When B.A.S.S. announced the new “no entry fee” change for the Bassmaster Elite Series next season, I looked at it for a couple of days and let it soak in before forming an opinion. It gave me time to think about it before offering a knee-jerk reaction.
Yes, there are parts of it that aren’t perfect, but I’ve concluded that it’s a monumental step in the right direction and could lead to better things.
Honestly, it’s the biggest thing that B.A.S.S. has created since the beginning of the Bassmaster Elites.
That’s my perspective, and here’s why I believe that.
During the early years of my pro career, I qualified through the Opens but turned down an invitation to the Elites. Not once — but twice — and both times because I couldn’t afford it. Annual entry fees back then were around $14,000, and I couldn’t do that to my family.
The next year B.A.S.S. had an Open Championship and the top five guys received paid entry fees into the Elites. I finished third and jumped on it.
That’s how I started my career, and the fact I could fish for free that first year was the only reason I was able to do it. Equally important is the fact that I could fish freely, which was a big reason why I won Rookie of the Year and nearly won Angler of the Year that season.
So, what the no entry fee setup does is make it possible for more anglers to make the jump to the Elites. I’m talking about anglers that qualify but can’t afford $45,000 a year, plus expenses, to fish.
Now, all you have to do is own a boat and truck and be good enough. It levels the playing field.
Admittedly, the payout change with lower payout on the bottom means you’ve got to fish to win; guys can no longer be comfortable “fishing for checks.”
I consider the change to no entry fees like getting a $45,000 raise. It also means I don’t have to make payments to B.A.S.S. in the winter. We typically have to make two or three payments to B.A.S.S. before we can fish the first event.
Now, that $45,000 can be used at my discretion. I can invest it or spend a little more on the family at Christmas.
Realistically, unless you finished in the Top 10 of an event under the old system, you didn’t make much money; you had to figure $4,500 (for entry fee) comes out of your individual tournament winnings. If you were lucky enough to win $100,000 for first place, you were still only $55,000 ahead for the year.
I had one of my worst years last year and grossed $70,000, but once I removed the $45,000 and expenses, I made nothing. If I have a similar year this year, I will net $45,000 that I can invest into a retirement fund.
Pro anglers, since the beginning of the sport, have complained they didn’t feel like it was fair they always were fishing for their own money.
Now, we’re fishing for the $4.1 million of B.A.S.S. money, not ours.
Pro bass fishing is performance driven. If you want some of the $4.1 million, go get it.
