Headlines on the pro trails this week will certainly be all about BASSFest. Last year’s inaugural event was quite popular, and I’m sure the popularity will only increase this time. There’s a festival feel to the tournament, multiple opportunities for fan interaction, seminars; even a college tourney thrown into the mix. And it’s being held on one of pro fishing’s best venues: monstrous Kentucky Lake, where solid fishing has truly stood the test of time. I’d look for a well-seasoned veteran to take down the title.
BASSFest also marks the only time during the regular Elite season in which Open anglers are eligible to compete. In 2014, most the Open invitees took a shot, but this year far less that half are competing. That surprises me.
Now, I know what you’re all thinking: the $6,000 entry fee is to blame for the lack of participation. And I couldn’t agree more. But, according to the principles being touted as the selling point for the Opens, and given the large-scale participation recently for this circuit, it really shouldn’t matter.
Let me explain a little. Countless times over the past few years, we’ve discussed here the current model of professional fishing from both major tours. Initially, the intention of the triple circuits (B.A.S.S. Opens and FLW Rayovacs) were to allow anglers to qualify for the pro trails (Elites and FLW Tour). While that is still the case for the most part, both trails have reduced the number of pro tour events, thus increasing the number of touring pros in triple-A leagues. In addition, both have added direct paths to their world championship events through their triple-A events.
When crunching numbers and comparing payouts based on entry fees, the B.A.S.S. Opens fall behind the Rayovacs, and far off the payout structure of the Elite and FLW Tours. Yet participation continues to be strong. One major factor is certainly the structure of B.A.S.S. events: all of their tournaments are at the peak of professionalism in fishing. But what really seems to be the key ingredients are the Classic and Elite slots. Those are big sellers.
So, to the Open anglers who are fishing for a Classic shot or spot on tour, I ask: Why not fish BASSFest? The winner gets an automatic berth in the Big Show, and just being there generates vastly more exposure and sponsor interaction than any Open tournament. Truthfully, I argue that winning BASSFest would likely propel an Open angler’s career quicker, and further, than a single season of qualifying for the Elite Series.
In addition, the payout for this event is superb. According to the B.A.S.S. website, BASSFest is scheduled to pay 33% more than a regular-season Elite event. About half the field will receive at least $10,000.
With such incentives, I would think that the vast majority of qualifying Open anglers would participate. Remember, to be eligible, an Open angler must finish in the Top 10 in his division – so that rues out any one-event jackpotters or those not fully dedicated to a complete Open season. What we’re left with, or should be, are primarily those anglers fishing for the specific purpose of furthering their careers, making the Classic, or both.
To me, having only 13 Open qualifiers accept the invitation just doesn’t jive. But perhaps it’s a sign that there is a limit to how far many fishermen will go. I hope so.
As most of you know, I’m often critical of the bass fishing industry heading down a path where it may price itself out of business. And I think what we may be seeing here is another example for the need for more options in the tournament world.
Right now, the tournament models in need of revamping more than any other are the triple-A circuits. This is apparent by their frequent restructuring. Minor-league bassing is simply too costly for the average competitor, and it’s no place for pros needing to fill their schedules.
Sure, lots of anglers aspire to fish the pro circuit. But, given the chance to do so for a week, many are opting out. Maybe it’s an indication of things to come.
(Joe Balog is the often outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)
