FLW or BASS Federation? Does it really matter?
Is your state still on the fence? Debating whether to follow the TBF into the new realm of FLW or stay with the well know entity which is ESPN/BASS? Difficult decision.... One thing to keep in mind, both of these organizations main objective is to make money, ESPN want to sell advertising and Irwin Jacobs wants to sell more boats. All in all, the Federation anger is just an ends to their means.
When you look at it that way, are we just trying to find the lesser of two evils? In the short run, your current federation will most likely have to pick a side, but regardless which way your state goes, a competing federation will soon come in to its own. At this point, there is no evidence that would suggest individual and clubs cannot participate in both federations. In the end, I think its the bass clubs that will come out smelling like roses.
Think back about 10 years ago, there was only one professional circuit in town. Irwin Jacobs wanted participate with BASS, Ray Scott showed not interest, so FLW was funded out of Irwin Jacob's deep pockets, partly to make money and partly out of spite. Since that happened, the professional sport of fishing has made leaps and bounds. We may very well see those improvements at the federation level. In my mind, this may be the beginning of great things for the weekend warriors.
Rich Lindgren
www.richlindgren.com
When you look at it that way, are we just trying to find the lesser of two evils? In the short run, your current federation will most likely have to pick a side, but regardless which way your state goes, a competing federation will soon come in to its own. At this point, there is no evidence that would suggest individual and clubs cannot participate in both federations. In the end, I think its the bass clubs that will come out smelling like roses.
Think back about 10 years ago, there was only one professional circuit in town. Irwin Jacobs wanted participate with BASS, Ray Scott showed not interest, so FLW was funded out of Irwin Jacob's deep pockets, partly to make money and partly out of spite. Since that happened, the professional sport of fishing has made leaps and bounds. We may very well see those improvements at the federation level. In my mind, this may be the beginning of great things for the weekend warriors.
Rich Lindgren
www.richlindgren.com
Posted by Rich Lindgren at 1/21/2006 9:57 PM 
Categories: Announcements, Federation News
Tags: FLW BASS
Categories: Announcements, Federation News
Tags: FLW BASS
Here is a comparison of BASS/TBF , I don't know how to post it other then directing you to this website. You can download docmunet in the top post
http://www.in-depthangling.com/forum/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/281537
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Interesting chart! But thats all it really is, its a chart. It may or may not be biased, but there is not much for details either way. We will have to really wait and see the proposals/agreements that get dispersed to the current federations.
As a tournament guy, 6 slots in the BFL All-American do not do much for me compared to the Bassmasters Classic. The All-American is a great tournament, rich in traditions, but it just isn't the Classic. I intend to participate in both organizations anyways.
Rich
www.richlindgren.com
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What is it about fishing and fishing groups that the boat gets tipped upside down so often? First it was a Bass bag limits discussion in Minnesota that wanted to split the bag in half. Then it was a No-Cull rule where a no-problem situation existed. Then a ban on lead fishing tackle with only emotion, Loons, and a few Loonatic’s making the claim.
Now its lets “Hate B.A.S.S.”, we are being asked to consider that we have been victims of an evil corporate entity that bought BASS and is out to get you and me. Join the TBF, split the federation, combine the two, join both, but make sure you dislike BASS at every opportunity. With shouts and claims of not be treated like the very important people we think we are, we are suppose to forget BASS. Forget B.A.S.S.’s history, forget that they are the leader in the Sportfishing industry. The leader in Bass Tournaments, Conservation, Youth and Junior Bass Clubs. We are supposed to discount all of this because ESPN owns it. Don’t look at what ESPN has done for BASS; added Conservation staff, increased exposure of Bass Federation and Club events, Highlighted BASS Clubs, Presidents, Conservation and Youth Directors in BASS Times. Forget that they have tried to bring awareness of local and national environmental and tournament issues, to you via BASS Times, its magazine and television shows.
But B.A.S.S. sinned deeply and unforgivably by trying to keep the lights on and pay the staff. They are guilty of a $5.00 dues increase attempt, which was not communicated to the FAB 5, first. Hence a level of hostility and mistrust that is breaking up a 45,000 member organization. Presidents of most every State Federation claiming that POWER and CONTROL are dictating BASS’s actions. And responding by using what power and control they have.
September, 2005, life in Minnesota is pretty good, Our Tournament Director has just ran about the best State Tournament ever, the water weigh-in system is a success. Our Youth Director has accomplished goals beyond imagination. The Junior Bass Clubs, adult mentors and parents are all doing outstanding work. Kids are achieving left and right. Skeeter is on-board with the MNBF and we are all working well together. We are looking toward 2006, the BASS Weekend Series is coming to Minnesota, and the BASS Regionals will be on La Homme Dieu , in August The Minnesota BASS Federation is seen as the best organized and run, fishing group in the State. We are consulted on major issues concerning aquatic habitat, bass regulations and management. The Minnesota DNR Fisheries Chief will be attending the Bassmasters Classic in 06.
January, 2006, some members of the MNBF board, feel compelled to find a way to create a TBF Federation that would exist under its control. What will be gained by making these wholesale changes? We could/would lose membership, lose sponsorship, and dilute our political power. The question I ask is how will this affect our Junior Bass Clubs? Conservation efforts?
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I agree with you that the MN Bass Federation has been doing great things and found it self in a great place. I do not think that these issues and times of unrest are exclusive to the people of fishing. I think its human nature...
We tend to over react based on emotion and make irrational decisions, rather than always thinking it out and making the right decision. Look at all the lock-outs that happen in Proffesional sports, NWA mechanics & pilots going on strike, & the list could go on. The grass tends to look greener on the other side, and sometimes it is. Whether it will be greener remains to be seen.
I think the MNBF stands to lose members, sponsorship, etc., no matter which route it follows. I am guessing the board feels the best way to preserve the for mentioned is to work together with the new TBF federation.
In the long run, I think all programs including youth & conservation will prosper to a higher place, competition & opposition usually brings things to a higher level. They say Iron sharpens Iron. FLW Tour has made the Bassmaster Tour better, The AFL made the NFL made football a better professional sport, competition between US car manufacturers created great deals on vehicles for all of us.
Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com
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