MLF is a growing company, trying to find the right path forward to ensure the long-term success of the business. I realize that a LOT (not all) bass fishermen have no understanding at all of how to run a company, let alone build one from the ground up. So, they see these changes as an error in management. Unfortunately, companies sometimes have to make tough decisions to ensure the continued survival of the company. And these decisions are not usually popular. However, they ARE usually what's best for the company. MLF is still in its infancy. Everyone seems to forget the dozens of make overs to Bassmaster before the Elite series path stuck and became somewhat successful. The Bassmaster tournament series has changed ownership a number of times! Heck, it's changed ownership even since the Elite Series was founded. All in an effort to secure the company's long-term success. MLF will, most likely, find their feet. Having 2 professional tournament trails is a GOOD thing. It gives significantly more anglers the opportunity to make a living as a professional fisherman.

I personally like MLF. And I personally like the Elites. I can see that there is room for both, and the competition is good, and the significantly more opportunities are good. I also understand that tough decisions have to be made.

All that said, banning James Watson is just asinine. Did he go a bit over the top, of course he did. But a 2-year ban is just overkill. He's entitled to his opinion. And he's entitled to share it. But his opinion is only looking at the situation divided by him. And how it affects him. I get it, he's upset. I've had to make the tough decision of reducing headcount/resources and it's never popular with those it affects. And even those that weren't affected sometimes weren't happy because they don't understand how to run a business. But those who were able to remain and are now part of a company that came back stronger and more profitable are now very happy the decision was made. James should have been allowed to voice his opinions and everyone could just see what comes out in the wash. He's either going to be right or he's going to be wrong. Banning him is simply not the right thing to do. At least based on what's out there right now.

One thing I do know is that Boyd Duckett and the other owners know how to build a business. They've made themselves rich doing exactly that. Their decisions aren't always popular. But they're usually right. If everyone always agreed with what they did then they wouldn't be doing their job.

MLF is a growing company, trying to find the right path forward to ensure the long-term success of the business. I realize that a LOT (not all) bass fishermen have no understanding at all of how to run a company, let alone build one from the ground up. So, they see these changes as an error in management. Unfortunately, companies sometimes have to make tough decisions to ensure the continued survival of the company. And these decisions are not usually popular. However, they ARE usually what's best for the company. MLF is still in its infancy. Everyone seems to forget the dozens of make overs to Bassmaster before the Elite series path stuck and became somewhat successful. The Bassmaster tournament series has changed ownership a number of times! Heck, it's changed ownership even since the Elite Series was founded. All in an effort to secure the company's long-term success. MLF will, most likely, find their feet. Having 2 professional tournament trails is a GOOD thing. It gives significantly more anglers the opportunity to make a living as a professional fisherman.

I personally like MLF. And I personally like the Elites. I can see that there is room for both, and the competition is good, and the significantly more opportunities are good. I also understand that tough decisions have to be made.

All that said, banning James Watson is just asinine. Did he go a bit over the top, of course he did. But a 2-year ban is just overkill. He's entitled to his opinion. And he's entitled to share it. But his opinion is only looking at the situation divided by him. And how it affects him. I get it, he's upset. I've had to make the tough decision of reducing headcount/resources and it's never popular with those it affects. And even those that weren't affected sometimes weren't happy because they don't understand how to run a business. But those who were able to remain and are now part of a company that came back stronger and more profitable are now very happy the decision was made. James should have been allowed to voice his opinions and everyone could just see what comes out in the wash. He's either going to be right or he's going to be wrong. Banning him is simply not the right thing to do. At least based on what's out there right now.

One thing I do know is that Boyd Duckett and the other owners know how to build a business. They've made themselves rich doing exactly that. Their decisions aren't always popular. But they're usually right. If everyone always agreed with what they did then they wouldn't be doing their job.

Absolutely it sucks for the rookies. And it’s unfortunate that the company had to make this decision. But the likelihood of that happening is pretty small. It is designed to support the current BPT anglers and it absolutely should be. I don’t know if your job involves leading and managing people. But as a leader you ALWAYS take care of your people first. I mean should MLF go to these guys (who risked their careers to join a new company). And tell the “thanks to all you did but we’re gonna take care of the new guys now and y’all can go pound sand”

You need to quit with the “it’s not fair to the rookies” and understand the a business sometimes had to make tough decisions.

agree.....never have understood the animosity toward a group of anglers who in effect said..."we deserve a share of the huge TV and venue revenue because we are the attraction,not the owners" and when they were refused,they had the guts and Boyd's business sense to go out on their own and form MLF........

Absolutely it sucks for the rookies. And it’s unfortunate that the company had to make this decision. But the likelihood of that happening is pretty small. It is designed to support the current BPT anglers and it absolutely should be. I don’t know if your job involves leading and managing people. But as a leader you ALWAYS take care of your people first. I mean should MLF go to these guys (who risked their careers to join a new company). And tell the “thanks to all you did but we’re gonna take care of the new guys now and y’all can go pound sand”

You need to quit with the “it’s not fair to the rookies” and understand the a business sometimes had to make tough decisions.

I don't think it's animosity towards the anglers as much as it's more towards the management. Even Stevie Wonder can see some mistakes were made.