Why cant both tours exist??? I really like the 'newbie's on the BASS tour, i.e. Walters, Livesay, the Johnstons, Whitaker etc. along with the guys that stayed. I like watching BPT too. I don't see why it has to be one or the other.

Rodeo stars tried that not to long ago , they failed miserably . Tradition means a lot to some of us . And like has been said everybody but KVD can be replaced .

Bunch of world.ld outlaw drivers tried it too.

Another sprint car fan!!! Ted Johnson???

They don't have to build superstars, they have them...

And what is going to happen when retirement or disinterest hits them? Teams don't stay good long if they can't develop players. These guys aren't immortal. Eventually the newer crop will take over. BASS has proven they can develop superstars, BPT has proven it can take superstars and that's about it. Everyone of them is replaceable. I already have new favorites in BASS. Will gladly welcome the ones jumping ship from the BPT back to BASS in a few years.

It was interesting at the 2019 Classic to hear all the one's leaving tearing up about how they do it for the fans and how they love the atmosphere at the weigh ins. But then they run off to a tournament trail where the fans are all but locked out unless you sit in front of an electronic device to watch them or go listen to their play by play after meeting in the town square. I wish them the best but I'm not going to waste my time watching them catch a bunch of one pounders screaming big fish. I'm not sure how that helps their sponsors sell products unless everyone starts fishing MLF style tournaments.

I enjoy going to the Classic and the Forest Wood Cup and seeing the weigh ins and the expo. But that IMO and I'm sure there are lots of guys that love the BPT, that is why they are trying to make themselves relevant.

Since when do competitors get disinterested in competing against the best in the world? You do realize that ALL of them made the choice to leave right? They're also over there voting on their future and how this is all going to work. You also realize they're about to acquire FLW and a whole slew of Pro's and youngsters ready to be a part of the show right? It's like you're watching a completely different version of this than the rest of us... Lol.

To be fair Mark, when it comes down to it the MLF big money guys make the decisions. Even Boyd said things have to be approved that the anglers vote on. One thing in discussions is practice days and MLF wants practice days to make a good show so we will see where that goes. Also, they might be acquiring FLW but that doesnt mean the people in the organization will "want" to be part of MLF. I have no doubt there will be plenty that will love the chance but it could change up a LOT of faces in the process. Especially with the sponsor talks and stuff like that. I just dont see how those can be good for bringing new people in unless theres some big bag of money Boyd has on a pole dangling out there for everyone

I support both tours, but the idea that the guys cannot go to the Classic expo and support their sponsors and fans going forward is disgusting. If those guys are at the expo beyond next season, I think it will be a miracle, but what is is really hurting? The fans get to see them, get a pic, and talk ? It does not matter whether they are on a competing tour, it still is great to have them tell you about new products etc. To an extent they are crossbranding by going to the Classic Expo and working for the sponsors. I honestly think behind the scenes the goal is to destroy BASS. Everything certainly points that way. I also would not be surprised if by 2021 or 22 you see a MLF event butted up against the Classic just to once again continue the fight, rather than live and let live. At every turn it seems like MLF wants to hurt BASS. Sad to see , because it does not have to be that way.

If anything, it�s backfiring on BPT/MLF. Duckett needs to let someone else do the talking.


Maybe the anglers voted on not working the Classic and Boyd is acting as the scapegoat?

+1 It sure seems that they want to kill BASS and that wont go over well in the industry or with the fans. Plus it does seem they are making anglers less accessible to the fans instead which you would think would hurt the growth of the league. I could see it as an angler vote thing though. I'm sure that's one of the boring parts of the job and all they want to do is fish. But with what they are trying to do fan accessibility will play a big part in growth. That's the only way these fans they are after will get to know who these guys are a d create a fan base.

Man I'm glad old BD had a change of heart. Takes a lot of workers to keep the floors swept and bathrooms clean

Boyd thought he could just throw his rich way around and everyone would just bow down. Guess he just learned that he�s not that big a deal. I and a lot of people have quit watching the show. I�m sure the companies are aware of what is truly happening and will keep him in his place.