Bottom Line Bass

I had a conversation with someone recently in which they bemoaned the fact that ESPN did not run the Bassmaster Elite Series results on the Bottom Line (you know the sports ticker that runs at the bottom of the screen). The thing is - that is not a fact.

I am not the type of sports fan that rushes to ESPN after being out all day to catch the ball scores or any other sports news on the Bottom Line, although I am surrounded by people who do just that. So when I mentioned this person's observation in idle conversation, those self-same, co-worker-sports-fanatics were quick to tell me it was mistaken. Then Sunday morning, I paid attention to the Bottom Line and sure enough there it was....."Skeet Reese leads the Capitol Clash on the Potomac River...." It even gave the Angler of the Year standings.

I don't know when it typically runs, but I'm told it's a regular when a tournament is going on.

By the way, apparently you can get the Bottom Line delivered straight to your PC. If you're an over-the-top sports fan of the stick and ball OR hook and bullet variety - this seems like the ticket.

Alton Jones

Just read a blurb on ESPN Outdoors where they ask the anglers 3 questions about the Potomac tourny. One of the questions is "What does today mean for your season?" Here's Alton Jones answer.

Today is the same as every other day of the year. If you don't make the Classic, you can't blame the last day any more than the first. There are days you wish you had capitalized on, but it's not fruitful to think too much about that. I won't think about it until I come to weigh-in.

I love his way of thinking about this. When an angler is trying to qualify for a year end championship, whether it's at the club level or higher, it's easy to put pressure on yourself towards the end of the season to qualify. But Alton's right - the fish he caught or didn't catch in May is just as important as the one he catches or doesn't catch today. They have to fish with intensity all through the season.

I just can't imagine how these guys go out in March and fish with an intensity they can sustain until September.