BASS Announces Classic Changes
Yesterday BASS announced changes in the Bassmaster Classic qualifying structure for 2012. The most notable change is that the winners of individual Elite Series and Open tournaments will qualify for the Classic.
Points standings in the Opens will be used to determine Elite Series qualification only, and will not have a bearing on who makes the Classic.
BassFan.com and others are speculating that this decision is the work of the new ownership, although the BASS sale is still not finalized. BassFan said, “Notable is that BASS VP and GM Tom Ricks is quoted nowhere in the release, which would indicate that the new ownership group headed by Jerry McKinnis has assumed the decision-making role even though finalization of the purchase of the organization from ESPN has not been announced.”
I predicted that there would not be any changes until well after the sale was finalized. I was WRONG!
Are these changes a step in the right direction?
Category: BASS, Bassmaster Classic, Elites, Fed Nation, Opens, Weekend Series
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I haven’t had time to think this through yet, but my first thoughts are that this will increase participation in the Opens, which is good. But it will also incent more pros ( from Elites and FLW Tour) to fish the Opens. This is not a good thing for up-and-coming AAA pros trying to make it to the big leagues.
Another part of the changes is that a Federation Nation angler will qualify to fish the Elites. If this incents pros to step down and fish against weekend club members, I am not sure that is a good thing either. The paper clubs and jackpotting needs to stop IMO.
If they don’t stampede to the OPENS for one of the 9 “winner is IN the Classic!” tournaments, then it’s a lost cause. I mean c’mon, a 1 in 100to150 max.chance to be IN the Classic? Jerry’s footprint is all over this.
I don’t mind the pros fishing the opens. The crappy deal is the 25% increase in entries and keeping 3 tournies. Too difficult to keep pros out and with just 3 tournies, The pros can find time to fish. A 4th tourney would be a much bigger burden on a tour level pro for time. It would be nice if they keep the entry at the already high $1000. Instead of a $3750 total entry for a more slot machine mentality 3 tournies, have a more proven angler of the year structure that puts a bigger burden on the pros calender and do 4 tournies for $4000.