B.A.S.S. recently released the 2016 Elite Series schedule to much anticipation of anglers and fans. Big news was of the tour’s expansion to nine regular-season events next year, up from eight in 2015. Not surprisingly, any expansion is applauded by the pros, as they’ve been moaning and groaning about limited opportunities since both major tours downsized earlier this century.

However, with the announcement came a glaring sign of trouble for any pros interested in fishing both FLW and the Elites. Three of the Elite events directly conflict with FLW tournaments; and remember, FLW had released its dates back in July at the ICAST trade show.

Truthfully, that will do little to change the plans of most pros. Back in 2013, over a dozen fished both tours, citing an inability to make a living without doing so. However, by 2014, only a couple fishermen even attempted the feat; ironman Ish Monroe being the sole angler who made it worthwhile through cashed checks and sponsor exposure.

Where do we go from here? In recent times, we’ve seen most of the media attention being given to anglers moving from FLW to the Elites, their great desires to do so, and the reasoning behind such transitions. Jason Christie, Brent Ehrler, Jacob Powroznik and Justin Lucas are immediate notables. But don’t forget, in that same time many new anglers moved into the FLW Tour through the Rayovac tournaments, and have reaped the rewards by doing so.

Also, with so much attention being given to Elite Series pros, many fans overlook the fact that guys like Andy Morgan, Bryan Thrift, Wesley Strader and others are knocking out some big dollars on “the other side." In fact, after a little research, I found that FLW’s Top 10 in AOY standings averaged about a hundred grand in tournament earnings for 2015. There’s good reason why we see so many big-name guys with continued success stay in FLW, with no aspiration to move. That reason is money.

Regardless, I think we’re finally seeing the line drawn in the sand that we all knew was coming. In the past, I’ve heard rumblings from both tours complaining of the other for lack of transparency in scheduling. I, like most other fans, can’t see why the two don’t communicate better for the sake of their athletes. But this is big business, and that’s just the way it works.

I asked B.A.S.S. for its take on the overlap and was quickly answered with legitimate reasons for the occurrence. Next year’s Classic is scheduled for early March; later than recent years.
Therefore, an increased number of events are sandwiched in about half of a calendar year, making scheduling incredibly difficult, according to B.A.S.S. Furthermore, according to B.A.S.S. officials, consideration was given to the fact that only two Elite pros fished both tours this season. In other words, conflicts would only affect a small percentage of their Elite pros.

I think this may be a little narrow-minded. Sure, B.A.S.S. considers its current customers. But it's not considering potential customers, like many of the top FLW sticks mentioned earlier. Often in business, that’s just as important.

In any case, expansion is a good sign. The economy is good for the time being, gas prices are down, the marine business is strong, and therefore so is the tournament world.

However, as we’ve seen in each of the last several seasons, B.A.S.S. has added another formatting twist that is stirring a bit of controversy. The 2016 events in Arkansas will be a split venue. Competitors will fish two separate bodies of water throughout the competition days, essentially alternating back and forth.

While many fans immediately viewed this as a great way to determine the best overall competitor, the pros themselves have argued that it will simply point the finger at those who are receiving the most outside help. Practicing effectively for two lakes in the normal, extremely short practice period is realistically impossible.

I see both sides. Initially, I liked the idea of multiple venues. As a fan, my dream tour is one where competitors have virtually no time to practice, or, better yet, aren’t allowed to wet a line when they do so (interesting thought, huh?). I think such an approach would truly determine the best in the business.

But I despise the thought of outside information, have seen it rear its ugly head first-hand, and hear rumors of it from friends on tour constantly. The fact remains: Our sport continues to be one that is nearly impossible to police. But, like a lot of the new format changes, I guess we’ll just wait and see.

Rewinding a bit, the conversation must again visit thoughts on the future. Will two tours continue to operate for several more years? Will each be able to offer payouts strong enough to support traveling pros? Will sponsors also be forced to choose sides?

I think, beginning in 2016, we will start to see a different direction in many of these realms.

(Joe Balog is the often-outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)