For those of you who have fished in both, which do you like more, the Bass Federtaion (FLW) or Federation Nation (BASS)? We have a local club starting and we're trying to decide on affiliating with one of these. Thanks in advance.

B.A.S.S.

If you had asked this question a week ago, I would have said FLW .... all the way.

With the sale of BASS .... that might change

FLW=Fish Little Worms.

That's the running joke with the lakes they scheldule.

I'm not talking about the Professional level. We are in the beginnings of creating a small, local club. We would like our club to affiliate with either the Federation Nation or the Bass Federation. I'm sure there are members who have fished in clubs in either Federation and I was just wondering what everybody liked and dislike about each.

I like both, i would prob say TBF, in florida its run better. or at least get bigger boat draws.

Federation Nation - I have done both and tbf just always comes off as bush league to me. The club I am in currently has been flw for a few years and the support is non-existent. We are a small club and are not even on their radar. Next year we are either switching to BASS or going independent.

BASS is also just more "grass roots" friendly in my opinion.

The first question you need to ask yourself is why you want to affiliate in the first place.  For the chance to advance to state and national competitions?  If you're not interested in that, there's no reason to affiliate with either.

I have no experience with the Fed Nation, but have interacted with TBF quite a bit over the last year and a half.  Haven't had any problems and they've always been prompt in answering my questions.

Federation Nation - I have done both and tbf just always comes off as bush league to me. The club I am in currently has been flw for a few years and the support is non-existent. We are a small club and are not even on their radar. Next year we are either switching to BASS or going independent.

BASS is also just more "grass roots" friendly in my opinion.

Support for what?

Burley, we are looking at moving on to fish in the state level and hopefully the national level as well.

Thanks for the responses so far.

Burley, we are looking at moving on to fish in the state level and hopefully the national level as well.

Thanks for the responses so far.

I would suggest contacting clubs affiliated with both and talking with members who have fished the state competitions.  Also talk with the secretaries who whomever handles all of the paperwork.

dockhead wrote on Today at 2:50pm:

Federation Nation - I have done both and tbf just always comes off as bush league to me. The club I am in currently has been flw for a few years and the support is non-existent. We are a small club and are not even on their radar. Next year we are either switching to BASS or going independent.

BASS is also just more "grass roots" friendly in my opinion.

Support for what?

Trying to get an expedient (and straight) answer has been like pulling teeth. We are a small club (and getting smaller all the time) and frankly it seems as if the powers that be could care less about us.

Because we feel like the main reason we are having membership problems is the monetary commitment, we attempted to get someone to answer some questions about the benefits of tbf. Got the run around.

Then when someone contacted a man of importance with Fed Nation via email, he not only answered all of our questions, he volunteered to come to a meeting and talk to us about our concerns/needs.

Who were you contacting?  Every email I've sent to TBF has been answered within a day.  Last summer when I was learning the ropes, I was sending at least one a week.

Contact your state president if you have any questions.

Federation Nation - I have done both and tbf just always comes off as bush league to me. The club I am in currently has been flw for a few years and the support is non-existent. We are a small club and are not even on their radar. Next year we are either switching to BASS or going independent.

BASS is also just more "grass roots" friendly in my opinion.

What club are you in, I know some people high up in the TBF in FL and might be able to get you some answers and and mey even be interested to come out and do some fishing when im in south fl

What club are you in, I know some people high up in the TBF in FL and might be able to get you some answers and and mey even be interested to come out and do some fishing when im in south fl

South Pasco Bassmasters

Until I see visible and obvious changes, there is no way I would ever go back to BASS.

As far as the TBF and bush league comment, I ask, how do you really know? Just from what you've "seen"?

I've been with TBF since it's ***. I've been a participant in a Divisional tournament that TBF ran. A close friend has been to the TBF national championship. I've also experienced the same on the BASS side.

The TBF does an excellent job with their events.

As far as the whole can't get answers comments,  I've called and received an answer immediately every time I called. I even have Robert Cartileges (sp?) cell phone number from one occasion I needed an answer. He called me direct and told me to save the number in case I needed anything again.

With what BASS has done to it's amateur members and kids over the years there is no way you'll see me back.

I also wouldn't be holding my breath over BASS new owners, just my opinion......

Not sure if your state is the same as us here in New York. Our NY Bass Federation voted to stay with BASS. Our State Federation is larger than both of the other groups and actually discussed going independent back when the divide occurred. Going with BASS has worked out well for us concerning sponsors, conservation, and youth.

As far as tournaments, folks can fish our Federation trail, the Federation Nation weekend Series, or the TBF trail. We draw about a 100 boats, weekend series draws 40-70 depending on where they are, and the TBF draws 7-20 boats.

Here the TBF never really got traction after we decided to stay with BASS. This year they have tried for a second time to get up and running. This group of guys seem to have it going in a positive direction. Some of our guys have fished their tournaments and said they did a very good job.

I know in some states the TBF is the larger group. I would look at which group is stronger in your state. Then contact clubs from both sides and ask about pluses and minuses. Then as a club look at the national tournament process and see which one fits your needs best.

As far as getting answers. You have to remember both are going thru or shortly will be going thru changes. It may take some time for everyone to get back up to speed. I run our Federations tournament trail and handle our membership. I have not had any problems getting answers from BASS. But to be honest when I used to fish the BFL I never had any problems with the FLW.

I think it is great having all these options for anglers. There is something out there for everyone!

Good luck