Also Dion Hibdon, and one other guy, the info on Bassfan

I think George Cochran is the only other person.  He won last year, Clauson won in '04.

What's really cool is that Luke has now won BOTH major Championships..... I wonder who else has done that, and if I'm not mistaken he did it in 2 seasons.... didn't he win the FLW one last year???


Great Job Luke....

I knew someone would correct me if I was wrong....

I had a feeling there may have been something I was missing.

Thanks Smitty

Actually Rob, Champion and Stratos owners get priority for entry along with Ranger owners.  Following that, Yamaha and Evinrude owners are selected to the field.  
The finalist's must fish out of a Ranger and wear the labeled attire of the major sponsors of the FLW Trail.  However, during the qualifying round and on any days not on live TV, contestants may wear anything and fish from anything they want.

I've thought FLW events on tv have been fun to watch for years. They are like Nascar with the numbered and sponsored boats. The coverage has been pretty good and the weigh-in format adds excitement, how they only bring enough fish to take the lead then sit back down until someone tops them. The only drawback I can see is you need to a Ranger to fish them.

I am unsure about what to say or feel about the direction of BASS.  All of you make good points, but I can't help but sense that some handle and manage change better than others.  Every mainstream sport has gone through changes and evolutions over time.  The only thing that I know for certain is that I will continue to fish and to compete a little each year.

Check these articles out

Angler not hooked on changes
Shuffield ends his career with BASS following conclusion of Classic on Sunday.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/orl-bassside2706feb27,0,4713993.story?coll=sf...


Cochran leaving BASS circuit for FLW Tour

http://www.al.com/outdoors/mobileregister/drainer.ssf?/base/sports/1140949523215...




Stu

Looks like he might not even defend the title........EEEEEEEEEOOOOOUUUUUCCCCHHHHHHH!

Thanks Glen, for some strange reason I thought he was sponsored by Triton, but either way, it's a win for the
West Coast and for Washington Anglers, so I corrected my original post also.   He did a superb job and he's gotta be HIGHER than all get out right now...  Wow, it's just amazing...

Chuck

I also read today it costs $5000.00 to enter some of the larger BASS tourneys and this has caused some members to be a bit PO'd

Well some wanted the oppurtunity to fish tournaments where you have to be affiliated with the BASS FED and to represent WBC as a member while doing it. I understand there is some bs involved, but it was for members to stay connected with WBC and be able to fish events WBC doesn't offer.

People wanted a little more money in tournaments and people said "NO" so they asked about joining the FED to get this and the club said "NO" again.  Now you have lost some members that the club wouldn't adapt for...

i agree with everyone on the classic being boring.  why do they even put a camera man in the boat if they are not gonna show fishing.

Absolutely correct, Larry.  B.A.S.S., as we once knew it, is completely gone.  I talked to some of the WaBass Fed guys this weekend, and they were clearly dejected.  And they had nothing positive to say about the Fed switching over to FLW.

I'm just glad the WBC membership never waivered and never gave into the pressure to suck this club into that mess.  We have, and continue to do quite well on our own, thank you very much.  Long Live WBC!!!   

Luke also optioned out of the big stringer tournament circuit he qualified for with the big sack the first day......maybe he see's the writing on the wall


Bassmasters is going out...hate to say it but ESPN has caused Bassmaters to "Jump The Shark!"