More $$$ on FLW.

I'm a fan of FLW because they still allow co-anglers. I think they still remember the every day guys that fund the sport. Look at the dream Rob Lay is living right now.

I honeslty believe that if the FLW and the Elites went head to head...FLW guys would whoop the elites..they just have bigger sponsorship and have more air time on TV.


Just my opinion

Many of the pros participate in both tours and go head to head in Major League Fishing competitions, etc.

Yeah--- hints the show Major Leauge Fishing and all the B.A.S.S Opens etc

IMO in college fishing FLW was crazy in their rules about sponsorship logos, and what you had on your jersey, and what kind of boat you were in. It made no sense to me that if I had a Skeeter and I made it to the final day they wouldn't let me fish out of it. I had a very nice college jersey that I paid hard earned money for and put sponsors and manufactures on it that I used and supported. When I showed up to the tournaments they wouldn't let me wear it. I understand they have to keep their sponsors happy but IMO I was fishing for MY school and ME not their sponsors. None of their sponsors got me there to qualify to fish their tournament I did that on my own, I put my time in to get there. I know that me and many other college anglers were very fortunate that FLW gave us to opportunity to be there and help us out a little with gas and lodging. But it its still funny to me that they forced us into wearing and supporting companies that just wanted to represent me if I did good. I made money fishing with them and im thankful for it, its just odd to me that they forced us to wear and fish out of their title sponsored boats and clothing. I may be weird but if I worked my butt off to get there and cant fish out of my boat that I trust and have %100 faith in, it just doesn't make sense to me. I know BASS did not force you to do stuff like that, you fished out of what you had and you supported who you wanted to while on camera.

It would probably generate a lot of cash they would turn it in to the old Monday night wars like WWF vs WCW. I can just hear it" what ya gonna do when KVD fishes all on you" lol

If both circuits would come together and use their resources, theres no telling how big tournament bass fishing would be on a professional level. However, it's all about we're better than you, MONEY being the main factor for either organization to have common sense and become a true CONSISTENT way of making a living.

I think overall the BASS field is stronger but FLW has some standouts that are legit.

Having two competitive leagues is great for the viewer and might avoid antitrust/monopoly law suits that the NFL and MLB have experienced. With fishing gaining in popularity, I think there will be enough continued corporate support for both tours. There are obviously enough channels on the TV these days to televise events from both leagues.

^^^ Good point.

haven't seen the controversial answer yet. Whos gonna be the one to say it?

I'm not "in the know" but where do you think all the money and opportunity comes from? My best guess would be the sponsors. They pay a pretty penny and are much of the reason why guys have an opportunity to earn a living fishing.

Having the opportunity to earn 6 figures partly because of the generosity of big sponsors is doing a hellva lot more for me than 50% off a $4 bag of worms that cost $1 to make. Giving them exposure, via a logo on a $75 jersey, is the least I could do for them.

And if I don't like it then I dont have to fish for their money.

Don't they compete against each other at TTBC at Conroe along w/PAA?

If you really interested in the major differences ..... its the sponsor structure.

FLW negotiates with all sponsors, the individual fisherman is not allowed to advertise his own sponsors.

Bassmaster not only allows individual fishermen to promote their own sponsors, they encourage it.

Both models have their advantages and disadvantages, whether a fisherman fishes one or the other, primarily depends upon whether they enjoy marketing. If you not the kind of person who wants to push product, make boat shows, personal appearances, etc. then the FLW model works well for you. You can still make money on the tour by falling under the FLW sponsor umbrella.

But if you are good at self promotion and pushing products, then BASS is the best route for you to take. You won't be limited by FLW type restrictions.

Some people just wanna fish, others are good salesmen and are good fishermen too. All personal choice.