The announcement will be made today, here in Charlotte, on the 2004 Tournament. It was in the paper today.
Mac, to answer your question . . . Why does it take so long?
Look at the expanse and the quality of the two championships. To get all the work done, the contracts signed, the sponsoships (local) worked out, takes a while to do. Besides that, hasn't BASS traditionally been in this basic timeframe? Also, FLW had already announced earlier in the year that next year they would be in September again, and now they have changed.
I'll echo what has been said on other boards. Jacobs has no deep rooted interest in helping the professional (and amateur) anglers out on this. He's going to do, what he wants to do, everyone else - tough. All that bravado and chest beating on what he can do for the Federation, helping out the anglers, is just bull. It's a very simple formula for FLW, if you ain't part of their paying sponsors, or part of Jacob's organization, you are left on the sidelines.
The loss of key anglers, Yelas, Hite, Brauer and the like, from the FLW tour, will have a negative impact. However, Jacobs has deep pockets, so he will weather the storm for awhile. Let's all remember, there were only TWO ANGLERS this year that qualifed for both the FLW Championship and the Bassmaster Classic.
Any bet's on where Clunn will fall on this? Let's see, sponsored by Nitro, and fished more Classics than anyone (I believe). And at this year's Jacobs cup, when he broke down, there was no help available to him from FLW. Don't think it will take a genius to figure that one out.
Mac - when you come to Charlotte, you'll be plenty tied up. However, I will certainly plan some type of get together at the house for those here that will be in the neighborhood. Cold brew (including having Trep bring some home brew), good TEXAS Bar-b-Que will be on the agenda. Taking early reservations for the Inn on Hilldale.
Tex