 National Bass Anglers Association will unveil their new points plan for 2005 at its tournaments this spring. The new points system will streamline tracking and allow for anglers to compete for virtual points races across this country.
“We wanted to create a competition among anglers from all divisions to be able to crown a true National point’s champion” says Jim Sprague, executive director “the only way to accomplish this was to go to a points only system. We couldn’t have weight factored in when we have divisions from the U.P. of Michigan to Texas – we don’t catch a lot of 8 lb bass in Marquette!”
The new points system will be based on the number of boats per tournament, and all participating anglers will earn points at each event they fish.
Here’s how it will work:
- 10 points will be added to the number of boats participating for to total number of available points. For example, a 20-boat tournament would award 30 points to first place. Teams will be awarded points in descending order for each place. For those not catching a fish, the team will be awarded 10 points less than the lowest placing team. Here’s a typical scenario based on a 20 boat tournament with 12 boats catching a fish
1st place |
30 points |
2nd place |
29 points |
3rd place |
28 points |
4th place |
27 points |
5th place |
26 points |
6th place |
25 points |
7th place |
24 points |
8th place |
23 points |
9th place |
22 points |
10th place |
21 points |
11th place |
20 points |
12th place |
19 points |
- For the 8 boats not catching a fish, deduct 10 points and these boats are awarded 9 points each.
- This point system will keep points races closer and reward anglers for winning in larger field tournaments. With other systems, 50 points might be awarded for a win whether there were 10 boats or 60 boats. Taking out the weight factor reduces the chances of running away with a division based on an early spawn bite for instance.
“We’ve checked this new system against results from previous years and have found that the same top teams still won with either system,” says Sprague “but through a season, the point’s races tighten up and consistency becomes a bigger factor. Whether you’re talking bass fishing or Nascar, consistency over the long haul is what being points champion is all about.”
NBAA will offer contingency awards for “Angler of the Year” in several sponsored categories. Sponsors participating include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Minn Kota, Solar Bat, Poor Boys baits, Auto Value and more. Check the website at www.nbaa-bass.com for more details. |
