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News Flash: FLW won't return to Columbia River in 2010
Evans confirms rumors about FLW's exit from Pacific NW for 2010
by Joel Shangle
NWWildCountry.com
PITTSBURGH, Penn. – It’s been part of the Pacific Northwest bass-fishing gossip hotline since FLW Outdoors packed their bags and left Umatilla in late June following the WalMart FLW Series National Guard Western Division event on the Columbia River.
It’s no longer gossip: FLW won’t be back to the Pacific Northwest in 2010.
“For next year, we probably won’t be back to the Columbia River,” FLW Outdoors’ Charlie Evans confirmed today before the Day 3 weigh-in at the 2009 Forrest Wood Cup in Pittsburgh, Penn. “That said, we have every intention of returning to the Northwest. We love it up there. The people treated us great, and the fishing is, of course, phenomenal. It’s just a reaction to the economic conditions of our country.”
FLW’s decision to move out of the Northwest for 2010 can in large part be attributed to sagging participation in the National Guard Western Division tournaments held on the Columbia River. The FLW hit the Northwest like a whirlwind in 2007, when 173 professional anglers and 173 co-anglers traveled from as far away as Southern California, Utah and Arizona to compete in the first FLW event held in Tri-Cities. Those numbers dipped to 123 in 2008 and then plummeted to 85 this June.
“The passion in there for the people, but the (financial) wherewithal is affected,” Evans said. “We understand the economy is suffering out West, and that people can’t travel as extensively as they have in the past. We’re going to move to where most of our membership is from. We’re going to try to make it easier for people to compete.”
FLW hasn’t released the 2010 schedule yet, but it’ll almost certainly include another stop in California. Evans stressed, though, that it’s crucial for the entire West Coast to be represented in the National Guard series.
“It’s not just the California National Guard - it’s called the ‘Western Division’ because all the states’ National Guard units are supporting this effort,” he said. “It’s a balance for us – we have to be successful to draw anglers, and the only way we can do that is by covering the entire West. It’s a tradeoff, though: for our sake and for the sake of the anglers, we want to have tournaments that are full.”
The most significant dropoff in Columbia River participation in 2009 was from California: only 43 of the competitors hailed from the Golden State this year, a stark contrast to the 118 Californians who competed in 2007. Local participation from Washington anglers was significantly down in 2009 as well as only 28 Evergreen State bassers ponied up the $4,500 entry fee to compete in the Umatilla event.
Adjusting to the economy and geography, though, is critical to FLW’s continued expansion in the West.
“We don’t want to come into the West on occasion,” Evans said. “We take it seriously: it’s not just a token. We want to truly be a national (organization), and we want people to know across the country that the western angler has the opportunity to compete at the very highest level of the sport. If you want to call yourself the world’s largest tournament organization, you can’t just do it in your back yard. NASCAR used to be a good ol’ boy, southeast sport, but look at them now. You have tracks in Las Vegas, California, Arizona. They’re a great example of what you have to be if you want to be big-time and nationwide.”
-JS
by Joel Shangle
NWWildCountry.com
PITTSBURGH, Penn. – It’s been part of the Pacific Northwest bass-fishing gossip hotline since FLW Outdoors packed their bags and left Umatilla in late June following the WalMart FLW Series National Guard Western Division event on the Columbia River.
It’s no longer gossip: FLW won’t be back to the Pacific Northwest in 2010.
“For next year, we probably won’t be back to the Columbia River,” FLW Outdoors’ Charlie Evans confirmed today before the Day 3 weigh-in at the 2009 Forrest Wood Cup in Pittsburgh, Penn. “That said, we have every intention of returning to the Northwest. We love it up there. The people treated us great, and the fishing is, of course, phenomenal. It’s just a reaction to the economic conditions of our country.”
FLW’s decision to move out of the Northwest for 2010 can in large part be attributed to sagging participation in the National Guard Western Division tournaments held on the Columbia River. The FLW hit the Northwest like a whirlwind in 2007, when 173 professional anglers and 173 co-anglers traveled from as far away as Southern California, Utah and Arizona to compete in the first FLW event held in Tri-Cities. Those numbers dipped to 123 in 2008 and then plummeted to 85 this June.
“The passion in there for the people, but the (financial) wherewithal is affected,” Evans said. “We understand the economy is suffering out West, and that people can’t travel as extensively as they have in the past. We’re going to move to where most of our membership is from. We’re going to try to make it easier for people to compete.”
FLW hasn’t released the 2010 schedule yet, but it’ll almost certainly include another stop in California. Evans stressed, though, that it’s crucial for the entire West Coast to be represented in the National Guard series.
“It’s not just the California National Guard - it’s called the ‘Western Division’ because all the states’ National Guard units are supporting this effort,” he said. “It’s a balance for us – we have to be successful to draw anglers, and the only way we can do that is by covering the entire West. It’s a tradeoff, though: for our sake and for the sake of the anglers, we want to have tournaments that are full.”
The most significant dropoff in Columbia River participation in 2009 was from California: only 43 of the competitors hailed from the Golden State this year, a stark contrast to the 118 Californians who competed in 2007. Local participation from Washington anglers was significantly down in 2009 as well as only 28 Evergreen State bassers ponied up the $4,500 entry fee to compete in the Umatilla event.
Adjusting to the economy and geography, though, is critical to FLW’s continued expansion in the West.
“We don’t want to come into the West on occasion,” Evans said. “We take it seriously: it’s not just a token. We want to truly be a national (organization), and we want people to know across the country that the western angler has the opportunity to compete at the very highest level of the sport. If you want to call yourself the world’s largest tournament organization, you can’t just do it in your back yard. NASCAR used to be a good ol’ boy, southeast sport, but look at them now. You have tracks in Las Vegas, California, Arizona. They’re a great example of what you have to be if you want to be big-time and nationwide.”
-JS
Views: 63
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Keith Brooks on
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I really hate to see this happen. I think FLWs choice to launch from Umatilla had an impact on participation, as well the the economy. Washington went out of our way to help make it easier for FLW to schedule their events by changing the deadline system for tournament permits. This year we had to have our permit requests in by the first of July, this was only because FLW needed to be sure of future scheduling so they could go to print with their literature in a timely manner for the next year. Perhaps FLW should split the West like TBF did, and have NW and SW divisions. Less travel could mean more participation, or even allow for smaller fields and have a NW,SW championsip or fishoff.
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Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on
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FYI the tournament lakes next year probably be Lake Roosevelt, AZ Lake Mead, NV Cal. Delta and Clear Lake. I wouldn't come back after the last tournament on the Columbia either. It doesn't make good business sense. These are Professional tournaments, not TBF and I do not agree with Keith on splitting divisions, a pro division should have diversity so that it requires a diverse angler to prevail in the AOY standings. You can not get this diversity by fishing just the NW or SW.
I am kind of dissappointed with the northwest fishermen, how many times do you get to fish for $100000 yet hardly any local guys signed up. The lack of confidence, or because they say the fishing is going to be tough, is not a good enough excuse, what happened to all of them. Alot of anglers around the northwest self proclaim themselves as "Bass Pro's" yet where were they? You know the guys, I get it every time a non fishing person, finds out that I like to bass fish and they tell me about a friend or a relative that is a "bass pro" yet I have never heard of them. Bottom line is that it is your fault that they are not coming back to the columbia river. Yes, your fault! -
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Permalink Reply by Damon Hollandsworth on
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Well its really to bad that they had raise the entry fee another thousand dollars. From what i have heard from many local anglers is that this had the biggest impact in pushing them away from the tournament along with timing and location on the river.
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Permalink Reply by Larry Storment on
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The flw knew they would not be back before the tounament even started i live in hermiston and have for thirty five years. That was the poorest display of promotion ive ever seen. they used the city of umatilla and hermiston. then bugged out with out even a thank you.besides when 6 or 7 of your top ten were nw fishermen. your california guy dont want to spend the money make the trip. knowing they will get beat. or wreck their boat. they wont show. and thats were your money is. So move to california. and we will see you later.
Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:FYI the tournament lakes next year probably be Lake Roosevelt, AZ Lake Mead, NV Cal. Delta and Clear Lake. I wouldn't come back after the last tournament on the Columbia either. It doesn't make good business sense. These are Professional tournaments, not TBF and I do not agree with Keith on splitting divisions, a pro division should have diversity so that it requires a diverse angler to prevail in the AOY standings. You can not get this diversity by fishing just the NW or SW.
I am kind of dissappointed with the northwest fishermen, how many times do you get to fish for $100000 yet hardly any local guys signed up. The lack of confidence, or because they say the fishing is going to be tough, is not a good enough excuse, what happened to all of them. Alot of anglers around the northwest self proclaim themselves as "Bass Pro's" yet where were they? You know the guys, I get it every time a non fishing person, finds out that I like to bass fish and they tell me about a friend or a relative that is a "bass pro" yet I have never heard of them. Bottom line is that it is your fault that they are not coming back to the columbia river. Yes, your fault! -
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Permalink Reply by Gary Lucas on
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If your good it dost not mater where you fish.
Larry Storment said:The flw knew they would not be back before the tounament even started i live in hermiston and have for thirty five years. That was the poorest display of promotion ive ever seen. they used the city of umatilla and hermiston. then bugged out with out even a thank you.besides when 6 or 7 of your top ten were nw fishermen. your california guy dont want to spend the money make the trip. knowing they will get beat. or wreck their boat. they wont show. and thats were your money is. So move to california. and we will see you later.
Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:FYI the tournament lakes next year probably be Lake Roosevelt, AZ Lake Mead, NV Cal. Delta and Clear Lake. I wouldn't come back after the last tournament on the Columbia either. It doesn't make good business sense. These are Professional tournaments, not TBF and I do not agree with Keith on splitting divisions, a pro division should have diversity so that it requires a diverse angler to prevail in the AOY standings. You can not get this diversity by fishing just the NW or SW.
I am kind of dissappointed with the northwest fishermen, how many times do you get to fish for $100000 yet hardly any local guys signed up. The lack of confidence, or because they say the fishing is going to be tough, is not a good enough excuse, what happened to all of them. Alot of anglers around the northwest self proclaim themselves as "Bass Pro's" yet where were they? You know the guys, I get it every time a non fishing person, finds out that I like to bass fish and they tell me about a friend or a relative that is a "bass pro" yet I have never heard of them. Bottom line is that it is your fault that they are not coming back to the columbia river. Yes, your fault! -
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The hell it doesn't. You think Jay Yelas, Brent Ehrler, or Luke Clausen are any good? Neither finished higher than 50th at the Three Rivers.
Gary Lucas said:If your good it dost not mater where you fish.
Larry Storment said:The flw knew they would not be back before the tounament even started i live in hermiston and have for thirty five years. That was the poorest display of promotion ive ever seen. they used the city of umatilla and hermiston. then bugged out with out even a thank you.besides when 6 or 7 of your top ten were nw fishermen. your california guy dont want to spend the money make the trip. knowing they will get beat. or wreck their boat. they wont show. and thats were your money is. So move to california. and we will see you later.
Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:FYI the tournament lakes next year probably be Lake Roosevelt, AZ Lake Mead, NV Cal. Delta and Clear Lake. I wouldn't come back after the last tournament on the Columbia either. It doesn't make good business sense. These are Professional tournaments, not TBF and I do not agree with Keith on splitting divisions, a pro division should have diversity so that it requires a diverse angler to prevail in the AOY standings. You can not get this diversity by fishing just the NW or SW.
I am kind of dissappointed with the northwest fishermen, how many times do you get to fish for $100000 yet hardly any local guys signed up. The lack of confidence, or because they say the fishing is going to be tough, is not a good enough excuse, what happened to all of them. Alot of anglers around the northwest self proclaim themselves as "Bass Pro's" yet where were they? You know the guys, I get it every time a non fishing person, finds out that I like to bass fish and they tell me about a friend or a relative that is a "bass pro" yet I have never heard of them. Bottom line is that it is your fault that they are not coming back to the columbia river. Yes, your fault! -
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Permalink Reply by Richard Shaff on
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Larry
How do you figure they "used" the cities of Hermiston and Umatilla, they both received a significant increase in dollars spent in those towns.
Richard Shaff
Larry Storment said:The flw knew they would not be back before the tounament even started i live in hermiston and have for thirty five years. That was the poorest display of promotion ive ever seen. they used the city of umatilla and hermiston. then bugged out with out even a thank you.besides when 6 or 7 of your top ten were nw fishermen. your california guy dont want to spend the money make the trip. knowing they will get beat. or wreck their boat. they wont show. and thats were your money is. So move to california. and we will see you later.
Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:FYI the tournament lakes next year probably be Lake Roosevelt, AZ Lake Mead, NV Cal. Delta and Clear Lake. I wouldn't come back after the last tournament on the Columbia either. It doesn't make good business sense. These are Professional tournaments, not TBF and I do not agree with Keith on splitting divisions, a pro division should have diversity so that it requires a diverse angler to prevail in the AOY standings. You can not get this diversity by fishing just the NW or SW.
I am kind of dissappointed with the northwest fishermen, how many times do you get to fish for $100000 yet hardly any local guys signed up. The lack of confidence, or because they say the fishing is going to be tough, is not a good enough excuse, what happened to all of them. Alot of anglers around the northwest self proclaim themselves as "Bass Pro's" yet where were they? You know the guys, I get it every time a non fishing person, finds out that I like to bass fish and they tell me about a friend or a relative that is a "bass pro" yet I have never heard of them. Bottom line is that it is your fault that they are not coming back to the columbia river. Yes, your fault! -
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Permalink Reply by Eric DeLay on
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I would have fished it but my motor is too big.
Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:FYI the tournament lakes next year probably be Lake Roosevelt, AZ Lake Mead, NV Cal. Delta and Clear Lake. I wouldn't come back after the last tournament on the Columbia either. It doesn't make good business sense. These are Professional tournaments, not TBF and I do not agree with Keith on splitting divisions, a pro division should have diversity so that it requires a diverse angler to prevail in the AOY standings. You can not get this diversity by fishing just the NW or SW.
I am kind of dissappointed with the northwest fishermen, how many times do you get to fish for $100000 yet hardly any local guys signed up. The lack of confidence, or because they say the fishing is going to be tough, is not a good enough excuse, what happened to all of them. Alot of anglers around the northwest self proclaim themselves as "Bass Pro's" yet where were they? You know the guys, I get it every time a non fishing person, finds out that I like to bass fish and they tell me about a friend or a relative that is a "bass pro" yet I have never heard of them. Bottom line is that it is your fault that they are not coming back to the columbia river. Yes, your fault! -
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Permalink Reply by Ben Holten on
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I would have fished it but I don't have a kill switch on my motor. Plus chances are I would have got some big guy in my boat and we could have only gone 9 mph.
Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:Bottom line is that it is your fault that they are not coming back to the columbia river. Yes, your fault! -
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Permalink Reply by Steve Hastings on
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It might make sense for FLW to continue to develop the industry and thus the participation in the NW by moving forward with the BFL in the NW idea. I think when Keith was suggesting the split division, he was probably thinking from the perspective of how the lower divsions like the FLW Stren series or BFL operate (Lot less travel and much smaller entry fees) Which would make sense. Then bring the FLW series around every few years, all those guys fishing BFL or Stren series would show up. The key for all of us is, that it has to fit our budgets, and for some of us its club fishing at $20.00 a tournament and a few hundred in travel costs is whats affordable, and some NW Bass at 125.00 per angler and the same few hundred in travel, is whats affordable. Try to Stretch the Stren series to travel to Washington would not make sense, its the same reason California guys don't come here for NW Bass, FLW will have to commit a more local series. While the FLW Series is as Ron describes a Pro Tournament, (Travel and entry fees are similar on both coasts) the reality is few of the guys throw'n down the $4,500.00, only play the fishing game for a living...
The voice of reason..... -
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Permalink Reply by Zackery Shaff on
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I know some of these CA guys and I garuntee they would come back if they could afford it. For many of them, this is a different and exciting fishery that they would love to prove themselves on. One guy, Leon Knight, did wreck his boat here and was itchin to come back and show what he could have done if his boat didn't sink day 2. It's just not a good idea for FLW to make it too hard for most of their anglers to compete because of the economy.
Larry Storment said:The flw knew they would not be back before the tounament even started i live in hermiston and have for thirty five years. That was the poorest display of promotion ive ever seen. they used the city of umatilla and hermiston. then bugged out with out even a thank you.besides when 6 or 7 of your top ten were nw fishermen. your california guy dont want to spend the money make the trip. knowing they will get beat. or wreck their boat. they wont show. and thats were your money is. So move to california. and we will see you later.
Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:FYI the tournament lakes next year probably be Lake Roosevelt, AZ Lake Mead, NV Cal. Delta and Clear Lake. I wouldn't come back after the last tournament on the Columbia either. It doesn't make good business sense. These are Professional tournaments, not TBF and I do not agree with Keith on splitting divisions, a pro division should have diversity so that it requires a diverse angler to prevail in the AOY standings. You can not get this diversity by fishing just the NW or SW.
I am kind of dissappointed with the northwest fishermen, how many times do you get to fish for $100000 yet hardly any local guys signed up. The lack of confidence, or because they say the fishing is going to be tough, is not a good enough excuse, what happened to all of them. Alot of anglers around the northwest self proclaim themselves as "Bass Pro's" yet where were they? You know the guys, I get it every time a non fishing person, finds out that I like to bass fish and they tell me about a friend or a relative that is a "bass pro" yet I have never heard of them. Bottom line is that it is your fault that they are not coming back to the columbia river. Yes, your fault! -
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Permalink Reply by Kevin Jones on
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The economy and weather definitely played a big part in the lack of participation. Many guys showed up to prefish and the weather was so rough they headed back home. Some of them may have been intimidated by the water down in the Boardman area. It is some of the most dangerous in the whole country at times and during prefish it was very bad! I look forward to the FLW coming back the Northwest and I personally had a great time and learned a lot. It was an experience of a life time.
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