Is Bigger Really Better?

People close to professional bass fishing feel that the sport is close to being the next NASCAR, but they don't know exactly why they feel that way.

Could it be that they hope it will be? Or maybe it's the accumulation of smaller successes -- like the small jump in viewership of this year's BASSMASTERS Classic and the constant addition of big-name sponsors by both leagues -- that shows the potential of the sport.

Maybe it's the technology: no sport combines athleticism and technology better than bass fishing.

Regardless, maybe we're trying too hard. Our sport is growing, but does it need to be "that much better" or "that big?"

Everyone is on the edge of their seats waiting for a significant event or a special media presentation to launch this sport to the "next level." I have become increasing confused about what the "next level" means -- and do we really want our sport to get to that level?

I'm not so sure that bass fishing should be, or even can be, "the next NASCAR." The models of both sports are very different. The nature of our sport makes it difficult to convey excitement to spectators at the events or watching them on television. It's very difficult to capture the essence of the moment. The best part of bass fishing is participating in it, not watching it.

There's also the question of whether our resources can support a "next level." Do we have bodies of water and management practices to keep the fisheries healthy if the number of bass anglers increases by even 50 percent?

I would suggest that bigger is not better in this case. BassFan has suggested to both leagues that a smaller, Top 50 trail could be more beneficial to the sport than growing it past the already-huge numbers of competitors we have at today's events, and the 35 million participants we already have.

Fewer competitors means smaller waters (new lakes!) can be utilized and spectators can watch. Have qualifying events to make the Top 50, and bring the sport's best and brightest to these "extravaganzas." Make each event a celebration of our sport.

Big-name pros that are not in the Top 50 could attend to present seminars, spend days with sponsors and fans, and most importantly promote the sport and conservation.

The leagues could work with cities which have smaller bodies of water and need the influx of tourism. I truly believe that the adjusted income for the leagues could be managed to be close to what it is today.

In other words, we need more events like the BASSMASTERS Classic. The FLW Championship also holds potential to be a sensational media event if FLW Outdoors chooses to make it so. The payout makes it attractive and newsworthy. Now it needs an event around it.

Sponsors would be chomping at the bit for another event like this year's Classic in Birmingham. No question it was the best event to date for the sponsors and manufacturers. Birmingham rolled out the red carpet and BassFans showed up in large numbers.

Take It To the People

Many expected ESPN to drive bass fishing over the top. No question the Bassmaster TV show is a quality program and that ESPN is diligently looking for ways to elevate the sport. But candidly, it still isn't close.

The failing I see is ESPN's lack of intimate knowledge of the sport, notably the sport's history and the things that make anglers and newsmakers in the sport tick.

ESPN also displays a lack of concern for the pros, and the same could be said in some ways about FLW. Both leagues need to recognize the Professional Anglers Association, or at minimum start discussions with that organization. The PAA is not going away, and the issues that the leagues often seem to run into with new programs and announcements could be averted simply through discussions with the PAA. For example, it seems like every announcement that comes from B.A.S.S. has a new "controversy," and then all of the new programs have to be adjusted multiple times.

In my opinion, ESPN/B.A.S.S. and FLW Outdoors need a liaison to the anglers who knows the anglers and the sport. It is critical that this person have expertise in bass fishing, know sponsors and sales, and most importantly have the respect of the anglers. Simply put, the leagues need common ground with the anglers and those that represent them.

Our sport is a great one. The anglers are approachable, the sponsors are some of the world's best companies and we have two excellent "big leagues." Both leagues are creative and want to raise the level of the sport. The missing ingredient is the ability to listen and observe.

FLW and B.A.S.S.: Instead of doing things and then seeing if pros and fans like them, ask them. They will tell you, and that will cut the implementation time in half.

Terry Brown is BassFan's chief sales/marketing officer.