NBAA’S POINT SYSTEM

National Bass Anglers Association unveiled their new points system back in 2005. Since its inception NBAA has not made any changes to this unique way of tracking points.  The anglers have spoken and enjoy this system of tracking their standings across the board. This new points system has streamlined tracking and allowed anglers to compete for virtual points races across the 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 point’s only system.  We couldn’t have weight factored in when we have divisions from the U.P. of Michigan to Kentucky – we don’t catch a lot of 8lb bass in Marquette !”

The point system is 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 the 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:

                        1^st place            30 points

                        2^nd place            29 points

                        3^rd place            28 points

                        4^th place            27 points

                        5^th place            26 points

                        6^th place            25 points

                        7^th place            24 points

                        8^th place            23 points

                        9^th place            22 points

                        10^th place          21 points

                        11^th place          20 points

                        12^th 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 Nitro, Tracker, Mercury, Minn Kota, Anglers Advantage Insurance Program, Eagle Claw, Poor Boys baits, Auto Value and more.  Check the website at www.nbaa-bass.com for more details.