Imagine a world without bass tournaments.
I never thought it would be possible. Even before I started fishing local events 25 years ago, I was aware of them, and as far as I can tell from my admittedly-subjective viewpoint, they’ve only gotten more popular since then.
Now, thanks to COVID-19, the professional tournament scene is on indefinite hold, and while there are a few semi-legit local deals, most smaller tournaments have been canceled or postponed as well.
It’s bizarro world.
Recreational bass fishing pressure still exists, but it’s a fraction of what it otherwise would have been, and doesn’t lead to as many air-conditioned rides in a livewell. I’m definitely not anti-tournament. After all, I fished 15-25 a year until I ran out of time, and I still derive a portion of my income from covering them. Additionally, I see that lakes like Guntersville get ridiculous tournament pressure and continued to hold huge populations of bass. Would they be better without it? Maybe, but what’s the point of a great fishery if you can’t fish it? Nevertheless, this diminution or change in pressure might be a good thing. Giving the bass a “year off” or a “season off” from concerted efforts to catch and relocate them might allow for a bit of a reset.
I’m not a biologist, and...
FUll Story at Inside Line: http://www.insideline.net/peteweighsin/2020/4/6/the-day-the-derbies-died
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