What do you think @ KVD's Comments on the BASS Marshal program?

[djkimmel]

I'm always interested in seeing how the sport of bass tournament angling is evolving (or devolving sometimes) and seeing how new things develop. I've been wondering about the latest change BASS is trying for the Elite Series pro's - the Marshal program.

Our 'local boy' KVD is taking the point for BASS on this in the following article: Kevin VanDam on the new Bassmaster Elite Series Marshal program

There's been a little discussion already the forum - here's some I recall - http://www.greatlakesbass.com/forum/index.php?topic=4991.0

Just wondered what anyone else thinks about this. Will it last past one season? Is it the thing that will take bass tournament angling closer to golf? Are there anglers out there interested in watching a pro fish for a day for a nominal $100 fee without being able to fish?

[Buckeye]

I don't think it's a bad deal, but I didn't think it was a bad deal when they charged $300 for observers previously.  They reward those people who do go with some cool stuff.  I know a buddy went to Florida to observe for the Federation Nation championship, and he wound up getting two Mustang PFD's.  One was the high end version worth $250+, and the other was worth $200. 

I think the only real issue for me would be if the pro wasn't a talker.  I know I like to talk, but not everyone does, especially while they are fishing.  Sitting in a bass boat for 9 to ten hours with "the silent type", would suck big time.  I observed for two days at the Kentucky state championships last year, and I'd rather have my wisdom teeth pulled....again!

Eric

[BigSmallie]

I see good & bad.     

The good: The pro's can now manage their water better not having to worrying about wheather the amature in the back of the boat is going to catch a fish the pro really needs.    And not having the amature in the boat will allow the pro to consentrate more on their fishing.....without looking over their shoulder all the time.

The bad: A lot of guys looked forward to fishing with these pros in hopes of being put on nice fish to win big money.

Now you have the BFL & Stren Series.    If you want to fish a tournament with low entry fees and the chance of collecting a nice check...throw your money in the hat and go get it!!    Don't wait on some pro to take you to the fish!     Hell.......anyone can catch fish in a bath tub........but it takes both time & money to find that bath tub.

It will be better for the sport of bass fishing in the end with so many tournaments available now to the amature fisherman.

BS 

[cr]

I can see where this would appeal to some people . It seem's to me that some people have a need to feel involved or a part of something , or just in "charge" of something . Just like in a Pro-Golf tournament where there's volunteer's holding the ropes or carrying score boards on the off chance Tiger might look at them and make their day . When I was working I used to say that my free time was worth $100/hour to me . Now with the recession and me being retired it's more like $50/hour . Personally , NO, I would not pay to perform a service for anyone , BASS or KVD , which is what this is , IMO .  If BASS feel's the need to have observers in the boats , let them pay me to be there , have a raffle and pay the winners to participate . I would rather ride in my boat and follow some pro's around maybe , but have the option to fish any time I wanted because I know I'd get bored watching someone else fish for 8 hours . Even KVD ......

[MBell]

I didn’t read the details of the program, but I would expect some sponsor giveaways for the observers.  I would consider it if I had more time, but IMO the field it too big.  Of the 110 there’s only about 30-50 guys that would make the trip worthwhile.  I’m sure you would learn from all 110 guys, but with the travel expense and vacation time I’d rather be fishing.  I do see this as a step towards a real pro tour.
-Matt   

[TritonTR20]

Got to say it would suck to sit in a cold rain all day and not at least be able to fish....

[djkimmel]

Interesting range of comments. Some of the things I was thinking and feeling about the situation too. I might do it once in a while if I had the time off and the travel expense covered. Probably not anytime soon. I already have started to go to some events just to take pictures and video when I can though.

I think overall, with the risk of getting the silent treatment or someone who is not up to your expectations of a top tier pro, that there should be no fee since you can look at it as much as a service to BASS as an opportunity to the Marshal. I've seen programs pay in the past for observers and plenty other variations.

[Bender]

I see good and bad parts. The good is you could learn a lot. Also from what i hear the merchandise given out will be worth much more than $100.
The bad outweigh the good for me:
Escanaba is too far to drive, I'd rather go south. If it were on water I normally fish it would be more interesting to me.
It will take pretty much an entire week.
I can also see big problems arising on Saturday and Sunday with the Marshalls fishing spots that they fished with the pros during the week.
It would drive me nuts sitting on the water without a fishing rod in my hand!

I see where KVD is coming from but also what else would he say about it. You don't bite the hand that feeds you.

[bassmandan]

the way i see it is and im not bashing anyone so please dont bash back. i think it is a good thing for the elites, they make a living doing what they do. i understand that people want to fish with the pros it would be an awesome experience.  but what if amateurs played football with the pros or baseball or anything else like that. it would screw up their careers for all the hard work they put in just because amateurs got in the way. ive read one comment before that now that there is no more co anglers that it would screw up his chance to go pro. some of these guys did fish as co anglers but they made it to where they are at by getting their experience on the water without the pros and made it up the ranks to be where they are at. if you are planning on trying to be a marshall ask the pros questions because i know they wont go out of their way to tell you stuff when they are fishing and you aren't saying a word.  bring your shades, watch your surroundings like in the water/cover or w/e, the retrieves they are performing with lures, if they are fishing deep watch the depth finder(dont go on the front deck though haha). you could learn a lot more when your paying attention to the pros, and i know from myself when i was a co angler i payed more attention to the boater than more to what i was doing. so i believe its a benefit for both sides.

[josh617]

All I have to say is good luck to BASS trying to get 110 observers up in Escanaba. Probably isnt much of a problem down south, but up north people may be a little different. Just curious how many of u guys are going to drive 10 hrs one way, pay $100 just to watch someone fish? I not bashing BASS but I dont think its a great move.

watch your surroundings like in the water/cover or w/e, the retrieves they are performing with lures, if they are fishing deep watch the depth finder(dont go on the front deck though haha).

most guys turn the console depthfinder off when fishing deep to avoid interference, so your pretty much watching a guy stare at the depthfinder all day. sorry, not my idea of money well spent. Its not too scenic either out in the middle of lake michigan.

[Dan]

I'm probably in a different boat than most because I'm retired, have a pickup camper, and can pull my boat off to Escanaba or wherever whenever. I signed up for Escanaba, and I didn't see where riding with three pros for three days was a bad deal at all for $100. I like to hob knob, and even if I have to watch all day with limited conversation I think it's a bargain. Might it be boring, wet, and involve a Coast Guard rescue? Maybe, but life is all about the experience and after all, I can fish every day if I want to.

Last April I got to go down to Ray Scott's estate, and he cooked dinner for us and talked the night away. We fished in his ponds the next day and then went out to one of his favorite dinner places with him. I would have been perfectly happy just to have spent the time listening to him and never wetting a line. It was a trip of a lifetime just being in his company was more than I could have hoped for. He's one heck of a guy and one heck of an advocate for the average joe federation angler by the way.

If by being a Marshall, I can emulate just a fraction of that experience it would be worth it to me. I know there will be some very boring stretches of the day. I was an observer at the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation National Championships for three straight days. There were some observers who fell asleep. I had some very heavy eyelids at times myself, but I met three fantastic anglers who I still am in contact with today! (Yes, they did give us Mustang PFDs. They watched them like hawks though and if you volunteered one day you got one. If you volunteered all three days you just got one, or were suppose to.)

I fished all the BFLs this year and qualified to fish down at Cherokee Lake. It was a lot of unfamiliar water and took time and cash to learn. To learn it well it would have taken longer than I had and more money that I get from my retirement checks. Toward that end, I want to learn Guntersville, Wheeler, and Pickwick. I have a brother-in-law that lives almost halfway between Guntersville and Pickwick. I have been wanting to take my boat down there, but the gas has been so high I haven't. There is an Elite Event on Guntersville and the very next weekend one on Pickwick. As a Marshall I would get treated to some great areas to use as a jumping off point should I decide to head down to my brother-in-laws any time after that. For me, it's a no brainer. A guided trip on fabled bass waters. I haven't signed up for the Alabama tournaments, but I'm seriously considering them. Some mighty good barbecue down there.

I really find it hard to believe that BASS will get 110 Marshals each of the first two days. Third day they cut to fifty and the fourth day camera guys are in the boats. I just don't think they'll get enough people for a number of the events. Even the Nationals, on Toho, were short volunteers and some of the anglers fished without an observer and they only had about 60 competitors. Ray Scott originally brought competitive bass fishing to the fore because the doubt of a credible catch was quelled by having two people in the boat. When you're fishing for that kind of money someone will always be tempted to maybe not blatantly cheat, but may try to gain a slight competitive advantage. That may be all it would take to sway the outcome of an event.

Bottom line it works for me to try it. Not cheat, but to be a Marshall. I plan on blogging each day of each event, and I'll be shooting video and taking pictures. There will be a Cold Water Clash video. Since I have decided to make the trip, two more friends have signed up. Breaker 1-9, looks like we got ourselves a convoy.

[kgr624]

I would have to agree with Mr. Shine. I also signed up,and my brother and I are going up together and making a vacation of it. I am a teacher and thinking of all the conferences that I go to and the money I spend doing that...... I would trade it any day to be on the water with a pro. I do see the other side and the weather and water and the silent treatment are in the back of my mind but like Dan said it's memories that will be made. Plus I looked at it as the gear is worth 100 itself. Dan, I will see you up there. We'll look for ya.

[Dan]

Hey Ken,
Good to hear from you, and I will enjoy seeing you guys up there. For those who may not know Ken and his brother, they were two of the best prep athletes in West Michigan in three sports not too long ago. Well... it's getting to be a while ago now Ken. Either you or I are getting old. Nick is coming home this weekend for a visit. I only get to see him a couple times a year.

[djkimmel]

Yes, where it is held would make a big difference to me. Having been out in a few 'pro-driven' boats on the big water... I hesitate to put my life in the hands of a random draw...?? There are some waters that would be much more attractive to me for a deal like this.

[djkimmel]

the way i see it is and im not bashing anyone so please dont bash back.

Don't forget, no bashing allowed on here. You have the right to your opinion like anyone else. And thanks for sharing it.