So what does everyone REALLY feel about it?:biglaugh:

http://www.flwoutdoors.com/article.cfm?id=143876

Thatta boy, now were cookin, I will leave this alone, I promise!!!!!:walk:

Thanks for the idea Raven.

if it makes fishing more of a recognized SPORT then thats great.

there's to many kids brainwashed into thinking that soccer is their only choice ...or other non environment related sports.

I'm curious as to what the television exposure is going to be.Didn't see anything about a TV deal though I would imagine that info is forthcoming.

Also wondering who exactly are the "Pros".Anyone who has a boat and the entry fee?Seems like most these tourny trails require sponsorship to cover costs.

Also wondering who exactly are the "Pros".Anyone who has a boat and the entry fee?Seems like most these tourny trails require sponsorship to cover costs.
I would imagine that the "Pros" are just that. People who are professional tournament fisherman; ie: People whose primary sourse of income is derived from fishing tournaments.
Any ol' Tom, #^&#^&#^&#^& or Jane with a boat and an entry fee would not fit that criteria.

I guess you're right about that.Tournament fisherman tend to look like race car drivers these days.

A pro/am might be in the future.Who knows.

I suspect a lot of commercial striper fisherman will be interested. The two big reasons being they're usually very good fisherman, and the prize money is a much better pay day then a week's worth of catching and selling stripers.

I like North East angling the way it is. Sure, recreational angling is driven by business already, but we have our own culture, and I'd hate to see a FLW invasion, personally. I think Joe said it best earlier in Part 1 thread, FLW is for red states, and won't fly in the Northeast.

Please don't allow this to become another rant. I'm not speaking about economics and oversea labor, etc., leaving those variables aside, I like Striper Tourneys to be run by local clubs and shops.

Am I being naive?

i had cut a tree that didnt fall yesterday...and i needed some physical excercise....
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naive no.... not really

but i haven't seen one tv show on striper fishing that was catching fish other than schoolies... and although i think spots need to be protected.... :btu: i even wrote an email...to "ON The Water..."

i want to see screaming drags.... rod tips getting yanked around
by several runs.... and then a big ole cow safely and gently returned to the sea.

Am I allowed to chime in on subject?

I don't understand why we as recreational fisherman don't embrace this as a way to introduce new people to the sport, have more fishing shows on TV to watch, and at the same time pumping money into our areas. This would be a big boon to local tourist dollars, not to mention local baitshops(These guys will enter these shops to get local knowhow and info) and hotels/restaraunts as well.
Exposure to our sport, with responsible, professional anglers showing the way on nationally televised segments will go a long way in introducing the masses to our sport. These kill tourneys really do no harm to the biomass, as they are limited in their scope and their frequency. I don't understand why its got to be made an economic or political thing simply because WalMart is the sponsor. I myself love watching the FLW on Sat., as well as the Oberto redfish cup. I wanna pose this question as well,... Would you feel the same if it was to be sponsored by a more identifiable or "nicer" sponsor. I just wonder if it is the idea of the tourney that bothers some, or the sponsor itself...

I suspect a lot of commercial striper fisherman will be interested. The two big reasons being they're usually very good fisherman, and the prize money is a much better pay day then a week's worth of catching and selling stripers.
While it's true that the prize money would be a great incentive to enter, I don't think it would happen (I could be wrong). Even though commercial striper guys are professional fisherman, they're still not professional TOURNAMENT fisherman.
Most of the commercial guys I see out in Quicks', the Sound, etc, are in beat-up ol' boats that, while are in tip-top running shape, and as seaworthy as can be, could, to say the least, use a bit o' compound and/or polish. These guys aren't concerned that their boat might not be the prettiest at the marina/ramp.
Guys have been questioning whether or not the FLW striper tourney will be televised. Considering that they televise thier largemouth and redfish tourneys, I see no reason why they wouldn't televise the striper one. Even if footage ultimately never makes it onair, I'm certain there will be cameras along for the ride. I have a feeling that FLW wants to see established, professional tourney guys in brand new, shiny Genmar boats, not some local commercial dude with a 1986 Mako that he just hung a new motor on.

Actually Wal-Mart was forced into this (so to speak) years ago when BASS brought on K-Mart as a sponsor. The FLW Tour was started and sponsored by Wal-Mart to "protect" their portion of the tackle business.

Its supposed to kick off this May.That's not all that far away.I would everything from TV deals,sponsors(other tan Walmart) and the anglers themselves are all established.

I would imagine that some of the anglers who fish all NSBA freshwatertournaments would take a stab at the salt.I know by checking out their site all you need to fish their tournies is to be a NSBA Competition member($40) have a boat and be able to pay the entry fee.

If it works like other fishing organizations maybe the best anglers from "amatuer" tournies are invited to participate.And through sponsorship will get nice shiny boats and new gear.

Obviously I'm just speculating on all this.Since I do have some time on my hands this week I'm going to give that information number in
the article a call and see if they can't send some detailed info.

Raven makes a great point about exposing more youngsters to the outdoor by it making fishing more recognised. It also has the potential to bring awareness to environmental issues here in the northeast that kids might not otherwise be aware of.

For the most part there are no secrets out there no rock left unturned. You see a boat sitting by itself just head for it and looking at your electronics you know where he is not to mention guys with bino's. As far as giving away spots, unless its within reasonable sight of land you realy could be anywhere kinda like the ESPN shark tourney.

Its the guys during the work week that have to worry about giving up spots. They have one eye on the screen and one on oncoming boats. It usualy boils down to knowledge. As soon as another boat approachs he'll move off then when the time is right get back to bending rods without skipping a beat.

I think it was in the 'Salt Water Sportman' I read Gary C. had over 150 50's, don't know how accurate those #'s are but its guy's like that who put alot of hours on their motor in order to be in the right place at the right time. I think it was 3 yrs ago in went from buzzards bay to Montauk in rough sea's to win the ASA, he also fished in gale winds to win another. I'm sure ASA guys will be all over this tourney. I think alot are willing but not all are able.

If its lures your screwed.

With the biggest fish - the ones that would constitute an outright win -still so few and far between, luck plays such a huge role that I don't think a lot of people are going to be willing to spend $2500 on entry fees and I'd be wary of the ones that do.

Look at the Vineyard derby - scores of dedicated fishermen putting in vast amounts of vacation time and a 12 year old girl wins first and our own Drumcorpfan (a nice guy, and an enthusiastic angler, but a relative beginner) gets second.

I have not been following these threads but if you have a sponsor which is picking up the entry tab in order to get the name of their company or product on the TV in front of lots of wannabe anglers, I guest that constitues what a "pro" is. Most pro's don't pay for much, hence all the logo's.

As for luck...we all know when it comes to fishing there is an element of luck involved. Yes the hard core experienced guy generally does well most of the time but like joe said...a 12 year old girl could land the big one,

2500 is a lot of cash and will keep most recs out of it and that is what they want. If you want to see a "pro" win, just up the entry fee enough to where only "pro's" enter. Lots of good fishermen I know would never spend 2500 bucks to fish in a contest.

There already is a "pro" or "semi-pro" striper tour. The ASA striper tour runs up and down the coast. It came to Old Saybrook, CT last year. While I did not see it, there were some serious competitors there with some crazy fast boats. There were a couple of Fountains with trips that were moving around at speeds better than 60. From what I have heard these guys fish the same spots almost without regard to where the tournament starts. It was said that some of the tournament anglers in the New Jersey stop on the tour ran up to fish the rips between the north fork of LI and Watch Hill.

The ASA tour does allow live baits (bunker). And I was really impressed with the number of 40 to 50 pound fish that were weighed in at each stop on the tour.

I think that an average Joe can pony up the entry fee and fish in the ASA, but if this new tour is $2500, there won't be so many average Joes.....

Am I allowed to chime in on subject?

I don't understand why we as recreational fisherman don't embrace this as a way to introduce new people to the sport, SNIPPED...


That's the MAIN reason I'm not crazy about it... The thought of MORE people fishing around me doesn't really sound all that great to me.

My understanding with the 12 year old girl is that someone guided her to that fish. It really wasn't luck, and a tournament like this will probably not allow anyone other then the registered angler to fish.

I know a lot of people said she deserved that win, and in that style of tournament it's fine I guess, but it's not going to fly in this sort of tournament. I doubt they will allow an angler to be "guided" to the fish. It's just not the way these tournaments work.

It's just my opinion, but watching charters go out through the years I can tell you a lot of the people that catch big fish on a charter would NEVER do so by themselves. It was the skill of the guide, not the client, and guides and commercial fisherman are exactly the sort of people I see getting involved in a tournament like this.

That's the MAIN reason I'm not crazy about it... The thought of MORE people fishing around me doesn't really sound all that great to me.

That's the main reason I have reservations too.

Interesting - I won't give them too much credit unless they make the tourneys "artificial baits" only. A no bait rule will put more guys on an even level.

DZ

I think this whole thing boils down to normal commercial practice: FOLLOW THE MONEY
If somebody is a sponsor they think this will increase their profits, they may or may not care about the resources used. Are the views of the corporate sponsors long term enough to include the fish and management thereof as part of there long term corporate viability...or is this years and nexts bottom line the main interest.

I have a couple of thoughts on this:
1. When big money gets into this, there will be no spots undiscovered. There will be no peace anywhere on the shore. Just hoards of "Professionals"
2. It'll accellerate the pressure on bass because everyone will be looking for that million dollar fish. Even catch and release kills fish, like it or not.
3. It'll change forever how we, here, fish. You may never see a solitary moment again in the suds. Money does change everything.

I have a couple of thoughts on this:
1. When big money gets into this, there will be no spots undiscovered. There will be no peace anywhere on the shore. Just hoards of "Professionals"
2. It'll accellerate the pressure on bass because everyone will be looking for that million dollar fish. Even catch and release kills fish, like it or not.
3. It'll change forever how we, here, fish. You may never see a solitary moment again in the suds. Money does change everything.

more more more negatives when at this and all times less is better.
more access closures and trash I`m sure as well.

Million Dollar Baby :(

Fred! :love:

An interesting parallel might be what has happened with the redfish tour, has it hurt the fishery?

I highly doubt you`ll see any shore anglers pony up $2500. They just can`t compete with a boat fisherman on anything like an even basis.
Slinger

That's the MAIN reason I'm not crazy about it... The thought of MORE people fishing around me doesn't really sound all that great to me.

That certainly is a good point.

I don't think the impact on surf fisherman will be large.I doubt the exposure will bring the hordes out into the surf unless this was a surf tournament.I'm sure there will more boats at a given area after a tournament and especially after a TV episode.At the same time I'm sure charters will be up too.

Btw called that info# and wasn't given any info other than what's already been released.

My understanding with the 12 year old girl is that someone guided her to that fish. It really wasn't luck, and a tournament like this will probably not allow anyone other then the registered angler to fish.

I know a lot of people said she deserved that win, and in that style of tournament it's fine I guess, but it's not going to fly in this sort of tournament. I doubt they will allow an angler to be "guided" to the fish. It's just not the way these tournaments work.

It's just my opinion, but watching charters go out through the years I can tell you a lot of the people that catch big fish on a charter would NEVER do so by themselves. It was the skill of the guide, not the client, and guides and commercial fisherman are exactly the sort of people I see getting involved in a tournament like this.


Absolutely.

There are definitely lots of positive and negative aspects.Only time will tell how good or bad a thing this is.

Am I allowed to chime in on subject?

I don't understand why we as recreational fisherman don't embrace this as a way to introduce new people to the sport, have more fishing shows on TV to watch, and at the same time pumping money into our areas. This would be a big boon to local tourist dollars, not to mention local baitshops(These guys will enter these shops to get local knowhow and info) and hotels/restaraunts as well.
Exposure to our sport, with responsible, professional anglers showing the way on nationally televised segments will go a long way in introducing the masses to our sport. These kill tourneys really do no harm to the biomass, as they are limited in their scope and their frequency. I don't understand why its got to be made an economic or political thing simply because WalMart is the sponsor. I myself love watching the FLW on Sat., as well as the Oberto redfish cup. I wanna pose this question as well,... Would you feel the same if it was to be sponsored by a more identifiable or "nicer" sponsor. I just wonder if it is the idea of the tourney that bothers some, or the sponsor itself...

Forget about politics and economics. Let's just talk about our local striper fishing culture, the way I know it. When I want to know what is going on in the local community, I don't go to Walmart. Instead, I check in with the "salties" or "regulars" sitting around my favorite ma and pa shop. What is wrong with the way anglers are being introduced to the sport now? A big corporate sponsor is simply not necessary. Nowadays, people are introduced by their fathers and grandfathers. I believe that FLW or any other big corporate player will change the culture, and I'm flat out against it.

The frist tournament is out of Bass River Marina in May. I can't believe I see posts saying keep it away there may be another guy at MY fishing spot. I thought fishing was for all not just a few. And a tackle shop owner saying yes this is why he has reservations for the same reason? I think this could be a good thing for the sport if done right. I will wait and see what all the info is before I pass judgement on this.I don't see how this could ruin a spot as bad as a story in the Fisherman weekly or On The Water monthly mag. by someone just doing a story for a few $$$$$$$$$. I could be wrong but I just don't see it. The MV derby is great and what harm does it do to the local fishing? I bet the tackle shops and bars and fast food and gas stations and bed and baths hate it from Sept on with the derby going. And as far as fishing culture goes I am 51 this year spent lots of my childhood on Nashawena and Cuttyhunk islands fishing the surf then on boats as I got older and boy is it different now. Back then if you did not live on the islands you did not belong there. What if it was still that CULTURE now? I may think it great as I still belong there but do you????? Think not so fishing Cutty from shore would be only a dream to most. I think it is great out there now and have taken many from this site to Cuttyhunk for their fist time and hope to do the same SOON.

Forget about politics and economics. Let's just talk about our local striper fishing culture, the way I know it. When I want to know what is going on in the local community, I don't go to Walmart. Instead, I check in with the "salties" or "regulars" sitting around my favorite ma and pa shop. What is wrong with the way anglers are being introduced to the sport now? A big corporate sponsor is simply not necessary. Nowadays, people are introduced by their fathers and grandfathers. I believe that FLW or any other big corporate player will change the culture, and I'm flat out against it.
All you mentioned is sponsors and economics in your comment on my quote. Maybe I missed something, sorry if that s the case.

What about all those kids that have no fathers or Grandads? I just think that by claiming it will infringe upon "our" or particular peoples fishing spots is sort of exclusionary. With responsible management and greater education on those involved, we can afford to have as many people who like to fish do so. I dont see this as an everyday, every port type tourney, and I see no harm in allowing our sport to be shared with the rest of the country. Maybe by getting more people involved, we as recs can put pressure on the managemnet and governing bodies to strengthen the stocks and increase conservation. More voices on our side just cant be bad imho.

The frist tournament is out of Bass River Marina in May. I can't believe I see posts saying keep it away there may be another guy at MY fishing spot. I thought fishing was for all not just a few. And a tackle shop owner saying yes this is why he has reservations for the same reason? I think this could be a good thing for the sport if done right. I will wait and see what all the info is before I pass judgement on this.I don't see how this could ruin a spot as bad as a story in the Fisherman weekly or On The Water monthly mag. by someone just doing a story for a few $$$$$$$$$. I could be wrong but I just don't see it. The MV derby is great and what harm does it do to the local fishing? I bet the tackle shops and bars and fast food and gas stations and bed and baths hate it from Sept on with the derby going. And as far as fishing culture goes I am 51 this year spent lots of my childhood on Nashawena and Cuttyhunk islands fishing the surf then on boats as I got older and boy is it different now. Back then if you did not live on the islands you did not belong there. What if it was still that CULTURE now? I may think it great as I still belong there but do you????? Think not so fishing Cutty from shore would be only a dream to most. I think it is great out there now and have taken many from this site to Cuttyhunk for their fist time and hope to do the same SOON.


This more than anything said so far I personally feel the same way about.

I have a couple of thoughts on this:
1. When big money gets into this, there will be no spots undiscovered. There will be no peace anywhere on the shore. Just hoards of "Professionals"
2. It'll accellerate the pressure on bass because everyone will be looking for that million dollar fish. Even catch and release kills fish, like it or not.
3. It'll change forever how we, here, fish. You may never see a solitary moment again in the suds. Money does change everything.

I'm interested in how the FLW / BASS tour has mucked up the sweet water scene? I'm thinking it hasn't caused 1 bit of traffic jam at the local fishing ponds/lakes. This will be a boat tourney, not a shore tourney, and that is 1 big ocean out there, in comparison to lakes/ponds.....my 2 cents

Just one minor aspect:
No motor boats allowed.... then try fishing one with everything from Jet Skis, all sorts of motor boats, water skiing.... its a big difference.

What do all the boats and motors leak?

Ok... so there is a billion boats out there already.


I`m still sticking to more trash, more fish killed, more corruption, more boats, more parking problems....

How about quality of time spent fishing? Relaxed or racing all over desperate to catch fish.

I don`t know....something just doesn`t feel right about this.

Mike

Just one minor aspect:
No motor boats allowed.... then try fishing one with everything from Jet Skis, all sorts of motor boats, water skiing.... its a big difference.

What do all the boats and motors leak?

Ok... so there is a billion boats out there already.


I`m still sticking to more trash, more fish killed, more corruption, more boats, more parking problems....

How about quality of time spent fishing? Relaxed or racing all over desperate to catch fish.

I don`t know....something just doesn`t feel right about this.

Mike

Never looked at it from that point. When you put in that light I certainly see the issues it could raise.

I`m still sticking to more trash, more fish killed, more corruption, more boats, more parking problems....
Mike

Lets hope they don't become major issues.You,me and everyone else has dealt with those issues.

When you see the "Pros" fishing the freshwater lakes, do you ever see non-participants there on the same water? Dad's with kids, couple of buddies, anyone else? I love fishing alone or on a deserted stretch with a couple of buds, I will not enjoy getting crowded out. If someone happens along, I don't mind. But I can see schools getting spooked by prize seeking yahoos with patches all over their shirts that says those companies now own the fish. You really can't compare black bass to a migratory species like stripers, I guess. I suppose we'll have to wait and see and pray for the best.:huh:

Most of the locals and can't pony up the 2,500 and there is no way they can personally profit from it so you can be assured they will be against it.
Essentially, we're against everything and we'd like to roll the clock back about fifty years. It's why you see no mention of New England hospitality in the any of the tourism literature.

Essentially, we're against everything and we'd like to roll the clock back about fifty years. It's why you see no mention of New England hospitality in the any of the tourism literature.


:usd:

I can't believe I see posts saying keep it away there may be another guy at MY fishing spot. I thought fishing was for all not just a few. And a tackle shop owner saying yes this is why he has reservations for the same reason?

I'm a fisherman just as much as I'm manager of a tackle shop. I'm very secretive when it comes to sensitive shore spots or hot fishing that could be ruined by increased boat traffic (inshore sBFT). I don't want a crowd where I'm at, be it boat or shore, so I keep pretty quiet. I also respect the fact that many other people think this way, so our reports are much more focused on exactly how to rather then where to.

That said I doubt for the most part this tournament will really change anything; and a shore fisherman, day or night, won't even be aware it's going on. It may increase boat fishing activity for a weekend in a given area, but no more then that. Even if there's 100 competitors in a tournament, once you release them all they're going to thin out. If even a couple of them set up and move in where I'm fishing though, I'm going to be pissed. Tournament anglers are infamous for being agressive and acting as though they own the water. But if it's only a few weekends a year and minor incoveniences have to be tolerated, so be it.

I've fished freshwater tournaments and I enjoyed it a lot. It's very different from going out for a relaxed morning of fishing. I'm also competitive in saltwater, I'm always out to catch something larger and stronger, mostly for myself but also for bragging rights amongst friends, so I can ceratinly understand the appeal of a tournament to many fisherman.

I think some of the clashing and issues the tournaments may face is the secretive, solo nature of many New England saltwater fisherman. I'm one of them, so I have reservations, even though it's unlikely I'll be effected in any way. I enjoy being out there alone or just with a few friends. Not a crowd.

Pete:
nice post.... hope its true or close to :kewl:

Pete:
nice post.... hope its true or close to :kewl:

I kind of look at it like the MDA tourney which goes off without event and generally is a lot of fun for those involved. There's going to be increased traffic that weekend at the hot spots. If you go to certain spots, there's going to be combat fishing. And some locals are understandably going to feel put out if they aren't involved in the tourney.

How many events are we talking here?

Ever been out to the race or SW ledge on a Saturday or Sunday in July?

Or even better how about the mudhole on a Saturday after the first giant is landed earlier in the week. I'd rather drive 93 through boston at 5 oclock on that friday prior.

In minnesota on Mille Lacs when another lake is sponsoring a derby on the ice, the entire lake is deserted for that weekend while the sponsor lake has guys elbow to elbow(8000 plus entrants). You just may find it draws lots of people away from spots......

Also, I fish regularly in SE MA/RI in a small cc in coastal areas, and some bluebird days I see absolutely no other boats if its during the week, even when the fishing is redhot. Boat fisherman already deal with the yahoos and maniac weekend warriors. The smart ones fish in the dead of the night and weekday mornings with only the sound of the drag screaming and the song of the ocean as their symphony.

I regards to sBFT, you wont have much to worry about, as 47 inch proposed size reg will cut down efforts to next to nothing, not to mention that the inshore run last year was the first one in a long time, and might not be repeated. I cant remember in my lifetime of 29 years the blue water being that close, with that much bait around to hold these sbft for the length of time we had them.....

Another thing to keep in mind about this tournament - there have been several mentions of the Oberto Redfish Cup. I know charter captains down in Florida who have horror stories of these hacks coming to an area for a week or two prior to the tournament, being extremely disrespectful, ruining flats for fishing by burning them.

If you are not familiar with flats fishing, be it for redfish or bonefish, it's a quiet man's game and for the health of the fish stocks, extra care is needed to protect the local environment -- these tournament guys come in with their attitudes and run their boats through shallow flats wihtout any regard for local captains trying to earn a living. As for a financial boon to the local area, no one I know who lives in those areas except for the host hotel and marina and a few local restaurants gets any financial benefit. A financial boon to the tournament host area is a bunch of garbage from the promoters of the show.

And recently they had a program for the redfish cup on that took place out of Clearwater, Florida. The boats ran down to Tampa Bay to fish for redfish. Several of the boats got stuck on flats with low water. The show highlighted these jerks kicking up rooster tails of mud a mile high. For South Florida this is a big deal. A lot of prime fishing areas are being closed down to boat traffic for this very reason. And the anglers who fish there on a daily basis, captains who make a living off fishing such areas lose out. Having the Red fish cup promote the destruction of a natural resource that is being rapidly closed down to respectful anglers is a bad idea. Add to that the tree huggers from PETA and the like, filming this style of behavior is another nail in the coffin to fishing, be it for redfish or striped bass.

Now, do we want that type of attitude intruding into our fishing areas? It's hard enough to find a secluded spot to fish comfortably -- even in the middle of the night. These guys won't help out at all. Any of you guys who support this tournament, but were angry about the On The Water article back in October, you've got to take a second look at what you are saying. Protect our fishing, our fishing access and our fishery stocks. I have no problem with someone traveling from Nebraska or Alabama to try striper fishing along the Rhode Island or Mass. Coasts, but if they trash the coastline and ruin it for others, than we don't want them here. This is what will come from this tournament. I gaurantee it.

Thanks for allowing me to rant.

Good input!


Mike

it is.

The one thing I hate about NE is the people resist change of anykind. They really do. They don't care if it makes life better or worse, just keep it like it was. They are afraid of the unknown...what might happen. This ranges from everything from politics to various regional issues and even fishing tourneys.

I have heard comments like "why do we have to change it, I am use to it the way it is" To me, that is the most silly statement in the world and illustrates what is really wrong. Joe is right, there are many that would like to go back in time!!

I asked someone once how on earth could you support Ted Kennedy given his background even if you are a democrat, I said surely there is a better democrat out there that can do this job..."Well, he has had the job for so long I figure he knows how to do it" This is the mindset of the NE'er. Static. It amazes me we have the best Universities in the nation yet the general public is pretty stupid.

This fishing contest is harmless. Jesus! It is just a fishing contest and GOD FORBID someone actually make any profits from it!!! It is not a sin to make money and have fun at the same time. Corp greed?! Give me a break!

The reason for a $2500 fee is that it keeps the regular "Joe Sixpack" from entering because he would rather buy a big screen TV with that kind of money. Only sponsored fishermen and bigshots who don't care how much it costs will pony up that kind of coin. There are plenty of Joe Sixpack contests around here if he wants to fish them with entry fees in the sub 50 buck range. You think you are a "pro"? Well then pay the $2500 bucks, afterall it is a tax write off! (only if you have any winnings!)

Oh the wisdom of age!!! Thank you Sandman there is so much truth to that post. Now if all you late comers would please just go away and stop fishing all the spots I have been going to for 40 years now I can get back to the way it was. No preppy attitudes twards this being MY spot or his spot its a fishing spot. Sandman you and Cape Sam can run MV and the cape east of the cannal. I will run Cuttyhunk and south west of the cannal to CT. The rest of the coast I have not fished so I will leave that to anyone that wants it.:rollem: By the way anyone here that has fished with me or gone to Cuttyhunk with me knows that this means anyone at anytime can fish anywere from the cannal to CT. so long as you be sure to have fun catch fish and clean up after your self. Now back to the FLW come on down and I will help to make you feel at home. And as others do sell you a few choice places to fish in Newport and Block Island what is the going rate for a story on a spot in one of the local fish mags. or tackle shops ??????? :faga: :rotf3:

I think it is a double edged sword... Bad, it will put more pressure on the fish.

Good, it will give our sport more exposure. It will generate more revenue for the local shops, can't get fresh saltwater bait or custom wooden plugs at Wallyworld. It will generate revenue for the hotels and resturants and bars in the area of the tournament. It may help get gamefish status for the Striped Bass for those who want it. It will generate more traffic on Striped-Bass. MOST IMPORTANTLY It will expose more kids to fishing and possibly get them hanging around with a fishing rod and possibly an adult who will provide them a posiitve influence rather than hanging around getting into trouble down town.

I don't see how a boat tournament will effect beach fisherman in any way at all, or add trash and area closes.

I also highly doubt this is going to add hundreds of new boaters sitting on our spots every weekend. With a steep entry fee only people who know what they are doing are going to enter these tournaments for the most part. I have chartered for years, fished commercially and have fished many tournaments and the last thing I want to do is show up right next to a bunch of weekend warriers and have them follow me around all day. If they show up on my spot, I leave so they don't get my exact numbers, then I go back after they figure there is no fish there. I can't tell you how many times I have fished a rip with 5 other charter boats and when the regular boats show up, we all power up and go back 20 minutes later.

Good tournament fisherman are more concerned on YOU being in thier spot than vice versa. A-lot of the boats in these tournaments won't be new boats, but boats that would be fishing anyway IE. Commercial & Charter boats. These tournaments are also going to be spread out in different locations so there won't be heavy pressure on any one spot.

I would rather see a commercial guy fish a tournament and kill 2 fish for his prize money than 40 fish for the market.

I would rather see a commercial guy fish a tournament and kill 2 fish for his prize money than 40 fish for the market.
I would hate to see a commercial guy keep the 40 something pounder he got the day before and enter it in on the first day of the tourney. I'm not saying that most or even some commercials (or recs for that matter) would do it but is has probably happened in the past more than once - what is to say it would not happen again??

I know this a touchy subject and I certainly do not mean it to be so but I would have less concern if commercial license holders were not able to participate in a tournament during that commercial season. For example, Mass legs could not occur during Mass comm season, RI legs could not occur during RI season and so forth.

Again, not trying to fuel a flame, just an observation.

At $2500, too steep for S-B to consider but I have thought in the past of entering a Team S-B into some of these boat competitions, just so far have chosen not to do so...

John,

That's a very good point and couldn't agree more.

If this tournament kicks off, I hope the rules are clear are consistant for everyone. There was way too much cheating from a few individuals on ASA tour and I won't fish another ASA event.

Most of the pinhookers I know couldn't scrape together the $2500 entry fee. It's probably not a legitimate tax write-off for a commercial fisherman, unless you were to list "professional tournament fisherman" as your occupation. That, and a 47" minimum size, is gonna make this tourney a playground for the guys with 42' Bertrams ;)

I'd like to know more about the cheating in the ASA tournaments. A buddy and I have talked about entering the last 2 years, but haven't done it yet. We are specifically looking at the Old Saybrook event. Looking at last years standings, I was amazed at the number of fish over 40 pounds that were weighed in. It just seemed odd, as we consider ourselves to know a fair bit about the fish that are typically caught in our area (he is a charter captain and runs a tackle shop).

Care to share more about this cheating?

Wallyworld may introduce specialized salt water tackle equipment from reels, rods, plugs, etc. of the type that most of our local tackle shops carry. The marketing personnel will find this opportunity to market these products on the TV, magazines, etc. which will create more competition for the local shops.

Slapshot,

Don't get me wrong, many of the ASA members are top fisherman and know how to catch big fish consistantly. but there have been a few things I have seen from "a few" fisherman that have been less than honest. I have also seen rules bent for some and not others by the tournament organizer and that's just not right. I would rather not mention anyone, or any specific incident, I don't think starting a flame thread will really do anyone any good.

I'd like to know more about the cheating in the ASA tournaments. A buddy and I have talked about entering the last 2 years, but haven't done it yet. We are specifically looking at the Old Saybrook event. Looking at last years standings, I was amazed at the number of fish over 40 pounds that were weighed in. It just seemed odd, as we consider ourselves to know a fair bit about the fish that are typically caught in our area (he is a charter captain and runs a tackle shop).

Care to share more about this cheating?

Slapshot, the rumor mill presents several cases of cheating with several different tourneys, not just the ASA, but because it is in fact the "Rumor Mill" I think it would be unwise to further propogate the rumors because they cannot be confirmed. And keep in mind it is the "Rumor Mill". It is sad because >90% of the participants were probably honest.

thank you

Slapshot, the rumor mill presents several cases of cheating with several different tourneys, not just the ASA, but because it is in fact the "Rumor Mill" I think it would be unwise to further propogate the rumors because they cannot be confirmed. And keep in mind it is the "Rumor Mill". It is sad because >90% of the participants were probably honest.

I chased a "absolute unequivocal classic case of cheating" (according to people "that were there and can confirm it") for a long time. Spoke to all the individuals and found out it was primarily bred out of sour grapes and unconfirmable "evidence"...I suspect 99.9% of the claimed cheating is in that category.

I chased a "absolute unequivocal classic case of cheating" (according to people "that were there and can confirm it") for a long time. Spoke to all the individuals and found out it was primarily bred out of sour grapes and unconfirmable "evidence"...I suspect 99.9% of the claimed cheating is in that category.

I agree, though I suspect only 80% or rumored cheating is in fact in that category and 20% of rumors would pan out as cheating. I have had particular instances brought to my attention by multiple unrelated sources, some who "heard" and some who say they "saw". It does exist, not as ramptant as the rumor mill would put forth. And as far as actual instances go, it would be wrong to propagate them. However, it does not mean that the cheating does not exist.

Here's a rumor from the ASA website....
"One bad incident happened in this event that had the docks buzzing. An ASA team from New Jersey was removed from competition for life after weighing a fish suspected to have a foreign substance in its belly. The team Captain brought what would have been the winning fish to the DNR weighmaster. Once on the scales the weighmaster called out the weight which was announced on the PA system, “We have a new tournament leader.” He then proceeded to feel the fish’s stomach, which had a peculiar lump. Suspecting the worst the weighmaster then ran a metal detector across the fish and as he expected the machine went off. Informing the contestant that he needed to open the fish up, the Captain grabbed the fish and proclaimed that this was the wrong fish, he had another one in the boat he wanted to weigh. Rushing out of the tent, ASA director Deona Holmes was in hot pursuit, demanding the Captain return the fish. As the Captain reached his boat he hollered at Tournament Director Bob Flocken, “You are always picking on me,” immediately cranked up the boat and sped out of the marina.

While the fish was never gutted, the actions of the team not allowing the fish to be inspected led tournament officials to immediately disqualify the team from competition. Further investigation is underway to see what the individuals have done in the past and whether criminal prosecution is warranted."

Just doing a quick search I found that the most exspensive entry fee was for the Kingfish and Redfish tournaments with total purse per tournament of like 200,000. The entry fee was 750 thats it, where are you people getting 2500??

It is just a fishing contest and GOD FORBID someone actually make any profits from it!!! It is not a sin to make money and have fun at the same time.

Why not just get a commercial license and sell some fish on the side if you want to profit off the fishery? :huh:

Not to stir up a controversial thread again, but here's some video on Striper Tubes. At this point, it kind of comes down to this. If people want these tournaments to be catch and release (or the FLW requires it) they can be.

http://www.fishnsba.com/images/front%20page%20news/NSBA_espn.mov

http://www.fishnsba.com/images/front%20page%20news/stripertube.wvx

I've also seen more then a few full time guides in Southern New England announce they'll be competing in the tournaments.

Pete those may work but it is not legal in Mass. to keep stripers in a live well or tank alive so I don't see how they will do this???

Pete those may work but it is not legal in Mass. to keep stripers in a live well or tank alive so I don't see how they will do this???

I dunno, it sure seems like they should change the law in the name of conservation though.

I think the bonus would be a potential decrease in cheating, you can't keep a live striped bass in a tube for days on end. I wouldn't think you could anyway...

I don't mean to beat a dead horse or anything, but have you guys seen the official rules for this yet? Sorry if this has been posted before, but they just came out last week.
http://www.flwoutdoors.com/article.cfm?id=144281&nid=45
It seems so damn stupid, first of all, it is illegal in Mass to keep fish in a live well and they are only weighing in fish 28-34''!!!
So if you catch a 50 pounder you don't win! How crazy is that!
this thing sucks, why didn't they just stay down south and let us have our little fishery...

All this talk about a tour coming soon to an ocean near you begs the question. Are we expected to give way when fishing our favorite spots? I refer to the yahoos that put thier boats in the various lakes that the bass pros are fishing in that week and follow them around. Now a lake although large is an enclosed area, so following and watching is easy. These guys that watch in these lakes are never fishing though. What if your drifting over your favorite mound of sand in middle ground or casting to the rocks at Quick's and all of a sudden a few boats come screaming to a stop nearby that contain tournament anglers plus a rules boat and boats that also carry the guys with the cameras and the fishermens agents and on and on and on. Are these "pro salt fishermen/women" going to demand that everyone get out of thier way? I know many of the people here and know fishermen/women in general in this neck of the woods would not put up with this. I am curious what you all think about this possibilty.

I don't mean to beat a dead horse or anything, but have you guys seen the official rules for this yet? Sorry if this has been posted before, but they just came out last week.
http://www.flwoutdoors.com/article.cfm?id=144281&nid=45
It seems so damn stupid, first of all, it is illegal in Mass to keep fish in a live well and they are only weighing in fish 28-34''!!!
So if you catch a 50 pounder you don't win! How crazy is that!
this thing sucks, why didn't they just stay down south and let us have our little fishery...


It sounds like the stupidest thing I have ever heard of... Whoever catches that fattest 34in fish wins!!! I bet 90% of the fish that are "released after weighin" die. I kind of like fishing for the fun, keeping only what will get eaten and being on the water. I guess I just don't want to see 1000 yahoo's out at monomoy rips for this turney. Its already too crowded out there. Plus there aren't even any fish out there anymore the cape is dried up:smokin:

All this talk about a tour coming soon to an ocean near you begs the question. Are we expected to give way when fishing our favorite spots? I refer to the yahoos that put thier boats in the various lakes that the bass pros are fishing in that week and follow them around. Now a lake although large is an enclosed area, so following and watching is easy. These guys that watch in these lakes are never fishing though. What if your drifting over your favorite mound of sand in middle ground or casting to the rocks at Quick's and all of a sudden a few boats come screaming to a stop nearby that contain tournament anglers plus a rules boat and boats that also carry the guys with the cameras and the fishermens agents and on and on and on. Are these "pro salt fishermen/women" going to demand that everyone get out of thier way? I know many of the people here and know fishermen/women in general in this neck of the woods would not put up with this. I am curious what you all think about this possibilty.


I'd like to see the first boat that pulls up into the charter fleet with their tv cameras and says "excuse me, I'm fishing a tournament, please make way".

It's going to go over like a fart in church.

I have a friend who is all hopped up on this.The FLW guy did talks at the Mass Bass an RISA shows.He was saying they will provide tubes to keep fish alive.Fish are to be no bigger than 34 inches an its a lure only tourney.With incentive kickbacks to a particular boat owners not sure which brand.I'm surprised with all the genius's here it only took 3 pages before that came out.

This will definitely not go over big with the charter boats. I see these so called "pros" getting a 3 oz tin off the side of their boat.

They will be down my way September 16th. I can hardly wait.:yak6:

In all fairness, there are only 2 tournaments in MA and they are both one day tournaments. I also highly doubt that 200 teams are going to enter each tournament.

They received permission to use the Striper-tubes in MA. (I don't know how they did, but I guess they did?). They are supposed to have a high 90 something % healthy fish release rate according the research they have done on them on the freshwater striper tour. Catch and release is a good thing...right.

I also saw that it was 28"minumum and 34" to the fork, this means fish would would actually be more like 37" overall. I would rather see them have the overall heaviest fish instead, but they wanted this tournament to reach the average fisherman and not just the commercial guys who have a much better change at landing 40+ pound fish.

I don't think these tournaments are really going to affect everyone all that much except one day on the cape and another out of Boston and the actual number of boats won't be as high as people think at least this year.

Yeah Nib, the rules say that owners of certain boats can register before everyone else, so I'm sure like everything else, this thing is just a big advertisement for those companies.

Hey guys, just be glad they are not having an FLW surfcasting tour, that would be spot-burn city, we would need to start an angry mob!

All this talk about a tour coming soon to an ocean near you begs the question. Are we expected to give way when fishing our favorite spots?

Screw them, they won't let everyone play. They have minimum size limit of 20' for boats, I'd like to see them try and get someone off their spot.

BTW they will provide the tubes for a fee, in other words you have to buy them from them. The whole thing is an aggregate weight weight thing any way, so the slott limit isn't bad. If you have ever watched the Redfish tourney's it makes the competition that much tougher. That ones too big throw it back, this ones too small.....

ya gots a point there, I saw the redfish thing last weekend and some guys won by an ounce! that is crazy....