I can not help thinking of a used car sales everytime Irwin Jacobs speaks. I do not know him so it is a opinoin I have made by what I see and hear. He promises everything and says what eveyone wants to here. I do not care one way or the other about which way the Federation goes. I think both the FLW and BASS are great organizations and I am a member of both and plan on staying a member of both. I just wish everyone would do whats best for the sport instead of slandering each other. I think Ray Scott's vision is getting blurred because of ego's and jealousy. I say each to there own and life goes on. Good Luck Fishing.

When you refer how you wish people would stop slandering each other, do you mean like referring to people as "used car sales people" or about "people that promiseg everything and say what everyone wants to hear," or what about "people have their vision blurred because of their egos and jealousy." Is this what you mean?

I think Tim is talking more specifically to what Irwin Jacobs had to say about Ray Scott when interviewed by BassFan.

You can view the whole article here:

BassFan Article

BTW, I agree with Tim 100% on this one. Irwin Jacobs does sound like a used car salesman. He's telling people what he thinks they want to hear and making promises without promising anything. Making a mountain out of a molehill and it's just a publicity stunt IMO.

He makes mention several times in the article that he fears the demise of the Federation. Gimme a break, the Federation will be fine, with or without BASS/ESPN/DISNEY/FLW/RANGER/TRITON/GENMAR et. al.

John-Lopez,
I said hearing MR. Jacobs speaks reminds me of one. As to MR. Scotts vision being blurred I am trying to say ego and jealosy may have gotten in the way and if the shoe fits their wear it. I think Mr. Jacobs has done a tremendous job with his organizations. Are you concerned that I am insulting used car salesman by comparing them to Mr. Jacobs or the other around. I guess I would have to yes to your post. I did not follow my own instructions. You got me there.

If you have ever worked for a large corporation, none of this should be a surprise. Cliques, egos, power plays, and closed door policy making are common place. It is just sad to see a grass roots organization, like BASS or even the FLW, evolve into a typical "big business". There are some large companies that can pull off operating openly, evenly, and in a way that is good for employees and customers alike. They are just few and far between.

SAD PART OF THE WHOLE SITUATION IS THAT THE AVERAGE GUY OUT THERE GETS TO SIT AND WAIT WHILE A BUNCH OF GROWN MEN, ALL 3 SIDES INCLUDED BEHAVE LIKE A BUNCH OF DONKEYS... JUST ADMIT YOUR FAULTS, LOCK YOURSELVES IN A ROOM, AND ATTEMPT TO FIND SOME KIND OF COMPROMISE WHERE NO ONE GETS THE SHAFT... BUT JUST STOP THE NAME CALLING, THE FINGER POINTING, AND PLEASE STOP WRITTING LETTERS... I HAVE A FANTASTIC IDEAR LETS GET ALL 3 GROUPS TOGETHER ON LIVE T.V. PERHAPS REPLACE SOME OF THOSE RERUNS SHOWN ON SAT MORNING, AND STRAIGHTEN THIS UGLY MESS OUT WITH A GOOD OLE FASHIONED LIVE WRESTLING MATCH... NOW THAT WOULD DRAW VIEWERS... .

I am definately as involved as you guys are, but just from observing and being a BASS member, I would have to say that since ESPN took over, BASS has changed dramatically. As far as Ray Scott, I am sure he is sick to see what he helped create get turned into a NASCAR on water. (not knocking nascar, but BASS used to be about educating fishermen 1st, tournaments second) Now it is all about sponsors and money-ethics be damned! I will not be renewing my BASS membership when it runs out, simply because I am not into big time competitive fishing but rather enjoyment. I have not looked into the FLW but it seems to be worse than BASS as far as flash and trash, and less about what fishing used to be about; family, conservation, respect for mother nature and educating the fisherman. And before you dismiss me as some fuddy duddy, I am only 41 but the sport has changed dramatically and not for the better. More and more you see aggressiveness on the lakes, rude behavior and macho egos instead of mutual respect, and enjoyment of the sport. I feel this comes as a direct result of more and more guys getting into fishing for a way to compete. Originally tournaments in fishing were a way to educate the lay person, promote the sport and bring new technology to fishing. Now it is so money driven that the focus has changed. If I were Ray Scott I would be a little bitter myself. You will notice that he has pushed for 'light line' tournaments and the like to try to bring the challenge and fun back to fishing. Give it some thought. I am sure I am in the minority but since I am Irish, starting a fight is in my blood!

Tim - you're right on the money. The guy has nothin' but the bottom line in mind.

My favorite line is . . . "there wouldn't be a BASS organization without Ranger".

Really? I think the line should read as follows. Ranger wouldn't exist without BASS.

Tim,
That is the exact feeling I got when I read the interview and made my post. I see him as a salesman trying to push his product and make it seem the most appealing to everyone.
As a Federation member and past club president, secretary, tournament and club director who has already paid his due's for next year, although I don't really know if I paid $15.00 or $20.00, since ESPN has bought BASS they have almost given me the same feeling. I really long for the past years when BASS was a grass roots organization run by mostly down to earth people who were sincere, although it could be debated that Ray Scott could be the greatest car salesman ever when you look at how he sold the whole concept of bass tournaments and organization to the entire country.

Hell I am a used car salesman- I own a car lot and I dont shovel half as much as **** as some of you people who fish for money or promote products do!!!!
I have met some guides & others in the fishing industry that make used car salesmen look like Saints LOL!!!

Ha, Ha, Ha to funny JP. Sorry guy's but that was funny.

JP, I meant no harm your way or any ill intent toward any used car salesman. I was using it as a figure of speech. And yes you are right some Fisherman are full of it. By the way that was funny.

I'm not sure why you guys think it is funny that IJ said BASS wouldn't exsist without Ranger...Watch some of the footage from the early 70's BASS tourneys...all you see are Rangers...If it wasn't for Ranger all you would see would be flat bottoms...

I thought that was pretty funny too! I believe our friend knows what you mean, Tim! We have several legitamate car dealers on here. Like Z21, one of the classiest bassing folks on here! Monte Coone is another great contributor! No harm done, and I did blow a drink of water almost out of my nose when I read JP's reply!

Yes just like Bob said, it was the pounch line JP throw in there and it hit perfect. That's all.