Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

[Capn Mike]

Wonder if I'm the only guy who doesn't...think it has something to do with the fact that I've had to be competitive in so many facets of my life. Fishing (and rose growing) are the only areas in which I can really find relaxation.<br />Yeah, I know: I'm in the minority and it's hugely popular, especially in the bass, marlin and even salmon crowd. And the skills demonstrated by those successful pros are of great help to the rest of us...to say nothing about the huge industry that's involved. But still, there's something troublesome about the idea of converting one of the ultimate forms of leisure into another contest. <br />

 

[PAkev]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

Capn,<br /><br />I think its only human nature for men to be competitive in whatever we do. Throw a little money into the equation as a compelling force and things become real interesting. As far as the tournaments, I think they are following the same philosophy that has worked on NASCAR circuit for many years of "What wins on Sunday sells on Monday." The money guys are making on tournament winnings is peanuts compared to the cashflow recognized by the sponsorship behind a high profile name. Ranger, Mercury, Yamaha, Shimano, to name a few have positioned themselves up front as leaders in the marine industry by tournament involvement.<br /><br />As far as the ethics go, I believe they have come a long way in maintaining conservation efforts. For example: 20 years ago you were given bonus points for live fish whereas now you are penalized for dead fish. This has developed a positive future for our fishing enjoyment as folks realize the sport is much more than putting the most fillets on a table. <br /><br />Finally, tournament involvement of some sort or another is fairly simple and attainable for a guy with a boat and a few fishing rods. Therefore, it only becomes as competitive as he makes it to be. <br /><br />My .02<br />Kevin

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

If the boys with the mega expensive boats want to compete I have no problem with that. Just wish they'd ask my permission before using MY lake for a tournament <br />I have no desire- I want fishing and boating to be leisurely, relaxing, and simple. Time to enjoy my family. Sure wouldn't want to be in front of those guys when they start. Personally I consider 80 mph on the water rather extreme. I'd rather be flying a homebuilt airplane than go THAT fast on water. Must be a rush, though.<br /><br />Off the subject a bit, but the relaxation mode we enjoy isn't very compatible with drunken lunatics who have boats. Ever notice how some of the more popular lakes start to get crowded with big bass boats, ski boats, jet skis, or cruisers whose operator turns stupid and goes absolutely wild and irresponsible (usually because of too many beers)? Those times I wonder why I haven't installed a 50 caliber on a mount. I go out of my way to avoid the knuckleheads. Try to boat mid week, avoid the party lakes, and never boat on a holiday. I try to be pulling off the lake before too many show up. Most boaters are great people indeed, there are just a few who manage from time to time to louse it up for the rest. <br /><br />I saw an old WW2 PT boat being restored awhile back. PERFECT for boating on the fourth of July!

 

[JB]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

I don't think you are alone, Capt. Mike.<br /><br />I fished one tourney years ago and won a tackle box and a kicker, but I hated it. What had been a stress relieving activity turned into a stress creating activity. I never went back.<br /><br />I wont fish a lake where a tournament is in progress or pre-scout/pre-fish. I resent being shoved aside for a commercial enterprise.<br /><br />I suppose Tour and TV pros advance the technology and tactics of catching fish, but I don't think the quality of the fishing pastime is improved by the expectation of catching more and bigger fish. In fact I think the pros raise expectations to unrealistic levels and cause more disappointment than success among recreational fishermen.<br /><br />On the other side of the coin, Tournament and TV pros have made selective harvest and CPR the norm among sportsmen, and that has improved the number and quality of the fish available to be caught.<br /><br />Bottom line? Have fun, but don't push me off the lake and don't include me.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

For me fishing is a time of relaxation, sometimes to the point,where I hope the fish wont bother me.<br />When I see all those mega bucks boats racing up and down, chasing after a win, I can only pity them.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

I used to fish some organized tourneys. Like the others said it turns a nice relaxing thing into STRESS!! Now I only fish a few small pick up tourneys on my local lake that involve only about 20 bucks a boat and are more for fun than profit. Just a few guys that know each other out for a fun day at the lake. Not a big deal if you get skunked! Heck the winner usally pays for the cold beverages at the local establishment anyhow <br /><br />That said they do have some real tourneys at the lake and they pull in a lot of fish. The bad thing is alot of these fish die during the tourney or afterwards. I am a catch and release guy and this bugs me a lot.

 

[lund17]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

I fished a striper derby for the first time last year. Two day event one fish (live) weighed per day. My buddy and I had a blast. We decided early that the fishing not the winning were most important. We were fortunate enough to weigh two good fish and place. This year my 16 year old son will join us and I hope to teach him that competing well is success beyond winning and a day where no one gets hurts and nothing gets broke(nothing major ) is a good day indeed! The thing with derbies/tourneys is that you choose to participate or not. I would not do it more than a couple times a year and like playing poker I like to play but I wouldn't bet the mortgage. It's all for the fun of the game.

 

[DJ]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

Golf was at one time a relaxing venture-not any more.<br /><br />For too any people, that is the ONLY time they get outside. They think the whole world is supposed to look like a golf course.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

Been in a handfull of tourneys, icefishing. Never won anything except for some raffle door prizes.<br /><br />Been in many, many boat touneys. You know, "a buck for the guy with the first fish".<br />Or, the guy with the first fish get to sit on his butt, while the last to catch one has to clean the catch. <br /><br />Lets say I went home a dollar poorer, many times.<br />And got mosquito bit while cleaning fish, many more times.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

Like you don't have enough to worry about, most formally organized tournaments will graciously provide you with a 1099 misc income form and are also required to report winnings of more than $400 to good ole uncle sam.<br /><br />The bright side of things is that when you win tournament money, you can also expense and depreciate your equipment, boat, tow vehicle, etc. This provides an opportunity for a guy that has a big investment in his sport to recognize another modest economic benefit that usually doesn't apply to the casual sportfishing angler.<br /> <br /><br />Kevin

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

I live on one of probably the most Bass Tourney lakes in my area. Every week end there is at least a Club tourney, and every couple weeks a larger one. I get tired of being woke up every Saterday morning at 5:30 or 6:00 Am! Now with that said, I knew it was going to be this way when I moved here and if I want to I can move! I used to be one of those guys. Now I only fish a Tourney a couple times a year and I do it with a good freind and Its fun for us and we dont get all stressed out if we dont have a boat full of fish like we used to!, We just laugh it off! Ya, I approve!!

 

[bubbakat]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

I myself fish for the fun and can't see how these guys have any fun. They have x amount of time finding fish. I don't mind tourneys but these guys and gals could be a little more courteous.<br /> Gone fishin and my self were fishing this weekend and there was a tournament going on sat.<br />We were trying to come out of the water because of tornado warnings being out. I want to be on land when one of those things hit. They love to follow water channels here where I live.<br /> The last guy was coming in and we let him in first because of the weigh in. Guy jumps on dock and takes fish (all two of them) and went to weigh in ( THIS IS FINE) Weighs in and backs truck down to water the other guy drives boat onto trailer. (everything is going I am thinking)<br /> He hooks up boat to trailer and then set there talking to his fishing partner while we are waiting. (The storm is getting closer) after about 20 min setting there he moves and we load.<br />we came up the ramp and none of them spoke to jeff and I because we weren't fishing in the tournament. You ask how I know this it is because I knew most of these guys. <br /> A little courtesy goes a long way.<br /> BTW we made it in before storm hit by about 30 seconds.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

I fish some tourneys. Nothing big.<br />Fish a annual tourney at Dale Hollow ever Dec. and a bunch of tourneys at my local lakes.<br /><br />Don't think I would like them big tourneys.<br />Have been in lakes when they have been pre fishing and they are wild to say the least.<br />No concern for boat(their's) or anything.

 

[jonboatbassin]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

i dont really have a problem with the idea of fishing tournaments, i actually fish in about 15 or so a year through a couple small clubs and opens. the only thing i dont like is how a few tournament guys always think they have priority over everyone else. i cant even count the number of times ive had another team come flying up and start fishing less than 50yds in front of me. ive actually been waked out and cut off by my own tournament director once.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

My uncle and 2 cousins fish musky tourneys fequently. Two way radios, on the water marshalls and judges, proper netting and handling and releasing, etc.<br /><br />You get penalized if you don't do it the way they want, and release it asap, and they watch close.

 

[rwise]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

If I know there is a turny on a lake I go elsewhere. So many are rude, etc. I slow down when I get near someone fishing, just a little respect! But hey, it's there thing and they are welcome to it, theres another lake just down the road!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

being a competetive person, I think I would enjoy<br />fishing in some tourney's. but as a rule, I would<br />never fish water while a tourney was going on.<br />living in the middle of nowhere has me spoiled,<br />most days I can fish without a boat in sight <br />and that's the way I like it...

 

[pjc]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

....NO to professional tournaments...<br /><br />Yes to small local charity tournaments.<br /><br />Nothing has pissed me off more than to pull into a favored lake launch and see is full due to Muskies Inc. having a so called tournament.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

I doubt that the fish approve of fishing tournaments.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Do you approve of fishing tournaments?

i can only speak from experiences boating on the chesapeake. i cruise and fish for leisure 99% of the time. i entered a three day striper tourney last year and had a blast. no stress, just hung their flag and went out fishing. it was exciting knowing i could get lucky with a big fish and make a lot of money. it was fun listening to the vhf when people got a big one (or lied about it!) but i didn't stress over it. tourney's should be fun or you shouldn't be involved. probably a little different than a lake tourney, since the bay is so big.