Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › Should Kim Bain have been in the Classic?
brnzbaklvr.
Just curious about other peoples opinion on this topic. I saw an interview with Bernie Schultz and he made no doubt about his opinion that she did not belong there. He felt she had been “awarded” a spot in the classic and did not “qualify” like the rest of them by competing against the rest of the guys throughout the year. Correct me if Im wrong but didnt some of the guys “qualify” by winning in the Opens? I know some of the Elite guys fish the Opens, but not all of them. Didnt the federation guys “qualify” by winning their respective divisions? Well, in my opinion Kim “qualified” by winning as well. Its people like Bernie that dont seem to want the sport to grow. Could it be that hes not doing so well and doesnt want to get beat by a woman? What do you guys think?Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console
under the rules for 2009, Kim competed as required, won her qualifying division, and earned the right to compete. I did not see Bernies comments, but I thought that Kim did remarkably well, given her “rook-et” status, and all the spotlights that were on her. The pressure had to be tremendous. If anglers dont like the rules, then they should direct them at the sponsoring organization. It is no secret to those who know me that my 16 year old daughter is an avid angler and fishes some tournaments with me. I woudl like to think that, if she chooses, that she would have a venue to pursuit the sport at the highest level. I also know this—women are a MAJOR part of the economic picture in America, in all areas. I cant tell you how many times I heard comments at the Falcon Rod Booth about buying or not buying a rod, based on a ladys input or agreement. I think that carries over to all areas of our sport, including whether or not family income gets spent doing it. With that in mind, I think having a Kim Banes-Moore in the Classic is a very smart move. And, like it or not, she finished ahead of more then a few men, one of them a TV star, and the other a BCB pro. Just my thoughts. Mike Whitten/Germantown, TN
I figured there would be some grumbling between the guys, because guys will be guys, but to state that in front of a camera!!! that shhocked me especially from the 2 they filmed!! but come on its FISHING!!!!! lets have fun, and get along!!! and go catch some!!!! congrats to kim bain , and all the other aspiring girls out there as well as the aspiring guys like me!!maybe on e of these years I will make it!!!!
Just keep in mind we only saw a sound bite, not the whole interview.
jcdogfish, that is true that we did not see the whole interview, and I know how you can take just one clip and make it where it can be taken completely out of context. However, I dont think there is any doubt that he plainly stated that she did not earn her classic appearance and it was “awarded” to her. I know I asked for everyones opinion and I expect both sides of the coin. I for one think she deserved it and was happy that she was there. She is very well spoken and she can compete. She drew a lot of publicity for the Classic and for fishing in general and isnt that a good thing? Like Mike said, she did finish higher than some of the guys. I think that says something for her abilities.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console
She was great to watch on tv and fun to listen too, loved the accent and listening to her
Yes, she should have been there…it is another way to grow the sport in this economic environment and that is good. Soundbite or not, he stated plainly it was awarded to her. He is right…so are the Federation berths. How much growth did Bryan Kerchal bring to the sport is immeasurable. Prior to that, the Federation anglers were an afterthought. She earned her shot by following the rules of the time, whether it was an espn idea or BASS.96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
In my mind she deserved to be there, how many other women did she have to beat to get to the classic? Its not like they picked her, she won it by winning her series.
yes they did only show a bite of the interview. I guarantee espn did it on purpose!! just dangling that worm out there for everybody to bite, getting things stirred up, more publicity, and more money for espn!!!! with just one person maybe getting their feelings hurt!!! or not , her interview was good, took it stride and in more words or less said forget you, “just shake my hand and say good day
What a great way to attract the sport to the other 50 percent of the population…This is the first year that my wife and daughter followed the results…..Anything that grows bass fishing, I am all for it….She didnt take a slot they added a slot for the WBT..I say welcome her with open arms and the Elite pros better be watching their backs because the girls can fish…
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