Last week in bass fishing, we saw Randy Howell win the James River Northern Open, thus locking up his Classic bid for next season.

I’ve always been a fan of Howell's, so naturally I was happy to see him win. I can remember when he beat Rick Clunn by a mere two ounces at the 1998 Wheeler Lake FLW Tour. It was one of the greatest David vs. Goliath moments ever in pro fishing – Howell in his mid-20s, his scant frame on stage brought to tears after catching the winning fish with no time left, sliding past the man who was regarded as the greatest tournament angler alive at the time.

Even Clunn admitted he was quietly pulling for Howell that day. I still stick to my guns that the FLW Tour of the late ‘90s, with its corresponding television show, was the best product we’ve seen out of pro fishing. But we'll leave that debate for another day.

In any case, Howell became yet another Elite Series grinder to mop up on the competition in an Open. We’ve seen it before, and will likely see it again. Chris Lane, Brent Chapman, Stephen Browning, Howell; the pattern continues to repeat itself. Many Open competitors hate the fact that Elite Series pros are allowed to fish the Opens.

I love it.

First off, they’re called Opens for a reason. I like the thought that anyone can sign up and fish, that no real qualifications are necessary, and that all walks of life will be present. It subtly reminds me of the U.S. Open golf tournament, where the thought of an amateur walking up and winning still entertains the minds of fans and triggers conversations among commentators.

Anyone can enter, and if they catch more fish than the rest of the field, they leave with the big check. To that guy that hangs out at the boat ramp and claims he could beat all the tournament pros: Come on.

And I like that the Elite guys win with some regularity. I love how the true tournament dominators seem to rise to the top. The fact that these guys can show up at an Open venue, where the locals fish everyday and have been practicing for months, then go out and beat those locals, blows me away. It validates my central idea: Tournament bass fishing is truly a sport, dominated by the best athletes who play.

However, one thing I’m not too keen on is the concept of the Opens being a winner-take-all qualification process for the Classic. I think it causes a sense of false hope for anglers hoping to break into the big leagues. In my opinion, the Classic should be reserved as the championship for fishermen on the pro tour, and all qualifications should come from that tour. Fish the Opens, earn a spot in the Elites. Fish the Elites, earn a spot in the Classic. End of story.

FLW’s process is to allow the Anglers of the Year from each division of its entry-level pro circuit (EverStart Series) into the Forest Wood Cup. I can stomach that a little more, as it leads me to believe that anglers competing on the EverStart trails are doing so for a long-term goal, not just a shoot-the-moon chance of a win bailing them out.

In any case, B.A.S.S. reserves the right to run its events however it chooses. Who am I to say what they should do? They’re the ones paying astronomical gas bills traveling across the country, and working ridiculous hours. Trust me, there’s little romanticism in getting up at 3 a.m. to go watch people head out to go fishing.

I think we can all see what B.A.S.S. is trying to do with the Classic qualifiers coming from the Opens. And really FLW is similar, allowing the TBF, All-American and College Fishing winners into the Cup. I think the organizations feel that, by giving all constituents a shot at their crown jewel, it will keep everyone interested and involved. In some ways, they’re right.

I remember when Bryan Kerchal won the Classic, and what a crowning achievement that was for everyone involved in bass fishing.

At the same time, I think pro championships ought to be fished by the pros. Not a guy with an air conditioning business, a kid in college, or a local fishing guide. I don’t see softball league guys in the World Series, or my neighbor’s hockey buddies playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

When fans watch professional athletic events, they want to see the inhuman-like performance of the best athletes. It’s no different in bass fishing. I don’t care what an amateur does, as the Kevin VanDams and Brent Ehrlers of the world have been throttling the amateurs for years.

The Championships belong to them.



(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.)