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• Luke Clausen of Spokane, WA writes:

  Thursday, September 29, 2016

  RE: Balog on "the flow" – Great article, Joe! I seem to learn some of these same lessons over and over!

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• Warren Wolk of Richboro, PA writes:

  Thursday, September 29, 2016

  RE: Balog on Swindle – Great article as usual, Joe. One comment I'd like to make, though - tragedy did not bring Bryan Kerchal his legend status. Victory did. To rise from the Bass Nation ranks and fish the Classic is an amazing accomplishment in and of itself. To do it twice, and do it in consecutive years is astounding. For this fry cook to actually win the Classic? That's the stuff of legends. No tragedy necessary.

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• Scott McGarrell of Conway, AR writes:

  Thursday, September 29, 2016

  RE: Legends in Elite Series – Why not? It's the right thing to do, these guys have put in years to this sport and it just shows that they are recognized for their accomplishments.

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• Terry Bonsell of Keyser, VA writes:

  Thursday, September 29, 2016

  RE: FLW deposits raised – Apparently this big of a money grab puts up a red flag as to FLW's solvency.

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• Robert Chapin of Osakis, MN writes:

  Thursday, September 29, 2016

  RE: Balog on "the flow" – This is one of the better articles Joe has written in a while. I get more out of this type of story than him criticizing B.A.S.S. or FLW.

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• Skip Bennett of Texico, Il writes:

  Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  RE: Rod length limit increased – The first word that comes to mind is DUCK. I think the marshals better wear full-face helmets when those pros start casting giant plugs with multiple treble hooks. I've been a co-angler a few times and almost got plugs in my face. I will bet there will be some observer hookups.

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• Scott E. Staples of Elko, MN writes:

  Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  RE: AOY Championship – I watched the final weigh in on-line. I thought Ish Monroe actually showed the classless person he actually is. No mention of sponsors, no mention how great of fishery Mille Lacs was, just walked off the stage pouting as usual. Showed most bass fishermen what not to do when you don't do well. Not a role model for young fishermen.

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• Mark Aaron of Gastonia, NC writes:

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  RE: Rod length limit increased – If you can't throw a big swimbait or 10XD far enough with an 8-foot rod, you need to take up golf. I guess the Elites can save some gas now. For instance at Kentucky Lake, they can launch in Paducah and throw it to New Johnsonville!

  Dumbest thing I've seen besides FLW raising deposits for the Tour. They are getting desperate, as most noted the field at Norman was pitiful, and I don't see Norris being any better ... if not worse.

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• DeLane Harrison of Tuscaloosa, AL writes:

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  RE: Rod length limit increased – I am curious ... f rod length doesn't give the angler an advantage over another angler in the boat, and 8 feet is outdated, why is 10 feet the new magic number? Maybe someone on tour can give some insight.

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• Tim Brown of Ridgetop, TN writes:

  Tuesday, September 27, 2016

  RE: Rod length limit increased – Wow, way to open up a new market for the rod companies! I truly do beleive that BASS is the traveling sales tour. Ten-foot rods ... ridiculous!

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• Gary Beam of Cherryville, NC writes:

  Sunday, September 25, 2016

  RE: Legends in Elite Series – Hate to see great ambassadors of the sport and still great fishermen "put out to pasture."

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• Eddie Mullind of Morristown, TN writes:

  Friday, September 23, 2016

  RE: Legends in Elite Series – I think the Elite Series should be filled with anglers who qualified through their accomplishments from last season, not what they have done in past history from years before.

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• Ric Riles of Lafayette, LA writes:

  Friday, September 23, 2016

  Dudley qualifies for the Elites. B.A.S.S. is set for a big haul as some big FLW guys make the move up. Glad to see it.

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• Rev. Alan Mackey of Jackson, MI writes:

  Thursday, September 22, 2016

  RE: Balog on Swindle – I met Dwindle several years ago at KVD's spring seminar. We must have talked for 20 minutes. He was down to earth and just a great source of encouragement. His honesty was something not seen or heard in many of those anglers. Then I was able to be a marshal on his boat. That's when I learned much about fishing, but more about the person they call G-Man. He's on my list of favorite Elite anglers.

  Go, G-Man! Congratulations on your AOY award!

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• Elisabeth Bird of El Mocanal, Canary Islands writes:

  Thursday, September 22, 2016

  RE: Champlain Open day-1 leader – Because I live here, Google News gives me a section on the Canary Islands. It may amuse you to know that this article was included. Mr Tacoronte looks a nice man and I wish him well. Presumably the allegedly infallible computer has confused him with the town of Tacoronte in Tenerife. It's a nice place. He should visit and he'd be sure to be made welcome.

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• Johnny McLean of Little Rock, AR writes:

  Thursday, September 22, 2016

  RE: Balog on Swindle – Good article, Joe, but I never have been and never will be a Swindle fan. He reminds me too much of the types like Tim McGraw – it looks like someone dresses him up every time he goes fishing. I know, it's all about advertising, but like you, I can remember when B.A.S.S. was pushing him and I believe once he was portrayed as a white rapper from Alabama. He does have a good sense of humor and he is a good fisherman, but I still think alot of what you see is a front. You are correct, not a legend, yet anyway.

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• William McDonaugh of Thorndale, PA writes:

  Monday, September 19, 2016

  RE Swindle assists DeFoe – It seemed Feider did not have a problem with G-Man calming Ott down, but did have a problem with him telling him where to go to catch fish. Ott did say he went to the spot and caught fish. What G-Man did was legal, but I still see Feider's point.

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• George Foster of Pineville, NC writes:

  Saturday, September 17, 2016

  RE: Swindle assists DeFoe – I think G-Man just wanted to help Ott calm down and relax. I think by that happening Ott would have gone on to win anyway. I think Feider's comment about Ott would have lost if not for the help was a little immature. I will remember him for that forever. Just like all the stupid things Ish has done makes me not even read what he has to say.

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• John Thao of Madison, WI writes:

  Friday, September 16, 2016

  RE: Swindle assists DeFoe – It's great when you hear stories of good guys being good guys. As was the case with G-Man and Ott's situation. What happened was perfectly legal and within the rules of the competition. What it does, though, for the causal and generally uneducated audience of bass fishing competition is make them think that fishing is just "luck". No skills involved, randomness, who can get the luckiest, no strategy, no game planning, doesn't involve hard work and dedication.

  Ask most people who watch NFL football and a lot would say they have never played football at any level. But for some reason they understand all the rules and most would say there is no "luck" involved. Some would even say playing at that level takes a lot of hard work, dedication and a whole lot of skills.

  If "Elites" means we keep being "the good ol' boys," then keep the rules the same. But if it means top-tier competition with no gray areas with clear-cut rules then maybe we should ask ourselves if we really need to pay an entry fee to go fish a public lake to be "good ol' boys" on the weekends.

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• Johnny McLean of Little Rock, AR writes:

  Thursday, September 15, 2016

  RE: Balog on Feider – I believe that off the water they should be able to share, but once you are on the water, it's you against the fish. If not, they should just rename the circuit to the B.A.S.S. Elite Team Circuit. As far as I am concerned, Feider was likely the best fisherman last week. If you were going to fish the river next week, who could give you the best info? Feider, of course.

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• Paul Mistop of Orlando , FL writes:

  Tuesday, September 13, 2016

  RE: Balog on TTBC – So now the TTBC is just an Elite Series event, and this is special how? It was a cool tournament to look forward to. Now it's just another tournament. I hope Chevy or Dodge start a two-tour challenge.

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• Dennis Pentecost of Milford, IL writes:

  Tuesday, September 13, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends – If anglers are allowed in because of their past, then KVD would be allowed to fish every one for the rest of his career whether he qualifies or not! Have a legends tournament and allowing the winner into the Classic would be much better!

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• Jeff Mitchell of Fish Lake, IN writes:

  Tuesday, September 13, 2016

  RE: Mississippi River winning pattern – Ott Defoe said that the main factor in his success was "Committing to those two areas. There was a lot of other stuff I drove by that I could’ve spent time on and caught fish on, but I knew those two areas had quality fish on them.”

  I would have been more impressed with Ott had he said, "Gerald giving me those fish on Sunday when I was spinning out." Lost some respect for Ott this weekend.

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• David Harrison of Huntsville, AL writes:

  Monday, September 12, 2016

  I agree with Joe Balog on the TTBC – really hated this move. I eagerly anticipated the results each day more than any other event, B.A.S.S. Elite or FLW Tour. It was, by far, the stoutest field and a fun event for everyone.

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• Skip Bennett of Texico, IL writes:

  Monday, September 12, 2016

  RE: Mississippi River Elite Series – Congratulations to Ott, but I feel bad for Seth. I think sharing spots is bull. Seth probably would have won if it wasn't for Ott getting info from Swindle. Maybe the new rule will be everyone in the top 12 should share spots and luers before they leave the dock so it's an even playing field.

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• Jeff Lira of Roanoke, VA writes:

  Sunday, September 11, 2016

  Chevy and Ford need to learn from Toyota; Chevy lost quite a bit by letting tournament sponsorships go. Now, B.A.S.S. and the TTBC not allowing FLW guys in is just another way to weaken the sport while further diminishing payouts.

  There are too many young, short-sighted men running B.A.S.S. as well as Chevy. I've been a bass fan since the '70s and it's sad to see the sport in the hands of boobs.

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• Drew Scarpa of Millville, NJ writes:

  Saturday, September 10, 2016

  Other professional sports don't include past champions in thier championships merely for being past champions. B.A.S.S. shouldn't include anyone who doesn't currently compete to qualify. It not only lowers the standard, but excludes other possible future "legends."

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• Ty Broaddus of Okeechobee, FL writes:

  Saturday, September 10, 2016

  RE: Mercury ends FLW deal – It appears that the minds of the powers to be at Mercury have been made up. I still fail to understand. Makes no sense.

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• Chance Huiet of Hardin, TX writes:

  Friday, September 9, 2016

  RE: Balog on TTBC – I've been a judge multiple years for the TTBC and I have to say I absolutely HATE this move. In my opinion it's another way B.A.S.S. is trying to "rule the roost" and show they are the big dog on the block.I will greatly miss seeing some of the FLW guys that I have come to know over the years.

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• Ed Straw of Chenoa, IL writes:

  Friday, September 9, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends – I feel they they should be included. After all, they opened the door for bass fishing and still promote the sport and draw big crowds to events.

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• Dave Shellhaas of Dayton, OH writes:

  Thursday, September 8, 2016

  RE: Balog on TTBC – Agree with Joe – it will not be the same tourney and that is too bad. I feel bad for the FLW anglers who thought they were qualified for next year's tournament.

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• Darrell Littlefield of Woodruff, SC writes:

  Thursday, September 8, 2016

  They will no longer be able to advertise "World Championship" of "Best Anglers In The World" if they leave out the FLW boys. What a shame!

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• Kurt Dove of Del Rio, TX writes:

  Thursday, September 8, 2016

  RE: Balog on TTBC – The TTBC was most popular and best attended when it was a special event (team tournament) for the fans!

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• Mike Burke of Breinigsville, PA writes:

  Thursday, September 8, 2016

  RE: Balog on TTBC – Bass heads and touring pros alike lost something big with this change. It's what the hardcore fans want ... the best of both worlds colliding on a single body of water to slug it out. One of the most anticipated events every year. The braggin' rights of which tour's sticks were the best. Sad to see it go as a crazed fan.

  My competitor side is a little more salty. I feel the FLW boys got the short end of the stick. It was a special event for those that attended and it was great for the anglers to showcase themselves on a different media platform. They could prove to the masses they were best of the best. It showed the caliber of angler was just as good, if not better, than the heavy hitters from B.A.S.S. I can't help but feel it might have been done purposely to keep FLW out. Regardless, it will be missed.

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• Johnny McLean of Little Rock, AR writes:

  Thursday, September 8, 2016

  RE: Balog on TTBC – Joe, bottom line is probably the money – you know it always outweighs consideration of fans, conservation issues, etc. Also, you already have the Classic and Cup, so a third championship is hard to sell. Hey, I am still waiting for you to do an article on the silver carp invasion and its impacts on bass fisheries in the Southeast.

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• Dale Croft of Marion, IL writes:

  Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends – Plain and simple, reward the best.

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• Joe Turner of Cleveland, TN writes:

  Monday, September 5, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends – All bass fishermen wanting to fish the Elites should follow the same procedures and rules to qualify and fish subject to the same rules, entry fees, etc.

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• Duane Imlay of Mechanicsville, MD writes:

  Sunday, September 4, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends _ It's awesome they honor the legends and the past. I do not agree with the Elites not having win and in, but being that's their policy I would like to see an invitational tournament with winners of Elite events who did not qualify for the Classic and legends fish off similar to the bracket event. The winner would get a Classic berth.

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• Lawrence Mooneyham of Tupelo, MS writes:

  Saturday, September 3, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends – Good Idea.The guys fishing tournaments today rode these legends' shoulders to get here.

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• Greg Ginneberge of Spring Hill, FL writes:

  Saturday, September 3, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends – I think B.A.S.S. should propose a Legends circuit just like the Opens. This would be open to all former B.A.S.S. participants who won a Classic, AOY, or a win in any of the top-tier B.A.S.S. tournaments they participated in (Elite, Top 100, etc.). Points winner would qualify for the next year's Classic.

  Keep it to three tournaments, just like the Opens. It would probably draw more fans than the current Opens and give the "legends" a chance to fish another Classic. Not sure if this would be financially attractive to B.A.S.S. It would probably depend on the interest of the Legends to participate.

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• Alton Bentley of Sanford, NC writes:

  Friday, September 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends – Initially I felt it was a good thing. However, if I was one of the Elite anglers spending countless hours on the water for each tournament and a legend were to win or take a spot from an Elite angler, I would be upset. Like in golf and tennis, you don't have legends playing against the everyday players, first because they would get their butts kicked, and both golf and tennis have senior or legends events.

  Start a legends schedule starting with minimum age of 60. I don't believe the legends who are over 60 could handle the schedule.

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• George Foster of Pineville writes:

  Friday, September 2, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends – I think having some of the all time greats would be a good idea for BASS. I grew up watching the Hemphill gang and think millions of others did also. I still read everything I can find by Brauer, Nixon and others from that era. Those guys had to really know fish and did not have the easy road of many of today's anglers. I would like to know why Joe thinks Nixon would be the most likely to decline? I guess I have forgotten that he must have had a bad departure from BASS.

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• Skip Bennett of Texico, Ill. writes:

  Friday, September 2, 2016

  RE: 2017 Elite Series – BASS finally cut the cord with FLW. I guess old Jerry has eaten enough crow of FLW guys winning TTBCs and BASSFests that he needed to end the humiliation. I used to think he was a decent guy, but now it only proves his desire to show off he is King Crap of Turd Mountain.

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• Johnny McLean of Little Rock, Arkansas writes:

  Thursday, September 1, 2016

  RE: Balog on Legends – Good article Joe. Remember a few years ago when Hank Parker finished second to OT Fears in a classic spinnerbait duel in some kind of superstars tournament? I really liked that format.

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• Paul Wallace of Cambridge City writes:

  Thursday, September 1, 2016

  RE: Elite Series Legends – I applaud BASS for doing this! This is smart and in no way takes away, but adds to the grandness of the Classic. I have always said winning on the BASS/FLW tours should get you more than money. Still believe a 2-year exemption for a win and free entry into 1 or 2 years of tournaments would be a great start. A win should absolutely get you into the Classic/FLW championship. I know everyone gets tired of the pro golf analogy, but it is the best template for going ahead.

  BassFan says: To clarify, the B.A.S.S. announcement regarding its new legend criteria applies only to participation in the Elite Series, not the Bassmaster Classic.

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