This week at Balog’s Bass War, we take on the extraordinary task of tackling two subjects in the space of one column. While this circumstance may seem rather straightforward, it’s a job I usually steer clear of to avoid cluttering our bass-filled brains. However, we currently have two matters which warrant immediate attention.

First, dipping back into last week’s discussion, I wanted to revisit little JT Borofka and talk about another way we can all help. While quick online donations are always appreciated, I’ve got an idea that stings less and can benefit more.

We all have too much stuff. Each and every one of us owns bass fishing equipment that we no longer need and could be of greater value to others. My idea: sell it, and donate the money to JT.

This is such an easy task, and one that we can all get involved in. I’ll start things out this way:

I’ve got a brand-new, in-the-box Minn Kota Precision battery charger for a 36-volt system (MK460). These units are capable of charging any battery configuration on the market and perform flawlessly. I’ve used them for 20 years and have never had a failure. You’ll note that these units are out of stock in many locations. Except my garage.

I plan to sell this charger, hold back shipping costs and eBay fees, and donate the remainder of the money to SaveJT.com. The product will be listed on eBay beginning Friday, Nov. 4. “Fundraiser” is included in the ad title. Bidding starts at $1.

Yep, one dollar.

Maybe you don’t need another charging system at the moment, but have that strange feeling you someday might. Perhaps you’re shopping boats. Possibly you own a location where others come in when shopping boats (wink, wink). In any case, bidding starts at $1.

After the sale of the item, I’ll simply go to SaveJT.com and donate the net gain.

Will you join me on this fundraising journey? eBay, Facebook marketplace, Craigslist; all provide such a wonderful opportunity for us to reduce our unused gear, help out another angler and assist a little boy in his fight. In the end, research and funding for JT’s cause could someday help people worldwide. Funding we can generate simply through the junk in our garages.

It’s so, so easy.

Okay, moving to other bass fishing matters, I was surprised to see the Bass Pro Tour headed to the five-fish format. Like many of you, I came to recognize this trail as a unique change from the norm. The excitement of the ScoreTracker leading to edge-of-my-seat theatrics late in many events. Truly, I felt the BPT product was the most exciting fishing tournament event since the days of televised Megabucks and Ray Scott frills.

I guess I’m in the minority. Evidently, MLF is convinced that resuming normal operations will help better engage the fans. I must say, I think they’re making a mistake.

Sure, I understand the fact that hardcore bassers want to see big fish, not numbers. But I was under the impression that a big part of the BPT model was to attract a larger fan base, made up of both tournament-caliber anglers and weekend warriors alike.

I still vividly remember the first time I witnessed MLF on television at a sports bar. There, many of the patrons gave it occasional glances and comments as they also filtered through other pro sports. Viewers seemed to connect with the fast pace. We finally made it big, I thought.

Fast forward a handful of years, and I’m told we need to again appeal strictly to tournament bass anglers, the same fans and viewers our sport has catered to for the last 30 years. Will we ever find a way to appeal to the mainstream, and hold that course of action?

And what of the excitement? Fish catches are where it’s at, in my mind. I’ve had enough of watching pros cast endlessly with no results, while the commentators try and come up with more to say.

I’m sure the MLF catch-weigh-release and updated scoring models will help things somewhat in that regard. Certainly, the chosen venue will make a big difference, as well. But the change disappoints this fan. I can’t help but think of epic events like the 2021 BPT tournament on the Detroit River, where Michael Neal walloped 170 pounds of smallmouth, while largemouth aces Andy Morgan and Wesley Strader challenged from the backwaters. We won’t be treated to anything like that again.

Oh well, I’m just one opinionated journalist.

Format changes, anglers jumping around, technology overloads; there’s a lot of changes happening in today’s game. Regardless of where it all shakes out, I’ll always have a front row seat for the action in February.

(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.)