MLF or BASS?

[FlatsNBay]

So it's been a few years since the split and creation of the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour (BPT) and the dust has settled so to speak.

Which do you follow or prefer, the BASS Elite Series or MLF BPT or maybe you like to follow both?

[D.W. Verts]

Since the wide-spread implementation of forward-seeking Radar Love, neither. I know, I know, but you asked, If I were to follow one I'd reckon it would be B.A.S.S. because of my history with them. But the new technology just kills it for me- it's like the end of all I know and love. Oh well, the times, they are a-changin'.

Dale

[Donald Garner]

B.A.S.S.  I grew up with them and I'm a Life Time Member also 

[Smallie_Stalker]

Each has their individual appeal but I lean more towards B.A.S.S.

And like Don I am also a life member.

That's not what influences my preference though, but it does make it easier to keep up with the anglers. With all the new guys coming along all the time I can hardly get them straight but this and B.A.S.S. Times help with it.



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[Wizard]

Since the wide-spread implementation of forward-seeking Radar Love, neither. I know, I know, but you asked, If I were to follow one I'd reckon it would be B.A.S.S. because of my history with them. But the new technology just kills it for me- it's like the end of all I know and love. Oh well, the times, they are a-changin'.

Dale

I can't say it any better, Brother.

Wizard

[J.W.]

I follow both.

[Bigbass201]

Although it doesn't apply to all the anglers, I have really soured with the Pro's behavior this past year.  I started out watching all the MLF events and then switched off it after what we all seen.  Hackney and Wong deal has me little upset with the BPT.  I guess I prefer the BPT right now.

[RangerAndBass]

Although it doesn't apply to all the anglers, I have really soured with the Pro's behavior this past year.  I started out watching all the MLF events and then switched off it after what we all seen.  Hackney and Wong deal has me little upset with the BPT.  I guess I prefer the BPT right now.

Fill us in, ie those who don't follow MLF, for one, or every story line.
I've never been a fan of every fish counts vs 5 best so it's 100% BASS for me

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[D.W. Verts]

Since the wide-spread implementation of forward-seeking Radar Love, neither. I know, I know, but you asked, If I were to follow one I'd reckon it would be B.A.S.S. because of my history with them. But the new technology just kills it for me- it's like the end of all I know and love. Oh well, the times, they are a-changin'.

Dale

I can't say it any better, Brother.

Wizard

Us old(er) guys, huh?

Dale

[Larry Francis]

I like the more the better, so I don't have a favorite Persey, but I do think Bass needs to get on the catch weigh and release program. There is just so many more fishermen than there use to be and so many tournaments everywhere nowadays that the pressure it puts on the fish I believe is hurting the population.

I also think the fighting and controversy is hurting the leagues.

While I don.t believe the FF sonar is evil, I do believe that like live bait use or trolling multiple lines, it makes the game easier and should be taken away during the actual tournament.

[J.W.]

Although it doesn't apply to all the anglers, I have really soured with the Pro's behavior this past year.  I started out watching all the MLF events and then switched off it after what we all seen.  Hackney and Wong deal has me little upset with the BPT.  I guess I prefer the BPT right now.

Fill us in, ie those who don't follow MLF, for one, or every story line.
I've never been a fan of every fish counts vs 5 best so it's 100% BASS for me

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I won't put words in his mouth, but I think he's talking about how in MLF there's a rule that says you are not supposed to catch the same fish off a bed twice, and there's also a rule that says they have to be hooked in the mouth (no foul-hooking) if you're sight fishing. Well, there were some guys that might've been catching the same fish more than once, plus some that were turning their back to the marshal and unhooking their fish out of view, presumably to get away with a snagged or foul-hooked fish.

Oh, and MLF isn't doing the "every fish counts" thing anymore, or at least they didn't this year.

Edit: never mind, I completely misread the earlier post. I hadn't had my coffee yet, 🤣

[FlatsNBay]

Although it doesn't apply to all the anglers, I have really soured with the Pro's behavior this past year.  I started out watching all the MLF events and then switched off it after what we all seen.  Hackney and Wong deal has me little upset with the BPT.  I guess I prefer the BPT right now.

I think that what you were meaning, you were a little upset with BASS (instead of MLF).

For those that were unaware, Matty Wong recently posted a video on his YouTube channel about Hackney coming in on him during a tournament (I think Champlain?). They exchanged a few words and Matty stood his ground.

I think those kind of confrontations happen all the time on both tours, it's just that Go Pro cameras catch them now and some pros will publicly post them now on social media or YouTube.

[FlatsNBay]

To answer my own question. I was a big fan and supporter of both tours. I want them both to succeed and do well.

For me, I started out watching and loving both BASS and the MLF BPT. Over the last few years, I gradually lost more and more interest in the MLF BPT and last year, I don't think that I watched a minute of it. I can't put my finger on it and don't have any ill feelings about the BPT at all, I just lost interest. I even tried participating in MLF Fantasy fishing and was very bored with it.

On the converse, I can't get enough BASS. I watch the tournament live coverage when it's on and frequently follow along the BASS website for news and information on a regular basis. I love how Bass has their fantasy fishing set up and for me, it really engages my interest.

My final points is: to each his own. There's nothing wrong with being a fan and follower of either tour or both.

[Bigbass201]

Although it doesn't apply to all the anglers, I have really soured with the Pro's behavior this past year.  I started out watching all the MLF events and then switched off it after what we all seen.  Hackney and Wong deal has me little upset with the BPT.  I guess I prefer the BPT right now.

I think that what you were meaning, you were a little upset with BASS (instead of MLF).

For those that were unaware, Matty Wong recently posted a video on his YouTube channel about Hackney coming in on him during a tournament (I think Champlain?). They exchanged a few words and Matty stood his ground.

I think those kinds of confrontations happen all the time on both tours, it's just that Go Pro cameras catch them now and some pros will publicly post them now on social media or YouTube.

Yes, and Hackney was on the Bilge describing the incident quite differently.  This whole controversy with the MLF and entitlement to water over lesser tournaments had me a little disturbed as well.  Some of their top anglers made a video talking about how they should have the water to themselves basically during their tournament week.  Plus, as you mentioned catching the same fish more than once in New York.  KVD said there were only two guys fishing his end of the lake and then after his bag it seemed like everyone came down there.  What I would like to see more of is what KVD and Thrift had on the knockout round of MLF.  I don't see it out of these young guys that much.

[bassmedic46]

BASS and like Donald and Smallie I'm a lifetime member.

[bigjim5589]

Since I don't tournament fish, I don't really follow any of them, but will pay attention to what some of the various pro anglers are doing regardless of what tournament leagues they're fishing in.

That means I'll check tournament schedules, results, and the format is what it is.

As far as rules, and the controversies, any time you have substantial money involved, and people competing, you'll have issues arise and controversies. I remember bowling leagues that my wife & I bowled in where folks got cut throat over a $2 difference in payouts, so, it's bound to happen when more money is involved.   

I often read comments/discussions about tournament fishing, and about various topics that are important to those who are involved or want to be involved.

I frankly feel that some of it has become "stale", and they're not relating well to the average angler. I was reading one discussion recently where most of the comments where about either the new electronics technologies, or the payouts not being what they used to be, and how the different leagues were "cheating" the tournament anglers. Plus how they've made it so expensive, that most folks can't afford to be there & try to compete.

I'm sorry but to me it's all just blah, blah, blah. I recall back when major league baseball, and the NFL were struggling with similar types of problems, primarily money issues, and they now seem to be able to figure out how to stay viable & actually make money, even with their changes in social attitudes. 
 
G Man recently posted videos about folks complaining how "daddy's" money was hurting the sport at the high school & college levels. He basically said, you don't buy desire, heart and a strong work ethic to be there, and he's right, but still it takes money to be there at even that level, no matter who's paying the bill. My take is most of that is about some jealousy problems with people and that's an issue in every part of life. Those younger anglers are the future of the sport, and not only tournament fishing, so if it's their parents who are supporting them, then to me that's awesome.   

Now, it's not really the same, but I think many folks in fishing, don't care to understand that these tournament organizations are also businesses, and looking to be profitable. It's not only about anglers who want to make a living by fishing. 

IMO, they all have a problem just trying to stay relevant at a time when the economy sucks, and the average person is struggling.

So anyway, I too want to see them all be successful, but I think they really need to do a lot of thinking about how to do that. They depend on sponsors, and need more sponsors and the fans that will support the sport & sponsors. Unlike other sports that are charging fans to attend, they don't have the revenue streams to help support the leagues, or to make the tournament fishing at all levels affordable, or profitable enough for all the anglers. Hobby fishing can be expensive enough as it is.

IMO, they need to change something where they can add more fans, more sponsors & anglers who will draw in both, and keep them wanting to support these leagues. All the problems they're having now, and they're not doing that, IMO. 

From my perspective, particularly seeing changes in the business side of the fishing sports, ( like many smaller established businesses being bought up by big conglomerates) I think they're all going to have a tough time these next few years, and may not even survive.   

[FlatsNBay]

Well said Jim.