The publicity surrounding these events (no doubt that there will be TV coverage at some point) will serve to help not only WalMart sales but those of local shops as well. I personally know a few individuals that owned shops during the BASS tournament boom that would have earned a lesser living in other endevours at the time. They did it by participating in the events and seizing the opportunity and offering more expertise for the tournament angler than that available at WalMart. That expertise then flows down to the weekend angler in terms of better tackle choices. I would love to see local teams sponsored by SWE and other local business. A "tournament tactics and techniques" seminar at next years SWE show!
The semi-controlled entry to owners of certain boats was started years ago on FLW and it irks me abit. The early FLW model was to allow a separate bonus prize to owners of cerain model boats that was not taken from the general pool. These events are difficult to initiate because there is a desire for limited entries in order to exercise control on tournament size. I think they will establish smaller trails over time that will serve as qualifying minor leagues so to speak.
BTW I don't think I have ever purchased tackle at WalMart. But, if these things are going to happen, and they will, the FLW organization is very qualified to do it right.
Last edited by Basser; 02-20-2006 at 08:52 AM..
|