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Post by Joel on Sept 14, 2008 15:55:34 GMT -6
Update: Mike Wells and ABA has screwed us by pulling out of Minnesota in 09. They moved the State Div. to the River. A couple of events will be based out of Wabasha. The State Div. is a done deal. I've never trusted ABA or agreed with the way they ran things ever since I ran a ABA Draw Division back in 2002. I'll be contacting my Buddy Bill Taylor(FLW Tournament Director) to see if they have interest in a State BFL Division. If BFL steps up to the plate, it wouldn't be until 2010. It's a long shot...I talked with Bill before the BWS came to MN. and he said then that they look for new Div.s that have the potential for 100-150 boats. More on this story as it unfolds....
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Post by bp7135 (bob) on Sept 14, 2008 16:31:45 GMT -6
At least they could have said it was based on a good business decision and not lie about permits...not to mention this change was to save us money. In this case it save ABA money all the way around. Chances of me sticking with this group are slim to none if no changes are made.
This is a good time to get the TBF off the ground in MN as well and or bring BFL to MN. Another thought is growing Excel to a state wide circuit and work on your TOC a bit.
Bob
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Post by Bill M. on Sept 14, 2008 19:55:10 GMT -6
Here is the response that I received via e-mail directly from ABA.
"ABA ran into to some major permit issues in the state of MN in 2008.
We had to make a change to help alleviate this or we would be forced to leave the area completely. Instead of leaving we are moving all of the events to the MS River until such a time that the permits allow for more than 75 boats and there is also the cost issue of the permits themselves.
If we were allowed to grow MN to a much larger field we would not have to make this move at all. We know how loyal the MN anglers have continued to be and we believe this is only viable solution at this time.
We need together as a group find a friend in the MN Legislator and work with them to help us fight this issue.
We are always available for your comments, thoughts and suggestions.
Our strength is in numbers and your support will help us grow the division instead of forcing us to leave the area.
Thanks,
Ellen Phillips
Member Service Manager
American Bass Anglers, Inc
Office (888) 203-6222
Fax (256) 233-2295"
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Post by fishinghype on Sept 14, 2008 19:56:49 GMT -6
It does suck that that ABA pulled out of MN and basically WI. National tournament organizations are in the business of making money. They don't put on a tournament series to give us something to do, that is what clubs are about. It is a business decision based on they are not making money by only drawing 50 or so boats in MN and WI. They look at the BFL's drawing 90-125 boats at the events on the river where are you going to put you're tournaments. The one thing you as a tournament angler has to remember they (tournament organizations) aren't putting tournaments on for something to do. They try to put together a payout package and schedule that will appeal to the most anglers. The more anglers they draw the more money they make from entry fees and membership fees. Also the more anglers they have the better negotiating power they have with sponsors. Tours have come and gone since the beginning who knows maybe Hesse will make a come back ! Tight Lines, B
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Post by Excel Bass on Sept 14, 2008 20:15:18 GMT -6
Interesting the reasons for the pullout....my permits didn't cost me anything this year. Next year I'll be using my own non-profit company as a charity partner so it will still be free. I think if they really wanted to stay and grow the MN circuit they would look at some simple options. It's all about $$.
A 100 boat permit is no harder to get that a 51 boat permit...they are both consider a "Large Tournament". It's a numbers game with national circuits....they don't really care about the regional/local tournament anglers. ABA "tries" to tap that market with their low cost draw series.
Maybe it's time for an Excel Elite Series after all.....hummmm
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Post by Bill M. on Sept 15, 2008 11:35:07 GMT -6
What does a 51 to 100 boat permit cost?
Keep in mind that ABA isn't going to or be likely to find a local charity partner so they will incur that permit fee.
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Post by Joel on Sept 15, 2008 12:17:12 GMT -6
I offered them my non-profit company for free...thus no permit costs. I haven't heard back from the their tournament director re; my offer yet....I suspect they pulled for other reasons...$$$
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Post by Bill M. on Sept 15, 2008 12:21:58 GMT -6
What is the permit fee though for 51 to 100 boats?
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Post by hootis on Sept 15, 2008 12:33:18 GMT -6
Should make for interesting conversation at Minnetonka.
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Post by Joel on Sept 15, 2008 12:46:17 GMT -6
Fee: Fee for open-water contests:
* Small contests (31-100 participants, 50 or fewer boats): $120 * Large contests (more than 100 participants or more than 50 boats): $400
Fee for contests with off-site weigh-ins:
* Small contests: $500 * Large contests: $1,000
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Post by Bill M. on Sept 15, 2008 12:48:15 GMT -6
Thanks!
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Post by tackleman on Sept 15, 2008 12:54:55 GMT -6
I highly doubt the permit fees were the deciding factor . Imagine the cost to drive 2 dually deisel trucks ,with those huge trailers , a 3 man 1 woman crew to Vermillion Lake for 47 pro entrys . they probably lost more money than they paid out in pro winnings
They gave it 3 years and could not build it to where they needed it so they threw in the towel !
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Post by bp7135 (bob) on Sept 15, 2008 15:35:53 GMT -6
Hit the nail on the head...the 5K was a good addition, however, scheduling may also be a key concern for anglers. It is truly a money decision, why not combine the entry is the same and expense is 50%.
I will be looking for another circuit to fish in 09...
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Post by Bill M. on Sept 19, 2008 12:37:25 GMT -6
Contacted ABA and asked the question what is the issue with permits and if it's a cost issue, then pass it along to the anglers like many other tournaments do. I also mentioned to them the conflicts that happened first with Silverado and then with Schara. Silverado could have been avoided on there end by leaving the tournaments on Sunday's.
Response: Nothing. I didn't figure I'd get one, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
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Post by Joel on Sept 20, 2008 7:22:56 GMT -6
Good points... but I'm sure you will get no response. I offered them the use permit under my charity company for free...so no cost to them in permit fees. I rec'd the same responses...nothing. But that's the way they(ABA) do and have done business. I give the river div. one year and that will be toast as well. Stick a fork in ABA...they are done in MN.
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