2009 Bassmaster Classic: Bernie Schultz Weighs In

A few posts ago I wrote about the controversy surrounding WBT Angler of the Year, Kim Bain-Moore, and her appearance in the 2009 Bassmaster Classic. One of the Elite series anglers who I quoted was Bernie Schultz.

This morning I received an e-mail from Bernie explaining the "wag the dog" tactic that BASS and ESPN implimented on this deal. He also asked me to post the e-mail on my blog, so here it is:

Sean-

Just read your column regarding my comments on Kim Bain-Moore fishing the Classic, and I have to say you, like many others, missed the point. But don't feel bad, after ESPN edited my quote, I can see why you might have interpreted my statement as a personal attack on Kim.

The fact is, my comments began with a very complimentary assessment of Kim's ability as an angler, and as an ambassador for our sport. Sadly, in an effort to drive ratings, ESPN decided to edit the quote, televising only the critical aspects of my statement. If you watch the interview closely, you'll see that they run b-roll footage over my statement at the start, then switch to me speaking on camera. They did that in order to conceal what would have otherwise been a very obvious chopping of the clip.

So you can better grasp what I was trying to say, consider this: Kim competed in the WBT arena which averaged fewer than 75 participants, in a total of four events. Comparatively, all the Elite competitors who qualified did so through a grueling 11-event season. Further, WBT entries are in the hundreds...Elite Series entries are in the thousands ($5000 per event to be exact!). Federation Nation and Open qualifiers did fish fewer events, and at lower entries, but they competed against swarms of other anglers to reach the few coveted qualifying positions.

But what stands out the most is the fact that Kim qualified through a system that is exclusive to her gender. Neither the Opens, Federation, nor the Elites are exclusionary. Men and women are invited to participate. And so long as they qualify, would be welcome to advance to the Elite Series.

I know and like Kim. But it doesn't matter if it's Kim or Roseanne Barr who won AOY on the WBT... no one representing a tour that excludes either gender should be allowed to fish the Bassmasters Classic. And it might surprise you how many WBT anglers feel the same way. Lucy Mize has gone on record saying exactly that, and she's more than qualified to make the statement.

Realize this, Sean. This whole thing was contrived by ESPN and BASS purely as a promotional stunt. And it worked. The truth is, BASS could care less about a woman fishing, unless of course she can improve the bottom line and/or television ratings.

And regrading your comments on my career....whether or not I've won any BASS events in my 20+ years really has no bearing on the subject. As a qualifier to that Classic, I am entitled to my opinion. And if taking shots at my resume somehow helps you elevate your status, I feel sorry for you. I'm a survivor, Sean. I'll be here when your blog is long gone.

Print that!

Bernie Schultz

I have exchanged a few other e-mails with Bernie today and hopefully I will have Peter T, Kenyon Hill, and Mark Tucker weighing in on this subject in the not too distant future.