Just got this email.... I knew BASS no longer a partner, but here is the updated stuff, looks like more to come later about the championship, looking forward this season.

"As you probably know earlier this year myself along with the support of our long standing partners decided it would be more beneficial to our members and the ABA organization if our relationship with B.A.S.S. would end. Through a mutual agreement, ABA will no longer have a licensing agreement with B.A.S.S. and will no longer use their registered marks, thereby ending our relationship effective December 31, 2013. I want to assure you, the ABA �Weekend Bass Series� (new name) will continue with bigger and better advantages for our anglers.
I believe it is important to enlighten you on my decision making process and circumstances surrounding the decision. First, I want to make it clear, BASS relinquished ownership of the Weekend Series to ABA in December 2006. Second, this decision was based on; 1) only one angler out of thousands would have a shot at the classic, 2) the huge cost incurred was much too high for the benefits we derived, and 3) ABA will now be able to acquire sponsors without restrictions who support the weekend angler.
This change will allow us to enhance the 2014 season. For years we have been asking our members what they want and what is important to them, the following are among their highest request and what we have changed:

1. No more dual membership required
2. The payback will be increased from 20% of the field to 25% of the field.
3. No processing fees when entering tournaments online
4. The 2014 Boater and Non-Boater Champion will receive an ABA sponsorship to one of two professional tournament tours of their choice. This includes entry fee into 3 divisional events plus expense money.

The sponsorship will allow anglers to concentrate on fishing as a professional angler, learn to fish against professionals and have the opportunity to fish either the Classic or the FLW Cup.
This enhancement will put the 2014 Champion within striking distance of one of two professional world championships of their choice. Anglers will be able to choose the path they want and ABA will support them on that journey. No other organization offers this to the weekend angler from this type of format.
Prior to the February 2014 we will be announcing a major addition to the Weekend Series Championship. This new feature will make the Weekend Series Championship the most prestigious in the industry to date."

I might have missed this...But Do we need to have to be BASS members to fish it like in the past??

nope, see #1..... "no more dual membership"

Stevie Wonder could see it.

1. No more dual membership required

Nice!!! 2014 schedule out yet?

The 2014 Texas South Season Schedule
Date Lake Ramp
3/8 Sam Rayburn Umphrey Pavilion
4/12 Sam Rayburn Umphrey Pavilion
5/10 Sam Rayburn Umphrey Pavilion
6/14 Toledo Bend Fin & Feather Resort
9/13-14 Sam Rayburn Umphrey Pavilion

Divisional Tournament Manager � Porter Trimble ptrimble@americanbassanglers.com - (318) 201-3474
We invite you to register for Texas South division at: https://www.americanbassanglers.com/proddetail.php?prod=808

The 2014 Texas Central Season Schedule
Date Lake Ramp
2/15 Palestine Villages Marina
3/15 Tyler Lake Tyler Marina
5/17 Richland Chambers Oak Cove Marina
6/21 Cedar Creek Log Cabin
7/12-13 Lake of the Pines Johnson Creek

Divisional Tournament Manager � Porter Trimble ptrimble@americanbassanglers.com - (318) 201-3474
We invite you to register for Texas South division at: https://www.americanbassanglers.com/proddetail.php?prod=813

Why did it dilute the layouts even deeper?

Are the tournament payouts on the ABA website yet?

I like the format to get to the classic or cup and the support they want to offer. Might have to consider this trail.

May be that they are paying more since they aren't sending $ to the BASS folks

Are you and Leslie(?sp) fishing with us this year?

Joe, we plan on it.
Finally moved back home(East Texas) from the valley (McAllen), this past May. So we are ready to fish back in "Gods Country".

Great, Hope to see ya'll @ Pal. It will be on fire by then!

We'll be there.

I am in!