New tournament circuit announced today

[12poundbass]

35 minutes ago, Scott F said:

I wish I lived near Tulsa. I’m retired and could easily fit being an official into my schedule.

The whole financial model of BASS where the participants foot the bill for half of the prize money insures that too many of the guys who fish make no money or lose money. I’m surprised that it took this long for someone to find a way for professional fishermen to actually get paid for their work like all the other pro sports. 

Brent Chapman said in a another site article the other day the he's qualified for 16 or so Classics won the AOY and all it would take him is one bad year and he'd be broke! Granted he doesn't have the presence like others that draws the big sponsorship money, but still Brent Chapman is a great bass angler. 

[OCdockskipper]

4 hours ago, Arlo Smithereen said:

You said it's going to 'get ugly with the inmates running the asylum',  so I was just curious how many other crazy theories you subscribe to.

Ok, now your comment makes more sense.  However, since it isn't the topic of this thread, I am going to show restraint and not get into a discussion about that.

 

However, I would suggest that calling other peoples opinions or perspective "crazy" just because it differs from yours is small minded.  Go ahead & disagree and list your reasons for disagreement, but to summarily dismiss others without any rationale backing it is pretty weak.

[OCdockskipper]

6 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

Brent Chapman said in a another site article the other day the he's qualified for 16 or so Classics won the AOY and all it would take him is one bad year and he'd be broke!

That indeed is the reason why change was coming and was needed.  In the same way that I believe the MLF organizational structure is set up for failure because it will place the angler ahead of the customer, BASS did a similar thing in that it placed the sponsors ahead of the anglers.

 

If BASS had more foresight, they could have cut this off at the pass by being better balanced.  Yes, they are a fishing organization that holds tournaments, but when the tournament anglers become a major part of driving your business, it is worth considering changing how those anglers are treated.  BASS could have incorporated some of the payout and tournament changes to create a better balanced organization, but they didn't.  They left a void, MLF stepped in and (in my opinion) have swung the pendulum too far the other direction.

 

If Duckett & Klein had started the organization and separated themselves as owners from the other anglers (& not fished themselves), I believe their organization would be better balanced.

[Arlo Smithereen]

35 minutes ago, OCdockskipper said:

Ok, now your comment makes more sense.  However, since it isn't the topic of this thread, I am going to show restraint and not get into a discussion about that.

 

However, I would suggest that calling other peoples opinions or perspective "crazy" just because it differs from yours is small minded.  Go ahead & disagree and list your reasons for disagreement, but to summarily dismiss others without any rationale backing it is pretty weak.

 I think to basically say the anglers on the new tour are going to ruin it is small minded. We get it, you have something against MLF. What you don't seem to understand is MLF/BPT isn't concerned with yours or my opinion. They're going after viewers who aren't avid anglers and don't pay attention to the other tours. I've talked to co-workers and friends who don't care at all about fishing, but they've tuned in to watch MLF and think it's exciting. Those are the people they're aiming at, and it's working. Do you really think anglers the ilk of KVD decided to make the switch if they thought there was a good chance it would implode on itself? That seems like the ultimate small-mindedness. So I would ask you, do you have some kind of inside information that the rest of us don't that leads you to proclaim it's doomed before it even begins? I would bet not, but I'm interested what you've got.

[BassNJake]

1 hour ago, OCdockskipper said:

That indeed is the reason why change was coming and was needed.  In the same way that I believe the MLF organizational structure is set up for failure because it will place the angler ahead of the customer, BASS did a similar thing in that it placed the sponsors ahead of the anglers.

 

If BASS had more foresight, they could have cut this off at the pass by being better balanced.  Yes, they are a fishing organization that holds tournaments, but when the tournament anglers become a major part of driving your business, it is worth considering changing how those anglers are treated.  BASS could have incorporated some of the payout and tournament changes to create a better balanced organization, but they didn't.  They left a void, MLF stepped in and (in my opinion) have swung the pendulum too far the other direction.

 

If Duckett & Klein had started the organization and separated themselves as owners from the other anglers (& not fished themselves), I believe their organization would be better balanced.

BASS has had the issue of trying to grow the sport for the last 50 years.

How much money have they spent with BASS Nation, The Junior Bassmasters, high school and college fishing to grow the sport?

 

What has MLF done for the future of bass fishing?

What have they returned back to the sport other than the tournament payouts?

 

MLF is a money grab for the guys at the top of the food chain.

The payouts are marginally better so I hope for their sake they are getting a bunch of money from sponsors.

A few years from now we'll see how beneficial it has been for the sport.

We'll also see how many of the fringe guys were able to make more money fishing the BPT.

[OCdockskipper]

3 hours ago, Arlo Smithereen said:

...We get it, you have something against MLF. What you don't seem to understand is MLF/BPT isn't concerned with yours or my opinion...

No, you are incorrect.  I have posted before I enjoy MLF, I watch their shows & I wish them success.  I have just had experiences in business & in life that have taught me that the organizational structure they have will implode if it is not changed.  What you don't seem to understand is that the success that KVD & the others have had in pro bass fishing will not carry over in MLF if the organization they are joining has inherent flaws.

 

I do agree that MLF is not concerned with your or my opinion, and that is part of their problem.  You & I are the customer, their goal is to give us a product or service that we will buy.  Unfortunately for them, they have taken a good idea (the Cup series) and are trying to expand it using an organization that places the financial gains of the competitors above the wants of the customers.

On 10/31/2018 at 11:54 AM, J Francho said:

Sounds like many commented have never been in club before.  Change doesn't happen as quickly as you think, even when motions are voted on.

A club that holds tournaments for its members and a sports business are apples & oranges.  Clubs are not trying to attract an audience to watch their tournaments & buy their sponsors products.

 

They do both have some commonalities, but the the reason for their existence differs.  The club exists strictly for its members enjoyment while a business exists to make money.

[Glenn]

Hey guys, just a gut-check here, but let's not get riled up over this.  It's not worth it - especially since EVERYTHING is pure speculation at this point; so there is no "right" or "wrong".

 

Ergo, there's no need to seek validation of opinions at this point.

 

Remember - fishing is supposed to be fun! 

 

[J.Vincent]

I think no matter the differences of opinion (and everyone is entitled to an opinion, especially on a topic we are passionate about) , the one thing hopefully we can all agree on is; it's never been a better time to be a tournament bass angler or a spectator of the sport. There are now more pro trail options and that means increased exposure for the sport ! I'm actually looking forward to 2019 and hope all of these trails can peacefully and supportively coexist alongside one another !

[Gundog]

I was checking out the article on BASS's website about the 2018 National Championship participants and I'm amazed at some of the countries these fishermen are from. Namibia, France, and Italy. I know Australia and Zimbabwe have had anglers in BASS before but the other countries I didn't think about. Also, I know we have members from Portugal and Spain. I wonder if they know of any French bass waters or do the French bass fishermen travel to other countries? 

[Troy85]

[BassNJake]

Redcrest is the first name I would have come up with for a Championship event.

 

Is it going to take place in Redcrest CA?

Or is it sponsored by that chicken shack in Philly?

 

all kidding aside, It's gonna be a long winter waiting to see their first event

[Troy85]

I’m curious how they will televise the BPT events. Personally, I hope they air BPT live and keep the cup events as they are. 

 

 

[BassNJake]

On 11/6/2018 at 1:44 PM, Troy1985s said:

I’m curious how they will televise the BPT events. Personally, I hope they air BPT live and keep the cup events as they are. 

 

 

Supposedly that is how they are going to do it.

They just have not announced how much it will cost to watch it on their website or if it will be available for free(which I would not expect with no entry fees and the focus on the anglers making more money)

 

Currently, their model is that you pay for content but cant watch it for 48 hours until the event airs on the Outdoor channel.

[12poundbass]

56 minutes ago, BassNJake said:

Supposedly that is how they are going to do it.

They just have not announced how much it will cost to watch it on their website or if it will be available for free(which I would not expect with no entry fees and the focus on the anglers making more money)

 

Currently, their model is that you pay for content but cant watch it for 48 hours until the event airs on the Outdoor channel.

I thought I read it would be Live free on line. I might be wrong but maybe that what Boyd Duckett said the other day on BTL? I didn't listen so I could be wrong.

[BassNJake]

9 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

I thought I read it would be Live free on line. I might be wrong but maybe that what Boyd Duckett said the other day on BTL? I didn't listen so I could be wrong.

I hope it is available for free as I cannot currently watch it and refuse to pay for it.

 

 

I was making assumptions based off of the current model they have.

They must be getting a ton of sponsorship money to pull this all off.

 

BASS needs to get out of that ESPN contract and move to a channel where they will get more exposure.

Most times when they do show the BASS events they are during prime fishing time so i'm on the water

also knowing the results from 2 weeks before and watching it on BASS live leaves little reason to watch it smashed in between all the commercials.

 

Also I can't watch BTL, that one guy is way too annoying for me to stand for more than a minute

[Troy85]

9 minutes ago, BassNJake said:

I hope it is available for free as I cannot currently watch it and refuse to pay for it.

 

 

I was making assumptions based off of the current model they have.

They must be getting a ton of sponsorship money to pull this all off.

 

BASS needs to get out of that ESPN contract and move to a channel where they will get more exposure.

Most times when they do show the BASS events they are during prime fishing time so i'm on the water

also knowing the results from 2 weeks before and watching it on BASS live leaves little reason to watch it smashed in between all the commercials.

 

Also I can't watch BTL, that one guy is way too annoying for me to stand for more than a minute

I watch MLF thru my slingtv subscription, but I wouldn't pay a separate fee just to watch BPT/MLF.

 

When it comes to the elites show,  I've never understood that either, why does ESPN air a fishing show during a time when most of their fan base  are probably fishing.  MLF airing on Monday night makes much more sense, although to be honest, I wish it aired on Friday night.  After watching it I always want to go fishing, but still have to wait 4 days.  

[Gundog]

2 hours ago, BassNJake said:

 

BASS needs to get out of that ESPN contract and move to a channel where they will get more exposure.

Most times when they do show the BASS events they are during prime fishing time so i'm on the water

also knowing the results from 2 weeks before and watching it on BASS live leaves little reason to watch it smashed in between all the commercials.

 

 

Agreed about the ESPN contract. It really has hurt BASS more than helped. They use to air BASS tourneys during the winter. This was before everyone had the internet and could find out who won. 

[Troy85]

1 hour ago, Gundog said:

 They use to air BASS tourneys during the winter. This was before everyone had the internet and could find out who won. 

That’s why I really enjoy bass live.

 

Even with MLF, I found out on instagram who won the championship. I still watch the show, but it does take away some of the suspense. If you don’t want spoilers for the season, don’t follow MLF on social media. ?

[BassNJake]

13 hours ago, Troy1985s said:

That’s why I really enjoy bass live.

 

Even with MLF, I found out on instagram who won the championship. I still watch the show, but it does take away some of the suspense. If you don’t want spoilers for the season, don’t follow MLF on social media. ?

I would guess they will have new social media rules so the cup events dont get "spoiled"

17 hours ago, Troy1985s said:

I watch MLF thru my slingtv subscription, but I wouldn't pay a separate fee just to watch BPT/MLF.

 

When it comes to the elites show,  I've never understood that either, why does ESPN air a fishing show during a time when most of their fan base  are probably fishing.  MLF airing on Monday night makes much more sense, although to be honest, I wish it aired on Friday night.  After watching it I always want to go fishing, but still have to wait 4 days.  

Figures, as I've got hulu, netflix and a firestick.(wife and kids have all these things, I get stuck watching what they are watching)

 

I bet if I looked at all the different options, I could watch MLF on the firestick

[OCdockskipper]

On 11/7/2018 at 12:03 PM, BassNJake said:

I hope it is available for free as I cannot currently watch it and refuse to pay for it...

In looking at the MLF site, it appears the results for the BPT will be available as they happen via their website.  I didn't see anywhere listing whether the streaming will be free or if it will be by subscription.  The Cups (4) & Championships (2) will all be in the former Cup format, shot "in the dark" & shown the following year.  So the Cups & Championships that are created in the first year of BPT won't be aired until 2020, during the 2nd year of BPT.

 

That could create an issue for some up & coming anglers.  For example, lets say Hunter Shryrock has a great year, wins 2 of the Cups and 1 of the Championships.  Rather than being able to cash in on that right away by signing sponsorship deals as he is "hot", he is going to have to wait a year until his wins are revealed and he gains the status that he could cash in on.  If he happens to be having a poor run on the 2nd year of the BPT while his Cup & Championship runs are being shown, sponsors may shy away, concerned that fans may consider him a flash in the pan. 

 

Ironically, if Boyd Duckett had had to wait a year for his Classic win to be shown, it probably would have cost him a lot.  He had an incredible 2007 and was sought after by many sponsors as the next big thing.  Since then, he has been consistently mediocre, never living up to the promise of that great 2007 year.  Had Duckett been forced to hold off showing his 2007 results while he was in the midst of a below average 2008 year, he might never had gained a foothold in Pro Fishing to the point where he created MLF...

[flyfisher]

On 10/6/2018 at 10:49 AM, detroit1 said:

As fans of bass fishing, we all win. If I were b.a.s.s., I would be devastated. If I were f.l.w., not so much. Although I like the mlf format and love to watch, I think over-all it is inferior to the biggest 5 format. It is a lot harder to catch 5 bigguns than 15 dinks. I almost feel like I could compete in mlf, but not bass or flw…. 

This is exactly why it will do well.  People can relate to this style of fishing and could see themselves out there doing the same thing.  

[Troy85]

http://www.majorleaguefishing.com/article/fans-will-get-in-on-the-action-at-mlfs-bass-pro-tour-events/21153

[Arlo Smithereen]

On 11/7/2018 at 2:19 PM, Troy1985s said:

I watch MLF thru my slingtv subscription

 

 

what channel is it on through sling? I watch it through the MyOutdoorTV subscription, but might be interested in switching to sling 

[Troy85]

13 minutes ago, Arlo Smithereen said:

what channel is it on through sling? I watch it through the MyOutdoorTV subscription, but might be interested in switching to sling 

Outdoor Channel or World Fishing network.  Depending on if its a new episode or a rerun. I have the sling orange subscription, with the added package "heartland extra" which gives me an additonal 7 "outdoor activity" themed channels, which includes the 2 mentioned above.  I think total I pay $30 a month for Sling.

[1simplemann]

I have a question about MLF's website. I was looking at a section that was about asking the anglers where they want to fish. When I click on it, it just says "buffing". This has happened in the past, I wait and wait and nothing happens. How do I watch it. It would be nice to know where they want to fish.