I think those spots should be done away with. It's no fun for me to watch legends of the sport languish long after they were at the peak of their games. This year's legends are Rick Clunn, Paul Elias and David Fritts. They rank 101, 105 and 106 respectively in AOY standings. Just sucks to watch once dominant anglers embarrass themselves on the big stage. At least for me. What do you guys think?

I think it's cool they want to be out there and do it still.

I wonder what has changed so much that they are not competitive? It wasn't that long ago that Elias had his big tourney on the a rig.

I agree Chris, sometimes things just run their course and it's time to move along...

I'm on the fence about it, they maybe past their prime, but I find myself wishing them a break out moment. Then again, I also think it's not likely with the over zealous competition they face each event.

...DON'T WATCH them...
but why not let them have a spot .... they earned it.

you guys will sing a different tune when someone starts trying to put you out to pasture.

That's tough. Clunn just won recently too. I see it no different than other guys in 100's. Difference is those guys have never been a legend and never will be...

https://scout.com/outdoors/bass-fishing/...River-101453488, hard to say for me as well.

I wouldn't say they are embarrassing themselves. You are talking about the Elite Series. Somebody has to be at the bottom of the standings. Also, they are a huge part of why tournament bass fishing is what it is today. They have ABSOLUTELY earned their spot.

Would like to see their system kind of like golf. Golf has top 120 or 125 (which is how many can play on Thursday) on money list exempt for next year and all tournament winners exempt for 2 years. Major tournaments get a 5-10 years exemption for that tournament only. For like the top 10 on the top minor league tour you get 1 year exemption for the next year. For the 11-25 in that minor league and all the major leaguers that finished lower than the 120/125 cutoff, they hold 1 tournament where like the top 10 get a 1 year exemption for the next year. Theres medical exemptions and stuff like that too. I think that would cause big excitement. Also if they included 2 majors + Classic. Where a win gave you like 5 year exemption. Have 1 major on same lake every year like the masters then rotate the other major and the classic. You want to talk about excitement, drama, and ratings. Most importantly it allows the best of the up and comers and consistent way up and it forces the veterans to rely on ability instead of name alone and it stops those 1 hit wonders.

This ^^^^, Clunn won an Elite in '16, several younger anglers ranked around that and been qualifying and fishing the Elites for several years without a win. I say let the top 3 ranked legends fish it.
But, I'm also one that doesn't like cut lines in the tournaments, because we've seen it before were anglers at #12 catch enough to win, so who's to say someone farther down couldn't have a banner day and win. JMO

Remember It wasn't too long ago many on here was saying KVD was done. I don't mind it, I like to see those guys when I go to an event. Still plenty who are fishing that have never won an event.

I like it....they deserve it

Get rid of it. Either earn it like everyone else or move on just like they do in all sports. There is always the Opens and other tours to enjoy them.

And Clunn was my boyhood fishing hero.

Yeah, let's take away there way of making a living after all the years they have spent helping to build and promote the industry and sport! I'm blown away on a regular basis of how ungrateful and unappreciative people are of the one's who came before them. I'm not old but I would rather have 5 minutes talking with someone like Rick Clunn than an hour with some young angler who just made the the elites and might not be there 2 years later. They make there money off of sponsorships for being ambassadors of the sport! It is a very tough way to make a living and really was back when most of those guys were winning regularly.
Best moment I have ever seen in Bassmaster history was watching Clunn win 2 years ago and seeing the other guys hang around just to see it happen. Those guys appreciate the one's who came before them and built the platform they perform on and that we all get to be fans of.

+1 on this ,bass fishing is different then other sports these guys can still fish. This would be a lot different if you are talking about Nolan Ryan throwing a 100 MPH fast ball