July 30th, 2005

The Visionary Speaks-I am obligated to post this interview, but apparently ProBassAnglers.com U.U.V. (Ultimate, Universal Visionary,) Keith Nighswonger has something to say.  Please bear with me as I bring this to you.  Click here, if you want.  Click here if you don't.  (He is in to giving the readers options lately.)

July 28th, 2005

Saving The World, One Bass At A Time-From the perception is reality file, it seems like we are hearing more and more of fish dying in bass tournaments.  That collective "DUH" you just heard comes from your local PETA Chapter, (you know, the ones who would rather hurt people, than animals.)   There is no doubt that Summer Tournaments produce more mortality in bass, than those during the Spring and Fall.  Warmer water, less oxygen in the water, more stress on the fish, all add up to higher death tolls.

It may be me, but are we still as vigilant as we once were when it comes to keeping our bass alive?  I know the pro guys work hard to keep their catch from expiring in the live wells, their pay days count on it.  But what about the organizations, are they still trying as hard as they use to try?  You may have heard of the Bass Professor, Doug Hannon.  Hannon and Legend-Labs owner, Tony Gergely both use to be on retainer with tournament organizations.  Gergely is a micro-biologist who has spent his career making products that keep bait fresh and fish alive, including bass.  Hannon and Gergely would travel to all of the pro events, set up the weigh in tanks, use ice to cool the water, use chemicals to calm the fish in those tanks, work with fish that were in stress and then work with the live release boats, to make sure the fish were intelligently released back into the lake.  Both Hannon and Gergley haven't been asked to work a tournament in some time.

The internet has been alive recently over a controversial fish kill on Oklahoma's Grand Lake.  An organization came in and held a tournament, and within a few days, fish were found floating around the lake in various places.  The local TV news got a hold of the story, and it has blown up.  Home owners around Grand Lake are not happy about this, it does not help the property values.  Guilt in this matter is undetermined as of yet, the tournament organization looks real bad, although there is some talk that another organization possibly a club had held a tournament on Grand Lake at the same time.  Regardless, the sport gets a bad name.

I seem to remember a time when some organizations would add a caption at the end of their tournament results, 1251 fish caught / 1247 released.  I don't recall seeing that for a long time.  Is that because the perception out there today is that we can live with a few dead fish?  How many is a few, and more importantly, how many until some PETA group shows up with an army of reporters hell bent on making us look bad?  When that time comes, there should be no complaining, no whining about PETA being a bunch of militants, we know what they are and we know what they do.  We have to make sure that we don't give them the rope to hang us.

BassZone-If you have not checked in with BassZone.com yet, make sure you do it.  BassZone's coverage of the Classic this week is better than anybody else's, that's right, they are doing a better job than anyone else.  This includes ESPN, where I will have to wait until Friday to get the updates that I can get on my PC from BassZone, right now.  They have archived video interviews that are spectacular, and their news is inside stuff.  Good job BassZone!

Hurt Feelings-While many won't come out and say it, the buzz around ICAST last week was that Gary Klein should not have been allowed into this year's Classic.  I spoke with a couple of anglers who think it is wrong for Klein to have appealed his points at the Lake Wissota E-50 this season, and wrong for BASS to have allowed him into the Classic field.  Marty Stone in his BassZone interview makes it clear that he feels "some anglers should not be in the Classic this week."  BASS did the right thing.  Klein's point was valid, and I would like to have seen how any other angler in that position would have reacted to the way the points were awarded, had it involved them.  Cry me a river, build me a bridge, AND GET ON OVER IT FELLAS!

July 27th, 2005

I Was Afraid To Look-I receive the same press releases from BASS that other news sources receive, I just don't usually publish them to make it look like I somehow got this big inside scoop.  I let the other guys do that.  But yesterday I received an e-mail press release from BASS, (one of about 7 or 8 that they sent out yesterday,) and the head lines both shocked and amazed me:  "BASS Sponsor Cialis® (tadalafil) Showcases Educational and Interactive Presence in Pittsburgh-Cialis Relaxation Center, Photo Experience and Bassmaster University Seminars Headline On-Site Activities."

This head line got my attention.  What in the world could Cialis be doing at the family oriented, Classic Show? What in the world would the Cialis Relaxation Center entail?  And for crying out loud, what could the Cialis Photo Experience be about?  Needless to say the images that my mind conjured up were not pretty.

Cialis, the company that tells us guys over 40 "that if we don't have the problem yet, we soon will, but not to worry because medication is available," is going to have an interactive booth at the Classic outdoor show?  If I sound bitter, I am.  I am in the impressions business, in that what I try to do is create impressions for advertisers.  The more impressions, the stronger the message.  The stronger the message, the more people are going to start believing they need the products that are advertised on my radio show and this web site.  

Through the use of "impressions," Cialis and companies like them, have created "ED," (I am not going to say ertictile dysfunction in this column.)  Oh, I am not going to suggest that some people have not had these problems, I am not going to suggest that one bit.  I will suggest, however, that the condition now has a name, largely in part so that companies can sell you a product to fix that condition, (try cutting back on the alcohol intake first and see what happens.)  Basic marketing will tell you that in trying to sell "meds" you have to first convince people that they need them. Tell folks enough times that they have a problem, and sure enough, they will believe you.

So as you stroll through the Classic Outdoors Show this week, cruise on by the Cialis Educational and Interactive Presence Booth.  Go to the Cialis Relaxation Center.  Stop on by the Cialis Photo Experience.  Whatever you do, take your time.......You have 36 hours.

A Possible Cialis Advertising Campaign Slogan (s)

• "Fish hard-all day"
• "Eat, Sleep, Fish and..."
• "Putting The Wood Back In Bass Boats..."
• "Horny Toad?"
• "Hey anglers, sign up for the Cialis Performance Program..."

July 25th, 2005

Throw The Little Ones Back-You know, I have sat here spewing this rot that I do about the pro tours needing to take care of Packman, and all that, and you know what, maybe we should just let a little Darwinism into the world of Professional Bass Fishing.  I mean, let's think about this, the basic code in the jungle is, "only the strong survive."  Why should the world of bass fishing be any different?  Think about this, (I really haven't, I find research and homework, tedious and bothersome,) why should the little guys be rewarded for mediocrity?  Should a guy floundering in 80th, 90th or 100th place on the pro tour expect to make a living as a pro fisherman?  If this were the corporate world, would the poor performers be allowed to hang around?

It has been reported recently that some tour pros are only going to fish FLW next year, because the money is there.  I call that taking the easy way out, if these pros were tough, they would fish for free!  I'm tired of hearing all of this moaning and groaning.  The very name BASS alone, should make the event worth fishing, even if there is no prize for first place.

Perhaps BASS and FLW should cut the payouts down to 30th place.  That would allow BASS to disperse roughly $75,000 more to the top 30 finishing anglers, (based on what is now paid to places 31-75,) giving them some real meat and potatoes and it would allow FLW to pump $268,000, (based on what is now paid to placs 31-75,) or so into it's top finishing anglers.  That way, all of the weak anglers would be eliminated and we could have a real pro tour, a man's pro tour, thus eliminating all of the weak little wannabe, pretenders, hey, maybe they can go out and write web columns!   Then, all we would have left would be the real pros, the true champions and the top gunslingers.  Hey, we would have better tournaments, the lakes would fish larger, everybody could come in with a nice five fish limit, and rarely would there be any quarrels over guys stepping on each other's water.....................on second thought, naw.

The tours need to make it possible for an angler to qualify first, and then survive second, until a competitive equality can be reached.  What this means is a three year plan.  An angler that can stay in top 100 should be able to do so for three years.  In a three year period, that angler gets the chance to learn the lakes, learn how to pre fish these kinds of events and adapt to this level of competition, it is far different than the competition at the regional level.  Therefore, the pro tours, need to figure out how to pay down to the 100th place level, over a three year period, an amount of money that these guys can sustain themselves on, not just their entry fees, but enough to pay their expenses, (roughly about $5,000 per event.)  Those anglers that linger in the 70th, 80th or 90th place level over three years should be shown the door.  They can go back to EverStarts or Opens to requalify.  What should that angler have to do to avoid being "sent down," after three years?  Qualify for a Tour Championship or Classic, or maybe advance into the top 50 on tour, to earn themselves an additional three years.

PAA-"The tour will be here next year, but it is really not appropriate for me to talk about yet."  Yet another anonymous source, (hey I have really learned to spell anonymous following this story,) told to me at ICAST last week.  Is that considered homework, because you know how much I hate homework.

July 20th, 2005

Here We Go, Cochran Leaving BASS-"I have no bad feelings towards BASS, I forged my career fishing their events, it's just that for the last five years, I have fished both tours, I have literally spent the months of January thru June, away from home, on the road.  I room with Larry Nixon, and we figured together that in one stretch this season, we fished 80 straight days.  At this point in my career, I am just not willing to do that any longer."   

George Cochran this season, joined Davey Hite, and David Fritts as the only anglers to win both Tour Championships, yet he now says the rigors of trying to get to both tour championships is simply not worth it any longer.  In what may be a developing trend amongst tour anglers, it simply comes down to dollars and cents.  Consider this season as an example, Cochran's Angler Of the Year Standing and earnings from both tours.

From the above results, one can clearly see that from a business point of view, it is a no brainer.

"I will take a look at what this PAA thing looks like, but for now my plans are to fish FLW only next year."

Cochran is also gearing up for Next week's Bassmaster Classic.  "This will be my last Classic, I have won that event twice, 1987 and 1996, I have a lot of confidence.  I am focusing only on that event right now.  When this Classic is over, I will review my options."

July 19th, 2005

Professional Anglers-His restful slumber is interrupted by the familiar sound of the alarm.  He drags himself out of bed and thinks to himself, "I'm not getting any younger."  Getting dressed, he looks in on his sleeping family, wife, children, all in restful bliss.  He knows all too well that they are counting on him to perform today.  Walking out to his boat, he carefully prepares baits an reties hooks.  Looking up at the sky he notices the wispy clouds in the sky, "a front is coming through," he thinks to himself, "better make sure to pack my rain gear."

He soon begins to hear the morning chatter, other anglers are now at their boats, each working on gear and swapping stories of yesterday's battles.  He tries not to listen too much to the "dock talk," he knows it "only messes with his head, gets him all scrambled up."  Trying to think clearly, he tries not to dwell on yesterday's poor performance, the disappointment on his little daughter's face was heartbreaking.  "Do the exact opposite of what you did yesterday," he tells himself, "anything will be better than yesterday."

He makes his first run to an area where he has had some success in the past, but the past is the past, and that was years ago.  In recent years, there have been too many new anglers competing for the same fish, the grounds are becoming depleted, the catches dwindling.  It has become harder and harder to feed the family as a professional angler.  He works the area back and forth, methodically concentrating, looking for even a hint of a bite.  Nothing.  There is another area where the fish sometimes move shallow to feed.  A few scrawny little ones, is all that this spot produces.  "The Outer ridges, it is a long run, but I have got make something happen," he is now pressing, knowing that time is running short.  His arms are sore from rowing, he guesses 6 to 7 kilometers today.  "This won't do, I have spent too much time here fishing on memories, I am running out of time." 

Maybe two hours of light left, he knows he must leave at least one hour of light for the long row back to his village.  Not having access to GPS technology, he must rely on sight and land marks to make it back.  Another angler from his village paid the price of staying out too late a couple of weeks ago, and he never made it back.  As each day goes by it is less likely that his family will ever see him again.

Finally, minutes before he must begin his trek back to the village, a bite, "this one is heavy," he thinks to himself.  

"Easy, let him run with it."  "Hold on, it is very deep."  Minutes pass, the big fish, still has not tiered.  "What could it be," he thinks.  "Never mind, whatever it is, it will be enough to feed us, perhaps for two or three days."

"Did I pay attention to my line?  Have there been any line scratches?  I should have retied, I know I should have retied."

His, mind, now playing tricks on him, he tries desperately to concentrate on landing this fish.  "I don't think I can bear it, if this one gets off,"  he thinks.  "This would be the supreme test of my faith, should I lose this one," preparing himself, should it get off.

Closer to the boat now, he sees color, a giant white flash, indicating that the fish is near.  "It is just what I need."

Closer, closer, almost within gaffing distance, "just a little more, just a little more....." he grabs his long handled gaff, and sweeps the barb into the side of the fish, and pulls it into the boat.  "YYYYEEAAAHH," he shouts, but he doesn't break dance, or talk any smack.

He quickly secures the fish in his boat, lays down his rod and begins to row back to his village.  The family will eat tonight, and tomorrow.  Tomorrow he will fish for the next day's meal.  Professional Anglers.

July 18th, 2005

And Now, Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Turmoil-BassFan is reporting this morning that BASS has created a position called Director Of Angler Relations (is that D.O.A.R. as in don't let the DOAR hit you in the bass on the way out the door?)  Sorry mom.  Anyway, BassFan is reporting that anglers received a letter from the Director whose name is Gary Jones informing them that BASS was "going back to the drawing board" to "tweak our program."

These "changes" that are coming will be announced by September 1st.  BASS is congratulating themselves for "having the courage to completely redesign the world's most prestigious professional tour."

Here's a thought.  While I congratulate BASS for rethinking what everybody else could see was an impossible tour scenario for the common pro, one has to wonder, at what point will BASS get it right?  The "scramble mode" that BASS has been in for the last 9 months resembles the ship that continuously springs leaks.  Reacting to each new leak by applying only a patch, gives the impression that not only is BASS completely out of touch with the angling community, it is also at a loss on how to reinvent itself.

Here is a suggestion, (the beauty of a column is that I can give suggestions whether anybody wants them or not.) BASS, contact the PAA, and BEG THEM to meet with you.  The PAA wants BASS to survive, they need BASS to survive.  Stop guessing and let the PAA help you.  It can't possibly be as easy as it seems, but if it is, swallow some pride and get it done.  The prestige that BASS has been able to hold on to for many years is dwindling.  I have spoken to some former BASS flag waivers and at best they are "luke warm."  They are in "wait and see mode."

Here is another thought.  The BASS story resembles the Ford Motor Company story.  Ford had it down so well for so long.  Ford had it's assembly line formula down to a science and nobody, I mean nobody, could compete with them at their level.  Ford however, was unwilling to listen to the buzz.  When General Motors came along with new models each year and the financing to allow the common buyer, (sound familiar yet?) to purchase a newer, better model, Ford baulked at the idea, deciding to stay with what used to work.  The result? GMC beat Ford badly.  Have you ever heard the saying, "baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet?"

BASS has one final chance to get this correct.  Changes announced every other week, (or month,) makes you look so unpredictable, that credibility goes away.  Anglers must make long range plans.  Financing must be put together, so that anglers assure themselves of not going broke.  BASS get it right this time.

Side note-If the puppet master (ESPN) is keeping the folks at BASS from doing the right things, which I suspect could be the case, then BASS' days could be numbered.

ICAST-If it's the middle of Summer then it must also be time for the American Sportfishing Association's ICAST show.  The show, held in Las Vegas, is the biggest display of new fishing equipment, for the coming year, to be found anywhere in the world.  This is the show where manufacturers show off all of the cool new stuff that you will find in your tackle dealer's shop about six months from now.  The only down side is that no consumers are allowed.  Only media and buyers are allowed into the convention center.  It's a responsibility that I must live with.

As we have each of the last two years, ProBassAnglers.com will be on hand to award our COY's or Catch Of the Year in several product categories.  In the past, ProBassAnglers.com has awarded COY's to several companies for their contributions to what we like to do.  Ultimate Lure Saver, (COY for 2003)  Tru-Tungsten, Okuma, Hawg Pockets, Lucky Craft and others have been awarded COY's at past ICAST shows.

Be sure to tune in later in the week as we will have Product Showcase Interviews posted on this web site.

July 17th, 2005

There's No Place Like Home-One of the questions I would like to ask George Cochran, (and will this week,) is how many of those brush piles did he plant?  Fishing within 300 yards from his own back yard, it kind of brings a new meaning to the term "home lake advantage."  I wonder if Mrs. Cochran brought his lunch during the day?  How many times, for the rest of his life, will he wonder out into the back yard and gaze across the lake at that set of docks that held a hand full of better than average bass which allowed him to win $500,000.00?  What a great story.

George Cochran is quietly one of the toughest anglers on tour having won several events in recent years in some the most difficult conditions there are.  He won a BASS event in February of last year on Lake Guntersville during extremely harsh conditions by suspending a rip bait for minutes at a time until the bass would come to eat it, he won the 1996 Bassmaster Classic at Lay Lake in Alabama in a shallow pool that he could barely get his boat into but when he did, it had enough fish to win, and he has now won on his home lake, Lake Hamilton, in conditions on Saturday,  that where difficult.  Beautiful, hot day, play ground lake located near a major city.  It wasn't quite the Bassmaster Classic on Lake Perris, (Southern California,) on the Fourth Of July that I have diabolically wanted to see, but it was close.  More than one competitor complained that the boat traffic shut down their bite.

FLW Interactive-Hats off to FLWOutdoors.com's play by play coverage of the FLW Tour Championship.  By logging on yesterday, the country was able to follow the "inning by inning" run down of how guys were doing, although, the weight count simply added all of the fish weights together, making it look like Cochran, who was culling had over 13 pounds, (he had a little over 10 pounds.)

That was a brilliant idea FLW to provide that running scoreboard.  The big question of course is does it take away from the weigh in?  Let's think about this for a second.  In a golf tournament do we watch the guys do their thing but keep the scores secret?  Of course not.  If I want to generate excitement about the sport, then I provide a running tally just as FLW did yesterday.  What about the weigh in, where's the excitement?  Who cares?  The excitement of the weigh in was not lost yesterday.  True, Cochran was the sure winner, but take Cochran out of the mix for a second.  If Cochran had an average day on  Lake Hamilton, then there would have been seven potential winners because there were seven limits.  Why should only those who attend the Championship be able to enjoy the show?  The running tally kept the entire country on the edge of it's seat.  

Now FLW, when are going to see a live radio broadcast with reports posted from field reporters?  That would be the next step.

July 15th, 2005

I'm Not One To Say I Told You So....YES I AM!-If you get a chance to listen to Irwin Jacobs this week, "On The Water,"  (about half way through the show,) listen to the way he answers the question when I ask him to talk about awarding $1 million dollars in a tournament someday.  His abrupt, "No comment," coupled with what he said would be a major announcement on Friday, (the announcement was moved up to Thursday,) made me start to count the possible scenarios.  When I got to 745,098, I thought, "son of a gun, he's going to tell the world that he is awarding one million dollars to the winner of a bass tournament!"

The fact that I will not be able to win it, because I own a ProCraft and it is a Rangler Boat Owners competition doesn't bother me, just the fact that it is going to happen is exciting.  By the way, does anybody want to by a 2001 ProCraft?

July 13th, 2005

Irwin Jacobs-did not disappoint in our interview yesterday, (give me a break, it should be uploaded by this afternoon.)  I wanted to ask to him questions that he doesn't hear all of the time, you know, "I wanted to be fresh and all that," so when the words of my first question left my mouth, I wanted to grab them and put them back in.  "What do you see as the biggest issues in bass fishing today?"  Realizing at once, that this must be the question that Mr. Jacobs must hear only in every interview he does, I suppose I should have expected his well-rehearsed first answer.  "I don't see issues in professional bass fishing, I see only opportunities."  In fact, I imagine he was reading that one from a self-motivation plaque on the wall in his office.  So, I walk into the ring and leave myself wide open for a mission statement answer, a left hook that I deserved.

Truthfully, though, even if it is his standard response, I really liked it.  What a great perspective to take into your world each day, sort of a "half full approach," instead of half empty.

From there the interview went very well, I appreciated his candidness.  On Friday, Jacobs will make an "epic announcement" regarding next year's FLW tour season in conjunction with the FLW Tour Championship taking place in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  "Could you give us a hint about this announcement?" I asked.  "Let's just say that it will shake the world of professional bass fishing unlike anything ever has," was his answer.  Sensing an opportunity to counter punch, I inquired about statements he once made saying he would like to be the first to award one million dollars to the winner of a bass tournament, and whether we were close to that at this point.  "No comment," was his response.  Score one for the host.

I of course could be very wrong, but I believe that will be the scope of his announcement on Friday, that next year, FLW will be the first organization to award one million dollars to the winner of a bass tournament.  

As for BASS anglers getting slots on the FLW Tour, "they will have to qualify just like everyone else, through the EverStarts or BFL tour.  We have a waiting list of anglers who want on our tour, it wouldn't be fair to simply take BASS anglers who want to switch across."

Gerald Swindle was "Luke-warm" to the changes at BASS, saying that the travel would be tough but he liked the fact that tour pros would finally have a real off season.  "Guys need minor surgeries, rotator cuff kinds of things, and before, to stop and do that would be to say good bye to your Classic chances because you would miss an event or two."

On the new BASS payouts, long an issue with tour pros, count Swindle in the "waiting to see crowd."  "We think BASS is going to make an adjustment, so we will wait and see."

Swindle was willing to talk to me on the record about the PAA and the possibility of a tour next year.  "I have heard some things about that, although I heard the events would be to help the PAA generate some  start up revenues."

Gary Klein-good to see that Gary Klein will be part of the Bassmaster Classic field.  A dispute in the way points were awarded during the E-50 event at Lake Wissota, led to Klein appealing and apparently to a BASS ruling on the matter that allows Klein to compete in his 23rd Bassmaster Classic.

BASS should be applauded here for doing the right thing.  The BASS scoring system is complex and awards points to anglers on a day by day basis.  It is easy to see how a dispute could develop.  BASS did the right thing in this case.  Way to go guys!

July 12th, 2005

Switching Tours?-If you were a BASS Tour pro and finished out of the Classic this year, in fact, lets say you finished between 75th and 150th on tour.  Would you be able to fish that same tour next year?  Maybe.  But how about the new, eleven event, cost doubled tour?  Ouch!

ProBassAnglers.com has learned that a growing number of BASS Tour pros feel that they have no other choice but to switch tours.  How many you ask?  It is difficult to tell, but conservative estimates place the number to be at least 30, with as many as 50 or more.  The big question now becomes, can FLW or will FLW allow anglers from the BASS tour to cross over to the FLW tour?  

If you are the FLW Tour, do you welcome former BASS Tour "only" pros into your tour, remembering that FLW already must turn away some who don't re qualify by finishing in the top 100?  How does this sit with FLW Pros who have qualified for the tour via the EverStarts? 

This is a turbulent time, with many who have considered themselves to be bass pros, now having to struggle to find "professional events," that they can afford to fish.

If you are FLW, do you consider opening your events to say a 250 or 275 boat field?  That would allow those $10,000.00 payouts to go down as far as 100th place.  The events would be crowded.  What do you do?  

-source: Phantom Menace

To Report Or Not To Report?  I have chosen to run with this story because I have extremely credible sources.  These sources would prefer not to be named, but want the story out there.  My predicament is simple, reviel the sources and they go away, keep them in confidence, and they feed me.  So, Small mouth, Yoda and the Phantom Menace will continue to remain, "anonymous sources," read at your own risk.

July 11th, 2005

Mark Davis Meets His Match-If you aren't watching Joe Thomas' restoration of the old time, "Match Fishing For Bass," you are missing out on some vintage interaction between anglers.  In the good old days, pros were paired with pros, non boaters were still considered pros, and you had the potential for some amazing match ups.  The trouble is, we never got to see what happened in the boat when Denny Brauer was paired with Kevin VanDam, but you know, it would have been an interesting day.

Match Fishing For Bass, (Friday Nights-Outdoor Channel,) takes us back to yester-year with some "delicious," (I'm sorry, I have been watching too much of the fashion network, though you wouldn't know by how I dress,) match-ups between pros that really never get to fish with each other now-a-days.  

"Ssssshhhh, all of the events have already been filmed, earlier, they just want you to think that there was a new match each week!"

Last week (get it, last week,) we got to enjoy a match up between former BASS AOY and King Of the Trash Talking, Gerald Swindle and the Former Bassmaster Classic Champion and Primal Screamer, Mike Iaconelli.  Iaconelli proved he could scream louder and longer than Swindle could spin it.  Oh yeah, Iaconelli also caught more fish.

This week, Smiling Dean Rojas and Gentleman Mark Davis were paired up.  Pretty mild match up compared to the previous day's, I mean previous week's match up right?  Wrong.  Rojas, a master of the rules, did everything from put the trolling motor on high and run circles with the boat while Davis fought a three pounder, to taking the boat, when it was his turn to run the boat, (and leading, by a couple pounds in the final quarter,) and parking it in the middle of the lake, so that Davis had no chance to catch a fish that would allow him to pass Rojas.  Interesting and strategic, Rojas will now, (I mean, Rojas did,) meet Mike Iaconelli in the Quarter final round, with the results to be reviled in the upcoming weeks.

PAA Update-Yoda says, "sweeping changes, in the BASS format, there will be.  Worried, those are, who run the tour.  Concerned, the top brass is, that field size met, cannot be."  My little green friend, oopps, that might give away my source, says recent rumblings about a PAA tour, and more importantly, corporate sponsorship of a PAA tour, and really more importantly, enough money poured into a PAA Tour, has caused BASS to rethink it's upcoming season.  Does that mean, that after all of the announced changes, the televised "site selection show," the modified payout and "tiered entry" format, that things may change again?

"Survive, they want, adjust, they must," says Yoda.

Evidently, this has been going on behind the scenes for a while.  BASS has been the focus of a lot of criticism over the last few months in this column, largely because of communication.  I am frustrated, (not that anyone needs to make me happy,) by the reactionary nature of the communications that come out of BASS.  I get the impression, and again, all I can tell you about, is what I feel, I read all of the web sites, I read the magazines, I talk to pros.  I am nothing but a fan of this sport.  The impression that BASS puts out is that they are scrambling, thinking on the run, and reacting.  BASS needs the support of the PAA, and really, the PAA should really focus on fishing, except that they cannot simply focus on fishing any longer.

"Turmoil, there is, between many of the top players, and the Empire," Yoda reports, referring to an expletive laced confrontation between a BASS official and a top player at an E-50 event this season.  

"Biased against the leadership, do not be," cautioned Yoda, "Over-rules the leadership, a greater Dark Side does."  Yoda's references here point out that BASS is the child of an over bearing parent, ESPN.  The implication being made that the leadership at BASS may not be able to make the final call on some of the issues, which could explain why BASS seems to go back and forth on it's scheduling and decision making.

July 9th, 2005

I try to get out, but they keep pulling me back in-"Oh yeah, there's going to be a PAA tour next year, and it is going to be the bomb!" Kelly Jordon couldn't comment on (claiming not to know,) who the sponsors would be, but made it loud and clear that the PAA is mobilizing to put something "major" together for next season.  This is the story that just keeps pulling me in, again and again.

The number of players in this game who don't want to go "on the record," still out number those who want to talk about it, but we are now beyond the smoke part, there seems to be some fire as well.

Yoda, (my newest unnamed source,) told me "The non-endemics, will you find, where goes, this story." I think that means we should look for at least one or two, big time companies outside of the tackle and fishing industry.  "Their own boats, on championship day, will the anglers have," continued Yoda.  "On boat and motor, no exclusivity, will there be," he said.  Yoda also said that FLW members would be invited to join the PAA tour.

So, here I am, a week ago, just another monkey, writing a web blog, with not even a hint of an anonymous source.  Suddenly, seven days later, I have at least three, with more calling each day.  It is a story that I can't shake.  You have to understand my situation here.  Either I am bold enough to break a story that will represent major changes in the sport that you and I love or I am foolish enough to print a lot of rumors that some in the industry want you to read.  Take your pick.  I'll be the monkey.

July 8th, 2005

This Story Just Won't Go Away-"There's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear." First of all, something is happening out there.  I may not be able to exactly place it, because people are very skittish about the subject, but something very real is happening.  In case you have been living under a rock, I broke a story that was passed to me by a very reliable source regarding the PAA forming a tour of it's own for the 2006 season.  I also said that Busch Beer is a corporate sponsor that has been mentioned as a possible partner of this tour.  Since doing that, stories have appeared on other web sites, visits to this web site have gone through the roof, (we had our biggest day on record, Tuesday the 5th,) and another "anonymous source" has appeared.

I now have "Small mouth" telling me to follow the money, and the "Phantom Menace," (I know, Star Wars is everywhere,) telling me to use the "force, the answers are out there."  Trying to unscramble the eggs that are this story, (woh, that read like Yoda,) through the clouds of chatter that are "out there," it would make sense that a fledgling tour would need a site for "larger than life" weigh ins and such.  Think young, Jedi, think.  What would make the ideal platform for big time weigh ins?  Most buddy tournaments have their weigh ins next to Mom and Pop's Tackle Shops.  This is clearly bigger than a buddy tournament, and in fact would be the biggest news of the upcoming year.  So, you will need the biggest "Mom and Pop's Tackle Shop" in the world.  Do you follow?  Can you begin to see the picture?

Anonymous sources are saying to look for Bass Pro Shops to also join this effort, with PAA holding weigh ins at various BPS locations.  Table Rock comes to mind, (BPS in Springfield Mo.)  Lake Mead also is a possibility with a new BPS location in Las Vegas, Nevada.

There is an awful lot of smoke out there for this to be "Officially a rumor."

July 7th, 2005

The "B Word."-Apparently there is more than a little smoke in the PAA Tour Rumor mill.  Busch is a corporate name that continues to resurface, (I thought I made it clear the other day, but at least of couple of you e-mailed to say you didn't understand.)

My source in all of this will remain anonymous except that I will say it calls itself "small mouth," (I thought, you know, "Large mouth," but, this source of mine only whispers.)  This is pretty cool, I have never had an anonymous source, so this is all new to me.  One thing I do know about it however, is that if I revile my anonymous source, it will no longer be an anonymous source and it has taken me five years to get this one.  My goal is to have anonymous sources.   I have always wanted to be able to lead into a column by saying "Anonymous sources are saying....."  I am well on my way.

What is troubling is that I have to meet this source in underground garages.  His latest message, (yesterday,) "Follow the money Luke, follow the money."

I didn't bother to tell him that my name isn't Luke.

Irwin Jacobs-Has agreed to be "On The Water" next week.  The FLW mastermind will do an interview via telephone from his office in Minnesota.  "Ask any question you want to ask," were his ground rules.  I like those ground rules.

UFO's Attack Guntersville-Reports are that at this very moment, alien space craft are extracting 8-10 pound bass from Alabama's Lake Guntersville.  The Alabama State Police and National Guard are reporting large, "saucer shaped" objects hovering above the lake, extracting the fish.  Apparently at least one of the space craft was contacted by authorities to which it responded, "Mars Needs Bass."

(Hey folks, this isn't really happening, I don't want you to go "War Of The Worlds On Me." I just wanted to see if any of the other major news services would pick this up and run a story on it.)

Being Serious-On a much more somber note, today's events in London should serve as a reminder that if we think for just one nano-second that the "bassholes" in the various terrorist networks will give up trying to disrupt our way of life, we better think again.  Today's actions in London's subway systems suggest that if these freaks get even an inch of leeway, they will try something.  Stay vigilant America, stay vigilant.

I'm thinking that the cost of freedom keeps going up.  It costs money and more importantly, it has cost us lives.  I often think that Bass Fishing is the epitome of America's gifts to all of us.  Where else is the essence of what America stands for, demonstrated any better than tournament bass fishing?  Our prayers and thoughts today should be in London.

July 6th, 2005

PAA Tour-Much of what you read in this column is word of mouth stuff, off the record stuff, stuff that is not official.  Trying to get to the heart of this "breaking story," I placed a call to Kevin VanDam who has been a spokesperson for the PAA.  "Yes, we have heard these rumors also," noted VanDam.  

"Is there an official comment from the PAA?"  I asked.

"There is nothing to it." was Kevin's comment. Kevin agreed that the notion that there will be a PAA Series in 2006 is "officially a rumor."

Rumor or not, there is a buzz out there, and it is coming from within the rank and file of those who would be "inside enough" to know.

The thought of a PAA Tour, just the very thought of it alone could shake the foundations of at least one organization, and at least one outdoor writer who said it could never happen.  We are no longer talking about a bunch of fishermen who are unhappy with the conditions they must deal with day in and day out.  We are talking about an organization that has hired or at least has a professional staff that knows how to market, and, according to my sources, has the ear of at least one mega corporation at this point.

This story continues to develop.....

It's Funny What You Catch When You Go Fishing-I guess I have been a little too high up on my soap box lately, and it has resulted in some reader response, (like it/hate it-just read it.)  It seems that while I have been showering Roland Martin with praise as being the greatest angler ever, I have left out some rather interesting facts about the man as a person.  

Reader X (didn't leave me his/her name,) but made these comments:

Fascinating.  The emotion that is in our sport, this is something that I hope the big organizations never lose sight of.  We have fans, real fans who care deeply about this sport.

I have heard the rumors that Roland Martin had "help" from locals, and yes, I have heard that he paid guides.  However, and I ask, because I don't know, what were the rules about outside help?  Today we have two organizations.  FLW allows for unlimited pre fish time and does allow communication with outside and inside anglers.  It is the philosophy of the organization, and it seems to work pretty well.  BASS on the other hand, has some fairly strict off limits time and limits on what is acceptable information for anglers to receive.  I believe, (again, I do not remember,) that Martin was within the rules in soliciting help, though he could not do it today, it was OK back then.  To say that he "bought and paid for" his Angler Of the Year honors, I think is a bit of a reach and a bit unfair, it sort of sounds like "sour grapes."

As far as the media campaign that "Roland and his wife are spearheading," as distasteful as that may sound, the fact is, schools campaign for Heisman Trophy honors,  politicians try to win elections and pro football players, hide sharpies in the goal posts so they can pull little publicity stunts when they score a touch down.  When I first read of this "vote for Roland campaign," I admit it seemed a little distasteful, however, after thinking about this more, I kind of wonder why a company like Nitro, for example, hasn't created a PR campaign behind Rick Clunn.  It would seem like a wonderful way to raise awareness and to promote both the angler and the product. 

July 5th, 2005

Oh, here's a hot one! Breaking News! (I just love to write that.)-Word on the streets is that the PAA will run five events in 2006.  ProBassAnglers.com has learned from a reliable source that the PAA, AKA, Professional Anglers Association has secured at least one major sponsor, (I am not suppose to tell you who it is, but it rhymes with "push" and comes in a 12 oz can, and should not be consumed by anyone under 21 years of age.)  The five event series will be a "no entry format," it is not clear how many anglers will be invited to compete, but my sources tell me that it has reached "go time," as in, it is time to make something happen.

I should say that I was instructed to make this announcement by ProBassAnglers.com UUV Keith Nighswonger to run this piece.  The source is his and he says that he has checked it out.  Needless to say, the coming months should be very interesting.

Classic Championship vs AOY-I guess I am not finished yet with this greatest angler ever issue.  Many of you I am sure are voting on this vital issue, and by now we know that it will either be Rick Clunn or Roland Martin.  While either of these anglers would be a good answer, the choice really comes down to whether you value Classic victories or Angler Of the Year titles as carrying more weight, or even equal weight.  In case you haven't read our page on the greatest angler, (click here.)  

Way back in March, I decided that I just couldn't wait until July to know who the greatest angler ever is.  Using what I believe to be the a fair criteria, I evaluated each of the top 10 greatest anglers and decided, like ESPN that Rick Clunn and Roland Martin are the final two.  Now, the difference between these two anglers is the number of Classics won (Clunn has won four, Martin has never won,) and Angler Of the Year titles, (Martin has won 9 titles and Clunn has won once.)

Our criteria, (me, myself and I,) weighs AOY's and Classics as equals, I felt that this was only fair, yet, to me it is so clear that winning the Classic, is about putting all of the pieces together for a single event.  Yes Rick Clunn has done this four times, do not take anything away from this accomplishment.  However, winning Angler Of the Year is much more difficult than winning a Classic.  Winning nine of them, then, is a greater accomplishment than winning four Classics.  Looking at Martin's Angler Of the Year titles, those were done back in the days when the tour was all year long.  The Classic would be in August and the first tour event would be in September.  Those AOY's established a dominance over the entire year, not just a pre spawn and spawn season.

I am sure that Roland Martin spends many a sleepless night thinking about the fact that he has not won a Classic, however, not winning a Classic does not in any way, tarnish 9 Angler Of the Year titles.  Winning both the Classic and the Angler Of the Year fully establishes an angler's greatness for all time.  Several have done this.  However, nobody, has put together a run like Roland Martin did in the late 70's through early 90's.  Nobody.  

July 2nd, 2005

Swindle Meets His Match-2004 Bassmaster Angler Of The Year, Gerald Swindle has made quite a name for himself on tour, particularly on the "Bass Rats," and other ESPN BASS shows.  He has a web column in which he expresses himself, in his "Swindle-istic manor."  He's funny.  He's really, really funny, (no Gerald, "not funny like a clown," please don't go Joe Pesci on me.)  Swindle, has built a following based on his, "I will have the last word and it will smack you down," attitude, that has reminded me of the way Claude Fishburn used to have folks rolling in the isles.

This morning, I got to watch the the much anticipated first round of Joe Thomas' retro show, "Match Fishing For Bass."  Broadcast on the Outdoor Channel, the show is taken from a show that aired as far back as the early 80's.  The show puts two well known pros in the boat going head to head against each other.  There are rules about who runs the boat, not casting in front of another angler and there are four quarters.  The show and competition are excellent.

This morning's first round saw Gerald Swindle and Mike Iaconelli square off.  Now, you know, Swindle has something to say about the way Iaconelli celebrates every keeper, as though it were a blessing from god.  So going into the competition, you knew the banter would be priceless.  It was.  The problem for Swindle however is that Iaconelli wins this first round, and plays up the hysteria more and more with every fish.  Swindle wasn't speechless, but he was close.  Make a point of watching this show, you will regret it if you don't.

June 30th, 2005

There's no crying in bass fishing!-Conspicuously missing from last week's FLW Potomac River event was veteran tournament pro Rick Clunn.  Clunn, a two tour pro all season long, would have been a long shot to make an FLW Tour Championship spot, but, with his experience, he would have been a threat to win the event. In an interview with BassFan this week, Clunn made some comments about his dislike for FLW's unlimited pre fish.    

"I kind of made up my mind that if I can't get at least 3 full days of practice with their (unlimited practice) format, I won't fish the tournament."  

"If I can get 3 full days, I can offset the unlevel playing field they set up because of the unlimited practice."

"If it's not a body of water you already know like the back of your hand, you need 3 to 4 days to negate those guys practicing 10 days and getting all the help they can get." *source-BassFan.com

I have always known Clunn to be a guy who would embrace a challenge rather than "shrink away from it."  Clunn was in Wisconsin the week before at a BASS E-50 event, in which he made the cut and wouldn't have been able to "get out of town" until sometime on Saturday.  The drive to DC would have been exhausting, and more than Keith Nighswonger could have handled.

Look, I could have accepted Clunn simply saying, running across the country like that was something he didn't want to do, but to bash FLW's open pre fish format is simply a bunch of whining.  The beauty of the two tours is that as much as they are bass fishing tournaments, they are different formats with slightly different stratigies.  Mike Iaconelli didn't complain about the logistics of getting from one event to the other.  Rick, come on, there's no crying in bass fishing.

June 26th, 2005

Interview With A Visionary-After contacting myself the other day, I set an 11:00 AM pst interview time for Saturday.  Keith Nighswonger, Universal Visionary of ProBassAnglers.com wanted to set the record straight with his "adoring public."  The subject of the interview was a little vague to me, but as I said before, I work for this guy and want to be a good company man.  Apparently, Nighswonger felt that the last time I interviewed him  I asked questions that were unfair, and made him out to seem pompous and arrogant.  Not ever wanting to come across that way with another human being, I agreed to let him tell his side of the story.  To read my interview with Keith Nighswonger UV of ProBassAnglers.com, click here.

June 25th, 2005

A ...issing Contest?-Oh boy, here we go again.  BassFan.com reported that Brent Chapman and Mike Iaconelli got into a bit of a spat at the FLW Potomac River event taking place as I type.  Clearly this must be a sign that the "gentleman" image of professional bass anglers must be going away and we will soon be dealing with NBA crybaby types.

Hold on there partner.....I serve to remind you that these kinds of things have always happened, it's just that there wasn't eight bagillion cameras and media folks out there checking into every little hic-up and sneeze on the water, heck, pro events used to be pro vs pro in the same boat .  Think about it, in a pro vs pro event, every day started out with tension, as at least one guy in the boat had hurt feelings because he had lost the coin flip and would be fishing out of someone else's boat.  I remember a number of years ago when the first and 2nd place anglers drew out together on the final day of a tournament, (I just can't remember their names.)

"Gentleman Image?"  Boat owners would do all kinds of little things to screw up their pro partners.  Things like mounting the trolling motor arrow backwards, so it would take the guy half of his fishing time in the front of the boat to figure out how to make the darn thing work.  Reversing the live well drain switch on their boat, so an angler, foreign to the boat would have to figure it out.  One of the more memorable things that I ever witnessed was on a Bassmaster television show at least ten years ago, when another angler tried to get too close the Claude "Fish" Fishburne's bank that he was fishing.  To say that Claude wasn't' "clowning around," would have been an understatement.

The stuff this week at the Potomac is just that.  It's nothing.  Believe it or not, these guys don't all meet at Denny's for dinner after an event, (OK, some do,)  they don't "get along in the locker room," oopps, wrong sport.  Don't worry that your favorite sports heroes are being ruined by the money.  Just know that these things have always happened, it's just that we haven't all been watching.

Press Conference-ProBassAnglers.com Universal Visionary, Keith Nighswonger has informed me that I am to conduct a press conference with him this afternoon at Burger King, (where else, that ProBassAnglers.com headquarters, it seems-oh, did I think that or write that?)  It seems that he has some thoughts about the various Top Angler Lists.  I guess I will have to wait until tomorrow to rearrange that sock drawer.

June 24th, 2005

Expand The Fields-I love the BASS Tour's new format, 11 stops, fancy names, cool new tour phases, from a fan's standpoint, it is awesome.  Of course, I am not a guy who is trying the finance these road trips and keep my family together.  2006 will be a turning point season for BASS, perhaps even "make or break."  The idea is "fan"-tastic, but it might be un-"pro"-ductive.  It is a wait and see affair in terms of how many BASS Pros are not able to fish a full schedule next season.  How many casualties will there be?  I hope none, because, contrary to what you might think, I love both tours, and the anglers who fish them, and don't want to see anyone not able to chase their dreams.

The way I see it, FLW could be poised to pull of the biggest "heist"  in bass fishing history if they are interested in taking the lead in the proverbial "Bass Wars."  Expand the fields of their events from 200 to 250.  The extra 50 spots could be offered to former BASS pros who now simply cannot fish eleven events over six months.  The extra 50 spots would allow FLW to expand their already leading edge payouts to more and further down the leader board.

FLW has never been afraid to acknowledge that BASS exists, (unlike BASS who acts as if FLW is some kind of preservative found in Chinese Food,) FLW could achieve a major outreach by automatically accepting BASS Tour anglers.  It wouldn't be that much of a reach, as BASS will be accepting anyone with a fishing license to fill their events next year.

Then, if FLW would like to score a complete knockout, they could recognize the PAA and invite them into discussions about how to keep within FLW's mission and still recognize the goals of the PAA.  This could of course all back fire on FLW as, undoubtedly, BASS would have to immediately recognize the PAA, listen to it's concerns and make adjustments, thus moving bass fishing ahead again, just as it has every time FLW has come up with new ideas.

June 23rd, 2005

Greatest Angler Debate-As you know, we have already settled the "Greatest Angler Debate."  Roland Martin, and it is isn't even close.  I read somewhere yesterday that Martin doesn't deserve it because he has never won a major......I thought we were talking about bass fishing not golf.  Listen, I know Rick Clunn has won four Classics, and I know he has won two US Opens, (I donated some serious Dough-Rey-Me in his second Open Championship.)  Those are stellar accomplishments, and you cannot take anything away from him on that.  Roland Martin has been angler of the year 9 times, while Clunn has won that award only once.  I say, add 3 or 4 more AOY titles, and Clunn wins this debate hands down, but he can't match what Martin has accomplished.  Check our Greatest Angler Page.

By The Way.....Before getting too caught up in that greatest angler debate, consider this.  Kevin Van Dam, won his second E-50 Championship in a row recently.  Is an E-50 Championship on par with with an Angler Of the Year?  It is debatable.  If so, we better add that to our scoring, and while we are at it, we should also add the two consecutive E-50 wins at Smith and Wissota.  By our calculations, (me, myself and I,) that adds another 26 points to Van Dam's point total, and he passes Denny Brauer and Larry Nixon, making Van Dam, the third greatest angler ever.  Now, everybody follow me.  Van Dam has amassed his totals over a far shorter amount of time, (September of 1987 is when he got started.)  Consider that Roland Martin fished his first event in January of 1970, (35 years ago, compared to Van Dam's 18 years.) Rick Clunn fished his first event in March of 1974, (31 years ago, compared to Van Dam's 18 years.) You begin to see a pattern emerging.  Roland Martin and Rick Clunn may be this year's top two, but when ESPN-BASS conducts this study again, perhaps for the 40th anniversery of bass fishing, Kevin Van Dam may very well, be the winner.

June 20th, 2005

Bill Wicker, Good Friend And Faithful Watch Dog-sent me the following e-mail:  "Hey Keith, you gotta check out this link,  http://espn.go.com/outdoors/index.html."  OK NOW, DON'T GO AND LOOK AT IT RIGHT NOW, WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE FINISHED READING HERE!  Any way, if you go to the link and look at the bottom right of the page, there is an online survey that asks:

What term should be used for the angler in the back of the boat at tournaments?

• Amateur
• Non-boater
• Co-angler
• Yo, dude

Now I want everyone to know that I did not invent this survey, you cannot pin this one on me.  True, I have given my opinion on those who fish the backs of boats in tournaments, but it has never been the people themselves that I have spoken out against, it is the fact that organizations put them in the back of the boat, and that they can influence, whether on purpose or not, the out come of a pro event.

Not ever being one to miss an opportunity to be a smart bass, however, I thought I might try some of the terms that I have in mind.

Remembering that I love everybody, and don't mean anything personal to those who fish as non-boaters, here are some of the terms that I think we should use for anglers in the back of the boat at tournaments:

• Camera man (I wish.)
• Tail-gunner (at least for events on the lower Mississippi Delta, just ask Gary Klein,-shot at in 2003 Classic.  I'm sure Tommy Martin would favor that.  Also shot at in an event.)
• Caddy ("What do you think, the six inch or the five inch senko?") 
• Apprentice ("It looks like a storm, quick, my rain gear.")
• Fetchme (as in, "Fetch me a sandwich.")
• Antagonist (here is a switch, rather than supporting the pro, why not put the most irritating individuals we can come up in the back of the boat.  Think about it, wouldn't you like to see these guys deal with more adversity?  "Is that the best cast you can make?  You missed the target by eight feet.  Hey, nobadda nobadda, nobadda, nobadda, SWING!-opps, wrong sport-Come to think of it, I don't like the idea of an antagonist.) No, I am not available!
• Net Boy-(if the non-boater is a female, we can call her "Annette.")

By The Way....BASS announced it's 11 tour sites for the 2006 season, and I have to say, from the fan in me, that I love it.  The sites are exciting, although,  we will have to weigh the logistics of fishing 11 tour stops, guys are going to have to find a way to finance the extra travel, etc.

The 2006 Tour sites and dates were announced yesterday:

• #1 March 9-12 Battle on the Border - Lake Amistad, Del Rio, Texas 
• #2 March 16-19 Lone Star Shootout - Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper, Texas 
• #3 March 30 - April 2 Santee-Cooper Showdown - Santee-Cooper, Manning, S.C. 
• #4 April 20-23 Southern Challenge - Lake Guntersville, Guntersville, Ala. 
• #5 May 4-7 Pride of Augusta - Clarks Hill Reservoir, Columbia County, Ga. 
• #6 June 1-4 Sooner Run - Grand Lake, Grove, Okla. 
• #7 June 15-18 Bluegrass Brawl - Kentucky Lake, Kentucky Dam Village, Ky.
• #8 July 6-9 Empire Chase - Lake Oneida, Syracuse, N.Y. 
• #9 July 13-16 Champions Choice - Lake Champlain, Plattsburg, N.Y. 
• #10 Aug. 10-13 Capitol Clash - Potomac River, Charles County, Md. 
• #11 Sep. 14-17 The Rock - Table Rock Lake, Kimberling City, Mo.

I'll tell you just what this does folks.  This makes Kevin Van Dam the BASS AOY in 2006.  "Nighswonger, how you make that statement, there are lots of guys who could win this award."

Have you noticed what Kevin VanDam has done over the last two years, in tournaments that were post spawn and Summer?  Let's just remember that I told you so.

June 18th, 2005

There's no crying in Bass Fishing-It seems that there was a little grumbling about how difficult the fishing was at Lake Wissota in Wisconsin this week at the BASS E-50, and while Wisconsin certainly has some terrific lakes, to choose from, several pros voiced their displeasure about BASS' decision to put the anglers on such a tough body of water.  After all, they are pros, and pros like to have fish to weigh in at the end of the day in front of all their adoring fans.

TOO BAD!  LET'S CALL THE "WAM-BULANCE!"

When I used play golf, (kicked that habit back in '95,) I loved to hear the pros whine about having to play a tough course.  In Bass Fishing, again I say TOO BAD.

I love to watch the pros fish under conditions that most of us have to fish under.  I have, on more than one occasion in this column, suggest the Bassmaster Classic be fished on Lake Perris on the Fourth of July, (which would make a zoo look like a picnic.)  This is what the real fan wants to see, adversity.

You know what else?  Rick Clunn put it so clearly this week, "If nobody caught any fish, then maybe we would have a complaint, but Iaconelli caught limits each day, so maybe we just have to get better."

June 17th, 2005

Bassmaster Classic-The picture is a little bit clearer now, as far as Classic qualification.  Click here to see what it looks like.

June 16th, 2005

Back-Lash-Wow! I had no idea how many of you were actually reading this column!  I am going to have be more responsible in the future when I decide to do silly things like this..........on second thought, fa-gid-a-bout-it.  The response to my interview of ProBassAnglers.com UV, Keith Nighswonger yesterday has been overwhelming,  some of you liked it, some of you really hated it, (remember the pen, mightier than the sword, please,) and some of you didn't understand, (it's actually probably better if you don't understand, for both of us,) hey, maybe I can set a record for the number of commas in a sentence?-Ugh, confounded question mark!)

The funny thing is that now Nighswonger keeps calling me on my cell phone, I never should have given my number to him.  He wants to keep talking, what am I going to do?  After all he does sign my paychecks.  I'm not sure I want to get into that mind any further than I have, you should see the way that guy eats a hamburger.  He eats it piece by piece, first the top bun, then the pickles, then the cheese, then the meat.  Totally bizarre.

You know what?  I think I am understanding mental illness and how people go insane......."serenity now, serenity now, serenity now." (It's a Seinfeld thing.)

Classic Qualification Puzzle-If you can figure this out please get back to me.  We have a page that is charting those who are in, those who are out and those who are on the bubble for making the Bassmaster Classic.  The E-50's are taking the top 10 spots to the Classic.  Double qualifiers, (from the tour and the E-50) have their E-50 qualification taking precedence over their tour qualification, which means BASS is going down the Tour List.  Yesterday at Wissota, the fishing was probably as bad, (as far as catching keepers,) as the Smith Lake Tour stop last year, I mean it was brutal.  As a result, it is anybody's guess as what is going to happen.  Gary Klein, perhaps devastated that he caught one small keeper, meaning his Classic invitation may have slipped through his fingers, may be alright after all, as so many near and behind him didn't catch a keeper at all.  The drama continues to unfold.  Check out our Classic Puzzle by clicking here.

June 15th, 2005

A Rare Interview-Several e-mails from you folks regarding the direction of professional bass fishing prompted me to request a rare interview with ProBassAnglers.com UNIVERSAL VISIONARY Keith Nighswonger.  Nighswonger, noted that he never grants interviews, declining at first to comment, however he later agreed when I informed him that Top Officers from other media outlets were making the news these days.  So, with a rare, "chance of a life time," I sat down with ProBassAnglers.com UV, Keith Nighswonger.  (To read Keith Nighswonger's interview of ProBassAnglers.com UV, Keith Nighswonger-click here.)

June 14th, 2005

A Solution To The Bass Wars-The competition between the Super Powers heats up again and again, as each organization, (FLW and BASS,) try to put their own stamp on bass fishing.  Recently a new tournament concept has immerged in the form of BassFan.com's "Top Gun Tournament."  

Slated for this August, Top Gun brings the top 25 from BassFan's "State Farm," World Rankings together in Texas for a three day, no cut event that will claim it's winner to be a world champion.  BassFan, calling itself a "media company," and whose mission is to be "the world's only daily coverage of professional bass fishing," (oh that's just great, why do I get out of bed at 3:00 AM to talk to Darrell Burkhardt or Kelly Jordon, when they are in a 6:00 AM fog delay at Lake Toho.  Thanks, BassFan, I will stop banging my head against the wall.  Here I thought I was providing coverage of professional bass fishing all this time, now I find out that I am not.......... Heeeeey, come to think of it, I didn't see my shadow today, am I writing this?  Do I exist?  Who am I?  What is my purpose?)

OK, BassFan, you're good, but climb down off of your high horse for a second, and stop patting yourself on the back, I said you were good.  BassFan is doing what needs to be done in this sport.  Finally a unifying event.  Pro anglers, FLW and BASS will go against each other to decide, who is the champion.....for that week.

BassFan has cared enough to do this, claiming "they are not in this for profit," which is great BassFan, but you know we are all in this for ego, and profit so let's just come clean.  BassFan, you are doing something good, really, really good.

Tim Tucker-The PAA has reorganized Tim Tucker, and you said it couldn't be done.  There is talk about a Professional Anglers Association Tour at some point, did you hear that T.T? The P.A.A. Tour.  Gee, that sort of sounds like the PGA Tour, (Professional Golf Association Tour, TT,) you know, "TT sounds a lot nicer, I really like the way it sounds.  TT, that's cute."

Getting Into The Tournament Business-Follow me now.  If the PAA starts it's own tour with all of the bells and whistles that it says it wants, what does that do to BASS and FLW?  If the media company that is BassFan starts to run it's own tournaments, becomes a tournament organizer, covers it's own events, doesn't it in some ways become BASS and FLW, with it's own, (BassFan's) bias'.  Seems likely, I am already reading things like "If anybody decides to come out with other World Rankings, great. Then everybody will really see how accurate the State Farm World Rankings really are. (Other formulas are) not going to be good unless (they are a) verbatim copy of what we're doing, which is copyrighted. Everybody can do what they want – the more the merrier. But they still would not be the best World Rankings and therefore would not be valid."  "Relax BassFan, you have a good system, I refer to it, so do all of my friends, and they are real bass fishermen."

Saving The Sport-First of all, I do not think that the sport of bass fishing is in trouble.  If there is a trophy to the winner and fifty bucks, a bunch of guys will show up at the launch ramp, come Saturday morning, (heeeeey, now I understand how BASS developed it's pay back schedule.)  

Tour sponsors must be replaced by tour advertisers, because to be taken seriously, the tours, the anglers and the writers must not be on company payrolls.  An organization cannot have the needed credibility if it allows the best interest of it's sponsors to dominate the best interest of the sport.  That really is what is going on today and is at the heart of the issues mentioned by the PAA.  BassFan's Top Gun is a great concept, in every aspect of the description, however it is in many ways like CNN creating the day's news.  BassFan reports on tournaments, it shouldn't have to run them.  But, if we are to have a unified champion, then so be it for now.

I propose taking the leadership of BASS and FLW and putting them on an island in the middle of the Ocean, and not letting them leave until something gets hammered out.  BASS has it's time tested traditions, it is "station to station baseball," the good old National League game, something for the purists.  FLW has "snap, crackle, pop," (literally, as Kellogg's is a sponsor.)  It is like the designated hitter, and the more liberal strike zone found in the American League.  They are both OK.  Each tour has pros who have loyalties, that's great.  But please, please, please, while we have the leadership isolated on a desert island, let's make them organize a yearly unifying tournament.  That way, BassFan can get back to it's mission,  "to be the world's only daily coverage of professional bass fishing,"  and I can get back to worrying about which pro has to drive the Cialis boat on national television this weekend.

June 8th, 2005

Ray Scott, "For Crying Out Loud..."-have you got nothing better to do than to get into a race car and nearly kill yourself?  The following contents are from a letter Ray Wrote on Bassmaster.com:

Ray, we are glad you are OK, but be careful!

June 7th, 2005

KVD-You've got to love when a professional bass angler simple goes by an acronym instead of his full name.  Certainly this wasn't Kevin Van Dam's idea, but the media sure has picked up on this.  "We get to fish patterns in this format."  KVD's answer to why he has dominated the BASS E-50 tour over the last two years, making the cut, an incredible 7 out of 7 times.  With only 50 anglers on the water, pros are able to do something they can't do on tour and that is refine the ancient art of pattern fishing.  "In tour events, if you find fish in an area, you can't leave.  There are so many of anglers in these events, and they are so good that if you leave an area where you have been catching fish, someone will move in, and catch your fish."

It is a very interesting study in why some guys do well on tour, (perhaps the "spot" or "area" fishermen,) and why some do so much better on the E-50 circuit, (pattern fishermen.)  Certainly Van Dam, and Mike Iaconelli have dominated the E-50's this season and let's not forget that Mark Davis has won three out of seven of these events.

How Many-5 1/2 foot rods do you have in your boat.  No, wait, how many 5 1/2 foot rods do you have up in the rafters of your garage?  Craig Powers, the Tennessee FLW Tour Pro and the guy who has won two straight EverStart events has now caught limits of bass in eight straight days of EverStart competition.  He has done it casting Pop Rs to tiny little openings in shoreline brush, the kinds of places that you and I would never dream of throwing a treble hook bait, (well, I use Ultimate Lure Savers, so I would dream of it,) and he is putting on an absolute clinic about using short rods and making short pitches.  "I place my boat about 15 feet away from the brush and using that little rod, I pitch the Pop R, I also do this with crank baits, into small openings.  The fish usually strike before I even get one pop on the bait."

Do you remember when we had to get rid of our short rods because long rods were just so much better?

Race For The Classic-There are ten Classic spots up for grabs, and after the next E-50 event, they will be gobbled up.  Check out the race for the last ten spots by clicking here.  If you can make sense of it, let us know!

June 4th, 2005

Cialis Watch 2005:  Watch Out Larry Nixon-Now that we are down to the Super Six at the BASS E-50 event at Lake Lewisville, Texas, let's do some analysis.  The big concern of course is drawing the Ciallis Boat for the Championship, television round.  Looking at the top six, Mike Iaconelli, Randy Howell, Kevin Van Dam, Edwin Evers, Brian Snowden and Larry Nixon have all made the television round.  The first five of those names mentioned belong to fairly young men.  That is why I feel that I must warn Larry Nixon because he will best fit the age group that Cialis targets and almost assuredly, Nixon will draw the Cialis Boat.  Cruel guys, cruel.

June 2nd, 2005

Making Sense Of The Classic Race-You have to tip your cap to the folks at BASS who planned this whole E-50, "Top Ten Qualify For The Classic" thing.  Because the top ten at the end of the E-50 Series will claim Classic spots, and because if they were already qualified via the tour, the E-50 spot takes the place of the Tour spot, thus leaving one more spot down the tour list, we have about 15 different stories all brewing this week at Lewisville. 

Because you need a PHD in Bassology to figure the races out, we have done some research for you, and tried to figure out as much as possible.  Click here to see how it stacks up.

Are You Voting?  Starting June 4th, fans of bass fishing will have the opportunity to vote on Bass Fishing's Greatest Angler.  The list has been narrowed down to the final two, and they are Rick Clunn and Roland Martin.  What worries me the most, (well, I mean, I'm not losing sleep over it, but it is fairly important,) is that many of the younger fans out there, will see that Rick Clunn today is generally made out to be god like, (I believe that is a fair label, by the way,) whereas, Roland Martin gets very little attention in the media, and in fact, because he generally is considered a TV host, may lose some of his fan appeal due to Clunn being clearly defined by the media as an active pro.  

Much of what you base your vote on will be determined by how heavily you weight and Angler Of the Year award vs a tour championship, like the BassMaster Classic.  Let's just say that you consider each to be highly prestigious, which they are.  Martin has won the Angler Of the Year award NINE TIMES!  That is domination.

If you are really trying to make the best decision, take a minute and check out these stats, don't get caught up in the present, remember this is over 35 years.

Brilliant philosopher, Skeet Reese, on Bass Fishing's Greatest Angler TV show on ESPN this past Saturday made several comments that were derogatory towards Bill Dance, insinuating that Dance shouldn't be in the top five of the BASS' all time list.  Reese's ignorance showed through clearly, as he doesn't seem to know that during his time, Bill Dance was the most dominant angler on tour.  My concern is that small brained fans, will not recognize that What Roland Martin accomplished during his career, still places him well beyond what Clunn has done.

In what may be shocking to those of you who read this column, (notice how I didn't say fans of this column,) Tim Tucker also agrees, that no other angler has accomplished what Roland Martin has.  Nighswonger and Tucker in agreement?  Now that's just plain scary.

June 1st, 2005

Thanks For Listening BASS-I have talked about this before, and whether you want to admit to it or not, you nodded you head in agreement.  There lurks within each of us, a sick, twisted, longing to see professional athletes placed in positions of difficulty that they are not use to.  Situations where the stress, difficulty, pressure and the ability to perform at their normal level is virtually impossible.  Yes, I will admit it for you, we like to see the pros struggle.  I once had the idea that NASCAR should hold a race where each driver was forced to use you the very products that they endorsed as the race was underway.  The driver of Budweiser car would be forced to pound a few every lap of the race.  The driver of the M & M's car would be forced to crunch several thousand of those during the course of the race, the driver of the Loctite car, could have a few drops added to the throttle, (not to the brake pedal,) and the guy in the Viagra car, well, that would be something.

It's there, this sickness that you and I both have, we go to races to see the accidents, (I know you don't cover your eyes,) the fights in the sport formally known as Hockey and the bench clearing brawls when one pitcher gets a little too close to a batter with some inside heat.

For me, my twisted fantasy is to see my favorite bass pros placed in the position that I face just about anytime I go fishing.  I want to see the pros deal with a high pressure tournament, like the Bassmaster Classic on a body of water that is just swarming with drunk jet skiers and full of tiny fish.  You see, these are the conditions that I must face when I fish my local waters, and it is frustrating.   I know we have to share the water, but just once, I would like to see the Bassmaster Classic held on Lake Perris, (Southern California,) on July 4th!

Well, it may not be the Classic, and it may not be the Fourth of July on Lake Perris, but this week's BASS E-50 on Lake Lewisville will just about do.  Lewisville is a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  An area that has a population of nearly 4 million people, (yes, it sounds like home, break out the split shot rods!)  It may not be the Fourth Of July, but it is the Summer and Lake Lewisville promises to be a zoo.  Pros practicing this week for the event have reported heavy boat traffic, and that's during the week!  Fishing has been decent for small keepers.  Just wait until the weekend when the professional partiers arrive!  I just want to be on that launch ramp with my camera as Rick Clunn watches some drunk guy with a jet ski that he just rented, sink his car, or I would like to see the look on Gary Klein's face at weigh in when the jet boat misses the trailer and ends up right next to his truck ON THE RAMP.  I want to see Mike Iaconelli dance on the deck of his boat when a water skier cuts between his boat and the dock he is casting to.  This, is high drama.

Thank you BASS, for finally putting these guys in some real bass fishing conditions.  This is real fishing, not like those farm ponds the guys normally fish.

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