It's become a more elevated debate in recent years, but for those looking for ammunition for their side of the argument, Brent Ehrler, FLW Tour points leader, was interviewed this week and said the thing his career is missing is a trip to the Classic. That's saying something.

Ehrler needs to get in the Elite series then. He knows how to get to the Classic and FLW isn't the way.

The Classic is important because making one signifies that you've had a good year.

It's only a 3 day tournament, you only fish against half the field (some of which are amateurs), it pays big money and if you win it, you're a winner of the most prestigious award in bass fishing other than AOY.

I'd say that making the Classic is the most common goal among the Elite anglers.

It is the biggest event of all bass fishing hands down. The media gives it a good amount of attention. This event has more focus then any others so of course it is THE event for all tournament anglers to strive for.

Make the classic so you can win the classic.

It's life altering money and hardware.

Garnet

Kinda like the Daytona 500 is to NASCAR.

Same level as winning...

Indy 500

Daytona 500

Superbowl

BCS National Championship Game

NCAA Final Four

World Series

NBA Finals

Stanley Cup Finals

SEC Football Championship

It is the pinnacle of bass fishing.

It is worth a lot of money to the winner.

Just to make the field is an honor.

To win it puts your name on the bass fishing map for your life.