Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Bassmaster and MLF opportunity and opinion:
Cajunhunter67.
Most clubs are very competitive though the cost of travel and time make them a more social atmosphere. They do pay a lot of cash in some clubs and we know one that averaged around 95 Boats and fished one reservoir. Though it’s still more social and local than traveling as you pointed out. Those are Clubs (multiple) together and they become a Championship or even a qualifier for the championship. We’ve seen those many times.
Bassmaster still has a quality list of competitors and some of the young guns. Those in or nearing the 50’s and 60’s age class have left their mark and now are moving on. Those below that have to figure out where their style fits, and if it fits MLF they will soon know. Some already know it fits like a Zack Birge and more.
I agree with BCB. I was surprised to see Brandon P. and the Lee brothers depart the Elites. I figured the young talent would stay. I really felt Brandon and Jordan had the opportunity to be the next KVD of the Elites.
Bass Cat Boats wrote:Club fishing is a social event. Series or Circuit fishing is a competitive event.
I’d agree but realize there are bigger clubs that are way more competitive then our small what I call a fun club. Member ship fees are minimal and if you miss events it’s not a big deal to most of us. I get asked “why don’t you fish more tournaments?” My response is “Tournaments have a start time, end time, and rules. Hell that’s work. I’m retired!” So I fish when I want and if the weather suits me. I find the challenge of figuring out the bite and just catching larger fish if I can a big enough challenge. I do enjoy the occasional club tournament from a social stand point. A little competition and a lot of ball busting makes for a very enjoyable day for me.
I think one of the greatest things that is happening right now, and Rick touched on it is an upswing of youth getting involved in fishing. I know my time on the lake is limited at best, and for many sports, bowling comes to mind, it was a generational deal. Now, as more and more kids and young adults get involved, be it with their parents, a uncle, an aunt, on a field trip or even in high school, the involvement of these kids is a blessing. Personally, I am way past attempting to win a tournament, or drag racing, or any of that crazy stuff I did in my youth, but when you watch the face of a young kid, when they catch their first fish, and the pride that they have in that catch, that they did something, well I think you have them hooked for life. As we age I believe we have a responsibility to pass this joy onto someone so they too can be a part. And most of all, leave this place just a little bit better than how we found it.
The more that comes out from MLF (no entry fees & the how it will work – http://www.majorleaguefishing.com/artic … work/21096) the less impressive it is becoming. Even now when I watch the MLF events on TV I really don’t have an interest in it like I do when watching tour events. It trully doesn’t matter to me who wins that ridiculously large trophy. And that is where I think MLF will struggle – getting fans to follow MLF, and not just watch it. I’ve tried to watch some of the recent pod casts and didn’t last more then 5 minutes – perhaps I simply am not in their target demographic. I’ll watch their television programs but I don’t see myself following their events like I do the live FLW tour or BASS elite series. MLF may be providing additional opportunities for professional bass anglers, but I think those opportunities will ultimately prove to be in the professional tours.
MLF will definitely have to come up with a way to get the fans more involved, and not just a televised series. It wont last if the current format is the final draft.
BASS and FLW, is nothing more than a glorified local tournament. The entry fee’s are ridiculous for both.
Look into any other professional sport and see what the Pro puts into the sport (Entry fee) versus return.
BASS and FLW has, and always will be either a rich mans tournament, or someone that is willing to put their financial future on the line. (By taking a chance at finding 20 bigger bass than a 100 other anglers.)
Don’t get me wrong, I have spent way more on bass fishing than I will ever win back in local club tournaments. But I also did not put my entire families financial future on the line to bass fish.
True Professional Bass Fishing has not made its debut. I hope one day it will.
Meanwhile I will still watch both series and enjoy the guys hammering the rods back!
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