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

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.

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.

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

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

Ever go out on a quiet stream or pond?
 

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.

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.

U Funny
 

:usd:

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.

Good Perception
 

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.....

Tournament Talk - Not Good Here!
 

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.

Nice Post
 

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 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.

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.