They want to make this a truly pro event, if you are fishing for a living and trying to get a check a co angler could hurt your chance, there is articles on Bassmaster and also Bassfan about. Personally I think this will not hurt Bass as the crowds come to see the elite not the co anglers. Also they will be having non fishing observers so still some lucky person can ride with them during the tourney. If I was at that level I would not like someone catching my fish our throwning at any I miss. Also some co anglers can either be an advantage or disadvanatge. Golf does not have co golfers. Fishing is an individual sport, unless you are on a team trail. I think they did the right thing, but we will see.