Why Do You Fish Tournaments? [Archive] - The Michigan Sportsman Forums

sea nympho

04-10-2008, 08:11 PM

Not for the $, it's nice to win $ b/c it begets more fishing, but it's better just winning, and not being a donator every time.:)

I've only dome it for a year and nothing too big, but it's a rush to win and a rush to fish.

More than anything, it's made me a way better angler. That alone is worth it.

ANd it's kinda like poker night on water!:lol:

WALLEYEvision

04-10-2008, 08:44 PM

Why do you fish tournaments?

"For the money, for the glory, and for the fun... but mostly for the money." :lol::lol::lol:

familytradition

04-10-2008, 08:54 PM

For me it's for the knowledge right now. Watching others set ups, talking, listening to where they are and what they are using helps out in the long run. Till you find a better way of doing it. Yeah the braging rights are sweet. The competion is what drives me to get up at 1am. The money(if you win) helps every bit and pays for the stuff your buddy broke. But getting out there with everyone and learning is the best part. Oh and it is always better than being at work!! :chillin:

icefishermanmark

04-10-2008, 09:24 PM

I started because the excitement of blistering boat rides across the lakes and weighing in big sacks of fish really appealed. So I was a little let down...

But it's still a blast. It's great to get out at sunrise (cause I would never do it uner my own motivation) and get the morning bite. The rush of hooking a fish in a tournament can't even compare to what you feel while fun fishing. It just get the adrenaline pumping so fast. I've never won, but the feeling of being in contention to beat 25 or 30 guys really makes you feel good.

Now, the benefits, of learning from other are huge. I've become a MUCH better fisherman in my 4 years of tournament fishing and learn new things every time. I've also fished a ton of new lakes and learned how to attack different situations.

The best part of all though, is meeting people who are just as passionate about fishing. I now have friends who want to go fishing and who want to hear my fish stories. Definately the best part hands down.

And for those of you who say you're making money off of it, review the expenses. You have to win a lot of money all the time to cover your bottom line. If I was in the sport for making money I would have quit 4 years ago....

Jnamo

04-10-2008, 11:46 PM

And for those of you who say you're making money off of it, review the expenses. You have to win a lot of money all the time to cover your bottom line. If I was in the sport for making money I would have quit 4 years ago....

Tru Dat Brother, Tru Dat!!!

Slick fishing

04-11-2008, 01:13 AM

All the above:evilsmile.........Mack

thats about sums it up!! just some thing to break up the normal fishing time.. Here was our first big tournament win in 2002 and it was very cool, local celebs for awhile LOL.. I dont like to do it all the time but 3 or 4 a summer works for me, you know I have a few of these news papers because this dont happen that often LOL..Cya Slick

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/Slick13photos/Brentsfishingpictures023-1.jpg

waterfoul

04-11-2008, 05:24 AM

I'm just a wee bit competitive. But as Sea Nympho said, it has made me a MUCH better fisherman. I can read a lake much better. I can FIND fish better. And hopefully this season I'll be able to find BIGGER fish better.

And Jnamo... after all expenses and fees... I made pretty a decent NET profit last season. It is possible if you stick to it.

wolverines

04-11-2008, 08:52 AM

And Jnamo... after all expenses and fees... I made pretty a decent NET profit last season. It is possible if you stick to it.

I would guess the "bottem line" that is being referred to is not just entry fees, tackle, etc. You have to include truck and boat payment, truck and boat gas, truck and boat maintenance, food and lodging, insurance, and the list goes on. Hard to break even or better fishing week-nights and small week-end tournaments. Gas prices alone have made me reconsider how many tournaments I fished last year and will again this year...

thedude

04-11-2008, 09:11 AM

i haven't been to church in a while, so i figure its just as good as putting 20$ in the collection plate.

tgafish

04-11-2008, 09:54 AM

I only fish smaller low money tourneys. I like the relaxed rules and the honesty based mentality of them. My reason is not on your list though. I do it to make friends which has been very successful thus far. I never had any fishing friends until I fished the Manistee fun tourney 6 years ago. Now there isn't a day on the water that I can't call someone up and ask how they're doing out there. Not to be mushy but my quality of life has dramatically increased by being a part of those type of tourneys and the friendships that developed from them:D:grouphug:

KEITH207

04-11-2008, 11:34 AM

I’ve been walleye tournament fishing since 1995. The best reason to fish tournaments is because they make you a better angler. It sure wasn’t for the money.:D

You learn new techniques, new bodies of water and strategies. You also learn to catch fish in all types of weather and sea conditions.

It’s fun, competitive, addicting and maddening all at the same time.

On Target

04-11-2008, 12:48 PM

Tournaments are perfect for me being very competitive, and loving to fish. Plus as mentioned above the adrenaline rush is ten-fold when having a big fish on in a tournament vs. fun fishing.

RichP

04-11-2008, 01:11 PM

I'll tell you why I don't fish tournaments, and that's because I'd be losing all my money to you guys. :lol:

Ranger Ray

04-11-2008, 01:21 PM

They are fun! However after fishing them for 20 years straight every week during the summer I burnt out. Not of fishing itself but the tourney's. After a 7 year hiatus I may just enter a couple this summer. ;)

Jason Ammerman

04-11-2008, 06:39 PM

I disagree with the post that says you can't make money at local tournaments, If you pick the right tournaments and fish smart, there is some money to be made. As fa as I know on the west side of the state there are about 6 or 7 guys that make money fishing bass tournaments. But you have to fish the 80 to 100 boat tournaments not the 20 boaters that pay back 60% the only one that makes any money is the director. The bigger the tournament the better chance you have of making money.

thedude

04-11-2008, 08:25 PM

swamptromper

04-11-2008, 11:46 PM

Well I can honestly say its not for the money.....(insert disclaimer, in case I actually win someday)

Last year was the first time that I was in a boat by myself, responsible for my own results or I should say lack of. OK the hound came out with me a few times.

Having fished several tournies (NBAA, BBT and Teardrop) as a backseater. I always thought I could do better on my own. This of course relates to my front seater and boat owner.

But truthfully I enjoyed getting out on some lakes, thanks to waterfouls thriftyness these lakes did not have ramp fees. It would have taken me much longer to find these lakes otherwise. If at all. I also found out that to find some decent fishing ya better be ready to travel.

I would like to admit to the comraderie after the events. But that was not the case last year... Hopefully to be corrected this year.

So Jason....I quess I qualify for 3 of the 4. Once I win one....then put me down for 4 of the 4.

Hope to see you guys on the water and afterwards this year.

Thanx for last year, truly.....thanx.

L

waterfoul

04-12-2008, 10:04 AM

I would guess the "bottem line" that is being referred to is not just entry fees, tackle, etc. You have to include truck and boat payment, truck and boat gas, truck and boat maintenance, food and lodging, insurance, and the list goes on. Hard to break even or better fishing week-nights and small week-end tournaments. Gas prices alone have made me reconsider how many tournaments I fished last year and will again this year...

Well, I'd own the vehicle I have whether or not I fished tournies. So you can't count that. And I DID include gas in my calculations. I don't fish any overnight events so that's out of the calculation. Trust me when I say... I MADE money last season... not a ton but in the black for sure.

And you are correct... the price of gas will keep me from traveling too far this year... and that sucks!

Bulletproof

04-12-2008, 01:01 PM

Groupies.

wolverines

04-12-2008, 03:02 PM

Well, I'd own the vehicle I have whether or not I fished tournies. So you can't count that. And I DID include gas in my calculations. I don't fish any overnight events so that's out of the calculation. Trust me when I say... I MADE money last season... not a ton but in the black for sure.

And you are correct... the price of gas will keep me from traveling too far this year... and that sucks!

Glad to here it...hope your success keeps on in '08!

I on the other hand didn't do as well. Don't get me wrong, I won a little money in some tournaments. But I also baught a few hundred dollars worth of tackle, few hundred dollars in a couple rods, couple hundred dollars in reels... I had to replace my bow graph which set me back some. Heck, I was almost a grand in the hole before I started, not even counting gas or entry fees, and I know I didn't win $1000 in the small tournies I fished (I hope my wife doesn't see this:lol::evilsmile). I would like to get back to fishing bigger tournaments again but I don't think it's happening this year...

waterfoul

04-12-2008, 04:10 PM

Well, I did take nearly all my "winnings" and convert them to tackle... so did I "take home" cold hard cash last season? Well, not home really.... but to Gander Mountain, Al and Bobs, BPS, The Outdoorsman, etc... YES!! LOL!!!

kwcharne

04-12-2008, 04:46 PM

thedude

04-12-2008, 05:41 PM

How does one go about getting into tournaments? I would like to enter some this summer. Should I just check local papers, or is there a web site? Im not looking for anything big, but something for some competitiong (and $ hopefully;)) . Thanks and great posts.

check your local bait shops... greatlakesbass.com has a few members from the area as well.

Jnamo

04-12-2008, 07:11 PM

How does one go about getting into tournaments? I would like to enter some this summer. Should I just check local papers, or is there a web site? Im not looking for anything big, but something for some competitiong (and $ hopefully;)) . Thanks and great posts.

Go onto the Michigan Bass Federation web site and find a club in your area and join. You can win some cash, make new friends, and learn a lot.

Check out the NBAA website also.

Good Luck!

JJ Mac

04-13-2008, 08:17 AM

How does one go about getting into tournaments? I would like to enter some this summer. Should I just check local papers, or is there a web site? Im not looking for anything big, but something for some competitiong (and $ hopefully;)) . Thanks and great posts.

If you are interested in walleye tournaments in the northern Michigan area we are accepting new members. Hope to see you out there.

http://www.northernlakeswalleyeclub.com/index.htm

kwcharne

04-13-2008, 11:34 AM

Thanks for the info!

maidstone24

04-13-2008, 04:24 PM

competition

Jason Ammerman

04-13-2008, 06:13 PM

What is the most you have won in a tournament year?

waterfoul

04-13-2008, 06:42 PM

A single tourney Jason or total over the course of a season?

Jason Ammerman

04-13-2008, 07:48 PM

Either One Or Both.

waterfoul

04-13-2008, 07:57 PM

Well you know I don't fish the "big money" gigs... but I have taken home over $200 several times. Not bad for a day fishing! Beats working for the money any day.

wolverines

04-15-2008, 07:48 AM

Me and Jeremy won $1100 the first year they had the Kick'in Bass tournament... and that was for 4th! I like the big bass of the hour format, but the payout was awesome that first year...

Jason Ammerman

04-15-2008, 06:28 PM

I see on the poll that most guys fish for the "compitition" part of the tournaments. Let me ask you one more question if or when you do well in a tournament what means more the trophy or the money? I know when I started it was the wood now that I have a wall full of wood that my wife makes me keep in the shop, it is all about the money. I would rather get a $1000.00 check than a trophy it dose not last as long but it helps the wallet.:D

wolverines

04-16-2008, 08:54 AM

I don't have a wall full of "wood" so for sure winning somemore means a lot, but I can't say it's more important than the money:evilsmile...it's just a nice bonus.

waterfoul

04-16-2008, 09:13 AM

S H O W.... M E... T H E... M O N E Y !!!!!

fishinmachine2

04-16-2008, 09:27 AM

I like the competion!! The money is just a bonus, but it does help!!...LOL!!:lol: Last year I won about $500.00 walleye fishing a couple of small tournaments and about $7,500.00 plus 2 Big Jon down riggers and a 15 horse 4 stroke motor fishing salmon tournamants!! Its all good!!

Scott

habs25

04-21-2008, 05:27 PM

Ditto. Competition

RJSwirlz

04-30-2008, 09:40 AM

Last year was my first time owning a boat, and this year will be my first year fishing bass tournaments. My reasoning for getting into tournaments is simple. I get to pick out 10 saturdays throughout the summer where my fiance can't tell me whether or not I can go fishing since she thinks I've already registered and paid for all of them.

nymph

05-07-2008, 09:20 AM

Similar as RJS......they set dates to hook-up with a fishing buddy and fish. I also enjoy the competition, both with the field and the guy in the back of the boat. Win or lose the tourny, one of the guys in the boat always does better than the other guy. That in itself generates bragging rights. The possibility of placing or winning big bass just adds some fuel.

wolverines

05-07-2008, 11:28 AM

The last thing I do in a tournament is try to compete with my partner...it's a team event. If I'm running the boat I'll always try to leave the guy in back area to fish and I always tell him if there is any cover I might have missed so he can get a chance at it. The last thing I want is my backseater fishing out in front of my trolling motor the whole time waiting to net one of my fish.

This brings up another interesting question IMO. I've fished in tournaments where I've caught all or most of the fish weighed-in and/or have caught "big-bass" of the tournament. How do you split you winnings (place $ and/or big-bass $) with your partner?

I split my winnings down the middle regaurdless of who caught the fish...I can't see doing it any other way:D

nymph

05-07-2008, 01:15 PM

We have always split everything down the middle. As you mentioned, it is a "Team" event. As for competing with your partner, it's just the way WE fish. I think we both fish that much harder when we are fishing a tourney together. It has always been that way and probably always will. I look forward to it every year.

sea nympho

05-07-2008, 01:21 PM

...How do you split you winnings (place $ and/or big-bass $) with your partner?

I split my winnings down the middle regaurdless of who caught the fish...I can't see doing it any other way:D

Well, yeah! Each guy paid the same to get in, so each guy gets a spilt.

waterfoul

05-07-2008, 08:26 PM

Split it right down the middle!! One for you... one for me... one for you... 2 for me... one for you.... 2 for me... LOL!!

I agree with ya'll though.... both paid to get in, both get paid at the end regardless of who catches what. TEAM.

GoneFishin

05-08-2008, 11:19 AM

Did about a 10 yr stint of TX bass fishin', a little late in life when I started (around 48 yo) Started with TX's on local waters, joined a bass club, got into a couple of bigger TX Trails.

Really enjoyed the local tx's as I fished 'em with my buddies and son, I actually did well in the money department at these (local opens and Tues, Wed., and Thurs. Night 3 - 4 hr txs). Actually made money at these as there was little expense, no lodging, gas, big entry fees, and food bills to figure in. These really helped with the expenses of the bigger TX trails, (Tri-State, Federation, and AMA). It was kinda disenheartening to do really well one year only to have to pay taxes on the winnings and after deductions for expenses it was a break even year for that trail.

Had a great partner and win or lose we had fun even though we took the fishing serious. Well, he had ta move south with his job and I had to find another partner, he was a great fisherman but thought each tx was the Super Bowl, couldn't enjoy himself and if he didn't win big (which doesn't happen often) he was miserable to be around. One year of that and it was enough for me plus my body was gettin' too old for the rigors of fishin' hard for 8 hrs. So's I got outta it.

Got a wall covered with "wood" up at the Cabin and a few big trophies layin' around to say I did it. The part I enjoyed the most was the comraderie with fellow fishermen, learnin' new techniques. The recognition and winning was secondary for me but that was fun too.

Well, now ya got me thinkin', I've sold the Ranger but have my Crestliner walleye boat, I think my old body could still hold up to a couple of 3 or 4 hr local week night TXs, now that I'm retired maybe I could supplement my fixed income a little. ;) :lol:

MBell

05-09-2008, 01:21 PM

Money is a factor for me, I don't want to fish for half my money. I like an organization to be up front with what they are paying out. Some tournaments never tell you what your fishing for. I look for at least 70% cash(not prizes) payback at the ramp and a shot at a good check if I win. I'm not interested in out of state classics, I want my money at the ramp. All that being said, the only reason I care about the money is so I can afford to keep fishing. If I don't have a shot to make some money in a tournament I'd rather just go fishing. IMO tournaments waste a lot of good fishing time with the meetings and weigh-in, etc. In the spring some of the best fishing is while the tournaments are weighing-in. I've heard guys complain that they do better in practice, without ever realizing they are actually fishing an extra 4 hours on practice days. On splitting the winnings, team members have to share both the expesnes and the winnings otherwise it will just lead to problems. Team change every year because of this. It takes a certain attitude and relationship for a team to last over time.
-Matt