Can someone explain how Bass tours operate and how professional anglers get ranked and why they are part of different organizations?  I hear about FLW, Bass master, Major league fishing etc.  Not sure what qualifications you need to be part of each tour and how anglers get ranked.  It seems very confusing to me.  

Bassmasters Elites have to qualify for the tour through the opens, bass nations, college events etc. FLW majors you can pay your way in and Major League i believe is invitational. FLW guys are under a contract through FLW with their main sponsor, I believe. I know, Elites have to go market themselves and get their own sponsors and as many as the want. In fact some guys have to decline the Elites because they don't have the $money or sponsorship to fish it.. Elites pay 5k per event, times 10 events. Recently guys from FLW switched tours to the Elites (via qualifying) and I've heard them say in interviews "how their happy to be able to get whatever sponsors the want" instead of being limited through FLW. Some pro's fish both tours Elites/FLW also. Not sure what you mean by ranked but it's a points system that determines Angler Of The Year award at the end of the season. Hope this helps..

Thanks!  Much better understanding.