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Tournament Fishing Participation - How do you decide?

After talking to some friends of mine about tournament fishing in general, the new tournaments coming, legacy tournaments that have been around a long time, and everything in between I want to know a couple things from the people on here:

  1. What you think about the number of tournaments in general?
  2. How do you decide which ones to do?

When you stop and think about all the tournaments coming in 2016 for example it is pretty shocking to see how far spread out anglers could become. That list of tournaments in 2016 includes:

  • Northwest Bass
  • ABA East and West
  • The New Big Bass Trail
  • TBF Qualifiers
  • BASS Qualifiers
  • Open Tournaments
  • Club Tournaments

Pretty wild when you consider how many tournaments that is and actually put those dates to the calendar and see almost every weekend with multiple events from April through September.

Here's my thoughts:

#1 In my opinion there are a limited number of tournament bass fishermen in the northwest and based on the participation of tournaments this year and in the last couple of years, almost across the board (there are a few exceptions), I would argue that so many tournaments is not good for tournament fishing in general. It appears to me that the market has become diluted already and even more events are coming up. That is not to say that I do not believe in competition. I will be the first person to tell you that when there's more competition, figure out a way to do what everyone else is doing and make it better, but unfortunately I don't see that now or in the future. I see too much of the same stuff, or see new things that just don't appeal to me.  Wasn't it alot more fun and didn't it mean a heck of alot more to the anglers personally when they did well, as well as the appeal to sponsors when there were 100+ boats at an event or events in a circuit. 

#2 For me, I typically choose a tournament trail based on the schedule, how "fun" the lake is to fish at the given time of year, and my level of confidence that I can get my money back. Alot of my decision making is about potential ROI for me at this point which pretty much rules out all club and qualifier events. I at least want the opportunity to make my money back if I get lucky enough to cash a check over a weekend or at least have a great time trying. So I choose the circuit where I both feel the most confident I can do well, compared with the investment and payback, and the uniqueness or amount of fun I am going to have to justify the expense. Then mix in an open tournament or two where it makes sense and doesn't conflict with prefish of whatever circuit I choose. Oh and then compare that with the family plans and events with the wife and kids. 

So I'll end my rambling with a challenge to tournament directors or circuits. Use the resources you have at your disposal, listen to the anglers, work a little harder to separate yourself, think outside of the box and figure out how to stand above everything else. Maybe this is being done now and I'm missing something and if so I apologize, but I can't be the only one feeling this way.

Thoughts? 

 

Views: 10790

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dana Steiner on January 30, 2016 at 2:05pm

Thanks for putting a bold exclamation point on me calling you a "wantabe". You don't see the rest of the group talking about how many tournaments we have won, how much money we make or how many checks that we have cashed in past tournaments. This would be disrespectful to the other anglers that are less fortunate. This is what separates the men from the boys, that is why you will always be a "neverbe".

Regarding my contributions to the sport and the amount of time that I have donated speaking with clubs, tackle shops, seminars and sport shows. You would require assistance carrying this bag of accomplishments to the scales.



Juan 2 Bee said:


I've fished club, federation, aba, nwbass, and bbt. Ive cashed checks in over 60% of the aba/nwbass i've fished. I've help spearhead positive pr for wafish and the bass community, and generated cash for anglers in need. I own the title on my ranger, and my tundra's title is on a 13 month journey toward my filing cabinet. I have a 6 figure income as well as a cash flow positive investment property. I dont need an invite to any inner circle jerk. My game is good enough to compete. I have the money to compete. I choose not to go all-in for many of the reasons stated, and for several that have been suprisingly missed.

.
Permalink Reply by Dana Steiner on January 30, 2016 at 2:38pm

Ben,

You are not a minority, we have all been in the same position. Give me a call if you want to BS (360)303-7552.

Ben Hanes said:

McBroom,

I am the minority, and I have kind of limited myself to BASS, clubs, and a select tournament or two these days, but here are my answers to your questions:

-I think Friday pre-fishing is a good start.  I would prefer Thursday and Friday, like some big Pro-Am circuits do, but Friday is better than nothing.

-I think most guys would prefer cash.  The championship winners almost always end up selling their boat, or boat certificate, and generally for much less than what the boat retails at....However, that would be a tough one for the dealers to accomplish because cash is their bottom line; they don't spend a lot of money on inventory and manufacturer products.  In other words, I would guess dealers get an extremely good deal on the prize boat from the manufacturer.

-I don't think teams should be forced to separate.  There is a place for team tournaments, and it's a pain in the rear finding a fishing partner.  It's about as bad as finding a freakin' wife, and your fishing partner oftentimes becomes just about as close to you as your wife!!!  LOL that sounds terrible! 

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on January 30, 2016 at 2:45pm

I don't see anyone validating their success at the "adults table" or talking about their financial ability to fish for one simple reason.  They weren't called a wantabe.

If your claimed accomplishments are true, it is too bad that you've marginalized yourself by being so divisive on this website by using the terms dunecoon, zipperhead, snot nosed kids, etc...   I'm sorry that you don't like me because I've reminded you of how detrimental to the sport that can be.  I find it odd that you use these terms as well as "inner circle."  It is obvious that you speak of growth, but really you want a good ol' boys club.  You used to send me emails pretty much telling me how much you respected me, and how I was going to "be an up & comer this sport needed."   That stopped the day you decided to use very poor judgement here. 

I love how you pathetically misrepresent my posts, yet fail to address my point. 

I'll slow it down for you and anyone else who feels I was bragging or being disrespectful.

1.  If the younger crowd doesn't "have respect"...then the old guard failed to teach them how the game should be played.   Maybe instead of talking about bass baits, and techniques and "why you've been so competitive with Mono over the years", you should have been talking about more important things like respect.

2.  I have the money and skills to sit at the adults table, yet I do not.    People here are debating costs, and the disparity of talent as the things keeping some from competing.   If you are listening, I am trying to tell you that those things....aren't the only things.  But you aren't listening.  You just hear what fits your narrative. 

I'm done with this topic in order to keep the thread as productive as it can be.


Dana Steiner said:

Thanks for putting a bold exclamation point on me calling you a "wantabe". You don't see the rest of the group talking about how many tournaments we have won, how much money we make or how many checks that we have cashed in past tournaments. This would be disrespectful to the other anglers that are less fortunate. This is what separates the men from the boys, that is why you will always be a "neverbe".

Regarding my contributions to the sport and the amount of time that I have donated speaking with clubs, tackle shops, seminars and sport shows. You would require assistance carrying this bag of accomplishments to the scales.

Permalink Reply by Dana Steiner on January 30, 2016 at 3:02pm

And the hole we dig deepens. You will " slow it down" because the rest of us are ignorant. Enjoy your travels, you are an outcast within this group. You have chose a challenge, may the best man win.

"Do not respond"= My Vagina hurts and I'm taking my ball and running home to my Mom.

Juan 2 Bee said:

I don't see anyone validating their success at the "adults table" or talking about their financial ability to fish for one simple reason.  They weren't called a wantabe.

If your claimed accomplishments are true, it is too bad that you've marginalized yourself by being so divisive on this website by using the terms dunecoon, zipperhead, snot nosed kids, etc...   I'm sorry that you don't like me because I've reminded you of how detrimental to the sport that can be.  I find it odd that you use these terms as well as "inner circle."  It is obvious that you speak of growth, but really you want a good ol' boys club.  You used to send me emails pretty much telling me how much you respected me, and how I was going to "be an up & comer this sport needed."   That stopped the day you decided to use very poor judgement here. 

I love how you pathetically misrepresent my posts, yet fail to address my point. 

I'll slow it down for you and anyone else who feels I was bragging or being disrespectful.

1.  If the younger crowd doesn't "have respect"...then the old guard failed to teach them how the game should be played.   Maybe instead of talking about bass baits, and techniques and "why you've been so competitive with Mono over the years", you should have been talking about more important things like respect.

2.  I have the money and skills to sit at the adults table, yet I do not.    People here are debating costs, and the disparity of talent as the things keeping some from competing.   If you are listening, I am trying to tell you that those things....aren't the only things.  But you aren't listening.  You just hear what fits your narrative. 

Do not bother responding.  I'm done with this topic in order to keep the thread as productive as it can be. 


Dana Steiner said:

Thanks for putting a bold exclamation point on me calling you a "wantabe". You don't see the rest of the group talking about how many tournaments we have won, how much money we make or how many checks that we have cashed in past tournaments. This would be disrespectful to the other anglers that are less fortunate. This is what separates the men from the boys, that is why you will always be a "neverbe".

Regarding my contributions to the sport and the amount of time that I have donated speaking with clubs, tackle shops, seminars and sport shows. You would require assistance carrying this bag of accomplishments to the scales.

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on January 30, 2016 at 3:10pm

I will slow it down for anyone who is so dense that they missed the point like you did.  I gather that group is very small, and I have no interest in being an "in-cast" with them.  Not sure who "this group" is, but again with good ol' boy stuff.   Thanks for making my point. 

I ask you to stop spinning my messaging and requiring that I correct you.  If you want to discuss anything we me, then discuss the points I've made.  You refuse to address the points.

I ask you not to respond in order to avoid the thread going south.  You can send me a pm if you want to have a back and forth.

Dana Steiner said:

You will " slow it down" because the rest of us are ignorant. Enjoy your travels, you are an outcast within this group.

Permalink Reply by Dana Steiner on January 30, 2016 at 3:25pm

You are right, the rest of us are dense. A boy with nine tournaments under his belt is now an expert. Are the rest of you buying this crap? You are right, I have mentioned "dune coon", "zipper head" and a few others. I'm tired of this country licking the ass of the world. I'm guessing you make your 6K working sales, I'm also guessing that your commission deals with international markets.

Juan 2 Bee said:

I will slow it down for anyone who is so dense that they missed the point like you did.  I gather that group is very small, and I have no interest in being an "in-cast" with them.  Not sure who "this group" is, but again with good ol' boy stuff.   Thanks for making my point. 

I ask you to stop spinning my messaging and requiring that I correct you.  My hope that the quality of the thread is worth it.  I ask again... stop taking my words out of context or you are the only one digging.

Dana Steiner said:

You will " slow it down" because the rest of us are ignorant. Enjoy your travels, you are an outcast within this group.

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on January 30, 2016 at 4:54pm

Dana,

I explained to you that I have the money and talent to fish tournaments...yet I don't.  You took my post as bragging, when in underscores bigger issues than what has been discussed.  You missed my point and are the only one that has proven to have missed it, which means "the rest of us" is comprised of you and only you. The fact that I have only fished 9 tournaments makes me MUCH more of an expert on why people aren't fishing than someone like you who has fished hundreds.  Is anyone buying that?  They should.  It's common sense. 

I agree with much of your political philosophy.  I think people confuse being "overly PC", with being decent.  I don't believe in generalizations including age classes, races, as this is not how I was raised and certainly does not welcome new anglers who aren't white guys between 40-70 years old.  I fail to see how "america is losing in trade" with china is a justification for anything other than voting for a guy who promises to make "America great again." 

Can I be a man when I'm 40? 



Dana Steiner said:

You are right, the rest of us are dense. A boy with nine tournaments under his belt is now an expert. Are the rest of you buying this crap? You are right, I have mentioned "dune coon", "zipper head" and a few others. I'm tired of this country licking the ass of the world. I'm guessing you make your 6K working sales, I'm also guessing that your commission deals with international markets.

Permalink Reply by Ben Hanes on January 30, 2016 at 6:01pm

Oh my gosh!!! LMAO!!!!  I about lost it reading these last few posts I was laughing so hard!   This thread is definitely a classic!!  :D

Permalink Reply by Ben Hanes on January 30, 2016 at 6:08pm

Jake/Snake/wan2be/juan 2 bee,

Looking back on this thread, I have seen you play devil's advocate a ton, which has been entertaining, but I haven't see YOU yet clearly depict what you think is going on with the circuits, and how they could improve.  I've only heard bits and pieces here and there from you, and a whole lot of arguing LOL!  So let's hear it...

Permalink Reply by D.J. LaRoche on January 30, 2016 at 8:23pm

Wow, this thread has been pretty entertaining to read.  Dana, I just have to say that I love the way you don't hold back.  We need more of that in this world!  Here is my 2 cents.  I have fished NW Bass for the last 8 years or so.  I have donated more entries than I care to talk about.  I have also been fortunate to cash my fair share of checks.  I don't do this for the money, as I am seriously in the hole!  As previously stated there are a handful of teams that always seem to finish at the top.  All I can say is that it is well deserved.  They put their time in and it shows.  I don't have the luxury of prefishing every tournament due to the fact that I am married and have 3 kids.  My time has been even more limited in the last couple of years due to the fact that my kids are in sports.  This will be like this for the next 5 to 7 years for me until my kids are out of the house.  The expenses of the tournament circuit are high.  It was mentioned that you can do it on the cheap, but I will tell you now that if you have kids, that is not an option.  I have done the tent thing in 105 degree weather at Banks, and that was a disaster with kids.  I ended up buying an RV so we could be a little more comfortable.  With that comes a lot more expense.  Rv camping spaces and gas.  It costs me at least $400-500 on entry fees and gas.  I don't make that back very often.  It's the price we pay to play the game.  It almost sounds like some people are saying it seems unfair to fish against the likes of Hobbs, Wolsky, Echternkamp, Kromm, Hogue, Smith and Jenson.  I think of it in a different way.  I want to fish against the best.  I wish I had some input on how to make the circuits more successful, but I don't really know what to say on that point.  Is there too many circuits now?  Maybe, maybe not.  We just need to quit the bitching and pull our skirts up and fish!  This is a brotherhood, and I have met some great friends over the years fishing tournaments.  We need to figure this out before it all comes crashing down.  

Permalink Reply by Jerry on January 30, 2016 at 11:48pm

Been reading this thread for a while now. I applaud all of you for your efforts and time at the tournies...but it's why I won't fish tournies. Too much bullshit for me. I enjoy bass fishing way too much to let things like this stress me out. I'll just float around and catch fish. Best of luck to all of you.

Permalink Reply by Jake Anderson on January 31, 2016 at 8:48am

Jerry,

What "bs" are you referring to? Back and forth disagreements on social media? That isnt how tournament fishing is. (unless you invite it). Get passed that, and tell us the REAL reasons you dont fish tournaments. Isolated griping is an easy excuse, but I'll bet its not what is stopping you.  The real objections are important and a good contribution to the thread.

More people who decide to fish zero tournaments should be the ones contributing.

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