I have zero clue.

Red River

I am betting they skip the Red this year. I might be wrong.

I am hoping it is still Red or Sabine since I won�t be qualified. Next year I am hoping they ditch the glitzy money offered by those cities and support a Texas (or border) Lake! But I wouldn�t be surprised if they completely change the format again next year.

I only think there are 3 options that make any sense at all given the circumstances. All of these meet the criteria needed which are:

1. They are big enough to handle the event (~300 teams)
2. They have a facility that would be a good host location for the Friday banquet
3. They aren't in one of the region's regular season schedules
4. There are other things around the area for wives, girlfriends and/or families to do

Lewisville - has been fishing great over the last 2+ years - drawback (for some) would be that its in the DFW Metro area
Conroe - The ole adage, if its good enough for a Classic, its good enough for me.
Texoma - Drawback is the South and East guys would have a LONG haul and may not show up but Winstar could get involved like The Horseshoe does at the Red.

Regardless, unless its the Red or Sabine, we will be there. Had enough of the Red until it comes back from the flood.

250 boats on Conroe would be a nightmare.

I can see them going to Texoma or back to the Sabine. I welcome either.

Texoma or Lewisville would be fun.

Texoma

I sure hope it�s not the Red or Sabine. It�s our first full season of Champs, and all I�ve heard are nightmare stories about those places with torn up boats and such. I�d be more than happy to go to Toledo or Rayburn, even though it gives those ETX guys a huge advantage... but it just sounds like a lot more fun than the rivers.

I am betting on the Red again

I agree with most everything you said. But of those three listed Texoma makes the most sense. If going to the Red River wasn't a challenge. I think Choctaw would be involved before Winstar. It's closer to the lake. There is plenty of water to fish, plenty of places to stay, and isn't fished in the season.

Choctaw was involved with BASS in 2016. It's right up the road

So for the last Central division tournament I had to call in to give the lady our fishing story for the tournament. She said "hope to see you guys at the championship." Laughing and half-jokingly I said "you will as long as its not at the Red." She didn't laugh at all and sounded pretty somber about it.

Take that for what it is, and I may have read to much into her tone, but my prediction is the Red again.

If that's the case, you guys have fun and be safe over there. I tore way too much stuff up while I was there last time... and I was careful. Vowed to never return and I won't.

Does champs still do that awful show with fishman? IDK where the championship will be, but the sabine or the red are two pretty terrible choices that's for sure.

Texoma would be neat IDK why Champs doesn't fish this in their N Texas division in the regular season,

I won't be back I have fished the red for 10 days in my entire life and it has done nothing but break stuff and [censored] me off.

Because from what I know, their turnout up there was dismal. It's a business so they have to do what's best for the business. I'd be good with any of the 3 lakes I mentioned but am torn which one I would prefer. We are only familiar with Lewisville, but I like the championship being somewhere away from home because we always make a 5 day trip out of it and rent a house. Texoma would be cool because there are a ton of houses to rent on the water.

I suck at the Red but I love fishing there. No worries about the wind, its beautiful. Got casinos and a place to drown your sorrows if you stink the first day!! lol

Red River... book your rooms now.

We also suck there but always had fun. The place just isn't the same any more. Very limited grass and pads to go along with all kinds of new hazards and sand bars. I also personally think the flood flushed a HUGE number of the fish away. Only 2, yes TWO, out of 233 teams had 2 day limits last year. I'd go back to the Sabine before I go back to the Red. At least at the Sabine, we caught 50+ fish a day...the problem was those 50 fish together weighed a combined 25-30#.

Not going to texoma cause of boat # is lame excuse txtt don't have no problem drawing 200 plus there. Maybe last time they went there 12lbs was really good bag nowadays 16plus is what it takes to get check way better lake nowadays

its not as bad as what most are telling you I have been to both numerous times and never torn anything. Sebine can get you on the tide though I almost got stuck on the other side of the bridge cause I lost track of incoming tide and was almost to high. Pulled plug took graphs off and windshield

I'm so confident that it will be the Red or Sabine that my partner and I have already nixed the idea of fishing it and cancelled our vacation requests. We are going to go to the TX shootout at Rayburn instead. Red and Sabine are just too hard on equipment to go catch tiny fish.

I really hope its on the Sabine. Had a great time there last time.

I don't understand their beef with Texoma. The only tournaments of theirs on Texoma I remember were the open tournaments in the fall. Bet they would draw plenty of the OK fisherman if they came there during the regular season.

From the outside looking in as I have no clue what they need to have to hold an event somewhere but Texoma would seem a great choice. Its huge, good fishing, easily accessible and a neutral site.

Red River....Called Red River South and they are already booked....

Red is more dangerous than Sabine in my opinion. I like Sabine cause on day 2 anyone in the top 50 has a shot at winning a boat. Can't do that anywhere else. Sucks if it's on red AGAIN. Heck I'd rather it be on Rayburn and listen to everyone complain about locals. At least fishing would be sick and turnout would be good

Chad hates Texoma, it will NOT be Texoma

Bass champs has lost my interest for fishing a whole season with them since they started picking these gar hole rivers to fish. Ain't worth the time and money to mess with em ill stick to TXTT

I heard limestone

We�ll never fish the Red River again....

This is why we didn�t fish four Bass Champ events again this season. We refuse to waste or time and money on the river..

Goodbye and good riddance to all of the crybabies. Basschamps still pulls plenty of participation.

The Sabine river is a blast to fish. And no more dangerous/worse for your boat than a lake.

If it's on the red, we know why. Chamber of commerce pays well

Of course. Isn't that why any of these larger circuits go places. I can't blame them.

Ive never fished the red but may go and take my 17ft xpress instead of the bassboat. Still fishing against the fish at the end of the day. 10lbs a day may get you a boat

I have to say..... I like the Red River for alot of reasons.....The area has the facilities to be able to hold a large event with rooms etc.... Gambling, Restraunts etc.....The River itself is large and has alot of options.....I will be there!

They have had record turnouts this year.....So, since it is most likely on the Red River I am sure they will have a good turnout......

I've had guys telling me since before the season started it was going to be the Red River... supposedly the Chamber of Commerce in Shreveport likes to sign multi year deals??

Regardless of where they go its been a blast fishing Bass Champs again this year, we're looking forward to finishing strong at CC and to finding out where the Championship will be! Thanks Chad, Jeff, and the Basschamps crew for doing what you do!

When do they usually announce? This weekend?

I heard it will be announced in July.

Lake Houston

Red River

Whitney

Bingo. Number 1 reason for any championship location..$$$$

Yeah? That's why Basschamps is still around. Because they make money to keep running.

EXACTLY!! It's funny how most people on here are red blooded American conservatives but they get mad when a company wants to make money and happens to choose a lake/river they don't like. If Chad and Jeff didn't make those tough calls, then like many other trails that have come and gone, they would just fade away.

TxTT has no problem going to less than desirable Championship locations. People still show up. I like knowing it's somewhere completely different each year but I understand why they choose the red

I agree with everything stated here. But Texoma does also and it's still partly in the state all the divisions are in.

I support Bass Champs and want them to be around for a long time. Hell I feel guilty when we only fish the practice days then go home before the Championship. That being said the Red River has been a [censored] hole fishery the last several times they have gone there. When day one leaders don't even catch a fish the second day, you are fishing in a place that sucks. It's a fishing trail after all, not a gambling trail.

Call me what you want as I support and enjoy Bass Champs a whole lot but I think with people taking 4-5 days vacation, travel, lodging and food costs plus all fishing costs that I fully understand why some dont want to spend the time and money on a place where the fishing sucks. A week long grind is not enjoyable to many. It's still supposed to he fun. We will go if it's on the Red but I admit I doubt I will be looking forward to it compared to other locations.

I still am not convinced it's on the Red though. We will find out soon enough.

Nobody is arguing that Chad and Jeff run a great trail. I'm all for them making money, as I fish most of the tournaments they put on. But it's my choice to NOT fish the Red just the same. I'm not going to whine about it, I just don't want to fish it. I tried it, tore everything up on my boat trying to get to places that I thought had fish, and decided the Red isn't for me. I'll still fish their regular season events.

If it's on the Sabine, I'll go. Red, I'm out. I hope everyone that goes has a safe and enjoyable tournament.

You and I share the exact same opinion. I won't go to the Red either but also wouldn't complain about it. The Sabine I would really have to think hard about. It just seemed that in order to find better quality fish you had to run 30-50 miles and that just isn't something we enjoy. We'd probably go just to rent the house we did last time and hammer giant red fish off the dock on Sabine lake.

Hackney just axed that theory! Could you imagine how packed that pull row would be this year if BC goes there.

If bc goes there it won't be won around ramp guarantee

+1 Even if those places were good they are trashed now and LA has much better water

Bc would make la offlimits too. Too much grey area for who can fish certain water versus who can't.

You may be the biggest cry baby ever

BC has to make money or they would not exist, at the same time they have to cater to the fisherman's wants, keep having it at a place that many do not like and the money will not be there. About the only reason I do not fish champs is because of where the championships are held, I personally do not have the time ( or the want ) to go somewhere for a week to fish a tourney. I wish they would announce the championship before the season started, no matter where it is I am sure they will put on a great event.

I don�t understand the people saying they won�t fish the trail because of the championship location. Each tournament still pays $20k to first place and usually pays 20-30 places depending on the draw. Sounds like an excuse to not fish. You don�t fish four tournaments because one?? Huh.

This is exactly what I was thinking....
You don�t fish for $20,000 just because you don�t like the water they will be holding the Championship on ?
So what these guys are saying is that are fishing for the �ring� only ..... the title if you will.

Me..... I fish all the lakes and sites that I like during the year ....... East, South, Central, North as long as I like the site ........ then, if the Championship is held on water I do not like then I don�t go
A lot of sad-gum complaining on here about a fishing hole

Good point, I have fished several tournies over the years, just never enough to qualify for a championship.

Toledo Bend

I will openly admit that I never fish Bass Champs for the "money"...I have spent far more than I will ever win in regards to tournaments. I do it because I enjoy it. Splitting $20,000 is not life changing money. I fish because hopefully I will be able to say I won one someday. To me the pride of winning a Bass Champs event would far outweigh the money. Its been a personal goal for several years. Couple that with the fact that I simply love to fish and I probably fall into the "doing it for the title" crowd.

Pretty sure it�s Livingston. Third largest in state and not on a regular rotation. Centrally located. Who cares about the fishing, someone always wins.

I predict that if it's on the red again it will have a record low attendance.

Ouachita River.

Dickinson bayou

Grand lake.

U openly admitted reality for 95% of us... It would be something to hang your hat on and be able to say I won one of those. Heck I won an ABA weekend series, a BFL as a co, and a FOM tournament. But TTT or Bass champs would be some good hardware. I too keep trying.

Man up and fish

Probably a little too far but would make a cool venue.

Screw it take it to lake Guntersville!!!!

I kind of thought that too, but what is it, another hour and a half past Shreveport? Monroe has the facilities, they had an everstart championship there and pretty sure they�ve had an open there. That rivers fun to fish.

I want bass champs to succeed and understand it's a business. I propose that next year all championship competitors pay an extra 100 entry fee which doesn't go to payback just to have a tournament in a place that has some fish!

That's actually a brilliant idea!!! hahaha...seriously every team pays the $100 Championship fee then there is a vote in June with majority rules on locations they propose. That wouldn't cause any drama at all......but seriously would be a really neat and unique way of doing things.

That is a good idea.

This is not meant as a jab, Bass Champs is extremely formulaic. It would be cool to see some variation in the formula. The vote concept has merit, but when a company gets to the top and remains successful it is very hard to embrace change!

They have no issue with changing the format of the media elements, but when it comes to the tournament trail, they have hit that wall of success and don�t want to change it up. I am not saying they should totally reinvent themselves, I am just saying variety is the spice that will keep people interested over the long haul!

They've never been afraid of trying to implement change in the past which I love. Always willing to try new things regardless of the public outcry. Just in the last 8 or so years they've tried all of these:

1.Gone from 5 fish limits to 3
2.Went back to 5 fish limits
3. Changed from 1 big championship where only the top X % of AOY finishers qualified to a regional to regional championships
4. Went from 5 regular season events to 4
5. Changed back to 1 big championship where all teams who fished all 4 events qualified
6. Completely changed the format of the TV show 3 times (I really like the current version)

So why not consider something like this. The problem would be, who do you charge the $100 to? Each tourney has a ton of jackpotters that only fish the events on a given lake and don't fish the entire season. Do these guys get charged less or none at all. The reality is there's no way for them to know if they are jackpotting or fishing them all. So they would simply have to add a "Championship Location Choice" fee to every entry. Maybe make this $15 per team. Pretty sure they average about 200 teams across the 16 regular season events so that would be $48,000 raised.

Then in June they give all qualifiers 3-4 options for Championship locations and the vote takes place and majority wins with the results made public. Then if Champs can get more money or sponsors in that location then they do but regardless, money has been raised to pay for that location being chosen.

Plus, there isn't a team out there that would not fish a particular event because it cost $15 more.

I always enjoy reading how others would change up the most successful consistent drawing tournament organization we have in Texas.

True very true. I fell for the bait. But it does kind of sound like a fun idea. I actually sent it to Chad. Got a funny response. We will just keep showing up as we have for about the last 10 years. It's very well run, a lot of fun and I feel like we are always fishing against the best which is why what Mark said prior is dead on. If we won an event, I think I would have a hat or t-shirt made that said Bass Champs Champion and where it all the time. Hahaha

The only thing I wish to see added is an extra pot like TxTT. Extra $100 per event or at the Championship. I would have no issue paying a little extra to have a bigger payout to those who get in it

I don't want to change their business model, I just want them to have the championship in a location that doesn't have crappy fishing and the opportunity to tear your boat all to hell.

Man, I would hate to hear the complaining when rayburn gets voted as the champ lake every year. That's what would happen.

That wouldn't happen because Champs wouldn't put that as an option because of their championship location selection criteria. This topic has also run its course in 31 different ways. The location will be what it is. As Chris said, we are talking about trying to change the best circuit in Texas and maybe the country. Good enough never is. That's what i always tell my employees, especially the salesmen.

I wish they would implement a true championship. Top 50 in points only and no championship entry. To me fishing the 4 events then paying to fish the championship is like just fishing another event.

My son and enjoy fishing Champs and will continue to support them. Just my 2 cents.

No kidding

??? REALLY ??? a VOTE would not cause any DRAMA ?
are you kidding me or just been fishing to many wacky worms ?

Again ...., you are not looking at this from the BC point of view and running a business.
top 50 in points would do things:
1.) decrease revenue from the Championship week
2.) increase the normal weekend tournament entry fee during the year to support the reduced Championship field

So, 10 boats will not go back to the RED .... replaced by 10 newbies that will
everyone will go to Livingston, Conroe, Texoma, Palestine, Lake of the Pines, Caddo

These guys know what they are doing .......
Play (fish) if you want to ...... stay home if you don't

. I like this idea as well. But how bout only the top 5 teams in each region.

I agree, if it's at the Red I'm not interested in going and will be sitting in a bow stand!

Do you understand the economics of this and how much revenue that would cost the Bass Champs Championship tournament ?

Do the folks that are advocating for a VOTE on the place to hold a Championship realize how far in advance these guys have to make an agreement with the host city/lake to make it feasible ?
Folks seem to think you can just name a host city/lake at the drop of a dime........
doesn't happen that way

for some pretty smart fishermen sometimes it is like "HERE's YOUR SIGN" ......

Just spoke to Chad at sign up, we will not be going to the red this year,he told several people that.

Sabine...

..... CONROE .....

All tournament organizations need to go back to championships that you have to qualify for. These participation trophy championships have never made since to me.

.

More entries equals more money...

Chad announced at take off today that it will not be on the Red River or on Conroe.

Did everyone start cheering?

A few guys did.

He also said it would not be the Sabine

Rayburn..

. If he really said no Red or Sabine you made my weekend!!!

I won't lie. That would make me pretty upset but only cause we went be there

So what does that leave?

Palestine

And there's always Lake Travis.

He really said no Red and no Conroe on PA system

Livingston
Texoma
Chambers
Lewisville
Limestone

Caddo
Murray
Grand

Texoma

Livingston, Palestine, choke canyon if it catches some water. Chad has said it won't be Conroe or the red river.

Whitney, waco.

Sabine. Orange will pay the money

We were boat one going out so I was standing on the dock next to him when he made the announcement. I asked him if Sabine was an option and he said that wasn't happening either.

Palestine doesn't have a ramp to support 300 boats

Choke Canyon doesn't either. Three lanes max and only about 5000 fishable acres.

If Cedar Creek can handle launching that many then I bet Palestine can.

Be interesting to see it on Palestine. Texoma too.

Champs will never get 300 boats unless it's on Rayburn

the ramp at the dam could easily handle that many boats but tournament org won�t use it. The problem with Palestine is that it fishes small

If they pull 250 boats any lake will fish small outside of Rayburn. Palestine would be fun

The way Lewisville has been fishing it could be a good choice.

Livingston
Texoma
Caddo
Lake of the Pines

Well if it is on Palestine I highly recommend that any anglers fishing in it reach out to Tom Mayne and get his version of boatlanes for the lake unless you want a busted boat and a broken heart or you like to idle everywhere

Texoma, with Choctaw driving distance. Plenty of ramp choices and accommodations.

Been on there with well over 250 bass boats. Not a problem..

Any ideas on when they will announce? I know it will be this month just curious on the day?