Lol the classic is a big draw as a stand alone event vs. redcrest, I think that’s all it boils down to.

But again the OP predicted that BASS would die by now. Personally I am happy he is bringing it out at the Classic as it looks like a great boat and I am excited to see it. I hope BPT succeeds as well as I think two leagues are best to keep each other trying to get better. Plus there are some good guys fishing BPT.

Completely agree. Did you see the first BPT stop where Chris Lane ended up taking the win in the last 1 min? Unreal and some of the most excited Bass Fishing coverage I've seen. I like the move to biggest 5. The way BPT covers the tournament, the announcers, and the live score tracker really is more exciting to watch that BASS tournaments in my opinion. I know many won't accept MLF just b/c they are pro Bassmaster, but I for one love that we get to watch both.

I'll say it again...I like all the trails. What a time to be alive and get to watch fishing on so many platforms with so many Pro Anglers representing the sport I love.

The reason Ikon is debuting the boat at the Classic is because they actually want people to see it. There was like 17 people at the Redcrest last year

I don't think Wheeler will need either platform for his boat to make it's mark on the industry. So BASS vs MLF is irrelevant here IMO. Does not mean it doesn't make sense to advertise wherever you can.
On a side note, I don't think the majority of people that witness this boat at The Classic will be able to buy one. I see this thing being very pricey at the start. Maybe more economical models (as bass boats go anyway) may come later if the brand does grow.

Parent company HSC’s smallest boat is over 38’ and starts at close to 1mm

Contrary to the OP Bassmaster is doing just fine and contrary to all the MLF haters here Duckett World is doing just fine too. Anglers in both places are probably doing better today than if the split never happened. They both NEED to get along and stop scheduling Elites and BPT on top of each other. Would like to see one day where there is one championship between the two, but thats a long ways off if ever, the AFL and NFL decided to do that 50 years ago... seems like that might have been a good idea...

First world problems. One day I would like to experience that.

I was wondering about this as well... ie if any tension between Wheeler and MLF/Duckett over it... Boyd's known to hold a grude

Not sure Boyd can afford to hold a grudge against Wheeler. He’s the league cash cow. That’s why they let him break the rules and pay a small fine lol

will Wheeler be at the Classic?........does he own Ikon boats,if not,it may not be his decision to debut the boat at the classic....

I'm sure there will be a bunch of MLF guys at the classic unless their league forbids it. Question is are any Bassmaster guys at the redcrest expo this week?

There's no ability to stop them from being at either event. Their sponsors hold more weight and will have their pros at either event to aid in marketing.

The classic here on Roberts I heard there were a few MLF anglers in attendance due to sponsor obligations.