Tradition and nostalgia weren't enough to save a relationship that had turned sour for many of the parties involved. So, with a new suitor camped on their doorstep, the BASS Federation state presidents voted last night (Wednesday) to leave BASS and embark on a new venture through an affiliation with FLW Outdoors.
The final tally was lopsided: Of the 46 presidents in attendance at the meetings in Celebration, Fla., 30 voted to sever ties with BASS, which launched the grassroots organization 35 years ago and had overseen it throughout its existence.
Only four were against the move and there were 14 abstentions, including Missouri and Montana, which apparently did not have representatives at the meetings.
The minority quartet consisted of the presidents from Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and the Canadian province of Ontario. The group that abstained did not have the authority from their membership to cast a vote at the meetings. But Robert Cartlidge, president of The Bass Federation Inc. (TBF Inc.), said he expects most of them to join the majority within the next 10 days.
The Federation consists of more than 35,000 members in the U.S. and abroad.
Problems Hashed Out
Cartlidge said the new agreement with FLW Outdoors chairman Irwin Jacobs will take effect immediately. Jacobs presented his 5-year, $15 million proposal to the presidents on Sunday, and Cartlidge said all major points of contention have been worked out to TBF's satisfaction (see FLW proposal below).
"Obviously there were some concerns, as there is in any business proposal, but so far every one we've had has been satisfied," Cartlidge said. "They've shown a willingness to be flexible and work with us as best as they can to make this a win-win situation for everybody."
He said the decision to leave BASS was a difficult one in light of the fact that the relationship had existed for 3 1/2 decades.
"My personal feeling was that we had to come down here and do whatever was best for the Federation, whatever that turned out to be," he said. "The presidents' vote clearly outlines what they think is the best thing for the organization, and they're excited about the opportunities that the Federation members have in front of them."
Jacobs was pleased with the outcome of the vote.
"Thirty to four, I'd call that a pretty good margin," he said. "But this isn't like some people think it is. I went down there to present them with an option – not to buy them or own them or tell them what to do. I told them they had more leverage and clout than they thought, and that we recognized that and we wanted to work with them to build this sport."
BASS Moving Forward
Jamie Wilkinson, BASS director of media services, said his organization's plans for the new "Federation Nation" will progress and that BASS hasn't given up on retaining a solid percentage of the current Federation membership.
"The ultimate decision will be reached by state Federations and bass-club members by March 1 (when the Federation Nation sign-up period begins)," he said. "We have gone to great lengths to explain our future plans and address any issues, and we remain open to continuing that dialogue. BASS will continue to serve its members to the fullest possible extent."
Take Your Pick
After the weekend meeting with Jacobs, the presidents met with BASS officials on Monday and Tuesday to hear BASS's Federation Nation plan. Among other things, it would do away with the longstanding divisional tournaments and send state Federation champions directly to the National Championship tournament.
It would also create a club circuit in which each state would send six teams of six anglers each to one of 10 regional events around the country.
Top teams from the regionals would advance to the BASS Federation Nation Bass Club World Championship, where each member of the 1st-place team would receive a fully-rigged Triton boat. The Federation would also retain its six annual berths in the Bassmaster Classic.
The Bass Federation Inc. president Robert Cartlidge feels a majority of the 14 abstentions will eventually vote for the FLW Outdoors proposal.
Several presidents to whom BassFan spoke liked some aspects of the Federation Nation plan. Their primary concern was how to fund trips for 36 anglers to regional events. In the past, each Federation had sent 12 anglers to divisional events.
Highlights of the FLW proposal, as Cartlidge described them in a current BassFan Radio interview with Terry Brown, include more spots in national-level events (the BFL All-American and Forrest L. Wood Cup) than BASS had offered, and a "Live The Dream" package that consists of paid entry fees into FLW Tour events and the use of a wrapped boat and truck for a year for one Federation angler. Travel expenses would also be included.
Both the BASS and FLW proposals include funds for conservation and youth programs.
The Presidents Speak
Following are excerpts from interviews with Federation presidents conducted day. The proposal for which they voted is in parentheses.
Mike Hoffman, Wisconsin (FLW) – "The general atmosphere from BASS to us has traditionally been more than a partnership – it was really more like a family. But the last few years it hasn't been that way.
"Most of the current administration, and there are some exceptions, seem to have wanted to make it a client-customer relationship. I just didn't think we needed to go on like that. We want to be a family again, one where all of the members are included and can feel proud to belong to the organization.
"We don't want any more politics. Politics destroyed this thing, and it didn't have to be that way. This should be about fishing and it should be about fun."
Jay McMillian, Colorado (BASS) – "Colorado has always been well-supported by BASS, and that's the reason I voted the way I did. We've had good communication with them for the most part. You have to expect that with any large corporation, you have to negotiate a deal in good faith. I think BASS has done that."
Larry Lewis, Georgia (FLW) – "I've been president for over 30 years and I've never had to go through anything as tough as this. For a long time I fought tooth-and-nail for BASS, but after these last 3 years, I had to do what was best for Georgia, and they (the Georgia Federation members) have given me 100% approval to make this decision.
"We had a man (Jacobs) come down here and say, 'Look, here's what we can do, and it's up to you to decide if you want to do it.' It isn't going to be one of those deals where he's going to have to talk to a lawyer or somebody else and get back to us later. Granted, he's in a better position because he owns the place, but from where we're looking at it, that's beside the point."
Charles Harkless, Texas (BASS) – "Texas has never been a part of the TBF. Nothing against that organization, but that's just something we've never wanted to be involved in. We're firmly committed to BASS.
"When the new Federation Nation agreement is completely formulated, we'll review it one more time. But I'm 100% sure that Texas will be with BASS."
Mark Heckaman, Pennsylvania (FLW) – "To me, it wasn't a real hard decision. I'm a military guy and I always buy into tradition and things like that, and it's kind of painful to have to pull away from somebody who overall has been good to the sport.
"I'm not saying that the BASS proposal didn't have good elements – it did. But the FLW plan is exciting and it presents some great opportunities for the average angler to earn some chances at some big-time tournaments."
Notable
> To read the details of FLW Outdoors' proposal to the Federation, click here.
> The presidents also accepted an offer from BassFan CEO Jay Kumar, who made a proposal last weekend to assist the Federation with its media, and to explore ways of working with the Federation to enhance Federation member benefits through the Skeeter BassFan Army and the Skeeter BassFan Army Weekend Warrior Championship. The proposal was not tied to either BASS or FLW, and all items are free to Federation members.
