Bassman, I hope you'll change your mind and stay with us. We were ask our opinion and that's what we gave.Yes, I have done the same thing in narrow Mississippi river sloughs, but not EVER when spectator boats, families with children and camera boats were present.
Yes, I agree, time is money in tournaments, and those guys need money to survive, but if one child had fallen out of a spectator boat and drowned, all the money in the world couldn't replace a child's life or overcome the grief and guilt Swndle would endure for eternity. I hope I speak for all when I ask you to stay with us, as said earlier these were our opinons and you have one too. Hope to hear from you later. Johnnie

Bassman, PS I still don't like Ike and never will, no one throws my U.S. flag into the water!! Ask and VET! Johnnie

I had the chance to speak with IKE at a Dick"s opening and he was as nice as any pro I have meet to date. He stayed till every kid that wanted an autograph had one. Does he over do it for the camera, YES,YES,YES. I think we all have seen the news of other live shots and everyone in the background is acting up.

He has profited and lose from the way he acts when the camera has been on him.

I to am a vet, I did not feel he looked for the light stand (with the American Flag) to kick and throw around. How many of us have had the chance to fish for a half mill? I have seen terible tantrums for a $80 jackpot afternoon tourny.

If our sport is to grow, and we get more respect for the recreational choice we have made, then we will have all kinds of characters in our sport.

I did not follow the "Old Boys" who were starting the cast for cash part of fishing that we like, but I have some friends that did and they were quick to point out that there were two reasons that Ray Scott used a lie detector in BASS. One , a noble thought, was to prove the integrity of the anglers, and two because it was clear to him that it was necessary.

So, We love to fish and we all wish that everyone that did was a lady or a gentleman, but we know that it is just not so.


Hope all have warm days and tight lines soon,
RW-reeler

RW, it's sad but true, the old guard are dying off or getting too old for tournaments, so we may as well let the next generation have their turn. Who knows, might turn out great. One things for sure, I'll never have to face the pressure these new pros do. I wish them all well. Johnnie

OK, sounds like it is time to lay this topic to rest.

Bassman, sorry to hear that you were turned off by this thread. Hopefully you can see past the few opinions which were stated and focus on the many useful topics which are discussed on the message boards...

Over the many years this site has been around, the focus has always been on helping other fishermen(and fisherwomen).

BC

Well said; Brendan-Do you know your e mail address doesn't work? Johnnie

Hi Johnnie,

Yes, I am aware. I sent you a private message with my new one. Check your private messages under your "My Profile".

Thanks,
BC