Elites Ban A-Rig

[Sore Thumbs]

The disparity between the two groups is interesting Champ. I can't speak for the CPA guys, but the Mill Creek guys are mostly "old school" type of guys. Maybe that would explain the difference in voting between the two groups... that's all I can figure.

That validates my point even further. I don't mean to disrespect your group what so ever. If i did i apologize. Old School to me sounds like fear of change thats all. I agree with Champ about the rig making the good fisherman even better. That is why i can't figure out why some of the tournament fisherman don't like it. The more than one lure arguement that some have suggested is lame. It is legal so get over it.

[Sore Thumbs]

It doesn't matter how I feel about the rig after two weeks of post's on here and 800 signatures on the petition flw is going to allow it bass is going to allow it on the levels I fish. Whether I like it or not its getting close enough now that its time to start getting busy with the rig.

If you use it you are a hypocrite:)

[Whack'emGood]

Bry that is an wonderful thought out post.

I once wrote an article discussing { elite"s } what makes someone and Elite is more recognition then anything else. Via the Internet or Mass Media. Name association seems to be what makes a person "Elite". I know many anglers and hunters who on any given day can outfish or out hunt these supposed "elites"

To be perfectly honest I know on this site alone there are guys given the time and money to become a "name" in the sports would be called "Elite" To me the Elite person is the one who shares his love whatever it is with anyone who wants and will do it for free.

Talking about the definition of "elite" has nothing to do with the Bassmasters Elite Series. The anglers that fish the Bassmasters Elite Series are the best in the world. They are the best because they have proven it, and have earned the right to fish the Bassmasters Elite Series. The only way to prove that you are the best, is to beat others that have also earned their way up the ladder by winning at all levels of tournaments also. There are obviously some great bass fishermen that don't even fish in any organized tournaments. That is their choice. If that makes them happy, great for them. Until someone proves that they can compete with the Elite Series boys, there's no way of knowing if they are as good as the Bassmaster Elites. The bottom line is that the Bassmasters Elites have been proven to be the best using the only way we have to measure their abilities. There are probably a bunch of guys that sat on the couch during the Super Bowl and claimed that they could Quarterback better than Tom Brady and Eli Manning too. That is obviously ludicrous, and so is saying that a weekend fisherman can bass fish better than Kevin VanDam. There are millions of really good bass fishermen that couldn't carry KVD's tackle box if they tried.

[Feathers and Fins]

Bry you have to understand { ,maybe you do } that many people do not like replying as the feel uncomfortable or have bad experiances with other sites and people belittling them for asking or commenting.

Ive been on the Net since prodigy days and pay to play AOL. So i have a little experiance in that. I will ask you though when someone gives a good detailed report what really is someone going to reply to it?

If they do a how to article you might see a few people ask for better clarification if needed.

But you may see reports later on with the poster thinking the person who gave the report or the how to. Fruits of ones labor may not always be in their post but a month or more down the line. There is never a useless opinion if it makes someone think or helps them. You shouldnt need post after post saying way to go great job etc etc...

[Whack'emGood]

That validates my point even further. I don't mean to disrespect your group what so ever. If i did i apologize. Old School to me sounds like fear of change thats all. I agree with Champ about the rig making the good fisherman even better. That is why i can't figure out why some of the tournament fisherman don't like it. The more than one lure arguement that some have suggested is lame. It is legal so get over it.

You did disrespect a bunch of good guys there. Apology accepted though.

For the record, I consider myself progressive. I am always open to change, and do not fear it. I also know how I like to fish. There are just plenty of viable ways to catch fish that don't involve throwing a mess of wires with a bunch of baits attached to the ends. I don't need to actually try it myself to know that I would not enjoy fishing that way, and I also understand how I get satisfaction out of fishing... I personally would not get the type of satisfaction that I seek out of catching them on a school of swimbaits.

I do understand that every angler is different though, and I respect that other guys might get the satisfaction that they seek by catching them on the rig. If you choose to fish the rig, I say good luck to you... I hope you catch a bunch and really enjoy it.

Nobody should be having hard feelings or arguing about this thing. Nobody is a bad guy for fishing the A-Rig. Nobody is a bad guy for NOT fishing the A-Rig. I have no probem with anyone that fishes within the rules of whatever governs his fishing activity... whether he's fishing for fun and adhering to state regulations, or fishing in a tournament and adhering to whatever rules the tournament organizers have decided must be followed.

Good luck out there.

Whack'em

[Feathers and Fins]

I do not know why there are so few replies to fishing reports. Seem like there would be more questions asked to gain more knowledge.

.I think I'll let it be from now on.

LOL. maybe because fishermen like hunters dont readily share spots. To be truthful this is one of the few sites ive come across where people are very free with where they were and where to go and how to. Maybe its just because we are all a bunch of dumb hillbilly redneck backwood farm boys ( hope i got everyone) and we just like helping. Or maybe its because fishing is about fun and if you share the fun with others in turn they will share it back.

Maybe though its we are all kids at heart and fishermen are know to be the biggest most honest people on the planet!!!

[Iclass]

Tom Brady was PICKED to be paid by a PRO team to play.

KVD PAYS to play elite, I mean pro.

Big difference.

Pro fishermen have my respect to do what they do, but bottom line is there are 1000's that want to play pro football and don't have ability. Just like there are 1000's that have the ability to fish pro but don't want to or don't have the money.

[Whack'emGood]

Tom Brady was PICKED to be paid by a PRO team to play.

KVD PAYS to play elite, I mean pro.

Big difference.

Pro fishermen have my respect to do what they do, but bottom line is there are 1000's that want to play pro football and don't have ability. Just like there are 1000's that have the ability to fish pro but don't want to or don't have the money.

Bassmaster Elite Series is not a series that you can fish in just by paying the entry fees. Invitations to compete in the Bassmaster Elite Series are earned by performance in the previous year’s Elite circuit, the three Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Opens divisions and the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation championship. They are picked based on the merits of their fishing achievements. Just like Tom Brady was PICKED by a PRO team to play, KVD was PICKED to participate in the Elite Series because he fished his way in. No difference. There are 1000s that want to fish Bass Elite, but don't have the ability. I agree that there are undoubtedly a few who might be able to fish their way in, if only they had the time and money (along with a little luck... a little luck never hurt anyone) to fish their way into the Elite Series. Not as many as most people think though. There are also thousands that are really good fishermen that have the time and money that are trying mightily to fish their way in, and they still can't make it. There are only 100 spots, so anglers that are trying for a spot had better eat their Wheaties.

[Sore Thumbs]

Tom Brady was PICKED to be paid by a PRO team to play.

KVD PAYS to play elite, I mean pro.

Big difference.

Pro fishermen have my respect to do what they do, but bottom line is there are 1000's that want to play pro football and don't have ability. Just like there are 1000's that have the ability to fish pro but don't want to or don't have the money.

KVD doesn't pay for anything. His Sponsors do. His sponsors wouldn't foot the bill if he wasn't good. I don't think you can fish Elite series just cause you have the money. Now FLW on the other hand will take anyone with money, but you have to pay for several if not all tournaments in advance. Can't just pay as you go. I do agree there are some "sticks" out there that are good enough to fish the pro side but just can't afford it. Those Elite guys are truly Elite fisherman.

[Whack'emGood]

KVD doesn't pay for anything. His Sponsors do. His sponsors wouldn't foot the bill if he wasn't good. I don't think you can fish Elite series just cause you have the money. Now FLW on the other hand will take anyone with money, but you have to pay for several if not all tournaments in advance. Can't just pay as you go. I do agree there are some "sticks" out there that are good enough to fish the pro side but just can't afford it. Those Elite guys are truly Elite fisherman.

This is right on. Nice post.