Seems some invites have gone out to former Elite anglers over there, will they offer FLW only guys like Thrift???

I believe they will pull more anglers from the Opens. They have already started doing this. There are plenty to fill up remaining spots.

I don't think so. I bet they reach out to guys who didn't make it on the Elite series at one point in time. Then start working their way down the opens list.

If they were smart they would start with guys that have high levels of marketability, (Carl Jocumsen comes to mind). It seems that MLF/BPT cherry picked what guys they invited, not necessarily following world rankings or other systems. No reason BASS can't do the same.

One last comment, they should start running some new angler profiles and spotlights on the new guys ASAP. Get people invested in their back story, struggles, etc...makes them more marketable and introduces them to the public.

Why would anyone of them want to go where they just had a mass exodus by the top level anglers?

I don't think they would go but...

Going to a lower level field that has higher payouts than ever, and higher payouts than what they have in FLW.

Opportunity. FLW struggles with getting anglers exposure, BASS did this better in my opinion. I bet more then a few come over to BASS. Also seems like a better deal for most other then the top FLW guys.

Bass won�t have any trouble filling the fields.

I think they'll invite former Elite Pros over at FLW and some who have previously turned down invitations to fish the Elites. Guys like Rheem and Niggemeyer in the first group plus a few more FLW hammers. Castledine comes to mind, too. Then go down to the Opens sticks if need be. I'm sure there will be more interest from really good anglers than there are spots on the 2019 Elite Series.

I agree with Chris 100% on this exact scenario. And I bet BASS offers them a deal to come.

See your point and agree to a degree but BASS does still have the best LIVE coverage and it seems those guys aren't going anywhere, they do still have the Classic too but its not gonna be the same. And BASS will offer the better payout compared to FLW, at least for 2019 that is...

Opportunity

My thoughts exactly on Castledine....they would do well extending him an invite.

I think it would be disloyal to the Opens anglers if they invited FLW guys who did not qualify for the Elites through BASS. The Opens anglers worked hard all year. It's not fair to change the rules on them at the end of the season.

And several more, Mark. Russell Cecil, for instance. Albert Collins, Hansleman is a given. And many more Texas hammers. Hell, BASS could easily fill their field with all Texas guys if they chose to.

I thought the same exact thing. All those guys could do very well over there and would bring a big following