The Official END of the Bassmaster Elite Series 2024 for Me...

[@quentintincher8323]

I know if you don't fish the elite series next year that it doesn't mean that you can't ever go back, but you've qualified for the classic in back to back years, I say keep going while you've got momentum on your side lol

[@YankeeDoodle2]

He made it to the pinnacle of the sport you think he's going to let that advertising power go to waste lol

[@inaslump]

A true HUMBLE human being wouldn't need that publicity...

[@tragikk03]

@@inaslumpI'd rather be kind of humble and rich than just humble, tbh

[@inaslump]

@@tragikk03 God taught me,Money is the route of All Evil...Any humble man could care less about money..Go find your lord & savor & you will see..

[@ThomasShue]

So you’re quitting? Probably made more money via KZbin anyways!

[@jpfishing95]

I have fished tournaments as long as i can remember, 40 a year. My whole life is surrounded by fishing. I NEVER watched or kept up with the elites until you got in. It was something to look forward to with videos and updates and checking basstrak. You've got to man, go prove them wrong. You're a hammer shallow anyways. I've watched you take money your whole life up shallow. You got this man

[@kyledunsmore321]

Ben I think you should fish the elites next year as you had a solid season!! Most of us KZbinrs follow and watch several elite anglers, and you are definitely in the list for a bunch of us! Hopefully you find peace with the few days of the no information rule bs and move forward knowing that most of that shit will never pan out for those guys, if any of it will!! Keep your head up brother and fish on!!!

[@bobrole9677]

You do you! You will be and are successful regardless of fishing professionally in tournaments, creating and promoting baits or mentoring the fishing community through the sharing of your understanding and knowledge of all aspects of the sport. Why?? Because you always do you. Ben, I've learned over the last 68 years... there are things in life you can control, and things that you cannot. Don't give thought and energy to those that you cannot control. The result will always remain the same... you can't control it. Focus on those things you can control and make the most out of them. You will be much more effective and much happier. Just this old man's ooinion.

[@Dav-Seh]

Ben thank you so much for these videos me and my dad had started bass fishing in July but unfortunately we had to take a break because my father had knee replacement surgery. Your videos have been helping him through recovery and me and him love watching your videos and we’ve bonded over them truly thank you

[@casey10614]

Here’s my thoughts. 1.) everyone else was doing what you were doing when the info rule came out. Relaxin after a tough season. They did not get info in 3 days. 2.) The couple dudes that buy waypoints or get info are scared. They don’t have what you developed over the years which is confidence and that only comes with experience. 3.) pre practice hard on those new lakes and use your confidence and the rest will work out. Most importantly have fun. Thanks to you and coleslaw for 2024 videos they kicked ass.

[@bradleyrussell1973]

Fact

[@chadraper6418]

I hope you fish the elites next year! I've been pulling for you since you was in the opens. You showed us that with hard work anything is possible. Just go and out work them! Thanks for getting me hooked on pickled quail eggs 🤣

[@wibigfishcom]

We all want to see you fish the Elites and continue to excel as an Elite Legendary Angler!

[@inaslump]

Why,so he goes broke getting there..We all know theirs no money in tournament fishing nowadays..

[@DannyBFishing]

Glad you stopped by the shop bro! Anthony has a dope shop for sure! Definitely should do the channel member wrap again! The information thing is wild. Shouldnt be able to get info at the top level. Whatever you choose to do I'll be tuning in!

[@Homerj1117]

Prob should give the elites one more shot... had a respectable season given you basically went from youtuber to opens to elites in a few year run

[@jameswoodcock8463]

I like what you said! “Forget about the points and go for the win” I’ll keep watching! Do what makes you happy until lit cuts into family!

[@TxCole]

Started back up fishing after I found your channel, best life decision I have ever made! Found peace out there, myself again and landed gina's my 1st year. Only started watching Bassdisaster because you were fishing. Caught you on Fork after weigh in with my bro. It was badass,saw Coleslaw creepin with the cam. I digress. I would ultimately do what is best for you and the fam., bro. MFer's are going to watch you whatever you do. But from my side of the screen, your the happiest fishing with bros, Coleslaw, Zark, and landing donks. Flip the script on livepoke and teach everything there is. Have Cole Spielberg put some fancy sauce on it, Zark singing every outro and we got you. We will share the video's , buy 6th sense gear, and go hard in the paint promoting you.Besides we would rather see you smiling feeding the bass crawfish with the ozz man than you unhappy. Im out, Boats and Hoe's

[@leviboltonfishing1]

Hell yeah

[@Rick-shortround]

I am an older gentleman, (term used loosely). Been fishing for a long time. Love tournaments and just going for fun. When I found your channel, 7 or so years ago now, it was exciting to see that love of fishing coming out of you as well. I hope you continue with the Elites because it makes them way more interesting to watch. AND you earned it. But if not, I know I can still get my Meffer fix with new content. Whatever you do in 25 Ben Milken'm, swing away.

[@one-of-a-kind6606]

I cant image BASS without you, your advocating for MFERS. A tourny Series with Z narrations. 🔥

[@andyrobertson9685]

When the wind blows from the east the fish bite the least 😂good info? I hope you win every time you 🎣 fish. Have fun 🤩

[@DavidRoyal-y9o]

I first started watching u because u were a big fish hunter. Just like I am. I don't fish like I used to I live in Florida and I'm 42. I have caught many giants here and I always wanted to be a pro. I didn't make my dream because things misdirect us in life sometimes and that happened to me. I always knew u had a lot of talent before u started fishing the opens I had no doubt u would make the elites. I will watch u no matter what u choose. Stay safe and keep catching them

[@mattshanks2604]

I think you 100% right and if you fish the series I hope you kick the shit out of the field! no hard feelings if ya don’t I’m not going anywhere

[@0217kris]

Man I have to say I support you in this and understand how your thinking! But either way you are a bad ass and proved it this past year. Hold that damn head high cause you earned it like a boss! Nothing but respect for you man don’t trip you got this! YOU BET!

[@maxterry3738]

Ben do what makes you feel the best. I thank your fan base will stay with you no madder what you decide. With that said i wouldn’t worry about any information. If there are sum that got it o well. How many times has early info ever really worked out for any body. If we knew the answer I bet it a low %. Just puts that much more garbage in your head to think about. Personally I thank you can win regardless of info or not. Your a head of the pack in your fishing and open mind. Don’t fall away from that. Peace ✌️

[@nextlevelangling]

Do what's best for you and your family. BUT.... if you do plan to return: Build up the anticipation and leave us all in the dark until the last moment. Then, upload an announcment video as a premier. When the video starts, it's pitch black, it slowly fades in. It's a sillouette of a man standing on a boat - surrounded by a cloud of fog. The fog recedes, and next to him is an actual real life cougar on a leash, wearing a 402 Jersey. "Back in Black" by ACDC starts to play. It pans to Ben's face and he says a single line: "It's Britney, bitch." Then a montage of highlights from the 2024 season edited by Cole Slaw. EPIC.

[@thefishaddict5230]

You should work in marketing lol that’s fantastic

[@nextlevelangling]

@@thefishaddict5230 We just need to borrow Steve French from the Trailer Park Boys and we can make this happen 😂

[@BlakeMcWhinney]

Ben really love watching your beautiful journey…. Hope to see you competing next year really hope that none of this discouraged you. Let it light that fire!!!

[@annjacobs7764]

This content deserves an award!

[@-Turner]

Fishing the elites or not I’ll always be a fan. Been here when you were putting out catch clean cook videos, catching frogs with frogs with max in the pond. Definitely could tell in your last video spirts were up. 🍻

[@DAY5-l2f]

I'm not a fan of FFS. I think it should be banned from competition. I am however a fan of you. Always appreciate your honesty and effort. Keep rippin lips!

[@kylebrandstattfishing7270]

For what it’s worth, I really enjoyed watching you fish the Elites. You and John Cox were the first guys I’d look up to see where y’all were in the standings. With that being said I hope you choose what you feel is best for you and your family!

[@ShaneSwanson-dd8gj]

GBR!!!!! Keep it going man you’re still my favorite hope you have an awesome season no matter what you do!!! ❤️

[@CN-df8gg]

I feel for ya man, I really do. I’m sorry you and many more people that have worked so hard have had a bad time this past season and now. And are still dealing with all this bullshit. I don’t blame ya if you don’t fish the elites next year, and will continue to follow you and your content no matter what!

[@Rjcastingss]

Dude you’re living the dream in life and fishing, don’t let these people ruin it. Do whatever the hell you want

[@Rabid900]

Keep your head on Ben, you’re an amazing angler. It will all work out

[@michaelcfi]

Appreciate the candor as always Ben. Hope we get to watch you in the Elite next year despite the circumstances.

[@christiangoff1313]

Always love the content. Haven't been able to do much fishing since the hurricane. Been too busy cleaning up trees.(I live in South Carolina) Can't wait to get back on the water. I'll still watch your videos if you stay in the elite series or not. Been watching for a long time. Keep up the great work.

[@kellymoore4517]

Control what you can control and ignore the rest of the dock noise. Fish on Ben.

[@maxwilliams4015]

I think after changing rule then they should just change the schedule of the bodies of places where tournaments are at and release it one month before the season

[@Kilo011]

Keep at it brother at first I didn't like how you got alil cocky there for a while when you first blew up on KZbin but I gotta give it to ya you went out there and competed and won. You can't give it up now just because I know you got it in ya that will to be the best, and I know you will. Don't lose sight of it brother keep chasing the dream. Ps, you're one of my favorites now and watch more tournaments because of you🎉🎉

[@nathanbruns7053]

Always love the Zark throwback. I hope you are going fishing with The Stash! It’s been a long time coming.

[@davemonaco103]

Your the one who made me want to watch all of the Elite series . They didn’t have enough footage of you.

[@vafishing8296]

Yeah man, I hear you brother. We all hate our jobs

[@markplaunt3903]

Good video bro. From a guy who gets to live out his dreams by watching other people do it. I will watch your videos before the bassmasters. Use to plan my weekends around watching bassmaster. Now I couldn’t give two shits about it.

[@freddierobinson6309]

Ben, whatever you decide, just keep fishing and, most importantly, just have fun doing it! My son fishes for bass on the high school series, and yes it stressful for him and I remind him all the time just fish, don't worry about what everyone else thanks. Just have fun.

[@foreverbassin1159]

idk i feel like the bass change so much and the lake its hard to say if you get info months in advance its a huge advantage. just seems a lil far fetched to be that worried about it.

[@joshuahaskins4573]

Same. Like info a year ahead of time isn’t goin a make a huge difference I don’t think

[@mchlprks40]

Ben, I hope you fish the elites next year. Never recorded it until you went. Never recorded the opens either until you went on that. Appreciate your ability to be yourself on camera, never compromise. I'm a 65 yr old no tourney scoper. Peace

[@PhilomenaMerritt-e5e]

You deserve way more views!

[@usma876]

Hey Ben, best of luck to you with whatever you decide. I can't believe the net (winnings - expenses) was too outstanding. I think what you should do if you don't fish the Elite series - go to each lake and fish them about 3 weeks before the tourney. Publish it on YT, then everyone has the same information. Just a thought.

[@jeffchauvet3725]

As I’m sure you are fully aware. Tournament fishing is nothing like fishing for the love of fishing. It’s not about having a good time. It’s about winning only. I say swing for the fences, have a good time, don’t worry about the points , or the paycheck if you can do that, and continue to compete. The ultimate good time is hammering them on game day , and winning the tournament. It cannot be duplicated while nothing is at stake. Go for it M’fer! You have the talent.

[@JeremY01122]

My son and I have always been a fan of you. Your joining bassmaster was amazing whether you stay or not is up to you. I truly hope to see you next year. Obviously they care about you and your opinion or Dave would have never called you personally. I want to see you crush them next year if you decide to. Kick their asses Ben with no information take them to the cleaners.

[@bobfishnut]

There's been a lot of crying, whining, complaining, griping, fighting, and retiring this year. I was happy to watch and support you and will continue no matter what your future is. I'm tired of the drama and just want to watch the anglers compete again. The junk that's been going on in making it a long offseason. I really can't wait for time to pass. Might not be interesting but I hope all goes well with your decision! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and keeping it 💯!

[@jeffporter100]

Great video update! I thought maybe your outboard selection would reduce issues but a new lower unit and new power head…yikes. Keep working hard on the elites in 2025!

[@derekweaver929]

I’m sure you yourself won’t actually get this, but that’s okay. It’s simple, don’t ever let the haters win. You are the man. You know what you are capable of. Who cares what info people may have got. In the end everything changes all the time. What was the juice today, is not gonna be the juice tomorrow. You adapt and figure it out. I will leave you with this….. You can make excuses or you can make progress but……….. you can’t do both. I haven’t followed you for years but a decent time and you have taught me A LOT. I am a BIG FAN and think you are an amazing angler. Thanks for all you do and the content you post. So stay in the Elite Series and KILL IT just to prove a point.

[@williamtennill6744]

You’re not over thinking it Ben. Think how you feel honestly is how majority of the elite guys down to us fans and lower tourney guys feel !! No info should be a big big big deal..with that said as a fan we support you either direction man…keep fishing BEn..go fish don’t worry about what others think..you proved yourself already over and over

[@andybrode2507]

Bro, you don’t need any of these tournament organizations. It doesn’t help your platform significantly. The Opens did…..that was fun! Plus the Bassmaster Classic is not what it once was.

[@marcushale926]

Thank you for the amazing content so far. As well as and regardless of what you and your family decide, the videos are going to be great and I can't wait for it.

[@zacharyjordan1873]

Dude you are awesome you are a great fisherman no matter what you choose to do I’m still watching. Been here since you put out a rod guide repair vid and thanks for that by the way!

[@joeysimons02]

Elites or not keep your head up, you’re still the most entertaining and fun to watch rip on some bass and not mention you’ve qualified for the classic so they’ll have you again in the future when hopefully the information rule is more set in stone

[@Mathew-bs2pn]

You may be overthinking things, you may not be. Either way your entire outlook on this issue is valid. I get it. That being said, I'd like to see you go back. But if not, like I said, I get it. You're a better stick than most of those guys already.

[@robertandrews9948]

Give the next season a shot. A lot of people rooting for you that wish they were in your shoes even for a day out there.

[@paulacosta2139]

That legal dope doo baby glide is 🔥 Edwin makes the best baits!

[@RedRooter0828]

It's hard to not overthink things when you are talking about your livelihood. You are a great fisherman Ben hang in there

[@Mjones8383]

With all respect, if you decide to fish the Elites, you and all the other guys are good enough to figure out every single lake you go to, and win. I wouldn't put too much into the rabbit hole, just fish your ass off, like always, and kick ass. You brought so many outside eyes to the Bassmaster brand the wouldn't be there. Let's just pray 25 is drama free, or less, so we can just enjoy the tournaments. Remember you're a freaking hammer shallow, and we're long before FFS!!!❤

[@jonathanspadafore7599]

Seems like he’s digging too deep. Just go fish hard and record it for money and if you win you’ll win regardless of information. I think having 2-4 practice days you’ll probably find all the information you’ll need. Hope he fishes on the elites again I really enjoy the professional tournament content along with Scott martins

[@Mjones8383]

@jonathanspadafore7599 Yeah, I don't think he realizes how much people enjoy the Elite tournament videos. Only thing I wish is he could get them out quicker so 2 months after the season they're not still going. I think 2 weeks after each is plenty of time, but I'm being selfish and have no idea how long it takes.

[@mikeodonnell7350]

Always love your videos !! Absolutely love the honesty and the in your face attitude because you don’t take any shit … I personally hope you fish bass next year … wishing you some of that Irish 🍀 luck moving forward

[@kaydebrown4698]

All I have ever done is dream to fish the elites, so take the opportunity to be able to chase every kids dreams while you can don’t let small things stop you got this

[@jasonconrad215]

Fish it, don’t fish it, I’ll still like all the content you post. I’m a MFer for life! You have taught me so much over the last couple of years. I’m a better angler than I was before watching you.

[@fishwhisper4388]

Leave way points in unit ill buy it!!

[@kyleheinz6785]

😂 right!!!

[@p.j.bartolotto2753]

It is so awesome to hear the old Zark outro!

[@DustinDills-yf6uy]

So happy to see this video always been a favorite since you moved to watch

[@danielsleep3522]

Ben you the man. I have seen all your you tube videos for years now and will continue watching you no mater what you decide

[@davidfarley145]

Love your honesty! Stay clean and do what you love!

[@nathansackett6890]

You should do some kind of contest for the boat. Just make sure it garners enough views to make yo chedda. Im sure that im not the only guy that kill for a boat like that but could never afford it. Keep competing and slaying em!!!!!

[@limegreenfishingmachine3332]

Ben keep your head up you showed you can qualify for the elites 1st try. It's a long season of traveling and the family does get effected by it. But you need to quiet the haters and beat them even when they could get information and you didn't. Your mfers are behind you.

[@vincentsalentino9906]

This was awesome i seen my picture on your boat Ben 5:37 to 5:39 to cool i got to go with you in the elite series 😂 been a fan for years !!! And a Mfer for life Brother 🤙🏻

[@allinflynn8585]

I feel the only way they can fix it is to change the schedule.. Love the videos!! Keep it up Ben

[@KeepItnealFishin]

I enjoyed watching you and keeping up with you in the elites. Your your own man and you know what’s best for you but i am hoping i can watch you on the elites.

[@jacobjacques9776]

Ben your an amazing entertainer and fisherman and that's why your so successful in everything you do. Love your videos and proud to be an MFer

[@michaelbrooks6976]

At the beginning of this video you mentioned you bought a new glidebait...what was the name of that tackle shop?

[@Jason-rz6ev]

Support you NO MATTER WHAT you choose to do. Keep your head up!

[@codycoffey9865]

Sucks about the info rule, but don't let it spin you out. Keep being a badass MFer and things will work out exactly as they should

[@30farms70]

I don't blame you for chasing that Elite dream, but I really like your regular videos catching them DONKS better. Do what makes you happy brother.

[@haydenpeck2501]

I think it would be cool for you and zark to follow the collegiate tournament trail. That way we could learn from you and discover some new things.

[@michaelmccreary7788]

No Ben you are not a cry baby or anything like that you are just all about honoring the integrity and the sportsmanship of fishing. Continue making great fish tutorials love them. Thank You go rip some lips 😊😊😊❤

[@jg_fishing4897]

Thats actually a dope wrap shows the dedication to your fans

[@DOA-SPACELY]

F the haters 😎

[@jessestyron3806]

Ben, Slaw and Mfers..... I have never watched (and chatted with) that are more ethical, genuine, and all-round good people 🫡. I'll be here even if we're pond hoppin or storm drain Lip Rippin 🎣💥👊🏻. Much❤ and keep doing what you do!!

[@brandonwoodcock4374]

What if one of the lakes on the schedule is an elite series anglers home lake, and he grew up fishing on that lake, and if he won that elite series tournament, would he be disqualified for having "information" ?

[@charlierobertson3432]

Like to see you get familiar with some lakes in North East Texas, and start guiding on them. Say Fork, Bois de Arc, Lake o the Pines, Pinkston, Nacogdoches, Caddo just to name a few. I would damn sure be a repeating customer.

[@robertverrinder1614]

Don't worry about it just go and fish your way. Getting info on a body of water 6+ months before a tournament doesn't make the fish bite. Just like FFS doesn't make the fish bite.

[@marlanappel6120]

Love your content, I agree with you on the miss step that Bass did, but I still hope you fish the Elites next year.

[@frankevega]

Next time get your boat set up by the same people as Scott Martin... His boat was solid as a rock all year.. I don't want to see your next boat falling apart. Nice video.. This was really good.

[@Mjones8383]

@frankevega Scott's boat breaks also, he just doesn't let everyone know. There's several videos of him running where you see stuff loose and even broken, then like magic it's fixed by the next videos

[@MaineBassmaster]

DON’T leave the Elites, Ben.. you’re more than qualified and “some” piss ant losers will be happy you left. Don’t give them the satisfaction of walking away. Make them pay. As a bystander, fan of the sport. I really appreciate the way you qualified and conducted yourself. Thanks Ben

[@mjheggie2]

Great videos! You ONLY make GREAT VIDEOS! Team Milliken baby!! 💪🏻🎣😎💪🏻

[@robertharkins2632]

You keep making videos and I’ll keep watching no matter what you decide brother. You KEEP IT REALL all the time Ben. Always entertaining no matter what. Keep it up 👊🏻

[@Jay_LawOutdoors]

Love your videos man! Keep up the great work!

[@JakeM624]

This video is kind of why I don’t like making my hobbies competitive. I like fast cars and have a fast car I could drag race, but I don’t race. I love fishing, but I don’t fish tournaments. I don’t want to put all these rules and pressure behind my passions. Sorry the elites turned out that way and they had this dang mess. :/ Keep putting out cool vids. We will be here to watch for slaunches!

[@johnnybull4504]

Hoping to see you and stache runnin and gunnin again in the future

[@ethanday5144]

Even the small tournament lakes around me are the same way! They all going to shit bc rule changes and then people who cause the drama. Keep up the great work! Your almost one of the only one I like to watch anymore bc of drama and all the bs the rule changes and what they say and are complaining about. Tight lines feller! 🎣

[@hbkgoblue100]

I'll be here whatever choice you make. I know the travel and stress on the fam has to be crazy and its not cheap.

[@jjfishing6138]

I would say whatever your gut tells you go with that. I will support you and I know millions of others will too.

[@bobbycolson1957]

Regardless of what you decide we will be watching and keep on doing stray casts...you and pat have fun

[@FishingNorthernOntarioCanada]

Go get a Blue Trophy 🏆 you don’t need that information or that advantage to win control the controllables !! thanks for the update!

[@jakewilson7112]

Information: What prevents anglers from doing a simple google search? I understand not allowing pre fishing/scouting by yourself or a third party.... but trying to prevent info is a hopeless wild goose chase.

[@eagles20jon]

If you are an honest fisherman that follows the rules and does your best to win then it doesn’t matter what others say about you. Personally I think you should do what is best for you and your career

[@austinhubatch6070]

Elites or no elites. I got to see you on the classic stage and love watching genas hit the deck.

[@ddoutdoors88]

Bro, your content literally got me into fishing 5 years ago. I believe you are good enough to continue the elite series and make bad ass fishing content as you have done on the regular for so long. Get back to the roots. Put the elite shit on the side for a few and go have some fun with cole slaw. thanks for doing what you do. Don't change