Would this work? I always hear the left coast guys grumbling about not having many Elite events out there and there are none in 2011 out west.

Would it be feasible to have an Elite Series West and an Elite Series East? Having 2 divisions would create a little more buzz and there would be added attraction and rivalry to the Bassmaster Classic, of which the location would be alternated each year.

I'm still wondering whether they should have a full field of +/- 100 (like now) in each division or cut it back to 50 in each and split up the guys they already have by taking volunteers to fish out west? Maybe 75 in each? 

I guess the total # of spots for the Classic would depend on the # of anglers in each division and add in some spots for anglers from the BASS Opens.

Obviously there are enough lakes on both sides to do it but would there be enough guys from the West (or willing to fish in the West) to have a full field out there?

That would be ideal. if they adopted some sort of way like NFL or NBA, where there are divisions I think it could work. But the only problem I see is in the number of spots. A lot of the Elite guys may lose there spots because if original there were 100 spots open to anyone and you divided into 2 division, West and East. 50 of the guys would lose there spots due to not being in the West. So either a bunch of people will move out West or they lose there birth into the Elite.

Or

100 in each division, and Top 25 from each go to the classic, or whichever many get a spot, I remember reading past Classic winners automatically get births.

But overall, I think it would be a great idea. I think a lot of the Anglers originally from the West coast moved out east to make it easier on themselves.

That would be ideal. if they adopted some sort of way like NFL or NBA, where there are divisions I think it could work. But the only problem I see is in the number of spots. A lot of the Elite guys may lose there spots because if original there were 100 spots open to anyone and you divided into 2 division, West and East. 50 of the guys would lose there spots due to not being in the West. So either a bunch of people will move out West or they lose there birth into the Elite.

Or

100 in each division, and Top 25 from each go to the classic, or whichever many get a spot, I remember reading past Classic winners automatically get births.

But overall, I think it would be a great idea. I think a lot of the Anglers originally from the West coast moved out east to make it easier on themselves.

Yeah, the numbers thing would have to be worked out to where it benefitted everyone involved. I would think they could get maybe 20-25 from the current Elite roster to volunteer to go west and then maybe have a few Open trails out there to fill the other spots making 75 in each division. 150 total anglers, top 25 in each division make the Classic plus whatever # of Open trail (east and west) Classic spots. Say they have 6 Open trails, narrow those down by point system, those fish a 'National' and only the Top 5 in the 'National' make the Classic, plus the automatic bids.

I know this could work. Just hammering out the numbers thing would be the hard part, like you said. I do think it would add another dimension to BASS and they'd be represented out west every year. Plus, the east guys wont have to travel west and the west guys who just want to fish will be able to.

I'm sure Jerry and the rest of BASS is working something out.

I also think this would provide a huge revenue stream and more sponsorships = more money for everyone.

Who knows could even see bigger prize purses in the near future as well. Which in turn churns more people to fish.

I'm sure Jerry and the rest of BASS is working something out.

I also think this would provide a huge revenue stream and more sponsorships = more money for everyone.

Who knows could even see bigger prize purses in the near future as well. Which in turn churns more people to fish.

I think this may not work.  The trails are having a lot of trouble finding sponsors for one trail.  Now they have to find sponsors for two or split the sponsorship money they have to support both tours. 

I do think it's a good idea, but there's a lot to work out.

If this did happen do you think that they would allow guys to fish in both divisions?  because to fish the tournys i want to, i will go to whatever region i need to to fish those tournys.

I'm sure Jerry and the rest of BASS is working something out.

I also think this would provide a huge revenue stream and more sponsorships = more money for everyone.

Who knows could even see bigger prize purses in the near future as well. Which in turn churns more people to fish.

I think this may not work. The trails are having a lot of trouble finding sponsors for one trail. Now they have to find sponsors for two or split the sponsorship money they have to support both tours.

I do think it's a good idea, but there's a lot to work out.

    I agree, its a bad idea. However the problem is not finding sponsors. Biggest problem is it would delete the talent pool that makes it the Elites. It would be nice if they spread the tournaments out throughout the country, instead of so many Alabama tournaments. I dont mind if they are in California every other year. Problem is they are not doing Mead(first ever Classic site), or anything else west of Texas. Many anglers just move to Alabama as its always on the schedule for multiple tournaments.

   Second they need to bring back the Western Opens. The West has been tearing up both circuits over the past 10 years. Most of our top guys are trying to go east to get to the Elites. I believe it is in the cards and they will be back.

"Second they need to bring back the Western Opens. The West has been tearing up both circuits over the past 10 years. Most of our top guys are trying to go east to get to the Elites. I believe it is in the cards and they will be back."

That's what I was thinking. At least start with that, can't see why they don't want a central, southern, northern and western series.

I dont like the idea of dividing up the talent that makes up the elite series. I do agree that they need to spread out the tournaments and possibly add a few more tournaments. It also makes me quite angry that the farthest north the elite series comes this year is South Carolina. Just doesn't make since to me.