BASS Federation News Updates
It seems that the story on the vote was mischaracterized on the various web sites. Their headlines essentially read, "30 States Voted to Leave BASS". I have heard from sources that this was not what the vote was all about. Federation Presidents all listened intently to everything that BASS/ESPN was offering for 2006 and beyond. They listened to everything that was presented by TBF, FLW, BassFan, Ranger, Lowrance and everybody else. The Presidents had meetings every evening after the day meetings to discuss what was offered. So, after taking all this in, Federation Presidents were asked to indicate whether or not our particular State would want to participate in the TBF/FLW/BassFan etc. programs. So in short, the Federation Presidents were saying they would definitely participate. but not really vote to "Leave B.A.S.S.".
So is it possible that State Federations, Individual Bass Club or Individual fisherman could enjoy the benefits of having two federations? I think much of this will come to light in the next few weeks.
So is it possible that State Federations, Individual Bass Club or Individual fisherman could enjoy the benefits of having two federations? I think much of this will come to light in the next few weeks.
Yes I have also heard some of this same info coming to light. Indeed I think a few websites "stretched" the vote a bit. I spoke with a BASS rep and she said that in no way did the Federation leave BASS and a club if they chose can be involved in both FLW and BASS. I personnally like some of the new ideas bass has presented and I like some of the FLW ideas. We have our State meeting Feb. 4th with the TBF, inc and some things should shake out at this meeting.
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I agree there will be lots of new things that will come to light in the near future as many of these State Federations have their meetings. MN has their next Federation meeting this Saturday - Jan 21. The thing I cannot figure out why it was spun the way it was, especially by the TBF President. I think there could be some very exciting opportunities for all federation anglers if each state federation plays their cards right.
Rich
www.richlindgren.com
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Did TBF go far enough?
Did the TBF take the 35,000-40,000 Federation members toward their original goal? Is the FLW/BASS Federation Inc, now the freestanding independent organization that was envisioned? If not, will it evolve into the organization it wants to be?
At first blush, it looks like the classic older experienced worker, fired or phased out, that takes their client list to the biggest competitor and looks for a job, promising to deliver the constituents up. Has the TBF really done anything more then change employers.
Back when B.A.S.S. was first sold, I wondered about the future. When purchased by ESPN, they found themselves in the middle of a fraternal organization run by volunteers who almost care as much about Bass fishing, as they care about Church, God and Family. Not something to be messed around with.
Irwin Jacobs will be able to deliver a much larger grassroots group of consumers to it’s sponsors and then this will be passed down to the TBF (trickled down theory at its finest). Those who link up with the FLW/TBF will have more opportunities to be part of other FLW products. But is this much different then the association we had with BASS? We had sponsor deals with all the BASS sponsors, priority entry in to the Weekend Series, guarantied entry into the Pro tourneys and more.
Will the 12 slots in various FLW tourneys (versus 6 slots in the Classic) make that big of a difference for the average Federation member? And what about boat sponsors? With B.A.S.S., State Federations had the freedom to affiliate with any boat sponsor. Here in Minnesota we were proud to have Skeeter Boats backing us. Some States had Ranger others Triton. Under TBF is it Ranger only? What will happen if another National Circuit outbids FLW, will we and the TBF become Anglers Choice?
Personally I’ve often imagined returning to the Bassmasters Sportsmen’s Society that lived up to the Creed.
I promise to create among my fellow anglers, and the public in general, an awareness of my Chapter's and my Society's contributions to American angling, conservation and outdoor recreation. I will encourage and instruct the youth of my community in the art of bass fishing. I pledge myself to full adherence to all conservation codes and to detect and report any polluter of our nation's waters.
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The more I look into this, it appears to be pretty clear that there will be a FLW/TBF Federation & a BASS Federation Nation in each state. The only questions are will individual clubs & members be able to take in the advantages of both? Will both of these federations be in it for the long haul? These are both muddled and exciting times for the Federation Anglers, there are lot of people competing for our Bass Fishing Dollars! Be Patient & Spend It Wisely.
Rich
www.richlindgren.com
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