BFL or BASS???

[bassanglerZ]

Oz,
As a non-Ranger owner I am a very happy and satisfied participant in FLW Outdoors events. The BFL offers a great opportunity for Anglers or Co-Anglers to fish a well-run circuit on lakes that you want to fish. This past year was the first year on the boater's side and I felt no pressure to buy a Ranger nor did I feel looked down upon for not owning one. Would I like to be in a new Z-22 Ranger with a Yamaha, you bet, but for now I fish out of my piece of crap and hung with the big boys by quailifing for the regional championship. Not to mention the new BASS/Triton relationship (with Brunswick in the mix of course) is no different. The difference in the trails; FLW Outdoors is a family friendly operation that cares about the fisherman and makes them feel wanted and appreciated. Believe me, FLW Outdoors will be the elite tournament organization within the next couple years. By the way, I had a friend to compete in the new BASS weekend series and even qualified for their regional championship..He is a Triton guy but will be back to the BFL next year. No competion...FLW knows how to do this, afterall they are the largest tournament organization on the plantet and things are only getting better. Check out the increased payback schedule for the 2006 season....impressive...I hope you make an informed decision and good luck.
Zach Kirby

[geobass]

bassnz, The American Bass Anglers (ABA) is larger then all of FLW/Everstart/BFL, and B.A.S.S. combined. The ABA has more participants then all of them. There are over 120 district with close to 1100 tournaments a year. This year through the nationals the ABA paid back 132% in cash and prizes.
This in no way is to say the the Operation Outdoors circuts are not good, because they are, as well as BASS. The number of anglers fishing ABA as well as any of the other circuts are closely guarded, this information comes from what we directors were told at our directors meetings at the nationals. Granted our local tournaments are small, but they all add up. The thing that drew me into the ABA is the level playing field and the fact that we are a draw tournament trail. We also offer, bring a boat use a boat all the way up to the nationals. $55.00 entry fees, tournaments close to home, most do not require an over night stay, pay at the ramp the morning of the tournament and much more. Check out www.americanbassangler.com for more information. Almost forgot non-boaters are always welcome, and yes you will get the front of the boat 1/2 the day to fish your waters! Sorry I went on so long.
George Salov
Director District 87
American Bass Angles

[MarkW]

Where's the nationals at in 2006 and what are the dates for the national championship. How many do you have in your div.?

[geobass]

Mark, I have had as many as 29 and as few as 5 boats. This is only the start of my 3rd year with the ABA. I have 49 members in my district. I'm hoping that most will fish this year. Plapp's is helping in the promotion of the ABA, and for that I thank them. The district in central Ky, draws 25-35 and the Ky lake district draws 30-40. This district goes out of Paris Landing most of the time, I think of it as more of a Tenn District.

The nationals location is known but on hold. The powers to be are waiting on another major sponsor to come on board. If this all gets put together we may just see a regional format. If it becomes too late things will stay the same as the past and the site will be announced. One of the things I like about the ABA is their dedication towards the weekend, working hard for their money angler. Morris will NOT do anything that would put additional burden on us, and for that I thank him. The ABA is working hard and is on the verge of BIG things. The day is coming soon when there is going to be some REAl money at the nationals. Rumor has it 1st place might be worth 50-100m in lue of a boat. Low entry fee's, no guides, no pro's..
Hope too see you soon..
George Salov

[MarkW]

George, as usual I usually have way too much on my table to fish even more tourney's. But have given some consideration to ABA because it does start after everything else is over for the year. I'm not ready to give up fishing tourney's yet this year. Central KY dist. would work better for me. Not sure what I am doing---just giving it some thought. I will do some more studying on the website today. Thanks for the info.

[oz]

don't know to much about this shared weight stuff. I like to be in control of how I do. Shared weight is cool if it is a team event and can choose your partner, but just on a blind draw?

[oz]

George, who do I need to get in contact with for the Music City division?

[geobass]

Music city is a bfl term.
If you want to fish the ABA then go to the website, www.americanbassanglers.com
The division that you are looking for is district 103 they fish Old Hickory and Percy Preist. On the ABA website go to tournaments drag down to by maps click on Tenn and check out all of their divisions.
Good Luck.
George Salov

[FISHUMUP]

I fish the ABA in Georges division when I get a chance. Only made 3 last year because I travel for work a lot. But I am in Atlanta this weekend and going to fish in District 26. I contacted the Director and he is going to loan me a couple of rigs (I still need to go buy baits and a license). This set up works great for me. Any where I am, I can find a tournament to fish for points toward National.

I too have thought of the BFL....Until I am settled in an area I can concentrate on and be competitive, it doesnt make a lot of sense.

[buzzking]

mark, ABA is in the process of considering a nationals divisional a north and a south then the finals, with the considerations they are making right now they have not released the site of next years nationals, they say it will be released in december but I hope they hold it off longer to avoid local jackpotting, unless they are coming to ky then its okay with me. My hypocricy knows no means.