August 28, 2005

Gary Klein-The first ten minutes of Bass Center were about as scripted as a TV show could be this morning.  The canned questions and answers reminded me of a tennis match.  John Kernan served, then Don Rucks volleyed.  Byron Velvick returned one, then Rucks, then Kernan, then Rucks, and so on.  The topic of course was the "new"-new format.  It was that obvious.

The next segment was dedicated to several spout offs about Gary Klein being allowed into the Classic this year and next.  Here is the spin that I have said ESPN-BASS has been so good about.  BASS caught a lot of flack for allowing Klein into the Classic (s) mainly by his fellow tour pros who felt he didn't deserve to get in on a technicality.  Klein did nothing wrong, other than to question a fairly obvious rule that was not clearly stated, which allowed him to move up into Bassmaster Classic qualification.  The rule wasn't so much violated as it was simply not clear.  BASS ruled that Klein would be allowed in, his fellow tour pros were upset that BASS made this decision, (which may or may not have been influenced by the fact that Klein is a Triton-Mercury guy.

The spin here is, BASS screwed this up.  First the poorly written rule, second, the unpopular decision to allow Klein into the Classics.  So what does BASS do?  They spin it, by bringing several of Klein's fellow pros on to say that Klein shouldn't be allowed in, he didn't deserve it.  With creative splicing, they made Klein out to be the bad guy.  

There isn't one of us who wouldn't have pursued the birth like Klein did, he did nothing wrong.  The screw up was BASS', but they spun it to make Klein look bad.  Gary doesn't deserve to be treated this way.  Why did Bass Center even bring this issue up today?  They needed to shift some blame and do what they do best, damage control.

The Ultimate Visionary-I am obligated to cover the press conferences that our owner/Ultimate Visionary conducts.  I was summoned today at 1:30 PM PST.  All I can say is that I am forced to write this stuff, I apologize ahead of time. Do Yourself A Favor:  Don't Click Here and whatever you do, don't click here to read other interviews from the UV

August 27, 2005

BassFishingHomePage.com-Help!  I have fallen into an eternal vortex and I don't know how to get out.  On a tip from a Bass Fishing Industry "Insider," I decided to check out this web site.  It amazes me that as much as I do, that I did not know about its legendary forum.  Well I do now!

If you have never ventured onto the forum, let me just tell you that it is kind of hidden, in that you need to know where to look to find the good stuff.  When you get to the front page, slide on the down the left side bar to where is says "Other Bass Fishing Topics."  When you get in there, fasten your seat belts and keep your hands inside the boat, cause there are some Piranhas in those waters.

I love commentary and editorial, and the BFHP is full of it.  So many colorful characters, so many referees, so many watchful eyes.  I have been in there on the forum a couple of days now and have taken a beating, but I love it.  When you go to this forum, take a moment to look at the posts, look at the times, look at the number of rebuttals and then let it soak in.  These are people who are talking about bass fishing.  These are people who take our sport very, VERY, seriously.  I hope this thought is not lost on those who read and post because I take a lot of my inspiration from the fact that I have realized that there is a rapidly growing segment of this country's population that takes bass fishing very seriously.  When you let the dust settle, after "Next" or "Bluefin" or "Chris" has drilled me, rightly or wrongly, you still have to realize that we are spending a lot of time talking about something we are passionate about.  All of this tells me the sport is growing.  No matter what anybody does to help it or hurt it, it is growing rapidly.  I love it.

My Initial Thoughts On BASS' New Elite Series-OK, lets run with it.  Let's try to stay with it long enough to see if it works.  (This information comes from a BASS Press Release) Here is how it breaks down to me....

August 26, 2005

Yesterday, ProBassAnglers.com Reported-that BASS Open Series angler Brent Broderick, (asa Brody of the Lake,) had a problem.  The rumored new changes on the BASS Tour for 2006 seemed to affect his chances of gaining a much sought after spot on the 2006 BASS Tour, and he was "mad as hell, and not going to take it anymore."  Frustrated, Brody pledged to "shout from the mountain tops," until his concerns were heard.  Much to his surprise, he was not the only Open level angler who felt they had been wronged, as there were apparently many who felt that they had been mislead when they signed up for the various Open divisions.

"It is not only guys who fish the Open divisions, it is Federation guys, who now see where their spots are going away, it is non boaters who were hoping to make the transition to the tour level.  The opportunities seem to have vanished before our eyes, and even though BASS has maintained it will honor our status in 2006, that price tag, the new price tag of $5,000.00 is a barrier that will prevent most from joining," stated Brody.

The PAA-Elite Interests Only? A spin that has made its way onto internet bulletin boards recently is that the newly reformed Professional Anglers Association, has only the interests of elite level anglers in mind as they launch efforts to have an influence on the Pro Tour Scene.  Yes, the board of directors is made up of anglers who are already qualified for the pro tour.  Yes, the members of the board of directors is made up of anglers who would benefit from smaller field sizes, you know, less guys trying to dig into the money that is available, and yes, the members of the board of directors represent perhaps the most elite anglers in the world today.  However, one should not over look the fact that yes, virtually all of  these anglers also got to where they are via the Open Divisions, or their former name sakes, the Invitationals. 

The PAA  Board of Directors is made up of anglers, who have already made their name in professional bass fishing.  Contrary to the belief of some misinformed.........misinformed guys, (so much nicer than what I was originally going to call them,) this Board of Directors is not made up of guys who are "over the hill and looking for ways to allow themselves to hang on a little longer."  No, the Board of this organization is made up of concerned pros who see real problems with the direction of today's tours, and want to do something about it.  The members of this Board have taken significant risks, in terms of conflicts with their own sponsors, conflicts with the television network that just happens to be the vehicle for gaining exposure for one's sponsors, and oh by the way, owns the company that runs the tour, and most importantly, these are guys who have staked their reputations and credibility on their ability to make changes in the sport for the better.

What does Kevin Van Dam gain by being the President of the Board of Directors of the PAA?  ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.  Does he get to shape the tour to fit his liking, does he get to design the tour so that everything benefits him and his cronies? SHUT UP!

Here is what Kevin Van Dam and every other member of the PAA Board get by being in their positions with the PAA.  More time away from their families, to attend various "Angler Relations Meetings."  They get to jeopardize their future by angering the powers who control television time and the tour itself.  Don't forget that they get to be ridiculed by bassholes on the various internet forums who are so jealous of these guys, that they spend most of their time taking pot shots at Board Members, (Gary Klein will tell you that pot shots are better than real shots.)  Oh, they get to take stands on issues that might very well anger the corporate interests that are their sponsors, you know the companies that fund these guys.  And finally, Kevin Van Dam, and the other members of the PAA Board of Directors get to put their reputations on the line so other guys have a shot at realizing their own dreams of becoming professional anglers.

Ranty AND Raving-I have been spouting off about how great the PAA is lately.  I have showered them with praise and painted them as being the best thing sense sliced bread, (wasn't I the guy who wrote that thing comparing the PAA Board to the Fathers Of Our Country?)-yup I was.

When I picked up "Brody Of the Lake's" story last week, I thought, "well here is a thing that the PAA will embrace and will carry the torch for, after all this is an issue that affects a group of anglers, who really have no collective voice."

"Nothing Keith, I haven't heard a thing from anybody," was Brody's comment when I spoke with him on Wednesday.  

Did I get this wrong?  Did I overestimate what the PAA really stood for?  All of sudden, reputation and credibility became a concern of mine.  What if I was wrong about all this?

I placed phone calls this week and the got the following quotes from PAA officials.

"The PAA represents all anglers, including the 14 year old future pro, who may not even know that he is future pro.  Yes, we do want to represent the interests of all anglers in the professional fishing game.  Clearly we are concerned about how this sport will be grown.  We want to know how up and coming anglers can advance into the elite tours." -Gene Ellison Executive Director

"I will make sure to bring this point up when we have our weekly conference call," -Brent Chapman.

"This is a problem that we will need to look at.  There are so many things that are happening right now.  It really is overwhelming to know where to start.  The guys who fish the Open Divisions certainly are part of what we are trying to do.  I am sure this is something we will want to take a look at." -Alton Jones

"Keith, most certainly the PAA is for Open anglers as much as it is for Tour anglers.  We want to make sure that professional anglers at each level have a fair playing field, and that is what we stand for."-Tim Horton

This is what I believed all along.  It is going to take some time, as the landscape changes every single day.

By The Way-I received this e-mail from Brody today regarding his situation and the PAA:  "Keith, I spoke with Mike Auten Today(PAA Board Member,) all lines of communication are WIDE OPEN now.  Thanks for the Bridge. -Brody

That's just me, saving America, one bass at a time.

Just How Many Open Anglers Do Go On To Fish The Tour?  Is it possible that I have ranted, (I made a bet that I could use the word "ranted" 10 times in this column today, hey that "ranted" counts and so does this one!) over one or two open guys who would have actually gone on to fish the Pro Tour.  I mean after all this Brody Of the Lake stuff, what if none of the open guys really want to fish the pro tour anyway?

I know one guy does, and that is Brody.  He is the only one that I have had contact me here.  I do sense that there are more, but there is only one so far that I know for sure.  The point is however, that if one guy is affected, then to me, it is a quest that is worth fighting for. As I said, I believe there are more than one of these "Brodies" out there.

What about last year?  How many guys fished the BASS Tour after having graduated from the Open Divisions?

• Dave Wolak 
• Preston Clark 
• Greg Gutierrez 
• Russ Lane (not the FLW Guy that's Bobby) 
• Terry Butcher 
• Cliff Pace 
• Chip Hawkins 
• Jesse Dramie 
• Zac Thompson 
• Thad Takes 
• Terry Adams 
• Grant Goldbeck
• Bradley Stringer
• Fred Roumbanis

With about 160 anglers fishing the BASS Tour this year, the 14 names that I have listed above represent about 10% (just a little under, unless I can find some more, and I will,) of the tour.  10% of the tour is made up of rookies for the 2005 season.  That, my friends is a significant number!

Hey BASS-When you put your new web site up you inadvertently omitted a whole bunch of archives.  I need that information.  I am being challenged from all directions to find lists of anglers who did this or that, and I need those archives man!  On second thought, never mind, my good friends at BassFan.com have all the 411 I need to fight off the assaults.  Rock On Bass Fan!

August 24, 2005

Trying To Figure Out How BASS Can Have A 100 Angler Tour-My problem is that I think too much, (many of you have stated that I write too much, but hey you came back so, who has the problem?)  

OK, we have already established that next year's BASS Tour could have the top 100 anglers from this year's tour, and 110 anglers from the Open Tour, remember BASS will honor their earlier commitments made to the Open Tour Anglers, meaning 30 from the North, 30 from the South, 30 from the Central and 20 from the West will be invited to the big party.  Those invitations being, to lay down $55,000.00 in entry fees for the chance to get blown out of the water by KVD.

Of course we know that nowhere near 110 anglers from the Opens will have the money nor the time to join fishing's elite tour.  In fact, there is a lot of speculation that many of the anglers that did qualify in the top 100 will not choose to gamble the "nest egg," on an unstable tour.  So we could have a top 100 field that has 75 anglers, (I have heard from at least 12 anglers in the top 10 who say they most likely will not fish the BASS Tour next year.

Next, I took a look at the next 50 pros from the AOY standings and the names that I saw in those spots numbered 101-150 were impressive.  Check out the names of these anglers who did not qualify for the tour next year because they fell out of the top 100:

• Roland Martin 101
• Art Ferguson 105
• Randy Blaukat 106
• Cody Bird 108
• Joe Thomas 109
• Ken Cook 110
• Denny Brauer 113
• Tom Mann Jr. 116
• Jimmy Houston 117
• Byron Velvick 124
• Jim Bitter 125
• Woo Daves 131   

DENNY BRAUER ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  How can we have a tour without Denny Brauer? 

Worried, I got a hold of Denny today.  He spoke to me from the deck of his boat, sitting in the middle of Truman Lake in Missouri.  "Fortunately for me, they usually have some exemptions for guys that have met a certain criteria.  In the past, guys who have been Angler Of the Year, Won a Classic or have five tour level wins, or are in the All Time Money Winners category, have been granted and exemption for the tour.  It's good because it keeps some names on the tour in years when a guy struggles.  For me, that was this year.  It was terrible.  I expect that because of my record, the will be an exemption for me that will allow me to compete on tour next year."

Whew!  What a relief!  From the list above, Roland Martin meets all of the above criteria except Classics Won.  Art Ferguson doesn't, it appears he will not have a spot in the Top 100.  

Randy Blaukit, Cody Bird, Joe Thomas would be out, unless there is an unforeseen criteria that I am not aware of.

Ken Cook would be in, he was the Classic winner in 1991 and he has won 6 tour level events, Tom Mann Jr would be out, as would Jimmy Houston and Bryon Velvick.

Jim Bitter would be in for sure, if he hadn't dropped the Classic Winning Bass out of his boat in the 1989 Bassmaster Classic.  Actually I think he might be in, he has won over $800,000.00, and has 5 wins to his credit.

Woo Daves would be in, because he is a Classic Winner.

There are obviously a lot of names that I didn't take time to list in this study, (oh that what he is calling this,)  those not mentioned would not come close to meeting any of the criteria.

One And Done. Alton Jones told me today that he thinks there are a lot of big name guys, who were in the top 100 from the tour this year, who may give the 11 event, $55,000.00 investment tour a try.  "A lot of big name guys will fail out there and be broke after one season."

August 23, 2005

How It Should Be Done-I have ranted many times, (that's what some people call what I do in the Brush Pile,) about what a cool program, that Joe Thomas has put together with his "Ultimate Match Fishing For Bass."  It is a show that I have watched religiously each week it has been on.  I love to watch the drama unfold as two of the best pro bass anglers in the world go head to head in the same boat.  It is something we haven't seen since the old "pro on pro" events.

Recently, we watched Dean Rojas take down Mark Davis in a most unconventional and perhaps, controversial manner.  At the end of Davis' last fishing period where he controlled the boat, Rojas had a clear lead.  Rather than take Davis to a spot where Davis could catch the potential match winning fish, when it was his turn to control the boat, Rojas drove to the middle of the lake and parked for his two hours, (or until Davis said "uncle.")  Davis never had a chance to catch that "go-ahead" bass.  While some were outraged by this tactic, Dean was applauded for being a defensive angler, (where did we here that before?)  Rather than let Davis have a chance, Rojas took the game away from Davis.

Tonight, I watched the final quarterfinal round which put KVD vs Rick Clunn.  Talk about two monsters of bass fishing.  As luck would have it, Clunn had a clear lead going into the fourth quarter which was Clunn's turn to control the boat.  Would Clunn take the great KVD out to the middle of the lake and park him?

No.  In what can be considered a throw back to another era, Clunn, continued to fish his good water, which was up shallow.  This gave KVD a lot of room to fish, and KVD in the shallows is just plain dangerous.  Needless to say, Clunn took a big chance giving KVD a shot at the match winning fish.  I won't tell you how it turned out.

What I witnessed tonight, (I believe you can watch later in the week also, check your local listings,) was a throwback to a time, when bass fishing had it's own version of chivalry, (you know, that Knights Of the Round Table saving the day kind of stuff.)  This is the way they used to do it, before guys break danced on their flipping decks. 

Congratulations Rick Clunn and thanks for reminding us of how it used to be done.

August 21, 2005

Bush Wacked-The information contained in the PAA's statement regarding their meeting with BASS was on the Internet, in an article, (which apparently has been taken down,) early on Monday.  Yes, the same Monday, that the meeting between BASS and the PAA was taking place!  Can you say LEAK, (as in leaked by BASS.)  

Bush Wacked II-BASS will award $11.2 million dollars next year for it's tour level events.  Based on 100 anglers, (allegedly,) that works out to an average of $112,763.00 per pro for the year.  That doesn't seem too bad, except that with a $5,000.00 entry fee, you can subtract $55,000 from that average seasonal winning, and don't forget about another $30,000 to $40,000 in expenses of traveling to 11 different events.  It is starting to sound like a break even tour, which is still better than it has been.

Here's An Idea (I didn't say it was a good one,) Eliminate the entry fees.  That would mean subtracting approximately 5.5 million from that total purse, leaving 5.7 million dollars in the purse for the season.  To all of the math majors out there who are saying, "does that mean the anglers are the biggest sponsor of the trail?"  Yeah, it sure does!

Anyway, while a total purse of 5.7 million dollars seems a lot less, it would greatly reduce the expenses that guys would have to pay, angler sponsors could cover travel expenses which would be less than entry fees, and this thing could begin to resemble real professional tour!  That would leave the average yearly winnings on tour for these guys to around $57,000.00 but the big difference would be that it would be clear money, not money that had to go towards expenses and cost of living.

Oh Darn, A Snag! Of course, a tour with a zero entry fee would mean that all of those Open Anglers, you know, the ones who were promised 30 spots from the Central Open, 30 spots from the Southern Open, 30 spots from the Northern Opens and 20 spots for those "step children" from the West, would want to take their rightful spots on tour....wait a minute!  30 + 30 + 30 + 20 = 110 anglers!  OK, well we can have 110 guys on a 100 angler tour, A Top 100 has never meant, only 100, we could fudge that a little.  WAIT A MINUTE, WHAT ABOUT THE TOP 100?  You remember we already have a tour with 100 guys that finished in the top 100.  And what about the guys who finished in the top 150 this year?  What do we say to Roland Martin (101,)  Art Ferguson, (105,) Randy Blauket, (106,) Cody Bird, (108,) Joe Thomas, (109,) and for crying out loud,  DENNY BRAUER (113)

Gee, could a top 100 tour have 200 or 250 anglers?  Nope!  That is why we must institute the $5,000.00 entry fee, you know, keep the "rift raft" away.   Here's another idea, let's make it a $10,000 entry fee, then BASS could boast that it was giving away $17 million!  

The $5,000.00 Entry Fee is what it is.  A barrier to those, who were promised a spot on tour, but now we don't really want them!  But hey, you guys can still come to the events, help us drive our camera boats, set up tents, take out the trash and fetch donuts!

Side Note-The chuckle that you are hearing is coming from Kentucky where the folks at FLW are beside themselves.  Imagine, the old rub on FLW was that it cost $3,000.00 to enter their big events.  So expensive!  Now, FLW isn't even the most expensive game in town.

FLW, Don't Think That You Are Getting Away With This-FLW is slipping, they are allowing way too many anglers to have their pictures taken with non FLW sponsor logos on their shirts and in the background.  Why I saw a Triton Shirt, an Okuma Boat, a Bass Cat Shirt, and the list goes on and on.  How can you guys continue to be the tour that doesn't allow self promotion, if you keep letting pictures like this slip through the cracks!

August 19, 2005

What A Mess!-Now this couldn't be, could it?  The rumored changes in the 2006 Bassmaster Tour are still unofficial, however, there is so much smoke out there that surely there is a fire somewhere.  Two aspects of this rumored change that were brought to my attention last night strike a particularly devastating blow to the sport of bass fishing and it's future.

One-100 Angler Field And The Open Pro

Oh yeah, remember him?  He's the guy that you promised would have a shot at about 60 or 70 new tour spots, as the expanding tour would now hold 200 anglers.  You needed their deposits, because, you know, you needed their deposits and you needed them back in March.  Remember when you asked those guys to start getting their deposits in before you even announced what the Open payouts would be?

No matter, these guys trusted you.  

So why would a guy plunk down a bunch on money in deposits, for tournaments, before they knew what the paybacks would be?  Oh yeah, they trusted you, and because you told them there would be 30 tour qualifiers from the Central, Southern and Eastern Opens, and 20 spots on tour from the Western Opens.  That's blind faith baby, almost, unconditional love.

Two-$5,000.00 Entry Fee And The Tour Pro

Oh we don't have to worry about the rookies getting onto the tour, you promise that you will honor all of your pledges made to the Open tour guys before they paid their entry fees.  All of those who have qualified under the "old system," will be allowed to put down $5,000.00, eleven times next year, (my computer like mind tells me that equals $55,000.00.)  Yes, all of those Open Tour guys will also have the right to pay $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 per event in expenses, 24 meals per event (8 days x 3 meals @ $10.00 per meal.)  About 100 gallons of gas per event @ $2.60 per gallon.  Lodging, about $500.00 per event.-Brutal.

I see what is going to happen, BASS can eliminate these Open guys by inviting them to put about $100,000.00, (which non of them have,) to fish the Tour next year.

PAA's Recognition By BASS

The following comments were brought to my attention on Monday, August 15th.  I was told that this had to be off the record, so I did not share this with you.  Now, since it on the PAA's web site, I figure it is fair game.

Mark Quenzel of ESPN explained that today he views the PAA as an “anglers advocacy group” and is somewhat supportive of the PAA. However, he explained further that if the PAA morphed into anything other than an advocacy group, ESPN and BASS would remove their recognition of the PAA. Mr. Quenzel made it clear that in his opinion the PAA Board should NOT get into the tournament business or acquire national sponsorships. “The minute you enter the tournament business you become just another competitor, and I will protect ESPN’s business interests.” He continued by saying “This is not a threat, but take it how you want it.”

Take it as I want it?  Take it as I want it?  I have searched my sole, (doesn't take much time,) to locate the wisdom in a statement like that!

What is the PAA suppose to do?  Say, "OK Mr. Quenzel, we're sorry, we will go back to our knitting and never dream of running tournaments!"

Am I the only one out there who thinks that BASS only opens its mouth to put its other foot in?

Here's An Idea-I must admit this is not my idea, but I think it best that I not publish the name of the Pro Angler who suggested this.  "Maybe FLW should start a second tour that is separate from all of their now qualified pros.  FLW could corral all the guys who don't want or cannot pay $100,000.00 to fish BASS next year.  Each tour would have it's own six events and would pay back the same as it does now.  There will be about 40 present tour guys as of now, who will not be able to fish the BASS Tour next year.  Just a thought."

August 18, 2005

My OnStar Moment-Not that you want to know about my Summer vacation, I will spare you the details other than to say that I did what any, red-blooded American bass angler should do, I took the family on a religious pilgrimage to Bass Pro Shops, (Las Vegas.)  The plan was to hit BPS in Vegas, and then to meet my parents in Mammoth Lakes, to do some Eastern Sierras stream fishing, by the way, regular unleaded gasoline in Bridgeport, California is $3.30 per gallon!

Anyway, without really thinking about it, I figured it would be about a three hour drive or so from Vegas to Mammoth Lakes, (this is why they call me the "human campus" in my family.)  Heading Northwest from Vegas on Highway 95, we drove about 170 miles until we made a left turn at the 266 junction.  In case you ever find yourself on Highway 95 in Nevada and you are looking for the 266 junction, you can't miss it, because right there on the corner in all of its glory is the Cottontail Ranch.  That's right, a real brothel.  I asked my passengers if anyone needed to go to the bathroom, six year old was sleeping, eight year old was reading, my wife said......well, I won't tell you what she said, but eight year old put his book down and said "what?"

I know this is more than you want to know, but in case one of you is still reading, I will continue.  Route 266 is at best a cow path, and at its worst, a Mountain Goat trail.  85 miles of pure adrenaline, white knuckle driving.  What is even better, is that the air space is dead just about the entire way.  "The pioneers didn't have cell phones dad," my eight year old informed me.  "Yeah, and they didn't have OnStar either," I replied like a smart....bass.

OnStar has a wonderful satellite telephone service that I have used when I feel like showing off.  Voice activated dialing, it is so cool.  Wanting to let the rest of our party, who was traveling a much more civilized route, know that we were ok and making good time. I started thinking, wow, this could be my "OnStar Moment."  Here I would be calling from some uncharted part of the world, and only OnStar would allow me to make my call.  This certainly, would be the stuff, that TV and Radio commercials are made of.

The following conversation represents my OnStar Moment.

OnStar:  "Hello Mr. Nice en won grr, how can we help you today?"

Me:  (Thinking, "cool, this is just like the commercial, I wonder if they pay the real live people?)  "Yes, I want to make a phone call to the number I just dialed."

OnStar: "Yes Mr. Nice juan jer, please hold on."

OnStar: "Yes Mr. Ice Quan Go, ah, your OnStar service is due to be discontinued, due to an expired credit card."

Me:  What?  You have my card number on file don't you?

OnStar: "Yes Mr. Tae Kwon Doe, however your card has expired and we are going to be discontinuing your service.

Me:  Wait a minute, do you mean to tell me that if I didn't call you, then I wouldn't be in the middle of being canceled at this moment?

OnStar: "Oh, we knew you would call.  In about 30 minutes you will be 45 miles from the nearest phone no matter what direction you decided to start walking.  We just push a "little old button," and bingo, your car stops working.  We figured that about the time you and your family are trying to decide, which family member gets eaten by the rest, you would call us."

Me:  Let me get this straight, you push a button and some satellite, 75,000 miles in space, shuts my car down?

OnStar: "Oh yes, Mr. Swash buckler.  If we can unlock your door from space, we can certainly program a little catastrophic engine failure out in the middle of the desert, sometimes we do that for fun, you know, when we're bored an all."

Me:  Well, I am sort of in the middle of the desert and getting my credit card out of my wallet is kind of inconvenient right now.....

OnStar: "Yes, Mr. Nice abdul-jabbar, we are canceling your service as of midnight tonight, would you like to change your monthly billing to a bill all at once, in which case we can charge you $225.00 right now.

Me:  Am I on candid camera?  Is this that survivor show?  Is this the Twilight Zone? (wishing now that I wasn't so close to area 51.)  OK, (pulling over to get my wallet out.)  You have my number, the expiration date is 08.

OnStar: "Thank you Mr. Schwartznager, we show your your phone minutes as being deficient.  Would you like to purchase 30 minutes for $13.95?"

Me:  Cancel. (OnStar command for canceling a call.)

OnStar: "Thank you Mr. Shish ka pivotz, have a nice day and thank you for choosing OnStar."

Congratulations To BASS  Recognizing the PAA is the best thing that BASS could do at this time. In what clearly seems to be a smart move on the part of BASS, the top brass from the PAA was granted a meeting and informed that BASS/ESPN would now recognize the angler association at this month's Bassmaster Classic.  This can only lead to better understandings between the two groups, and from where I sit, a dialog is the first step towards ironing out differences.

In my conversation with Gene Ellison, Executive Director of the PAA on Wednesday, he wanted to make it clear that Triton Boats Founder, Earl Bentz was instrumental in bringing the two sides together.  Triton of course is a major sponsor of BASS, and Bentz has a large stake and investment in professional bass fishing.  "Without his help, I doubt we could have had an audience with BASS," noted Ellison.

Richman/Poorman? In the world of professional bass fishing, rumors abound at rapid rates, (I know, I know, with people like me, its no wonder, but if not for me, where would you get your fix?)  Here's some more for you; After lengthy meetings all day Monday, Ellison and much of the PAA's Board of Directors held their own meeting to try a disseminate all of the information they had been given.  "While we were meeting, the points of our meeting with BASS/ESPN, were already hitting the internet.  We had been asked not to leak the topics of discussion, and even if we wanted to, those topics were already in cyber space."

One of the things that I read on a couple of sites is that BASS is going to trim to a 100 angler field.  On the surface, I kind of like this idea because it really tells the guy who isn't cutting it, that he isn't cutting it.  Instead of bleeding him to death, they cut him loose.  Harsh, yes, but probably better that way.

The other tid-bit that was leaked, "Keith, I will not disclose what was said in those meetings, what ever your source is telling you, I will not confirm or deny," has BASS raising its entry fees to $5,000.00 per event, but paying back much more along the lines of the FLW Tour, although I don't have any payback figures, remember this could be all rumor, (by the way, that is why you are still reading, you "dirt lover.")  

Doing the math, 11 events @ $5,000.00=$55,000.00 in entry fees.  For those who don't know, especially with gas prices challenging the $3.00 per gallon mark, expenses for a pro tour event is right around $4,000.00 when you take into account what each pro pays just to be at these events.  OK, $3,500.00 if the pro eats Mack and Cheese for every meal.  (The nerve of these pros thinking they can go to a restaurant and order blackened swordfish.)

My question is, can we find 100 guys who can afford $100,000.00 in "pony up fees?"  I don't know people's finances, but my guess is that this could choke off about 75 of the top 100 anglers out there.  The Richman's Tour.

Not Just A Leak-Now It Appears To Be An All Out Flood!-BassFan.com has the details of the of the "Anglers Relations" meeting published this morning.  I could print it all out for you, but what would the purpose be?  You can go to BassFan.com to read all of the details that were leaked on Monday. (But come back!)

August 16, 2005

Congratulations-To Jay Kumar, Terry Brown and Scot Laney of BassFan.com for having the nerve to try and attempt, much less pull it off, the event that was Top Gun this week.  From all reports, Top Gun was a major success, it generated tremendous attention and most importantly the professional anglers bought into it.  Needless to say, BassFan, the "self proclaimed" bass fishing news authority, put it's money where it's mouth is this week, and had a lot to lose if things had not gone well.  Rarely do we see those in lofty positions take great risks, because they have too much to lose.  BassFan put it's reputation on the line this week, and I think they hit a home run.

Who would have thought that a "fishless weigh in" could work?  (Actually it wasn't a "Fishless" weigh in.  Claude "Fish" Fishburne was the emcee, and ironically, may have been the reason that the "fishless weigh in" worked out so well.")

Who would have thought that BassFan could conduct a tournament in the middle of the worst heat of the Summer and lose only one fish?  Again this can be attributed to the small field, (BassFan weighed twenty five anglers in twenty six minutes on day one, and about the same the rest of the time,) the excellence of the weigh in crew and the professional manner in which the anglers took care of their fish.

Brent Chapman is the True World Champion.  I know that causes the fur on the backs of some to stand out, but lets think clearly about this.  The field, consisting of the best from the BASS Tour, the best from the FLW Tour and a number of anglers who fished both tours, (which I maintain are the best anglers out there,) is the strongest field we have seen in one event ever since a second tour emerged.  It will be easy to take shots at Top Gun, but it always is from your arm chair, you Monday Morning Quarterbacks.  The point is, BassFan did what none of the rest of us would do.  Needing a way to crown a true champion, they went out and did it themselves.

August 13, 2005

Top Gun Weigh In-Is awesome.  Is it a model for the future?  That remains to be seen.  A great example of thinking out side the weigh in basket.  Do you have to have fish at a weigh in, to capture the excitement?

These are questions that still need to be answered, regarding Top Gun's "funky weigh in format."  (OK, I was dared to find a way to use the word funky in the brush pile today.  I win $25.00!)  Yesterday's weigh in show at Cabella's was reportedly very well received by fans and anglers.  While it did last well into the night, (9:00 PM is past quite a few bed times in the pro ranks, and a lot of guys still hadn't did not eat dinner or fix tackle.   The overwhelming response was that it worked.  

If day one's weigh in worked then day two's weigh in should be ok.  On each of the first two days, pros are shown their weight when they actually weighed their fish, (by the way, BassFan says it's weigh took only 26 minutes and every fish was returned alive, that is unheard of in a summer time event.  Yes, only twenty five anglers helped the mortality rate, but club tournaments with even less anglers often lose more than that.  Great job BassFan.)  Day three will be the interesting test. Anglers will give their fish over to the weigh in officials, who will weigh the fish, anglers will not know their official weight until that night's weigh in show at Cabella's.

It will be interesting to see if BassFan can capture the magic moment when Top Gun's winning angler first realizes he has won, the Bassmaster Classic and FLW Tour Championship events of course are very good at building up the moment.  My feeling is that BassFan has it's "ducks in a row."  So far, so good.

August 10, 2005

I Need Caller ID, (I'm sure a lot of Bass Pros feel this way also, when I call.)-Wouldn't you know it.  It has been a while since the Ultimate Visionary summoned me to his office, (actually booth number 11 in the Pico Rivera, Burger King.)  Wondering what could be on his mind, besides a hamster running on one of those spinning wheel contraptions, (do they think they are going somewhere?)  I reluctantly, dropped what I was doing, and attended his one man press conference.  If you want to read this "dribble," click here.

August 9, 2005

Jimmy Mize-I had a good conversation with Jimmy Mize yesterday.  He struck me as being the "salt of the Earth" type of angler that comes from the old school of thought, that says, "you don't draw a lot of attention to yourself by doing summer-salts and break dancing when you catch a fish."  He is a man that opens up and lets the pride show through when you ask him about his bass fishing family, son Matthew, daughter Melinda and wife, Lucy.  "Matt just won a tournament down here, (Arkansas,) using eight pound test and that little equipment that you guys in California use.  All those guys out here were fishing 17 pound test, around the lily pads and stumps, and Matt goes in with the little stuff and wins."  With the Mize family, bass fishing is a family occupation.  "We are thinking about having a double trailer built so Melinda and Lucy can haul their boats to the new Bassmaster Women's events."

Most important about Jimmy Mize however, is that he doesn't allow himself to get pulled into controversy that might hurt other angler's reputations and might damage the sport that he loves so much.  It is no secret that he and George Cochran "shared" the same grass bed at the Classic two weeks ago in Pittsburgh.  That fact was made public on stage and on television.  Mize's "no comment" canceled what could have become an ugly incident being played out in public.  "George and I did not have an on the water confrontation, yes, I felt that I had established the water as mine, but these things happen in fishing, it is part of the game."

Did I feel  that there was more to this story, most definitely yes.  Hurtful comments were made.  Did I get the feeling that Jimmy felt encroached on?  If he did, he wouldn't let me see it.  There you have it.  A throw back to a time when anglers settled their differences away from the cameras.  Competition has always been "tight," and conflicts have been part of this game ever since the 1st boat crowded in on another's spot, (about 11,000 BC,) but its seems more and more that we are seeing these things unfold for the cameras, and on the pages of web sites.  It is refreshing to that there are still pros like Jimmy Mize out there.

The Employee Discount-Hey before you go out and buy that new GMC, Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge or Nissan Pickup Truck consider this.  If you order your truck from the factory, you are not getting the employee discount.  You should realize that every car dealership and boat dealership for that matter in the United States, is getting some kind of discount from the factory.  Oh, I know that you did your research and discovered what the dealer's cost was on the internet, good job, you should be doing that kind of research.  But you should also know that your dealer is probably paying about 4% less than dealer cost as part of a factory incentive.  So whatever that employee's discount stuff is they are selling you, understand that if an employee did order the vehicle, he/she would get an additional 4% discount as part of the dealership's discount.

That being said, ISN'T IT FAIR THAT THE DEALERSHIP MAKE SOME MONEY IN THE TRANSACTION?  Yes it is.  It is just that this "we'll give you the same discount as we give our employees," is kind of tired at this point.

August 8, 2005

Fred Roumbanis-During the 2004 Tour Season, Fred Roumbains kept a ProTourJournal for us.  We charted his trip around the country, shared his highs and lows and generally became a fan of this California angler, trying to make it on tour.  That season, he broke even, in part thanks to the FLW pay outs, he made the top 50 once and the top 20 another time, and survived a season, without financial disaster.  However, he didn't do well enough in the other four tour events and found himself missing out on requalifying for the FLW Tour by a single point.  This was a big step back for Roumbanis who felt like the FLW Tour would be the one he would continue to fish.  

Not making the FLW Tour for 2005, he was able to make the BASS Tour, based on his performance in the Western Opens.  Fishing the the BASS Tour this season, he was unable to fish the FLW EverStarts, so again, qualifying for the FLW Tour would have to wait.  Or would it.  Roumbanis, made the decision to fish the Northern Opens because they were for the most part, Summer events, which he would have time to fish.  

This past weekend, Roumbanis had the event of his career.  Showing in in Lacrosse, Wisconsin to take on the Mississippi River and a bunch of River-Rat locals, would be a tall order, but Fred came through.  "I guess you would have to call me a Delta Rat, because I spend a lot of time on the Delta in California.  The Mississippi fishes a lot like the Delta back home in California."

Roumbanis got on an open water frog pattern, (very much like what works back home,) and showed those locals a thing or two.  Actually, Fred admitted, not knowing he was fishing a community hole, that he might have avoided had he known that all of the locals fish the area, a Lilly padded lake, off of the main river.

One of the things I learn over and over in conducting interviews with guys who win tournaments is that at some point during the four days of an event, the angler who wins, makes a decision, that changes the balance of his fishing.  Most likely dozens of guys are making similar decisions, but their's do not result in victory.  Fred's big decision this week was his day two gamble.

"I couldn't get the big bite I needed with the frog, I had a four and a three, and three other fish that were about 14 inches.  I didn't feel like I had made the cut.  I told my non boater that I wasn't going to make the cut doing this, and that we were going to gamble.  I was catching my fish in pool 8, but I had a wing dam in pool  9 that I knew wasn't being fished much, and I felt that I could catch a couple of better fish.  I was about 12:30 when I decided to run.  When I got to the lock, the lock operator told me that there were expecting a big barge to come through, and that I might get stuck, but I felt that if I didn't do this, I would not make the cut.  When we pulled into the lock, there was the entire field that had been fishing in pool 9.  I heard some funny comments, "Fred, what are you doing, you won't have time" and "What does that Okuma guy, (Fred's sponsor,) think he is doing?"

"My weigh in was at 3:50 PM, and I just wanted twenty minutes on this wing dam.  It was crazy to meet the entire pool 9 field in that lock, knowing that they were coming back, and I was going the other way."

"When I arrived at the wing dam, I caught a two pounder on my first cast with a drop shot.  I then lost a three pounder, my non boater caught two, two pounders and I got one more that was about two and a half.  That all happened in about twenty minutes."

"I then had to run like crazy, I got through the lock, and I made it to the weigh in, with one minutes to spare."  Those two fish gave me about two more pounds and I was able to make the cut in sixth place.  The next two days, my frog fish really took off for me.  What a rush!"

Fred won $10,000.00 and a certificate for a new Ranger.  What is Fred going to do with the new boat?  Sell it and cash out?  "No way man, I am a Ranger owner now, (he has an Okuma Wrapped Skeeter,)  I will finish out the season in my Skeeter, then I will sell it.  I am 9th in the Northern EverStart Standings, and I intend to get back to that tour."

Notice To FLW Sponsors-find a way to get Freddy R on your team for next year's tour.  He is excellent with the media, if he can learn to stop dropping his cell phone into the water, (because he does so many interviews with me while he is fishing,) he will be a valuable team member.

That Classic Grass Bed-"Keith I didn't even know there was a problem with me fishing that water, until I weighed in and people started asking me about the conflict with Jimmy Mize."

"There was no confrontation on the water?"  I asked, "Jimmy didn't say anything to me out there," Cochran replied.

"As far as I know, Jimmy came in the second day and told someone that when he got to his water that I was already there, and from that, we got what happened on stage on day three."  Cochran's response when asked about the awkward moment when he was essentially put in the position of having to defend his reputation, in front of the Hot Springs Convention Center Crowd, because of the alleged comment that "Cochran has a history of those kinds of things."

"Keith, when I won the FLW Tour Championship a couple of weeks ago, I was excited.  I won in front of my home town, I won practically fishing in my backyard, I could see my house.  My family, friends and neighbors were right there with me.  In the excitement of the moment I said it, yes I did.  I said that I would only fish FLW from now, they pay out better, I am a Ranger owner, it only makes sense."  Cochran went on to say, "I do not want to spend six straight months on the road anymore.  I am getting towards the end of my career, and I want to fish one tour, and maybe that new one when it gets started."  

"I am sure my comments at the FLW Championship might have ruffled some feathers with BASS.  I didn't expect that kind of treatment.  I left the stage because I didn't feel like I deserved to be treated that way." 

I put a call in to George Cochran last Friday.  I wanted to get his thoughts on qualifying for one more Classic, (by making the Top Ten in Pittsburgh,) and to see if he wanted to talk about what happened on stage, day three of the Classic.  Needless to say, he wanted to talk.  George was genuinely hurt by what happened to him and said he wasn't sure that he even wanted to go to the next Classic, although he probably would.

Was BASS out to get Cochran?  My take, no.  

I do think that the ESPNing of professional bass fishing however might be to blame in this case.  Get the sound bite, where's the controversy?  Let's try to create some news.  In other words, let's play up the story no matter what the angle.  I haven't spoken with Jimmy Mize, yet, I hope to do so today or tomorrow.  At this point, I respect the "I'm not going there, I'm a better man than that," comment.

I don't think we can escape this kind of thing.  Having your cake and eating it to, sort of comes to mind.  If so much money, and television, and general attention are going to be injected  into these tournaments, we are just going to have to deal with it.

Do I think that BASS Emcee, Keith Alan was deliberately trying to discredit one of Bass Fishing's All Time Greats?  A pro with two Classic Victories?  A guy who helped build BASS' greatness?  Absolutely not, that would not be very intelligent.  I am sure, that there are some out there who think BASS took a shot at Cochran in response to his comments at the FLW Tour Championship.  

I do think that the pressure to get ratings, leads to an aggressive form of reporting, which leads to the kinds of questions George Cochran was forced to respond to on the stage during the day three weigh in.   His leaving the stage, and then being called several times, before the weigh in continued only added to the controversy.  This kind of thing could have happened to anyone, Rick Clunn, Larry Nixon, Kevin VanDam, anyone who happened to be involved in this kind of situation.

Was this an attempt to "get back at Cochran" for his endorsement of FLW?  No, nobody is that.......

Question-If Mike Iaconelli catches a bass in the forest and there is no camera to film him screaming, does he really catch that bass?  The answer is yes he does.  My six year old is quickly developing the bug for fishing.  Recently we have rented a skiff out of Catalina Island to go Calico Bass fishing on a couple of occasions.  Calico bass generally hit a piece of squid like a freight train.  How do I know when my six year old has a fish?  He screams, a la Mike Iaconelli.  It is am emotional release, it is the surprise of the locomotive-like strike, it is pure, I love it.  We have no cameras on us.  Do I care that Mike Iaconelli screams and dances and creates a spectacle when he catches a keeper bass?  I believe there is room for this in our sport.  

What Mike is doing, besides drawing attention to himself, is he is reaching an audience that he might not be aware of.  Trying to get Mr. Six Year Old interested in fishing is quest of mine, that I am starting to see some positive results from.  I need all the help I can get.  What am I up against?  Video games, computer games, other medias that compete for his attention.  "Ah dad, I don't want to watch fishing!"  So off he goes to the computer to race some cars.  Then, Mike Iaconelli catches a fish...."AAAAHHHHH,  AAAAHHHHH!  WWWOOOOO!  OOOOHHHH YEEEAAAHHH!"  Suddenly, Mr. Six year old is right there next to me, watching.  Television knows how to catch the attention of a six year old.  Bigger, louder, more flash, there is a lot of competition to get those six year old eyes and ears to pay attention.  Mike Iaconelli may not know this, but he is helping me reach that six year old with the message of fishing.  My dad, Mr. Six Year Old's grandfather, doesn't buy into Mike's "abrasive style," however, he already is a fisherman, and has a life time of memories that he cherishes.  He already has the bug.  In the competition for six year old eyes and ears, Mike's approach is perfect.  Keep on screaming! Mike, Keep on screaming!

August 5, 2005

I don't know-I don't know George Cochran, he has been on my radio show, and has always been eloquent and friendly.  I don't know Jimmy Mize, I have interviewed his son, I once met his wife Lucy at a US Open in Las Vegas, (I think Jimmy was there,) and I know that the Mize family might be the biggest fishing family in bass fishing, Husband and wife are both pros, son Mathew and even daughter Melinda, have fished in Open events.  

I know both anglers were at the heart of a controversy over who had squatter's rights to a prime grass bed up the Monongahela River at last week's Classic.  I know it because it played right before our eyes.  

I don't know who rightfully owned the water.  I don't know who should have differed to the other, in a tournament where a keeper fish weighs 0-10, and a guy who is in 17th place is only 2-15 behind. I don't know if one guy should differ to the other.  I don't know how it should be settled.

I do know, however, who was wrong in this situation.  

The following excerpt is from the ArkansasOnline.com

Onstage Ambush Of Cochran At Classic Needless By Bryan Hendricks PITTSBURGH - 

During the final weigh-in, emcee Keith Alan's handling of George Cochran and Jimmy Mize was appalling. Mize and Cochran had clashed over the section of water where Mize had caught his fish the first day, but it wasn't public knowledge. When Cochran, who was poised to make history by winning his third Classic, rolled into the arena, the crowd greeted him with a thunderous ovation. When he stepped onto the stage, Alan put his arm around Cochran's shoulder and confronted him about the conflict. He accused Cochran of having a history of such behavior and asked him what he had to say for himself. Cochran responded awkwardly, and the crowd turned against him. Regardless of the reasoning behind it, airing out the dirty laundry in front of 14,000 people during Cochran's day in the sun was cheap and tawdry. Alan tried to keep it going with Mize, but Mize shut it down by saying, "I ain't getting into that. I'm a better man than that." Right after, Cochran left the building, which really messed things up. Cochran held the lead until the top six anglers from Saturday weighed in. He was supposed to sit in the "Hot Seat," onstage until another angler displaced him with a higher weight. Alan called for him several times as the crowd grew impatient. Finally, Alan continued without Cochran, but his absence cast a shadow over what had been a festive event. 

There's a lesson here. Next time a top pro decides he's going to quit fishing the BASS tour in favor of FLW, he'd best wait until after the Classic to announce it. This story was published Thursday, August 04, 2005

In the olden days, gentlemen settled their differences both on the water and off the water.  Did it ever result in fist fights?  You bet it did.  The difference is, we never saw it.  

"But you want increased exposure, it's all about the anglers, that's what you always say, Keith" 

"Hey Keith, you can't have it both ways.  Either you want whole story, or no story."

OK-I don't know who those voices were from, but I do know that they popped into my mind. The coverage is good, the coverage is excellent, the drama is what it is.  These anglers, besides being gentlemen are also tremendous competitors.  During the heat of the MOMENT, things are said and done, DURING THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT!

To push Cochran about "a history of such behavior," or to try and incite Jimmy Mize on stage in front of 14,000 is bush.  

I don't know who was right in this matter.  I do know who was wrong!

August 4, 2005

Founding Fathers-To those who said it couldn't be done-it has been done.  To those who said that the professional anglers "are not a cohesive enough group, and will never be able to put their collective differences aside to produce one united voice,"-they have.  To the dozen or so,  critics who tell me that you wish them luck, but these anglers have no idea how to run a major tournament-guess what, you're right, they don't, but they are smart enough to surround themselves with the right kinds of people who understand the corporate world.  The Professional Anglers Association is here and you can go to their web site by going to www.proanglersassociation.com, BUT DON'T GO THERE YET, I'M NOT FINISHED!

This country was founded on the principle of "if you don't like it, find a way to change it."  Certainly the Founding Fathers of our country set forth a model of "how to push a movement forward," that has served as schematic for countless organizations over the years, who were searching for change in he face of persecution. 

Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and a host of other prominent men were all successful in their endeavors within Britain's 13 Colonies.  However, to a man, each knew something was wrong with the system.  Each could have continued to accumulate wealth, gaining the graces of The King.  Each could have been the "Poster Boy" for The King's Colonies.  Each could have stood as the model of how people living in the Colonies were supposed to act.

Instead of staying safe, instead of being "status quo," these men realized that while they were privileged, (some in part because of their hard work and others by station in life,) the system in place, would not allow others the opportunities to rise above the King's Rule.  So these Founding Fathers, chose the unsafe route.  They chose change, risking their existence, so that people like me can write the "lunacy" that is the brush pile.

At this point it is time to introduce you to a different group of "Founding Fathers," and before you dump your "HOW DARE YOU COMPARE THESE GUYS TO THOSE GUYS" e-mails on me, let me just remind you that all these Founding Fathers are doing, is following the same model set forward by THOSE Founding Fathers.

• Kevin VanDam
• Tim Horton
• Mark Davis
• Jay Yelas
• Mike Auten
• Edwin Evers
• Brent Chapman
• Alton Jones
• Shaw Grigsby
• Gary Klein

If these names look familiar to you, they should.  They are the names of some of the most successful bass fishing professionals in the world.  The list is a "whose who,"of the sport that you and I love.  There are millionaires on that list, (at least in terms of all time winnings,) there are guys who have spun their fishing success off into successful television shows, and they are the guys who most of the fishing world looks to, as it's "model citizens."

By forming an angler's organization, (the PAA is very careful, not to use the "U"nion word,) the PAA has at once, put themselves at odds with the existing governing bodies.  Just as The King demonstrated ignorance and arrogance in his dealings with the Colonies, the existing governing bodies in professional fishing today, have failed to address the very constituents that they serve, the anglers.

The list of anglers above, are already immortalized within their arena.  They have no need from a personal level, to upset the apple cart.  They have each reached the Super Star Level, they are set.  However their vision, their sense of fair play and their desire to form a more perfect playing field, is what will drive this sport into the next decade.

OK, now, go ahead and check out that web site.  www.proanglersassociation.com,

August 3, 2005

A Look At Our Future?-Next week's Cabella's Top Gun Championship, the event assembled by BassFan.com could be a look into the future of Bass Fishing.  With the PAA, preparing to announce it's own tour for 2006, and for the most part, endorsing the format of Top Gun, we are led to believe that the future of fishing, at least at the elite angler level, will involve tournament formats where:

• Pros will use their own boats and equipment, even on television days.
• Pros will be paid an appearance fee.
• Boat companies, while they will be invited to advertise, will not be give prominence, in as much as the pros will be using their own boats, displaying their own sponsors.
• Pros will be known only as pros, not BASS Tour Pros or FLW Tour Pros.
• The World Championship Winner, will be the true World Champion.

It should be noted that while the PAA has not, to my knowledge, officially endorsed Top Gun, the participants that I have talked to, are saying that the Top Gun format is the closest thing to what PAA representatives are saying the sport needs.

We will cover next week's events.  It is a bit surreal at this point, ever since I have begun covering professional bass fishing events, there has been an organization, attached to a marketing plan running the events.  If BassFan handles this the right way, and we owe them the benefit of the doubt, we should have an event that is pure, unattached to a marketing scheme and most importantly, unattached to any bias.   We shall see.

August 2, 2005

Greatest Angler-I would like to personally congratulate Rick Clunn on being named Bass Fishing's Greatest Angler.  Throughout his career, he has established himself as the consummate pro and deserves this title with no second guessing.

As many of you know, I made the statement in March that I knew who won this Greatest Angler Debate.  A bit premature?  Obviously, because Roland Martin (my choice,) didn't win this Greatest Angler Debate.  I was positive that I had made the right decision because Tim Tucker agreed with me, (actually I don't know if Tim Tucker even knows I'm alive, oh wait, yes he does, because he has turned down offers to come on the radio show twice.)  When I chose Roland Martin and made a big to-do about him being the best bass fisherman ever, it was only after a long, extensive search of past season's records.  It was only after comparing the careers of today's greatest bass anglers, and yes, mom, it was after I did my homework.

The criteria that I established in March was sound, it did place Classic wins and FLW Tour Championship wins on equal footing.  My study also put AOY's from both tours on equal footing, however since BASS has been around so much longer, there is not as much of an FLW influence in my study.  The other thing that I did in my study was to place Angler Of the Year Awards on the same, equal footing, as Bassmaster Classic wins and FLW Tour Championship Wins.  Using this criteria, Martin wins.

More Homework-I have also been doing some more homework recently and you might find my results, rather interesting.  Don't look now but Kevin VanDam's numbers just exploded within the 15 months.  Within that time, VanDam has won two AOY titles, (E-50's) Two E-50 Events and a Bassmaster Classic.  He has moved up to fourth place in our poll, (ProBassAnglers.com Greatest Angler Survey: An On Going Study,) and it would seem that only time is keeping him from being on top of that list.

Keeping in mind that VanDam has done his damage mainly on the BASS side, he does have Tour Championship appearances on the FLW side and has won an FLW AOY.  Compare the performances of our top Four: 

With the trained eye, one can see that Martin, Clunn and Nixon have had storied careers, although most of their points in our study are earned through their longevity.  Classic/Tournament Championship appearances, can only happen once a year per tour, so in VanDam's case, he will simply need to keep on fishing.

How long will it take VanDam to over take those ahead of him?  VanDam is going to turn 38 this year, and he has been at this game since 1987, (18 years.)  Does he have another 18 years in him?  Probably.  How many more years does he have at the top of his game?  If we can use Larry Nixon as an example of a guy who is still fishing strong.  Nixon qualified for both tour championships this year.  At 54, soon to be 55, Nixon still looks strong, and don't forget Clunn who turned 61 this year.  It is safe to say that VanDam can continue to fish into his 60's if he wants to.  With the kind of determination that we saw at the Classic this past week, do you think VanDam will stop until he passes those ahead of him?  

So when does he pass Nixon?  The first tournament of next year, (OK how about next season at some point.)  When does he pass Clunn?  VanDam nearly doubles Clunn's point output in the AOY and TC Victory categories.  Clunn most likely passes Martin next year, unless we see another Roland Martin Reniassance, but VanDam will pass them both within the next 8-10 years.  

To view our critieria, (as though there were two or three of me,) click here.

August 1, 2005

A Lot Of Catching Up To Do-What a great Bassmaster Classic.  Three days, three different leaders, KVD was the leader when it counted.  Little fish, big fish, who cares?  Perhaps the little fish weighed in each day at the Classic might not have made for the best television, after all, a 12 inch bass doesn't look as impressive as a 13 pound monster, but do you know what?  The smile on the faces of those guys bringing them to the scales more than made up for the size of the fish.  That was a tough fishery, each angler who weighed in a keeper or two had a right to be proud.  

Fresh Face-You have read about Bradley Stringer's ups and downs this season via his ProTourJournals.  Stringer, the winner of the BASS Open Championship in December of 2004, made the Classic via the Open events.  He struggled on tour, suffering through a year that would have most of us standing on a bridge looking down, yet his resilient personality is a reminder to us more than any "message board belt," that you can never give up.

Stringer's Classic, was just like his year, up on day one, (sixteenth place with four keepers,) and down on day two, (three nice fish lost, and zero in the boat.)  Day three was better, but left him short of what he was shooting for, (top ten and next year's Classic.)

How would he react to being beaten up and eaten up by a Tour, that doesn't necessarily take care of all it's resources?  How would young Bradley, a Ranger Man and a Yamaha Fan, respond to the lure of perceived better payouts on the FLW Tour?  "I am a BASS man, this is the real deal.  Keith, I love this Tour.  Guys like Tommy Biffle, Gerald Swindle, Marty Stone, have made me feel welcome, like part of the Brotherhood.  Not a single guy 'big timed' me this week.  You know, they could have looked at my tour performance and treated me like a regional guy, but to a man, they made me feel like I belonged."

"Next year's Tour schedule is awesome, and I will be there.  It may not be the most popular thing, with the turmoil that is out there, but from the week that I just experienced, I can clearly say that I have never experienced anything like this, and I want to be back here again, soon."

Bradley Stringer, is a personable guy who enjoys having a microphone in his face and likes to be in front of people.  A couple of companies have noticed this, namely Shimano, Ranger and Yamaha.  Stringer is a guy who could become a super star in this sport, besides the personality, there is also a pretty VanDam good fisherman there.

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