Back from the holiday break, we turn our attention to pro bass fishing’s latest stories. Big news came while we were away, as B.A.S.S. announced the demise of the Bassmaster Opens co-angler program. This comes after a formatting change which will again break the circuit into multiple divisions, then unite them for a round of Elite Qualifying events. Lots to unpack.
Let’s work in reverse and begin with the formatting change. Back in October, B.A.S.S. announced it would forgo including the Elite Qualifier method within the regular season, as it did in the past. Instead, Open anglers will compete in two divisions with four events each. From there, the top-50 in each of those divisions will be eligible to compete in a three-event, Elite Qualifying Series.
I haven’t seen details of the payout for these tournaments, or the number of anglers from the EQ Series that will qualify for the 2026 Elite Tour. I wonder when we’ll learn more of the details.
In any case, the new format lends itself to two competitor types. For those Open anglers who simply want to compete at a high level, but not endlessly travel the country, they can dig in and fish four events in one region of the country. Meanwhile, those willing to devote more time and resources can hope to qualify for the EQs and let it ride. It’s a good compromise.
In addition, the EQ events will grab most of the attention and, I’d imagine, possibly become a “Tour” of their own. We’re sure to see enhanced sponsor appeal and larger on-site activation at these tournaments than those during the regular season. A “playoff” or sorts. Bass fishing always wanted a playoff.
If you’ve been following the behind-the-scenes approach of B.A.S.S. and the Open events, you’ve likely noticed the increased hype awarded to Elite qualifiers. Despite poor payouts based on investment, the Opens continue to fill their roster with young anglers convinced nothing would be better than qualifying for the big leagues, regardless of cost. I’m envious of such dedicated anglers. I’m also glad I’m not one of them.
Regardless, the exclusion of co-anglers will change competition more than anything. In the past, some competitors had co-anglers while others didn’t. This, of course, has finally been recognized for what it is: completely unfair.
B.A.S.S. claims co-angler participation went down during the COVID pandemic and never came back. I guess that’s possible. Participation in fishing grew exponentially during that same period, however, and still remains strong. There didn’t seem to be any reduction in participation among boaters.
What we’re seeing, really, is a shift in the playing field. Critics immediately blame forward-facing sonar, and there’s some validity in that argument. To be a co-angler in today’s modern world of FFS must be brutal.
Still, such consideration isn’t given by tournament circuits continuing to allow the technology. Those that still incorporate the co-angler model will watch numbers trickle away. In the end, more anglers will move to the front of the boat, though fewer anglers will fish competitively, overall.
While the industry will see an increase in things like boat and sonar packages, down the road, fewer bass anglers will be involved and revenue will decrease. This is a completely foreseeable future.
But cutting co-anglers was a natural fit for the Opens. Why operate with such a model if there is no longer a demand?
We’ve seen this shift in organized bass fishing for decades now. Guys my age remember when bass clubs were a big thing. The Federation program included tens of thousands of anglers. Co-anglers outnumbered boaters.
Through time, the format has shifted toward a more dedicated angler who takes competition at any level seriously. Hundred-thousand-dollar rigs dominate amateur events.
Many would-be tournament anglers have stepped away. I remember a few years ago when I met a group of 20-somethings who loved bass fishing, but didn’t fish tournaments. To a guy my age, it seemed strange. I thought everybody tournament-fished.
But I’ve come to realize this is a growing trend. More anglers are viewing tournament bass fishing today with distaste. Instead of being anxious to jump in as a co-angler, learn a few tricks and enjoy a day on the water, they see tournaments as an example of showmanship and excess. Little to do, really, with the act of bass fishing.
As we begin a new year, we contuse to watch the organizers of our sport pursuing this same path. What, I wonder, will be the long-term impact?
(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.)
