Bassmaster University Suspended for 2007

[Sam]

I sent an e-mail to B.A.S.S. asking about the 2007 Bassmaster University schedule and received an e-mail back stating that the 2007 Bassmaster University will not be held as B.A.S.S. is in the process of redesigning the program.

I sincerely hope B.A.S.S. continues the program later in 2007 or 2008.

For those of you who have been fortunate to have attended one of the past seminars you know how good they are and that you can learn a lot, even if you are a seasoned bass fisherman.

All I can say is that ESPN has really changed the B.A.S.S. program and I sincerely hope it will be for the better.  Especially when Bassmaster University starts again, if it does.

[CrazedL.IFisherman]

yeah i have yet to attend one, but all i hear is many positives, definitely going to go to one in the next few years, thanks for the news also, i had no idea they weren't doing this program this yr

[New Bass Man]

They need to work on the TV program.  It could use a new host.  I do like most of the programming but the host drives me nuts.   I'd like to see one of the bass pros host it.  

[bassnleo]

They need to work on the TV program. It could use a new host. I do like most of the programming but the host drives me nuts. I'd like to see one of the bass pros host it.

I think he's referring to the actual seminars as opposed to the TV program.

WOW, I'm a little suprised that it has been suspended. The one's I've attended were full and I never heard a negative comment from participants. I actually worked the last one I was at in Pittsburgh. Wonder what's up B.A.S.S. / ESPN's sleeve???

[MALTESE FALCON]

HOW'S THAT FOR BAD LUCK? I MADE UP MY MIND THIS SUMMER THAT I WAS GOING TO ATTEND THIS YEAR'S EVENT. NOW I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THEY MAKE UP THEIR MINDS ON WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO, OR NOT DO.

I'VE SPOKEN TO ALOT OF GUYS THAT ATTENDED PREVIOUS EVENTS AND THEY ALWAYS RAVED ABOUT HOW EDUCATIONAL THEY WERE. THEY ALSO MENTIONED THAT YOU ALWAYS LEAVE THE PROGRAM WITH A SHOPPING BAG OF GOODIES.

THAT'S MY LUCK, ALWAYS A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT.

[Papa_Tom]

Read this several days ago and wondered why the things that seem to be the best received, most educational aspects of BASS disappear.  Some of the better TV shows have been axed.  Now this.  The Bassmaster University seminars were absolutely great.  Tons of info sharing, meeting the pros.  I cannot think of one single negative point concerning the BU seminars.  Great for any bass fisherman----beginner to veteran.

[BD]

I see it going in a bad direction to be honest.....

[Minuteman]

I see it going in a bad direction to be honest.....

Yea, BASS seems to making a lot of changes in priorities. Some of the TV programming changes don't seem to make a lot of sense. It is like they are undecided on being an entertainment industry or a an actual sport. As usual I'm sure everything is about the "bottom line".

I'd love to attend some of the seminars and classes as an observer, but my attention span prevents any actual learning. Really, what were we talking about anyway?

[fish-fighting-illini]

The University thing might just be a profit issue but if it had that much demand you'd think they'd jsut raise the price.

As far as what we want out of BASS and ESPN everyone needs to take the time and give ESPN, BASS, OLD whoever feedback. Tell em what you / us want. The industry is about ratings and ratings are about viewers. Maybe send them a link to this thread if the thread gets big enough.

Just my 2

[cart7t]

ESPN is just adjusting the budget and modifying it's TV schedule to allow room for it's new jewel to grow and prosper....

Nascar

[bassnleo]

ESPN is just adjusting the budget and modifying it's TV schedule to allow room for it's new jewel to grow and prosper....

Nascar

Unfortunately, I think you hit the nail on the head. It seems to me that after a couple years, ESPN has realized that bass fishing wil never rise to the level that NASCAR has/is.

[rboat]

I have been to several of these and thought they were great. Each one was full to capacity so they must have made some profit. They were great for new anglers and also gave out some advanced info for veterans. I was upset to hear they have been discontinued. I looked forward to it every year. I hope they rethink this move and bring back this valuable seminar program.

[justfishin]

I think Bassmaster U was a good thing. One of my best friends works for FLW and the inside skinny is that the pro's are not very happy with ESPN's handling of much of anything to do with our sport anymore. BU is just one of the items of a long list.

[.ghoti.]

I went to to the one in St Louis last year. That was my first, but not my last. It was great. I heard absolutely NO negative comments from anybody who attended. I was very disappointed to hear that the program had been canceled for this year.

Leave it to ESPN to try to fix something that ain't broke.

[roadwarrior]

I just received the new Bass Master Magazine in the mail and a notification that this is my last chance to renew my subscription without missing another publication...

That's not going to happen. I'm done with B.A.S.S.

[Grey Wolf]

I'm done with them also.

[justfishin]

I did the same thing about two years ago RoadWarrior. That magazine got to be like a catalog instead of a information format. I remember when ESPN took over and everyone said how great it was, in my mind it was the beginning of the end. Remember when KVD, Mark Davis and a few others formed a commitee and ESPN pitched a bit**? My friend fished the top 150 for a few years until the fees went up to, I think, $55,000 a year. Include gas, motels and such. If you aren't sponsered like some of the big names you are done,and if you have a few bad years, it is " see ya ". I think, at least for now, that FLW,BFL is the new trail for the guy attempting to make a name for himself. JL, my buddy, whom works for FLW, and a few others are attempting to put some ease on the up and comers. At least for now. Lets face the reality of it. It is a business and a business has to make money and grow but, it is how much the business is willing to bend in order to keep things alive and going. ESPN just jumped in and hammered out the monatary gain and forgot about all of the other aspects of our sport.