Does anyone know the logic behind using smaller boats on the Major League
Fishing show? �I watched episode three this week and they had to move
locations because of the wind. �I would figure they would use the same boats
as these guys are used to. �Probably a good reason for it but I don�t get it.

Probably because it is cheaper for the boat companies to give them out. I really have no idea but I bet those guys have a great appreciation for their 21 footers now.

IMO, that we all don't have a 21 footer bass boat with 225 or 250 hp to fish tournament and do well in a tournament. Also, it kinda changes up the game, because there not used to fishing out of a 17' bass boat.

Pure speculation here Joey, but based on the premise of MLF that they are looking to get these pros out of their comfort zone with the format changes, lack of info, and other changes, I'm sure the decision to standardize and downsize the boats falls in line with what they're trying to achieve.

Clearly it's easier on the two sponsors and Merc to provide the smaller boats and engines but I'd think that was just a secondary benefit.

It's also a fact that your average angler has a much better ability to afford a 17ft with a 150, so from the marketing side the message is being delivered to the right demo.

Anyone know why the majority of the field is fishing out of Nitro Z7 but a few have been using BassCat's?

I watched one of the episodes and I did not see any BassCat's but to be honest I was not paying that close attention. I just wonder if it is any sort of conflict with the pro's primary sponsors. Its weird seeing them in tournament jerseys different than their usual ones.

Ike fished out of one and I believe Bobby Lane did as well.

I know one thing, it is quite different fishing out of a 17 footer than a 22 footer. I stepped right off Barrett's deck and fell in the bottom of the boat.

While I don't know why Ike likes to back peddle when he sets the hook, I can certainly see why he fell so many times.

they have 7 Nitros and one Bass Cat. I also have no clue the reason behind the Bass Cat. Also, with Boyd Duckett behind the operation, I highly doubt the money was any reason to go with the smaller boats. I agree, and think it was just something else to make these guys feel "out of their element"

I've been noticing alot of the pro's doing it during FLW and BASS coverage lately, i was wondering the same thing earleir, why they are doing this now?

Ike is annoying when he catches a "giant " I've seen enough fishing to know that is not a requirement..... I agree it sucks seeing some of those guys wearing those goober hats. I think the guys competing should be able to promote their own sponsors as well as the title sponsors of MLF. I think that format is really close to being the deal for competitive fishing.

Here is another idea. I remember Joe Thomas used to have a show that would document his practices when he fished the elite series season. It would be cool to see another show like that in the works. It would be great to watch some of those guys in the same format.

This isn't about their sponsors. This is invitation only. They don't make the rules and MLF pays the way so their sponsors aren't involved. I like it actually.

The companies with their hands in the show will have their logos everywhere and the pros will still do what they can to promote their sponsors as well, but the main goal of MLF is to promote proffesional bass fishing in a way the viewing public has never seen it, not to promote any individual angler or their sponsors.

What a reasonable explanation. Thanks Mark.

The boats they are fishing out of are 18ft 8in