I just have to wonder, how many more nails can be put in the coffin of B.A.S.S. before ESPN is done tearing down the “grass roots” values B.A.S.S. was built upon by Ray Scott so long ago. I would imagine even Ray thinks some of these changes are ridiculous at times. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t understand the Elite angler position. Elite Anglers are fishing as a job, they face hurdles everyday out there; they have hopes of cashing a check, earning points and staying in the upper tiers of the bass fishing spot light. Who could blame them, they worked hard to get there and they earned their place as an Elite.

Now I admit, a co-angler can certainly have an impact on an “Elite Anglers” day on the water but, the co-angler is not your competitor. Quite frankly, you’re the “Elite Angler” (in the front of the boat) and if you missed that LM Bass that your co-angler caught, you had your chance, too bad! Things like that happen and that is why it’s called “Fishing”.

In the above ESPN blog, there are quite a few quotes from anglers and manufacturers that I would like to share with my personal opinions below them.

Greg Hackney was quoted as saying, “It’s the greatest thing to ever happen to the sport of bass fishing”

I personally find that really hard to digest when I think about the co-anglers and some of their dreams to maybe rub shoulders with the Elite by fishing as a co-angler some day. Am I to assume he (Greg Hackney) never fished as a co-angler climbing the ranks, I couldn’t really tell you. Does he forget that he was just an angler nobody knew at one time to?

“I certainly understand how the pros feel,” said Eric Naig of Pure Fishing, who has competed as co-angler. “But as a manufacturer it’s a little disappointing, because it’s been a great way for us to grow our pyramid of influence. I do understand, though.”

Not only will co-anglers feel the brunt of this decision but, manufacturers will also suffer from this imo. Most all the tackle companies rely on anglers for promotion, product visibility and education about their products at these tournaments through personal interaction. Let’s face it, without your aspiring bass angler buying their products, where would you and they be. Most of these same co-anglers are the bass fisherman that; cover the cost of your ELITE SPONSORS PAYCHECK, these same anglers are working with children and the public to ensure this great sport for future generations in their hometowns, while you fly or drive around to appear for a commercial or special event that revolves around sales.

“This is our job, though,” said Kevin Short, an Elite Series competitor who has been outspoken in his blogs on ESPNOutdoors.com about the role co-anglers play in the outcome of these events. “None of those guys are showing up trying to make their house payment or take care of their bills. They get to fish, possibly win, and go home. But in the process they can also change the outcome of one of our tournaments and impact a pro’s career.”

This is the one quote that I feel is really insensitive, careless & just plain ridiculous. What color are the clouds where you come from Kevin? Fact is, everyone is fishing in the competition to win, because they are competitive. I would also venture to say that most of the co-anglers face more of a financial burden to fish these tournaments than you and the other Elite Anglers dollar for dollar. Your entry fee might be more but, you have contributing sponsors helping you along. Most of the co-anglers are doing it all out of pocket and I’m sure there has been quite a few that have gone so far as to re-mortgage a house just to fish tournaments at this level and get a chance to fish with you Elite Bass Anglers. Don’t think for a minute that just because your an Elite, that you have it that much worse than the other guy that is supporting your sponsors and paying his own way.

“You’ve got to be careful with what you’re doing here,” said Elite Series angler Peter Thliveros. “Co-anglers are the guys that have perpetuated the myth of a lot of the top guys.

“Their word of mouth is how a lot of this industry was built to this point. Maybe so many of the stories don’t get out the way they used to and it turns into NASCAR where everybody knows you, but they don’t know you.”

Well said Peter! This decision will just add to the list of ways ESPN/Disney is loosing sight of what B.A.S.S. was once made of.

In Closing

As much as I would like to start adding quotes from the responses to this article and comment about them, I will leave that up to you to read and think about.

I would hope that someday soon, the bass fishing public can find out just where each of these ELITE ANGLERS stood concerning this decision. Maybe some of their sponsors should think about what kind of guy they are sponsoring and the possible snow-balling effect may have on them. As for the major B.A.S.S. sponsors, I hope it’s all worth it in the end without a following of anglers. It may be a good time to stock up on FLW Anglers. It is no wonder so many anglers have gone to FLW and I imagine many more will be making the switch soon enough.

If you would like to comment on this decision here, feel free. This is one topic that people should talk about.

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My Second day fishing the Bomber was another successful day with the CPR of one fish and another lost.

My third day out was a life long memory in the making! The combination of a JDC Baits BLR Bomber and Some CB’s Hawg Sauce “shad” gel landed my new personal best largemouth bass after 20 years.
I can only begin to describe just how excited I was to finally best my personal best LM.

Returning to the place where my JB custom bass rod got broken is a moment of stupidity, I searched for the elusive fish which caused me to act in such a way. My Bomber was tattered and torn, it was now 2 inches shorter than it started but, the Parasite Clip kept it in place and allowed me to continue using this huge bait without a problem.

Imagine that, three trips to the water fishing for hours with the same bait. The Parasite Clip can make any bait last longer.

Tossing the Bomber to every hole and point in and around the weedbeds, the “round 1″ search for a big bass was looking very bleak, to say the least. I quickly realized that I never added any CB’s Hawg Sauce gel to mask my smell and up my odds. I quick dig in the bag and the addition of CB’s “Shad” gel and “round 2″ was on. I began working all those points and holes in the weeds again and to my surprise, it took just a few casts and the fight was on. I knew I had something big on the line but, I never dreamed it was to be my new personal best LM Bass. I was holding a 6lb/10oz largemouth bass in my hands after more than 20 years thanks to two great products, the JDC Baits “BLR Bomber” and CB’s Hawg Sauce “Shad Gel“. As you can only imagine, the smile didn’t leave my face for the rest of the night and quickly returns with the thought of my recent catch. I have a couple pictures below to share.

Sideways:

Lengthwise:

If you are interested in any of these products, here are a few easy links to get you there.
JDC Baits BLR Bomber: http://www.jdcbaits.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=49&osCsid=6809da239730d74e4b60976c52896f8c
CB’s Hawg Sauce (Shad Gel): http://www.cbshawgsauce.com/order.htm
Parasite Clips: http://www.parasiteweights.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=28

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You can read more about the contest here and see pictures of the participants catches here.
http://theanglingcenter.com/index.php/board,79.0.html

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CONTACT:
Anglers Resource.org
http://www.anglersresource.org
Tournament Info: http://www.anglersresource.org/tournament.html
Anglers Resource Announces Online Bass Tournament To Start June 1st.

The Ultimate Fishing Resource Guide is now giving you the opportunity to participate in the Ultimate Bass Fishing Tournament. You will be able to compete against anglers from all over the country from your favorite lake (from shore or by boat). Now YOU will have the home field advantage!

The first 5 Entries will receive a 300yd spool of Spider Wire Ultra Cast!

The Next tournament will start on June 1, 2008 @ 12am and end June 30, 2008 at 11:59pm! Registration is from April 30, 2008 @ 12am – May 25, 2008 @ 11:59pm

There will be 2 divisions competing every month. Anglers may only compete against other anglers from their division. Anglers CAN NOT enter in both divisions. The 2 divisions will be determined by region. All rules above apply for both divisions.
- Division 1: Consist of anglers that live in Texas, California and Florida.
- Division 2: Consist of Anglers that live outside of Texas, California and Florida.

Every month there will be a new tournament, each tournament will run the entire month. You will take your top 5 BASS catches in that month and compete against other’s top 5 BASS in that month. The BASS will be scaled by length, and the most length between 5 BASS wins.

Registration will take place the month prior to the start on the first day of the previous month prior to the start of the tournament, and will end one week prior to the start of the tournament.

After registration each participant will receive a certified measuring tool (which is the only acceptable measuring tool that will be used). One week prior to the start of the tournament each participant will receive their tournament registration number, that is to be used in the photos, via E-MAIL.

All tournaments pay out 80% of the $30.00 entriy fees back as cash prizes! Part of the proceeds from the tournaments will be donated to charity! All results will be posted within one week after the end of the tournament. All results, and photos, will be posted online for everyone to view. All registered Professionals are NOT eligible to enter.

Verification is simple: the participant will need to take 2 photos of each fish they wish to submit.

Photo 1: A Picture where the BASS, the participant, and the registration number are all visible.
Photo 2: A CLEAR picture of the BASS length on the provided measuring tool, with the registration number.
All Photos will need to be submitted no later than 11:59pm on the last day of the tournament.
Visit AnglersResource.org Tournament Information Page For Sample Pictures.

Are you ready to compete against anglers from all over the country?
It’s time for you to show the world what you can catch!
ENTER HERE: http://www.anglersresource.org/registration.html

- END -

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For those that like to compete against others for bragging rights and some prizes. The Angling Centers online bass tournament has much more to offer the winners. Some of the great prizes being given away are; A couple of custom bass rods by JB Custom Bass Rods (valued at $250.00 each), products From Parasite Weights & Clips, Case Plastics, The Scroungers , JDC Baits, Mojo Lure Company, KVD Line & Lure Conditioner, CB’s Hawg Sauce and The Flip Clip. Each of these products is as unique and is sure to be an asset to the anglers competing in this online bass tournament.

Registration for this bass tournament is open till May 31st and the tournament will run for 2 months (June & July) with prizes being handed out for all kinds of things. You can see the guideline for this tournament and register to participate in the Angling Center Forums.

Don’t miss your chance at winning a custom rod and some other great prizes like the Scrounger. Online Bass Tournament Guidelines

If you think this is cool, tell your friends and pass on this information.

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This new jig head from Parasite is really unique in the fact, it doesn’t require the smooth soft bottom other competetors standup jigs often need to stand properly. This jig is actually like a weeble wooble, it can wobble around and still somehow manages to stand up putting your bait into the strike zone, instead of lying on its side like most do.

Another key feature of the Parasite StandUp Jig is the line tie, or lack of, for a better word. When using this jig, the angler will first thread their line down through the first hole in the front. Then along a groove in the bottom of the jig and up through the second hole in the rear of the jig. From there, you tie on the included split ring and slide that over your hook, All Done and ready to fish a stand up jig head that delivers.

The new Parasite StandUp Jig is now available online and soon to be at a store near you, keep your eyes peeled for it. Made in the USA with only quality components.

You can order online today at ParasiteWeights.

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