I'd heard rumors about this for a short while, but I'd kind of forgotten about it. The one part that is kind of odd - anglers who fish the Bassmaster weekend series have to belong to both BASS and ABA.
From BassFan.com:
Breaking News
ABA To License, Run BASS's Weekend Series
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
A rumor had been circulating that American Bass Anglers (ABA) was in talks with BASS to assume some or all control of the ESPN Outdoors Bassmaster Series. Until today, news of the talks could not be confirmed, but BASS just announced that ABA will in fact "license" the Weekend Series beginning in 2007. More... (http://www.bassfanarmy.com/bfa_news_article.asp?ID=230)
There are still some minor things in the works but this is huge for the ABA.
Those who have never fished the ABA need to take a closer look. The ABA is quickly becoming the elite organization for the weekend angler. We have by far more to offer the weekend Angler then any other tournament trail.
Im still waiting for the B.A.S.S. schedule to post!
I called B.A.S.S. 2 weeks ago and they said they knew the schedule and would post it soon and they could not tell me, I wonder if ABA is who will post it?
It does not affect me becouse I belong to both organisations but I think having to be an ABA member to fish the B.A.S.S. tournaments is wrong!
What effect will this have on payouts? If ABA gets a piece and BASS gets a piece, what is left for the anglers?
A years subscription to Bass Club Digest!!!!!!!!!!
PB himself :-\'
Quote from: PoorBoy on November 15, 2006, 10:28:59 AM
A years subscription to Bass Club Digest!!!!!!!!!!
PB himself :-\'
Yeah, last year's...lol
Don't be knockin the BCD. Not only is it my favorite mag, but no one has amassed (OK stolen) the number of issues that I have.
I would have to disagree, the ABA does not allow a weekend angler any shot at the Classic or FLW Championship the way BFL or Weekend Series does :-\'
Quote from: ABA on November 14, 2006, 11:05:30 PM
Those who have never fished the ABA need to take a closer look. The ABA is quickly becoming the elite organization for the weekend angler. We have by far more to offer the weekend Angler then any other tournament trail.
Quote from: HellaBass on November 15, 2006, 01:41:46 PM
I would have to disagree, the ABA does not allow a weekend angler any shot at the Classic or FLW Championship the way BFL or Weekend Series does? :-\'
Quote from: ABA on November 14, 2006, 11:05:30 PM
Those who have never fished the ABA need to take a closer look. The ABA is quickly becoming the elite organization for the weekend angler. We have by far more to offer the weekend Angler then any other tournament trail.
Ya, that is a gross over statement to be sure.
Just to stay in the good graces of DK I will leave this discussion alone.
B
What ABA is refering to is the prizes. For example, big bass at the National tournament pays over $5000 each day. Plus, 3 fully rigged Triton Tr21X boats are given away. And there are a ton of other huge prizes such as Lowrance electronics, Airrus fishing rods, bait packages.
Obviously, you arent going to make it to the Bassmaster Classic or FLW Championship directly by fishing in the ABA, but it is set up for weekend anglers. So you are not fishing against the 'pros' to compete for these huge prizes.
On a side note, the past 3 winners of ABA national tournaments have all went on to sign big contract deals with sponsors and have all jumped into some rank of pro fishing.
So they do offer a ton to the 'weekend angler'. Anyone one of us could win the national tournament, or a regional event for that matter and walk away with a boat packaged valued at nearly $50,000.
PB himself :-\'
I seems like a good move from my view. Hopefully they can work some things out, all of the fees/membership stuff is a joke.
-Matt
Also read that they canceld Bassmaster University for 2007.
-Matt
QuoteI would have to disagree, the ABA does not allow a weekend angler any shot at the Classic or FLW Championship the way BFL or Weekend Series does
Correct me if I'm reading this wrong, but won't these participants next year have a chance to fish the BASSmaster Classic through qualifications and union between them and BASS? I think that classic whips up the BFL classic pretty fierce. Am I wrong about that though?
Duke
A one year membership for the ABA is $25. thats not a lot of money. But they shouldnt force people to pay for a membership to an organization that they have no interest in participating in just to fish with another. They should just make all BASS weekend series guys ABA members for free. That would probably raise the turnouts to alot of the ABA tournaments. Since guys are already members for free, they would probably be more willing to fish in the tournaments. Would this cause problems among paying ABA members? dont know, but who cares. Im a paying member and no one ever cares how i feel, so whats the use. Ok, so ABA would lose money on membership fees but they would gain money in tournament profits. And doing it this way keeps everyone happy, except people like me whos opinions dont matter anyway ;D Just kidding, i dont give a rats asprin either way. Let em in for free. If my boat works next year i will sign up for both just for the heck of it. I wonder if existing ABA members will get priority entries into the weekend series, i hear there is a long waiting list to fish them. No wait, thats not right. I heard they only get 30 boats a tournament. too many cheifs and not enough indians to fish everything.what can you do?!?
PB himself :-\'
sounds like everyone is in the business of selling memberships. to fish BASS you need to join ABA. to fish TBF you need to join FLW. guess at 25-40 up front a head that is good business. all this to try and fish a regional 600 miles away.
going to be a long winter
I'm just proud ABA knows a word like 'elite' !!! Way to go big fella!!
When Anthony is on a roll, I don't try to stop him (besides he is our new TBF state youth director along with co-director Yukonjack2).
America is the land of choices. We all want things a little or a lot different than each other, so it's nice to have some choices that can meet the different desires, goals, expense accounts and time frames.
I agree the membership's are getting numerous, but partnerships seem to be the wave of the future and do sometimes provide valuable benefits. Of course, anglers will speak with the support or lack of - the final determiner.
Lots of questions and remarks I will try to address if I can...
QuoteI think having to be an ABA member to fish the B.A.S.S. tournaments is wrong!
There are several reasons this must be done. This is nothing different then Fishing TBF (FLW) - BASS Federation (BASS). Except in these organizations you may also have a club membership as well.
As already stated an ABA membership is only $25.00 and you get to fish any ABA event Nationwide as well as our Magazine.
QuoteIm still waiting for the B.A.S.S. schedule to post!
This is coming soon - I also appologize that I have not put out my schedule either - I am still waiting on a few answers to things... Expect them both soon.
QuoteWhat effect will this have on payouts?
?
I expect that this will have a positive increase in payouts due to the increase in sponsorships gained.
QuoteI would have to disagree, the ABA does not allow a weekend angler any shot at the Classic or FLW Championship the way BFL or Weekend Series does
QuoteObviously, you aren?t going to make it to the Bassmaster Classic or FLW Championship directly by fishing in the ABA
Yet! .... I'll leave it at that for now.
However now that the weekend series is ran by the ABA - Technically it does.
Name me one other trail that in 2007 that will give-a-way more than 7 Triton Bass Boats... 80% payback, Over 500,000 in Cash and Prizes an entry free National championship, $5000+ per day for big bass... We also have 4 dream packages anyone can win - where 4 lucky ABA members will get a fully rig (wrapped TR-21) loaded boat and all their entry fees paid for one full year.. Counting all that?s a total of 11 Bass boats that members have a shot at winning. We have tons of sponsor programs, close to home tournaments all at a low price to the weekend angler.
You maybe surprised - take a closer look at what the ABA has to offer.
QuoteCorrect me if I'm reading this wrong, but won't these participants next year have a chance to fish the BASSmaster Classic through qualifications and union between them and BASS?
You?re correct
QuoteOn a side note, the past 3 winners of ABA national tournaments have all went on to sign big contract deals with sponsors and have all jumped into some rank of pro fishing.
Most of the ABA's biggest sponsors are also Bass Masters biggest sponsors. The ABA is not as big here in Michigan (Yet) but they are the top weekend trail across the country and they currently have over 30,000 active members... Winning the ABA national championship is a big deal and anglers who do win it all get a ton of recognition for it.
QuoteI?m a paying member and no one ever cares how i feel, so whats the use
I care - please explain - I know I call you all the time and ask you your opinion... feel free to call me anytime and voice your opinions. Keep in mind all tournament organizations and directors get a ton of feedback from various anglers and not everyone can get their way. But everyone gets there say and the organizations and directors must make a choice based on what?s best. I know you want Belleville lake on the schedule (in fact I think you want just Belleville and Kent lake on the schedule) and all tournaments to start at 8:30 am so you can sleep in.... Just kidding with ya poorboy.
QuoteWhen Anthony is on a roll, I don't try to stop him (besides he is our new TBF state youth director along with co-director Yukonjack2).
That's Mr. Unstoppable to you ... Dan
I feel so conflicted ... I am proud to be associated with the Michigan TBF? I care a great deal about the future of our sport and I am excited about the TBF youth programs. I hope to provide valuable leadership to the youth movement and I think the TBF of Michigan is headed in the right direction.
QuoteI agree the memberships are getting numerous, but partnerships seem to be the wave of the future and do sometimes provide valuable benefits.
I think we as bass anglers will see more and more partnerships coming. As a result memberships to various organizations will become more and more common. - I think the partnerships will give us Bass anglers more opportunity then we?ve ever had. FLW and BASS are competing for the market and the Bass Anglers will only benefit from a healthy competition. One thing is for sure ... we will all have numerous options available to us in 2007 and this is a good thing.
Quoteall this to try and fish a regional 600 miles away.
With the new ABA regional format a regional is getting closer to home everyday. I expect one to be very close very soon.
Also the TBF regional is close this year and Next year Michigan will host the regional ...... at least that is my understanding.
Holey Smokes - who wrote all that for you?? Eloquently said. And thanks for reminding me about the 2008 Regional!! I can't believe I've forgotten to post that yet.
As far as being conflicted, we will still like you and talk to you regardless of who you associate with in your spare time... unless you start talking positively about the ohio buckeyes...
Seriously, I hope BASS doesn't come out and say you have to choose. I don't see how they could since you work for ABA not them.
I thought that a "TBF board member" could not be affiliated with the Federation Nation?
Or was it the other way around?
I'm not trying to start anything... I was just trying to remember all the things that was flying around in January.
QuoteSeriously, I hope BASS doesn't come out and say you have to choose. I don't see how they could since you work for ABA not them.
Bass wont have a say in anything - the entire BASS Series will be ran by the ABA and they get to call all the shots. I talked to the ABA about this back in October and I had concerns with my contract and I was given a provision in my contract to allow me to work with the TBF just incase a problem came up. All is good and no worries.
QuoteI thought that a "TBF board member" could not be affiliated with the Federation Nation?
Or was it the other way around?
It is the other way around.
IMO this is a mistake by the Michigan BASS Federation... All us anglers today are fishing more then one trail, club or organization. We should be working together instead of driving wedges.
Quoteall this to try and fish a regional 600 miles away
The Bass Master Series will not have a regional ...
You will fish 4 one days and one 2 day locally to qualify for the Championship. Which by the way will be worth over 200K in cash and incentives. The payout will indeed be larger this year then last year.
I think it is cool that you will only have to fish 6 events to have a shot at the Bass Master Classic and at least 5 will be on your own home waters.
The format is changing completely and will be a true boater non-boater format with the shared weight idea tossed out...
Sounds like it should be attractive to some anglers. Regardless of my affiliations, I still would have no trouble having a shot at the Bassmasters Classic. Heck, I want to make both major championships!
I do keep hearing lately that there's confusion again about who allows what affiliations.
ESPN/BASS has said that no state officers for BASS federation nation can hold an office with their competition. That is the reason I resigned from my conservation director position with the Michigan BASS fed nation - BASS staff told me they would not recognize me as the BASS conservation director if I held that position with TBF also.
ESPN/BASS also sent out a letter that said, while individuals are free to affiliate with whomever they choose, BASS clubs can NOT also affiliate with TBF. BASS says you have to form a new club. TBF does not have this requirement or limitation. Right from the letter from Don Rucks - then VP and GM of BASS (no longer with BASS), "This applies to TBF/FLW, and any similar multi-tiered organization seeking to sanction your club if that organization is affiliated with a commercial entity in competition with B.A.S.S."
If your club wants to affiliate with BASS and TBF, you have to form two separate clubs - two sets of bylaws and two sets of minutes to keep from having your BASS club agreement withdrawn by BASS. Neither TBF nor its major partners have any similar requirements at the club level. TBF is owned and operated by the anglers who make it up.
So where in the heck is the BASS schedule! its the last week of november and its still not posted, if BASS wants to compete with FLW for entries they sure are disorganised and lagging!
for the past 5 weeks I have talked with bass several times and ABA headquarters now too, for the past 5 weeks they have been saying the schedule is made and will post in the next week or two and the same song and dance for the ABA schedule!
I have till nov 30th to submit my time off for my 2007 MDOT contracts so it looks like Im only fishing FLW.
I'm told we are within a few days to a week at most for the BASS weekend series and ABA in Michigan both.
Quote from: cast n blast on November 21, 2006, 08:53:08 AM
So where in the heck is the BASS schedule!
Here it is - http://www.americanbassanglers.com/2007_BWS_Schedules.pdf
tell me your playing a sick joke and holding out on the michigan schedule becouse I dont see it there.
considering they only had about 25-30 boats for each tourney, I can see why they may have dropped it. It seems as they dropped a few others that did not have good turnouts.
wow!!!!
well if I have to travel to ohio to fish the closest B.A.S.S. tournament I think Id rather just fish ohio BFL as well as michigan BFL and drop B.A.S.S. from my schedule.
Quoteif BASS wants to compete with FLW for entries they sure are disorganised and lagging!
The ABA has had the contract a little over a week and now we are lagging and disorganized? Skip you know more about what?s going on then anyone on here. Why are you so quick to bash this?
The ABA in the last week has had contracts to sign, directors to interview and schedules to get out. I think they have done an excellent job so far.
We had a Major set back here in Michigan - My Nephew was killed in Iraq over the weekend and this forced me to step back and I could not give the ABA the insight they needed to get our schedule on the books.
There are a few roadblocks here in Michigan that need to be resolved before the ABA can commit to a schedule here.
I am working on it.... Please bare with me.
Anthony sorry about your loss, that would set me back also, family before tournaments!!!!
can you tell me or maybe guess what happend to the BASS wolverine series.
as far as the weekend ABA schedule I can live without that becouse I can pay at the ramp if I can fish but the ABA pro tour and wolverine is what I am(was) waiting for becouse of pre pay to hold your spot and no refunds.
Anthony dont take my frustration personel, you know me I spend a very large amount of money and time fishing and take my fishing very serious! if I dont submit my scedule by 5pm november 30th to my client I wont be able to schedule my fishing= no tournaments, I have picked up some state freeway work and alot of it is done nights and weekends so we can close lanes.