I registered the first hour it was open and got an email 2-17 saying I was on their "stand by" list. I'm guessing everyone who missed the lotto is on the Standby list?

Either way, the disappointment is real

I just completed the payment call also. Very helpful lady in customer service in Springfield. She explained they are processing the entry fees thru your BPS account like a merchandise purchase online. This probably explains why some people are having issues with old email accounts from previous BPS account ID’s.

Only question I have now is Ray Roberts thawed out yet?

I was told by customer service that you can register for another event if you weren’t picked to fish your original choice. If I had not gotten to fish Roberts, I was going to register for Grand Lake. And then possibly Bull Shoals, if the first 2 didn’t work out. I can’t find where I read this now, but I believe I read somewhere that the Bull Shoals event was for people who registered for other events and didn’t get picked. I’m not 100 percent sure that’s accurate.

That is what I read as well.

Pretty sure Bull Shoals is your only option if you attempt to register anywhere else first. If you think about it makes sense to keep every regions population a fair shot at it.

Their customer service explicitly told me that if I wasn’t picked for Robert’s I was eligible to register for Grand Lake.

You are correct, I just asked. Grand is gonna be a crapshow. It still doesnt make sense, whats the point of a last chance qualifier at bull shoals when people already get second chances at other lakes.

Yup "waiting" list for the teams that don't pay or drop out.

Maybe the last chance qualifier is for all those who did not make it into one of the other qualifiers.

I think so, but it seems it should be the only option after your 1st pick. Think about guys can use Grand as a second chance, then bull shoals as a third. I hope they clarify this.

Q: Why is there a drawing for each qualifier?
A: Due to anticipated high demand, boat owners can only register for one qualifying event, with all entrants placed in an independently verified drawing to determine the 250 teams eligible for each event. Individuals who do not receive a slot in the regional qualifiers can register for the “last chance” qualifier on Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas, with registration opening later this year.

I read it as you can register for only one. If you don't get selected, the only other one you can register for is the bull Shoals event.