I don't understand the point behind a fishing contest(s) where the focus is to catch the largest fish but not to exceed a certain length. It makes no sense to me.
It brings way too much luck into the contest if you ask me. It is one thing to be able to consistantly land trophy fish but to be able to land fat schoolies? I don't get it. What are the "braggin rights" to winning a contest like this? (besides the check) Someone explain to me what the point is? Beyond not trying to kill a big fish... which is a worthy thing but I would think you could keep anysize fish alive.

Sandman,

I agree with your thoughts too, luck is a big part of it. But one thing I thought about and kind of like is this......It kind of evens the playing field for the little guy or the slow boat guy, example....take a boat fishing tourney, if everyone knew that the best chance at catching a cow was 75 miles away and in 8 foot seas the guy fishing out of a 20' boat that only does 18kts won't be able to even think about going to the best spot with the best chance at a big fish. But he can find his inshore honey hole and maybe find a big fish for that slot.

Something to think about. So if you were this guy it would give you a feeling that maybe you have a chance.

I think in the next olympics, they should give gold medals to the guys who perform the most average. That way the slow people have more of a chance.

Or start doing what they started over the past year or so, and give trophys to everyone, so that no one feels left out like those that weren't even trying.
"Hey, I caught an old tin can, do I get a prize?"
"Hey, Fred got a prize, so where's mine? Give me one, or I'll whine about this being an unfair contest."

I see some of these "tournaments" on tv. The Redfish derbies really kill me. You don't win by getiing the most fish, or the biggest fish, or heck, even the FIRST fish. You win by catching your best 3-5 avaerage fish. This explains why these shows keep my attention for about as long as ANY Charlie Moore show could.

What Beamie said about the slow boat guys/teams make sense, because in the FLW tourney that started in Dennis one of the contestants had a Fountain with trip engines. Raced all over to find fish and I dont thing he caught his two allowed fish, either day. I think in the span of two days the slot limit is the right ticket at least as far as the marketing and the number of team entries goes. It gives the aura that anyone can win.

I dont agree with the perfect world BS, which says lets give trophy to everyone scenario so no ones feelings :bshake: get hurt.

I am wondering if anyone trolled lures on downriggers deep trying to get fish on the high end of the slot? Most of the nice fish I know were caught up top or close to it.

these tourneys are by weight . therefore slot size does not matter.
you know for yourself that a 28" fish may weigh at 8lbs. but some are more than 8 lbs at the same lenght.