BUT what if you enter the tourny with your wife/GF..she gets stuck with Jason on a draw?? :shock: ....LOL

If the boats a rockin, don't come a knockin! 8)

Hey this might actually get the site admin to show up to a few of these!!! :lol:

Random draw is a tough sell though... That is a good idea for one tourney... You are gonna have guys that enjoy fishing together as regular partners for multiple tourneys... I don't like fishing solo because I enjoy having someone in the boat to converse with and shoot the shit for several hours... Plus it is good to have a net man... I believe in boater position to some extent (Busse is a great example of this) but at Deep that really isn't an issue in my opinion... Fish are everywhere... (Except the inlet)

Maybe make a limit on the number of times you are allowed to go solo during a 7 tourney season? Maybe twice? Just a thought...

BPM

 

I think solo should be allowed. Sometimes people just don't fish the same way and if you are someone who is new to the tourneys or just don't know many you can't really setup teams ahead of time to know what strategy you guys will use. Typically people that team up when they sign up are the ones that know where eachother fish and accept giving in to the other's preference at that time..

 

The reason I stopped fishing these events are I was told I can't use my personal boat because it is an unfair advantage. I totally disagree with that theory. Yes my boat can go faster than a 12ft w/10hp outboard, BUT, I'd be willing to go NO Wake for the entire tourney. I'd love to fish the Deep Lake events but it absolutely kills my back to fish out of those little boats. I don't live on Deep Lake, haven't practiced there and don't intend to practice there.

Also, IMO, it should be a TEAM effort. 2 guys ins the same boat fishing AGAINST each other is senseless. Yes, I understand the desire to crown a AOY but there are ways to distribute the points fairly to both anglers.
A draw tourney is the most logical choice for these tournies. Either you sign up as a boater or non boater. Admins pick names out of a hat and determine who gets paired up. Pay half of the tourney money up front as a deposit via paypal or some other means. People are less likely to back out or show up late if they pay something in advance. OR, draw partners at the start of the tourney. If you have an odd number then someone goes solo, not a big deal.

The WCF tournies that I did fish were alot of fun. I'd love to fish them again but out of my own boat. Then funny part for me is that the only time I ever won anything was when i fished out of the rental boat. Having my boat there actually became a disadvantage.

 

I like the idea of a team boat versus competing against the person in your own boat. I always found it frustrating to have the person in your boat catch a really nice fish only to get mad that they "stole" that fish from you or that you haven't caught any fish and they have five nice ones. If both partners are on the same team then you can work better together to catch the most fish. I believe all high school and college tournaments are team events. I think we should give that idea some more discussion. Now if someone was forced to go solo there might have to be some adjustment to their numbers as it would be an unfair comparison. I know we already have the money for highest boat total (only 20%), but maybe we make the higher payout and lower the payout to the individual fisherman with the heaviest "bag".

 

Draw tournaments for every tourney will push away some people... That will just be the case because there are people who are pretty comfortable fishing with their regular partner and this keeps any conflicts there could be out of the equation entirely... I can fish with just about anyone and can make even the toughest days of fishing enjoyable but not everyone is that comfortable... Plus the logistics of equipment and who brings what could become an issue too... I do think it is a great idea to do it once during the season but probably not any more than that...

On another subject... Not to jump from one spectrum to the other but I want us to make a rule that allows the minimum weight to be registered for a fish that is accidentally lost at the weigh in... That happened last year and instead of that unfortunate situation resulting in zero weight for that lost fish that jumped into the water, give that individual the minimum 1.5 pounds... Our weigh in happens on the water and that is going to happen to someone again... And that rule would apply whether a 2 pounder jumps out of your hands into the lake or a 5 pounder does... If someone brings in fish and we keep them in a livewell for a couple hours, took good care of them, and they are really lively when they are taken out to be weighed, they deserve to be given credit for...

BPM

 

"That happened last year and instead of that unfortunate situation resulting in zero weight "

1.5 it is .......

That sucker just shot out of the cooler ...LOL :shock:

 

I can only imagine the look on his face when that fish hit freedom...

:mrgreen:

BPM

 

Didn't it cost him 2nd place too?

 

There is an easy way to avoid fishing jumping off the scales at weigh-in. If you use a weigh bag it will eliminate that problem.
To do the weigh-in:
Each team/boat is responsible for bringing a weigh-in bag . They can be bought at Bass Pro, Cabelas, or most tackle shops and cost from $2.00 to $20.00 each.
Each team would weigh the bag CONTAINING WATER prior to placing their fish in the bag, then zero out the scale or write down the weight.
Then after that weight is determined, fish are added to the bag and the bag is re-weighed. If you didn't zero the scales then subtract the weight of the bag minus the fish. If you did zero out the scale with water in the bag, then you have the weight.
If an angler drops a fish in the water while placing his/her fish in the bag then they would receive ZERO weight.

I'm saying this because if you set a minimum weight for a "dropped fish" at 1.5 or 2lbs, then someone who wanted to cheat could "drop" a smaller fish into the lake by "accident" so he/she could be awarded 1.5 or 2 lbs.

 

I like the bag idea if we were bumping each fish... Problem is that won't happen at Jack and Lydia's pier... I like the idea but there are plenty of 14-15 inch fish caught and if we drop them all in, weighing them all at once, we are assuming they are all good... The 1.5 is in place so that if we weigh one at 1.3 or 1.4 which happens a lot, we then bump them...

As far as people cheating by dropping a fish in the water, I am not buying it with this group of people... I do not foresee that ever occuring at a WCF tourney...

BPM

 

You can always do a water-weigh-in where everyone meets at the tourney official's boat. The fish in the bag are handed to the tourney official who then weighs and measures each fish.
If I'm allowed to use my boat, I will gladly be the tourney official and all weigh-ins can be done on my boat.
To me these tournies are more about the fun and cameraderie than trying to win money. Even if I do win,which probably wouldn't happen, I think I'd earn about $20 more than I spent just to compete in the tourney in the first place.

Something I think should be mandatory is using a livewell system even if it's the cooler style that you can buy at Cabelas or Bass Pro for $40. With the amount of money all of us spend on equipment, line, lures, boat rentals and gas, I think it is not unreasonable to make sure everyone has proper safety equipment for yourself and a livewell system for the benefit of the fish. If dead fish keep surfacing after a tourney, no matter who runs the tourney, the lake association is going to start causing problems for everyone and soon enough there will be no more tournies on that lake. Also, every fish that dies is one less that can spawn.
I realize that these tournies are more for fun than for serious competition, but some of these things, IMO, need to be addressed so that the tournies can continue.

 

I will make one more post on this, then I will let it be... Bob you are dead on... One thing that didn't happen last year was bumping close fish... That's gonna have to start happening... That should be an easy fix... There were many 1.4"s and 1.3" weighed in last year where nobody blinked an eye... We got lazy... I am sure we can fix that and we have to because there are plenty of borderline fish caught...

Tony, I, among others voiced my opinion a year or more ago on the livewell system and I believe now for the most part everyone uses a cooler with bubblers... Not that expensive and thankfully makes the stringer idea (yuck) go away... As a result, there have been zero issues with dead fish at our tourneys... It has even been said that the fish have been swimming away with more life to them then when they were caught... We have definitely ensured the integrity of this site and the tourneys by the way we have taken great care of the bass...

And yeah, I would love the comfy confines of a 19 -20 footer too, or even my own little boat... Bottom line is that we all pay the 15 bucks to Jack and Lydia's to use their boats and I think we should continue paying Jack and Lydia's to rent their boats... They have been more than hospitable to us in the years we have done the tourneys there and it would be great to continue a good relationship with them...

I am done... Now let's get some open water around here and get this shindig going!!!

BPM

 

I will make one more post on this, then I will let it be... Bob you are dead on... One thing that didn't happen last year was bumping close fish... That's gonna have to start happening... That should be an easy fix... There were many 1.4"s and 1.3" weighed in last year where nobody blinked an eye... We got lazy... I am sure we can fix that and we have to because there are plenty of borderline fish caught...

Tony, I, among others voiced my opinion a year or more ago on the livewell system and I believe now for the most part everyone uses a cooler with bubblers... Not that expensive and thankfully makes the stringer idea (yuck) go away... As a result, there have been zero issues with dead fish at our tourneys... It has even been said that the fish have been swimming away with more life to them then when they were caught... We have definitely ensured the integrity of this site and the tourneys by the way we have taken great care of the bass...

And yeah, I would love the comfy confines of a 19 -20 footer too, or even my own little boat... Bottom line is that we all pay the 15 bucks to Jack and Lydia's to use their boats and I think we should continue paying Jack and Lydia's to rent their boats... They have been more than hospitable to us in the years we have done the tourneys there and it would be great to continue a good relationship with them...
I am done... Now let's get some open water around here and get this shindig going!!!

BPM

Jack and Lydia's has been great, no doubt. I'd be willing to pay my half of the $15 to rent a boat and STILL use my own boat. Whoever i partner with or get partnered with would have to pay the other half of the $15. That money could go directly to Jack and Lydia as a tip or be used towards drinks in the bar.

As far as the 1.3lb and 1.4lb fish being weighed, they aren't necessarily short fish. I saw a 14" squeaker get weighed at a tourney that was less than 1 lb. I agree though that every fish that is questionable should be measured. If someone measures a short fish then a 1lb or 2lb penalty should be levied on any additional fish they have.

 

I'm new but plan on attending and having some fun. Here's an idea about the equipment issue. Those that have a trolling motor and cooler/livewell should register as boaters and those that don't, like me, should register as non-boaters. If there ends up being too many boaters, then you match'm up or draw until everybody is paired.

 

I'm new but plan on attending and having some fun. Here's an idea about the equipment issue. Those that have a trolling motor and cooler/livewell should register as boaters and those that don't, like me, should register as non-boaters. If there ends up being too many boaters, then you match'm up or draw until everybody is paired.

I agree.
IMO, draw tournies are the way to go for the WCF tournies. There are always new members that need to be paired w/someone who has fished tournies before, particularly at Deep Lake.
Two people that don't know each other paired in a boat as a TEAM are actually far less likely to cheat, plus it gives everyone an opportunity to get to know each other and try different techniques and share knowledge.
These can be alot of fun if they are properly organized and focus on team participation and meeting new people. Keep it simple yet organized. If you want cutthroat competition w/set partners then go fish some Big Bucks, Anglers Choice, Anglers Dream, BFLs or FLWs.

 

Here's the rules for Anglers Dream. Note: these are not draw tournies, and some of the rules wouldn't apply to a WCF style format. Just posting these as a guideline so the tournie directors on here can see how some other oragnizations run things.

1. SAFETY: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times. Each
competitor is required to wear a Coast Guard approved life preserver
whenever the combustion engine is operating.
Violation of this
rule shall be reason for disqualification.
2. SPORTSMANSHIP: Tournament competitors are expected to adhere to
high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety and conservation. Any
infraction of these fundamental sporting principles may be deemed cause for
disqualification. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal possession or
use of a controlled substance during the tournament or tournament functions
will be grounds for disqualification from that event and all further Anglers
Dream events. Any contestants cited during tournament hours for a violation
of state, marine, fishing or conservation laws will be disqualified.
3. TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: Only artificial lures may be used. (No
live or prepared bait will be allowed with the exception of pork strips, rinds,
etc. Commercial fish attractants are allowed) Only one casting or spinning
rod, 8' maximum length may be used at any time. Any competitor found to
have in his possession equipment or baits not permitted will be disqualified.
4. HORSEPOWER REGULATIONS: Only Boats and Motors that are in
compliance with the B.I.A. horsepower rating will be allowed to participate.
5. BASIC BOAT EQUIPMENT: Every boat must have all required Coast
Guard safety equipment, in addition to a live well properly aerated to
adequately maintain a live five bass team limit.
6. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Fishing on tournament waters
is permitted anywhere except those areas designated off limits on the day of
the tournament or within 50 yards of another competitor's boat which was
first anchored. All angling must be done from the boat. Contestants may not
depart the boat to retrieve a fish. The boat must remain in legal tournament
waters on tournament days. Both team members must remain in the boat at
all times except in the case of dire emergency.
All boats must be equipped
with an ignition kill switch. A lanyard is to be attached to the boat kill switch
and operator any time the combustion engine is operating.
7. OFFICIAL CHECK POINT: There shall be only one (1) official point
for check out in the morning and check in for the afternoon. At the time of
check out all boats are expected to be within full compliance of the rules.
8. SCORING: Tournament standing and final winners shall be determined
by the pound and fraction of a pound of each teams catch during the day.
Only largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass will be weighed. All
contestants are bound by the prevailing statutes and regulations of the state
in which they are participating. All bass must be caught live and in a
conventional sporting manner. Any fish deemed caught foul hooked will not
be weighed. At no time shall a contestant have more fish in possession than
the designated limit for a team for the event. In the event that a team has
more fish in their possession than the described limit, tournament officials
shall cull the fish to the tournament limit starting with the largest fish down
to the limit described.
9. DEAD FISH PENALTY: A penalty of one-half (1/2) of a pound will be
deducted for each dead fish brought in at the time of weigh-in.
10. ELIGIBILITY: Participation is open to anglers of either sex who are
members of Anglers Dream. One member of each team must be eighteen
(18) years of age or older.
11. REGISTRATION: An official Anglers Dream entry form must be filled
out and signed by both participants for each event they fish. At least one (1)
member of the team must be present for the registration. Failure to register
during the prescribed time shall result in loss of starting position and
reassigned to the back of field.
12. STARTING POSITIONS: Starting positions will be drawn at the
mandatory pre tournament meeting at that event.
13. SUBSTITUTION: To be considered an established team both members
must fish together in at least three events. Each team member may have a
substitute once during the season. This substitute must either be a regular
member of Anglers Dream or pay the substitute fee of $20 per event.
Substitutes and team numbers are to be identified on the entry forms. A
member may fish alone.
14. PAIRINGS: This is a "fish with your buddy" tournament. Two anglers per
boat. Angling or non-angling guest are not permitted.
15. PRE-TOURNAMENT PRACTICE: Practice or Scouting of fish will be
allowed with the following exceptions. No fishing or boating will be allowed on
the tournament waters on the day of the event from 12:01 A.M. until the start of
the event.
16. NO WAKE ZONES: All no wake zones and areas are NO PASS zones
unless the boat being passed is fishing, gives permission to pass, is inoperable or
multiple boat lanes permit a different route to be taken.
17. SHORT FISH PENALTY: Any fish presented for weigh-in by a contestant
that fails to measure the minimum size limit designated for the event shall not be
counted in the days totals. In addition, the largest fish of that days catch for that
team shall also be culled.
18. LATE PENALTY: Competitors who have not arrived at the appointed time
shall be penalized one pound per each minute that they are late. Any team over
ten minutes late will lose credit for that days entire catch.
19. TIES: In the event of a tie, big bass will break stringer ties and heavy stringer
will break big bass ties.
20. COMPLIANCE: It shall be the sole responsibility of all entrants to comply
with the said rules and regulations.
21. RULINGS: The Tournament Director and his designated appointees shall
reserve the right for rules interpretations and rulings thereof. Furthermore, the
tournament committee reserves the right to change dates or sites of any given
tournament. Any protest must be in writing, signed by the protestor, and filed
within ten minutes after weigh-in. The decision of the tournament officials in
all rulings shall be final. Any and all contestants are subject to a truth verification
exam ( polygraph test), at the discretion of the tournament director or official.
Failure to take and successfully complete this test is reason for disqualification
and forfeit of all prizes from this and all future Anglers Dream events.
ANGLERS OF THE YEAR: During the year $3 from each entry will be set in a pool. From that trophies will
be purchased for this award and the remainder of the fund will be awarded to the
top point finisher. This award will be presented to the anglers of the year in each
division at the mandatory pre tournament meeting prior to the 2011 Tournament
of Champions. In the Nomads division $5 from each member will be set in a pool
for that divisions Angler of the Year.
2011 Tournament

 

I think it would be cool to use our own boats, I wouldnt mind paying the rental fee as well. But dont we need a key to launch there?

 

I fish with the Muskie Hunter. I will fish with somebody else if the Hunter will not. I say no solo boats. How much fun is being in a boat by your self boring.

 

I think it would be cool to use our own boats, I wouldnt mind paying the rental fee as well. But dont we need a key to launch there?

Yes, you need a key. The village of Lindenhurst sells them to residents for about $100 per year.

 

I think it would be cool to use our own boats, I wouldnt mind paying the rental fee as well. But dont we need a key to launch there?

Someone who has the key would just have to provide the key for everyone else, even if they have to wait for those bringing their own boat and then everyone would have to motor to Jack's before the tourney to register... Then they would just have to motor back to the launch and load back on your trailer after the final weigh in... Just don't over use your batteries... I will still use Jack's boats... More room and less traveling...

BPM

 

Boy, I'd love to let everyone in, but that puts me in jeopary of losing my key!
As someone who's signed the papers and gotten the key it states I'm not allowed to let anyone
else use it, nor let anyone in. Priveledges can be taken away.. Just sayin.. I'd love to let
everyone in, I'm sure the lake front owners would love that! :mrgreen:

As far as the Solo thing, are you guys going to still do the "Total Boat" thing this year? If so,
why not make a solo boat pay the $5 more and then they're at that disadvantage? Dunno if
you're still doing that though.. Just a thought.. I do agree Solo is an advantage as far as no one
fighting me for fish. I did better when I fished alone, no one to argue with etc. I think I always fish
better alone tourney, fun or whatever because it's just me and what's going on in my head! Scary..

 

Ryan, that is an interesting point... Hadn't even thought of that... I know that there are a couple of homeowners on the lake that might have a fit with that idea... One on this site that may not approve of this either...

$5 dollar extra idea is probably a good idea for the total boat thinking... Unless you specifically, Ryan are fishing alone, then I would charge $20 more! :mrgreen:

BPM

 

I thank you all for your input on the topic.

Since 2007 each WCTT event has always been a "fish with your buddy" tournament with two anglers per
boat.. SO... "if it ain't broke don't fix it"... and for 2011 we will keep it the same.

WCTT Event #1 April 23, 2011 @ Deep Lake ...Just 47 days away :mrgreen:

Game on !!!!!!!

 

Is there going to be a tournament on Busse this year?
If we could get some kind of schedule for the year setup, that'd help me out with work and
other obligations. Thanks guys!

 

Schedule is in the rules post

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