Rick Clunn's Bombshell Statement

Caudawg · Post by **Caudawg** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 3:38 am

From Kramer's Blog:
â€œIf youâ€™re a competitive fisherman and if you havenâ€™t fished the U.S. Open,â€

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 4:15 am

Now there's a man with his priorities straight.

profisha1 · Post by **profisha1** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 7:49 am

I dont know why but this has raised a hair on my neck, Neither me or my brother have ever competed in this tournament. YES, I think about it, but I am a guy that looks at the risk vs reward. The money is heavily weighted towards the winner, it has only been drawing around 100 boats, which is only average for all the top tournaments on the West Coast. I think Rick Clunn is off his rocker, I agree that it is one of the highest regarded tournaments in the West, but things have changed guys. Yes, when it was the largest payout it said something, now it is just another tournament, with total payout smaller then other major tournamets offered on the west. I dont see Skeet, VanDam, IKE,or any other other top rank pro coming out to fish it. There is no Television coverage, lack of extreme exposure. The main press is in Western outdoor news, which is more of a newspaper that reports very little on the actual tournament bass fishing. And is a west coast orientated publication.
I dont not want to discredit any of the current or past winners, Yes this is a big Title to hold and it is extremly fierce competition every year, But I think that to say " your not a competive bass fisherman unless you have fished the US open" is absurd.

Yes, someday I would like to fish it, but come on.....

Feel free to lay it on me, Its just my .02 and I felt I had to voice it.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 8:08 am

It IS the most prestigious event we have out West.

Bill Cook · Post by **Bill Cook** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 8:26 am

On the stage Clunn said" It is the most fair tournament there is. Anybody can win." He thinks that there is no huge advantage to anyone.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 8:40 am

I was one of the people that had the opinion the event should be moved. But after fishing this year it needs to always be at Mead. Lots of other factors are in play besides just the fish and that is what makes it a special tournament. Thnks Hutch and Won staff for a well ran derby. Rick G.

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 9:07 am

So can someone help me here. What other win can make a name for you out here besides the FLW Cup Or Classic?

Seems to me the OPEN is VERY important.

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 9:08 am

Move it around and that tournament draws double the competitors even when it's at Lake Mead. And I'm not thinking Clear Lake.

If this tournament, which bears the nations name, was moved from region to region, from one side of the country to other on a rotation basis, by the time it got back to Lake Mead, which I imagine would be at least every third or fourth year, the tournament would have doubled because interest would be far, far greater.

I won't argue that it's the most prestigious event with a legacy in the West. But it's draw reflects a passionate group of Socal and Desert based anglers with a few from the North and a shorter list of national anglers.

Quarter up the map of the US and move this around and I guarantee you when it comes back to Mead there are double the boats and a AAA waiting list a mile long.

Right now, despite it's name, it's not an event that gets the rest of the country's bass fishermen's attention.

BTW, to say what Rick Clunn said seems intentionally provocative. Maybe kind of a challenge to others back where the Tours play. He's a wise old owl, no doubt.

sTony

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 9:16 am

I think if you move it you are taking the biggest part of it away. The fact that like Augusta, anyone can win. That is the draw. It proved the for one year you could win the toughest event against the biggest names complete with their package of skills. No Sandbagging here. I know a guy that for 4 straight days was on 12-14pounds, honestly we should have weighed a smallie for lake record as it was easy over 4. Unless there is a lake record already.

you can't be one dimensional here, one day you powerfish the next you are finessing it. If you can hack on the Open you can hack it anywhere.
If it was so easy locals would win it all the time.

eparra · Post by **eparra** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 9:16 am

Not only the most prestigious but the most grueling.

profisha1 · Post by **profisha1** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 9:51 am

I agree it is a prestigous tournament, it has been around for a long time. But it really has not changed, over the years. It does not help build your name, there is little national press, if you won it on a specific bait, I dont see a mass of indusrty sales spurred by this win. In all honestly all the newer gerneration pros on the national circuits dont even know what the US open is. It is a great tournament to have under your belt, Yes it is a fair tournament at Lake Mead, I think the difficulty of the fishery especailly this time of the year, can make it anybodys game. It sounds like the fish change often and the most versitile angler wins. I do not know a ton about Mead but In tournament fishing part of consistently doing well is versatility and it does shine in this tournament. Water fluctuations and patterns change alot year to year and the locals do not always rise to the top. It seems to be an even disbursement of regions (area codes) througout the top ten, most years.

What makes this such a prestigous tournament??? Just courious??
I want to hear your thoughts!

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:00 am

j10b wrote:I think if you move it you are taking the biggest part of it away. The fact that like Augusta, anyone can win. That is the draw. It proved the for one year you could win the toughest event against the biggest names complete with their package of skills. No Sandbagging here. I know a guy that for 4 straight days was on 12-14pounds, honestly we should have weighed a smallie for lake record as it was easy over 4. Unless there is a lake record already.

you can't be one dimensional here, one day you powerfish the next you are finessing it. If you can hack on the Open you can hack it anywhere.
If it was so easy locals would win it all the time.

It's be done on the same pond the same way for more then a couple decades and you've got little to no attention with the average bass angler from Texas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, New York, Alabama and so on. It barely registers on the meters up here in NorCal as far as interest from either competing anglers or fishing fans of the sport. Not to say it isn't a spectacular event for those that fish it, it obviously is, but that doesn't resonate beyond the anglers that fish it all that much.

I'm not and I don't think anyone else is saying Lake Mead isn't a tough test. What I'm saying is that having it every year at Las Vegas and Lake Mead is going to get you what you get. The attendance history is there already so you can't argue that.

This field could be 200-300 boats every year, and at Mead, if it was moved around. You mention the Masters in golf. Their US Open moves around. Many competitions are run to qualify for that event. The fishing equivalent could very well be the same thing and huge moneymaker for those that own it. If they were to run this event in multiple regions and perhaps some qualifiers in those regions, it could be it's own cottage industry within and industry.

Hey, that's just the way my brain works. Not trying to rattle any cages or insult anyone. Just throwing it out there for the fun and debate.

sTony

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:00 am

profisha1 wrote:I agree it is a prestigous tournament, it has been around for a long time. But it really has not changed, over the years. It does not help build your name, there is little national press, if you won it on a specific bait, I dont see a mass of indusrty sales spurred by this win. In all honestly all the newer gerneration pros on the national circuits dont even know what the US open is. It is a great tournament to have under your belt, Yes it is a fair tournament at Lake Mead, I think the difficulty of the fishery especailly this time of the year, can make it anybodys game. It sounds like the fish change often and the most versitile angler wins. I do not know a ton about Mead but In tournament fishing part of consistently doing well is versatility and it does shine in this tournament. Water fluctuations and patterns change alot year to year and the locals do not always rise to the top. It seems to be an even disbursement of regions (area codes) througout the top ten, most years.

What makes this such a prestigous tournament??? Just courious??
I want to hear your thoughts!

Coverage helps makes it prestigious. I love bassfan, but you have more BFL coverage on BASSFAN than you do for the US OPEN. That is 90% of the problem.
Gotta pump it up more. Interview the top names fishing it a few weeks prior. Interview the AAA's that win... thats s great way to get more people excited, Im not saying that because I won in 08.

But you need to get the fishing world's eye glued to the coverage. Have an internet radio there. I don't know you need to give the anglers a reason to get there. Exposure helps a lot. Then the Fans will be there too. Not ONE sign was anywhere in Vegas.
I know that if BASS shows up there are signs MONTHS in advance " home of the 2009 Elite SERIES XXXX"

Pump it up thats how you do it.

profisha1 · Post by **profisha1** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:21 am

I agree, That was my point I was trying to get across. There isnt national coverage, Yes Bassfan has a blurb on there, but it is minimal. I am not trying bash anyone, I would love to fish this, and if somebody, can show me why it is sooo "Prestige" I would probably go and fish it.
Other circuits have TV coverage, magazine coverage and internet. I really liked the blog that WON had on the Open this year. It did make it exciting and I felt fairly upto date. But with the competition out there today, it does need to improve the communication to the fishing world. If we are going to consider this The best the west has to offer, then it really should be. All the top name pros from the west should fish and it should be covered thoughly. The pros that fish this are the same pros that fish FLW and other pro/am circuits, so the competion is the same, 3 pros have come back to fish from the east, adding some famous names to it, But lets say that Rick Clunn and Roumbanis, didnt make the trek. It would then be the exact same guys that fish the other tournaments.

There are only so many fisherman in the West Coast and those fisherman only have so many pro/am options, but it doesnt matter what level circuit, your still competing against the same top anglers. WON, Strens, Series, Anglers choice, go look at the results, you will see most of the same guys.

Won bass runs a great circuit and has for many years. With the size of its competiton now, it is tough to hold the most "prestigous" tournament when they might not have the financing and equiptment to effectively do it (online upto the minute weigh-in, national press, ect.)

By getting everyone to know what is going on is how to build it up, maybe post video blogs of some of the pros/ ams in practice, maybe video interviews with some of the favorites, possible inveiws with the leaders. If the Future Pro can have a tv show, I would think WON bass could work somthing out. It might be an outragous cost, but I think daily updates just like they did, advertise it before hand to keep it in peoples minds. I honestly forget all about the tournament until, it is the week of the start. I would run some adds to get the knowlege out there and the participation might go up as well.

If people are going to call it the biggest tournament in the west! I think it has to become that!!

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:45 am

Most folks don't realize it but by all means of measuring, BassFan.Com gets less unique traffic then this website. In fact we get more users to this site then several other the 'national' bass fishing websites.

sTony

mclouse · Post by **mclouse** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 11:11 am

I had more sponsors before I won the us open in 1998 just fishing team stuff and no one knew me.It has been like 7 years since I have fished an open and will probably be another 7 before I fish another.The open title does nothing for you from my experience,that's just my opinion.For me to fish it this year was a stretch even though I live here,and it was all about winning it for the top spot money and had nothing to do with the prestige and title of winning it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:12 pm

And if you moved the tournament around country there would be more of a possibilty you'd gain major sponsorship and tv coverage gaining sponorship would help tremendously on boat counts and the prize money would be greater for both the pro side and aaa side of the format.

Caudawg · Post by **Caudawg** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:26 pm

I would love to see the 2010 US Open be scheduled immediately following the ICAST show in July. Last time WON did this, we had a lot more of the National touring pro's stay over and compete after the Icast show. These guys that stayed over to compete can rest at ease and know they have a check mark next to the US Open on their bucket list.

Others...well, they will just always wonder why their careers are seen by the masses as incomplete.

(OK, I've gone totally overboard here...but it makes for good debate and I do feel that you New Generation Pro's should strongly consider testing your fishing abilities and endurance and compete in this event as grueling as it is).

Heck, I remember fishing in the Open years back in 116 degree weather, having a treble hook buried in the back of my leg early in the day... and walking up the Callville Bay ramp to weigh in a good sack of bass...bleeding like a stuck pig. That was nutty!

russbassdozer · Post by **russbassdozer** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 12:35 pm

I think you guys amy be missing Rick Clunn's point.

I think he's saying what makes this the greatest competition in the US today is exactly because it DOESN'T have all the commercial things that anglers are constantly bombarded with at other events.

The Open's just fishin'.

Whatever happened to that?

- Russ

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:44 pm

russbassdozer wrote:I think you guys amy be missing Rick Clunn's point.

I think he's saying what makes this the greatest competition in the US today is exactly because it DOESN'T have all the commercial things that anglers are constantly bombarded with at other events.

The Open's just fishin'.

Whatever happened to that?

- Russ

Sounds a lot like every tournament I see out here save maybe FLW's events. If that's the point I'm not sure how we're supposed to get it based on the quotes given.

sTony

Kenneth Haring · Post by **Kenneth Haring** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:49 pm

COMEON; Feel the heat. If you have not fished the event, then you should not have an opinion. Not only were the FISH few and far between, but the heat was sweltering. If you got five fish a day you were a champ! Fish- It or Shut- It.

Murph · Post by **Murph** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 2:01 pm

There is No U.S. Open, unless it's at Lake Mead. I think it will grow again. During the Practice, I swore 50 times, that I would never do it again, but guess what?

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 2:21 pm

Murph wrote:There is No U.S. Open, unless it's at Lake Mead.

If you hear a pro angler from outside 'the group that already fishes it' say that, pass it on here.

It's obvious that what WON BASS does down at Mead is a pretty marvelous thing. The guys that fish it are passionate about it and it having to be there. That's a awful good thing to have.

sTony

N.A.R · Post by **N.A.R** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 2:45 pm

Kenneth Haring wrote:COMEON; Feel the heat. If you have not fished the event, then you should not have an opinion. Not only were the FISH few and far between, but the heat was sweltering. If you got five fish a day you were a champ! Fish- It or Shut- It.

AMEN if that isn't the truth!

Marcus if your not fishing this event for the next seven years? That would be an absolute shame! The amount of fish that we caught together in one day was more than I caught in the whole week.

finebassfisher · Post by **finebassfisher** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 2:12 pm

rick clunn is a buddhist ahahahahaaa

Tha_Kicker_Fish! · Post by **Tha_Kicker_Fish!** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 4:56 pm

N.A.R wrote:
Kenneth Haring wrote:COMEON; Feel the heat. If you have not fished the event, then you should not have an opinion. Not only were the FISH few and far between, but the heat was sweltering. If you got five fish a day you were a champ! Fish- It or Shut- It.
AMEN if that isn't the truth!

Marcus if your not fishing this event for the next seven years? That would be an absolute shame! The amount of fish that we caught together in one day was more than I caught in the whole week.

Congrats... Tony on Third place on the AAA side way to Go...Rob

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 6:37 pm

all the guys from the east I was with said they were coming back. I have a feeling a lot more elites will be there too.

Day 3 will forever live in my head as the day that was. Had a chance at a BIG bag and we couldnt execute.

I heard they have only paid the AAA's in monopoly money... those winnings don't count to anything

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 8:01 pm

I'll tell you guys something I said years ago and weeks before this last event. I wanted to win the US Open.........BAD. BUT, I wanted to win it on Mead. It is special there. It's hot as hel*, the dang fish change and screw with your head daily, it's very large and that adds another factor, it's a marathon. If they moved it to Clear Lake, which is what many guys "say" they want, I believe the turn out would be a little better. I live an hour and ten minutes from Clear Lake. Clear Lake is a fraction the size of Mead and has 10 times (maybe 1000 times) as many fish, but winning the Open on Mead was "special". Have you fished it? Then you don't know. Many anglers have used an Open win to secure sponsorships or additional sponsorships. Sponsorships don't fall from the sky, you have to work for them. On the face of it Clunn's statement seem's strange, but if you've fished a few Open's and dealt with the heat, changing patterns, and frustration of Mead, I can see what he was trying to say. It's the ultimate tournament location. Also, as far as FLW's press, you had better have the right sponsors AND be a good kisser or you won't see much press there.

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Sat Sep 05, 2009 8:12 pm

Gary Dobyns wrote:I'll tell you guys something I said years ago and weeks before this last event. I wanted to win the US Open.........BAD. BUT, I wanted to win it on Mead. It is special there. It's hot as hel*, the dang fish change and screw with your head daily, it's very large and that adds another factor, it's a marathon. If they moved it to Clear Lake, which is what many guys "say" they want, I believe the turn out would be a little better. I live an hour and ten minutes from Clear Lake. Clear Lake is a fraction the size of Mead and has 10 times (maybe 1000 times) as many fish, but winning the Open on Mead was "special". Have you fished it? Then you don't know. Many anglers have used an Open win to secure sponsorships or additional sponsorships. Sponsorships don't fall from the sky, you have to work for them. On the face of it Clunn's statement seem's strange, but if you've fished a few Open's and dealt with the heat, changing patterns, and frustration of Mead, I can see what he was trying to say. It's the ultimate tournament location. Also, as far as FLW's press, you had better have the right sponsors AND be a good kisser or you won't see much press there.

+1 although the press for the open did get a little better this year

Seemed more positive to me

kb · Post by kb » Sat Sep 05, 2009 10:56 pm

My first thought when I read that was that Rick Clunn has earned the right to make any statement he wants. He is a past Open champion, four time Bassmasters Classic champion, Angler of the Year, 28 consecutive Classic births, has won a BASS event in the past four decades, voted the Best Bass Angler of all time.

If he says that unless you fish the Open you aren't a competitive bass angler that is fine. The fact that it is highlighted on George's webpage blog and a "bombshell statement" is also George's opinion and his way to light a fire under all but the 5 northern california pro's that participated. Then I checked the archives of the US OPen that I could find and had to wonder.....has KVD ever fished the open? maybe he has but didn't find him.

The question of would another venue draw bigger will always be just that a question unless WON makes the decision to make a move with the US Open.

100 anglers did not weigh in a limit each day, 12 did and remember this is a shared weight format 5 fish for 2 guys. The payback other than the winner is not that special. The title and first place payback is. Will it bring a guy like Dobyns a long list of new sponsors? probably not one, will Ranger run that new ad featuring the 2009 US Open Champion sitting behind the wheel of his Z520 holding a Dobyns rod and the trophy all surrounded by a backdrop of 40 for sale signs and headline reads "He has won 40 boats but he fishes out of one......Ranger.......Congrats to Ranger Pro Staffer Gary Dobyns on his US Open Title from all of us in the Ranger Family" hhmmmmm that would be nice wouldn't it some major recognition for a western title but don't look for it any time soon. Check out the Ranger webpage and not even a mention of it. Was it because WON Bass is no longer sponsored by them, just an overlooked accomplishment of one of their longest standing team member? He has won 40 boats can't run an ad every time Dobyns wins. It isn't just Ranger there isn't anything on the Evinrude page either. Log onto the Dobyns rods page and right there is a picture and the news....pretty smart on Gary's part don't ya think?

So it seems to me that maybe the only one that sees the US Open as that important is Rick Clunn himself. The webpage blog that broke this news hasn't posted anything other than what former champion finished fifth behind Dobyns. Looking closer you can't help but notice that the major sponsor behind WON Bass, Nitro Boats just happens to be Rick Clunn's longtime boat sponsor, In the heyday of the OPen in the 80's when Western Bass ran the U.S. Open and Clunn was a regular competitor they both were sponsored by Skeeter. Clunn also spent some time greeting anglers at Bass Pro Shops in Las Vegas during Open week, another of the WON Bass sponsors. All of this coming on the heels of Clunn's worst BASS Elite series of his career. I know Rick Clunn and have for many years, he is a nice man, class angler both on and off the water and I am sure his statement was never said with malice or meant to rub any bass angler no matter what level they fish at the wrong way. Makes me say hhhmmmmmm!!!!

As I said earlier Rick Clunn has earned the right to say whatever the hell he wants and like E.F. Hutton when he speaks people listen. Would you all have listened or paid any attention or would it have been the biggest post event story on George's webpage if Byron Velvick, Justin Kerr, Aaron Martens, Rich Tauber, Kevin Wiggins, Larry Hopper, Pat Donoho or even Mike Folkstad would have said it.........nope probably not and each of them are past champions. If Dobyns says it two days after the event he gets ripped because he is blowing his own horn after winning.

This takes nothing away from an awesome wire to wire victory for a guy that has proven his dominence on the West Coast for many years, a guy that is very valuable to his sponsors and this win will increase his value and at a time when many are just trying to keep sponsors. Now if Ranger comes out with that ad I want a commission...yea right!!!!

"Ultimate Bass Radio Host Kent Brown said that if you say you cover bass fishing and you haven't interviewed and posted the article on the US Open Winner then you aren't covering bass fishing"......it just doesn't have the same effect does it?

WON Bass should be proud of the 2009 US Open Champion because nobody will carry that title better than Gary D will.

kb

Bayou Boy · Post by **Bayou Boy** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 6:59 am

It's been many years since I lived in California and even longer since I got "Sun Posioning" while fishing the U.S. Open but someday maybe I'll get to travel back and take another crack at winning it. My vote would be to keep the U.S. Open at Lake Mead, sight of the first BassMaster Classic, and a National Landmark in and of itself.

If you want to win a "Green Jacket" you have to go to "The Masters" in Augusta, Georiga and if you want to win the U.S. Open you have to go to Lake Mead.

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 6:59 am

Look I agree with your comments to a point KB. FLW cares about selling boats they parted ways with WON for a reason. They are not going to help anyone else out that is how FLW rolls.

Bassfan sucks for not giving it More Coverage. Heck they have BFL stuff and a host of other pointless stuff on the site. WON is fighting an uphill battle again a trail that has been out to destroy it for years.

THATS why WON isnt going to get coverage on the Ranger site. They will risk stabbing their pro staffer in order to stick it to WON.

kb · Post by kb » Sun Sep 06, 2009 7:53 am

Yea and if they are only concerned about selling boats then someone should probably look at the boat count at that event. I am sure Ranger won, their biggest dealer in the West had his truck there and fished the event (and did pretty good too). I think you have mistaken FLW and Ranger. FLW was never a WON Bass Sponsor, Ranger was. I wasnt saying that FLW should recognize the event I was saying Ranger should with an ad featuring Gary.

I don't think Gary is waiting by the mailbox for that Ranger Cup check to show up. He knows the deal and where the support is focused but if you are selling boats you may recognize all the arena's they are being used in. If Lake Mead is an endurance test of anglers isn't also a test of their equipment.

Sorry for getting off subject guys just wanted answer j10's post.

Team Fugowee · Post by **Team Fugowee** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:49 am

US Open=Man against fish, not shirt against fish.

profisha1 · Post by **profisha1** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:53 am

KB,

Nice post, I agree with your statements and you brought up points that I have not thought of yet. The line-up of sponsors I do find interesting, Im not sure if you will see a lot of the touring pros, but possibly more of the Nitro team??

Gary deserved the win more then anybody in the West. Every year I sit on the sidelines and watch the results and after numerous close calls, this one was finally his. Congrates Gary, BDO, Sasquach, Gorrilla, ect!!! I am happy for you!!

Yes Rick Clunn can say what ever he wants, and It will spark waves. I wasnt trying to push FLW in any way!! Bassmasters also has online weigh in, TV and magazine, As I said before, even the Future Pro tour has a TV show. So I wasnt trying to push one VS the other, just giving suggestions, Because if we want to call it "The most prestigous tournament in the WEST" I'd really like to see it become that once again!!!

With more press and it will draw larger fields as well as more sponsors, to get it back to the tournament it once was. Everyone can tell me to to shut up because I have not fished an Open, But I have fished every tournament circuit presented on the west coast over the past ten years, and am just pointing out what might help get my *** down to the Desert.

I have fished two major tournaments down there, both were enjoyable and challenging. With the history of this open, I agree it should stay at Mead. I just need to grab my Ba11$ and head down.

Its funny how one comment from a highly regarded angler, can create such a stir. But then again, Im sure that was his point.

DO You Mandango?? LOL

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:34 am

kb wrote:Yea and if they are only concerned about selling boats then someone should probably look at the boat count at that event. I am sure Ranger won, their biggest dealer in the West had his truck there and fished the event (and did pretty good too). I think you have mistaken FLW and Ranger. FLW was never a WON Bass Sponsor, Ranger was. I wasnt saying that FLW should recognize the event I was saying Ranger should with an ad featuring Gary.

I don't think Gary is waiting by the mailbox for that Ranger Cup check to show up. He knows the deal and where the support is focused but if you are selling boats you may recognize all the arena's they are being used in. If Lake Mead is an endurance test of anglers isn't also a test of their equipment.

Sorry for getting off subject guys just wanted answer j10's post.

I have to reply to this. Do you think RANGER left WON for some other reason? WON and RANGER were together until FLW started turning the screws and you are seriously uninformed if you think subsidiaries do not talk to each other. Especially if on is supporting a company that takes money from the other.

kb · Post by kb » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:39 am

been called lot's of things but seriously uninformed hasn't been one of them.....I have a pretty good handle on how things work.

kb

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 2:28 pm

j10b wrote:
kb wrote:Yea and if they are only concerned about selling boats then someone should probably look at the boat count at that event. I am sure Ranger won, their biggest dealer in the West had his truck there and fished the event (and did pretty good too). I think you have mistaken FLW and Ranger. FLW was never a WON Bass Sponsor, Ranger was. I wasnt saying that FLW should recognize the event I was saying Ranger should with an ad featuring Gary.

I don't think Gary is waiting by the mailbox for that Ranger Cup check to show up. He knows the deal and where the support is focused but if you are selling boats you may recognize all the arena's they are being used in. If Lake Mead is an endurance test of anglers isn't also a test of their equipment.

Sorry for getting off subject guys just wanted answer j10's post.
I have to reply to this. Do you think RANGER left WON for some other reason? WON and RANGER were together until FLW started turning the screws and you are seriously uninformed if you think subsidiaries do not talk to each other. Especially if on is supporting a company that takes money from the other.

j10b, Ranger left WON for more reasons than you think. FLW had little to with it. Do you think ABA got Ranger because they wanted to be nice? Think not. Way more reasons than we all have time for. This all dates back into the late 90's. Ask around and you'll find Ranger and WON had a rocky relationship for a long while. BTW, opinions are like-well you know, and we all have them. Mr. Clunn's just giving his. I don't agree with it but still it's just a statement and nothing more.
Guy Williams

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 4:23 pm

Let's see... when's the last time you fished the US Open Guy???

Looking through the archives, I don't happen to see your name. Did I miss it somewhere???

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 4:30 pm

Yea you missed it, it was before you got into bass fishing.

Why you ask?
Guy Williams

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Sun Sep 06, 2009 7:21 pm

kb wrote:been called lot's of things but seriously uninformed hasn't been one of them.....I have a pretty good handle on how things work.

kb

Maybe my buddy in Benton KY told me all wrong then. He certainly knew about WON losing Ranger before anyone else did.

and i said you are uninformed if you dont think that Ranger and FLW do not discuss things and business plans.
FLW scheduled on top of WON US OPEN again just like they did with BASS. They were trying to drive them out of business. Its how FLW is.
Jacobs has said the purpose of FLW is to sell Ranger boats. That is what I am speaking of. Just because they have a different Tax ID number doesnt mean they do not talk to each other. So that was my point. You would be naive to think subsidiaries of one company do not talk to each other.

Never said you weren't informed about fishing. I wish you had taken the time to read that in my post.

As to WON BASS. They have weather the full frontal assault and managed to stay afloat. They have the best attendance US OPEN in 3 years and like i said all the Elites I talked to are coming back.

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 5:05 am

Guy Williams wrote:Yea you missed it, it was before you got into bass fishing. Why you ask?
Guy Williams

Just messin'... forgot to put some smileys in the post!

Roger

Darkman · Post by **Darkman** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 6:26 am

j10b wrote:
kb wrote:Yea and if they are only concerned about selling boats then someone should probably look at the boat count at that event. I am sure Ranger won, their biggest dealer in the West had his truck there and fished the event (and did pretty good too). I think you have mistaken FLW and Ranger. FLW was never a WON Bass Sponsor, Ranger was. I wasn't saying that FLW should recognize the event I was saying Ranger should with an ad featuring Gary.

I don't think Gary is waiting by the mailbox for that Ranger Cup check to show up. He knows the deal and where the support is focused but if you are selling boats you may recognize all the arena's they are being used in. If Lake Mead is an endurance test of anglers isn't also a test of their equipment.

Sorry for getting off subject guys just wanted answer j10's post.
I have to reply to this. Do you think RANGER left WON for some other reason? WON and RANGER were together until FLW started turning the screws and you are seriously uninformed if you think subsidiaries do not talk to each other. Especially if on is supporting a company that takes money from the other.

OK already...WE ALL have friends in the indusustry...we ALL have a buddy...WE ALL have our connection...trust me when i tell you...you were not the first to know that ranger and won we splitting..(i don't care where or who your friend works for)..that was known already by those who wanted to know...i didn't so it was new to me

Rick clunn can not only back up his statement and he can qualify it...if you don't agree...the coffee is still good...life goes on

I'm going to do it...phycily its going to hurt me bad...but i must do it

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 6:38 am

Darkman wrote:
j10b wrote:
kb wrote:Yea and if they are only concerned about selling boats then someone should probably look at the boat count at that event. I am sure Ranger won, their biggest dealer in the West had his truck there and fished the event (and did pretty good too). I think you have mistaken FLW and Ranger. FLW was never a WON Bass Sponsor, Ranger was. I wasn't saying that FLW should recognize the event I was saying Ranger should with an ad featuring Gary.

I don't think Gary is waiting by the mailbox for that Ranger Cup check to show up. He knows the deal and where the support is focused but if you are selling boats you may recognize all the arena's they are being used in. If Lake Mead is an endurance test of anglers isn't also a test of their equipment.

Sorry for getting off subject guys just wanted answer j10's post.
I have to reply to this. Do you think RANGER left WON for some other reason? WON and RANGER were together until FLW started turning the screws and you are seriously uninformed if you think subsidiaries do not talk to each other. Especially if on is supporting a company that takes money from the other.
OK already...WE ALL have friends in the indusustry...we ALL have a buddy...WE ALL have our connection...trust me when i tell you...you were not the first to know that ranger and won we splitting..(i don't care where or who your friend works for)..that was known already by those who wanted to know...i didn't so it was new to me

Rick clunn can not only back up his statement and he can qualify it...if you don't agree...the coffee is still good...life goes on

I'm going to do it...phycily its going to hurt me bad...but i must do it

So my point was made. FYI Benton KY is the HQ of FLW.
Gotta love a guy that needs to get all up in arms because someone mentions a connection.

All my point was that the Media needs to Cover the Tournament more and when someone mentioned Ranger doing it I said "aint gonna happen" They aren't giving a tournament they tried to bust out of business free coverage. Yeah Ranger isn't going to help WON out.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 6:55 am

Got Politic's?????

tbob · Post by **tbob** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 8:27 am

This is a very interesting thread. Here something to consider:

Evinrude is buying the back cover of WON to congratulate Gary Dobyn's on his US OPEN win this coming week. If you thought Rick Clunn's comment was a "bombshell" and "controversial", wait until you read the copy in this ad ( coming from the FLW motor sponsor).

Bob Twilegar

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:45 am

tbob wrote:This is a very interesting thread. Here something to consider:

Evinrude is buying the back cover of WON to congratulate Gary Dobyn's on his US OPEN win this coming week. If you thought Rick Clunn's comment was a "bombshell" and "controversial", wait until you read the copy in this ad ( coming from the FLW motor sponsor).

Bob Twilegar

does the Evinrude LAWSUIT mean anything to you? but a great point Great for Gary though.

Darkman · Post by **Darkman** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 1:40 pm

sir you made no point at all...non what so ever...i must do it...cuase its difficult...rick clunn or any one else has nothing to do with it...but you missed my point...we all have buddies in the biz...if you name him (btw..dont please)...you will find out how much he talks to ...EVERYONE!!!

j10b · Post by **j10b** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 4:51 pm

Darkman wrote:sir you made no point at all...non what so ever...i must do it...cuase its difficult...rick clunn or any one else has nothing to do with it...but you missed my point...we all have buddies in the biz...if you name him (btw..dont please)...you will find out how much he talks to ...EVERYONE!!!

So you, who doesnt even grasp the significance of Benton KY seems to think the info I got was common knowledge??

Your deal is you have to attempt to make the point you "know someone too"

GOOD for you.

Although at the end of the day I highly doubt your contacts at FLW go beyond the girl that takes your entry fees.

Darkman · Post by **Darkman** » Mon Sep 07, 2009 5:49 pm

my point is this...you are not special...neither am i we all have friends and know some one...nobody cares about your buddy....no one...you have not impressed any one...its that simple...i don't care ( so do most folks...other than your friends and love ones)Who or what you know...(my buddy this, those in the know that..)...your on the web homie...i can find out any info on any company...i own stock in companies that i have an interest in...if want to know about ranger...if there is a stock option..i get a some...i now own part of that companies stock...open info...that there is just a start of what any one on this web site or in any web site can do...your not special

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