The Wish List
Category: Tournament
Nov 19th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Nov 19th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
Have you ever had a wish list when it comes to bass fishing? Sure, most of you have that new bass boat in mind. Maybe a collection of new electronics or a bundle of high-end rods or reels? How about all of them? I’d be happy to get any of the above.
For me, my wish list is a little different. This one is short. It doesn’t involve receiving any material goods. Don’t worry, it ain’t too preachy and I won’t be quoting any Bob Dylan tunes.
Nope, my wish list consists of two items. First, a new location for a tour-level bass fishing event. Second, a new tour.
Lake Washington in Seattle, Washington.
I remember many days zipping around Lake Washington with my friend and former tournament partner, Tracy Ousley. We’d smash largemouth bass in the shallows and draw some ferocious strikes from smallies on top. Seriously, you could see those buggers charging your lure from 30-feet down. Just awesome.
Okay, this isn’t a trip down memory lane, but it is an idea long overdue for either the FLW or B.A.S.S. Seattle is a major city with a long history of supporting outdoor activities. Plus, it has so much amazing food, incredible wineries and breweries and the view is spectacular. Imagine pitching and flipping and having Mount Rainier looming in the background. I’ve done it. It’s amazing.
Oh yeah, the bass fishing is pretty darn good, too. Time to expand and grow. I like the more inclusive schedule the Bassmaster Elite Series has been producing, but this would be a big step to making professional bass fishing a truly national pro sport.
The new tournament circuit.
This is not a new concept, but somehow, some way there needs to be one professional league. Just like the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA, etc. This two circuit deal is dividing up the best anglers. The lack of stable qualification standards is atrocious. Until there are standardized qualification requirements, this sport is essentially a game for whoever has enough money to play.
The players have to pay to play. The concept is ridiculous on its merit. This makes the sport more about gambling than skill for a lot of the contestants.
There are a lot of anglers who feel Major League Fishing was established for this purpose, but frankly it seems to be set up more for entertainment and a television show. That is all good, but it is not the answer to the sport’s dilemma. However, I’m not sure enough people care about making competitive bass fishing a legitimate pro sport. Status quo seems to rule the roost.