears to be on the right track to bring them back. Best wishes and keep up the good work.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Ed Straw of Chenoa, IL writes:

  Monday, August 8, 2005

  Stacey King did the right thing by DQing himself. That shows what true sportsmanship is all about: honest with integrity. You won't find that in many pro sports. If only more people were like him. I tip my fishing rod to you, Stacey King. You set a standard which all of us should follow.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Mike Williams of Delhi, LA writes:

  Monday, August 8, 2005

  I have had the priviledge to fish as a co-angler with Stacey King twice. He is one of the really great people in the game. I hate that he did not fish Top Gun, but would expect no less from him. With all the junk we see now with people pushing the rules to the limit, it is great to see the real professionals like Stacey stand up and do the right thing.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Steve Long of Hampton, VA writes:

  Monday, August 8, 2005

  As an alternative to DQing Stacey King, what about contacting Klein and asking him to provide the same information he provided at the Classic to be published on the BassFan website and handed out to the other Top Gun competitors? It seems like that could have kept a class competitor like Mr. King in this unique tournament. I know as a BassFan, I'd really have appreciated seeing tournament organizers and officials take steps to both ensure an equal playing field and keep Stacey King in the tournament.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Mike Rogan of Naples, FL writes:

  Monday, August 8, 2005

  Re: Top Gun -- Stacey and Peggy King are two of the finest people I've ever met. Stacey's actions are something we all can just think about and wish we all held ourselves to such a high standard.

  BassFan says: Mike Rogan is the owner of Bagley Bait Co.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Richard Borts of Warren, MI writes:

  Monday, August 8, 2005

  Re: Top Gun -- Just another example of the character of these fishermen. My hat's off to Stacey King.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jim Liner of Montgomery, AL writes:

  Monday, August 8, 2005

  Stacey King at Top Gun and Gerry Jooste in the Bassmaster Classic are perfect examples of sportsmanship. They knew they were DQd when they turned themselves in, and did it anyway. Keep up the integrity guys, and keep our sport clean and honest.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Dan Greene of Warner Robbins, GA writes:

  Sunday, August 7, 2005

  Just finished reading the BBZ book and found it to be eye-opening. I've been using big wooden baits (Slammer, etc.) and swimbaits (Matt's Bluegills and Baby Bass, etc.) but never tried the large tubes. And yes, I realize it's not the baits but how and where you use them that's important. I'm going to reread it and try and absorb the knowledge and years of experience that's there for the taking.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Joe Coker of Dallas, TX writes:

  Sunday, August 7, 2005

  The Classic sucked. It was like watching Sosa, McGuire, Bonds and Canseco in a bunting contest. We are seeing is what is wrong with BASS's site-selection process: It's money over the fishery. That fishery didn't merit an Open event.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Brian Stahl of Wesley Chapel, FL writes:

  Saturday, August 6, 2005

  I like the fact that the championships are being held on fisheries where there's a major challenge. It truly brings out the best fishermen. But at the same time I hate it because to watch it on TV is boring to the viewers who aren't diehard like some of us. If we're still trying to help our sport grow and attract a new fanbase, going somewhere where you catch 30 fish in a day and don't get a single keeper isn't going to do the trick. I'm glad that the Classic is coming to my backyard in February. Look out for some big weights -- and I don't think that they're going to come from sight-fishing.

  Back to top Comment on this

• John Agel of Atlanta, GA writes:

  Saturday, August 6, 2005

  Harold Sharp -- Don't be a player-hater. Perhaps you can't help it coming from a corporate/management "labor last" mentality. Truth is, the fans don't care who owns (or which egos run) which tour. The fans and their money follow the talent and the talent labors hard for every penny they earn. The more pressure the PAA can put on ownership to improve the sport, the better. The talent earns all they get and the more they can get, the better. The talent also earns whatever the owners can get from sponsors. Who were the fans cheering for in Pittsburgh? ESPN? Merc? Bass Pro Shops? They were cheering for KVD, Ike, Aaron, Gerald and the rest. They were cheering people, not products. Pay the people who are earning for all. It's the labor that produces, not the owners.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Wayne Naramore of Logan Martin Lake, AL writes:

  Friday, August 5, 2005

  The main reason the championships are supported by the larger cities is the good press that they recieve from their fisheries. I don't think I would spend my hard-earned money to fish Pittsburgh's rivers. Too bad for the chamber of commerce there. Logan Martin saw a lot of out-of-state folks after the championships held here. I would doubt any trail could recieve the necessary money again from Pittsburgh.

  Back to top Comment on this

• John Ax of Lexington, VA writes:

  Friday, August 5, 2005

  When you are having your biggest event of the year, why go to a tough fishery, especially one with no catchable fish? True it is a tournament, but you are showcasing your best anglers to the press, sponsors and fans. Many are new to the business -- why have anglers like Rick Clunn coming in with empty bags? This does nothing to promote fishing and hopefully invite new sponsors and anglers into the sport/business. It doesn't have to be a slugfest of sight-fishing, but it could have been held on a lake that invites all styles of fishing. I realize the fishing doesn't have anything to do with site location for the Classic. It's what city puts up the most money.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Dennis A. Banik of Hammond, IN writes:

  Thursday, August 4, 2005

  Re: the Classic, a tough fishery with small to average fish is a true testament to what a Bassmaster is. It tests skills, patience, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt and overcome. Unfortunately it doesn't make for good TV, and that is why I believe the Classic was moved from summer to winter/early spring, and to a very good fishery with big fish. Once again the northern half of the country is going to be left out of the spotlight.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Mark Pollard of Modesto, CA writes:

  Thursday, August 4, 2005

  I don't understand why BASS or any other major circuit doesn't look at Sacramento's Arco Arena for a major tournament. Blast off from Old Sacramento and fish the Delta. Go north for smallmouths, go south for huge largemouths. There would be 20-pound sacks every day. The fish would be caught in a variety of ways (frogs, cranks, spinnerbaits, Senkos, Spooks, jigs, etc.).

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jeff Nelson of Tyrone, PA writes:

  Thursday, August 4, 2005

  I live in south-central Pennsylvania and just recently attendend the 2005 Classic in Pittsburgh. I was surprised to see the the low weights the pros were bringing in. I know in the tournements we have on the rivers it usually takes 10 to 12 pounds for one day to win. So if you were able to put one of those regular
  guys on the water for the Classic, it probably would have taken 25 to 35 pounds to win.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Joel Wheelon of Maryvile, TN writes:

  Thursday, August 4, 2005

  What are the chances of Top Gun coming to the east Tennessee area next year? I think it would be a big hit. There are a lot of guys that would like to see something like this here.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Roy W. Scheckermann of Bound Brook, NJ writes:

  Wednesday, August 3, 2005

  Re: the comments on Ike -- Mike is also involved in several charity ventures. Right now he is helping me promote the awareness of the myositis diseases. Myositis is a very rare, crippling and life threatening autoimmune disorder that affects both children and adults. Visit his website, www.mikeiaconelli.com, or my website, www.myositisnj.org, for complete details. It's great that these pros can take the time to help others.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Victor Burmeister of Wausau, WI writes:

  Wednesday, August 3, 2005

  I have had the same experience with trains Preston Clark referred to at the Classic, at railroad trestles and riprap banks along the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. In the beginning I thought it was just coincidence, but when I ice-fish the same water it is really evident. You can sit for hours with zero bites, then as soon as a train goes by you can catch fish one after the other. Once the train goes past, it goes back to zero bites. Maybe we should start lobbying for longer trains!

  Back to top Comment on this

• Peter Russo of Winter Springs, FL writes:

  Wednesday, August 3, 2005

  I really hated watching tournaments on tough fisheries, but after some reflection, it has really helped my fishing and how I think about tough fishing conditions. I am now prepared to use 6-pound line and 4-inch worms, and prepare for a few bites each day. I wouldn't want to see all tournaments under tough conditions, but a couple during the year can be really helpful.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Bob Popp of Minetto, NY writes:

  Tuesday, August 2, 2005

  Re: the Big Bass Zone -- My wife Joann and I had the chance to sit down with Mike and Bill at the Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburgh, and we both walked away from our conversation with a totally different perspective on this sport that we both love. The 2 hours that we spent with them was worth its weight in gold. The knowledge that these two taught us was like taking a doctorate course in big-bass fishing. I have read their new book, Big Bass Zone, and will say no bass fisherman anywhere should be without it. My hat is off to Bill, Mike and BassFan for publishing the information that these two have.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Nathan Addington of Fort Worth, TX writes:

  Tuesday, August 2, 2005

  How will we know the winner of Top Gun is the true Top Gun if some of the Top 25 anglers do not fish it?

  Back to top Comment on this

• Edward Dyer of Byron Center, MI writes:

  Tuesday, August 2, 2005

  If the Classic is to be held during the summer, there are some great places to fish in the upper Midwest where you can catch great bags of fish. I understand that the Three Rivers area tested the anglers and it was fair to all, but I think the fans would like to see more fish caught. I have won local tournaments with very low weights, but it is much more fun to fish lakes where big limits can be weighed in. I still like to have fun when I fish, and I'm sure the pros do too. You have fun when you catch fish, especially big ones.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Jim Strange of Plainfield, IN writes:

  Monday, August 1, 2005

  Re: the Classic -- Seeing the pros fish in places I fish a lot makes them seem human. I've often wondered how they would stack up on the water I fish on. I have done well and had my share of struggles on the Ohio River, but for ratings and heavy weights, they'll be going elsewhere.

  Back to top Comment on this

• David Rose of Paducah, KY writes:

  Monday, August 1, 2005

  If you call finesse fishing, spinning reels, light line, and 1-pound fish a good Classic tourney, you need your head examined. What a joke of a fishery in Pittsburgh. Come the biggest tournament of the year and you have to measure the fish to make sure they are 12 inches. The Classic should be a reward for the hard work it took to get there, not a minnow-measuring contest. I believe the best fisherman can win when the going gets tough, but come on!

  Back to top Comment on this

• Danny Weiner of Central City, KY writes:

  Monday, August 1, 2005

  The best Bassmaster Classic ever! What a great tournament. Sure the rivers fished tough, and sure the fish were small, but it was that way for everyone. This Classic really showed the skill involved. The anglers had to consider how, where, and to what to change to in order to catch the fish. I am a big fan of many of the anglers, like Greg Hackney. Unfortunately, he was not able to adapt to the tough fishing conditions enough. He is a power fisherman. KVD is a power fisherman, but he adapted the best, was the most consistent and walked away with the prize. Thank you to everyone who helped with the Classic, and most of all to the anglers who provided us with a great tournament that was truly not over until the last fish was weighed.

  Back to top Comment on this

• Lon Berresford of East Palestine, OH writes:

  Monday, August 1, 2005

  I don't want to watch small fish being caught every week, but sometimes championships, with the best of the best fishermen, need to be held on a body of water that is really tough. Does anyone think that last week's Classic was boring? I enjoyed watching the pros try to catch river fish. Remember, not all BassFans are from down south or out west. We northern guys like to see the pros fish water we fish every week.

  Back to top Comment on this

• James Orichosky of Morrisdale, PA writes:

  Monday, August 1, 2005

  I just returned from Pittsburgh with my wife and two children ages 8 and 6. What a great time we had in the steel city. The Classic was awesome as well as the expo. The way all of the pros and current fishing stars treated my children was above and beyond what I expected. I am sitting here looking at a great picture of my two children with Hank Parker. He talked with both kids and really made them feel special. This was an outstanding performance by the city of Pittsburgh and by the pros and sponsors that make up the BASS organization. Thanks for an outstanding 3 days of family fun.

  Back to top Comment on this

• William Walker of MIllbrook, AL writes:

  Monday, August 1, 2005

  From a weigh-in and TV point of view, anglers bringing 2-3 fish to the scales wieghing a total of 2 pounds or so is a disaster for the sport. A non-angler friend of mine watched the day 2 Classic weigh-in on ESPN for the first time. His reaction was to laugh and say it was not even worth his time to watch fish being brought to the scales that were no larger than many of the live shiners used as bait on Florida lakes. I agree and was embarassed for the sport.

  Back to top Comment on this