Shared Weight vs. Non Shared Weight Tournaments

[WB Staff]

From BAM
ADDRESSING SHARED WEIGHT
As the subject of a shared weight format has become a regular topic of discussion, we want to address our reasoning on following the traditional Non-Shared Weight Format.
At BAM, we won’t switch to a shared-weight format. BAM is a professional trail focused on building pro anglers and providing a path where they can stay on the West Coast and make a living doing what they love.
We are not trying to alienate the co-anglers. Our structure is designed to develop co-anglers into pros allowing them to learn from the pros no matter if they are using FFS, fishing the bank , punching grass or off-shore structure - each pro presents challenges for the co angler an opportunity to learn.
While WON Bass runs a successful shared-weight format — and that works well for them - we commend them for building a great trail — it’s not the direction BAM we’ll take.
In addition, with our Super 60 Pro Tour, it wouldn’t make sense for a pro to qualify based on fish caught by a co-angler. Each angler should earn advancement on their own performance.
As an added bonus to the co’s they have an opportunity to qualify (with a paid entry) for the BAM Classic Championship along with some great AOY prizes

[birdman920]

non shared weight may have worked before the invention of FFS ! but these days it puts the co anglers at such a disadvantage it’s to frustrating for them to compete! shared weight doesn’t make the pro any less of an angler! and doesn’t change the learning experience for the co anglers! in fact it makes for a more enjoyable tournament and lasting friendships are built with shared weight!

[Whoopbass]

That's fine don't share anything but mix up the pairings for day two or three to make things equal. I've fished Pro in the past and it always seems my day two partner is one guy up or below the other guy I had or it goes by last names in alphabetical order, Why can't these TD's directors mix things up and make it fair? Draw names out of a hat or something.

[ash]

It is short sighted in CA to disclude co-anglers from fishing with a "Pro" in shared weight on the West coast. The numbers continue to decline and traditionally the Co-s are what makes money to fuel the organizations and sponsorship attention. FFS takes the Co's further out of the game, as there is ZERO incentive for the "Pro" to ensure the Co has an opportunity to fish.

It seems like a vocal few "pro's" are the ones encouraging the trail to stay this course and who knows it may be successful, but i have a feeling that WON will see an uptick in Co's -best to the BAM anglers and all of the back deck fishermen, who have the benefit of watching a random draw fish all day.

[gixxer464]

If it was shared weight, I know that I would definitely sign up and fish a few, if not all.

[El Jefe]

This is why WON bass ,team tournaments, and kayaks are thriving….Nobody wants to get back seated by some kid staring at their FFS all day. I’m not a pro though, just a working man so who cares…. I would like to see a high level team circuit though…. Big entry fee, big prizes.

[gold fish]

First of all I am fishing BAM as a boater either way. Bam says if a non boater catches a fish and helps a boater advance its not fair. In my opinion if I take a non boater to a spot that I prefished and share how I am catching fish and he or she catches a fish that we weight in it is because of me and the non boater would not of caught that fish without me. And in a non shared weight tourny I will not be as willing to share as much info on how and why we are fishing a area. Again if a non boater catches a fish that helps me its because I did my homework and helped him or her know what to do. FFS is a whole different topic.

[Nitro858]

I’ve always been a fan of both shared and non-shared weight tournaments. Shared weight feels more like a team event, but personally, I prefer the non-shared format because it really lets me measure my skills and results against the top non-boaters on the circuit. Fishing from the back of the boat brings its own set of challenges — you’re constantly adjusting to the conditions, your pro’s approach, and whatever opportunities the situation presents.
I’ll admit, I wish forward-facing sonar (FFS) was banned from tournament fishing, but it looks like it’s here to stay. That said, if your pro is catching them using FFS, it means you’re in an area that’s holding fish — it’s up to you to figure out how to catch them your way. That’s what makes the non-boater side of tournament fishing such a test of skill and adaptability.

[DanC]

Ive been fishing both formats of Pro/Ams for 20+ years and see pros and cons to both formats. It'll always be that way though. I do like BAM and will continue to support and fish with them. The only small complaint I have is the way they are doing the Pro/Am Championship this year...its strange to me that you fish all year from the back of the boat and then make the TOC only to fish against the very best of the best....but hey I know that's what I'm signing up to try to accomplish.... I also enjoy WON bass pro/am open formats....I have thought and wondered if having a 3 fish limit for the AMs would make any difference?... It would take away some of the pressure from Pros who might feel.pressure to put their Ams on fish...just my opinion...can someone tell me if a circuit did that a few years ago? I could've sworn awhile back one the tourney orgs had a tourney where the Ams had a 3 fish limit?...

[Whoopbass]

Ive been fishing both formats of Pro/Ams for 20+ years and see pros and cons to both formats. It'll always be that way though. I do like BAM and will continue to support and fish with them. The only small complaint I have is the way they are doing the Pro/Am Championship this year...its strange to me that you fish all year from the back of the boat and then make the TOC only to fish against the very best of the best....but hey I know that's what I'm signing up to try to accomplish.... I also enjoy WON bass pro/am open formats....I have thought and wondered if having a 3 fish limit for the AMs would make any difference?... It would take away some of the pressure from Pros who might feel.pressure to put their Ams on fish...just my opinion...can someone tell me if a circuit did that a few years ago? I could've sworn awhile back one the tourney orgs had a tourney where the Ams had a 3 fish limit?...

Bass Nation has or had a 3 bass limit for the CO's. Whatever,,,,These Co's are just as good as the Pro's for the most part and the same goes for these Kayaker's. Guys go out and smash fish and the difference is how much time and money you want put into it. Bass fishing has gotten stupid.

[gold fish]

Sounds like whoopbass knows everything about everything.

[Bayarea-bassin]

I’ve done both as a co. Personally I love both. I’ve only done one shared weight and it was really fun. Your pro is giving you all the juice because he knows what you catch will help him and I think you learn a lot more than non shared weight. On the other hand I love the pressure and enjoyment of having to catch your own 5 fish in non shared weight tournaments. I’ve never been a co on a lake. It’s always the delta and I can understand how ffs might make it not fun for a co out in open water, but in the delta you can’t get back seated.

[Baseball]

I’ve done both for the last 30 years. I prefer shared weight. Makes it a more enjoyable experience for the co-angler.
I’ve been back seated on the Delta more than any lakes. Run the banks Fishing in a crank bait. Flipping the mats with the *** end of the boat out in the middle of the river.