Dumbbasses, I agree with you on the feeling that saying something negative about an organization does not make you a pessimist or negative person.   As for me, I have noticed that tournaments are started/disbanded every year and only the strong survive.  When a tournament trail starts to go downhill like the BFL/FLW, (Matt) I think it is time to analyze WHY.  There can be a lot of competing trails but the one that offers the most will ultimately survive.  Tournament trails that are dwindling in numbers need to look at what they offer, compare it to their competitor and incorporate the best of both worlds.  Can you bring it on down by comparing Kmart to tournament trails and what you say is a decline?

Sure I completely neglected to address Matt's comment about facts. I can provide some details. However, I won't be drawn into identifying specific districts that would be unfair to those who work so hard to shore up the declining numbers. Plus, it would be like asking me to air somebody's dirty laundry which Matt specifically stated generates negativity.

I'll give you my background and the extent of my facts. I have fished tournaments since 1975. Serving in the Army for over twenty years, I had an excellent opportunity to fish MBAA/ABA from Lake Champlain to the Red River. I fished with Red Man/Operation Bass/Federation Clubs/misc. tournaments like the Mt. Dew, Bass Pro Shops (owners tournaments), blah, blah, blah. Hopefully, that will add some credibility to my pointI've been at it for 31+ years and know a trend when I see it. Over the years, I have kept in touch with several angler friends both military and civilian.

Now, for my facts. Since these organizations won't open their books to memy facts are based on my observations and considering current tournament numbers vis--a-vis the numbers over the last few years. Some of these are available to members only, others may be available to the public at large.

Anyway, like Matt's situation, we have a ton of choices around here from Lake Nickajack, just keep going south and south and south I am fortunate to live in an area where I think that just about ANY given weekend I can drive to an ABA tournament. That's an opportunity you just don't get with any other tournament trail NONE. Add to that, BFL and others, it's an incredible opportunity for tournament anglers.

While the statement about declining participation was general in nature, it was based on personal participation in no less than seven districts within easy driving distance; then there are a couple across the border in Georgia; one over the line in Tennessee. Add to that a little feedback from old Army buddies in the east coast corridor, and so on. Like my analogy to Kmart, it's fairly safe to conclude there's a general decline. Matt even mentioned BFL/FLW declining numbers which I didn't, - which further underscores my point. Like the legal world, the truth is a defense and statements of fact are not a knock.

I think a lot of the declining numbers are because of the increased gas prices.  I know it cut down my traveling to fishing tournaments.  It's not cheap to run a truck/boat combo over 100 miles to a tournament,  you don't place, then drive 100 miles back.  That's a 200 mile trip, and spent around $150.  I'm sure the guys that aren't showing up to these tournaments are the bottom feeders.  Novices are gone from the circuits.

You are right about the gas prices.People who don't have to count their money may not be affected but those who do (myself) included have to come up with the extra from somewhere.I know , I know "If you can't afford to fish it then don't" that has been said to many times. I guess that is the point some anglers are trying to make . Gas goes up now entry fee's go up . now you can try to come up with more money for both.

You folks are right on the money. I'm retired, I do not have anything but TIME on my hands. Two years ago, I was going to Joe Wheeler State Park three times a week. Now, I might go ONCE a month if someone goes with me and splits expenses. And I know for a fact that, with my retirement income and my wife's salary, I make a lot more than the average Joe. Gas prices AND the increase in tournament fees have had an impact on my participation. Tournament costs are getting beyond the reach of the typical weekend angler. Anybody who tells me to take it down the road if I can't afford it is out of touch with reality and will be sorely disappointed in my response.

Those so desirous of facts need to realize that facts, in and of themselves, can be deceiving. For example, one of the local districts is a good example. If I told you the district had quadrupled it's membership and tripled it's monthly participation you'd agree- it sounds pretty impressive, doesn't it?

What the facts may not show or be pointed out by management' is that the new district was being revived from the ashes of a defunct district who had their fill of management's B.S.everybody bailed. Now, with a new director, and membership up to FOUR, it HAS quadrupled. Likewise, with three members, the tournament participation has tripled! The Guntersville club used to have boats lined up to launch and now, last minute folks are a welcomed sight.

Dumbbasses,If I ever get down your way I would love to het the lake with you.I hear that the fishing is grand in your area.P.S. not to worry I will split all the cost with you , I am (retarded)I mean I am retired also ;D

dumbbasses. Please send me your e-mail or phone number,I have a legal problem I would like your insight on. You sound like you are in the know.

Since B.A.S.S. turned the weekend series over to the ABA.  Do you think that B.A.S.S. will even be a part of it after next year or a few years from now.  To me, it seems like they want nothing to do with the weekend anglers and it will eventually not even be a way to get into the Classic.

Since B.A.S.S. turned the weekend series over to the ABA. Do you think that B.A.S.S. will even be a part of it after next year or a few years from now. To me, it seems like they want nothing to do with the weekend anglers and it will eventually not even be a way to get into the Classic.

I think B.A.S.S. will continue to play a small roll in the weekend series. For starters it adds a lot more strength to their market approach for sponsors. They will continue to have you be a B.A.S.S. member to fish the tournaments and that adds more selling power for sponsors.

JT Bagwell