Getting on the bus

Please remember that I am "computer dysfunctional" and when I wrote that first blog I expected 100 readers and about 10 or 12 responses. Well, all I can say is this: I asked you to "get on the bus with me" and now I realize I have to go back and get a much bigger bus.

Folks,

Don't think for one minute that I haven't read every single comment you people have made responding to my articles these past 10 days.

Also, don't think I'm not paying attention to the many good ideas. At the right time, I want to list the best 10 and see what everyone thinks about the list. Of course, you have to realize that I'll then use them and say they were mine. (Just kidding!) Credit shall be passed out.

Please remember that I am "computer dysfunctional" and when I wrote that first blog I expected 100 readers and about 10 or 12 responses. Well, all I can say is this: I asked you to "get on the bus with me" and now I realize I have to go back and get a much bigger bus.

I've answered many of your remarks already and intend to get more answered over time, but today I'm trying to make a general statement that might cover everyone and buy myself some time.

I also want to say that I'm extremely moved by your love for bass fishing and your desire to get it on, and keep it on, the right track.

Now, here's the deal. My partners and I need some time and patience to build a good business model. In the meantime, I want you folks to hang on to and even stoke up that passion. Wake up your fishing buddy, your bass club, your Federation Nation and let's really get behind bass fishing.

I hope you do it along with B.A.S.S. but even if it's through our competition (the FLW), let's support the sport and remember what we can do as a group.

I had so many remarks from BFN groups, especially from Illinois. Thanks for your kind words, Jim Nelson. I want your suggestions and please stay in touch.

Wayne and many others have been B.A.S.S. members for 25-35 years. Brian Tutko just wants to belong to something he believes in … I hear you.

Patrick Bars remembers me doing the Fall City Fishing Show. Wasn't that the year Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs?

Den Haring is catching some smallmouth with String Ray Grubs. That sounds familiar. Bassin' Bill Smith, did you know I live about 10 minutes from Cotter, Ark.?

Steve Brown — When we get some time I want to talk on the subject of B.A.S.S. decals on vehicles or the lack thereof.

Rick LaPoint, let's fish Table Rock soon. How about it?

And then there's Scott, who had to put his dog down and now has no dog to sing to. Scott, I had a special dog through the '80s and '90s. His name was Norman and he was the favorite of many TV viewers.

When his time ran out, I swore I would never put myself through that heartbreak again. No more dogs for Jerry.

That lasted for about 2 weeks, and I had to try it again. My love for Norman has never gone away, but my heartbreak ended when I picked up 8-week-old Archie from a lady who raised miniature wiener dogs.

My advice to you, Scott, is to go get a new dog as fast as you can.

Here's one from San Antonio — needs my help on the conservation side. Please tell me more.

And finally, maybe the best suggestion yet …. Rickey McCarty says, "Bobby Knight for tournament director." Wow, what a great idea! The Coach and Trip Weldon could shape things up, don't you agree?

You know there's a book that's been out for several years now called Good to Great. It talks about the fact that in anything we do it's pretty easy to get from poor to mediocre. Also, from mediocre to good is really no big problem. From "Good to Great," now there's where you separate the men from the boys.

To do it, you must have the right people on the bus and in the correct seat on the bus. Now I don't know what level you think B.A.S.S. is on but we definitely want to get it to GREAT.

With that said, Danny Howell, John A. Gain, Fishbite Fishwell and all the rest of you, climb aboard. I guess you've noticed I now have a much bigger bus.

-Jerry