I like what you said, fish as hard as you can… and keep on your RUclips and Core paths with family in mind. Tight lines Matt, and have a great holiday season!
I agree that you’re (very unfairly) disadvantaged by being a rookie this year. On a positive note, your social media presence is strong and getting stronger every day. It was just last year that you openly wondered whether to fish tournaments at all, or whether to grow the YT channel. You’ve succeeded extremely well on both fronts this year.
Wow! ... they are making it very hard to proceed with a plan! You have my condolences! It's hard to believe that these changes are etched in stone, until I hear and see the reactions from the current players in the BPT. If it were me ... I would want to identify and keep track the best I could, who the top 35 are.... if for nothing more than keeping them honest! .. and coming up with the best strategic plan for each tournament. Fwiw .... I compiled the data to do so, because of some fear of it getting "lost" . If you are interested in that... give me a shout !
Wow. Eye opening. …. Relatively new to bass fishing. I picked up a baitcaster 3 yrs ago …. That being said I think it’s the result of RUclips, Instagram, whatever social media why tournament fishing may be struggling. It’s hard for me being a shift worker to catch any type of live coverage and it’s coverage that at times isn’t all that great. I really look forward to certain anglers recaps and their non-tournament footage videos on RUclips. Which I think there are more RUclips anglers I follow than pros, simply because I’m a bank angler so being able to see people fish from the bank are the vids I’m going to gravitate towards. ….. anyway, you’re one of my favorite pros because you use this platform to show more than just tournament fishing. Keep it up and just stay steady, you’ll be alright.
I wish the very best for you Matt! It sucks big time for everyone on the BPT. They will loose fans big time before the season starts. They will not make it to 2025 doing this. Bass fans are the most loyal fans ever! I don't see BPT making it much longer. Good luck my friend and best of luck!!
The fans are to blame. The fans never bought into it. BASS isn’t innocent. A lot was going on behind the scenes. That’s why the BPT was started in the first place.
I think that circut has one foot on a banana peel n one foot in the grave. Alot of desperation moves screwing the dedicated members that joined because they belived what turned out to be lies. Best of sucess Matt. Great channel.
Man! I love how you call it how it is. What you said is straight facts. The first thought I had when the cut the field and payouts is that the are struggling with money and sponsorships and i worry they will fold in the next few years. As a fan, I hate seeing 100 - 1lb bass caught over best 5, and they definitely have made the lifetime rule to pander to the OG anglers of the BPT. Great Video Matt. I love the real talk!
Sorry to hear that they complicated your life. Overall it’s best if tournaments are only a small part of your overall business. I’m sure you will have continued success. As far as MLFs future, maybe?
100%. Deep down I believe he regrets making the move. Just my opinion but it didn’t put that hard stamp on his legacy. Like Jordan at the end. No doubt the greatest but didn’t know when to hang it up. Also don’t think he needed to. Think he had it at BASS and could have done what he does better than he did at the BPT. This just sucks all across. All of guys are getting screwed and this is the beginning of the end IMO.
Wow. Light bulb went off for me. Zaldain said they were dirty and wanted to shut bass master down, they have no problem burning anyone. I fished the college series now I’m ashamed
Matt, you have one of the best you tube channel’s out there. I have been fishing for 50 years and guided for 35 years and still am learning fishing techniques for all species . Thank you for teaching all of us new techniques and bringing us new lures to use. Your “core tackle” is outstanding. I wish you all the success in the world on your life’s journey fishing tournaments, creating lures, your RUclips channel, raising your sons and living the life you love. I look forward to following your adventures .
Wow, it's not easy being a pro angler on MLF. I like total weight over top 5. And the team tournaments. But not the management & the lack of consistency when dealing with the rules. Good luck in 2024.
Just another way for them to cater to specific people, keep them there and make it hard, near impossible for anyone to actually get there! NPFL and Bass Opens looking a lot better!!!
Respect for you for trying to keep going Matt. It’s a hard row to hoe. I don’t wish to see MLF go bankrupt because a lot of anglers call that home. But I don’t like seeing people supporting Boyd’s Paid Tour and anglers taking the short stick.
I like the total weight format (all fish count) for watching as a fan. It makes it more interesting in my opinion plus it sets them apart from BASS so its something different than just another tournament trail to watch/follow.
Love the decision to change back and lower the fisherman numbers. Everyone gets caught up in fishermen losing their opportunity. But, these guys fish for a living. I don't feel sorry for them and I envy their life choices. But I love every fish counts. My kids loved watching it and stopped caring last year when only five counted.
Don't let it get you to worked up, not worth stressing yourself out to much over it! You will kick ass next season & regardless your fishing career will grow & move forward!
Yeah, I watched Upshaw earlier today. I've worked for companies that have done much the same. It was only after the fact that we found out that a bad investment or loss of a major contract. Put it on the little guy to bail them out. We know your a stick and will do well, but it still isn't fair. PS, you might want to hold off on that new boat. A little insurance.
Your a awesome fisherman and seem like a good guy you should go to NPLF or i know it sucks to try the opens but MLF is in trouble karma for say they wrre gonna bankrupt bass
The changes just show the direction the economy is headed in. As a trade worker I see what’s happening and the trend it’s heading to and they’re just preparing for what’s coming
I would get out of that rat race and fish another circuit , i don’t see this bunch lasting much longer,hard to be successful in an organization that will be belly up in a couple years😢
I suspect their may be many guys fishing two circuits next year so they have a backup plan if BPT doesn't work out. I wonder how many seriously consider the BASS opens or NPFL?
This year I’ve been following two people hoping they would move to the next level, you and Miliken. I was so happy when I saw you made it. Now MLF pulls more stupid crap. I’m sick of it. I know you’ve got to be way more upset then you’re showing and you still put out a video. You’re a class act. You’re channel is great to watch. You will get past this. The morons at MLF will not. People are sick of their BS.
Pro fishing should be like pro golf. The guys that make the tour compete and get paid. The fishing industry accounts for 1% of GDP. The sponsor money is available. Unfortunately, it's not distributed properly. Johnny Morris can afford it.
BPT is like a yoyo and the fishermen are getting used up and now paying for it. All these great promises thrown out the window and so many of these great pros who have invested their life in this sport will be kicked to the curb. Very poor management from what I have seen since they started. You had a great season and glad you accomplished your goal that you set for yourself. I wish you only they best.
I wouldn’t worry about the changes for 2025… I really hope you fish the Opens next year, you have the talent and the marketability to not have to deal with this bullshit.
Knowing your mental gymnastics before this season started, I feel for you man. Hope it works out for you. Side note: My crystal ball tells me things are not good at MLF. Oh, and that missing $1M is going to a new sauna on Boyd's pool deck at G-ville.
Im not into the tournament scene and i have little knowledge of what is required to run these tournaments. To me this is excellent opportunity for a group of wealthy anglers and youtube anglers with cash to start a new scene -- yes it be a lot of work but if 30-35 anglers get cut then start another league. They do in other sports and it draws it own crowd, investors and interest. Just a thought 🤔
@@MattStefanFishing it would have my full support and I'm sure a lot of others. And as far as gaining more support and getting more eyes on with platforms like RUclips and Twitch I'm sure something could get put together to stream these events, get some advertising for them etc. I know there's more to it but to me if there's money and interest -- there's a possibility with some hard work.
No rest rest for the weary, eh? You bust your butt like crazy to make the BPT only to realize that you didn't reach the top of the mountain, only the first hill. Still a long way to go.
I agree with your frustration. MLF just can't seem to settle on a fishing platform. However, their catch-weigh-release format is a step in the right direction in regard to fish health. The BFL's are no better after being taking over from FLW. In some anglers' opinions, including mine, pro's that've won hundreds of thousands of dollars fishing professionally shouldn't be allowed to compete in BFL events. Some 20+ years ago, BFL's were primarily established for the weekend anglers. It was intended to give them a chance to compete locally, and climb the ladder to qualify to compete in more professional events. That concept seems to have totally been swept under the rug. Matt, perhaps you'd be interested to share your opinions about fishing the NPFL?
Thank you for sharing so much info. Some of this was not in their press release. I’ve been following you for a while and certainly wish you luck in 24.
Man I’m sorry to hear that. Personally I probably would start looking for somewhere else to go and find out what my sponsors would be willing to do. I don’t think I’d ever be comfortable after so many rule changes over the years, even if I qualified. But you’re good enough to pull of a top 20 so who knows
It's the same as a company laying off employees. It does not indicate a sustainable business model. They should have stuck with the original MLF format and started a separate pro level tour.
Sinking ship unfortunately. I don’t see them making it in the long run. This is a last ditch effort to keep a float. Question is when to get off that ship. All anglers should come together and say we are not fishing like this. All need to stick together.
You will be the ONLY reason I watch/follow the BPT. I quit watching BPT after watching anglers pull up on a school of dinks and win the tournament by 625 lbs. 😂
My guess is that between a very shaky economy and very bad publicity this past season some advertisement / sponsorship dollars were lost. They're tightening up the budget to avoid a total collapse. It does suck for the new guys but if you can get in to the top 50 there may be better long term stability. I will also say that the over promising by Duckett, Reese etc. must have most BPT anglers very concerned.
You've been dealt a tough hand. So you have to fish your ass off next year. Like we say here in TX, put on yer workin' clothes and pull yer hat on tight, and get to it! BTW, you've become one of my favorite YT influencers. Thanks for excellent presentations on a real life level.
I have that MLF won't be around much longer. Everytime you turn around they are scrambling. I think if anyone can make it happen it is you and you can bet we are pulling for you.
When BPT split off I thought it was going to be so amazing. Couldn’t wait for the first tournament to start and as the years have gone by it’s gotten to be where I really don’t care about BPT at all. I’d rather watch BTL Zoe Jonny or Matt’s videos or just tune into the old school BM. I wish wheeler and all the greats would go back to BM. It’s just gimmicky even 5 years in. Clearly about to fall apart after even more changes. Good luck Matt. I’ll pull for you in any league
I was put off since all the elites ditched BASS and even more since they killed FLW. I hope you can qualify. I'll be rooting for you over all the ex-elites.
The rules in MLF and BPT keep changing to ensure the Boyd Duckett gets to keep making money. With changes this drastic of cutting the field from 80 down to 50 screams very loud that the BPT is in trouble and changes have to made to keep it afloat. Matt, as a rookie I certainly dont envy you at all. I really dont see an upside for any real good anglers to stick with the BPT or MLF for that matter.
My opinion only. We are in the twilight of pro bass fishing. Too many people fighting for too small of a pie. The fan base is limited and always has been. The tournament organizations are struggling to do the impossible. Many journeyman fisherman need to bite the bullet and get a job and fish regional and state events and get on with life. I wish you all the best Matt. I'm pulling for you to make the grade and stay in that very small number of guys that will survive in this very tough industry.
I think this screams financial problems, this is gonna hurt a lot of anglers future, the whole point of the bpt was to make fishing better and payouts better, which at first i believe it was changing for better, bass stepped up and did better, but i just don't get this move from mlf, and you are def along with others gonna get screwed out of the anglers numbers drop, very sad day for fishing leagues
Crazy thing about the viewership, so it was down with the 5 fish now they switched back and not televising day 1. Now you are gonna have more boycott because it’s not live on day one.
I enjoyed the every fish as spectator. I know on my local fisheries I couldn’t go catch 50-100 fish per day, let alone foreign lakes or lakes with little to no knowledge. I hate it for you guys, I love tournament fishing and enjoy watching you guys on the big stage. I don’t know that I would completely blame MLF, look at the economy for starters, all the sponsors are getting hit just like us. It’s a shit time for everyone, I’m surprised all sports aren’t cutting back.
Going from 80 to 50 anglers I came up with a 30% reduction in field strength, using Bubonic Geography. That's like just over half of the anglers! Sorry if I come across as a know-it-all, but this seems harsh!
There are a lot of comments already so pardon me if this has already been asked. Why stay with this league? Would it make better sense to move to the other big league at this point? They still insert new anglers, that qualify, every year. Do well and you could be on the Elite circuit in as little as a year.
I'm an old guy 😂 I stopped watching MLF several years ago . I miss you all over at BASS and wish everyone would go back ! MLF is boring . Tight lines Matt .
Pulling for you! I respect your openness and integrity.
Thanks
When Palanuik, who did well in AOY in BPT, opted to pay $30k to breach his contract with BPT, that speaks volume.
Yep
Good luck brother I hope it all works out!!
Fingers crossed!
I like what you said, fish as hard as you can… and keep on your RUclips and Core paths with family in mind. Tight lines Matt, and have a great holiday season!
I appreciate that!
Good luck. Hope you do good
I hope so too
god luck Matt Pullin for ya!
thanks!
I agree that you’re (very unfairly) disadvantaged by being a rookie this year. On a positive note, your social media presence is strong and getting stronger every day. It was just last year that you openly wondered whether to fish tournaments at all, or whether to grow the YT channel. You’ve succeeded extremely well on both fronts this year.
Thanks
Wow! ... they are making it very hard to proceed with a plan! You have my condolences! It's hard to believe that these changes are etched in stone, until I hear and see the reactions from the current players in the BPT. If it were me ... I would want to identify and keep track the best I could, who the top 35 are.... if for nothing more than keeping them honest! .. and coming up with the best strategic plan for each tournament. Fwiw .... I compiled the data to do so, because of some fear of it getting "lost" . If you are interested in that... give me a shout !
Wow. Eye opening. …. Relatively new to bass fishing. I picked up a baitcaster 3 yrs ago …. That being said I think it’s the result of RUclips, Instagram, whatever social media why tournament fishing may be struggling. It’s hard for me being a shift worker to catch any type of live coverage and it’s coverage that at times isn’t all that great. I really look forward to certain anglers recaps and their non-tournament footage videos on RUclips. Which I think there are more RUclips anglers I follow than pros, simply because I’m a bank angler so being able to see people fish from the bank are the vids I’m going to gravitate towards. ….. anyway, you’re one of my favorite pros because you use this platform to show more than just tournament fishing. Keep it up and just stay steady, you’ll be alright.
Thanks for sharing
Best of luck with whatever happens
Thanks
I wish the very best for you Matt! It sucks big time for everyone on the BPT. They will loose fans big time before the season starts. They will not make it to 2025 doing this. Bass fans are the most loyal fans ever! I don't see BPT making it much longer.
Good luck my friend and best of luck!!
Thanks for the support
Just shows how hard it is to make it in the sport. Good luck Matt.
Yep
Time to make a move to the BASS opens and qualify for the elites.
Maybe
I wonder if viewership has dropped because it truly is boring to watch anglers stare at their live scope instead of fishing.
Maybe
Good Luck!!!
Thanks!!
well no matter what happens i'm wishing you the best
thanks!
FFS hurts viewing numbers. If they want people to watch get rid of that BS.
Hard to argue with that
Looks like Boyd’s dream league is turning into a nightmare
Who knows
The fans are to blame. The fans never bought into it. BASS isn’t innocent. A lot was going on behind the scenes. That’s why the BPT was started in the first place.
Sounds like time to fish the opens and go to bass
Thanks for sharing
I think that circut has one foot on a banana peel n one foot in the grave. Alot of desperation moves screwing the dedicated members that joined because they belived what turned out to be lies. Best of sucess Matt. Great channel.
Thanks
Good luck Matt
Thabks
I see a day in the not so distant future where B.A.S.S. is the only tournament that is still in like the 70's and 80's before FLW got started.
Maybe
Man! I love how you call it how it is. What you said is straight facts. The first thought I had when the cut the field and payouts is that the are struggling with money and sponsorships and i worry they will fold in the next few years. As a fan, I hate seeing 100 - 1lb bass caught over best 5, and they definitely have made the lifetime rule to pander to the OG anglers of the BPT. Great Video Matt. I love the real talk!
Thanks!
Hover Rig and your love for smaller tubes and micro baits will definitely play a big role with that format. Good Luck next year!
Thanks
Good luck to you Matt. I wish you the best.
Thanks!
Sorry to hear that they complicated your life. Overall it’s best if tournaments are only a small part of your overall business. I’m sure you will have continued success. As far as MLFs future, maybe?
we will see
Dude, you have one of the best RUclips channels. Keep up the great work and keep being you!!!
Thanks! Will do!
What’s the best way to watch your tournaments this coming year? Excited to see how you do!
Major league fishing website
Good luck Matt, Just go out and kick bass you will be fine..
Yes sir!
Now we know why kvd retired
Pretty sure that KVD would be in Top 35 of AOY average.
@@jimhaney3740he means the drama and clown like behavior by Duckett and his posse. Not from an AOY stand point.
100%. Deep down I believe he regrets making the move. Just my opinion but it didn’t put that hard stamp on his legacy. Like Jordan at the end. No doubt the greatest but didn’t know when to hang it up. Also don’t think he needed to. Think he had it at BASS and could have done what he does better than he did at the BPT. This just sucks all across. All of guys are getting screwed and this is the beginning of the end IMO.
Wow. Light bulb went off for me. Zaldain said they were dirty and wanted to shut bass master down, they have no problem burning anyone. I fished the college series now I’m ashamed
The opens are tough now wait a couple years!
BASS > MLF
Regardless of that fact, Best of luck to you next season on the BPT, hope it works out in your favor!
Thanks
Matt, you have one of the best you tube channel’s out there. I have been fishing for 50 years and guided for 35 years and still am learning fishing techniques for all species . Thank you for teaching all of us new techniques and bringing us new lures to use. Your “core tackle” is outstanding. I wish you all the success in the world on your life’s journey fishing tournaments, creating lures, your RUclips channel, raising your sons and living the life you love. I look forward to following your adventures .
Thank you for the support!
There's a reason "career expenses" isn't entered against angler's "career earnings" in their stats, kids. Keep that in mind.
its an expensive game to play
Control what you can mental and physical preparation and focus on the day at hand you are a winner!
Love this!
Sinking ship bud. Time to bounce!
Could be
Great , honest appraisal of the changes. I’m pulling for you!
I appreciate that!
Wow, it's not easy being a pro angler on MLF. I like total weight over top 5. And the team tournaments. But not the management & the lack of consistency when dealing with the rules. Good luck in 2024.
Thanks
That sucks. I feel for ya and hope you knock it out of the park next year.
Thanks
Mike Swofford sound like it really handicaps first year members, Good Luck Matt
Yep
Just another way for them to cater to specific people, keep them there and make it hard, near impossible for anyone to actually get there! NPFL and Bass Opens looking a lot better!!!
Thanks for watching
Crazy ! Good luck on next season !
Thanks
Dude, you just got screwed! I don’t know how you can stay with mlf. Really bad
Not like i have a ton of choices
Respect for you for trying to keep going Matt. It’s a hard row to hoe. I don’t wish to see MLF go bankrupt because a lot of anglers call that home. But I don’t like seeing people supporting Boyd’s Paid Tour and anglers taking the short stick.
Thanks for watching
I like the total weight format (all fish count) for watching as a fan. It makes it more interesting in my opinion plus it sets them apart from BASS so its something different than just another tournament trail to watch/follow.
Thanks for watching
I love the every fish over 2 pounds counts, but 40 of the guys not getting paid is bs
Agreed
Love the decision to change back and lower the fisherman numbers. Everyone gets caught up in fishermen losing their opportunity. But, these guys fish for a living. I don't feel sorry for them and I envy their life choices. But I love every fish counts. My kids loved watching it and stopped caring last year when only five counted.
thanks for sharing
Don't let it get you to worked up, not worth stressing yourself out to much over it! You will kick ass next season & regardless your fishing career will grow & move forward!
Thabks
Thanks for your honesty and I look forward to seeing you make it Matt
You and me both!
Yeah, I watched Upshaw earlier today. I've worked for companies that have done much the same. It was only after the fact that we found out that a bad investment or loss of a major contract. Put it on the little guy to bail them out. We know your a stick and will do well, but it still isn't fair. PS, you might want to hold off on that new boat. A little insurance.
Thanks
Your a awesome fisherman and seem like a good guy you should go to NPLF or i know it sucks to try the opens but MLF is in trouble karma for say they wrre gonna bankrupt bass
Thanks!
Should do another Live with Todd Castledine about this - favorite two anglers and channels.
Tomorrow
How nows if they will. Be in business in couple years
Who knows
The changes just show the direction the economy is headed in. As a trade worker I see what’s happening and the trend it’s heading to and they’re just preparing for what’s coming
I hope not
Good luck Matt.. Remember there are many who would love a shot. Get it done!
Yep
I would get out of that rat race and fish another circuit , i don’t see this bunch lasting much longer,hard to be successful in an organization that will be belly up in a couple years😢
Thanks for sharing
I suspect their may be many guys fishing two circuits next year so they have a backup plan if BPT doesn't work out. I wonder how many seriously consider the BASS opens or NPFL?
you cant to much overlap
This year I’ve been following two people hoping they would move to the next level, you and Miliken. I was so happy when I saw you made it. Now MLF pulls more stupid crap. I’m sick of it. I know you’ve got to be way more upset then you’re showing and you still put out a video. You’re a class act. You’re channel is great to watch. You will get past this. The morons at MLF will not. People are sick of their BS.
I’ll make the best of it. Thanks for the support!
Bummer! Sorry to hear this news. Hang in there.
Thabks
Pro fishing should be like pro golf. The guys that make the tour compete and get paid. The fishing industry accounts for 1% of GDP. The sponsor money is available. Unfortunately, it's not distributed properly. Johnny Morris can afford it.
thanks for sharing
Keep on doing what you know and love to do Matt! Thanks for the honesty.
Thanks, will do!
BPT is like a yoyo and the fishermen are getting used up and now paying for it. All these great promises thrown out the window and so many of these great pros who have invested their life in this sport will be kicked to the curb. Very poor management from what I have seen since they started. You had a great season and glad you accomplished your goal that you set for yourself. I wish you only they best.
Thanks for the support!
I wouldn’t worry about the changes for 2025… I really hope you fish the Opens next year, you have the talent and the marketability to not have to deal with this bullshit.
Thanks
Knowing your mental gymnastics before this season started, I feel for you man. Hope it works out for you. Side note: My crystal ball tells me things are not good at MLF. Oh, and that missing $1M is going to a new sauna on Boyd's pool deck at G-ville.
Haha
Good luck Matt, you are a smart dude.
I appreciate that!
Time to go to BASS
I’m all in BPT in 2024
Im not into the tournament scene and i have little knowledge of what is required to run these tournaments. To me this is excellent opportunity for a group of wealthy anglers and youtube anglers with cash to start a new scene -- yes it be a lot of work but if 30-35 anglers get cut then start another league. They do in other sports and it draws it own crowd, investors and interest. Just a thought 🤔
oh ive been thinking about this and discussing with a few other anglers.
@@MattStefanFishing it would have my full support and I'm sure a lot of others. And as far as gaining more support and getting more eyes on with platforms like RUclips and Twitch I'm sure something could get put together to stream these events, get some advertising for them etc. I know there's more to it but to me if there's money and interest -- there's a possibility with some hard work.
No rest rest for the weary, eh? You bust your butt like crazy to make the BPT only to realize that you didn't reach the top of the mountain, only the first hill. Still a long way to go.
Yep
I agree with your frustration. MLF just can't seem to settle on a fishing platform. However, their catch-weigh-release format is a step in the right direction in regard to fish health.
The BFL's are no better after being taking over from FLW. In some anglers' opinions, including mine, pro's that've won hundreds of thousands of dollars fishing professionally shouldn't be allowed to compete in BFL events. Some 20+ years ago, BFL's were primarily established for the weekend anglers. It was intended to give them a chance to compete locally, and climb the ladder to qualify to compete in more professional events. That concept seems to have totally been swept under the rug.
Matt, perhaps you'd be interested to share your opinions about fishing the NPFL?
Thanks for watching
You think the opens are tough now wait till next year!
Yep
Thank you for sharing so much info. Some of this was not in their press release. I’ve been following you for a while and certainly wish you luck in 24.
Thanks for watching!
BPT more like club fishing on TV.
Good luck Matt
Thanks
How did James Watson qualify to get in the BPT? I like him and follow him but wondered about him and a few others how they first got in
i think he was an original angler with BPT
Man I’m sorry to hear that. Personally I probably would start looking for somewhere else to go and find out what my sponsors would be willing to do. I don’t think I’d ever be comfortable after so many rule changes over the years, even if I qualified. But you’re good enough to pull of a top 20 so who knows
It’s concerning
NPFL is looking good for some
It's the same as a company laying off employees. It does not indicate a sustainable business model. They should have stuck with the original MLF format and started a separate pro level tour.
Maybe
Are you getting any fines from BPT because of this video? Wishing you the best this year man good luck!
No I have not
Mlf bass pro tour is a sinking ship. Fish the opens make it to the elite series win a classic. You definitely have the skill set.
Thanks
Sinking ship unfortunately. I don’t see them making it in the long run. This is a last ditch effort to keep a float. Question is when to get off that ship. All anglers should come together and say we are not fishing like this. All need to stick together.
Agreed
I hope the best for you Matt. You are definitely skilled enough to be in the top 10. Love following your journey. Good luck.
Go to bass opens and be done with MLF!
Thanks for sharing
Will you fish the invitational as a back up?
Not likely
Professional bass fishing is shrinking not growing. At least at the top level.
Yep
You will be the ONLY reason I watch/follow the BPT. I quit watching BPT after watching anglers pull up on a school of dinks and win the tournament by 625 lbs. 😂
Thanks for the support!
@@MattStefanFishing you’re very welcome!
My guess is that between a very shaky economy and very bad publicity this past season some advertisement / sponsorship dollars were lost. They're tightening up the budget to avoid a total collapse. It does suck for the new guys but if you can get in to the top 50 there may be better long term stability. I will also say that the over promising by Duckett, Reese etc. must have most BPT anglers very concerned.
Yep
You've been dealt a tough hand. So you have to fish your ass off next year. Like we say here in TX, put on yer workin' clothes and pull yer hat on tight, and get to it! BTW, you've become one of my favorite YT influencers. Thanks for excellent presentations on a real life level.
Much appreciated!
I have that MLF won't be around much longer. Everytime you turn around they are scrambling. I think if anyone can make it happen it is you and you can bet we are pulling for you.
Thanks for watching
Youre better than them! Go fish the Opens and become an Elite angler. Don't let MLF jerk you around.
Thabks
Good luck Matt!!
Thanks
Best question yet “Where is that money going?”
Don’t know
When BPT split off I thought it was going to be so amazing. Couldn’t wait for the first tournament to start and as the years have gone by it’s gotten to be where I really don’t care about BPT at all. I’d rather watch BTL Zoe Jonny or Matt’s videos or just tune into the old school BM. I wish wheeler and all the greats would go back to BM. It’s just gimmicky even 5 years in. Clearly about to fall apart after even more changes. Good luck Matt. I’ll pull for you in any league
Thanks for the support
When you have to deal with issues out of your control and are given LEMONS just make LEMONADE!👍
Thanks for watching
I was put off since all the elites ditched BASS and even more since they killed FLW. I hope you can qualify. I'll be rooting for you over all the ex-elites.
Thanks
The rules in MLF and BPT keep changing to ensure the Boyd Duckett gets to keep making money. With changes this drastic of cutting the field from 80 down to 50 screams very loud that the BPT is in trouble and changes have to made to keep it afloat. Matt, as a rookie I certainly dont envy you at all. I really dont see an upside for any real good anglers to stick with the BPT or MLF for that matter.
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5 fish format worked for years. In general Professional Bass Fishing has become full of drama.
Unfortunately
My opinion only. We are in the twilight of pro bass fishing. Too many people fighting for too small of a pie. The fan base is limited and always has been. The tournament organizations are struggling to do the impossible. Many journeyman fisherman need to bite the bullet and get a job and fish regional and state events and get on with life. I wish you all the best Matt. I'm pulling for you to make the grade and stay in that very small number of guys that will survive in this very tough industry.
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I think this screams financial problems, this is gonna hurt a lot of anglers future, the whole point of the bpt was to make fishing better and payouts better, which at first i believe it was changing for better, bass stepped up and did better, but i just don't get this move from mlf, and you are def along with others gonna get screwed out of the anglers numbers drop, very sad day for fishing leagues
Thanks for sharing
Matt you have to be in the the top 10 next two years not just next year
I don’t believe that’s accurate
Crazy thing about the viewership, so it was down with the 5 fish now they switched back and not televising day 1. Now you are gonna have more boycott because it’s not live on day one.
Haha maybe
I enjoyed the every fish as spectator. I know on my local fisheries I couldn’t go catch 50-100 fish per day, let alone foreign lakes or lakes with little to no knowledge.
I hate it for you guys, I love tournament fishing and enjoy watching you guys on the big stage.
I don’t know that I would completely blame MLF, look at the economy for starters, all the sponsors are getting hit just like us. It’s a shit time for everyone, I’m surprised all sports aren’t cutting back.
Thanks for sharing
Going from 80 to 50 anglers I came up with a 30% reduction in field strength, using Bubonic Geography. That's like just over half of the anglers! Sorry if I come across as a know-it-all, but this seems harsh!
Yep
You work hard and it shows. I pray that blessings are coming your way brother!!!
Thank you so much
There are a lot of comments already so pardon me if this has already been asked. Why stay with this league? Would it make better sense to move to the other big league at this point? They still insert new anglers, that qualify, every year. Do well and you could be on the Elite circuit in as little as a year.
If you leave you may never requalify for the top level
I'm an old guy 😂 I stopped watching MLF several years ago . I miss you all over at BASS and wish everyone would go back ! MLF is boring . Tight lines Matt .
Thanks for sharing