Looking for some feedback regarding the BFL trail that FLW runs. I've never fished any of their tournaments and was wondering what the pros and cons are of this trail (Specifally the BFL). There seems to be a lot of rules about logos and such. Any input from both boaters and non-boaters are welcome... I'm just trying to figure out if this trail might work for me personally as oppossed to the Bassmaster events.

Thanks,
Brendan

Brendan, I live about 10 minutes from their headquarters. I'm not being biased when I say they are great!!! The logos and sponsor stuff only relate to events that are filmed and put on TV. This is just to protect their sponsors. If there is a division close to you, I would highly recommend fishing them.

Thanks Kevin... I appreciate the feedback.

Brendan, I think the FLW is a good organization, I have always been treated with respect and will continue to fish with them for many years. I started fishing the BFL, here in Oklahoma, as a co-angler just to get my feet wet. I also fished some of the Stren as a co-angler as well. This year i will step up as a boater in the BFL and will try and hit some of the stren as a co-angler and possibly as a boater, if I can raise the money.I have met and fished with some of the best this sport has to offer and I have fished with some that didn't know anymore than me. I have been both frustrated(BFL only) with boaters and amazed (stren has some good sticks). So, all-in-all, the BFL is a great place to fish. This year I will see the boaters side of the organizartion. I'm also going to fish some of the ABA this year and will be better able to compair the two after the year is up.

Haysokla,

Thanks for the feedback. The whole co-angler thing seems tuff. Even though the boaters do not compete against the co-anglers, I can see how boaters would worry about the co-anlgers picking off fish from their key areas. Doesn't seem like it lends itself to friendly environment on the water. Granted, I'm sure there are some who do and some who don't get over protective of their fishing spots... all in all, it must work OK, since they have been running tournaments with this format for many years.

Best of luck as a boater in this coming year! IF you have any stories about being a co-angler (good or bad) please feel free to share them with everyone. I'll bet there's a bunch of members who would like to get your perspective on the subject.

BC

Hi guys and gals. I fished the BFL for two years as a co angler. There wasn't one tournament that I fished that I had a bad time. I learned a lot about differn't bodies of water that I have never fished before. All the tourneys were ran very well.Just a bunch of good fisherman going out and trying to be the best that we can be. Best of luck to anyone who gives it a shot.

Scott

hi brendan,
i fished the BFL last year for the first time as a co-angler and had a blast! i even made it to the regional in elizabeth city, n.c. i signed up again this yeaR for the northeast division. it is run very well, the only down side is you have to stand in the parking lot of a walmart for the tournament meetings, rain or shine.
i fished the weekend series for two years prior when BASS ran it and enjoyed it, but since it was taken over by someone else it has not been run very well.

Scott and Murph... thanks for the feedback guys. Everyone I have spoken with says the same thing as you guys did(less 1 exception).

Hey Murph, can you sit in your car un til the official meeting starts?

BC

sure you can....it would be nice if they held their meetings inside.

I know... and to think people might even spend a few bucks while they were waiting around...

BC

brendan,
what division are thinking of fishing....the northeast is a good to join. there are two tournaments on the potomac, three on the upper bay and the regional is on the potomac

Hi Murph,

If I do, I would be fishing the Empire division:

BFL - Empire Division Schedule

I've only fished the Potomac twice, so I'd want to stick with the lakes/rivers that I know.

BC

Bring an umbrella with you

lol... thanks Scott

It's just like the opens on Candlewood in the mornings!

I can see where there has/can be frustration for the co anglers in BFL. Fishing from the boater side I have met some really nice co-anglers. I can honestly say, I do my best to make sure my co-anglers take something away from the day. I have gone as far as cut a crankbait off and give it to my co-angler so he could catch some fish. I do know boaters who will do their best to keep their co-anglers away from their fish. But you have to know going into the event, your co-angler is gonna catch some fish, thats what their there for.
The pay an entry fee just as I do. Just dont take a hand held GPS and start marking your boaters spots.