Michigan Bass League

Michigan Bass League

February 09, 2016 7:09 AM HighlightArticle
As many have heard, West Michigan Bass has joined forces with MBL over the last few weeks. As with any change, there is obviously some trepidation and resistance toward what is to come. From our standpoint, MBL was a shining example of a quality tournament trail - hence our eagerness to take over where Ken, Matt and crew are leaving off. Merging 2 established organizations is no trivial task however. At WMB, our people come first - that goes for owners, directors, sponsors and anglers. The simplest thing we can do is be fair and transparent because we feel that is what people can appreciate and respect. 
There are some questions and concerns over the schedule and framework we have proposed for 2015 we would like to address:
  1. After much consideration and having gathered feedback from anglers, we have decided to slighly modify the original schedule
    1. Our schedule represents mostly MBL lakes with Hardy as the compromise between the previous HOTD/MBL schedule
    2. The lakes chosen have sufficient facilities and acreage to host a 40+ boat tournament
    3. The schedule is the best we can find as to not conflict with other trails as well as accommodate availability of directors. In an effort to minimize conflicts with other circuits we've adjusted the last 3 events. 
  2. We will keep the HOTD entry fee, number of tournaments and payout structure
    1. Because we have multiple divisions of different formats (weekend vs weeknight) which go to the same classic, we feel it is important to have the same investment per division. Weeknights are 12 tournaments @ 40$, weekends 6 tournaments at 80$. Everyone attending the classic regardless of division has made the same investment and is equally entitled to a shot at the classic purse.
    2. We feel our payouts for this trail are the best in the area, simple math proves that and we encourage anyone to compare for themselves or contact us with questions.  
  3. Our intention is to host 40+ boat tournaments, fairly priced and built for the benefit of the angler
    1. We simply cannot work around every other tournament schedule, while we do our best it is impossible to make everyone happy. Our only option is to provide the absolute best product for the cost, and we feel we have done that - and continually strive to make it better.
To those that have fished WMB/HOTD in past seasons, we hope to see you again this year. There are some nice upgrades this season with new scales and sponsors. We've also received a lot of feedback from last season to improve our weigh-ins and results. 
To those of you coming from MBL, all that we ask is that you give us a shot. Both Cy and Myself have fished many Kellogsville, SPI and MBL events over the years. I think that you will find a similar atmosphere of fellowship, competition and familiar faces that you are accustomed to.  While HOTD started out small last season, with your help, we can have the one of the best  and most consistent trails in West Michigan without sacrificing our "People First" approach. 
I encourage anyone to contact us via email info@westmichiganbass.com if you have any questions or concerns - or contact Cy or Justin directly.