Big news continues to trickle in across the world of professional bass fishing, with the latest coming from the FLW camp. We first heard news of a change a few weeks ago with the announcement of two additional fall events, yet reduced payouts as a whole, with a severe reduction for the Forrest Wood Cup champion.

Let’s take a look at these changes, discuss how they will impact some of the world’s best bass anglers, and dig deeper into the cause and likely effect.

First, it’s important to clarify the major points of the FLW Tour changes:

> The Forrest Wood Cup title is now worth $300,000, rather than $500,000 as in recent years.

> Entry fees for the FLW Tour have increased in a relatively small increment.

> FLW is expanding the number of regular-season events by adding two fall Invitational tournaments.

> FLW is now allowing pros to use their own boats for all days of competition, and overall sponsor logo requirements and conflicts have lessened

After initially reading the announcement, I gave it some time to digest before forming an opinion. Many tour pros did not, however; issuing statements published immediately on the Internet. In addition, more than a few harsh e-mails were sent to sponsors and tournament management.

It came as no surprise that the main area of concern was increased entry with decreased payout, and FLW pocketing a higher percentage of money collected. Some pros were quoted as being skeptical, wondering “where the (money) was going," and feeling downright cheated.

I think it’s time to, again, take a step back.

While I often give both praise and criticism to the major tournament organizations, in this case, it’s important to be realistic. Remember, for years, FLW was paying well in excess of 100 percent of entries collected. Taking into account its bonus programs like Ranger Cup (initiated by FLW and directly benefiting the vast majority of its athletes), FLW was practically printing money for a lot of these guys.

Now, they’re simply closer to the payout structure of B.A.S.S.. Trust me, I wish all the events paid a million bucks, but this is where we are at with pro bass fishing. As in every other structure of tournament fishing, anglers must do the math and decide for themselves.

Conversely, let’s look at a few other details of the changes.

By adding two regular-season events, it would be natural to think that FLW is increasing opportunities for all pros to fish their events and earn a few bucks, as the new Invitationals will take place in the fall, during a period normally without pro events. However, the qualification process for these events leaves them out of the range of anyone but those fishing the regular 2016 FLW Tour season in its entirety.

This is a big mistake. In order to create the excitement and renewed feel that these events deserve, they should be open to the best in the world, calling either circuit home. While determining qualifiers may be tricky, I’m sure there’s a way to attract the biggest cash players in the business.

Such conversation quickly takes us to the smoking gun: the propensity for touring pros to move away from FLW and toward the Bassmaster Elite Series. This year will represent the final straw as numerous conflicts exist in the scheduling of both major tournament trails. Lately, we’ve seen more and more major names move to B.A.S.S., and the Bassmaster Open standings list is again pointed in that direction for 2016.

It’s evident that FLW is trying numerous ways to retain its pros, from offering an increased number of events to lessening logo requirements. But will that be enough?

Looking into logo allowances, such will only be a solution if the industry “resets” itself to some degree. To be frank (I’m there for you, BassFans), the general consensus is that the Elite Series has gained considerable ground with the fan base, and therefore creates more exposure for high-performing anglers than does FLW, and, therefore, is more of a justifiable outlet for sponsors.

While that may be true for the time being, we’ve seen considerable back-and-forth there before. During the first 6 years of inception, FLW blew the doors off B.A.S.S. in popularity, fan base and television numbers. Today, MLF is gaining considerable ground and is poised to fight for the No. 1 spot. Where will we be in a decade? Who knows; a big factor may be television network preferences. In any case, sponsors need to know that their endorsed pros’ performances are influencing buying trends.

Such discussion likely uncovers an underlying problem all along: FLW restricting its anglers. While it worked, somewhat, for a while, it appears this business model may likely be on the way out. We’ll discuss this more in-depth in the near future.

Finally, looking at the reduction of the top prize at the Forrest Wood Cup gives us all a little insight into how variable pro tournament fishing can be. Not long ago, the apparent direction was to make the title so rich that everyone in America would have to take notice. Now, it appears, more things drive the public’s attention than just wheelbarrows full of money.

As a fan, I’d like to hear more from both sides. What are the opinions of the satisfied FLW pros; it seems we only hear from the "squeaky wheels" that need grease. And how would the tournament organizers answer some of our questions?

Be sure to check back.

(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.)