Bass Masters Classic

[Eager Beaver]

I am sorry this isn't about Crappie, but I just was trying to watch the ESPN coverage of the Bass Masters Classic. I am just amazed how ESPN has destroyed the Bass Masters. They took a very Family oriented Sport and turned it into a very commercial enity. The In-fisherman has done the same thing. The very first show of In-fisherman after Al Linder left I knew I was dropping my subscription to it. Al always said it didn't matter what lake he was fishing he showed you the tactics and technics to catch fish. When Prime Media took over the first show they said don't worry about knowing how to catch fish just go someplace and get a guide and they will get them for you.
Now with Bass Masters they are promoting speed, booze and now drugs. The only thing they have yet to promote is carrying guns so it won't be long until they have an NRA sponor. I have quit watching the Bass Masters but just wanted to see who was in the Classic today. Now they have a play off to get to the Classic. So now you can work hard to get to the Classic and can be illiminated the day before the Classic. What a Crock! Why try if it is a set up, just so they can make more money, which is what it is all about anymore. My biggest complaint is on the " Idiot in my opionion " Mike Icconalli he is nothing but a Horses Ass. The family has gotten thrown away since this thing has won the Classic. You have never seen his family, or I haven't, and he never talks about the support of his family. When he won the Classic he took the boat ride by himself and didn't want anyone taking his glory from him. But the screaming and acting like a total Ass I just can't handle and have turned the channel. They brag about how much good he is doing for the sport. As far as I am concerned he is a detriment to Bass and is part of the reason I quit Bass.
Am just wondering if any of you know of him and what you think of his antics to get publisity.

[J White]

I can't really comment on the bassmasters, since I have never paid any
attention to it, but am a little curious about your comments about what
they are promoting - speed, drugs, etc. Are you talking about prescription
drug ads? I am sick of seeing them every time I turn the TV on too,
I especially hate the ones that show people running through a meadow
or something and exhort you to "ask your doctor" without giving a hint of
what it is they are supposed to cure... Who on earth would go in and
ask doc about pill xyz without knowing what it is for or what they think
might be wrong with them? Like "it seems to make those folks on tv happy
and turn cartwheels, what can it do for me?" As for promoting carrying
guns, I am no friend of the NRA, quit them years ago. But I think America
would be a much better place if EVERY adult carried a gun - and could use
it in self defense, or to defend another, or even to stop a crime, without
being raked over the coals by a bunch of low-life lawyer scum. Rant... off.

[Eager Beaver]

They started racing the Bass boats as part of the tourniment, and then got Busch Beer as a sponsor and now have an add for Cialis, like Viagra. The only thing left is guns and they will have all the wrong combination for a day of fishing. They must be working for Peta. What better way to get rid of fisherman. I do not believe in carrying guns on ones person. People are hot headed enough without having a gun to carry out their flustrations on someone that cuts them off in traffic. I have 2 hand guns and about 20 other firearms in a gun safe in my home so I am not against guns. Just against the right of people carrying them. I haven't hunted for several years but still want to take my kids and grandkids if they want to try hunting.

[J White]

This is just my often-flawed opinion, but I think most of the people
who don't need and shouldn't be trusted with a gun already have and
carry them. It won't do you much good locked up in a safe when Joe
Crackhead decides your life is less important than whatever he wants
to take to support his habit... or more common around here, his cousin,
Bob Methhead. That is one thing in particular I have strongly disagreed
with, Mr. Bush saying whatever he did about other drugs being the
biggest problem in our country - This "Hillbilly Crack" is devastating
a big chunk of a whole generation in this part of the country.
I guess there will be more job opportunities for the kids who stay off it
when all the rest dry up and blow away in their 20's or 30's...

[crap-king]

where do I start ... lets try with comercialism
If it were not for the sponsors you would not see any of the coverage on TV
and just like anything else guns don't kill people kill - same can be said about beer - if people ain't smart enough to be responsible for their actions and enjoy moderate consumption what ever brand is advertising will not make a difference - everyone knows beer will make you drunk if you drink too many - if it offends you don't watch it - if the beer companys don't sponsor it - it will not be on TV - its all about money - never truer statement made - if they cannot make money they ain't going to show it on TV- B.A.S.S don't make money they will quit having the tournaments - I do not know of any sport or any other event that is popular enough to be televised that does not have major corporate sponsors - and if folks need Cialis or what ever and its legal and they can afford it and it don't take tax money and it makes them happy - then I am happy for them

As for Icconelli - I do not pull for him - but he is a hell of a good fisherman - and yes he does a lot to try and get kids involved in fishing - and you might not like his antics but he gets your attention - and when does he do it ? - after he has caught a big fish - some may think this not good sportsmanship - I dont think this is the case I think it is more of a matter of showmanship - I don't really care for it but most the time I laugh at him - sounds like the bunch I fish with when we are wagering a little

Fact is I do not bass fish - use to some - but I rather fish for something I can eat - but I do enjoy watching it on TV - especially the Classic - so I can put up with Cialis and Busch Beer and Mike Icconelli screaming - and next week I will go back and crappie fish or will go down to the coast and try my luck for flounder and trout - and on the weekend when the water is full I will set in the living room and watch fellers try to snare green carp

[Eager Beaver]

I agree with you CP they do need sponsors but they really don't need these type of sponsors. They have brought it this far without these type of sponsors and did ok for all these years. It is after ESPN took over that the greed showed up. I am sure these sponsors are paying a premium price for their time slots. But the FLW hasn't seen it nessesary to use these types of sponsors and has a bigger payout without them.
As far as Iconelli being a good fisherman I will say he can catch fish but if he can't he intentionally got himself disqualified so it wouldn't look bad for him. He intentionally fished an area that he new was off limits to them fishing the tourneyment and then turned himself in and ESPN really bragged about what a good sportsman he was.

[fiddlefarter]

I just watched the weigh in today and they showed Iocanelli's daughters. As far as him never showing his family, do you really blame him? Iffin' I had kids I wouldn't really want them all over TV especially if I just won a bunch of money. Course if we law-abiding citizens could carry weapons to protect ourselves and our families without all the red tape, it wouldn't be so much of a worry. I admit he draws attention but in sports, contestants that draw attention, get people to watch.
The Busch, Cialis, Valtrex and everything else they hawk in the ads keep entry fees down and prize money up. Not to mention paying for the broadcasts. Beer and prescription drugs are a part of many fishermen's lives so why not try to sell a little when they're watching other dude's fish.
Mr. Crappie posted a thread on here a while back somewhere along the lines of how you couldn't make a livin' fishing crappie tournaments. I think he and most of the tournament fisherman that frequent this site would agree that sponsor money in the form of something that might be mildly offensive (such as beer, rx drugs, etc.) to some would be more than welcome to add to tournament purses and cover the expenses incurred with persuing such an endeavor. All tournament fishing is very expensive and tough on guys with families. Money won pays the bills or they have weekday jobs which takes away from fishing time to become better. I have to respect the guys making a living fishing tournaments because I know they paid their dues to get to that level. IMO, they can scream all they want. Iocanelli is a smart guy to market himself the way he does. Everyone remotely interested in BASS knows who he is.

[David Waters]

well, I can't stand the way they hold a weigh in. Can't tell if I am watching a bass tournament, or a wrestling match. Expect any minute for them to announce Rick Flair to bring in his fish.

[dsacalaitman]

i believe that if it werent for B.A.S.S. we would not have been here. it costs a lot of money to host a tourney. look at foot ball, or any major sport if they wouldnt pimp them selves out htey wouldnt be able to afford to pay the over paid babbons. now i personnally love mike iconnelly 1 hes from louisiana if im not mistaken. hes like the bad boy of fishing and it gives the show a little flair whooo as rick flair would say.
keep it wet
take a kid fishing

[whizkids]

RETURN WITH US NOW TO THE THRILLING DAYS OF YESTERYEAR! It ain't gona happen folks.
Like it or not TV is a mirror of the world we live in.
BASS has beer as a major sponsor as does NASCAR.
FLW is sponsored by Walmart. Walmart a company who makes it's customers think shopping there is buying American.
The evening news is financed by drug ads all aimed at my generation.
Reality shows that aren't real are on around the clock.
Is there an auto dealership ad that doesn't have a sexy chick in it?
Baseball is played by pros who think a cutoff man is a automobile driver on the freeway.
I enjoy watching fishing shows. I watch the ads, evaluate them based on my personal preferences or needs. I am mature enough not to be overly influenced by what I see. I do wish there was a way to let kids watch the news, sports or even kids shows without being exposed to ads or behaviors that I think are inappropriate.
What is inappropriate carries a different meaning for my mother, myself and my kids, however.
What is good for fishing means something much different to me than it does for ESPN, Triton boats or Mercury motors. Their ads are not aimed at my demographic.
I am not going to spend $45,000.00 on a bass rig. Earl Bentz was interviewed on the live audio feed of the classic on the internet. If I understood correctly when the BASS master Classic rig was offered to dealers, there were 50 more orders placed than there were rigs to sell.
When I was 30 years old I never dreamed I would yearn for the refrain; RETURN WITH US NOW TO THE THRILLING DAYS OF YESTERYEAR! I yearn for it but know it will never be; so I attempt to enjoy the days as they are given.

The Lone Ranger Creed!
By: Fran Striker

"I believe that to have a friend,
a man must be one.

That all men are created equal
and that everyone has within himself
the power to make this a better world.

That God put the firewood there
but that every man
must gather and light it himself.

In being prepared
physically, mentally, and morally
to fight when necessary
for that which is right.

That a man should make the most
of what equipment he has.

That 'This government,
of the people, by the people
and for the people'
shall live always.

That men should live by
the rule of what is best
for the greatest number.

That sooner or later...
somewhere...somehow...
we must settle with the world
and make payment for what we have taken.

That all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever. In my Creator, my country, my fellow man."



Link to Lone Ranger site.

http://members.tripod.com/~ClaytonMoore/lonergtv.wav