Scott Martin Withdraws from Elite - Done with B.A.S.S. Me too.

Princeton_Man · April 11, 2025, 08:57:33 AM

I haven't followed B.A.S.S. events like I used to. For the first time in probably 30 years, I didn't renew my B.A.S.S. membership this year. That decision had nothing to do with Scott Martin. B.A.S.S. has become nothing more than a Marketing Firm. If I didn't know better, I would say the former administration had infiltrated B.A.S.S. in recent years. They have no problem banning an A-rig, but Heaven forbid they ban FFS. Too many big money sponsors making FFS. B.A.S.S. used to be about promoting Bass fishing and Bass Pro Shops promoted the products. OK, I'm done with my rant.

Scott Martin steps forward a month or so ago, because of a random conversation that happened to occur in a shop where he happened to be working in his boat, and was disqualified. He didn't ask for or solicit any information, he wasn't even a part of the conversation. Someone just walked in and started talking. While he and many others didn't really believe a DQ was justified, he accepted it. Then all of a sudden a formal protest was submitted alleging Scott violated the tour's no information rules and B.A.S.S. wants Scott to submit to polygraph to be administered by their own on staff people. Why? He had just voluntarily come forward a month earlier even though he really didn't ask for or receive any information that would benefit him in the previous tournament. If you read the rules word for word, he didn't violate them. I believe Scott was being targeted.

I've always liked Scott Martin and I applaud his decision.

topdsm0138 · April 12, 2025, 05:57:10 PM

Quote from: Princeton_Man on April 11, 2025, 08:57:33 AMI haven't followed B.A.S.S. events like I used to. For the first time in probably 30 years, I didn't renew my B.A.S.S. membership this year. That decision had nothing to do with Scott Martin. B.A.S.S. has become nothing more than a Marketing Firm. If I didn't know better, I would say the former administration had infiltrated B.A.S.S. in recent years. They have no problem banning an A-rig, but Heaven forbid they ban FFS. Too many big money sponsors making FFS. B.A.S.S. used to be about promoting Bass fishing and Bass Pro Shops promoted the products. OK, I'm done with my rant.

Scott Martin steps forward a month or so ago, because of a random conversation that happened to occur in a shop where he happened to be working in his boat, and was disqualified. He didn't ask for or solicit any information, he wasn't even a part of the conversation. Someone just walked in and started talking. While he and many others didn't really believe a DQ was justified, he accepted it. Then all of a sudden a formal protest was submitted alleging Scott violated the tour's no information rules and B.A.S.S. wants Scott to submit to polygraph to be administered by their own on staff people. Why? He had just voluntarily come forward a month earlier even though he really didn't ask for or receive any information that would benefit him in the previous tournament. If you read the rules word for word, he didn't violate them. I believe Scott was being targeted.

I've always liked Scott Martin and I applaud his decision.

Someone posted a reply on his social media of "BASS needs Martin but Martin does not need BASS."

Tiny boat, but a big deck.

BassCatBates · April 16, 2025, 01:19:16 PM

You do realize that Scott was caught dead to rights breaking the no info rule twice in a row, right? I've always liked him also but it seems like off camera he may not be all he's painted to be. Several of the folks in the industry have less than admirable things to say about him.
Don't think this is all BASS's fault. Scott broke the rules and then didn't stick around to face the music.

Oldfart9999 · April 17, 2025, 07:16:24 PM

I would say that turning yourself in and taking a DQ is facing the rules.
Rodney

D.W. Verts · April 18, 2025, 02:18:48 PM

It's a deeper subject than most will ever know (or care about). There's always been grey area cheating. I think that B.A.S.S. is mis-managed badly, but I also think that they dig the drama and publicity.

Dale

loomisguy · April 20, 2025, 05:42:57 AM

100% Dale. BASS wants the drama and fighting ect. I think they want to be more like NASCAR these days.
I personally can't stand watching it anymore and didn't renew my membership either.
Mercer dancin' around on the stage has gotten stale.

D.W. Verts · April 20, 2025, 01:03:24 PM

Surely miss the days of Ray Scott and Harold Sharp. Not to mention the real fishin' HEROES of the day.

Dale

topdsm0138 · April 20, 2025, 01:19:45 PM

Quote from: D.W. Verts on April 20, 2025, 01:03:24 PMSurely miss the days of Ray Scott and Harold Sharp. Not to mention the real fishin' HEROES of the day.

Dale

I grew up with Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Shaw Grigsby, Hank Parker, Al & Ron Linder, Rick Clunn and such. I still follow a few of them on social media as well. It seems the sport is trying to steer the direction that NASCAR did, as in push all the top names out and bring in younger guys to try and attract a newer viewership/fanbase. Problem is, when you push all the legends out, there's no one to keep the new kids "in check".

Tiny boat, but a big deck.