THIS Deal May Put An End To Bass Fishing YouTube Channels… 

Just my 2 cents, Randy. I'm a lifetime fisherman and 66 years old. Your content is very good. YT might be over saturated with info, but for me, personally, I can only take in so many new techniques. It takes time to gain trust in something unfamiliar. Sometimes a long time. I'll fall back to old patterns fairly quickly. So, I pick a subject that applies and work with it, then another. Plus, I'm retired and the products you endorse are pretty pricey. Anyway, I probably only watch 1 in 4. You've been honest with me, so that's my input. Tight lines, Randy.

Randy I can’t speak for everyone but the whole tournament scene and packed boat ramps have soured me from bass fishing. I’ve transitioned to salt water. Your tips are legit and I’m from your era and style of fishing. FFS has made it quite depressing to even think of competing anymore without using it and I personally don’t care to invest in it. Honestly I think the glory days of bass fishing is over and it will be up to the scopers to keep it going.

Cant really compare views from 3 years ago, Covid and a massive influx of new anglers because of it. You can say the same thing with any subject matter on RU-vid. You have to keep getting more creative, attack it from a different angle. If it was easy everyone would be doing it!

I’m a pastor with lots of followers and viewers but love to bass fish. This is JUST MY OPINION!!!! The current culture loves drama over education. It’s unfortunate but true in all aspects of culture. Entertainment OVER Self Improvement!!! In my context, I’m not bitter but just trying to learn to work within it! Please keep the content coming!!!! I Love it and I watch your current and then I always go back to your older stuff when you were in your house. Example jerk baits, watched both videos and tooks notes and marked baits on tackle warehouse!!!! Keep the content coming!!!! Add value and you’ll always have an audience!!!! JMO

I enjoy your content more so than most others Randy because I’ve used the info you’ve provided and actually put it to use and it improved my catch rate substantially…. I love your take and mindset on our sport and I see everything you are talking about unfortunately coming true in the world of bass fishing. Please keep the content coming brother and thanks for doin this for us… take care

Keep the information videos coming! That’s what makes us better fishermen

Randy. As far in learning fishing techniques, you are the best . Tight lines

I dont care. I make videos because *I* like doing it. If others enjoy them too, then thats just a bonus.

I watched yesterdays video and it was interesting and informative. I liked it. Hang in there and you'll still be here when the dust settles.

Randy, I hope you read the comments because I've got news for you: my budget per year on lures is the same as it was for the past 10 years, except for the last 2. Prices for everything have gone up so much, lures including, that I'm fishing my old lures and clean, fix my old gear instead of buying. Here's how bad it is in Canada, our local Canadian Tire (big national retailer) has put rope around the fishing tackle aisle and entrance isn't allowed without assistance. There was too much theft. Economy brought down people's purchasing power. Nobody wants to watch toy review content that reminds them that they can't afford it.... Respond if you actually read these. Thanks

The problem that I see is that everyone is doing the same thing as everyone else

YT is a passing fad. Creators are moving on to other platforms that don't have so much censorship. You have to move into creative techniques and editing like Greg Blanchard in Northern California. His vids are like movies with close ups of flora and fauna. For me, I want to see fishing improvement strategies and PROVE those theories with on the water filming. For example, if the creator says this color matters or doesn't, let's go to the water and test your theory. Thanks Randy.

My channel is 25k subs but majority views come from shorts Randy. It all started November 2023 when media pushed short form Insta, TikTok, You Tube and reels on Facebook.

I’d refer you to Tactical Bassin. Matt and Tim have in my opinion the best, most informative bass fishing format on RU-vid by leaps and bounds! Take a look at one year of their videos… I’ve been subscribed to TB for 10 years and I’d be 1/2 the bass fisherman today if I hadn’t! They are both married, they both have children… shoot, Tim quit his job with California Fish and Game… they sold everything, and moved from California to Tennessee. There’s a reason that they have so many subscribers!

There are some of us who love bass fishing but are simply restricted by the type of boats that we have. As a result I typically fish only rivers. With that being said, some of the content doesn’t really apply to my style of fishing. Im usually in 5 feet or less of water.

Supply and demand. Way more fishing content now. I love the fishing portion of this channel.

Randy, first I would like to say thanks to you and the other content creators for your "Teaching Videos". I am 60 years old and just started bass fishing 3 years ago, and if it wasn't for people like you that put forth the effort to do these videos, I would not any clue on what to do. Thank you. Secondly if you are ever around Lake Hamilton, Arkansas, I sure would like to fish with you and pick your brain some more. Lastly my advice is to just keep doing your videos the way you are and if people have questions or are curious, they will watch the videos.

Have some guest interviews with some ole school anglers such as Clunn, Brauer etc...

It's not just bass fishing channels, I'm a multi species fisherman and my views are down also I don't have a big channel like yours but I have noticed it

Honestly I find myself coming here for mainly drama videos but I do watch the right tutorial if the lure and my interest align. It's possible that a lot of people came to you tube/fishing during covid and have moved on. You made a lot of good points in this video. Just expand on what you're doing and continue doing what is already working. 👍

Randy, keep the informational videos coming. That’s why I watch. Not all of us fish with livescope.

I continue to watch every one on this channel and your fishing teacher channel. It's my way of showing support.

I just started bass fishing in may of this year. I knew nothing about it. I have watched your channel to learn and I really appreciate it.

I’d love to see on water videos; however, your videos on jig fishing has not only improved my fishing but also my happiness. Please don’t stop you’re the one channel I know I can take your information and use it to always improve my catches! You tube shorts with you fishing would be great and maybe not as hard to make.

Maybe lots of people you know we've already heard from on another channel or podcast but we probably haven't heard you talk to them for 30-90 minutes....That is something that doesn't get old for me anyway.

Randy, you have earned my loyalty. I watch your channel more than any of the others. I really appreciate all I’ve learned from you. As far as a style that may be worth pursuing, I enjoy your stories and the history you have shared. I hope you find a way to keep it successful!

For me, my time spent watching fishing RU-vid videos increased heavily after Covid and I began to stock up on fishing lures. Now that I have an abundance of lures, I just need to spend more time on the water. For me, anything having to do with different retrieves or things I can do to increase my percentages like lure modifications or things to coax a bass to bite I find especially helpful.

I like some on the water videos but the tips and techniques you give us the how to's are much more important and helpful to me personally thanks for sharing your knowledge and talents with us also for fighting the good fight to keep bass fishing real (get rid of the technology) thank you Randy keep doing what your doing.

Walleye guy here. I also watch bass stuff and use things i see in my trade. Keep it up randy.

When you say only two thousand people watched the video and that’s counted as a failure, that seems to be the problem right there. Two thousand people is a lot of people that want to learn something new or to use a bait in a way that they didn’t know about and catch more bass because of it. To me that sounds like success for two thousand people. The point of the video is to help people catch bass and learn new things. If you went to give a presentation in person and two thousand people showed up then that would be a success wouldn’t it. I’m cheering for those people that tuned in and learned something. That’s no small deal.

When i started bass fishing about 7 yrs ago, after salt water fishing and trout streams...i got hooked on bass fishing! Love it, been watching your videos ever since, i believe i have yo agree with the other post on here, its been those short vids, everyone in the world today wants a quick fix! Everybody is in a hurry...and well this economy is slowing peoples spending power down....thanks for all the good content

I tend to skip most drama vids and mostly watch instructional videos on the stuff i use

Randy...your informational videos are educational but to make them really interesting you do need to add more visual content. To make the channel more successful, a commitment to mixing in some actual fishing content illustrating the techniques you highlight would go a long ways. Educating in a more visually interesting way will draw more interest. You have said doing that is challenging given your current life obligations. YT is like any other business it takes sacrifices to grow the rewards. If you can't make them it is perfectly understandable but I also think you have to accept your current result.

I think the influx of content has caused people to learn a lot, and now they are implementing the knowledge. Makes sense there is an arc of content and viewership. It's like a collective book that has been written on bass fishing. It gets written, an influx of people buy it, study from it; and then it subsides down to a lower average consumption.

Another contributing factor…everyone got tired of hearing anglers piss and moan and bash each other over the past year. If I wanna hear that, I’ll go to work. Instead of trying to filter through the drama, they just moved onto other interests.

Make it short and to the point with the important information.

I find myself gravitating towards the videos with a lot of positivity, goofiness, and a little bit of knowledge mixed in sometimes. Channels like Ayo, Pig Patrol, Bait Chuckin, and Marling are tops for our family entertainment.

I have learned a lot about bass fishing by watching the how to videos and I also get to learn about different baits and lures. Things that are new that have hit the market and the old stuff that works. I am always looking for something new to try because the bass get used to seeing the same ol stuff and this makes it harder to catch them sometimes. You have to get creative and think outside the box and watching these videos absolutely helps with this.

Keep the knowledge gained videos coming. Some fisherman really enjoy the tip and the knowledge behind it.

Your deep dive videos are a treasure trove. An actual pro like you talking through techniques… gold mine. I’m gonna watch anything you put up like that because I’m looking for depth into the subject. You might think about adding some other elements (breadth, you might say). Get some of those Ozark hammers on there telling old war stories. Reach across to someone like a Jon B or One Rod to sit down and talk about their success in getting a new generation interested in bass fishing. Think of Rogan. He can deep dive on MMA better than anyone, but he has the biggest podcast in the world because of the conversations he has. Even if you don’t do any of that, I’m still gonna check out every deep dive video you do. The education you’re providing folks is incredible. As someone once said to a professional wrestler, “I just wanna thank you for what you do to your body.”

Hang in there. When they loose you will gain. You tell us and show us what we need to learn. I have got to the point I only watch you now.

I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience pertaining to be a better angler. I don't care too much for the drama that some may find entertaining however each to their own. Keep up the good work. !

I know in my case I’m having to work more to keep my head afloat. Watch videos in what little downtime I get. I’m sure that’s the case with a lot of us, would love to see that Fluke video though. I somehow missed it.

Randy ,, you cover it all and again open a new aspect! I remember old fishing shows ,, Bill Dance , In-Fisherman, and some of the old timers fishing and I remember them doing nightruns in the Summer . I know hard to film them , but I did them and it was great . The learning is what it’s all about.. How much more can there be ,, my great Uncles fished bait ,,, I’m a lure guy ,, I don’t know what can be covered,, your seasonal picks are the way to go you do that very well ! We need the reminders TY

I watch your technique and bait videos. I give the 5 bucks a month. Can't watch him everyday because I have a life and I would rather fish than watch videos but on a slow day I try to catch up on watching. You're the real deal you have a lot of numbers by your name in winnings. You fished CPA when I did, but never drew out with you. Wish you did a few more tournaments out of a beater boat. Hope you do well.

There has to be an entertainment value. Has to create intrigue. Unique and different. A lot of boils down to personality. It’s looking like most people would rather be entertained than educated. I see this happen on my channel because I’m no teacher. I just entertain and document River fishing for smallmouth here in southern WV. Just wade fishing. No boat no kayak. What I’m doing is unique and different and not many are doing it. I’m learning all to well about putting time in RU-vid and seeing what works and what don’t. Catchy title and thumbnail is crucial. We’ve all got our strength and weaknesses but this is an important discussion.

Hang in there my friend !

I watched your best baits for September video. Then a video from another youtuber i trust. But i then had about 14 videos pop up that were ALL best September's baits. (Not many saying the same thing). I think the algorithms oversaturate us. Once i watch a "September best bait" video youtube feeds me manymore

Other comments are spot on, about how lots of people now like drama vs actual tips/information. I love the true Hawging tips personally so much appreciated for the insights.

I find your videos to be full of important information. Get feedback from subscribers on what topics they want to know about.

I enjoy your fishing tutorials. I also enjoy reviewing again previously created videos. I often pick up a tip from a video created several years ago.

In my opinion bass fishing has changed due to FFS. You either like it or hate it. Baits for FFS is 80% of what my local bait shop sells. There are some multi species channels that have gotten a lot of my attention due to fun basic fishing topics. I can go have fun with artificial or live bait using techniques my grandfather used. Bass fishing in my opinion has went down the wrong road catering to the more wealthy anglers. Hell some of the baits are now $20-$50 a piece totally crazy in my opinion. I'm at retirement age and go fishing to have fun. Some of the channels I enjoy most now are anglers that enjoy simple fishing techniques.

On the water randy, old school is gold school

You have a mental library that you could tap into more. Take events or trips you have fished and what you did and why and what was the result? I could listen to that all day long.

Randy I love the tech videos! I fished hard core back in the 90’s within the amateur side of the FLW. Then I took a 20 year break. So coming back 5 years ago I had to learn a ton of information. I didn’t even know what a whacky worm was. But with all the drama going on I think a lot of people are taking a break. Or the heat and lack of rain has killed people this year. But I’ll be watching.

Here is my opinion as to why the views are lower. I’ll use myself as an example. I have watched many fishing technique videos on how to fish a swim bait, chatterbait, jerk bait, fluke, Senko, and many other baits. I learned things, tested what I learned on the water and had success. For that simple reason I see no need to watch another video on how to use a certain bait that I have already learned from past videos. What I have learned is still working and no need for more education. Kinda like learning math, English or history. Once one learns how to do long division or how to tell the difference between a verb, adverb, noun or adjective they have learned it. Forget RU-vid, start your own private fishing school for young anglers. Many have been successful with their own schools teaching gymnastics, martial arts, dancing etc.

Loving the hat!!! 🤠 Loving the outdoor office👍 What about that"New Tackle room tour ❓" 🤔

I really hesitate to say this Randy, but this is about the 5th video with the same message that I have seen from you. It makes you seem totally in the fishing videos scene for the money. I hate typing those words because I respect you as a man, and definitely as an Angler. Our views on things are 99.9% identical, but I don’t think you know how videos like this make you come off as only financially motivated. Cheers, and I can’t wait for your next video.

Randy, I always enjoy your videos on fishing techniques! Though I don’t fish as much as I want, I plan to use your advice when I do

I watched it. Great shirt tip video. I prefer those from you Randy. Your floating worm juice helped me tremendously. I never fished a floating worm before your videos. It’s a staple in the spring for me now.

I run a Bait shop on the way to the Big Pond in MN. Forward facing sonar. You don't need skill, knowledge or technic when you're playing a video game. When you have 5 or 6 Rods equipped with different lures and all you do is toss that lure at the fish, if it doesn't work after 5 castes they grab a different setup. Keep changing till you piss that fish off for a strike. Just going off of the stories I hear on a daily bases. Customers don't asks what's the HOT lure for the area anymore. No need to when you have the latest tech.

I really think that livescope has alot to do with the RU-vid video not being watched. Heck just get livescope we don't need to watch RU-vid anymore. You know when I was a kid we could not wait for the weekend to get here because we could watch all the fishing shows on TV. That's how we learn to fish. Buddy I think alot is because of the new generation. But I hope that it will change for you all. Because you never get to old to learn. Thank you for your dedication that you have for bass fishing and teaching.

Randy, it’s your second reason along with all the drama. On the water, basic and practical fishing techniques are what I like, although I do like some lecture material on baits and how to rig them.

Love your stuff Randy. Love from Toronto 🇨🇦

Creat a new tournament trail, going back to the way was before greedy nuts took over. Make it worth watching

You need more titles with all CAPS and saying like “THIS is the greatest secret I’ve never told” Oh wait, nvm 😂

Technology has taken over. Love ya Randy. With all the technology there is no need for fishing tips anymore. The BOX has taken over. No need to learn anything about true fishing. It's a magical thang when you figure out a lake, pound or any body of water. That has been taken away from the new generation. Love ya Randy.

This day and age people seem to, unfortunately, gravitate toward piling on and taking in the drama. I started watching every afternoon during the pandemic. Became part of my virtual working day routine. The one difference between the channel and others is there isn’t as much on the water video. I don’t know if that converts to more viewers or not, but it is one difference compared to other channels.

I know it could be overwhelming, and a lot of the repeated information, but I love to hear about the old-school jig and techniques or the old-school crank baits or the old-school jerk bait, I really enjoy the old-school Hagen juice that you put out,

People are watching videos more than ever ..there’s just more creators now ..instead of just a small handful getting views it’s spread out

I did the same research. I compared Brandon Palinuiks videos. It’s real simple…. Compare his 2020 videos to his 2024s views. 100k plus views VS 29k in 2024. Pretty sad

Most channels only do a few videos a week. Your content is repetitive, I can only watch so many videos on a jig, jerk bait, worm, etc... I also like to see different points of view. As you always say you do not edit and you only use your cell phone, your content is different, you are lucky that people watch you sitting in your garage with no action. If I was you I would be happy with the views you do get.

Randy our lakes are down 3’ here in middle Tennessee. We can’t launch our boats in smaller lakes. We are however making hay on the docks. We have repaired 4 already. Hopefully your rain will move our way. We could use a weeks worth of a steady rain.

People don't have as much time to watch. Many people are working extra hours or multiple jobs. There are to many youtubers making videos. We want videos doing and showing we are tired of all these talking videos. Go out and show us in action. Lastly you have unfortunately lost viewers do to your views of things. Plus the amount of videos you put out is 3x to 5x the norm.

If I watched all of your videos and all of even a small percentage of the many other good fishing RU-vid channels I would never have time to go fishing 😂. Obviously I’m exaggerating a bit to make a point but I’m highlighting the saturation of bass fishing videos. I hope you can do well enough on views to be able to continue producing the helpful content you provide. Thanks

I understand what you’re saying. The videos I’ve seen from almost EVERY you tube fishing video is baits that you have to have stained or dirty water. I’d love to see more videos on what baits and color work in clear water, 6 foot or more visibility. I just watched a video on lipless crank baits and they said they wouldn’t fish them in clear water. I fish a 1700 acre lake that is generally clear, at least 6 foot or more visibility. That would help me out drastically. I don’t fish anything river fed, it was a town that flooded many many years ago. Also at the same time videos for when the water is low. This lake is also a towns water supply. This year has been horrible fishing. The lake has never been this clear or this low in 5 years I’ve fished it. I’ve used colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, and black. The main bites have come off a June bug worm. I can count on 1 hand how many fish over a pound I’ve caught this year. But only able to go out weekly. I also fish out the back of the boat. I’ve used ned rigs, jerk baits, crank baits, swim baits, toads, and super spook jr. Anything about this would help. I am here to learn. Good video Randy.

Maybe you guys have taught us everything we need to know!

Constant complaining

Sadly RU-vid is no longer about learning techniques or lure modifications!!! 😢 Now anglers use RU-vid to steal locations!! It's the new "time on the water"!! All about location!!! Keep fighting the good fight! 🎣

I think that the interest in competitive bass fishing for 2 main reasons: cost and live sonar

i dont even bass fish...i musky fish but still watch cuz i know ill learn something either about fishing or life...i was taught u can learn alot from old dudes lol

I’m a long time watcher, and I think lately your content has been good. I think since I’m a long time viewer I’ve seen all your tips you’ve repeated a couple times. That’s the only thing I can think of why the views are down. Overall I can tell you’ve been trying to mix it up. People r gonna watch it or they’re not. I don’t think you talkin about it is gonna improve anything, I really don’t.And Randy teaching and entertaining is the best of both worlds, watch the Larry Nixon instructional videos from the old days. Or any of the best fishing shows of all time. They do both. You’re a smart guy and I know you can figure out how to make good video content. Your channels would blow up I promise !

Literally every single thing in the American market is over saturated. RU-vid content, bait makers, tournament fishing, not even fishing related topics, EVERYTHING is over saturated

Rocking Randall, your videos are informative I think there’s fishermen out there who fish a certain style and watch when it relates to them, I tried the technique you taught not to long on a shallow running crank bait on spinning tackle and it worked, I like the instructional videos

Tough times right now my friend. You're not the only one with kids and jobs🤷‍♂️

Hey Randy, I truly believe that at least part of the reason that we are experiencing a decline in viewership of technique videos is a direct effect of the forwardcfacing sonar. In the last year in talking to other fisherman at the ramp, I have found that the majority have advanced electronics. In fact it seems that some are saving money on the boat and spending big dollars on electronics. I recently came across a fellow fisherman with a basstracker XL with $10K in electronics. These guys just don't need to learn the basics when they can just spot the bass. Quick bio: 58 years old, bass fishing since I was 5 and spotlighting makes me ill as it just ain't fishing!

I watched it Randy o buddy

Hey Randy, You know I've just Now Got Fired Back Up! I Love The Refreshers , and the New Stuff That I've missed over the years

I like your channel. I’d llke to see more experts like yourself do content where you take fans of yours out fishing and you teach them some tricks. I think the content could be endless and i think people would get a lot out of this.

People want drama! Not me but I still like to learn stuff.

Over saturation. It’s real. Happens in every genre. I still watch a few but there’s so many people still trying to survive on RU-vid since Covid it’s insane. And still more popping up. One can only hear something so many times until it’s just background noise. Stick to being you. Keep being real. It’s a rare thing. There are so many wannabe googan clones out there it’s sad. And very obvious. I appreciate the realistic honest approach. God bless, thanks for doing what you do!

You do to many videos. Once a day is still to many for me. It's like, "Here's another video." Whipee. Love the educational stuff.

I hate hearing this because people like me like this stuff I learn a lot from this

Randy, I'm a longtime steady viewer, fan, and lover of the sport. I appreciate your knowledge and sincerity. Here's my suggestion: You are the leader of anti-FFS in the community. You have history, hacks, opinions, etc that can only be matched by the legends and guys like Parker, Clunn, Nixon. If you want to preserve the past and future, move your show in that direction. Give others exposure to weigh in on FFS by having split screen interviews. Get tournament stories, memories, and tips on fishing and life from other fisherman, in the sport and outside that love fishing. Let your sponsor reps plug their stuff on your program. You appear to be a humble man. So, exalt others...and in doing so it will be you and your channel that gets exalted! I would love to see you debate a Garmin rep on FFS. Or have a memory debate with old timers. Or a casting competition against youth fisherman or old timers...not named Shag Shahid. Jon Gruden just launched his channel and he's bringing back players he's coached or has a great relationship with. And they talk shop, motivation, and I think it could be you. You just have to be you. I check out all the fishing channels. The one thing that Randy Blaukat is known for...is leading the charge against FFS. That means your voice is known and accepted as the expert on "that" side. We're a Fox vs CNN point/counterpoint culture now. Do everything to promote that conversation. Maybe do a local Brigeford sponsored Blaukat's Back to Basics 1 day challenge that's a no tech, throwback fishing tourney. John boats, canoes, kayaks, any boat that floats...from real people...have a camera crew and get interviews from real participants. Im certain your local Missouri connections or BPS can pitch in to help. Maybe a $50 dollar entry. Do a clinic for kids. Bring Jay Yelas' cast for kids into it where veterans, those with disabilities, or kids can see how much YOU mean to the sport. Randy, you are a brand. I know you care deeply about the future of the sport...but we all do. We just pick sides on certain things. You picked yours...my suggestion is to lead it!

I watch you man. I get it. Thanks!

It's not just Bass fishing RU-vid channels. I see the same comments from several types of channels. I think you are right but it's a general RU-vid overload. So many channels so no one channel sticks out. I know I get burnt out and don't watch all the channels I subscribe to all the time. I go thru cycles!

Here's my take on the bass videos. Let's assume you have been bass fishing on a regular basis for 5 years or so, and let's also assume you can skip. If at the end of this amount of time you don't know how to crank and wind a horizonal bait, using the yo-yo or lift and drop, or the speed up and slow down, or the sweep and reel or wake the surface with the blades, you need to take up another sport. Same goes for throwing a frog or a buzz bait or a walking bait or flipping and pitching soft plastics. Any idiot can learn to be sufficient in these techniques. What separates what I consider to be the pros or the really good weekend warriors is their ability TO FIND FISH. And I don't. mean just covering miles and miles of water. If you want your viewership to increase again, start doing videos that show anglers how to find fish without the $30,000 worth of electronics. You know the way YOU and KVD and RC and Roland and all of the other "old timers" did it before the cheater boxes took over the sport.

You are truly the fishing teacher. Maybe something with more graphics. More attractiveness for a younger angler. I would love to see you on TV. Your own channel! I love all your content. Even on lures I do not catch fish on yet. Keep up the good works. 👍🏾

I see it as Tri-Fold. 1. There is so much content out there compared to even a year ago. Viewers are are likely viewing elsewhere. 2 The avg weekend angler wants to just go catch fish and doesn’t want to spend time trying new techniques he or she isn’t familiar with. They just want to go out on Saturday and catch as many fish as possible with their confidence technique. 3. For those that can afford it… Spotlighting has eliminated the need to learn the techniques. Just learn how to use the “cheater box” and go catch ‘em!

I would like to see videos of you on the lake catching fish