Opinion:
Co-Anglers
It was interesting for me to listen to the debate that went on for some of the 2007 Elite season and all of the 2008 one.  What seemed clear to me was that there was no widespread consensus, even among pros.  I was really impressed with BASS in this area, which allowed us all to vote on whether or not we’d like to keep the current co-angler system.  Clearly they generated more income from having co-anglers than not, but they put that aside and listened to what we, the pros, wanted.

Looking at the new system, I’m both excited and sad.  In just the two full season’s that I’ve competed on the Elite Series, I’ve met many co-anglers that I keep in touch with on a regular basis.  Most are great guys, and great fishermen, and I personally was sad to see them go.  However, I completely understand the desire to elevate the sport to a true pro-versus-pro system, and look forward to meeting the Marshalls this year.