Bummed out by new Elite Schedule for 2012

[Dan]

They came out with the new 2012 Elite Series schedule today. With my connections and a place to stay in Alabama, I was disappointed to see that there are no tournaments in the Yellowhammer State.
They also have a new wrinkle for 2012. Jerry McKinnis et. al. have decided to go with a throw back mystery lake. Years ago the Bass Godfather, Ray Scott, would load Classic anglers on a plane and they would fly to parts unknown to fish.
With this secret lake concept, I wonder how they are going to come up with enough Marshals. In each of the events I've attended thus far, over the past three years, they have been short of Marshals. Well, we'll see if the "Secret Lake," idea creates any more interest in drawing fans to the sport. I really don't think it creates that much more drama.
I do know Jerry has alluded to the "No Info" rule several times, and has given the impression that any one caught would get more than a slap on the wrist. Maybe the "Secret Lake" is an attempt to underscore that they really plan on working at getting the contestants away from canned way points.

http://www.bassmaster.com/news/2012-elite-schedule-set

[thedude]

they are not coming to michigan like usual.

[bsimpson]

My bet is they fish another lake in Wisconsin. I think B.A.S.S. helped lobby to get the culling law changed and I think they will have two tournaments there this year as sort of a "you scratched our back, now we'll scratch yours".

I could be wrong and if I am, forget I mentioned it, but if I'm right - you heard it hear first 

[Team houston]

I say Lake St. Clair with Erie off limits.

[HellaBass]

they are not coming to michigan like usual.

I'd bet the Mystery Tourney is on Lake Michigan

[Anthony Adams]

they are not coming to michigan like usual.

Other states are paying Bass to come to their state while Michigan wants to charge them.

If you were running a business and on state offers you 10K and local police and state support. While another state charges you a use permit and wants you to pay thousands for the local support who would you choose?

Honestly Michigan doesn't get the revinue thier missing out on.

[Anthony Adams]

Dan I like the schedule. They are forcing the anglers to fish bedding fish , smallmouth (Onieda) Spots (Bull Shoals) large mouth. They have some awsome fisheries in St Johns, Toledo Bend,  while putting on a couple lakes that are known to be tough in Douglas and Mississippi.

This is a very diversified lake line up.

[Dan]

Yea, but I'm looking at it selfishly. I really enjoy Marshaling and events in Alabama are affordable for me because I don't have to pay a hotel bill. My brother-in-law lives in Alabama's bass triangle, pretty much equidistance between Guntersville and Pickwick and just 12 miles from Wheeler.  It has really worked out well going down there for the past three years. I may have to start saving for a trip to LaCrosse though.