I'm sure I'm missing something but why are so many anglers choked up saying this may be their final Classic appearance? Chris Lane, Gerald Swindle and several others who missed today's cut for the final day of the Classic tear-filled eyes saying this will be their final time to cross the stage of the Classic. Why? What did I miss?

Moving to MLF?

9 minutes ago, Allen Der said:

Moving to MLF?

Yup ~ This is and will be the Last Classic many of the ex-Elite anglers will fish.

Unless there is some type of rules change or other very unusual deal, all the MLF anglers are done.

A-Jay

So, the MLF anglers will be excluded from fishing the Classic?

 

47 minutes ago, NY2TXBassin said:

So, the MLF anglers will be excluded from fishing the Classic?

 

 

While I do not have all the Classic rules & requirements committed to memory, I can tell you that anglers are EITHER fishing the Elite Series (BASS) or the Bass Pro Tour (MLF) but not both.

 Much of the " Classic qualifying requirements" include participation in B.A.S.S sponsored events - which none of the MLF anglers will be participating in.

They all knew this going into it.

But still, there's a lot of memories & friendships left sort of behind.

A-Jay

OK, I see. Thanks a bunch, A-Jay!!!

 

Bill

Articles addressing the Bassmasters Elite vs. the new MLF tour issue:

 

Changes in the Works for Major National Bass Tournament Scene

https://www.al.com/sports/2018/09/changes_in_the_works_for_major.html

 

Major League Fishing Announces Additional Details of 2019 Expansion

https://anglerschannel.com/major-league-fishing-announces-additional-details-of-2019-expansion/

 

MLF, BASS or FLW – Who’s Going Where in 2019? UPDATED 10.25

https://anglerschannel.com/mlf-bass-or-flw-whos-going-where-in-2019/

 

Angler Lists for the 3 tours:

 

MLF Bass Pro Tour Anglers

https://majorleaguefishing.com/anglers/bass-pro-tour/

 

Bassmaster Elite Series Anglers

https://www.bassmaster.com/elite-series-anglers

Fishing League Worldwide

https://www.flwfishing.com/anglers

 

I would like to see  BASS   allow  anglers who want too , to  return in 2020 . Make it a one time deal . Its likely some of them are regretting their decision .

1 hour ago, scaleface said:

I would like to see  BASS   allow  anglers who want too , to  return in 2020 . Make it a one time deal . Its likely some of them are regretting their decision .

2019 is the final deal until anglers choose to return to fish Bassmaster Elite tournament trail. Everyone who left to fish FLW or MLF are gone after the Classic, it was their decision to make in 2018.

Tom

They can qualify via the Opens. That's what Christie said he was going to do to get back in 2020. Win an open and fish all of the remaining events for that region gets you into the Classic. Unless that rule changed.

That rule did change.  It now is a certain number of anglers from the Open's Championship.  Litner & Lester got in that way.

Thanks for that info. Christie can get in by that route if those other guys did. Assuming the BPT schedule doesn't get in the way.