Readers React To Blaukat And State Of The Sport

(Editor's note: In observance of Martin Luther King Day, BassFan's top story won't change until Tuesday, Jan. 18.)

Randy Blaukat's recent opinion column certainly resonated with readers and reaction has been significant. Many readers loved the column, identified with its observations and likewise called for change in the sport. Some agreed with many of Randy's points, but not so much his politics.

Regardless, it's clear that both the participants and fans of competitive bass fishing feel much has changed, and 2010 could be a make-or-break year for the sport we love.

Below are several letters submitted by BassFans in reaction to Blaukat's opinion column. All these letters, and many more, can be found in BassFan's FeedBack section.

Kenneth Allen Murphy of Tylertown, Miss. writes:
Thanks Randy for telling the truth about this sport. I feel the same way and can feel the TBF going downhill like all the others.

George Parker of Liberty S.C. writes:
I'm satisfied there will be some very agitated people at BASS and FLW, but the truth always seems to hurt and this article by Randy is nothing more than blunt reality and truth.

Allen Cirard of Bucks County, Pa. writes:
Sounds like Randy has hit all the sore spots in the business – money and ego leading the pack. Hopefully someone can get things pointed in the right direction!

Kris Chitty of Wills Point, Texas writes:
I've seen this coming for a long time. FLW and BASS have raised the price too high for the talented common angler who only makes $50K a year. If you don't have a rich family or act like an idiot on TV to bring attention to yourself, you can't compete. BASS has gone way downhill since it was sold to ESPN, and FLW has followed like little puppy dog.

Harold Sharp of Hixson, Tenn. writes:
Randy Blaukat has summed up professional bass-fishing tournaments with his article. Every angler and every bass tournament promoter and every sponsor of this sport should read this article over and over until it soaks in. The sport's doomed because of greed. The greed was brought on by TV hype. TV has a place in this sport but it shouldn't be in charge. Look at the ball sports – they were all struggling until they formed commissions to promote and protect the sport.

FLW is selling boats, BASS is selling TV ads. This must change and someone must be in charge of promoting and protecting the sport and the anglers who made it happen. Without players you have no game. The anglers who made this sport happen deserve better. Thank you Randy for some clear thinking. (Harold Sharp was BASS's original tournament director.).

Bryan Heaberlin of Deland, Fla. writes:
Best piece I've ever read on here and I agree. It's obvious that a lot of heart and soul went into it and I'd like to thank you for sharing your feelings on this.

A while back I was trying to figure out what I wanted to see. The only thing I could come up with was a legends-type tourney or something. Your piece made me realize why – because type of angler coming into the sport. It's not always the best ones, but the ones who are lucky enough to be born into situations that provide the money necessary to compete now.

Don't get me wrong, I wish them well, but they don't garner my respect, especially when they aren't even close to as good as some from their own areas. I guess it comes down to respect. Maybe when respect comes back in style, those of us who buy and support this deal will get back on the bus.

George Fiorille of Moravia, N.Y. writes:
As not only a tournament angler, but also an outdoor writer who covered a half-dozen Bassmaster Classics in person and have followed both tours for years, I'd say that Randy has "hit the nail on the head" as far as how professional bass fishing has evolved in this country.

I've said it before on this site and say it again, there's not room for two professional bass-fishing circuits in this country. There may be the anglers who want them, but there's not the sponsorship money out there to make it go. Also, if you look at the history of professional sports in this country (NBA/ABA, NFL/AFL), only one will survive and have true fan follow-ship.

If you look at pro bass fishing today, the tournaments are like a big poker game. Everyone antes up their own money and that's what the anglers win, while the organizations take all the sponsorship money. It's time for a change!

Dale Luckey Charlotte, N.C. writes:
Randy Blaukat, I commend you on saying what most of us have been thinking for years. Like you, I started fishing tournaments years ago strictly for the competition, on a very limited budget. We as anglers need to look out over these troubled waters and get involved in our local and national governments and help straighten up this mess we're in. Let's get fishing back to fishing.

Mike Badgero of Fairborn, Ohio writes:
That should be a must-read article for everybody who cares about the future of professional bass fishing. This sport is in a world of hurt and I think that the article does a superb job of capturing the feelings of many of its fans.

Russ Colwell of Dundalk, Md. writes:
I have to say that Randy Blaukat's opinion piece was probably the most reasoned and concise editorial that I've ever read regarding the sport.

I'd also add that there is a lot of money made in this sport by boat, motor and tackle companies who really wouldn't have 10% of the sales they have if not for people pursuing "the dream" of professional fishing. I mean really - who'd spend the kind of money we do on boats and tackle (and travel) just for recreation? They need to give back more in sponsorship and tournament payout to help sustain the sport and stop it from becoming the "financial elite" monster it's become. (Russ Colwell fished the 2007 Bassmaster Classic through the Weekend Series and competed on the 2008 FLW Tour.)

Ron Studer of Mechanicsville, Va. writes:
In my opinion, this is a very accurate evaluation of the challenges confronting professional fishing at this time. Randy has personally experienced the highs and lows of the sport and should be commended for having the courage to share his perception.

It's easy for me to say, since I don't depend on fishing for financial security, but I agree that professional fishermen need to take control of their destiny. Neither BASS nor FLW would continue to exist if the top names ceased supporting them. If the others continue to allow greed to control the majority of their decisions, perhaps it's time for those fishermen to put all their efforts into an organization like the PAA.

Ken Bragg of Fayetteville, W.V. writes:
Randy said it well and to the point, but there are a couple of points that should be made:

1. The sponsors a few years ago were small tackle companies – rod and reel manufacturers, boat manufacturers, etc. And their customer base was local fishermen and in large part Federation anglers with hopes of reaching the big leagues. Now the sponsors are mega tackle companies, food and sunglass manufacturers and drug makers and the local anglers have in large part been forgotten by most in the boating and tackle industry as well as BASS and FLW, even though our purchasing of fishing products have made it possible for the pros to do what they do.

2. The attitude of boat, motor and mega tackle companies – that fishermen will pay whatever they ask for their products – has backfired and caused many to leave the sport and the younger fishermen are finding it difficult to make a living, much less afford a sport that used to be a sport for average-income anglers but now is limited to those with larger incomes. The tackle industry is as much to blame as anyone with their foreign-made tackle, rods, reels and electronics.

How do these companies expect people to buy their products when they themselves deny workers of good-paying jobs here in America. Don't they teach economics in college these days? It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that yes, it may be cheaper to make a product in China or Korea, but if there's no one who can afford to buy it, then what did you accomplish?

The boating and fishing industry has created this monster and now they're going to have to figure it out unless the good ol' boys in Washington decide to bail them out with taxpayers dollars for their own greed and stupidity.

Torry Rhoades of Holmen, Wisc. writes:
Very well written. I couldn't agree with Randy more!

Henry Frisitk of Chester, Mass. Writes:
When are you, the bass-fishing public, going wake up to the reality that BASS and FLW are ultimately doomed to failure unless they change their ways. It has shown more this season than it has to date. Costs continue to rise for all aspects of the sport and sponsorship is growing increasingly harder to obtain. You cannot have a field of few reaping rewards while most languish unable to pay bills with what little money they may win in a season. Look at how far down the Elite Series is trying to dig from the Opens to fill the 2010 field. More would-be professionals are realizing their dreams are just that – dreams.

In the age we currently live in, one can no longer afford to fish tournaments with the prospect of barely surviving financially, hoping that it might turn around next year. Digging a hole with no solid ground on the bottom to stand on. Fishing isn't like other sports in that one simply relies on developed skills to succeed on the playing field (or in our case on the water). Those playing fields aren't the ever-changing environments like lakes and rivers with unforeseen events like locals parked on your best areas.

Economic stresses also play a major factor in one's success on the water. The constant stress of wondering were or when the next paycheck will come takes its toll mentally and physically, causing decreases in performance. Remember that most of these guys don't make $100,000 or more before they get into their boats for the first tournament of the year. They must cut checks to survive.

What I'm getting at is the atmosphere has changed and the sport isn't changing with it. It was easier for the current top anglers to get where they are now due solely to the fact that times. Now it costs so much just to take the chance that if anything at all goes wrong, like a breakdown or broken line, you'll fail. Your window to make it now as a professional is much tighter than it once was. Due to this, fewer and fewer amateurs will attempt to make the move to become a professional. The risks simply don't outweigh the possibility, however small, of reward. It's so hard to just get the entry fees to compete now, let alone afford to fish a full touring season.

With fields too small to generate the necessary pot sizes, not to mention BASS and FLW not making there quota per tournament, what do you think will happen? These organizations can't stay afloat on the few top anglers they helps create without the rest of the field competing. They made this mold of what we call professional bass fishing and now they'll have to live with the realities of their creation.

The sport needs a major overhaul and if it doesn't get it soon, it'll cease to exist on the professional level due solely to finances. The PAA seems to be trying at least to generate a new model. For pro bass fishing's sake, let's hope they succeed.

Matthew Christopher Mahle of Sunbury, Ohio writes:
Randy Blaukat has written an extremely sobering article on the state of bass fishing. I'm pleased that some of the professionals aren't ashamed to sound off. I'm sure that nobody wants to be the "Jose Canseco" of bass fishing, but if something isn't done, then it really won't matter anyway.

Michael Gideon of Burnet, Texas writes:
This article hits true on many notes. The main point being the best fishermen don't fish the Elites or the FLW, and that's really a shame. BASS also eliminated the co-angler, another change that has taken opportunity away from aspiring anglers. I hope bass fishing as a way of life doesn't depend on how good of a salesman or actor a person can be.

Dustin Daggett of Naples, Fla. writes:
Although I agree with most of what Randy says, the simple fact is professional bass tournaments are a business. A business exists for only one reason, to make money. Until that business fails to turn a profit or sees a significant downturn in profit, why would that business change?

Robert Allen of Calhoun, Ga. writes:
While I respect his love for nature and for the resource, it's clear that Randy has not only drank the New Age Kool-Aid, he's carrying an IV around with him as well.

Randy, you're not a "customer" of FLW or BASS anymore than Tom Brady is a customer of the NFL. You're an employee. Your job is to promote yourself, your sponsors and your organization.

Randy also seems to mistake opportunity for entitlement, a common trait for those of his political views.

I think it's demeaning and insulting for him to assert that only "rich kids" can compete nowadays. Many pros on both tours have made incredible personal and financial sacrifices just to have a chance to compete, and Randy's comments insult them as well. As for his criticism of BASS for allegedly promoting "those who draw attention to themselves," I can only say that one of his obvious targets has won a couple million dollars on both tours.

Alex Manitzas of DeRidder, La. writes:
I said a couple of years ago that there needs to be a third trail to take the ownership away from the big two. We're not honoring the sportsmen and gentlemen of the sport as we did once before. It's okay to make money, but take care of the customers, anglers, fans and the water.

Kenny Covington of West Monroe, La. writes:
I'm glad that someone finally had the courage to say what most of us have known all along. The anglers in the sport of fishing have always fit the bill to the companies making millions, and finally, enough is enough. The industry is pricing itself out of business and it seems that no one other than the anglers themselves really care.

Steve Kirby of Columbus, Ohio writes:
Randy Blaukat's thoughts are indeed provoking, but will they ever amount to anything? Today's tournament atmosphere, while dismal, has become that way for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which was the "big-pockets" purchase of BASS by ESPN and FLW (formerly Red Man) by Irwin Jacobs. In this case, business models dictated a dog-eat-dog atmosphere in the sport. Can anyone really see an ESPN allowing an FLW to showcase itself on its own ground? Not likely. Money earned by any such endeavor would pale when compared to the opportunities gleaned from self-promoting oneself.

I totally agree about the JM Productions impact on the sport as we knew it (past tense). They were, for lack of a better term, masters of the fish-eye view (fishermen's).

I don't necessarily agree with Blaukat's take on "the environment," or the problem as he sees it. I live in a state which can attest, firsthand, to the capacity of this nation's cleanup efforts. It wasn't that long ago that oil slicks were in danger of igniting within the city limits of Cleveland. One in fact did, and was somewhat credited with the creation of the EPA. When Blaukat infers, but doesn't say right out, that the global warming boogeyman will getcha if we don't watch out, he begins to tune me out.

If the present turmoil continues, we'll see a pulling back to state and regional types of organizations, circuits, trails or whatever else one chooses to call it. The days of folks like us being able to afford the brand-new $40K truck, the $60K boat while living hand-to-mouth are over. If we hope to survive, top-to-bottom, as a sport, we need an independent body such as those in other professional sports. The PAA is a start, but they've unnecessarily boxed themselves into pandering to only the top segment while letting the base slowly meet its end.

Eric Karr of Sallisaw, Okla. writes:
Well spoken Randy. I fished a handful of BASS events in the early '90s and the state of the sport today is more elitist than golf. I consider myself one of the qualified local/regional anglers who would love to compete at a national level, but I know that the financial reality is that the opportunity is non-existent and that there's no hope of one working their way up the ranks as was possible in the '80s and early-'90s.

More troubling, this elitist attitude is trickling down to local and regional events, boat manufacturers and tackle companies. Gone are the days when the average middle-class fishermen could purchase a suitable boat, appropriate tackle and afford the entry fees and travel expenses to fish a local trail. New 2010 Skeeter = $70K? Shimano Calais DC $600? Tungsten weights $5? Something will have to change if this sport is to survive and prosper, or it will fade into antiquity.

Kenny Stuccio of McDonough, Ga. writes:
I applaud BassFan for publishing both sides of the argument for the sake of upholding our beloved sport. It's a shame that it has come to this. I feel for the professionals who are left by the wayside because of corporate greed. Randy Blaukat has been an ambassador for the sport and it's sad to see him give up FLW and BASS (although now I see why). Good luck to Randy!

Jon Brown of Las Vegas, Nev. writes:
I was with Randy right up to his political rant. The side he wants us to take is the one restricting fishing. They're the ones doing all they can to make the country their version of America. You know that great country he (Randy) grew up loving? All out the window, because these people and their grand schemes aren't going to put the bass angler first.

This great EPA is trying to stop all lead, with no basis another than two dead loons, while they slap a tiny fine on a corporation that dumped millions of gallons of waste into our water. I think they were talking about fining them $61 million and then settled for under $130,000. Yeah, I don't want to support a group like that either.

Come on Randy, you were on such a great roll. Then you go and babble on about the politicians that want to tax us into oblivion and a crazy little thing called cap and trade. I think the quote was "Yes, your gas and electric bills will go way up." So Randy, if your group gets its way, how will the little guy afford to fish the new and transformed BASS and FLW with their payout to 100th and $1,000 entry fees, when gas is $8 a gallon?!

Rob Whitaker of Moncure, N.C. writes:
Randy's exactly right. These tournament organizers are middle-men who take the biggest chunk of the sponsorship money and pay out pennies to the anglers and also limit exposure of some sponsors just because they have deals with only certain companies. The PAA is the only way to go. The PAA should shop their tournaments around to big companies and sell the TV rights to the highest bidder. For what these tournaments pay out, it's pennies compared to what a big corporation like Budweiser spends on advertising on a major event.

It should be similar to NASCAR (the anglers would be the governing body) and where each event is sponsored by X corporation who's the highest bidder to sponsor the tournament and shows favoritism to no particular angler. Why would they? They just want their name on the thing. That's what hurt BASS and FLW – they've been running a "closed game." I wish the PAA the most success.

Philip Hebert of Westbrook, Me. writes:
Well said. I'll miss Randy this year. My hope is that he doesn't stay away to long.

I have been fortunate for years to be able to follow bass fishing on TV as a whole, and I admire many of the pros, Randy included. I hope we don't have to find out what it is like without our pro tours to follow.

Bill Barrett of Sarasota, Fla. writes:
Good job Randy. It's about time somebody grew a backbone.

Mike Webb of Orange, Texas writes:
Very well said by someone who's been there! I hope the organizations and those involved in the sport look toward the future and make the proper changes for the good of the anglers and the sport.

Mathew Meyer of Nashville, Tenn. writes:
Randy Blaukat needs to realize that bass fishing isn't a spectator sport. If the folks don't want to come see it in person or watch it on TV en masse, then the money isn't going to come either. Period, end of story.

So your options are: 1. Keep doing what's being done –legalized gambling. No different than my $50 local tournament, just costs more. 2. Like myself, get a real job and fish what you have the time and money to fish. 3. Hope the lefties in power blow some more of our money on a stimulus for bass fishing. 4. Quit tournament fishing altogether.

But please quit whining about sponsorships. Your opinion piece offered no solutions.