Speed kills on the highways and it kills on the water. With big money on the line, some anglers will indeed be willing to take the chance. But that's not the point of this letter of concern. The very image of the bass fisherman is at stake. Tournament bass fishermen have had to live down the stereotype of a rooster tail-sprouting speed racer.
Tournament rules require the wearing of life jackets when the big outboard is in operation.
Make no mistake, B.A.S.S. created the foundation of bass tournament competition worldwide. In the past, B.A.S.S. has led by example. Now, the biggest, most respected names in pro bass fishing are being asked to set a bad example for our sport. There are clear-thinking heads among the pros questioning the wisdom of racing bass boats. As presented to the media in advance news releases, the racing concept is to show the maneuverability and handling prowess of bass rigs and tournament drivers.