Today Operation Bass confirmed that in 2002 it will be doubling the number of anglers in the two final "cut-down" rounds of FLW Tour events.
In the past, the field was cut to 10 on the second-to-last competition day and to five on the final day. Now that will increase to 20 and 10, respectively.
When asked why, Operation bass spokesman Brian Sayner said: "A lot of it is because we're a sponsor-driven company. We're trying to give our sponsors maximum bang for their buck. And one way to do that is to give them more TV time and more exposure on the (FLW) TV show."
For anyone not familiar with the FLW format, competitors who make the final two rounds fish from special sponsor-decaled boats.
More Fan Excitement
Sayner added that from a fan standpoint, the larger final-round fields "certainly makes (the fishing) more competitive."
Though some pro fishermen know of the change, Sayner said Operation Bass hasn't received any feedback from them yet.
As to whether more sponsor-painted boats mean that new sponsors are coming into the FLW fold, he said, "We're always working on new sponsorships. We're looking at several right now."
