Here is an e-mail that's floating around

[Gary Dobyns]

I took the author's name off of it. He probably doesn't care but.... he is a regular with FLW events. Another point FLW should think about. Apparently their customers (us) are thinking about it. FLW is our best circuit, but that looks to be changing quickly. They need to "Listen to their customers". This used to be their saying. Below is the message getting passed around.



You know I have thought that the FLW college fishing thing was a pretty good idea too however I wonder sometimes IF FLW put that kind of support behind the Series or the Stren what kind of participation you could see. I mean really are these 60 college kids the future of the industry? How far off are they really from buying boats and tow vehicles. Hopefully they will still have that chance and can find a boat dealer when they are ready. If you do the math it looks like by the time they pay the pro's for the day, pay the teams and then pay for all the championship expenses bringing out 20 boats, fuel, staffing and the prize money. All of this for 4 events and a championship. Imagine the support for the Stren series if there was an additional $30,000 in the payback of all four events and an additional $50,000 in a western regional. I mean we have to drive to Alabama to compete but the college teams will get their fishoff on the Delta this year and Folsom next year. WE have never had a regional west of Missouri.

This college thing is like a new labrador puppy, cute and warm and fuzzy but pretty worthless after that in the big picture, too small to bite an intruder or fetch a duck.

I think the money could be better spent than it is on college fishing. That is a huge amount of money spent on 100 anglers tops. And they are going to get a boat to use next year and $50,000. That would go along ways in the big picture. They get all that with no entry fee and we fish for our entry fee monies only.

[Long Nguyen]

Pretty interesting Gary. I agree to an extent and disagree on others.

Using the same logic from the author, how does he (or any other Western FLW angler) feel about the $10 Million fantasy fishing? That's $10M in cash and prizes that they can be dumping into the tournaments. Why the heck even fish when you can sit behind a computer, pick a fantasy team, and potentially win $100,000 at each Tour event.....AND NEVER WET A LINE? You can sleep in your bed each night too! At at the championship, you can win $1.0M!!

Kidding aside, the author makes some valid points. I didn't know that the college teams didn't have entry fees. Someone is underwriting this cost, any idea if it's FLW or a sponsor??

[Ringer]

Just another example of what's wrong with this country. Everyone is greedy. What is in it for ME. I would rather watch the college kids fishing than any pro event and I have owned 7 boats and going to buy another one next year. I would agree that Fantasy Fishing could be dumped.

[Phil]

I may be off base here but here is my view on it. I am not a FLW tournament angler. I was involved in bass tournaments for over 20 years and always fished with one of my sons as partner to engourage them and try to lead them that way. This all brings to mind, that the young in our country need to have thes same opportunity in many sports that we did, being its bowling, trap shooting, bass fishing etc.
I am sure they pay their way there, food, gas, room and board and so on. So it’s not totally free by any means.
The day was , when guys/gals taught their kids, took them fishing, hunting, bowling and so on, but the economy has become so, that we do not take the time to spend with our youngsters (not meaning all of us, but there are some) as we did in the past. It is a good thing that the National bowling ***., NRA, FLW -Wal-Mart so on, are doing for the young of our country.
Incentive, get them into the sport, for the future , future sales.
Some will move forward, and we know some will go on to just be doctor’s lawyers and Indian chiefs and trouble, its the way it is.
With the economy the way it is, can you afford to pay for your youngster to fish tournaments or other sports? Can he/she afford to pay for it with all the college costs, the time and effort and my god the pressure of staying in college and getting a good education.
I applaud them and another organization, for stepping up to the plate for our American youngsters. Way better than letting them get into drugs robbery or some other way to get into trouble. I wish we would have had these programs when my sons were youngsters ! I got lucky and my sons went on to be successful business men and own their own businnesss, and fishing is still their passion. I wish I had the funds to pour into the youngsters of today like FLW. We honestly can not do enough for them. eventually these youngsters will pay their fees and the sport will go on. Get them invloved , and sure make money or go out of business , then the youngsters will have to make other decissions in life. (It's not about you pros, it's about our young it seems to me)?

Just my .02 worth.
Thank you JIGS

[leachman90]

I talked to a young man who is on the WSU bass team and he said EVERY THING is payed for either by FLW or the school.IMO this is nothing more than a "sweet azz" college class (sport) to sign-up for.Can't wait for the recruiters to come knocking on my door to offer my boy a spot on the team along with a full "free ride" when he is old enough.

[Caudawg]

With economic times being as tough as they are...this is an interesting topic.

Maybe there is a way to include the college fishing into the main NG and/or Stren events? They'd have to tweak the format, but I'll bet there's a way to do this that makes financial sense.

[jsc11700]

I hate to say it but many of the "sticks" who made the sport of bass fishing here on the West Coast are gettin old. No disrespect intended. Bass clubs are failing all over the west coast. College fishing is the next big thing for the sport of Bass Fishing and I believe that this is a strategic business move on the part of FLW. In 20 years where will FLW or the sport of bass fishing be on the west coast without the interest of the younger generation? I am only 25 and am a die hard competitve bass angler but I can attest that most of my "buddies" would rather sit at home and play Xbox than spend a day on the lake. Sure the tournament attendance numbers reflect the economy and competitve fishing has taken a hit as a result, but I am a business major and I believe that what FLW is doing here is an investment in their future. That being said I also agree that FLW needs to remember who has made them successful, and may need to look at benefits such as increased payouts ect.

[sTony]

I've always considered what FLW is doing to be a blessing to the entire industry.

They got a programs for professional anglers, reach out to the broader group with the Stren Series, they have a good deal going that includes many of the 'next level' anglers in many areas of the country with the BFL. Then they hooked up with TBF and the bass clubs and service them pretty darned well. Since, they've grown the sport and the attention it gets by doing the College Series, which really is fed by what they're already doing with youth through the TBF Jr. National Championships.

With Fantasy Fishing FLW is reaching out to folks that might not have an itch for bass fishing at all. I see it as an attempt to bring a sharper focus to their events and their pro anglers and maybe even attract those that only see a possibility at winning a lot of money. It's a marketing plan to grow interest in they're high level events and a residual effect is it helps grow our sport because it at the very least attempts to reach beyond, to the general public.

I don't know of any org out there that is putting out such a fully rounded program such as this. Reaching out to anglers of all levels really and beyond.

A big thing here is do you want to put more boats on the water or butts in the seats and which gets you more. Obviously you need to do both to grow the sport. The money to anglers isn't going to grow without more attention being paid to our sport from beyond just fellow anglers.

I think FLW get's 'it' better then most any other organization out there. Sure they have their short comings, but don't we all?

sTony

[cLanderman]

I can not believe that this is even a discussion. The college thing is an amazing event and to say stuff along the lines of "better spent on NG or Stren" is disheartening. For those of you that do not know, get out to the college events and see what these kids are going through. In most cases, they have no money and no boat, just a love for the sport that has made you say these things. As was stated above, this just shows the greed and foolishness that individuals can have. I would bet that the reason this money (that people clearly think should be dedicated to your event and not some college kids') is there because a sponsor thought that kids in college events is where they wanted to spend it. I know if I was putting money up for sponsorship I would rather put it on a college event for these kids, then some tournament filled with guys that have the money to be there in the first place.

I appologize for sounding like I am throwing people on blast here, but this is emberrasing to me and to this sport. These college kids have earned this event and work just as hard (if not harder) then most of the anglers in this sport. If you think they aren't as skilled, then I would like to see those that believe that, show up to 4 random lakes that you have never been to in your life, with no money, or time to prefish, only getting to the event on the morning of the tourney because you had class you couldnt miss, and then bring a limit to the scales consistently.

....so emberassing to our society.... Atta'Boy FLW for stepping up and putting together such a great event for these kids.

[2ndsuks]

There are many good points in this discussion, however, I think some are missing the big picture.
It’s hard to go against the grain of a noble cause without looking like one poster put it “greedyâ€

[cLanderman]

True, but if you want to build the sport from the outside in, then the college thing will draw more attention in the long run. Someone that has no affiliation with the sport of bass fishing would be more likely to tune-in to see college vs college competition then our sport's big names. IMHO

[leachman90]

I can not believe that this is even a discussion. The college thing is an amazing event and to say stuff along the lines of "better spent on NG or Stren" is disheartening. For those of you that do not know, get out to the college events and see what these kids are going through. In most cases, they have no money and no boat, just a love for the sport that has made you say these things. As was stated above, this just shows the greed and foolishness that individuals can have. I would bet that the reason this money (that people clearly think should be dedicated to your event and not some college kids') is there because a sponsor thought that kids in college events is where they wanted to spend it. I know if I was putting money up for sponsorship I would rather put it on a college event for these kids, then some tournament filled with guys that have the money to be there in the first place.

I appologize for sounding like I am throwing people on blast here, but this is emberrasing to me and to this sport. These college kids have earned this event and work just as hard (if not harder) then most of the anglers in this sport. If you think they aren't as skilled, then I would like to see those that believe that, show up to 4 random lakes that you have never been to in your life, with no money, or time to prefish, only getting to the event on the morning of the tourney because you had class you couldnt miss, and then bring a limit to the scales consistently.

....so emberassing to our society.

You make it sound like these are underprivileged kids who have never had the chance to fish before? So you are saying that this is the "first tee" of fishing? If this is the case then maybe we should be taking this to the inner cities where most of the kids will NEVER see college let alone a bass boat. These are kids that are already in college trying to figure out what they want to do with there lives. I don't know one KID that said "I want to go to college so I can become a bass fishermen". Like I said before, this is just a "sweet" extra perk that is being offered at some schools for a few college kids. Heck, I would LOVE to get out of class for a couple days and "go fish" on someone elses dime. I told my wife the other day that I was going to go back to school so I could join the fishing team, I think I still 4 yrs of eligibilty left.

[cLanderman]

Underprivileged is a relative term. Last time I checked, of the 40+ or so teams that fished the regular season of the trail, only a couple had access to a boat outside of the FLWs events, but you are welcome to draw your own conclusion on what I stated.

[2ndsuks]

You make a good point, however, in order to build the sport from the outside in as you put it, we need full fields to attract the non affiliates. Timing is everything, in fact it is critical. We need to build the stadium before the fans will come.

[Ringer]

Some of you guys would steal candy from a baby. Scrap the college tour so a few more wannabe fishermen can get a few more bucks to cover expenses? If the current adult series were such a money magnet the sponsors would be all over it. In this economy no one is doing well and money is tight. We should be thankful that any series is still going. My hope is that as the college teams grow they will be able to attract donations to the schools just like any other sport.

[cLanderman]

Obviously I am the minority on this subject. Especially on this site which is mostly pros/ams, but I just think that it is unfair to attack the college events when there are other places to start. Sometimes we bite the hand that feeds without knowing the whole story. In this case the FLW is a business, and the college event is most likely a more consistent way to attract sponsorships and outside money then a Stren event. If the FLW goes away on the west coast, then there is nothing on either side of this arguement. I am sure they are looking for any method that will draw money to their cause.

[leachman90]

Obviously I am the minority on this subject. Especially on this site which is mostly pros/ams, but I just think that it is unfair to attack the college events when there are other places to start. Sometimes we bite the hand that feeds without knowing the whole story. In this case the FLW is a business, and the college event is most likely a more consistent way to attract sponsorships and outside money then a Stren event. If the FLW goes away on the west coast, then there is nothing on either side of this arguement. I am sure they are looking for any method that will draw money to their cause.

Now I agree with this statement.It is ALL about the money and where will it come from.

[2ndsuks]

My hope is that as the college teams grow they will be able to attract donations to the schools just like any other sport.

That's all of our hopes Ringer, but take a look at your statement.
College teams have to grow in order to attract donations.
We have to grow the sport first in order to give them a fighting chance, you're putting the cart before the horse.

You are seeing the glass half empty, it's not the extra bucks to go in the pockets of anglers, it's the extra money to sustain participation, you can't blame anglers for not having enough money to fish when FLW receives millions of dollars of sponsor money.

[cLanderman]

The FLW only allows 40 teams to compete, because of what it takes to get enough pros from the Stren to take these guys out, etc. With that being said, it is important that more colleges get involved, but there will not be higher numbers in the tournaments anytime soon. There is a waiting list to get into the tournies, especially on the East coast, but FLW just cant support that many college teams.

[Ringer]

I understand that they will need a circuit to fish someday and you can bet there will be plenty to choose from. I just can't understand why anyone would challenge the measley money invested in college fishing when we were all making donations and helping out to get it started. IMO when some people saw $50000 they started thinking about the money and a way to get it. I hope the sponsors spend more on the kids. If you don't like the payouts in BASS or FLW then don't fish them in protest. Maybe a big strike by the "Perfeshunul Fisherman's Union" and see how that sits with sponsors.

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

The college program is really a great thing, it obviously isn't for everyone just as college basketball, football and baseball aren't either..College sports tend to be money makers for most schools, I can't really see bass fishing being all that much of a money maker for the schools, but of course that could change..In general fishing will never be a huge spectator sport like those mentioned above, so you wouldn't expect them to garner a lot of sponsorship money from outside the fishing industry..FLW has pretty much put the lie to that by getting quite a few sponsors from outside the industry..Still, those sponsors are going to expect a fair return on their sponsorship/advertising dollars..Expanding to the college ranks and eventually even to high schools gives the sponsor a lot more exposure for his investment..

No doubt for those currently fishing the non-college events at the pro or co-angler levels pulling the money from the college program and inserting it into their tournaments would increase the pay outs, but it would not increase the sponsors exposure and possible customer base..For FLW to get and to maintain sponsors they need to provide them with as much exposure as possible..The current programs do that..

mac

[leachman90]

From BASS FAN. This article might make you wonder where will the money come from.

FLW rumor update 9/23/2009



Rumor and speculation continue to swirl regarding what FLW Outdoors will offer next year in terms of tours, trails, payouts and team deals. Such talk isn't surprising, since Ranger is caught up in the Genmar bankruptcy, Chevy is part of the GM bankruptcy, Walmart is almost certainly scaling back its involvement on the tournament side, Land O' Lakes is said to be gone, and Pure Fishing (title-sponsor of the Stren Series) is rumored to perhaps be downgrading its involvement.

At the same time, participation in select FLW Series and Strens has been lagging. Last weekend's Eastern FLW Series was strong and drew 137 boats, but today's Delta Western Series will field just 85 boats. And while the Southeastern Strens began the year with a near-capacity 192 boats, by the third event at Wheeler in June, the field was down to 159 boats. Certainly understandable in difficult economic times.

The expectation was that FLW Outdoors would consolidate some of its trails to meet a perceived decline in demand, but chatter this week hints at the opposite. Instead, word is that FLW Outdoors will make an announcement about its plans for 2010 sometime in the next week, and the Tour, Series and Strens will move ahead, perhaps as is. Additionally, there's talk of some new and inventive measures to increase or guarantee participation.

[kb]

There is a tone that the pro's are all about trying to take the money from the college kids. That is simply not the point and for many of the guys that are saying they are all for what the college fishing program is doing you have to ask, are you fishing the four Stren events and staying over on Saturday to make sure one of those teams gets on the water in your boat?

IF the number of anglers keeps dropping in the events out here and more anglers decide to they can't afford to fish the Stren events, qualify for the Stren Championship and spend 10 days off work to travel to Alabama or Missouri or wherever it is 2500 miles away from the west then it is quite simple there will not be enough pro's to stick around and make this program work.

There is a large investment in the college fishing program I think what is being said is with that program and Fantasy Fishing don't forget where the core of your company and customers are. I have to think that the National Guard is not involved so that these educated college students can learn a love of bass fishing and become boat owners building the future of the sport. Yes a certain percentage will however I think they are more in it to insure the future of college recruits into the National Guard or other armed service.

It is easy to see when you look at the payouts that when the angler count goes down so does the payout. Look at the Stren Championship and you will see a bunch of guys either decide they can't go across the country to the fishoff or they take the hit financially and make the run.

I have told Charlie Evans on numerous occasions that the West should be in the rotation every three years for the Stren Championship. One year West, One year Central and one year East. That way you stay home one year, meet in the middle one year and make the drive one year. Doesn't seem like too crazy an idea.

There has to be some efforts made to get more anglers able to compete and keep competing to make all the other programs work. We are losing boat dealers, tackle shops, marinas and resorts every day and there are more and more anglers not fishing. Many of the pros have spent the time to fish the College events and recieved the $200 per day that is payed out. Can you guys stay over night, eat and put gas in your boat for a day on the water for $200. Probably but nobody is making money they are all contributing. How many of you even followed the College Fishing program close enough to know that they held their Championship at UOP in Stockton last weekend? How many of you went? I was getting calls for two weeks from guys wondering why all the wrapped boats were in Stockton. They thought there was a FLW tour event coming.

Congrats to San Jose State for their win this week. I think the reduced entry fee for the NG events will be a big help. There are many guys that just can't swing the $6000 in entry and expenses per event today. I am curious to see just how many of the guys will step to the NG events and choose to back off others in order to compete in those 4 events. Skip a couple of team circuits and a regional pro am circuit and you can probably make those events next year. The schedule looks like 3 in CA and one in AZ. Seems to be where the core of the anglers are.

I definatly have a biased opinion here but I wish FLW would stop scheduling events in January on our sport shows and work with the promoters to avoid it. Not just the ISE shows that I am involved in but most of the guys in So. Cal have had to miss the Long Beach show their biggest show of the year to compete in a FLW event. In a time with anglers are facing cuts from sponsors they have to do more and more to keep or get support and shows are a big part of it. It not only takes away from the high profile anglers presence it takes away from the everyday tournament anglers thus resulting in less tackle sales, boat sales etc etc etc.......

I still think they offer some of the best events out there. Wish they would adopt a little more of the BASS attitude and support and let the anglers fly their sponsor colors every day, film thier boats and shirts when they catch them. I doubt that would effect the overall boat sales anywhere in the country, reward the owners for their support I all for that and offer the contingencies to everyone that meets the requirements. I know a bunch of proud boat owners that are not eligable for contingencies because they bought a used boat but they fly the colors and will tell everyone what they think is the best boat....reward them.

The bottom line is listen to the fishermen don't tell them what it is they want. The support will follow it always does. FLW has some prettty good tournaments scheduled in 2010, I will be at several of them as I was this year hope to see some of you guys there as well.

kb

kb

[chadbass]

You know we all know the score. If you want to fish, fish. If you have political agenda's, you always will and will influence everyone you can. I think that the Fantasy fishing and the College fishing tournaments are awesome. I think most everyone needs to look at things a little different. Fishing is not a huge spectator sport, NASCAR is, right. NASCAR draws millions and millions of dollars because advertisers know that these events have millions of eyes watching these cars go round and round for hours. They say if you repeat someones name 7 times that you will remember their name. If you watch a car for 500 laps, when you need to build something, you think of the orange Home Depot car or the Lowe's Car. That's dollars for the sport!!!!!! FLW has put incentive out there to draw eyes to the sport for sponsors!!! Wow what a brilliant idea, go figure! If sponsors see fishing as money, they will put money into it period. And I don't mean tackle company's. Big money companies! That is where the angler's will get their money. Make an angler a household name and money will go their way. Ask Skeet or KVD, Masters at it. You can bit@%*$ about FLW all you want, but they are out to make money and they are trying to put angler's in the position to go after big sponsor money. Take advantage and thank them, don't bite the hand that feeds you. One last food for thought. How many angler's are household names across the country because of West Coast Bass or Won Bass or 100% Bass or Angler's Choice. As big as Gary Dobyns is on the west coast, until his rod's came out he was not a household name. I know, I'm from the south and people did not know who he was. Grow the sport productively, that means you have to have as many eyes on you as you possibly can. Bottomline is that at this level it isn't about fishing, everything is advertising and money, we are the billboards. We have to realize it is bigger than from the Pacific to the California state line! FLW is here for the guys that want to be PRO'S, not that are "Wanna be PRO'S". That's my 2 cents!!!!!!!

[Gary Dobyns]

First of all I support all the kids events. I've been to high schools for their "Career Affair day". I work with several college kids right now trying to get them sponsorships. I also personally sponsor several college teams. Some of you guys are missing the point. FLW is throwing money at fantasy fishing and college teams, great. What about the guys that fish The Tour, Series, or BFL events. What about us. I know the kind of money they get for sponsorships. Forget about that........ 10 Mil to fantasy fishing. What about the guys fishing their trails. Do you guys have any idea how many guys are going broke fishing FLW Tour AND BASS Elites. It would SHOCK you.

This is not a shot a college kids. It's a shot at FLW to hopefully make them think about their customers. They are losing anglers but refuse to look at themselves for an answer or a cause.

[mark poulson]

As it is now, there is no incentive for the tours to give up more of their money, since they don't have to in order to get anglers to fish for them, but now, instead, they have pool of anglers willing to pay them for the privilege of fishing their tours.
The FLW, and BASS, and all the tournament trails, are there, first and foremost, to make money. If they could do it without spending a penny themselves, they'd do it.
As it is, they've figured out how to turn bass fishing into a national advertising vehicle, and how to get bass fishermen to pay for the privilege of advertising for their sponsors.
Fantasy fishing, like fantasy baseball, football, and any other fantasy type league, is a way to bring in more people to view the advertiser's product.
Talk about can't lose.
Before everyone goes off about the costs involved with tournaments, just remember the organizations that put them on aren't stupid. If they didn't make money, they wouldn't do it. End of story.
So asking a business that's there to make money, to be more generous to the fishermen, when they don't need to be, is a dead end street.
The only way the FLW and BASS would give more to the anglers is if the anglers refused, as a group, to fish the tours without more money.
And we all know that's not going to happen.

[rdearmond]

Dobyns is dead on, the amount of money spent on this college fishing is nuts. If the goal is to promote future bass anglers, have them fish Pro/Ams; they will gain more experiance, fish with diff sticks, and learn alot more. Hell the first time I fished a Pro/Am I was paired with Dobyns I was hooked from that point. Plus FLW can use money saved for better payouts lower fees for pros and even AAA trying to make a living at this sport. The free ride for college fishing is not a good idea. Look at guys working a 40 saving up cash and vaction time to fish and making a boat payment .

[rdearmond]

Dobyns is dead on, the amount of money spent on this college fishing is nuts. If the goal is to promote future bass anglers, have them fish Pro/Ams; they will gain more experiance, fish with diff sticks, and learn alot more. Hell the first time I fished a Pro/Am I was paired with Dobyns I was hooked from that point. Plus FLW can use money saved for better payouts lower fees for pros and even AAA trying to make a living at this sport. The free ride for college fishing is not a good idea. Look at guys working a 40 saving up cash and vaction time to fish and making a boat payment .

[j10b]

Agree with Dobyns. 1 million to sit at a computer???? Why do I doubt much if any is gonna be spent on fishing???

The rest of that 9 million could go a LOOOOONG way at the tournament levels. Make the big payout for Fantasy fishing 100,000 and use the 900k for other prizes.

The point being made is they can come up with a FREE RIDE, for college and Fantasy. But it seems they can't do anything but stick it to the guys that the Fantasy people pick and the college guys want to be.

THATS the issue.

[sker13]

PostPosted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:13 am Post subject: Re: Here is an e-mail that's floating around
First of all I support all the kids events. I've been to high schools for their "Career Affair day". I work with several college kids right now trying to get them sponsorships. I also personally sponsor several college teams. Some of you guys are missing the point. FLW is throwing money at fantasy fishing and college teams, great. What about the guys that fish The Tour, Series, or BFL events. What about us. I know the kind of money they get for sponsorships. Forget about that........ 10 Mil to fantasy fishing. What about the guys fishing their trails. Do you guys have any idea how many guys are going broke fishing FLW Tour AND BASS Elites. It would SHOCK you.

This is not a shot a college kids. It's a shot at FLW to hopefully make them think about their customers. They are losing anglers but refuse to look at themselves for an answer or a cause.

Dead on! The college anglers would learn much more as non-boaters. Sponsors could get onboard cheap to sponsor them and introduce more smaller sponsors to the sport. Then that money could be used to increase participation at the Pro level.

[leachman90]

Agree with Dobyns. 1 million to sit at a computer???? Why do I doubt much if any is gonna be spent on fishing???

The rest of that 9 million could go a LOOOOONG way at the tournament levels. Make the big payout for Fantasy fishing 100,000 and use the 900k for other prizes.

The point being made is they can come up with a FREE RIDE, for college and Fantasy. But it seems they can't do anything but stick it to the guys that the Fantasy people pick and the college guys want to be.

THATS the issue.

The mil is over A LONG period of time just like the lottery. But I know what you mean.

[JamesH]

Fantasy fishing seems to be a huge success in drawing people in from outside the sport. If they expand Fantasy Fishing to the Series and Stren events, just think about how many people would be researching who you are and if they should put you on their fantasy team.....Talk about getting your sponsors some national exposure......Now that would all hinge on FLW allowing you to promote your sponsors....

James

[rdearmond]

I don't know mutch about fantasy fishing, but what I read people can make $$$ sitting around the computer and trying to figure out who will win at cert. events. But as the last post read fantasy anglers would get MORE exposure if those anglers are in someones fantasy group. I don't know about that, people who win at the tournys. stren, tour, etc... they don't need to be on anyones fantasy group to get more exposure. Look at Dobyns, ISH, Kerr, anybody whoes anybody gets exposure on the water ,winning, results page, shows, etc.. Their exposure comes from their performance unless your an (E) ICON. Look at it this way, if your Jerry Rice or A-Rod you think he gets more exposure being on someones fantasy team heck NO his performance speaks for it's self. So should FLW spend $$$ on this? NOT NOW

[CN]

This post pop's up all year long.

The last tournament I fished was in 1983. We drew 88 boat's at San Antonio. The next event was at Castaic and they had 84. These were just team event's and the only two I ever fished. It wasnt my thing but if I were you I would support FLW until they made it a point to come out West. If you just bitch about it your the guy I wont give a raise when it come's time.

We just need some water becouse you can only fish the Delta & Clearlake so much. If place's like Shasta and Oroville can keep some sort of high water level I think that would help plus I think those type of fisheries make for a better event.

[tunaman]

I doubt that the fantasy money has anything to do with the tournament funding, and doubt seriously if they weren't doing the fantasy contest that the money would be shifted to the tournament paybacks... I think that line is blurred far too often, but that is just my opinion of course.

As I recall though, they didn't have a higher payout before the fantasy contest began, and that they dropped the payback to fund the fantasy stuff, did they???

Roger

[mark poulson]

Like I said, the object of all the tours, first and foremost, is to make money for the tournament organization.
They only offer prize money because they have to. Like a lure.
And, as long as anglers don't demand more by threatening to withhold their participation, it won't change.
And if paying more to anglers means not making enough money for the organization, it's not going to happen.
The anglers in the tournament are just advertising vehicles to the tournament organizations, not partners.
Every other major sport except golf (and maybe bowling, although I'm not very familiar with pro bowling), the athletes get paid. Here, the athletes pay to play.

I doubt that the fantasy money has anything to do with the tournament funding, and doubt seriously if they weren't doing the fantasy contest that the money would be shifted to the tournament paybacks... I think that line is blurred far too often, but that is just my opinion of course.

As I recall though, they didn't have a higher payout before the fantasy contest began, and that they dropped the payback to fund the fantasy stuff, did they???

Roger

[Phil]

When I see you guys talking about out west, and all I read is the Delta or Clearlake, does out west mean California only ? What about Mead, Columbia River, other large impoundments west of the Rockies , like Powell ? Seems it could still be FLW west if it was west of the Rockies ? Just mt thought, beings all I do anymore is sit here and read.

Thank you
JIGS

[JamesH]

You can't compare fantasy football to fantasy fishing. Football already had national television exposure to a wide audience base. Fantasy fishing, if set up properly, would give national exposure to regional anglers. Like a previous post said, outside of the West most people didn't know who Gary Dobyns was until he came out with his own line of rods. So tell me again how your performance in regional fishing tournaments equates to national exposure...... My point is that if you have 100,000 people picking a team for a Stren Event at the Columbia River, they are going to have to use the fantasy fishing database to figure out who to pick. If set up properly, that research would include exposure to their sponsors. In that scenario, you have just created 100,000 national exposures for a regional angler and their sponsors. That is worth money to a sponsor.....and in turn to the angler....

James

[Oldschool]

Not trying to add fuel to the fire, but when is college restricted to a particular age group? Does the FLW specify the age of the contestants that can fish these events?
Tom

[rdearmond]

If you beleive no one knew of Dobyns before his rod line your crazy. One of the reasons people buy his rods or his sponsers gear is because he's known for winning tournaments, working with the product to make it better and he puts himself out there, marketing 101. For up and comers and even pros, AAA they see what the hot rods have and buy it.

[FATGUY]

why the complaint about fantasy fishing. do you believe if the " million" spent there would automatically go to you guys circuit why take the money away from the thousands of people who play fantasy to help what maybe 300 so called pros?? there now is fantasy football, baseball leagues which also get way more people involved than the real thing . did the sponsers say if they stop helping the college circuit that they would give it to the pros ??? if they did then maybe this discussion is relavent if not ???? just an old guys .02

[j10b]

why the complaint about fantasy fishing. do you believe if the " million" spent there would automatically go to you guys circuit why take the money away from the thousands of people who play fantasy to help what maybe 300 so called pros?? there now is fantasy football, baseball leagues which also get way more people involved than the real thing . did the sponsers say if they stop helping the college circuit that they would give it to the pros ??? if they did then maybe this discussion is relavent if not ???? just an old guys .02

what fantasy Football league are you in that pays you 1 million bucks for sitting on your couch? Please let me know, I live in vegas and I have to pay to get a chance at anything CLOSE to that and its a zillion parlay cards that i have almost NO chance.

Then factor in that They paid out in Fantasy fishing what the TOP ANGLER gets. So point me to a Football league that pays me Eli manning's salary for ONE year.


See thats the point. Its not a few thousand its ONE MILLION. The amount of money that the FLW CUP winner gets IF he has a Ranger. So this year the guy that won got MORE MONEY than the angler winning the FLW CUP....and NEITHER owned a Ranger......

[FATGUY]

WELL I'VE GOT A COUPLE MAGAZINES THAT SHOW THE FANTASY FOOTBALL WINNER HOLDING A CHECK FOR A MILLION ,, HECK THE GUY HOLDING THE CHECK WITH THE WINNER WAS JERRY RICE. SO THERE ARE SEVERAL FANTASY LEAGUES WHERE THE FIRST PRIZE IS OVER 100,000

[j10b]

WELL I'VE GOT A COUPLE MAGAZINES THAT SHOW THE FANTASY FOOTBALL WINNER HOLDING A CHECK FOR A MILLION ,, HECK THE GUY HOLDING THE CHECK WITH THE WINNER WAS JERRY RICE. SO THERE ARE SEVERAL FANTASY LEAGUES WHERE THE FIRST PRIZE IS OVER 100,000

How much did they pay to enter the league? Did the NFL put it on?

[N.A.R]

I agree I would like to know which Fantasy Football League pays 100,000 every Sunday......

[rdearmond]

No one will like this but here you go
If fantasy fishing and / or college kid fishing takes funding or $$$ from FLW payout or bump entry in these times it's not good. Lower the price of entry and maintain the payout and you will gain boaters. As I said, I'm not on a solid pattern on how FLW spends or delig. their funds for the above, but if it's more then a few kips then it's not worth it. There are tons of sticks trying to make a living on bass fishing and lower payouts and/or small field sucks. The bottom line is FLW IS A CLASS ACT. Not many on this .com knows what they deal with as far as $$$, I will continue to fish every single event they have within my budget.

GO RICKY, YOU CAN PUNCH

[JamesH]

I never said "no one knew Dobyns" but outside of the Western States, Dobyns was not a household name and he has won over 40 boats! Bottom line is sponsors pay for exposure and the more exposure they get the more they are willing to pay.

James

[j10b]

No one will like this but here you go
If fantasy fishing and / or college kid fishing takes funding or $$$ from FLW payout or bump entry in these times it's not good. Lower the price of entry and maintain the payout and you will gain boaters. As I said, I'm not on a solid pattern on how FLW spends or delig. their funds for the above, but if it's more then a few kips then it's not worth it. There are tons of sticks trying to make a living on bass fishing and lower payouts and/or small field sucks. The bottom line is FLW IS A CLASS ACT. Not many on this .com knows what they deal with as far as $$$, I will continue to fish every single event they have within my budget.

GO RICKY, YOU CAN PUNCH

So you will blindly follow FLW to whatever end they take you?

Funny that a LOT of the FLW guy that have been around for a looooong time are disagreeing with your statement that FLW is a "class act" Most will tell you that they forgot about the grassroots anglers that put them in the place to hand out $$$$ to college and fantasy players.

No one is going to tell you that FLW should stop giving that portion money. The complaint is why are you going SO MUCH money to FANTASY! and fully funding College, while your mid level tours and series are pissing anglers....................

[Bassphish]

Dam, after reading some of the comments on this post, turn on the pumps the rivers are full!

A bunch of college kids, potentially the future ambassadors of the sport, carrying full loads get to fish "just like the pros" with jerseys, wraped boats, some of them with two piece trout rods are begruded for getting to "live the dream" one weekend?

Geez........

[j10b]

Dam, after reading some of the comments on this post, turn on the pumps the rivers are full!

A bunch of college kids, potentially the future ambassadors of the sport, carrying full loads get to fish "just like the pros" with jerseys, wraped boats, some of them with two piece trout rods are begruded for getting to "live the dream" one weekend?

Geez........

Wow dude did you EVEN READ IT! I am guessing NOPE. No one mentioned taking a THING away from the college kids. Just that is FLW can find money to dump into Fantasy fishing and College fishing they can do the SAME for The tours that MAKE THEM MONEY!

Let the Girls Basketball team support the fishing teams. You know the girls sports that caused so many schools to dump the money making boys sports.