2020 classic

[ryanerb]

2 hours ago, kayaking_kev said:

As someone just getting into the sport, I would like to see all the big names fish together. Why doesn't that happen? I'm guessing money and sponsorship, and maybe a few anglers are just scared of better competition.

I'm confused at your question, but I'll stab at what I think you're talking about...

 

There are 'multiple' pro tournament circuits out there, and thus this spreads the guys out across different circuits.

 

Its sometimes not allowed or too tough to fish multiple circuits. 

 

I guess they could have a once a year 'all star' tourney where all the top guys from different circuits come together, but I don't know that will happen.

 

Yes, overall, I suppose it comes down to money and sponsorships and eligibility that comes down to which pros are in which circuits. If you have some further examples to clarify, that would be handy.

[kayaking_kev]

4 hours ago, ryanerb said:

I'm confused at your question, but I'll stab at what I think you're talking about...

 

There are 'multiple' pro tournament circuits out there, and thus this spreads the guys out across different circuits.

 

Its sometimes not allowed or too tough to fish multiple circuits. 

 

I guess they could have a once a year 'all star' tourney where all the top guys from different circuits come together, but I don't know that will happen.

 

Yes, overall, I suppose it comes down to money and sponsorships and eligibility that comes down to which pros are in which circuits. If you have some further examples to clarify, that would be handy.

I'm new to following the sport professional, so that's where my ignorance and the confusion comes from.

 

I'm aware there are a few different circuits, not sure exactly which ones, especially since I think some just folded last year or changed names. I didn't know that you could fish in multiple circuits if allowed or anything like that.

 

I just wish there was like a NFL/XFL version where all the big names like KVD, Jordan Lee, etc.. names that casual fans will recognize, would all fish in the same circuit and then the lesser known guys fish in the other one. But maybe it's just that I don't know everyone and who all is good or not besides those more known names. That's just my initial thoughts, maybe once I learn more about it, I would like how it's setup now.

[jbsoonerfan]

1 hour ago, kayaking_kev said:

I'm new to following the sport professional, so that's where my ignorance and the confusion comes from.

 

I'm aware there are a few different circuits, not sure exactly which ones, especially since I think some just folded last year or changed names. I didn't know that you could fish in multiple circuits if allowed or anything like that.

 

I just wish there was like a NFL/XFL version where all the big names like KVD, Jordan Lee, etc.. names that casual fans will recognize, would all fish in the same circuit and then the lesser known guys fish in the other one. But maybe it's just that I don't know everyone and who all is good or not besides those more known names. That's just my initial thoughts, maybe once I learn more about it, I would like how it's setup now.

It's called the BPT.

[OCdockskipper]

37 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

It's called the BPT.

Well, kinda.

 

To answer kayaking Kev's question, up until 2018 there was such a circuit, the Elite Series of BASS.  Before the 2019 season began, Boyd Duckett led a group of investors who attempted to poach every big name from the Elite series to fish the new BPT circuit.  They enticed about 90% of those they approached to leave, but the jury is still out if they have produced a better product by having higher name recognition or if they have just mucked up the sport for a couple of years.

 

Before the 2020 season started, 2 of the more recognizable names in the sport decided to take advantage of a legends exemption and leave the BPT to go back to the Elite series.  They & their sponsors had to cough up $50,000 each to break their BPT contract and leave.  It is the only time I am aware of that anglers have been willing to pay to leave a circuit.

[kayaking_kev]

42 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

It's called the BPT.

 

3 minutes ago, OCdockskipper said:

Well, kinda.

 

To answer kayaking Kev's question, up until 2018 there was such a circuit, the Elite Series of BASS.  Before the 2019 season began, Boyd Duckett led a group of investors who attempted to poach every big name from the Elite series to fish the new BPT circuit.  They enticed about 90% of those they approached to leave, but the jury is still out if they have produced a better product by having higher name recognition or if they have just mucked up the sport for a couple of years.

 

Before the 2020 season started, 2 of the more recognizable names in the sport decided to take advantage of a legends exemption and leave the BPT to go back to the Elite series.  They & their sponsors had to cough up $50,000 each to break their BPT contract and leave.  It is the only time I am aware of that anglers have been willing to pay to leave a circuit.

Thanks for the info, and I apologize for my ignorance on the subject, but I really know nothing about it, so information like this is greatly appreciated. 

[Chunk_Chaser]

Personally I don’t think this years Classic has the same prestige as previous years. I’m curious to hear what others think about the “watered down” Classic?

[Tlauz]

It definitely does not have the same feel.  I have enjoyed getting to know some of the new anglers on the Elite tour. I am getting some new favorites to cheer for. I like to think that having the BPT/MLF and BASS Elites gives me more fishing to watch so I view that as a win.  I think both tours will  eventually have a good mix of stars.  There will be some who don't do well on BPT tour that will return and new stars will eventually be made on both tours.  I will say that I am less interested watching people I am not familiar with.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

2 hours ago, Chunk_Chaser said:

Personally I don’t think this years Classic has the same prestige as previous years. I’m curious to hear what others think about the “watered down” Classic?

It cant cause the prestigious names are in another league. Now they only have the 2nd tier unit competing.

[WolfyBrandon]

Day 2 "Unofficial"

 

 

[scaleface]

I'm just as interested in it . I got to know the new  anglers last season . 

5 hours ago, Chunk_Chaser said:

Personally I don’t think this years Classic has the same prestige as previous years. I’m curious to hear what others think about the “watered down” Classic?

 

[Chunk_Chaser]

42 minutes ago, scaleface said:

I'm just as interested in it . I got to know the new  anglers last season . 

 

I’m still interested in it. It’s a high quality event with good production value. It’s just a notch below the MLF product.

[scaleface]

Yep , too bad all those superstars dont get to participate in the biggest show in fishing . Kind of like Tom Brady leaving to play in the XFL .

[moguy1973]

I've tried two days to watch some of it.  Just doesn't have any pizazz like it used to when you knew most of the anglers.  Then the long draw out process they have of the weigh in.  Yawn.

[TnRiver46]

4 hours ago, moguy1973 said:

I've tried two days to watch some of it.  Just doesn't have any pizazz like it used to when you knew most of the anglers.  Then the long draw out process they have of the weigh in.  Yawn.

Would have been nice had all the best not left for dink fest but next year should have BP, swindle, Scott Martin and. b latt added to the field. Possibly some more 

[Oregon Native]

Sitting here trying to read all these comments...(eye's still bad).  Wish there was more positive...people sure don't like change much.  I come from the Rick Clunn erra ....guess what...there aren't many fishing..and even less in a couple years.  Don"t care too much for some of the changes...but it's AMAZING how much nitpicking goes on by experts who haven't been around long.

Maybe not......amazing

[TnRiver46]

Lester is catching them quick this morning.  More red rattle trapping

[WolfyBrandon]

Day 3 "Unofficial" (First Half of Live)

 

 

 

Day 3 "Unofficial" (Last Half of Live)

 

[scaleface]

Great job Hank Cherry . 

[OCdockskipper]

23 hours ago, Chunk_Chaser said:

I’m still interested in it. It’s a high quality event with good production value. It’s just a notch below the MLF product.

I disagree.  The anglers are different, but the end product (the Elite series & the Classic) is better than the BPT.

 

The saving grace for the BPT is the MLF cups.  The BPT tour is for all intents and purposes unseen.  No TV coverage, no weigh-ins for fans to congregate, it is as if they are trying to keep the tour a secret.  The MLF cups do a better job because they are a different product.  No practice, not knowing what lake, small fields daily and TV coverage are what makes MLF popular, all things that the BPT does not have.

 

The best possible result would have been back in 2019 for MLF to merge with BASS and have the MLF cup events be filled with Elite pros based on AOY points (maybe 80% Elite, 20% FLW).  Since that ship has sailed and I doubt the two parties will ever do business together, MLF's best chance is to change the BPT back to a best 5 tour.  They could institute a BassFest type formula, catch/weigh/release & bring in 1 fish over 24", but you need a weigh-in to allow the fans to have an in-person connection with the anglers.  That is how everyone on this forum choose to like or dislike various anglers over the years.  3 minutes spent talking with an angler at an event can make a lifelong connection for many people.

 

I'm not sure if a majority of the BPT anglers want that.  Many seem happy not to have to deal with the fans.  Two of the most fan friendly anglers (Swindle & Palaniuk) took the unprecedented action of paying $50K to leave BPT.  That has never happened, anglers have never chosen to pay to leave a circuit.  I think there is a lot more underlying the choice of those two anglers than was let on to by them or the BPT.

[Chunk_Chaser]

26 minutes ago, OCdockskipper said:

I disagree.  The anglers are different, but the end product (the Elite series & the Classic) is better than the BPT.

 

The saving grace for the BPT is the MLF cups.  The BPT tour is for all intents and purposes unseen.  No TV coverage, no weigh-ins for fans to congregate, it is as if they are trying to keep the tour a secret.  The MLF cups do a better job because they are a different product.  No practice, not knowing what lake, small fields daily and TV coverage are what makes MLF popular, all things that the BPT does not have.

 

The best possible result would have been back in 2019 for MLF to merge with BASS and have the MLF cup events be filled with Elite pros based on AOY points (maybe 80% Elite, 20% FLW).  Since that ship has sailed and I doubt the two parties will ever do business together, MLF's best chance is to change the BPT back to a best 5 tour.  They could institute a BassFest type formula, catch/weigh/release & bring in 1 fish over 24", but you need a weigh-in to allow the fans to have an in-person connection with the anglers.  That is how everyone on this forum choose to like or dislike various anglers over the years.  3 minutes spent talking with an angler at an event can make a lifelong connection for many people.

 

I'm not sure if a majority of the BPT anglers want that.  Many seem happy not to have to deal with the fans.  Two of the most fan friendly anglers (Swindle & Palaniuk) took the unprecedented action of paying $50K to leave BPT.  That has never happened, anglers have never chosen to pay to leave a circuit.  I think there is a lot more underlying the choice of those two anglers than was let on to by them or the BPT.

We can agree to disagree. I really tried to enjoy the classic but didn’t. In my opinion BPT is much better all around. 
 

 

[OCdockskipper]

35 minutes ago, Chunk_Chaser said:

We can agree to disagree. I really tried to enjoy the classic but didn’t. In my opinion BPT is much better all around. 
 

 

Even with the 3 Canadians in the Classic?!?  That borders on traitorism... ?

[redux]

The Classic never has and never will gain its relevance from the anglers fishing. The anglers gain relevance from fishing The Classic.

[OCdockskipper]

35 minutes ago, redux said:

The Classic never has and never will gain its relevance from the anglers fishing. The anglers gain relevance from fishing The Classic.

Y'know, this got me to thinking - has there ever been an upstart organization in sports that unseated an established organization to become the new king of the hill?  I can't recall one.

 

The AFL & ABA had success and their legacy was the ability to force a merger with the established league (the NFL & NBA respectively).  In the fishing world, FLW survived, but was always looked upon as a feeder league to BASS, much like the Opens are to the Elites.  Other than that, I don't believe that a new league has ever pulled off what MLF is trying to do.  Yeah, I know that the official word is that Duckett just wants to co-exist with BASS, but I think his actions show a preference for destroying them.

[WolfyBrandon]

Congratulations Hank Cherry, The 2020 Bassmaster Classic Champion!

 

 

[OCdockskipper]

Ott DeFoe, the 2011 Elite series rookie of the year, handing off the trophy to the 2013 Elite Series rookie of the year, Hank Cherry.

 

If the 2016 rule about making X amount of money disqualifies you as being a rookie your first year in the Elites had been in place the year before (2015), then Jordan Lee would have been the 2015 ROY and the past 4 classic wins would have been by former ROY's.