While it's only a part of the overall sponsorship, event attendance matters to the brands who activate onsite and therefore that matters to BASS.

Right...that I get. It's part of the exposure that manufacturer sponsors want to be able to count on. if they consistently get little to no exposure of their products, they would eventually not want to donate time and money. But, then again, they are companies that only sell to fishing enthusiast. So, if they are not happy with the exposure, or lack there of, they really don't have much choice. Haha. I guess they could rent a booth at a nascar event...or something.

So....lets get this straight....

Pros don't want spectators.....to spectate.....
Manufacturers want fans to come to the events, that their pros don't want them to attend....

Not sure how you took that from what was posted. I think the pros want the fans to show up and have a great time following them and at the Expo. I think it does not take a rocket scientists to see that the following part got a bit out of hand at some locations. When a fan is having an impact on the outcome that can be avoided then yes its a bit of a grey area. Being respectful and courteous is not all that hard.

I think the main problem was that the EXPO was outside, and it was HOT being on pavement. they could have had it inside, there was plenty of space over in the Pavilion.

I'd rather be fishing.

most of us would be as well. I can get my iPad out on the lake on Sunday's and see what's up with them. That's enough.

That said.....shout out to my roommates Brett and Marty. Both finished in the money last week. WTG "young'uns"!

We went yesterday. We enjoyed the weigh in. Thank God there were clouds or we would have roasted out there. Biggest disappointment was the Expo. I expected more vendors and more pros in booths answering questions and taking pictures. It was a virtual ghost town.

If you wanted to meet the Pros in the booths that was what Saturday's activities were for. Additionally there were 42 companies/vendors on site. Not sure what the right number is for people to say there were a lot of vendors...

I had a tournament on Saturday so that was a no go. I went when I could go. I think B.A.S.S. understands a lot of guys that attend their events fish on Saturdays. I know this was set up a bit different since they didn't fish on Saturday, but looking at the lot, there were areas where the lot was wide open. It looked like some vendors had already packed up and left? I guess I'm hard to please...

We had to pay $20 for the Expo in Frisco and it Sucked O.

The Expo at TTBC was a joke

Final day weigh in had a huge crowd for it being close to 100 degrees on the pavement and close to a storm. Several anglers even mentioned the large crowd.

I don't think anyone should expect 2000 fans on a Wednesday at 3pm... Just not going to happen. Saturday and Sunday are a different story

Sunday's vendor activities were from 12-3. I saw you guys in the Nitro booth so not sure when you arrived but yes by 3pm most vendors were breaking down or already packed up. Most of the Pros were already gone as well. They don't hang around for Sunday, especially when they were all out Saturday for Bassmaster U activities.

I was really bummed not to be able to attend any of these.. those I know that did go had a great time at weigh ins and at the expo Saturday. Hope they do it again next year so I can make it!

Come on Mr Jones. Didn't you know the fishing community is supposed to bow and worship RHBC, I mean after all, do not schedule activities on top of them. BASS should have known better to schedule an event the weekend RHBC has their tournament.