Flaw in BPT format

[OCdockskipper]

I have enjoyed watching MLF & BPT events over the past few years, however I think they may need to make some tweaks to their format.  Specifically, the BPT's 3rd & 4th round do not follow the traditional prerequisite that competition should get tougher as an event continues.

 

For example, the 3rd round winner Alton Jones beat 39 other competitors to win the round.  Then, 29 of those competitors were removed and Jacob Powoznik (sp?) won the title by beating the same 9 guys he participated against the day before.  I would say that Jones acomplishment was more difficult than Powoznik, yet Jacob won the title and the big check.

 

Now I understand the need for preliminary heats to pare a field down to a manageable number, but that is what the first 2 rounds did.  Rounds 3 & 4 were like a mile long race among 40 people, drop the slower runners & then race again.

 

The more I watch their events, the more I see a need for rewards for early round performances.  The easiest method would be to carry all weights forward, but more creative options could be invented.  It would eliminate any "managing" of fish or areas.  Instead it is a 4 day sprint to the finish.

 

As far as differing conditions favoring or hurting contestants, that would be no different than a later flight in a golf event.  They have have to deal with different conditions than the first flight.

[Jrob78]

I would have liked to see them complete the initial elimination rounds, (first 4 days) on the same lake, then the Saturday round on a different lake and then the final round on a different lake. At least that would have been a whole new competition for each round and would have stopped guys from conserving fish and "practicing" during the event. I realize having 3 or 4 new lakes might not always be an option at every stop but it would have kept things fresh. This is the first year and it is incredibly fun to watch and follow, I'm sure they will tweak things as they go.

[Team9nine]

I think you’ll see a variety of scenarios tried out this year. Next event on Chick will likely be all Chick, every day in some fashion. By the end of the year, they’ll probably be able to solidify a format going forward that everyone (competitors) likes.