How did you not lose your lunch? Freaking yesterday was too windy for bank fishing.

First, let me say, when you sober up I hope you realize many of those mentioned above are all the same guys that fish the coveted Opens, same boat wraps, same jerseys, and same discount codes. All of them thanking sponsors while on a stage in a different state to people that are rarely the target of their regional advertising.

Second, here is a scenario for you....

Let’s make up a name....say... uh...something like....Gruuber, with two U’s, to ensure it’s absolutely completely fictitious and doesn’t represent anyone real even if it seems it might.

You see Gruuber never fished much because he loved to bird watch, but would occasionally bank fish for brim and perch. That was of course until he saw a couple U-tube bass fishing shows and became so interested in the thought of fishing competition he bought a used Tidecraft Firehawk.( no they weren’t all in the junkyard as hard as that is to believe) Thinking it was just a fun fishing series he signed up for the opens as a “pro”, as of course ANYONE can if you can PAY the entries, just like Bass Champs and Media and TTT. I mean there is no prerequisite to get in, you just call and then Pay your entry fee, just like the others.

Well as the season rolled on Gruuber fished the 4 tournaments all on river systems that year and with the droughts and severe temps that year wouldn’t you know it, he was able to finish in the top 10 in all 4 tourneys. While you might say there is no way this could happened, he absolutely did it. His success was all based on fishing mepps aglia #3, jitterbugs and white split-tail grubs all on 3lb test and of course no electronics to alert the fish of his presence, thus always ensuring a limit at every tournament.

That year he never won, but was actually crowned AOY of the Central opens and was invited to fish the Elites. Which of course he did beacause he had the money to PAY the entry fee and it was so easy to get in. Now Gruuber is considered one of the top fishermen in the WORLD, and all because he fished 4 tournaments one year, and had amazing luck (although he would likely call it skill, I assure you it was luck).

You see, this whole scenario came about because there is no multi year AOY averages to determine the “best” in the minors (opens) to move up to the “Pro” division (elites) ( even though they also have to pay entry fees just like Media and TTT and RHBC, for the privilege of fishing). That one single year Gruuber was able to beat enough guys to get an invite to fish the elites. That one single year with no previous tourney experience he qualified to be considered the best in the World. It would be different if they would take the last 3 yr AOY average and thus giving you a firmer picture of who SHOULD qualify, but that’s the standard and he qualified. Honestly let’s be real, many are fishing the Opens solely to get a chance of a Classic berth more than chasing the elites.

And now... the rest of the Story....of course Gruuber was a total flop in the elites finishing dead last in the first 3 events breaking off on his 3lb line every single fish he set the hook on at Toledo, Falcon and St. John’s and eventually dropped out. He can be seen every once in a while along the shores of Lavon with his binoculars in search of ruby crowned kinglets.

You see, he had no real skills but the luck of 4 tournaments that one year and no other. Does it make you a PRO by fishing in the Opens, Negative Ghostrider. But you can qualify to be one if you finish one year high enough in the points and have the money to pay the entries. But then again, one would have to have the money to pay the entries to fish BassChamps too, now I’m totally confused. What makes someone a Pro again...

Go ahead and give the trophy to Hollingshead!!!

Is everyone a wanna-be until they actually are? Is that the same for Minor league players of other sports? I don’t equate the Opens with wanna-be’s. Wanna-be’s are the guys fishing BassChamps, TTT, Media, and those types of trails with wrapped boats and jerseys with product badges from a company that gave them a discount code. They practice 10 days a month for a 1 day derby then thank their “sponsors” if they happen to get a check. Then have to explain to their kids why they can’t take PTO to take the family on vacation. Lol