RCL & other tournemants

[BEAGLEMAN]

After reading the responses to "the Truth" and several other threads pertaining to fishing tournaments I thought i might throw something into the debate.
I think even though many of us know participants in these tournaments we still feel that there are a few things that need to change. We understand the good side($$$)but do not like what we are seeing lately coming from these events. There should no need to get anyone involved in solving these problems other than the organizers and participants. I think there are at least three things that need to be improved on to better relations between all sides.
(1) Improve the mortality rate of fish caught or make prior arrangements for good use of the fish(needy families,fisherman in general).
(2) A better understanding by participants of just how important the spring walleye fishing is to locals and the need to greatly reduce thier speed while going thru crowded areas(Trenton channel,Wyandotte etc.), there are a lot of boats with wives,kids etc. also dangerously small boats that should not be there.
I'm amazed that there has not been any problems yet.
(3) Have seen this numerous times. While making a drift boats pull up right in front of you,then end up right next to you and expect you to move(not just tourney people). Even though it gets extremely crowded there is still plenty of room for all if common courtesy and sense is exercised.
I think that if a genuine effort was made by these folks it would grealy reduce the complaints we are hearing. I understand the desire for these tournaments and the financial benefits but keep in mind that we locals pump a hell of a lot of money
into the local economy as well and have been doing it for a long time.
Tom

[Alex]

As a tournament bass angler, I agree with Tom. Tournament anglers need to do a better job at #1 and EVERYONE needs to do a better job at #2 & #3.

[goosewa]

Beagleman and Others,

Good points, very well said!

I would like to add a couple of comments. Someone had made mention in this forum regarding the revenue generated from these tournaments. In a context simliar to, "Most (if not all) of the revenue generated for this area is from the Tournaments." I would have to say that is a load of crap.

What about the "Bill's" from Bay City and the "Mike's" from Muskegeon. These people live in Michigan and drive several hours to enjoy some great Spring Walleye Fishing. Instead these Tournament promoters decide to schedule a tournament amist of some of the greatest Walleye Fishing of the year. "Professional" they may not be.. But, they enjoy what couple days they may have off to fish.

Instead, they come down here and have to fight to hold a place in line at the ramp to launch. (Kind of funny how the Joe Fisherman has to take a back seat to the tournament guys when their in town.) Or, they get cut in front of in line at the tackle shop to get bait. Luckly, the local bait shop owners know who is going help them make the bills. (Take care of the people that take care of you.) It is too bad that many people cannot see that fishing too corporate now......

Lastly, I do not know if you have been following the news going on down here the last couple of years. (Try doing a web search on Humbug Marsh, Made In Detroit in you want some background)

Primarily the creation of the Detroit River Refuge. This bill has (in
the meantime) stopped the developement of Humbug Marsh/Island which happens to be right smack in the middle of the of the prime Walleye Fishery of the Trenton Channel.

The residents (locals AKA: River Rats) and Legislators of this Congressional District fought long and hard to get his bill passed for the benefit of ALL SPORTSMAN. So don't spit in the face of the people that fought to provide and protect it. Things could have been dramatically different.

So now tell me wouldn't you be angry when you hear about what is going on?

-Goosewa

[jimbos43]

If all this griping keeps up, the "pros" may get the feeling their not wanted here.:)

Really, what the purpose of the tournaments anyway? Who does it benefit? Walmart, and their understocked shelves. I can't think of one benefit that we as fisherman get out of them anyway. Some fancy new name brand jig heads maybe? Shoot, 3 jigs and their gone anyway.

[goosewa]

Jimbo,

Let's put it this way. I would not lose any sleep if they did feel unwelcomed. It all comes down to repect. They don't respect any thing but $$$$$$. The word "Sell Out" comes to mind but, it is not fair to deem all tournament fisherman that just because of a few bad apples.

-Goosewa