Well, the sad thing is everybody who isn't a tournament bass fisherman and some who are, are laughing at bass fishing. They aren't going to recognize that a mere few ounces or whatever it was is a tight race and exciting, blah blah-ad nauseum. They'll only see a bunch of rednecks in high dollar boats with fancy electronics chasing itty-bitty fish.
Those who are new to the sport or seeing it for the first time want to see FAT SACKS FULL OF BIG FISH!

That's what's exciting to everyone.

If BASS and ESPN took the body of water and time of year as the first priority, they'd be a lot more successful attracting an audience.