Westernbass Magazine - FREE Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Fall 2014, Page 18

Westernbass Magazine - FREE Bass Fishing Tips And Techniques - Fall 2014, Page 18

Coosa Landing Corkboard

So, in my opinion, what does this mean to the Western angler? I believe, and have for some time, that the bass fishing community has an opportunity right now to rebuild what was probably the glory days of the late 80’s to early 90’s for bass fishing in the West.

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I urge you all to step up and start fishing events as much as possible. I know that fishing dollars can be limited, and work schedules get in the way of being able to fish everything. But, if as a region, the anglers don’t start committing to circuits more and being a part of helping them grow as opposed to waiting to “fish them when it’s more worthwhile,” then the number of opportunities will continue to shrink.

There was a time when there were Thursday

evening events on Folsom lake put on by Gary

Peeler and the shop he worked for. I fished a

couple of those with my wife when we were

newlyweds, and a couple of buddies, and they

were always a good time. There was a time when

team circuits drew 60 to 70 boats and Pro-Am

events drew 125 to 150 routinely. Now, team

circuits draw 15 and Pro-Ams draw 45 to 60.

Many people like to blame the “Amateur”

circuits like Future Pro or BBT for that, but when

Pro Ams were at their peak, West Coast Bass,

New Bass and later 100% Bass all had semi pro

or future pro divisions that routinely drew big

numbers. The issue now lies in the fact that

all team circuits are now one lake formats.

Combine all of those divisions into one master

circuit for each organization, work together to

avoid scheduling conflicts and the numbers will

go up for everyone.

Coosa Landing Launch Ramp

Gadsden, AL on a Thursday

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