Are Bassmaster And MLF Cancelling Bass Pros?

Randy talks about cancel culture in bass fishing…#fishing #bassfishing #fishingtrip #angler #catchandrelease #bass #fishingdaily #fish #fishinglife #fish #fishinglife #cancelculture
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[@Thehuntinspot]

Bass and mlf has showed us exactly how rich and spoiled pro anglers are. The pros are helping to cancel themselves by going along for the sponsor dollars. This year bass and mlf have single handily diminished the word "professional"

[@bobh6583]

Ding!

[@Joseph_Brown1986]

I feel like a new tournament organization needs to be formed by anglers. Funding, rules, and fees should be voted on by the guys that make up the sport. It could work as a non-profit and just handle moving the money around. Why does the tournament organizations have to be for profit? A non profit could handle all the tasks and have a board of anglers making the real decisions.

[@kerrypitt9789]

Joseph I agree. Personally I think they need to take it back to the basis used by the original philosophy set in the very beginning.

[@shawnhamrick8195]

Fishers of Men Tournament Trail is a 501c3

[@coasterbrookie]

Sounds something like a “club” organization. lol. There’s a few of them around.

[@markbuscher8183]

Its Called the Bass Federation or the Federation Nation. And it already exists.

[@MJ_Bass]

You can’t get bass fisherman to agree on anything. You need outside people not just looking out for themselves to run the org.

[@gitz-zum]

Tournaments fishing is the reason fishing sucks now

[@X7fishing]

No poor leadership and management of tournament fishing is why it’s worse than before … but fishing still Doesn’t suck at least not yet Getting bit is as good as ever

[@scottehrlich6653]

Watson is despised by the locals. Lampe, Kimberling City and Branson. He’s well known to stiff the waitress’s and act arrogant. His “ Ballz Deep “ boat wrap wasn’t well received by those with young children lol. Shooting guns late night while entertaining from his waterfront home. Being inflexible on price with respect to his garage sales used fishing tackle. $1 per used plastic worm. “ take it or leave it kid “ I could list several other examples. In my opinion he’s simply immature but a likable guy. He didn’t make a sound decision with FBD and got the results he was fishing for. I don’t think he serves as a cancel culture example rather than a hothead making poor professional decisions.

[@midwestmokai6241]

He most likely signed a non-disparagement clause and then ran his mouth too much. Words have consequences. The reason a dog has so many friends is because he wags his tail and not his tongue.

[@5spottedbass]

Jacob Wheeler failed two PG,s back to back. Watson was next in line for the cut. Wheeler threatened to sick his attorney on MLF if they dq,d him because they turned there head in the past at rule violations. MLF wouldnt address this with Watson and ignored his questions as to why he (watson ) didnt move up. The rest is history.

[@Tedthib]

Ray Scott is on record telling pros- If you don't like it there's a hundred more waiting to take your place. Pretty sure you wouldn't like Ray Scott's answer to this question you're asking...

[@JohnHritsko]

Your never going to please everyone Randy but keep shining that LIGHT on the problems of pro bassin! WE LOVE IT!!!

[@keithtimmons378]

All major tournament organizations are frauds. Tournament fishing is a con game these days. In the past tournaments helped bass fishing but today they are not only useless but are doing more and more harm. I love bass fishing. Tournaments are not real bass fishing.

[@X7fishing]

You are right As a competitor I think They have too much control with no accountability Certainly no transparency If it’s true it should be able to be talked about period The only reason they should be able to suspend or fine is if you drag them through the mud over something that factually didn’t happen That’s the only acceptable line in the sand We are paying customers , if we don’t like something we should be able to discuss , state our opinions and solutions , with the end goal of inspiring or trailblazing improvement Fish boat docks !!

[@davidharris4030]

I think you are correct about this issue. Not only about the Watson situation but all the other bs they have pulled on the anglers. Ike was spot on when he said they should have started a union for the anglers when the mass exodus took place in 2018-19. If all those well known pros had done that we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation now. It really upset me when that exodus happened. I had a bad feeling about the whole deal. If you think about it there is no way a organization like MLF could have ever gotten off the ground without all those big name pros! If I had been one of those top name pros I probably would have fallen for the spiel as well.

[@chrislenton3749]

The dollar is the whip.

[@bobh6583]

Ding!

[@nealdoty4641]

Money. Bottom line. These electronic companies are making way too much. That coupled with no voice from your elder anglers against it have put us where we are today. Don't rock the boat or I might not get a check for showing up. Sad.

[@bobh6583]

Ding!

[@jonn6427]

I've always thought that it would be fine to use technology for pre fishing a tournament but when it's it , no electronics could be used.

[@michaelbrown1133]

I was born in 61 started fishing at a early age my granfather taught me not to reley on fish finder but uwes instincs

[@CSwivel]

Yup! All these fish finder dudes are a joke to me and the hypocrisy of them now not embracing ffs is the icing on the cake

[@stephanieslaton1781]

If the anglers can’t speak out afraid of making Bassmaster mad to the point they’re kicked off the circuit, BM would have already been kicked out. He makes Bassmaster look bad by his language and not just in you tube videos. I’m talking foul language. In a tournament when the camera was on him he said F*** you as a boat went by! Not a very good representation of a Bassmaster elite fisherman. I don’t care what the other boat did, to me it’s inappropriate. Report the violation if it was another angler. But you can’t control everyone on a lake because you’re fishing a tournament. Most are respectful, I believe. Always gonna be idiots out there. Can’t fix that. Just my opinion. Also, in my opinion, I believe the electronic companies are paying so much money to Bassmaster so they won’t get banned, therefore, your anglers won’t say what they think because of this. Again just my opinion. Everyone has the right to their opinion. That’s our 1st amendment right as a US citizen. I won’t even say anything about some not knowing exactly what cancel culture is. 😂😂. I will keep standing up for what I believe in, that’s how I was raised. Therefore FFS needs banned. A lure isn’t even thrown unless they see a fish. Those anglers that consistently use it and always have, need it as a crutch, for what they lack in other areas of fishing. Again just my opinion. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop now. This just shows what greed can do.

[@marlinhines5909]

Well Randy I'm with you on this, when you belong to the Good Ole Boys Club do as I say not as I do. , that's what your gonna get. Time will fix this with new tournament organizations being formed. Bassmn

[@williamodell3468]

Bass and MLF could start up having board members of maybe 10 anglers to help with issues that occur in the organization.The way it works in the USA the ones that sign the check have the say so.

[@coasterbrookie]

So let’s put out what was said and what the agreement was between him and MLF. Without that, there’s no argument. I’d suggest not voicing an opinion without knowing what transpired between the two parties. It’s business ethics and code of conduct issue.

[@kusland6786]

We are waiting the Blaukat tournament !

[@AaronS-ml1bh]

You aren't an employee of bass or mlf, I'm sure if someone brought them to court over their rules about speaking or bashing the circuits would be easily won in a court of law

[@broderickalmy3658]

I feel that one must know their audience. If there is an issue, it must always be discussed behind closed doors. Know your audience

[@JasonBrown-es5yw]

That's not cancel culture. That's a dictatorial employer. Welcome to America. Cancel culture comes from the fans. We should be cancelling anybody that uses ffs. Make it loud and clear.

[@ronsaunders4491]

Randy no matter what the subject these days someone hates the First Amendment.America has Alot of issues Thanks to Cancel Culture.Period

[@MarkHough-lw6kb]

i think i got subscribed my computer keep locking up been watching your chanel for a long time learned alot bass fishing here in Colorado not to good i go to Powel alot been killin them have a great day

[@bobh6583]

I like this one. And I only had to wet my line 10 times just targeting the giants.

[@chuckstockton2333]

Hey Randy, as a follower of your channel, I wanted to share my perspective on the recent shift in your content. While I respect your opinions, I don't believe that Bassmaster and MLF are violating their members' free speech rights by censoring certain commentary. It's their prerogative to protect their brand. As for forward-facing sonar, it is simply another option, a tool in the angler's toolbox, and whether to use it or not is a personal choice. Ultimately, catching fish still comes down to skill and technique, regardless of the technology. it hasn't negatively impacted the sport or its fans. How about we just let fisherman and fans vote with thier membership, participation, and viewership. I feel your political commentary is overshadowing the great fishing tips and reports you're known for. I am just one person and one voice that would really like to see you refocus on what you do best: providing invaluable fishing tips and reports. Your expertise and insights into fishing are what keep viewers engaged, and I believe that sticking to this content would be in line with what I most appreciate about you and what drew me to your channel. At the end of the day your a good man and fisherman, I just want to see more of that than the commentary on maters that won’t help any of us catch more fish while enjoying time on the water. Thanks for considering my perspective, and I look forward to seeing more of your great fishing content! Blessing to you and yours.

[@williamwhite1997]

I don't think you have a grasp of what cancel culture is. Cancel culture involves the public, and a swelling of public disenchantment with a person or organization. This is the organization excluding a fisherman for not meeting their agreement. It's an issue between two parties. To my knowledge the public isn't saying James should have his life ruined for speaking against MLF. That would be a form of "Cancel Culture"

[@jax9224]

It literally got him basically fired from earning money. Yes I agree with you about what it is but this is just a little tributary from cancel culture for sure. Can’t speak out against a body of governing body that control the money paid in by a person

[@steventoungate4373]

Ok Karen

[@mjheck2140]

If he signed a contract that outlines a code of conduct and this type of scenario is addressed “npt to participate in” then he should be held accountable for his actions/comments. If it is bot covered then “why not let someone voice their opinions”. I like Worldwide, the situation is too bad for him.

[@mikelembke5121]

Yes Randy does just using the term different

[@mikelembke5121]

James is being hammered for his honest opinion,cancer culture

[@rogerglasco5941]

BINGO. You nailed it. Keep it up.

[@billwiley7216]

There are always two sides too an issue, your opinion (which is all it is YOUR opinion!) does not make it correct or right and as such what policy the tournament organizations should follow or adhere too. Bass Pro's want to make a living fishing and they depend on these tournament organizations to make that a possibility. If they do not like the way a certain organization does things let them vote with their money and entrance fees and not fish that organizations tournaments! They could always put on their own show BUT realistically they need the organizations and its structure to provide the backing and money to make fishing for a living feasible. Until you do not need those organizations may be wise to follow their rules whether you really like them or not. You are not required to fish under their umbrella unless of course you depend on their payout of cash. Make a choice follow their rules or fish somewhere else. Most non tournament fishermen would rather these tournaments not be eld on their home lakes anyway!

[@msnldub]

Have professional bass anglers considered unionizing?

[@wolverinex4243]

All pros should be cancelled for electronic use. I met a HS tournament kid. He says tournament fishing is all about fishing on your screen. Damn. Only kids tell the truth. Kid might grow up to be someone. He was really honest in his conversation with me.

[@jax9224]

The organization should not care or say or do anything for people saying what they want. Dana white is a prime example he refuses to tell his fighters what they can and can’t say and you hear them all the time speak their opinion good and or bad and Dana doesn’t care one bit and that is called transparency and he knows what he runs a good organization that is transparent and don’t lie and all athletes or people in general should never use a product or organization that tries to tell them what they can or can’t say. That’s micro politics and the fisherman should all stand against that. As long as people let it happen then it will always happen

[@ronsaunders4491]

I believe Alot of younger Bass guys have O respect for the past or what real Bass fishing is all about.Turn off your spotlight and be a man or woman.Bass fishing is not designed to be used as toying with fish.Its a skill and takes year's to get even close to master.Which no one ever will.However using LIVESCOPE these guy's think they have mastered the Bass.NO YOU HAVE NOT NOR WILL WILL YOU EVER.YEAH IM OLD SCHOOL AND IM STAYING THAT WAY.

[@spencersmith6754]

Real bass fishing can’t be defined because it’s an individual thing and isn’t designed. Some people bass fish for sport or entertainment or money or even food. I’m not a ffs fan but the young guys are fishing in a time when technology is everything so is it really their fault? The older pros got first shot at all the new tech but didn’t take the time or interest in learning it so now that they are behind they want it banned. Do you really think when this new tech first came out that the older guys decided not to use it because it was untraditional? No because they all have it now and can’t catch up. I can respect a pro that refuses to put it on their boat but not a pro that has it and wants it banned. Is it hated because only the young are good at it or because it’s untraditional or too expensive? There will be rule changes for sure but it will not get banned in the near future so the more traditional anglers need to learn it or get left behind.

[@SpookyRedz]

Randall Tharp has hung it up ! Just saying

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

He’s getting out of fishing?

[@SpookyRedz]

@@randyblaukatintuitive I’m pretty sure , he was saying this past MLF was his last , I saw him talking about it in a video ; I think he wanted to go back to BASS but he would have had to go back through the OPENs , but I think Bass should have let him back in the Elites , could have made an exception

[@steveodonnell2921]

I saw a video of his yesterday that led me to believe that he is done​@@randyblaukatintuitive

[@mnije]

@@SpookyRedzThat’s really sad.

[@SpookyRedz]

Sorry I had the story confused , my bad MrRandy , he’s leaving MLF I think is all , my mistake

[@jefflemieux8834]

I think eventually FFS will somehow end up in a courtroom. The sooner the better.

[@wciii3591]

It seems MFL's rules are very similar to RB's own You tube channel. All decisions made either by Randy or MFL are made subjectively by themselves.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

I’ve made the rules clear on my channel. No conspiracy theories no misinformation or disinformation and no attacking the messenger and ignoring the message. Those are the only ones that get deleted.

[@macdaddyblues1]

When you work within the confines of any private organization, you are bound by the rules of conduct set forth by that organization. This has nothing to do with free speech. Its how the world works, period. I know from experience! I can understand Randys' disconnect as he hasn't ever really worked in the private sector as a pure employee (or at least not since he was a kid)...

[@budstone7948]

I know you don't like FFS but If you think it should be outlawed then in my opinion so should outlaw site fishing for bed fish.

[@lightning2849]

So much for sharing ideas and onions. I guess free speech is only one way. Thanks Randy !

[@tonypinckney5957]

if they're a customer. In what other industry can a customer not complain for fear of banishment?

[@mikeharris130]

There is not near enough transparency on either of the tour level organizations.

[@midwestmokai6241]

Folks, this is not a First Amendment issue (the government is not censoring bass pros) and it is not Cancel Culture (there are several excellent comments posted that explain Cancel Culture). This is a contract issue. Pure and simple. If I sign a contract that contains a non-disparagement clause, and I then proceed to publicly denounce the organization I'm in the contract with, guess what, the contract could legally be cancelled. And, I could be subject to damages claims, per the terms and conditions of the contract. If the bass pros who entered into these contracts feel like they are being unduly punished for their comments or actions, (meaning, punishment goes beyond the terms of the contract), then they should seek legal counsel.

[@tommyburnette-sz7on]

Looking between the lines of your exact description we are one vote away from the disaster. There are a lot of evil people out there. We have gone over the edge. Wonder if people like you can pull it back. Thank you and that silver star.

[@andysemonco7085]

I had a tough day. Only caught 35lbs. Thanks to my FFS and my flogger. What a joke😊

[@BasswipeNC]

Sometimes them not being transparent is to stop from suffering from the liability. Take the Angler X from FLW. If they came out and said that person was cheating everybody who finished behind him. They would want their money he screwed them out of. A big mess basically. But I assumed you’d be all for cancel culture.

[@DougLane-dj3oh]

So start a senior tour with the restrictions proposed and I’ll follow that circuit all day everyday:

[@eugenefoster9120]

What happen to the Pro angler Asho.

[@matthewcritchfield6997]

Listen this whole story is nothing but jibber jabber James signed a contract , Boyd runs the show, end of story If you didn’t like him, then you shouldn’t of signed because that’s all each guy doesn’t like the other. It’s not a freedom of speech thing because James took it to a level of the boss in the company to F. Off and then started making merchandise and selling it , saying the same thing F Boyd, if James doesn’t like it, he should leave any other person in this country that did the same thing to their boss where they worked would be fired. You wouldn’t even get fined you’d be fired🇺🇸👍

[@5150Fishing]

Both bass and MLF will be gone or not exist as we know it. In 5-10yrs. Increased fees year after year and no increase in payouts is slowly killing them. Pros already have to build social media presence to make any money. To me it’s unbelievable that pros put up with that. Why those guys let themselves be manipulated and exploited time and time again is beyond me.

[@philliproberts-bx6ec]

Stay after it . All the guys are afraid speak up .

[@darjnz4406]

Free Speech isn’t a delicate balance! It’s a constitutional right! Let’s honor the Men and Woman who made sacrifices in order to insure our rights.

[@MichaelBecker-jn8yi]

The guy who wants to ban FFS, who calls anyone who uses it, flat brimmed spotlighters, wants to complain about what he thinks is “cancel culture “. You are the king of cancel culture.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

FFS (cheater box) is not a person

[@MichaelBecker-jn8yi]

@@randyblaukatintuitive that makes no sense. Do you not think banning all use of FFS for all anglers would affect people? Bud light isn’t a person either but people try to ban/cancel that. Books aren’t people either but many have banned/cancelled them. That’s really the best defense you have Randy “it’s not a person”?

[@BassDudeFishn]

Censorship is unAmerican.

[@leeyarbrough9636]

It’s called retaliation and yes that is against the law and is grounds of finding a lawyer and tunes someone up , seems it me you pros need some sort representation person like unions have , an it seems to me they forgot about amendments we have , on other hand these bass pros are doing something for a living that they dreamed about , so childhood dream job , so what kind of complaints would any pro had , I’d trade with any of them in a minute. That being said don’t take no bullshit off these organizations that yall have made them lot of money.

[@jsting100]

Until the anglers are willing to risk losing their opportunity to gamble for money by organizing there will be little to no change in the business model for these organizations. If you want to change corporate behaviors you have to cut their ability to generate revenue. Although I really hate what unions ultimately become they do serve a purpose at least initially. Anglers need to organize and strike at all levels. They have to be willing to lose it all in order to win. A strike could potentially end the leagues permanently but they could also create a new dynamic that is more equitable to the anglers than is currently available. They have to be strong enough to dissuade "peacefully" other anglers from jumping the line to take advantage of their absence. Again I will repeat that unions ultimately become the very entity they were created to fight. They can and will abuse their power just as much as the corporations do once they become established and are flush with cash. An anglers union could also create an imbalance in the marketing relationships between anglers and leagues alike creating all sorts of unintended consequences. Some good and some bad. I believe at this stage though it's a risk worth taking. One other possible benefit of a strike could be a couple organizations do fail thus creating a possible one league trail that could truly represent a tiered competitive scale creating a true professional league at the elite level with a robust feeder system to bring it more in line with other professional sports. Might also lower the fishing pressure on some these lakes that are suffering from too many tournaments.

[@markbuscher8183]

We all know you don't know how to use livescope and detest those that do. But it does take skill once located, to catch the Giant Bass Ben Milliken is teaching everyone to catch. Giant bass are so fun to catch. And the fact is Randy, its a fish locator, not a spotlight and no one is shooting or poaching them. The Angler must display Angling Prowess to catch those Giant Bass Randy. So no one is cheating except that fact that you're cheating yourself by not having one. Why not get one and get some Giant Bass like everyone else? Finally a fish locator that actually works and you don't like it. I guess you can sit and pee, or you can stand up and piss like a man.

[@ScottieReed-s8f]

If I was James Watson, I'd go after mlf just like the university of Tennessee did to the NCAA. Even if it's in their bylaws, it's violates our Constitution and our first amendment rights.

[@mistertwister1816]

If I wrote FRB in comments to your videos every day would you delete it and or block me? Of course you would, Because nobody needs that trash.

[@6mmFilms]

FBD

[@astrophysicistguy]

So likes look art this from a big picture, broad perspective point of view ... whenever you have a large organization ... be it big pharma, big tech, governments, big non profit, or any large entity where money is the primary driver and you have a lack of transparency as well as individuals involved having to sign agreements not to talk about what goes it suggests to a reasonable person that the entity in question employs tactics and/or conducts itself in a manner that is contrary to what most people would consider good behavior. In more simplistic terms: they have something to hide. Seems pretty obvious that "big fishing", like big tech and big pharma have a lot to hide ... the elimination of tournament fishing would have no negative effect on society and many positives, including the start of recovery for our fisheries ...

[@wciii3591]

Form a union!

[@coasterbrookie]

Just another layer of bureaucracy. Unions are more crooked than the original organization. They are formed specifically for “protecting” the workers 😂

[@cynthiamalmquist5533]

I have no clue how the agreement reads that the anglers sign to not be able to voice their opinions but if it doesn’t mention your spouse I can tell you this my wife would be ripping them a new ass on my behalf. Loop holes can always be found in some way or another. That can’t control everyone’s freedom of speech.

[@jax9224]

If your honest and have transparency you have zero reason to put a lid on voice

[@chrislenton3749]

Compliant conforming sheep.

[@andysemonco7085]

What the hell happened to tournament bass fishing?

[@bobh6583]

Bassmasters in just 2 years has become a JOKE. We now have 18yr Olds with 100,000 dollar boats, $50,000 in electronics, who knows how much in other equipment. FFS has ruined so-called "Professional Bass Fishing"! I don't see it changing because all that matters to the organizations is $$$$$$

[@andysemonco7085]

They have completely ruined it.

[@andysemonco7085]

99% of the pros today couldn't catch a damn fish without FFS.

[@stuarttisdal8422]

Guess Jordan Lee is that 1 %

[@andysemonco7085]

All about the mighty dollar.

[@darrellgrant7615]

No organization is above THE CONSTITUTION and THE BILL OF RIGHTS !

[@IFoundABodyOnLivescope]

My Wednesday nighter is. If you finish in the bottom half I'm putting soldiers in your house

[@darrellgrant7615]

@@IFoundABodyOnLivescope 😂

[@andysemonco7085]

Bassmaster classic is a joke. You win an open and you qualify for the Daytona 500 of bass fishing. Really sad

[@jodyvess8509]

Like freaking Milliken, he Sux