For Murray, Elite Series a Must

When it was time to make a final decision on what circuits he would compete in next year, it came down to one simple thought for John Murray.

The veteran Arizona pro could not stand the idea of the new CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series being held without him.

“I’m 41. It’s not like I’m going to save up for the next few years and do it,” Murray said. “I’m going to do it now. And I could always scale back in the next few years, but I might as well do it right now. I have nothing to wait for.”

Murray wanted to be part of the Elite Series so badly that he is financing the $55,000-entry-fee investment. In fact, his wrapped boat will feature the logos of his three existing sponsors.

“Right now, my wrap is going to be Mercury, Ranger and Yamamoto,” he explained. “It’s all me. I’m going into (the Elite Series) to see what happens, to see if what was said is going to happen … the increased exposure and such. I feel I’m going to be right in line for a big sponsor as far as exposure because I’m driving farther than anybody. I’m coming from Arizona, so I’m going to be driving constantly for about a year.”

Murray could rightfully be considered one of the sport’s marathon men since he will also be competing on another tour at the same time.

“From March through July or August, my schedule’s going to be pretty packed,” he said. “I know I’ve probably bit off more than I can chew, but I want to see how they both go. You just don’t know. I guess I’m kind of greedy. I want to see how they both work out.”

Murray said he fished two tours last year, but got burned out. Despite the fatigue, he’s trying again. He said he’s especially excited about the Elite Series kickoff, the Battle on the Border on Lake Amistad in Texas, as well as Champion’s Choice on New York’s Lake Champlain in July, the Santee-Cooper Showdown on South Carolina’s Santee-Cooper in March and the Southern Challenge on Alabama’s Lake Guntersville in April.

“The fishing is going to be good,” he said. “And you have a one-in-two chance of winning at least $10,000 in each tournament. If you’re a competitive bass fisherman, I don’t know how you don’t go for those odds.”

CITGO Bassmaster Elite Series events pay down 50 places, including $10,000 for 50th place.

 

From BASS