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I
t’s no secret in the bass world that
the Elite Series, in existence since the
2006 season, will have a different look in 2019. Not only will the field be smaller, but
familiar faces like KVD, Ike and Skeet will be gone
for the first time since, well…. forever.
That leaves a lot of questions, and something
of a vacuum. There’s a fresh slate for each
angler to assert that he’s the meanest dog in the
junkyard. Whether it’s Rick Clunn, who has nothing
left to prove, or the greenest rookie, everyone’s goal
going into the season is to beat everyone else and
to beat them soundly. At the same time, there are
smaller cliques and categories.
Even if you’re not the Angler of the Year (AOY),
there’s no shame in being the big fish in a smaller
pond. An angler who can be first in his smaller
“class” will have an opportunity to capitalize on
unprecedented media opportunities.
So, what are those classes? Well, they’re somewhat fluid
and overlapping. You can be a member of several at the
same time, and smart marketers will position themselves to
make the most of their success.
Here are a few groups that will no doubt be highlighted?
RETURNERS
The first is the “returners,” the anglers who fished the Elites last year and either weren’t invited to fish another tour or declined such offers. Many of them are pissed off about the whole deal and made those feelings well known.
They know that some fans perceive them as second tier talents, even if the evidence says otherwise. B.A.S.S. no doubt wants to reward these pros for staying put, and while the organization is firmly in that mode, someone is going to have a breakout year at the bank.
If Seth Feider can keep up his on-the-water progression, they’ll be able to build a media empire around him, but it surely wouldn’t hurt their feelings if Bill Lowen, Keith Combs or John Crews, among others, won AOY.
This includes Yelas, Clunn, Clark Wendlandt, David Fritts, Bernie Schultz and a few others. They may have no intention of calling it quits any time soon; but this is a year when familiarity with the touring lifestyle, and a media jumpstart, should give them added incentive.
UNKNOWNS
In contrast to the vets, the “unknowns” have everything to prove and everything to gain.
Even if no one except their mama knows who they are, plenty of these guys can fish and a few of them will stand out, a la Jamie Hartman a few years ago. Someone like Seth Feider went from a national nobody to a major star in just a few years – imagine what he would have done with a broader media platform and fewer Hall of Famers clamoring for those opportunities.
Guys like Texan Lee Livesay, recovering attorney Ed Loughran, and northeastern stick Greg DiPalma have been waiting for this chance for a while and no doubt they’ve put down the groundwork to make hay while the sun shines.
If this year’s Rookie of the Year is at all personable, I want to be his manager for a cut of the winnings.
INTERNATIONAL
Finally, there are the international competitors, a more diverse group of them than ever before. With Morizo retired from U.S. competition and Tak and Shin gone to Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour (BPT), Yusuke Miyazaki is the only Japanese pro on tour.
He’s joined by returning Carl Jocumsen of Australia and three Canadians – Chris Johnston, Cory Johnston and Jeff Gustafson.
In an era where television and streaming content are perceived to have the greatest value, and license sales are declining in the U.S., tapping foreign markets should be a big part of the game plan. If one of those guys becomes the first international AOY, or the second international Classic champ, look for the media floodgates to open.
FLW REGUGEES
The second group is the “FLW Refugees,” who made the decision – after one year there or several decades – to make the move to the shield. Some, like Clent Davis, have fished both tours and done better elsewhere.
Others, like Jay Yelas, left a long time ago while still in his prime and now made a leap back to a familiar stomping ground that became unknown. Some others have not fished B.A.S.S. at all; but, were recruited for their track records.
An 80-boat field (vs 150+ at FLW) is going to make them feel like they’re fishing a club tournament – just one that’s televised and offers a six-figure payout.
Any way you look at it, the big shakeup has given bass fishing fans a lot to watch. •
VETS
Next up is the “veterans,” older (50+) pros, who know the game; but, have experienced varying levels of success in recent years.
Photo: B.A.S.S.
Spring 2019
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