Are they having a hard time filling up the leagues? If so, yeh, too many tournament trails. I haven’t heard of a single pro trail that wasn’t full of anglers, so there is still room to add more.

My thinking if there was just a trail for the old dudes linked to the Classic or what ever is on the MLF's (they've got so much going on I'm not sure how all that works except for the BFL) side equivelent, some of the retired guys might jump back in.

I think a seniors trail would be like watching paint dry. Other than a handful of household names it would probably not draw a lot of entries or viewers. Plus it sounds like a money losing format for an organizer or a trail sponsor.

I would hate to see a Classic spot given from an event like this. Other than the federation Classic spots I don't like seeing a spit go to anyone not fishing the Elites.

I do wonder how many total have dropped out this year already, there have been a few press releases on bassfan about anglers "retiring" but not much, that would tell the story. I don't think bassfan treats the NPFL as a true pro league either.

As I said before, if you can’t prove your skills at all 9 then you won’t make it. If Japanese anglers who don’t speak great English can come over here and earn a spot, then win or at least prove they can preform, then there’s no excuses for guy’s here not preforming. As for the NPFL they are making their brand and doing it their way. I heard an ignorant statement from the owner of Bass Cat say there wasn’t room for another trail, that sponsors are stretched too thin now. I hop he gets to eat those words. He’s the problem with growing the sport. Saying [censored] that’s not true.

The year Gleason won on Toledo Bend isn't the year he qualified. Sounds like you are a little Salty.

Mark I think they could do this kind of on a format like a big bass pot in a club tournament in the Open series there would really be no need to start another trail. As far as the classic goes I think adding one more spot for these guys wouldn't be that big of a push.
I'd like to see the the high school champs go to the classic to but that one I see no way to make it work on logistic level. Needing a boat captain because of their age would throw a wet blanket over that idea, but that's why there in the college spot. I;d have to admit it would be cool to see some high school kid hoist that trophy. They'd be an instant legend.

the olds can fish the BFLs, Opens and Toyotas

0 good ideas. Try again.

I hope the Classic stays like it is. While I think overall HS fishing is a good thing those kids have not earned the privilege to fish the Classic.

100%

The Elite format is stacked against the guy who finishes top 3 of his division because they don’t find out they are in until fall. That only gives them a couple of months to raise funds before deposits are due. By the time they start fishing in March, they are so behind the 8 ball they have to fish defensively in hopes of just getting a check. BASS doesn’t like this. Truth is, the current system just sets them up for failure. Bass assumes a guy who can afford to fish all 9 and do well has the means and support to fish the Elites as well and not drop out after a few tournaments as some have because the can’t catch up. I get the reasoning here…

Because it isn't a true pro league

Fritts has been at the bottom of AOY standings every year since he has been back on legends exemption. He just isn’t competitive at the Elite level. He should have been out after 2 years.

Fritts should have never been invited back. BASS should have at least asked him if he was going to try.