If you were to have a week long C&R Tourney...

[piemma]

Originally Posted by Mike P

You can buy a Manley spring scale that's accurate to w/in one pound....

Scales don't lie. They fit easily inside a plug bag, and they don't care about getting wet, unlike many electronic digital scales.

Exactly, Mike.
Since all my experience with the Thundermist C&R was back in the 90s, we didn't have digital scales. We had Manleys verified at Nelsons (when Emilo owned it) and all the guys carried one. We all mostly fished the Back Beaches or the Canal back then so Nelsons was convenient for everyone.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by Mike P

You can buy a Manley spring scale that's accurate to w/in one pound for about the price of a Sebille or Beachmaster. They're so accurate that the IGFA will pre-certify one for record submission.

Two guys from different teams get assigned as partners. They can split the cost of the scale. If someone already has one, they can be checked for accuracy with a known weight at the pre-tourney gathering.

Pictures and taping can be fudged. Scales don't lie. The non-catching partner attests to the size of the other guy's fish.

I carried one with me all last October for the local Gibbs torunament. They fit easily inside a plug bag, and they don't care about getting wet, unlike many electronic digital scales.

Only problem with that is for a big fish the simple act of weighing it might well kill it. Pics with tape measure better, but no way a fish is going back in the water in under 30 seconds if you have to lay out a tape and take a picture. Date/time stamp on the photo OR a premade tourney sign, no need for both, just keeps the fish out of the water longer. Some people will always try and cheat even if its just for bragging rights.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by MakoMike

Only problem with that is for a big fish the simple act of weighing it might well kill it. Pics with tape measure better, but no way a fish is going back in the water in under 30 seconds if you have to lay out a tape and take a picture. Date/time stamp on the photo OR a premade tourney sign, no need for both, just keeps the fish out of the water longer. Some people will always try and cheat even if its just for bragging rights.

You'll kill more fish #^&#^&#^&#^&ing around with tape measures, cameras, and some kind of identifiable object like a playing card to validate the date.

Fish laid on rocks will thrash and lose scales. Sometimes they'll flop while someone's reaching for the tape, camera or identifier and wedge between the rocks, and big fish are a bitch to get out of the rocks. Fish laid on the sand will thrash and lose much of their slime that protects them against parasites and infections. I think that if you learn how to correctly place a scale inside of a fish's jaw, and how to avoid touching the gills doing it, you'll kill far fewer fish than having them out of the water for an extended period while measuring and photographing them. Most people land a big bass that way anyway--no one who's experienced tries to lift a fish over 30 lbs. by lipping it.

If you've ever tried to remove a hook buried in a bass' jawbone, you know that their jaws are not fragile in the least

[JohnR]

First Week of May, supporting a great cause (not S-B) but, well, a great cause. I'm puting out fires at work for the moment, someone decided to run their sysvol (nerdalert) out of space by spamming the world.

Whole week, single anglers OK with photo - must promise quick release so be ready to go. Anglers fishing with another CAN honor system it if the other writes it down. Chance to win some prizes even if I need to buy them . Not biggest or most BUT each photo will count for a prize. Honor system will be key as this is supporting an honorable cause.

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

Keep it up and I'll Spring Sphere your house....

Besides, I thought Spring Sphering as wore in line with Autumn Harvest Granola Costume Day? Can Cheryl Crow TP your house with single squares?
would be funny if not for - well, ACLU would sue me for anything I was about to say.

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by Mike P

You'll kill more fish #^&#^&#^&#^&ing around with tape measures, cameras, and some kind of identifiable object like a playing card to validate the date.

Fish laid on rocks will thrash and lose scales. Sometimes they'll flop while someone's reaching for the tape, camera or identifier and wedge between the rocks, and big fish are a bitch to get out of the rocks. Fish laid on the sand will thrash and lose much of their slime that protects them against parasites and infections. I think that if you learn how to correctly place a scale inside of a fish's jaw, and how to avoid touching the gills doing it, you'll kill far fewer fish than having them out of the water for an extended period while measuring and photographing them. Most people land a big bass that way anyway--no one who's experienced tries to lift a fish over 30 lbs. by lipping it.

If you've ever tried to remove a hook buried in a bass' jawbone, you know that their jaws are not fragile in the least

Its not a question of hurting their jaws. Hanging a big fish displaces their internal organs, often leading to death, days later.Some studies have put the death rate as high as 25%.A sling like Zimmy posted will cure the problem.Otherwise I agree, anything that delays getting the fish back in the water is not good.

[Mr. Sandman]

We have an inter-island C&R tournament that in my view has resulted in a lot of fun, great memories, good times and new lasting friendships.
The "island cup" is a MV vs ACK C&R surf fishing event. It alternates islands each year as to its location and lasts a 3 day weekend (F/S/S). Each team angler fishes with someone on the other team. Largest blue/bass in lbs is noted for every angler (bogagrip) as witnessed by the guy in the other team. In the end all the weights are combined for each team. the team with the largest combined total wins the cup. (we have it this year after two painful losses.) The event begins and ends with a gathering at a restaurant or the anglers club. a great time to renew and meet new friends. Each angler for the hosting team houses their guest angler in their home for the weekend. Again, this alternates each year. It is something I look forward to each year. It is a lot of fun, I have met some wonderful people and some have become very good friends. The stories everyone has make it a very memorable.

Simple, no big money involved, great friends, just fishermen one weekend. A real mix of people from all walks of life with the common bond of fishing. Without a doubt one of the highlights of every summer for me. This is my kind of tournament.

[JohnR]

Hmmm - how about no fish over 26"
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[JLH]

I wouldnt want to have to partner up for a week long tourney, that couldn't work with the right partner for a night or even a weekend tourney but I doubt two people would have identical schedules for an entire week.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[sully12rng]

Run it like the vineyard rod and gun Fly fishing tourney. biggest fish / most fish honnor system. Why would anybody cheat at a tourney done for a good cause. Make the raffles bigger than the prise. That works best. Make it more fun to be in the tourney than to win it. This sounds fun.

[Pete F.]

1. Keep it simple
2. Good people are honest and won't cheat. The bad guys are just looking for ways to one up someone and "win" no matter what. You can't make rules that change people.
3. The most valuable prizes should be in the raffle, I think the Habs tourney is a good example.
The recognition for winning should be enough and maybe a "neat plug shaped trophy"
I fish alone and would just as soon take a picture of the fish laying down, sometimes I'm out a ways on a rock and I am not swimming in.

[JohnR]

OK - fish photographed go to points so say under 26" 1 point, 26+, 2 points. Points total = how much raffle chances you get for prize ?? So no PRIZE for total fish or biggest, etc but the more C&R is better CHANCES for prize?

Or am I

[Pete F.]

one raffle chance just for entering.
a second for taking a picture of a fish.
Then you can buy as many tickets as you want.

I've seen time when I could catch rats till I was sick of it. That gets old but some yahoo will feel compelled if everyone is worth a ticket.

[timmah]

Who the hell cheats for bragging rights, that's just the stupidest thing. You have to be a real dbag to cheat in a fishing tournament anyway especially if it's just for bragging rights. How about a specific tape measure printed up with the credentials right on it. 2 birds. I can make custom tape measures with waterproof vinyl for a buck or so or get them from a novelty place. Then there is no ? whether someone is using a rigged tape or scale. Then you also have useful souvenir when the tourney is over.

[big jay]

I could see measuring for a largest fish contest getting difficult. Even under the honor system, one persons 45" is bigger than anothers.

How about most fish over a certain length?
Total # of fish caught over 40".
Maybe a certain # of bonus points for fish over 50"
You would reward the person who catches the most good fish for the tournament, and not the guy that might just get 1 good fish.

The hand signal or tourney card in the picture ideas are solid.

[ThrowingTimber]

I second the shocker for a hand signal.

[sully12rng]

After alot of thinking here is my outline.
1. a printable card that one gets in an email when thay sign up.
2. no partner needed but a photo of fisherperson, fish and card is needed. (hand signal works as well)
3. boat and shore classes
4. everyone who enters is entered into one main raffle bin. as winners are pulled the name is removed.
5. plaque for biggest fish and most fish. (prises are raffle drawn) keeps it fun and honest.

I have been fortunate I have been gifted with 2 wins in the vineyard fly fishing derby. I NEVER win the raffles! They give away some amazing prizes every year. Plus Coops bbq is a blast!

Maybe a fish of the day post and a best photo winner?

[MassBass]

emailed printable card is a great idea!

many times I'm perched on a rock and need one hand to hold the fish steady on a small bolder while the other hand snaps the pic. So i think the hand sign isn't best?

doens't matter how many in a team to me. I fish alone 99% of the time

Winner's pic gets posted on front page

no prizes

[Redsoxticket]

Now I have to buy a camera, forgetaboutit.
Groups of at least two measure tape and witness affidavit
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Redsoxticket]

These pics will burn spots if not edited.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[piemma]

Originally Posted by Redsoxticket

These pics will burn spots if not edited.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Here we go! Spot burning!!

1. Most guys fish at night so you will not be able to tell where it is.
2. There are NO secret spots unless you are 10 years old and never fished.
3. Who F cares? If you have got to start chasing fish based on background in some picture then you better take up a different sport.
Just my opinion. Let's not start complicating this thing more than it is already.

[numbskull]

Who cares about the rules. Let's start planning the BBQ!

[Sea Dangles]

I can bring paper plates and plastic cutlery.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by numbskull

Who cares about the rules. Let's start planning the BBQ!

Make sure people only bring Organic to the BBQ....the Chemical Fertilizer run-off is impacting the health of the stripers too....

[beamie]

I have some of the funnest days on the boat when my friends and I have just straight inch tourneys. Size does not matter, no bonses etc. Round everything at the 1/2" up. It is fun. At the end of the day you may have 378" beats 357" etc.

If you don't like that if we could add the weight of the angler to the weight of the fish maybe I'd have a chance.

[Clogston29]

an option for people who fish alone would be good. come up with some random cheap and portable object that everyone has (a playing card or water bottle for example) the day before the tournament starts that has to be included in photos of fish laying on a tape.

night time quality photos of someone holding a good fish that is to released can be tough to get, even with a partner. and they can be misleading (size of person, angle, etc. can all make a fish look very different). I think a straight down shot of fish on tape is the easiest to take and most reliable.

[johnny ducketts]

I'll bring tofu shaped striper fillets.

[tysdad115]

Originally Posted by johnny ducketts

I'll bring tofu shaped striper fillets.

How dare you harm tofu??? Heartless bastard!

[Bronko]

I'll bring some Christmas trees to burn.

[Sea Flat]

Excuse me!! Holiday Tree

[afterhours]

it's already way past the kiss and roundin' 2nd...