I've been wondering lately...

1. Are there "many" pro bass tournaments, those so big that they make it to television, or is there really just 1 or 2?

2. The pros use spinning reels and baitcasters, so here is the crazy question. Is/are there any pros that actually use a high quality/speed "spincast" reels?

3. BIG QUESTION!!! Why do some tournaments have some fishermen catch bass, tag them and drop them in the boat well, and others they weigh and release???

4. Is there "cheating" in bass tournaments? If the answer is "yes," and there is a judge and cameraman on each boat, how the heck is there cheating?

5. I know there are multiple rod/reel combos on each boat, but what type line do the majority use? Do any of them use monofilament, or is it all fluoro?

6. Do pros used "colored" line?

7. Do pro anglers have other jobs?

8. Do we have any big-time Pro Anglers in the Texas Fishing Forum? I really don't know.

9. I'll have to think about it before I come up with questions 9 and 10!

Addendum: What is the proper spelling, "baitcaster" or "bait caster"?

...???

I believe Frank the Tank fishes professionally, not sure of any others.

Why don’t you just start off with one or two questions.

For the record, I am NOT a big time pro bass fisherman, clearing the air here

...because I had more than 1 or 2 question!

...!

Are you McKinney's #1 bass guru?

Everyone knows you’re a kept gigolo Dawg, just say it.

What makes black bass so special? It's not like they are that fun to catch.

9. Who are your favorite pro bass fishermen?

For me, I like Jacob Wheeler and Mark Zona!

I used to get Zona's show, but freakin' Spectrum! I hate Spectrum!

...------

Here's a couple of answers for ya.

1. Are there "many" pro bass tournaments, those so big that they make it to television, or is there really just 1 or 2?

"many"

2. The pros use spinning reels and baitcasters, so here is the crazy question. Is/are there any pros that actually use a high quality/speed "spincast" reels?

No. Difficult to manipulate the line/lure for a subtle, soft landing with a spincast reel.

3. BIG QUESTION!!! Why do some tournaments have some fishermen catch bass, tag them and drop them in the boat well, and others they weigh and release???

Different tournament formats/guidelines and different professional leagues with different rules.

4. Is there "cheating" in bass tournaments? If the answer is "yes," and there is a judge and cameraman on each boat, how the heck is there cheating?

Yes; most of the cheating is done prior to the tournament (violations of no information rules)

5. I know there are multiple rod/reel combos on each boat, but what type line do the majority use? Do any of them use monofilament, or is it all fluoro?

It's not all fluoro (one would tend to not use fluoro for topwater lures and wakebaits). With finesse presentations, there is a lot of braid to fluoro leader.

6. Do pros used "colored" line?

Yes

7. Do pro anglers have other jobs?

Yes

8. Do we have any big-time Pro Anglers in the Texas Fishing Forum? I really don't know.

9. I'll have to think about it before I come up with questions 9 and 10!

Addendum: What is the proper spelling, "baitcaster" or "bait caster"?

baitcaster

1. 2 circuits make national TV exposure

2 I don't think spincasts are used regularly but I remember a big time T back in the 90's that was won with a spincast. Don't remember the technique even. I think it was a Zebco 88.

3. Different rules (Some ore measuring the best 5 fish and others most combined weight

4. Not all trails have the judge and camera man. Seems Jeff Sprague was caught doing some infraction, don't think it was open "cheating". Don't think there is much if any cheating on the 2 big trails (Bassmaster Elite and MLF/BPT). Lesser trails there is cheating occasionally.

5. I see a lot of both main types of rod/reel setups and nylon mono is used.

6. yes

7. mostly no if you're talking outside the fishing industry.

8. Mark Perry is "big time".

9. Think about it????


Others may have more or differing knowledge. I can't guarantee the accuracy of my answers. Some are guesses.

Much like gambling, fishing for bass offers intermittent, variable reward.

Bass size distribution and catchability frequency vary in just the right amounts to promote addiction type behavior.
They aren't the easiest fish to catch and not the hardest.
Most of the ones you catch are under four pounds, but if you fish enough you are likely to catch a 6lb+ or even a DD under the right conditions.
They are plentiful and thrive across a wide range of climates and water conditions.

In my experience catching a 8+ lb bass is like dragging a suitcase to the boat. Just not much fun. They also taste like doo doo. I do realize I'm in the minority.

Someone please correct me if I get this wrong...

I think they color code the tags. Meaning they have 5 colors, when they tag a fish, they log how much that fish weighs with the color tag. So when they get past 5 fish, they have a log to check to see which fish weighs the least and they can quickly swap out the smaller fish for the bigger newly caught fish. Otherwise, they would have to weigh all 5 fish in the live well in order to see which one is smallest to swap out.

Did I get that right?