The sport of professional bass fishing is experiencing some growing pains. Surprise. Surprise. It appears that money is at the center of the problems.

Professional fishing has become a big money sport. Citgo, Triton and Mercury Marine are pouring big bucks into the sport to be title sponsors of events like the Bassmaster Classic.

Anglers supplement their income through corporate sponsorships. Out of necessity, anglers are walking billboards for their sponsors.

And, anglers have taken notice.

They've seen the dollars flowing into the sport, but feel a fair percentage isn't flowing out.

Therein, lies the problem.

Anglers have seen Bassmaster expand the field to 200 boats for tournaments this year. In the meantime, most anglers will pay a $3,000 entry fee. However, the angler in 25th place receives just a $3,500 payout.

Given living expenses and the cost of gasoline, it's obvious not a lot of anglers are going to make a living on the tournament trail.

Enter the FLW tour.

Named after legendary Ranger boat maker, Forrest L. Wood, a former sponsor of the Bassmaster tour, the FLW tour is throwing serious bait to the anglers: Cash.

George Cochran recently won the FLW championship. Cochran took home a half-million in cash, considerably more than Kevin VanDam earned for winning the Bassmaster Classic this year. Bassmaster is feeling the pinch - they've upped the Classic purse next year.

In addition, the FLW tour has expanded its schedule. There are now some serious conflicts with the Bassmaster circuit. Anglers have a decision to make.

But, it's more complicated than that.

The anglers have formed the Pro Anglers Association. The association, a player's union of sorts, has been recognized by Bassmaster - with a caveat. If the PAA starts a tournament series, which is rumored to be the case, things could get heated.

The next two years could be more interesting than trying to figure out whether to throw a plastic worm on a crank bait on a warm spring day.

Finally, there is more than cash flow involved in these growing pains.

Many anglers, and fans, are concerned about the way the sport is being marketed these days.

Mike Iaconelli and Gerald Swindle are two of the top young anglers on tour these days. In some ways, it appears as if Bassmaster and ESPN, the parent company, have taken a page from professional wrestling.

When Iaconelli appears on television screens, he's likely to be break dancing on the bow of his boat, or screaming at a fish he just caught. During a commercial break at the Classic, Swindle recited a poem aloud, bashing boat and motor companies that compete with Triton and Mercury.

Perhaps I'm growing stodgy in my old age. I don't like it. I don't need it.

I'm not the only one.

I spoke at length to Chicago-area radio host Mike Jackson during the past week. He mentioned, and I concur, that Bassmaster and ESPN devote a fair amount of its coverage to the antics of Iaconelli and the new breed of anglers.

In the video-game era, I suppose that passes for entertainment.

To be fair, there are still some outstanding programs. Schooled by Denny Brauer is an excellent program, both entertaining and educational.

So, the sport faces still one more decision - is it fishing, or professional wrestling.

Stay tuned!