I just noticed an unsolicited testimonial on how well things are going with the new ABA/BASS weekend series. (See ABA homepage) It was entitled, What do the anglers think?. The gist of it was an unsolicited testimonial from an angler in Florida. Apparently, everything went great. I'm glad and hope the success spreads.

Since everyone cannot post to the ABA website - for whatever reason, I'm sure lots of folks would like to get some more input on the success or lack thereof, of these tournaments. I think several people are waiting in the wings to see how things develop before they jump in with both feet. Personally, I'm glad to see the apparent success and the weekend series getting off to a good start.

However, I must admit my curiosity was piqued. Any idea why such a positive letter wouldn't contain the individual's name? Most people want their name in neon lights. If you don't believe me, just watch the responses to this post!!

The ABA post also brings up an interesting consideration about grown men complaining. What's the difference between one who makes one or several legitimate complaints versus a whiner?

I would like to see more feedback as well.

[move]JT Bagwell[/move]

As for why you can't respond on the website, have you paid for the membership that gives you that right?    I found that out just by visiting one time.  

There are different levels of memberships,     A standard membership only, does not give you access to their forum, just allows you to fish their trails.   I found that out upon my first visit, you would think that some that has fished that trail for years would already know that.

As for them wanting there name in neon lights, if what we have seen on here is an slight indication, an all out attack would ensue.  I wouldn't either.   Common sense!

Matt

Matt Fly:

Speaking of common sensecan you please clarify where I said I could NOT access their website?  I gave them a compliment and you stoop to attacking me personally as opposed to addressing the issues.  Specifically, you stated what we have seen here.  The first two posts were complimentary and you're the first to log in with a negative ad hominem attack.  

My only guess would be that the letter was wrote by someone from the ABA.  The weekend angler series had been having problems with there turnouts for tournaments.  If they weren't then way did they 1: merge with the ABA 2: lower the entry fees.  Did anyone look at the final results from the first tournament in Florida.  There were only 28 boats thats only 56 anglers to me thats not a very good turnout.  The club I belong to gets that many boats for just a club tournament.  Florida has some of the best bass fishing (if not the best) anywhere.  There is alot of bass fisherman in Florida and that was the turnout.  So are things really going well for the ABA/BASS weekend angler series?  There has only been, I believe a couple of tournaments so far in the series.  Can they really tell how its going this early?  So, for the person not posting thier name you make the call.

Matt Fly,

Beg to differ, but, ... basic membership in ABA DOES give you the privilege to post on ABA message boards - and as someone who HAS fished ABA for years, .... I know that... So, go back and read my comment for clarity and comprehension.

Access to ABA forums is simply predicated on being a member. Granted, life membership or being a director gives you even greater privileges and access to exclusive forums such as "Life Members Only" , etc.

But, even the most basic member has the privilege to post as long as it is done in good taste and the member acts responsibly and in accordance with the prevailing management philosophy.... That's evident from others who have previously posted in this very forum that they were kicked off the ABA board for having a vastly differing opinion. And what's wrong with that? It's their club, their rules, they can kick whoever they please off the board.

Don't know where you got your misinformation...but, the annual membership has always given ABA members a message board on which to voice their opinion.

My only guess would be that the letter was wrote by someone from the ABA. The weekend angler series had been having problems with there turnouts for tournaments. If they weren't then way did they 1: merge with the ABA 2: lower the entry fees. Did anyone look at the final results from the first tournament in Florida. There were only 28 boats thats only 56 anglers to me thats not a very good turnout. The club I belong to gets that many boats for just a club tournament. Florida has some of the best bass fishing (if not the best) anywhere. There is alot of bass fisherman in Florida and that was the turnout. So are things really going well for the ABA/BASS weekend angler series? There has only been, I believe a couple of tournaments so far in the series. Can they really tell how its going this early? So, for the person not posting thier name you make the call.

You beat me to it. I was going to say the samething.looks like a desperate attempt to look good and to try to draw some members.I think the letter is a fake. The aba district i used to fish out of west tennessee struggles to get ten boats. We had a north mississippi district the director got mad and quit. He and I and a few worked hard to get it going but did not get any help from the aba they said it up to you its your district. I did not understand that. Who's trial is it anyway. I was not getting payed. the director was getting $6.00 a boat and spending $100.00 on gas to get there for a 6 man tournament.

I was one of the ones that fished that first tournament at Okeechobee...........the meeting the night before was kindof heck tic....theres a few kinks but what can you expect Is probably gonna take a couple tournaments to get in the groove of it but I like it so far.........im was disapointed in the outcome of people......I was told a couple days before the tournament the we were gonna have about 150 people but that never happend........but hopefullly it grows a little.......I have no complaints...............yet

wow, how does the word get out of around 150 boats and it ends up being only 28. Thats a huge difference to me.

Well if you let them think you have a large field you may hook a few more,Later you can always say that the info. did'nt come from you. ;D

Exactly