B.A.S.S. sticks it to the kids-Bigtime

[Jay_G]

There was a renewal notice laying on my counter until it just hit the trash. I have a contact who is a staff writer for ESPN fishing. I plan on letting him know that this decision was not taken well by the fishing community unless anyone has an objection. Anything else anyone wants me to relate?

[Gatorbassman]

I was considering signing up for BASS so I could fish a few of their weekend tournaments this year. After this they can forget it. FLW here I come.

[senko_77]

Wow.  That's all I can think of to say.  The decisions made by B.A.S.S. over the last year or two have really blown my mind.  I just renewed my subscription to Bassmaster, but I will be sending them an email immediately following this post to cancel it.  

That is just unbelievable.  

I guess this just makes FLW look that much better.  Luckily my Jr. club is FLW affiliated.  

Shame on you ESPN   >

[KU_Bassmaster.]

Again Thanks

Junction City, Kan., and Milford Lake. Information needed please tell me you've seen a Northwest Plane on a local runway. $4200.00 if not :'(

Your biggest and best bet is probably KCI just north of Kansas City.  Then from there it's ONLY about a 3 hour drive west.  I can't believe that is where they are holding this event.  It's not very accessible, there is not much to do as far as "family stuff" goes, nothing special about the lake, November is not what I would call a good fishing month in KS, the list could go on.

[Tin]

I always dreamed of fishing in a Bassmaster Classic and everything but after this, I will head over to FLW perminatley. ESPN has absolutley destroyed the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and all the work Ray Scott did. Its all about the money, just depressing. I mean come on! What else can be said, this is sooo bad.

[fourbizz]

That is just good old fashioned bulls#!^ right there. Bummer guys. Had I any affiliation with BASS it would stop now!

[KYbass1276]

Well if you ask me this calls for teamwork, Put the word out. Contact other forums and any other resource that has to do with fishing and cordinate a barage of emails and discontent letters and subsrciption cancelations and boycotts of the classic and tourneyments. Email sponsers of B.a.s.s tell them you won't be using there product if it's affiliated with B a s s. Not trying to be mean but all this whining and moaning here isn't helping. If we focus our energy toward hitting the S.O.B's in the wallet like they did the kids we might change the situation. They get away with this crap because people complain a while and go on. If you want it to stop then we have to hit them hard where it hurts in there wallet. Not only hurt them but make them suffer and come back begging. This kinda crap goes on because we let it. If we stand up and say no they will stop doing this crap I know we can help these and future kids out but it will take some effort on our part.

Here is a link to some of there sponsers lets start a email barage. Let the them know it will be a cold day in hell before you buy any of ther products as long as they sponser a orginiaztion that pulls this crap. If we work hard at it maybe it might not be to late for these kids yet. http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/news/story?page=bass_sponsors

[5bass]

4biz, this thread would be a good place to put up the big pic of the "FACEPALM"

[32251]

I loath all this pro bass crap anyway.  I am not at all surprised at this.  It is all about money.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Well if you ask me this calls for teamwork, Put the word out. Contact other forums and any other resource that has to do with fishing and cordinate a barage of emails and discontent letters and subsrciption cancelations and boycotts of the classic and tourneyments. Email sponsers of B.a.s.s tell them you won't be using there product if it's affiliated with B a s s. Not trying to be mean but all this whining and moaning here isn't helping. If we focus our energy toward hitting the S.O.B's in the wallet like they did the kids we might change the situation. They get away with this crap because people complain a while and go on. If you want it to stop then we have to hit them hard where it hurts in there wallet. Not only hurt them but make them suffer and come back begging. This kinda crap goes on because we let it. If we stand up and say no they will stop doing this crap I know we can help these and future kids out but it will take some effort on our part.

Here is a link to some of there sponsers lets start a email barage. Let the them know it will be a cold day in hell before you buy any of ther products as long as they sponser a orginiaztion that pulls this crap. If we work hard at it maybe it might not be to late for these kids yet. http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/news/story?page=bass_sponsors

I got that out of the way last night,lol. I called Mr. Corkran (yes, those phone numbers are real,...but I would bet $ they get changed soon. This letter is on multiple boards), emailed B.A.S.S. and ESPN. Just a note that if anyone wishes to voice their opinion that you do it in your own name, this is not a BassResource sponsored "rally" (we need to keep Glenn protected and out of this) Other than that, it's our right to voice our concerns

reminder- If you want to be heard, keep it professional

[Bassnajr]

Hey all...

Gues we all feel the same about this. Let's all try to do something for the kids.

Contact ESPN via mail at:

ESPN

ESPN Plaza

Bristol, CT 06010

E-mail copy and paste this header into your browser: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?page=contact/espn.com (LBH if you read this can you help out with a link, I am not that savy)

I tried to find a Contact Us page on B.A.S.S. but all I keep getting is ads??? Maybe this is the problem???

I will continue to get contact information if folks want. I have a "nack" for this shall we say.

AGAIN I ASK, DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH A B.A.S.S. TOURING PRO, OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES????

bassinajr

[Bassnajr]

Strasdadri....can you give us a portion of the letter or a brief paragraph regarding what you were told by B.A.S.S. so we all can copy and paste it with our letters and e-mails?

That way, they will know we are all contacting them about the same situation and we can express our displeasure personally!!

bassinajr

[Matt Fly]

I do think BASS could have held this last one and made the move the following year.  Pretty crappy on both parties.

With that said,      BASS didn't start this program, their paid employees have enough going on with out having to take on the responsiblities of such that started in the Federation Nation.   Its their grassroots program and only makes since for them to step up and run it.

This program was created by the Federation Nation, and not BASS.     It needs to be with the people who are responsibe.

What money does BASS make off this.     All you guys who preach about its a money thing step on up and prove what you are talking about.    BASS didn't start this program.    They make nothing!!!!!    

     Pretty crappy of BASS for not allowing the kids who thought they would have opportunity to do so.    Pretty bad for the FED. to allow this to happen to the kids.    

      Its their program, its was their volunteers, where are they now while BASS gets another Black eye?

Classic weekend has more than enough going on without having the paid employees run a program they didn't create.  

   

       

     

[StatosDadRI]

Attached please find a Press Release announcing the move of the JWC from the 2008 Bassmaster Classic in February to the 2008 BASS Federation Nation Championship in November.  This issue was discussed with groups of Presidents during the recent Presidents meetings and is being done to align our youth programs with the premier BFN events.

We realize that this is short notice and for that I apologize, but I have been reviewing all of our youth programs (as well as all BFN programs) since my return to BASS in May.  I believe that this is the right move for the overall Junior Bassmaster program and there is no reason to delay implementation of the decision.  Without going into all of the details, I believe that most of you will be very pleased with the youth initiative that is currently in the planning stages.  We should have that finalized and out to you right after the first of the year.

This was a tough decision, but one that will ultimately help all of us strengthen our youth programs and provide a youth initiative that directly leads to an increase in BFN membership.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call me.

Thanks and have a great holiday season,

Don

Don Corkran

BASS/ESPN Outdoors

Director, BASS Federation Nation

                                                                                              The Actual Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 5, 2007

BASS to Move 2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship to Federation Nation Championship Week in November

CELEBRATION, Fla.  In order to align its youth initiatives with its grassroots organization, the Federation Nation, BASS announced today that the 2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship will be moved to the week of the Federation Nation Championship festivities, set for November in Junction City, Kan., and Milford Lake.  

The BASS Federation Nation is the main conduit of support for BASS' youth initiatives, and the move will allow the grassroots organization of BASS to lend more active support to the marquee youth championship event.  

This move allows the BASS Federation Nation representatives to further mentor these youth competitors during their championship event, said Don Corkran, director of the BASS Federation Nation. We applaud our past Bassmaster Classic contenders for their active participation in the JWC.  

The 2008 Bassmaster CastingKids National Championship will take place during February's Bassmaster Classic week in Greenville, S.C.

For more information, contact BASS Communications at (407) 566-2208 or visit www.Bassmaster.com. Visit www.espnmediazone.com for ESPN's latest releases, schedules and other news, plus photos, video and audio clips and more.

About BASS:

BASS is the worldwide authority on bass fishing, sanctioning more than 20,000 events through the BASS Federation Nation annually. Guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans, BASS sets the standard for credibility, professionalism, sportsmanship and conservation, as it has for nearly 40 years.

BASS stages bass fishing tournaments for every skill level and culminates with the Bassmaster Classic. Through its clubs, youth programs, aquatic resource advocacy, magazine publishing and multimedia platforms, BASS offers the industry's widest array of services and support to its nearly 530,000 members. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

Media Contact: Doug Grassian; 407-566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com

[Tin]

Well if you ask me this calls for teamwork, Put the word out. Contact other forums and any other resource that has to do with fishing and cordinate a barage of emails and discontent letters and subsrciption cancelations and boycotts of the classic and tourneyments. Email sponsers of B.a.s.s tell them you won't be using there product if it's affiliated with B a s s. Not trying to be mean but all this whining and moaning here isn't helping. If we focus our energy toward hitting the S.O.B's in the wallet like they did the kids we might change the situation. They get away with this crap because people complain a while and go on. If you want it to stop then we have to hit them hard where it hurts in there wallet. Not only hurt them but make them suffer and come back begging. This kinda crap goes on because we let it. If we stand up and say no they will stop doing this crap I know we can help these and future kids out but it will take some effort on our part.

Here is a link to some of there sponsers lets start a email barage. Let the them know it will be a cold day in hell before you buy any of ther products as long as they sponser a orginiaztion that pulls this crap. If we work hard at it maybe it might not be to late for these kids yet. http://sports.espn.g...e=bass_sponsors

OOOOO YA! Here we go, I have sent a TON of emails voice my opinion and what this means to me. Everyone chip in and lets do something for these kids who should get what they have EARNED!

[StatosDadRI]

I do think BASS could have held this last one and made the move the following year. Pretty crappy on both parties.

With that said,      BASS didn't start this program, their paid employees have enough going on with out having to take on the responsiblities of such that started in the Federation Nation. Its their grassroots program and only makes since for them to step up and run it.

This program was created by the Federation Nation, and not BASS. It needs to be with the people who are responsibe.

What money does BASS make off this. All you guys who preach about its a money thing step on up and prove what you are talking about. BASS didn't start this program. They make nothing!!!!!

     Pretty crappy of BASS for not allowing the kids who thought they would have opportunity to do so. Pretty bad for the FED. to allow this to happen to the kids.

      Its their program, its was their volunteers, where are they now while BASS gets another Black eye?

Classic weekend has more than enough going on without having the paid employees run a program they didn't create.

     

     

Sorry MATT but you are incorrect about the internal structure of BASS and BASS Federation Nation BFN signs a contract with BASS and BASS employs a BFN team to run BFN. We as BFN members pay $25.00 each x 25,000-40,000 members to BASS to get a product called BFN. BASS takes in $$ from sponsors to reach all their BFN members.

Furthmore BFN Volunteers Presidents, Conservation Directors and hosting State Federation Workers and Youth directors for years have been the cheap free labor that runs the Classic's.

[Zel]

Matt, some interesting counter points you make. And I agree with you that BASS should have fulfilled their commitments this year, and outlined the changes for next year so people could decide what they want to do.

But to use the basis of your argument the Federation didn't come up with the Pro events run by BASS. But it is the free volunteer work BASS gets from the Federation members that makes the Pro events successful, and some might even argue possible. So would it be also fair if now the Federation demanded to be paid for their services at the events going forward? And what do you think these events would start to look like, and pay out, if there were no Federation volunteers providing their services for free?

It surprises me that Ray Scott has been mostly quiet on these matters that diminish the once great organization he founded. And it saddens me to think this remarkable man's legacy might be tarnished in the realm of public opinion that he became a sell-out in his golden years.

[StatosDadRI]

The meetings were held last month November during the  Federation National Championship.  Moving the  JWC was discussed no vote was taken by the  presidents and not one word was metioned of it to anyone.  Every Youth Director was blindsigted yesterday with the memo at 12.00pm with a press release to follow a few minutes later.

 Just 2 weeks ago we were discussing off limits at the JWC  with BASS Since we had one family purchase a complete trip for 4 to SC during  XMAS to pre fish this was a suprise to our younger State Champion and well add that to the fiancial loss.

Hold on I'm icing my left one, the swelling in the right one is going  down a bit from that kick it received yeterday.....

[Tin]

Furthmore BFN Volunteers Presidents, Conservation Directors and hosting State Federation Workers and Youth directors for years have been the cheap free labor that runs the Classic's.

Exactly, I can remember in Pittsburgh in 05 all of these people myself and dad included, with a 104 degree heat index taking down tents and working our butts off for 3 hours afters events had ended. While BASS big wigs and those "paid" people were sitting in the AC of the new Tundra's.

[Tin]

Those meeting took place well before the annoucement. Some Presidents just didn't bother to show up.

Funny, were the presidents sworn to secrecey or something. I talked to a bunch of my buddies FROM A LOT OTHER STATES who were going to attend and participate in this years Jr. program and none of them knew of this till yesterday.

[Matt Fly]

Those meeting took place well before the annoucement. Some Presidents just didn't bother to show up.

Funny, were the presidents sworn to secrecey or something. I talked to a bunch of my buddies FROM A LOT OTHER STATES who were going to attend and participate in this years Jr. program and none of them knew of this till yesterday.

Did your RI president attend the meeting?    yes or no?    

[StatosDadRI]

The BFN Presidents meetings were held the week of November 5-10th and there was not a metion to any of us Youth Directors  till yesterday of a decission or even a thought of moving . For the record our president didnt attend but our airline tickets were bought in and paid in October.  

[Tin]

1. I don't know, I posted this in Tournament Talk, I go back later and it is in this forum. I didn't see all the posts.

2. IT ISNT JUST RI!!! There are several other kids from OTHER STATES that had no clue. As mentioned before the meeting took place in November, that is last month. So what they had 4 months notice instead of 3? Everything was still booked a while ago for most cold weather states.

[Matt Fly]

1. I don't know, I posted this in Tournament Talk, I go back later and it is in this forum. I didn't see all the posts.

2. IT ISNT JUST RI!!! There are several other kids from OTHER STATES that had no clue. As mentioned before the meeting took place in November, that is last month. So what they had 4 months notice instead of 3? Everything was still booked a while ago for most cold weather states.

Sorry man, we have been duped!!!! I figured since you started it, you saw all the original posts. I never saw it in Tourney section, only General. It got moved and changed.      Changed after it moved to the General section.

Sorry to anyone else that may be confused or feels duped. I still say BASS should make good on this years classic as I have continued to state, then make changes.

I took, like BigHead was a little PO'ed cause I sure think the kids got the short end of the stick.

Thanks Russ, for changing my original post. I know some of those words i used was border line profanity, thanks for cleaning me up yesterday>

Sometimes I need it>

Matt

     

[Bass Hole]

Two years ago there was a lot of acquisitions the fed had no vote on what happened with our programs I guess thy were wright. Most thought it was a thing over $5 yet some others said If we let this go who knows what thy (BASS) will do next. We'll thy(BASS) got there $5 and continue to take things from the BFN for it. More money less programs.

1) dues increase $15 to $20

2) Weekend series went to ABA

3)JR's not fishing at the classic

What's next BFN's Classic spots?

Who Knows ?

Till this year I kept my membership in BFN/BASS, TBF/FLW  And ABA.

I for one will not renew in BFN/BASS.