Hey

What do you guys think about the recent another site article saying that a lot of the top pros are going with BASS instead of FLW in 2007? With all the talk about BASS going broke and splitting the state federations up etc. etc. then why are the top names in the business going with them? Makes you kinda wonder what they know that we don't.  

Bassinfreak

The Southern and Northern tour is the stepping stone to qualify for the Elite series.   And the guys who emerge on top from there are the next Elite pro's that will qualify for the 2008 series.

I think the the field is pretty much set for the Elite 2007 series from this years qualifiers.

So the only place the FLW boys can go is to the Opens to try and qualify for the ELITE series, unless their are some exemptions out there such as the 2006 BassMaster Classic Champ being exempt from qualifing for so many years.

That might apply to a couple of guys but the other FLW big names are stuck qualifing through opens.

I read that the biggest issue for the BASS pros that jumped to FLW in 2006 or that was fishing both in prior years was the NO OFF LIMITS on prefishing.    BASS pros of old didn't like this rule, as BASS on allowed OFFICIAL practice days and the FLW allowed anglers to be on the water all month.

Seem like enough stars to keep both tours competitive.

Matt.