Bassmasters Classic: A Good Model for Fly Fishing, Or Nightmare Scenario?

Original Post:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TroutUndergroundFlyFishBlog/~3/239938756/

I’m up early this morning (insomnia sucks, but you might as well make the most of it), and what should I find on the TV but LIVE coverage of the Bassmaster’s Classic — competitive bass fishing’s annual homage to its best anglers.

It’s a genuine event; would it help or hurt fly fishing to do the same?

By any television standard, the production is stunning: live broadcasts right from the boats of top anglers, a crew of announcers, realtime standings, helicopter shots, 70 mph boats, in-depth Web coverage, lazer light show at weigh-in, and yes — plenty of air time for the high-voltage, in-boat antics of the more “demonstrative” anglers.

Modeled on NASCAR, today’s competitive bass fishing scene includes all the elements of good drama (or high camp): a core of experienced veterans, a youth movement, big crowds, a national audience of fans, groupies (yes), and even controversial anglers who yell and scream every time a bass is brought into the boat, polarizing those who watch them.

Couple it all with lots of TV time and a healthy dose of Web 2.0 technology, and you’ve got a traveling circus.

The question I have for the Undergrounders is this: is that kind of show a good or bad thing? Is bass fishing the better for it, or has the sport suffered at the hands of big bucks and media hype?

And finally, would fly fishing benefit from a competitive series? Or is that the nightmare scenario?

I created a simple poll, but would I’m really interested in your comments — pro or con. Let ‘er rip, Undergrounders.

Competitive Fishing: Good News or Nightmare for Fly Fishermen