FLW Saltwater Striper Trail part 2 - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

basswipe · 02-22-2006, 04:53 PM

So what does everyone REALLY feel about it?

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

squiddler · 02-22-2006, 04:53 PM

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

basswipe · 02-22-2006, 04:55 PM

Thanks for the idea Raven.

Raven · 02-22-2006, 05:15 PM

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.

basswipe · 02-22-2006, 05:24 PM

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.

MoroneSaxatilis · 02-22-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basswipe

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.

basswipe · 02-22-2006, 05:42 PM

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.

Pete_G · 02-22-2006, 05:57 PM

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.

TwitchellCreek · 02-22-2006, 06:02 PM

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?

Raven · 02-22-2006, 06:21 PM

i had cut a tree that didnt fall yesterday...and i needed some physical excercise....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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....

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.

squiddler · 02-22-2006, 06:30 PM

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...

MoroneSaxatilis · 02-22-2006, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_G

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.

Basser · 02-22-2006, 06:38 PM

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.

basswipe · 02-22-2006, 09:29 PM

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.

basswipe · 02-22-2006, 09:38 PM

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.

Goose · 02-22-2006, 11:17 PM

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.

Joe · 02-23-2006, 07:58 AM

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.

Mr. Sandman · 02-23-2006, 08:13 AM

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.

slapshot · 02-23-2006, 08:14 AM

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.....

JFigliuolo · 02-23-2006, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squiddler

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.

Pete_G · 02-23-2006, 09:02 AM

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.

Pete_G · 02-23-2006, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFigliuolo

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.

DZ · 02-23-2006, 09:23 AM

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

Pete F. · 02-23-2006, 09:37 AM

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.

Backbeach Jake · 02-23-2006, 09:41 AM

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.

Skitterpop · 02-23-2006, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Backbeach Jake

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!

Pete F. · 02-23-2006, 10:33 AM

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

Slinger · 02-23-2006, 10:35 AM

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

basswipe · 02-23-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFigliuolo

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.

basswipe · 02-23-2006, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_G

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.