Dave Mansue, who fished the Bassmaster Tour from 1999–2005, then the FLW Tour and Series from 2006–2008, declined his recent invitation into the Bassmaster Elite Series.

The retired New Jersey police officer earned his latest tour card through the Bassmaster Northern Opens, after he won the Chesapeake opener and went on to finish 9th in the points.

Although one of the factors in his decision to decline is a familiar one – economics – the other isn't. He serves as PAA treasurer, and with so much work ahead this year for the organization, he wants to be able to dedicate as much time as he can to the PAA and its Tournament Series, as well as the planned 2011 All-Star Series.



Retired, But Working

The first time Mansue dropped down from the tour level was 2006. That's when the Elite Series first launched. He, and many other BASS pros, moved over and fished the FLW Series in order to qualify for the FLW Tour.

Back then, Mansue migrated away from the Elite Series and its 14-event schedule because of full-time work. He was still employed as a police lieutenant and wouldn't have been able to fully dedicate himself to the schedule, he said. Cost was also a factor – about $90,000 with entries and travel expenses.

He since retired from the force, but hasn't fished a tour-level event since 2008. Still, he stayed engaged with the sport this year through competition in the Northern and Central Opens and PAA Series. Additionally, he's in the final year of a 2-year term as PAA treasurer and boardmember.

"I'm very fortunate that my peers thought enough of me to vote me to the board," he said. "I'm hoping to be elected again – I plan on running. And since I retired from police work, I'm able to dedicate myself to fishing and I had a great year this year."

His "great year" included a win at the Chesapeake Northern Open and an 18th-place points finish in the PAA Series. That points finish is something he's particularly proud of. And although it reassured him he can compete at the highest level, he still won't rejoin a tour.

"This year the PAA Series was, I believe, the toughest field in fishing and I was the 18th-place finisher, so I'd like another shot at the Elites, but it won't happen this year. I'm hoping to fish well again next year, and maybe another opportunity will present itself. The bottom line is I'm excited about next year and working for the PAA. I'm happy to be a part of it and to have the ability to dedicate myself to it."

PAA Plans

Although the PAA recently came out with dates and payouts for its 2010 PAA Series, the fishing community is still waiting to hear on the venues. And although the All-Stat Series for 2011 has been announced as a plan, there's been no formal rollout of details or the qualification process.

Mansue said that the Series venues will be announced soon, and they'll be "centrally" located to minimize travel expense. But there's also a glitch in the schedule – the PAA is working to resolve a conflict with the Texoma Central Open and will likely move its October date.

Mansue did say that qualification for the 2011 All-Star Series will be based on the 2010 PAA Series, but he couldn't yet comment on whether the All-Star Series will also draw from the Elite Series and FLW Tour points.

"I think you'll see a lot more guys fishing the PAA Series hoping to make it into that All-Star Series," he added. "And I really think we're going to break new ground with the PAA. Next year, despite the economy and all the negative things going on, people are going to be very excited and positive about what's happening with the PAA.

"I'm really honored to be a part of it and have the opportunity to help fellow anglers have some alternatives to make some legitimate money when some things seem to be going away in some areas. It's a lot of work but we love what we do. We're fishermen for fishermen, and I think that's made a big difference on our side."

Notable

> Mansue is currently sponsored by Skeeter, Yamaha, Navionics, Optima batteries, Daiichi and Xpoint.

> Next year's Northern Opens include a repeat visit to the Chesapeake. About whether or not he could repeat a win there, he said: "I hope – that would be an awesome feat. It's at a totally different time of year. I was fortunate enough to win the Northern Open this year in April. The Opens are returning there in September. There's going to be some major adjustments, but I'm looking forward to defending my title there."