Norman, Okla. – The BASS ZONE spent much of
Monday afternoon touching bases with five Elite Series Anglers following the release of changes to the Elite Series Structure and the 2008 Elite Series schedule by BASS. The announcement was made via a conference call on 6/12/07 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Reaction from the anglers BASS ZONE polled was largely positive. However, BASS’ decisions to discontinue the majors and not return to the West were two issues that brought mixed responses.
The High Points of the BASS Announcement are:
Elite Series Schedule still consists of 11 events (For the schedule and BASS’ Official Press Release click here)
The Entry Fees and Payouts for the 2008 Elite Series will remain unchanged.
There will be an increase in the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Bonus Structure, including $250,000 for the Angler of the Year (it is currently $125,000)
Anglers will be able to use their own boats for all four days of competition. (The top 12 currently switch to Bassmaster Sponsor boats for the final competition day)
The 2008 Elite Series schedule will not return to the Western United States in 2008
The Bassmaster Majors have been eliminated for 2008
Greg Gutierrez
Gutierrez, from Red Bluff, Calif. said that he is not 100% behind the new schedule. He recognizes that some of the new programs are an improvement; he is frustrated that BASS is not returning to the West.
“Using
our own boat is a good thing,” Gutierrez
said. “And the increase to the Angler of
the Year payout is nice; however, I think
they could do better with that money.”
Gutierrez said that he had logged into the
queue to bring a point to order, yet was
not called on.
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“I think that they could take some of that money and push the payout further down the list at individual tournaments,” the Northern California Pro said. “That way some of the angler’s expenses might be covered throughout the season, we certainly wouldn’t get our entry fees back, but at least some of the fuel and other expenses might be recouped.
Gutierrez questions the logic of not returning to The West, for BASS membership as well as for the angler’s sponsorship opportunities. “I’m afraid of what will happen to their market out here (The West) with them not returning; I’m not sure they can withstand another break in the schedule,” he said. “Besides, it limits our ability to attract sponsors because we will not be covering the whole country; it limits our potential exposure.” |
Despite his concerns, Gutierrez said that the improvements are probably enough to keep him competing on the Elite Series, should he re-qualify. “I’m not sure that it is enough to make me not fish it next year,” he concluded. “I just wish they would maintain the National appeal.”
Gary Klein
Klein likes what he hears thus far. “I will be there,” Klein said. “I am disheartened that we won’t be going to California again, but I do like the fact that we are going to Falcon.” [BZ Note: Falcon Lake in Zapata, Texas will be the third stop on the schedule April 3-6].
The Weatherford, Texas pro said there are two things about the new Elite Series program that are big. “I really like the enhanced payout to the Angler of the Year standings,” Klein told The BASS ZONE. “Also, being able to use our own boats is a great thing, because it eliminates some of the headaches of switching boats, and enhances our sponsor’s exposure; I really appreciate that new ruling.”
James Niggemeyer
Another Texan, Niggemeyer said that he was still digesting the majority of the announcement but that two items were of particular interest to him. “I really like being able to use my own boat all four days, because of the potential sponsor exposure,” Niggemeyer commented. “However, I am disappointed that we won’t be going to California, again, I had my best finish out there, and would like to go back.”
Niggemeyer said that the loss of the Majors were not a consideration for him. “Qualifying for the Majors wouldn’t be an option for me until at least 2009 anyway, so that is no loss-no gain for me,” he concluded. “I do like having two events in Texas however; I suppose that will make up for not going to the West.”
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Jeff Kriet
Like the others, Kriet, of Ardmore, Okla. was delighted to be able to use his own boat. “I am really glad that they are making that move,” Kriet said. “Any chance that I can give Longhorn some more exposure, I want to do that, Don’t get me wrong, Triton has allowed us to improve the sport, and I’ll do what I have to do to be here as an angler, but this is good.”
On the rest of the announcement, Kriet was equally as pleased. “It’s a good schedule except for Harris Chain,” Kriet said jokingly. “I’ve never done well there, but maybe the 7th time is a charm.” He said he had no feelings about the Elite Series not returning to the West. “I’ll fish anywhere the schedule takes us,” said the 38-year-old pro. “I survived the schedule each time we’ve gone out there, but it is expensive, and it’s nice to have a year in between trips at least.”
“Overall, it sounds like another good setup for us, although I will miss the Majors.”
Skeet Reese
Reese, from Auburn, Calif. has a history of being one of the first anglers to commit to changes and this latest round is no different. When BASS announced the Elite Series concept, he was the first angler to sign up; he is on board with the changes, and a close relationship with BASS gives him hope for the future.
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“From a marketing and branding perspective I like being able to use my own boat, but I do have one question about it,” Reese said. “We have had access to back-up boats the past couple years, and while the factory service teams are there, I wonder what our backup plan will be going forward.”
On the topic of the Majors, Reese said that they are not as big of a deal for him. “The Majors being out are not that big of a deal for me.” the 37-year-old pro said. “I won’t miss them so much.”
The current Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Points Race leader feels optimistic about the schedule. He also said that he felt that BASS is setting things up to be on a rotational schedule from year to year, and that fans across the country could look forward to a new schedule from season to season.
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“I am disappointed about not going back to California,” Reese commented. “But I know that BASS has a plan for where they are going, and I’m sure that things will be fine.” He continued, “I’m pretty sure that we will have more Elite Series events out West in 2009, and I’d bet that there will be a Western Open schedule so that more of my Western friends will have the opportunity to qualify to come join me out here soon.”
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