Bassmaster Series (Catering to the wealthy)

[Longcast]

Probably like many others, I got out of bed to hurry up and register for the Bluegrass division of the Bassmaster Series but to no avail. It seems that they are taking "package offers" first. I myself cannot afford the package of 1000 dollars. In addition, I wouldn't pay five dollars to fish the Ohio River much less 250. However, I was particulary interested in the Barren Tournament. I just hope that there are a few spots left so the rest of us poor boys can have the deserved opportunity to compete.

[MarkW]

I wouldn't worry about it. Last year I was worried about signing up for the KY/TN div. and had planned to sign up for all five of them. I was frantic thinking I may not get signed up in time----LMAO---they only had like 8 sign up on the early Federation members priority sign up. They only averaged about 50-60 boat anyways. I think with all of the trash talk about BASS--I doubt those series will get many people. Hopefully I am wrong, I do plan to fish them regardless of what BASS is doing.

[BillDay]

Take a hard look at the BFL. It is a very rewarding trail. I like the Mountain Division but the Hoodier Division has some Ohio River stuff if that's what you like. This year the BFL All American will pay about 150,000 to win. Not bad for a grass roots tournament trail!

[MarkW]

Bill,
You know what? I was a little disappointed to see the BFL went away from the Ohio River with the exception of Rocky Point in the Hoosier Div. It would be nice to see a BFL trail like it used to be back in the old Redman days when all 5 tourney's were on the Ohio from Rocky Point to Tanners and everywhere in between. Mountain Div. is just a bit too far for me to go. Seems like all of the majors Trails---Bassmaster and BFL's kind of migrate away from just staying in KY. Wonder why that is. You could split the state in half or thirds and have some decent circuits. But--bottom line I already know--it's about the money. Always follow the money.

[BillDay]

Mark,
I agree that we need a trail in the Central KY Area. I spoke with FLW about developing such a "Bluegrass" division before BASS announced their trail of the same name. However to introduce a new division for a state, they have to add three more divisions elsewhere to provide for a balanced BFL regional. They also informed me that they have to go with lakes/rivers which have provisions locally to house the anglers and to provide the necessary monetary support to hold the tournaments. Thus we have no events in Central KY.

I do like the BFL format though, a day or two of practice, tournaments on Saturday and home for church on Sunday. I would probably fish BASS some if they weren't always on Sunday.

Anyway, to each his own, that's why it is AMERICA!

PS Good luck this year!

[MarkW]

Good luck to you too buddy and Happy Turkey Day to the Days---LOL!!! I know about the housing,ramps,etc. etc. But they could work around some of that stuff. Still comes down to money and that's fine. I heard some of the same rumors coming out of BFL about doing something more on the river--guess it never happened either. Oh well. Kind of curious to see how 2006 is going to shake down with all the hub-bub with BASS. Talk to you later.