JAY YELAS, Texas:
"I will not be fishing FLW next year."
"BASS has gone the extra mile to help anglers fish both tours if they want to, and the anglers appreciate that."
"BASS has more to offer long term for anglers, career-wise as far as endorsement opportunities. To build a long-term career as a bass fisherman, you have a lot better chance doing that fishing BASS than FLW and that's why I choose to fish with BASS. It gives me a better chance to make a living as a pro fisherman."
DAVY HITE, South Carolina:
"I won both the FLW Championship and the Bassmaster Classic and I can tell you that there is no comparison."
"When I won the FLW Championship, I got $250,000 and that was all it did for my career. When I won the Bassmaster Classic, it changed my life. Whenever I'm introduced now, it is Davy Hite, Bassmaster Classic Champion and two-time Angler of the Year."
"Winning the Bassmaster Classic opens up all the doors in the world for potential sponsorships."
"The Bassmaster Classic is THE World Championship of competitive fishing."
MARTY STONE, North Carolina:
"My first reaction is that of total disappointment. I'm totally disappointed for the fishermen's sake. I had already made my decision, but my fellow fisherman now have to make a choice."
"It is a sad day in bass fishing. What is this going to do to the industry?"
"BASS is more fan-friendly and a more fan-friendly-oriented organization."
"I know how hard BASS has worked not to schedule on top of the FLW Tour."
DENNY BRAUER, Missouri:
"I'm shocked. This is not good for the fans, the media or the anglers."
"The Classic is THE show. The Classic is the Granddaddy and those dates should be respected by everyone."
"It's going to be tough for the industry sponsors."
"I'm sorry for the anglers who qualify for both series and have the decision to make."
"There's no comparison when you consider what it does for your career. You have to look at it from a career standpoint."
"If you're going to do this for a long time, you have to be careful where you fish."
GARY KLEIN, Texas:
"I don't know how to put things into words. My loyalty is with BASS. It always has been and always will be."
"This is a great opportunity for me to just get my deposits back (from FLW) and bow out, because why fish if I can't make the championship?"
"It would be a shame that a professional angler that has supported both circuits has to be put in a position to make a choice."
For more information, contact BASS Communications at (334) 551-2330 or visit www.bassmaster.com.
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