bass announces 2008 elite series schedule: NO WEST COAST!

green_monster · Post by **green_monster** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 10:55 am

looks like they had to much fun breaking records to come back! come on lets hear all yer nutcases opinions......

http://www.basszone.com/2007eliteseries/2008season.htm

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bass ... 8_schedule

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:12 am

People were dreaming to think they would come back two years in a row. We will probably see them again in a couple years. DOn't count on CA being a regular stop.

JustinD · Post by **JustinD** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:19 am

So even bass fishing has it politics...What a bunch of homo's at BASS for being to afraid to come back to the left coast. They must figure its bad enough West Coasters are kicking their butts right now.

G-Ko · Post by **G-Ko** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:34 am

It's all about money really. The two venues this year, Clear Lake & the Delta have to put up way too much money for these events to come over here in my opinion. Personally the best anglers should fish on the best bodies of water. Its just sad to see that there is no push for a western swing.

In my opinion it is back to the boycotting and supporting only FLW.

Greg

Calistar · Post by **Calistar** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:41 am

Other than Iowa and Texas, there is nothing west of Kentucky.
Might as well be called Bassmaster-South.

luckily we have the FLW.

JamesH · Post by **JamesH** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:42 am

I would be interested to know if the town of Lakeport was even interested in puting up the cash that BASS charges to bring the big show into town. I'm not sure about this year but in the past, I heard it has always been a losing proposition for them.

James

Lake · Post by **Lake** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:46 am

expected..exactly there is way to many cities that want and will pay for the Elite's to schedule there lake. They have 5 new lakes on the schedule for '08. Even though they are not making the trek out here, I like to see the new lakes on the schedule. Looks like they enhanced the AOY and series payout as well.

green_monster · Post by **green_monster** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 12:13 pm

Don't get me wrong I'm a huge fan of BASS, I just wish they would give the west coast some love. Not only that but it is worth it to all the country to watch the pro's fish some of the best BIG bass lakes in the country. Lake, I agree, I like seeing the new lakes on the roster and the improved AOY $. Hopefully we won't have to wait as long before they come back this time around.

Murph · Post by **Murph** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 12:59 pm

Maybe they are scheduling a circuit that those of us from the West can actually compete in. That would be a lot better than the Elite deal, IMHO.

basstamer · Post by **basstamer** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:21 pm

That is just a crying shame....they stand there and talk us all up and blow smoke up our koolo's and a month later *SMACK*....damn shame!
Scott

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:49 pm

THREE WORDS..........WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA !!!

M. Warner · Post by **M. Warner** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:55 pm

Heard a small rumor about them bringing the bassmaster opens out here, but i guess we will have to wait and see. The weekend series will be here for next season though, keep your eyes out, because i would fish the opens, every one of them, and if they dont, then i guess i am fishing the strens

green_monster · Post by **green_monster** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:58 pm

M. Warner Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 1:55 pm Post subject: Re: Expected

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Heard a small rumor about them bringing the bassmaster opens out here, but i guess we will have to wait and see. The weekend series will be here for next season though, keep your eyes out, because i would fish the opens, every one of them, and if they dont, then i guess i am fishing the strens

I hope that's true. It would be great to start seeing the opens and or weekend series on the west coast. Would that allow for the oppertunity for elite qualifiers?

lionkiller · Post by **lionkiller** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 2:32 pm

Haven't they been out here talking big a couple times before?...

ASk not what BASS can do for you, but what can you do for BS?

It was just like the circus coming to town. And we gave them the best fishing they've ever had. BUT.....

...It ain't about the best fishin'. & it's not about the best anglers, either...

It's a long drive & costs a lot of $$ to get all those rigs here...plus all the other stuff under the bigtop that BASS brings. I'm sure the discussions in the ESPN boardroom have more to do with cost effectiveness and shareholder (CEO) return than good fishin. They have their demographic reports, 'core' audience...places begging for them to go. AS with any corporation, the priority is greenbacks, not mossbacks.

Steve45 · Post by **Steve45** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:03 pm

It's hard to believe that these states have the money to put up on a Bassmasters Tourney, some of the states mentioned for tournaments are some of the poorest states in the union.

Guy Kelley · Post by **Guy Kelley** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:24 pm

Me personally I don't give a hoot for Bass, event though I am a member. I like there magazine. I will probably never fish there tournements. (money & time) My hats off to those who do

With all the hype of FLW & BASS how about a rotating circuit ?
FLW even years & Bass 0dd years. Would that be enough for you big tournament junkies out West.

bassenvy · Post by **bassenvy** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 5:57 pm

imo I think some of the anglers with the big sponsors will start coming over to fish the FLW if they haven't already (Larry Nixon,Shinichi,Woo Daves one of the huge BPS spokesmens) even if they aren't in the NG circuit it shows that there is greener pasture to follow. If the FLW keeps setting the bar on the westcoast for big sacks and big paychecks BASS will have to run a circuit through or from a business standpoint they will be just treading water. Would you rather see someone on tv with a 30lb sack or a 15? it's just a matter of time before pro's start jumping fences to live their real dream....the big fish! look at how huge Steve Kennedy is now.

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 8:44 pm

They are apples and oranges. FLW is here every year there is no reason for them to leave for a year to allow BASS in. FLW treats us all with respect, listens to what we have to say, and offers 2 great circuits. They are the class act of tournament bass fishing and we are glad to have them. We really do not nead BASS except for those wanting to chase the dream and qualify for the Tour. That alone will not fill BASS fields and that has been proven twice.

BASS was the polar opposite. They treated us like crap, hated the fact that the sponsors were making them come out West for the Opens, and offered an inferior product with a terrible payback. I don't think there are all that many who want BASS to come back again for the 3rd time. BASS will come out West every few years because we have awesome fisheries and it makes for some great TV, but since the cities out here will not frequently pony up the $50k (from last I heard) to have BASS visit them, I am doubtfull we will see the tour on a regular basis. Also remember that the Tour events can only be fished by those that qualify and only those from the East or those from the West willing to travel back East for the qualifying circuits even have a chance.

Not having a tour event out West is more their loss then ours.

Hipster · Post by **Hipster** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 7:34 am

Dewaye Gets It!!!!

Amen to the subject!

Dewayne wrote:

"Also remember that the Tour events can only be fished by those that qualify and only those from the East or those from the West willing to travel back East for the qualifying circuits even have a chance.

Not having a tour event out West is more their loss then ours."

Hipster · Post by **Hipster** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 7:34 am

Dewaye Gets It!!!!

Amen to the subject!

Dewayne wrote:

"Also remember that the Tour events can only be fished by those that qualify and only those from the East or those from the West willing to travel back East for the qualifying circuits even have a chance.

Not having a tour event out West is more their loss then ours."

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:21 am

I dont think you guys are looking at this the right way. BASS has tried in the past to come out west, and we didnt support them. I now live out here on the east coast (Florida). If you think for a second that FLW doesnt charge for a venue your wrong. They both charge the same destination fee's and bring the same in revanue. This whole BASS vs FLW is getting old, and I understand BASS doesnt support us on the west coast. But you have to look at this by a different standpoint. B.A.S.S provides a FULL TIME angler 10Xs more opportunities for a living. 95% of the FLW pros dont make 1/3 of the ELITES. You cannot wear your own tourney shirt, they will not let you advertise any of your sponsors their not making money on. There is only 4 or 5 FLW pros that run FLW wrapped boats that make more than a manager at Mickey d's. 85% of the berkley, pedigree and so on get 2-5K off entries and the use of the boat for a year. Thats it, so much for thinking they make thousands. Their not even allowed to speak about their deals to their own sponsor or FLW will yank'em. If you want to climb the FLW ladder I hope you can live off 60K (if you make top feild every tourney) but you WILL NOT get any good non-endemic 100K salaries by multiple sponsors. Why would they pay you big money to wear and drive a boat FLW is making the money on. 1 Million or so buys a title sponsor on that tour and thay let you borrow a boat and give you a couple grand OFF your entry "come on". Oh and you better not have a 2 year old boat, because you wont make a full check. YES its harder to make ELITES but its worth 100x's more than FLW. As far a guys going over to FLW, they're drop outs that cant hang with the best. Go ahead look last year at the guys that fished both tours, what do they fish now. You can be ignorant about this all you want but the truth is plain as day. Watch next year to see how many FLW guys convert, there's a ton of them in the opens trying to qualify. I personally know 2 trying to get out of FLW and FISH for a LIVING not someone elses. I guess i sound like im a huge fan of BASS but in reality I just think FLW is using alot of fishermans names for their own profit. BASS has things they definatly need to change, but your ignorant or blind if you dont see what FLW is doing. Out here on the east coast BASS ELITES is the ultimate goal, FLW is just another tourey you fish when your on em.
And how many of you are trying to qualify for FLW trough strens. Just send them MONEY for all events and youll get squeezed in. As far as pay outs go there are half the amount of anglers and the payout is basically the same. 55K entry wow if you had 11 flw's it would be more to. What does 2nd-50th get on angler of the year points with FLW (NOTHIN) does first. I think I've made my point to those who want to listen and to you saying no way youll find out the hard way.

Justin

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:21 am

I dont think you guys are looking at this the right way. BASS has tried in the past to come out west, and we didnt support them. I now live out here on the east coast (Florida). If you think for a second that FLW doesnt charge for a venue your wrong. They both charge the same destination fee's and bring the same in revanue. This whole BASS vs FLW is getting old, and I understand BASS doesnt support us on the west coast. But you have to look at this by a different standpoint. B.A.S.S provides a FULL TIME angler 10Xs more opportunities for a living. 95% of the FLW pros dont make 1/3 of the ELITES. You cannot wear your own tourney shirt, they will not let you advertise any of your sponsors their not making money on. There is only 4 or 5 FLW pros that run FLW wrapped boats that make more than a manager at Mickey d's. 85% of the berkley, pedigree and so on get 2-5K off entries and the use of the boat for a year. Thats it, so much for thinking they make thousands. Their not even allowed to speak about their deals to their own sponsor or FLW will yank'em. If you want to climb the FLW ladder I hope you can live off 60K (if you make top feild every tourney) but you WILL NOT get any good non-endemic 100K salaries by multiple sponsors. Why would they pay you big money to wear and drive a boat FLW is making the money on. 1 Million or so buys a title sponsor on that tour and thay let you borrow a boat and give you a couple grand OFF your entry "come on". Oh and you better not have a 2 year old boat, because you wont make a full check. YES its harder to make ELITES but its worth 100x's more than FLW. As far a guys going over to FLW, they're drop outs that cant hang with the best. Go ahead look last year at the guys that fished both tours, what do they fish now. You can be ignorant about this all you want but the truth is plain as day. Watch next year to see how many FLW guys convert, there's a ton of them in the opens trying to qualify. I personally know 2 trying to get out of FLW and FISH for a LIVING not someone elses. I guess i sound like im a huge fan of BASS but in reality I just think FLW is using alot of fishermans names for their own profit. BASS has things they definatly need to change, but your ignorant or blind if you dont see what FLW is doing. Out here on the east coast BASS ELITES is the ultimate goal, FLW is just another tourey you fish when your on em.
And how many of you are trying to qualify for FLW trough strens. Just send them MONEY for all events and youll get squeezed in. As far as pay outs go there are half the amount of anglers and the payout is basically the same. 55K entry wow if you had 11 flw's it would be more to. What does 2nd-50th get on angler of the year points with FLW (NOTHIN) does first. I think I've made my point to those who want to listen and to you saying no way youll find out the hard way.

Justin

NaCl · Post by **NaCl** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:22 am

B.A.S.S. is no longer the national icon in our sport. ESPN has diminished them to the role of 2nd best bass fishing circuit in the country behind FLW. When you consider payback, qualifying opportunities, FLW wins big. The only thing B.A.S.S. does better is their TV exposure. But, it is ridiculous for B.A.S.S. to claim to be the premier circuit when they only serve a limited part of the country.

In my opinion, there are a bunch of management "shirts and skirts" at ESPN and B.A.S.S. who are lining their pockets with NO regard for the future of bass fishing or for the future of the B.A.S.S. organization. It smells a lot like those corporate raiders of the late 80's who bought up companies and then drained them of their assets before dumping the remnants. At the time ESPN bought B.A.S.S, they had lost the NASCAR television contract. They needed a way to attract the NASCAR demographic and they thought there was a lot of crossover between the bass fishing community and the NASCAR enthusiasts. (Typical liberal media view of the world...stock car racing and fishing must attract lots of rednecks). Now, they have NASCAR back (actually, they only got part of the NASCAR contract) and they don't need fishing anymore. I expect them to only select venues where they can milk as much money as possible out of the local communities and, if profits are not good, they'll dump bass fishing in a heart beat. There is obviously no money being "wasted" on expanding the sport. They're more interested in creating a small number of big-name celebrities that that can make money off...shades of WWF.

I am a capitalist. I believe profits drive growth. But, in the past decade, the world of big business surrendered its historical position as leaders of growth for a new position of "we don't care about next year, how much can we take out of the business today?" Many CEO's do not invest capital on projects that will build markets in five or ten years. They only focus on making this year's ledgers look good so they can justify the million dollar bonus that they asked from the Board. This mentality seems obvious with B.A.S.S./ESPN management. They aren't interested in building the west...it's not IMMEDIATELY profitable...and it doesn't matter if they become a laughing stock within the bass fishing community as they still claim to be the "leaders" of tournament bass fishing. The once venerable B.A.S.S. is being raped by the management. Sorry B.A.S.S., your Elite Circuit is nothing more than the most expensive REGIONAL circuit in the USA. So, I only have one question. Why does ANYONE in the west maintain a B.A.S.S. membership or affiliation?

Just my $.02

.....NaCl

Jerkbait0071 · Post by **Jerkbait0071** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:24 am

Thats to bad, I really was looking forward to doing the whole co- angler thing....

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:26 am

make sure to drink Irwins wine when the comet comes by too.

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:31 am

Take it from someone who HAS qualified to fish the Elite Series and BASS Top 150, there are just as many BROKE BASS guys as there are FLW guys.

It amazes me that guys can write about things based on opinions and not facts. I traveled back East in 98-2000 with a well known Western pro and belive me we were not living the high life and most weren't.

Ask Jimmy Reese, Robert Lee or Mike Reynolds why they elected not to return to the BASS national tour. There are about 10 percent of the BASS guys actually making the type of money that it would require to live CA. All the others are scraping and scratching to make a living just like the rest of us. The only difference is that some of us get to sleep in our own beds once in a while.

I've been back there and seen the things that they don't show on the TV shows.

Thank you FLW.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:37 am

If most of them are going broke how come only 1 or 2 drop out a year. I think people that make it are sometimes not ready for the ride and dont know the caliber of angler their up against. Sponsorships have changed in 7 years and a large majority on the tour are making plenty not just a few. Over half have their year paid for before fishing 1 event. Sorry, I just dont agree.

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:50 am

If you talk to most of the touring pros you would find that 60-70 percent (if not more) of them are floating cradit cards hoping to hit the big one. I am talking from facts having been out on the tour for two years traveling from tournament to tournament.

You can believe what you want.

Most of these fishing companies aren't as big as people think. Don't let a wrap boat or tournament shirt fool you. Many of those guys are in over their heads in credit card debt or thirds or fourths on their mortgages. This is a fact.

Maybe you need to go read the article that was written about what BASS pros really make.

You can't name 30 of the BASS Elite Series guys that are making 6 figures before they make a cast because there aren't 30. Heck it takes $80,000 just to fish the 11 tournaments. You do the math.

Yeah the top guys are making some decent money, but the drop off after them is just amazing.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:54 am

How many GOLF PRO's, BASEBALL PRO'S and any other high profile athletes spend the night in there own bed all the time. BASS is making this a PROFESSIONAL SPORT with MORE opportunities. If an angler cannot properly promote himself to make a living thats to bad for him. Somebody will replace you if you cannot hang its in all professions.

Justin

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:59 am

Sorry Justin, but you can't compare a baseball player or golfer to a pro angler. The league min for baseball is $250,000 and the lowest golfer last year made around the same. Hell I played college baseball and was drafted to single A and Rookie ball.

I am not one to stand in the way of a dream, heck I fish for a living also and I know what the average angler is really making. You are correct in that the salaries have risen over the last 3-5 years, but so has the number of anglers fighting for those resources.

What would I know, I really do this man

FLW has presented some of us an opportunity to earn a decent living without traveling 30-50 hours to every tournament. To me and my family, that's the best opportunity that has been afforded us Western anglers ever.

BASS just doesn't have a comparable product.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:01 am

SO if BASS guys are going broke with all their Opportunities. Then FLW guys that cannot promote anything are even worse off, correct. I currently fish the Southern opens, you dont so how can you tell me what its like monetarly to these guys out here. People out here take this so seriously its freaky. There are loads of cities out here paying the way for their touring residents to promote their city and lake.

Have you drivin east lately

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:04 am

Is it stupid to think fishing could be a SPORT where you can make a load of money doing what you love. Its people that wont compare us to higher sports thats going to keep us back.

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:09 am

Yes, It just so happens that my wife is from Orlando, Fl and I have in-laws in Atlanta. Every year I have qualified to fish a national championship back East.

I am not talking from opinion my friend. It is a lot easier for someone back East to make a living on $40-60,000 in an environment where houses cost a lot less than out West.

One of the reasons that BASS hasn't been successful out West is because our cost of living requires us to make much more money than our Eastern and Southern counterparts.

Hell, I am living the dream, but I also have a real understanding of how many anglers are making the type of money that I make in my 9-5 job and there aren't very many my friend.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:18 am

you are completly correct on the demographics I agree with you a hundred percent. But to say all these anglers are living off credit cards is off. Granted some probably are, but a large majority are not, and their turning a good profit.

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:33 am

Give me a list of 30 BASS anglers that made $100,000 or more last year before they made a cast.

You can't do it.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:51 am

IF Not over 100K close to IT.

Denny Brauer, Preston Clark, Rick Clunn, Ken Cook, Jarret edwards, John Crews, Steve Daniels, Guy Eaker, Paul Elias, Edwin Evers, Shaw Grigsby, Greg Hackney, Davy Hite, Tim Horton, Randy Howell, Mike Iaconelli, Gary klein, Jeff Kreit, Chris lane, Aaron Martens, Jimmy Mize, Probably ISH, Jim Murry, Tak Omori, Jason Quinn, Skeet Reese, Dean Rojas, Terry scroggins, Ray sedgwick, Marty stone, Gerald swindle, Peter T, KEVIN VANDAM

But you probably know all of them and they make 10-15K right. Now list me 30 that make more than 30K before a cast in the FLW not Tournament disc or demo (Memo)values.

PHENSON · Post by **PHENSON** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 2:03 pm

I am also a west coast angler who has been living in Florida for almost two years. I fish the southern opens and have cashed good checks but still just pays for itself. I am in the running to make the Elites and not sure if I will fish them if I make it. Especially with the announcement of no west coast stops. I am moving back to Folsom soon so I don't know if I could afford the expenses. The sport just needs more money in it. You guys compare some of us pros to other pro sports, its just not at that level yet. Come on you get dead last in a PGA event and still get paid, you can be a bench warmer in the other sports and still clear six figures, all I have left to say is when I came here to pursue a dream I got a rude awakening. I am in the top 10 in points and have made the cut in every event and still haven't made money nor do sponsors even consider me. I am not going to give up the sport will hit big time and I hope we can benefit from it. Thanks

mac (Doyle McEwen) · Post by **mac (Doyle McEwen)** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 3:16 pm

Right now the big difference between BASS nad FLW is FLW does have circuit representation on the west coast and BASS does not..We all fully realize for the most part, the corporate and smaller business sponsorships just aren't on the west coast at the time being..We also know the average cost of living is less for the most part on the east coast and the south..There are also in reality a lot more waters to fish there than here..Not that they are really any better, just a lot more of them..The typical driving distance from one to the next one isn't what you run into out here going from the Colorado River, to the Delta/Clearlake and then on to the Columbia River..Both areas have excellent fisheries, although I might tend to think ours are better..Of course those in the east and the south make money or at least try to with BASS..They are there each and every year..Not every other or every third..All of those you named as being in the upper income levels only two still live on the west coast..Some of the others may have come from here, but they do not live here now, if they did, they would not be as ahead as they are financially..

mac

MIKE TREMONT · Post by **MIKE TREMONT** » Wed Jun 13, 2007 3:30 pm

Great reading. A few facts which seem to be a rarity around here, nice...

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