i agree cranker. wellmans spot need to go back to whoever took second in that open. why not make an exception for the guy that didnt try to buy a fish since they made an exception for the guy that did.

Can't argue with your point either, Z. So if they stay in the Opens and someone wins one of those Opens but doesn't qualify for the Classic, should the Classic be less than a full field or should B.A.S.S. go all the way down the leader board and give the spot to the first Open guy would would have qualified for that spot?

As per PAA Tournament Series rules following a disciplinary measure by another organization, in this instance by B.A.S.S. and FLW Outdoors, Mr. Wellman is ineligible to compete in any PAA-sanctioned tournament for one year.

He is not and has not been "banned for life" by the PAA.

Alan Clemons
PAA Communications Director

I would like to see them change it up. At the Arkansas River Biffle couldn't go to the classic because he didn't fish all 3 how about letting the guy that finished second, who is also leading the points and fishing all 3 go. That seems more fair.

Sorry Alan. My bad and thanks for clearing that up.

and used to be top 3 in points in the opens went to the classic

Just wonder how "mutual" the decision was?

In the Wellman tournament, I think the guy in 2nd should have received the Classic berth and the tournament due to Wellman's actions.

If someone wins a tournament but did not fish all three like what just happened to Biffle, then I think the points leader for the division should receive the Classic berth.

It should not go back to the Elites. The Open guys are paying for those Classic spots the same as the Elites and deserve their shot as well.

Very good point, sir. You, too Ryan.

And I don't think there is any question that Wellman's spot should go to the second-place angler in that tournament whether B.A.S.S. changes the standings of that tournament or not.

Fouzman do you fish any tournaments or tournament trials? Just courious,I know you have friends that do.

No, I do not any longer, Tony. Does that disqualify me from having an opinion?

Correction. I have fished two Skeeter Owner's, the TFF/BassChamps and the TTBC ProAm at Conroe. To me, those don't really count as "fishing tournaments" because I'm only there for fun. I could care less if I win anything.

We have FLW and PAA to thank for this. Without those organizations stepping forward without pause, B.A.S.S would have just stood by their initial ruling. I think this will be the last thing we here from B.A.S.S regarding this issue. No one likes being wrong on a national stage. This whole ordeal has made B.A.S.S look weak at the knees and indecisive. This should NOT have been a mutual agreement. It should have been a ruling. B.A.S.S became the "bad guy" in this situation by not making the appropriate call in the first place.

Not at all,and I sure hope my question did not offend you in any way.You seem to be very on top of the tournament thing.I just know you as a fellow TFF'er,I only meet you once at Tiffany's and you are a very nice man.I never knew you did and no longer do now,now we know.I kinda like your oppinion's Fouzman to be honest with you. I too use to fish the Skeeter and the Berkley with my better half,like you more for fun than anything else.Now I did fish the LFM workin mans team tournaments with my friend perry Lewis for 3 years and we managed anglers of the year and first place in the championship in 2008 against some good local stick's for braggin right and small change. Then I was diagnost with Dibeties and give it up.

i think us "grass roots" guys on the forums that were so up-in-arms about it had alot to do with BASS changing thier ruling. I have been very outspoken on the issue and so has fouz along with alot of the other guys here on the tff. i do not believe taking a neutral position on this would have done anyone any good and i think it was our voices that had alot to do with the pressure BASS felt to do SOMETHING about the matter.

hats are off to those that spoke up and got the ball rolling in the right direction.

Last post I read from PAA said Wellman was banned for one full year before he can be reinstated. Did I miss something