Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

[JB]

Fishing sure has changed since I was a barefoot boy with a willow pole over my shoulder and a can of self-dug chicken yard worms, strolling down a dirt road to my favorite bluegill pond.<br /><br />For one thing, I think fishing is better. Easier to catch more fish and more varieties of fish. There were no fresh water stripers or wipers. Many waters didn't have several species that are now stocked there.<br /><br />TV Fishermen have gotten us all to catch and release what we aren't going to eat. <br /><br />BUT. I think tournament fishing has made fishing more expensive, raised expectations to unrealistic levels, clutters up good lakes with aquatic rocket ships roaring around like a dirt racetrack and making all others on the lake uncomfortable. It also trains fish to avoid lures.<br /><br />It breaks up homes because Bubba makes the payments on the QE III and the 3D truck (Dodge Diesel Dually) instead of the double-wide. <br /><br />Hmmmmm. What else? Well, that is enough to start a conversation.

 

[DJ]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

JB,<br /><br />Ditto! This one ought to be REAL interesting.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

would rather fish in a peacful spot and not catch<br />a dang thing, than to compete with these guys.<br />after all, I'm not starving and won't win $100K<br />if I catch the most/biggest, I just want to relax<br />and enjoy the outdoors. how can you do that with<br />all those boats flying around at 60mph???<br />luckily there's not that many in my neck of the<br />woods and there are more than enough hiding spots<br />to find some space all my own. if anything, people<br />are moving out of this area and moving south or west.<br />that's just fine with me...

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

I gave up bass fishing years ago to go chase after snook and other assorted fish that reside on the flats, in the bays, and offshore because the inland freshwater lakes and canals were just too busy with bass rocket drivin', Roland Martin wanna-be's... And because saltwater fish pull much harder that anything I've ever caught in any freshwater, anywhere... (Thanks for taking me snook fishin' Kev.)<br /><br />I don't think the bass tournaments due much damage to the fisheries as most of the fish are released in good condition... The tournaments I'm a bit concerned about are the offshore Kingfish/Dolphin/Wahoo tournaments simply because the fish are not released and rightfully so due to sharp teeth and angry fish whom I've dealt with first hand... I realize that those fish DO NOT go to waste and are promptly cooked and served (YUMMY) but still it bothers me just a little bit...

 

[Moose_Miller]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

I fished in a Bass tourney about 10 years ago. Sioux City, Iowa - Missouri river. What I knew berfore the tournament: Bass are tough to find in the Mighty Mo and I had some pretty good spots for Smallies. I also thought I had a pretty nice boat. 16' Alumacraft - 40hp Evinrude - 2 live wells - raised platform - the works. <br /><br />When folks started arriving to fish in this tournament, I was dumfounded. The only place this farmboy had ever seen boats like that was on TV... and they ALL had em! They had matching shirts and 30 fishing poles. They pointed and snickered at me... Only time in my life that the source of my pride, changed to embarassment in the blink of an eye.<br /><br />What folks did after the tourney started, was go 90 miles upstream to the dam for Smallies, or 70 miles downstream to a big oxbough for LM Bass. I went 3 miles to one of my spots.<br /><br />Anyway, we fished all day and had only 4 in the livewell - 5lbs 5 oz total. We almost just threw em back before weigh-in to keep us the humiliation of being made fun of twice. But what the heck, we paid to be there, so we were going to finish. We took 6th place that day - fishing must have been bad for everyone. Not as many laughs at the after-tourney dinner put on by one of the sponsers... except by my friend and I. <br /><br />The part I disagreed with, is they released all of those fish in a 2 mile radius of the ramp, most of which were caught a long ways away. There is ZERO habitat for LM Bass in this channelled portion of the Missouri river. <br /><br />I guess I'm split when it comes to your question JB. B.A.S.S. does alot for the sport, but there's other issues as well. I never fished another Bass tourney since then, though I've entered a few for other species from time to time.

 

[sandy]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

I believe the subject about tournament fishing has been discussed numerous times, both pro and con. Why bring up an argumentative subject that will create an upsetting atmosphere between those who fish tournaments and those that don't, won't, or can't. I thought this is a learning forum. Personally I have fished tournaments for years and have never heard of anyone experiencing a problem other than the tournaments anglers themselves. Just my opinion. Thanks

 

[Moose_Miller]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

So if my 50hp Merc is loading up at low speeds and I want help, do I have to re-read every post from the last year to see if someone else asked the same question (and I'm SURE they have ). I can't count the times diferent subjects keep re-appearing on this forum... many are quite argumentative. I will say that this is the first time I've ever seen the "tournament debate" post. <br /><br />I can guarantee the one who started this string wasn't doing it to upset someone... that's more MY style! <br /><br />We fish up here in a style you love to hate,<br />What most call Large Mouth, we call bait

 

[Boatist]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

JB<br />I think it is both good and bad. I have fished several tournaments, kind of as sub when my fishing buddy normal partner can not make it. He has won several tournaments and the one year he fished the whole circuit and finished 8th.<br /><br />I think they do a lot of good for some young anglers just starting out. Almost every Turnament way-in I have been to has had a pro or two up on stage teaching how to use different lures, jigs, or plastic worms. The top company send rep to show the lastest depth finders and other gear. This is sometimes after the weight in but it is always FREE of Charge. It give new fisherman a chance to see what size fish are in there local lake and get excited about fishing. Since you loose weight for a dead fish most fish are relesed alive.<br /><br />I really do not think the boats need to go 80 to 100 MPH but can not remenber hearing about a accident. Out here in California really do not notice a big change in pressure as there are so many people fishing every day anyway. Only way usually know there is a tournament is all the boats will be wearing Life Jackets, or if you near the launch and wayin station. <br /><br />One thing that I do not like is often Fish and Game will collect all the fish tag most but then take them to a different lake and release. I wish they would always release in same lake.<br /><br />I know a lot of the good bass areas and many times Wife and I leave the Fishing pole at home and just go up to Enjoy the Lake, Beach, Wildlife, and Sunbath and relax. A few time I just counted the number of boats that fished a spot. On average it is about 5 per hour, more in the early AM and fewer at noon to midday and it is that way all over the lake. In the Winter not many fishing but have to slow down and fish as deep as 60 feet for Bass.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

in october was the 9th annual upper chesapeake rockfish tourny..<br /><br />i was it the first few years.. but never did like tournies to began with.. seemed like i was just throwin' $80.00 overboard.. with all the competition..<br /><br />but the prize money is big.. an i guess ya can't win if ya don't attend..<br /><br />every year at weigh-in ,, the winner is ALWAYS a monster..!! a 28 to 35 pounder..<br /><br />well, this year ,, i don't know what happend ,, but the winner of $ 12,000 dollars was a baltimore man with a 8lb 4 ozer...i was at the weigh-in ,, always a drunkin good time.. an the fish looked hardly leagle.. like the game warden shoulda slapped the cuffs on 'em after he won..<br /><br />bass: totalweight 13.33 lbs $1,000<br />catfish: 9.1 lbs $500<br />perch 12.5 oz $3.00 <br />carp 10 lbs 4 oz $ 200<br />bluefish 2 lbs 12 .5 oz $200<br /><br />totalprizes:: $30,270 dollars..<br /> <br />tournaments suck huh.???

 

[trollhole]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

Well I fish tournaments here in the south but just one and it's a totally different kind of tournament than bass fishing. I trout fish and the only way to do that competively is to troll. And usually we will have about 80 boats in the tournament. They charge $25 a person. Since they do it only once a month it's not too detrimental to the lake. Most of us are not professionals and the professionals all have pontoons so when the horn blows to go they are way behind. And it's not how many but the biggest fish so usually we only bring one back and they have to be alive.<br /> I actually like doing the tournament cause it's good to see all my fishing buddies out at one time. And it's not a comercial thing. There are no sponsors except for the Gas Station that puts it on.<br /> Bass fishing is a whole different monster. Fast 2cycle motors pulling everything out of the lake they can. There is a lake around here where there will be 2 to 3 hundred of these boats all taking off at once shooting from place to place. It's just annoying. I think that bass fishing tournaments in theory are good I just think the equiptment ought to be restricted. Let say to 40hp. Then no one has a fair advantage your not ticking off all the recreation boaters. And all the people who cannot afford expensive motors can fish with the best.<br /><br />

 

[DJ]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

I floated this idea a while back, I'll try it again.<br /><br />I would like to see a tournament where everyone has the same equipment, except for personal fishing poles and lures. It would be sort of like the IROC series in auto racing.<br /><br />I mean give everyone a 15' aluminum boat with a 25 and see who wins.

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

As they stand now I hate tournyments. I think that at first they spawned a good thing in making people aware of catch and release, a lot of new exuipment being created and several other advancments. Back then anyone and thier brother had the potential to win one. Now, it is the most ruthless angler that wins. You know the guy that will do anything to get an edge including leave you floating with a dead motor till after weigh in. As well there is now one every weekend in the summer and you have bass boats everywhere with fellows running right up on you and cussing you out if you are in what they consider thier hole. I think things have gotten way out of hand in regards to most tourneyments especially for largemouth bass. <br />That said there still is some good that comes from them but not much. Of course this is how I see it and is not speaking about the national level because that would be compairing Nascar with the local speedway.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

Well your are right no one is going to tow in another boat durning the tournament. First of all most that I have fished it cost $100 to $500 to enter and it you come within 50 yards of another boat you are disqualifed. If it was a MAYDAY type problem I would stop. Fire, capsized, sinking, colision then I woud stop and give aid but if it just some guy who water skied until he ran out of gas now wants me to tow him in too bad.<br />I think the guy who wins is not the most ruthless but the team that knows the lake and has done is homework. You need to know what depth to fish at first light and some good spots at that depth. What lure will work. Then again at Noon same thing. Always some luck but same people very often finish near the top. When there are 150 boats one ounce can mean a difference of 5 places. One of the hardest things is to cull your small fish out. When you have 7 to 10 fish in the live well how do you find the smallest one to release. Out here most tournaments are in the spring. Fish and Game will not allow after about the first part of June. When temp get high many more fish die in live wells so after a certain date no more tournaments. Works well as that is about the time get many more tuber/skier and beer drinkers out to raise hell and party.<br />If one of the Fisherman comes up and trys to take your spot write down his hull number and report him. All I have fish that is a disqualifcation. They will have spoters around the lake and in the high money one they will have lots of spoters. In fact not supposed to speak with another boat or exchange information. Many times it happends and it is OK. Like one I fished a young Girl on a Jet ski Crying approched us to within 5 feet. She was afraid and lost. She knew where she launched with her family but had no idea way which way to go. She followed us until we could point to where she needed to go. By this time she was calm and in control and said could see area where her family was. She said thanks and headed out. At weigh in we reported it and lost no weight. Ended up 13th got our entrance fee back plus a few bucks.

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

I am not talking those big for high stakes money tourneys because those are run with extreeme supervision. What I am talking about is the smaller local events. I have never passed up someone I knew if they were having boat trouble regardless how much money i spent to compete. But there are guys that for just a pot of $100 would swamp you if they could. Besides who do I report those guys to many marinas have tourny's on the same day and there is nothing designating which tourny that a particular boat is in or even if it is in one. But I know the locals that fish them because I was one and it was the lack of common courtesy that made me leave and I am glad I did.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

i think they are basically good...<br /><br />pros<br />-increase knowledge by sharing info on local lakes<br />-increase awareness of fisheries for local people<br />-bring in local revenue<br />-increase interest in fishing= keep sport strong, and large fishing interest helps when beaurocrats are budgeting for lake use funds. you know, like when some lakes,streams are set aside for fishing only, or trophy managed. <br /><br />cons<br />-increased fishing pressure affects 'the bite', which makes it more difficult to catch fish<br />-high speed boating is irritating to non-participants who are there for a more tranquil experience<br />-'blast off' has such a gathering of boats and is so noisy and dangerous to non-participants, when trying to navigate nearby, especially in small craft<br />-since its a competitive sport, there is a good chance, the chances for a conflict with others is greater during a tourney<br /><br />i've been irritated by tourney boaters on several occasions, both by being passed to closely, by them roaring into/out of the area i was fishin, without a courteous idling distance, and by the profanity and loudness within hearing distance... but that can happen anywhere, by tourney people or not, it just puts all the variables together for higher percentages it seems. <br />i think the fact that there is a large following for the sport of fishing is important though, and they unite people and give a good voice on how to protect our waters for all fishermen.<br /><br />----------<br />just my thoughts

 

[derwood]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

I fished my first Tourny this year.<br /><br />It was the Cobia Tourny at Crystal River FL.<br /><br />I was like Moose....thinken I was going to be like everybody elese....yea Right!<br /><br />Me and my freind got there the day of the captain's meeting and the place was slap full of Charter boat captains and there crews, Fishing teams and pepole with more money than Davey Crockett.<br /><br />All of them had their 65,000 dollar diesle trucks three and four to a truck....all dressed up in there cute little matching uniforms....Hack puh!<br /><br />Mixed in with all the "Trumps and Rockefellers" were some rather low layen rednecks (such as myself).<br /><br />I was'nt scared of them getting fish that I could'nt....but I was not comfertable being around pepole that had "ZERO" intrest in talking to someone thats "NOT" a charter captain or part of some elite fishing team....I know that at least one or two of them will read this post.....Shame on yall.<br /><br />Thats one reason that I made my home here on this fourm rather than on another fourm that is right here where I live and fish....I don't need someone snubbing me because I'm not a charter captain or whatever the criteria is for being one of them....Not all of them are that way....but when I go on that fourm I feel like I am trying to sneak into the country club unnoticed....while here I feel like I am around my freinds and am comfertable with that....no snobs here!<br /><br />well We did'nt place at all but we had fun anyway....(50% of the point right), I caught a cobia just 1 inch under the legal limit...I guess that means I beat half of the big boys and there toys since only about half caught fish anyway.<br /><br />Would'nt ya know it....A guy in a john boat fishing close to shore won....HE, HE, HA, HE, Ho.<br /><br />Guess all those 150,000 boats and rigs and schooled fishing captains and there crews and matching Tee-Shirts and all that crap just could'nt handle the shear mind blowing, awsome fishing prowess of a shoa fin master and his shady lady....SNUB THAT.<br /><br />Tournywood.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

ROTFLMAO<br /><br />ok, i'll break out a good story for ya, el derwood... hehee <br /><br />i fished one tourney-on purpose. fished 2 others so my N GA bud could enter. anyway, this tourney was in a hi-class sort of private lake, in S GA. the guy i had the priviledge of fishin with was known to be a monster-bass catcher, amongst my friends at the roadway depot where i loaded trucks... <br />-and he knew some hideyholes near where i lived, so damrite i'll be his fishin buddy for the tourney, its only $25apiece...<br />i call him up, find out i need to supply the vehicle. this kind of worried me, since i had a 69 karmann ghia. but what the heck, his girlfriend is taking their car to work. so i go on out to the trailer park to getem. find out his boat is a basstracker, or whatever those miniature plastic pontoon boats are called. it was, i believe, something like 9'long but had 2 built-in lawnchairs on it. and a trollin motor. so we strap that puppy on the roof.<br /><br />so he was supposed to have won down there 2 tourneys ago- with a 9# LGM bass. i'm thinkin this will be a sweet victory... and i like being an underdog.<br /><br />but alas, all the guys in their fine fancy bassrockets not only look, point, and laugh, they get to do it twice when we come back with zero fish... the wind picked up so we could only make it about 150yds from the weighin point. lol<br /><br />as i said b4: ahhh, the good ole days

 

[miloman]

Re: Are fishing tournaments good or bad for recreational sport fishing?

ok here is the skinny JB and the rest of you I tourny fish latley for a living (althought not a great 1) is it good or is it bad both if a tournement is run well it will bring tourist dollers to a town through tourny fishing a lot of the advances that we all have today would not be possible wether it be electroncs composite rods and reels lures motors the list is enless. This year I am in the process of some sponsor ship changes but it seems resolved yearly I am testing new boat and motor configurations new rod and reel designs new tackle and electronics many of which are in the pipeline for production and for all to use soon enough As a rule I have yet to meet a fellow on the circuit that was not aware of the environment and the surroundings that they are in yes some of them are cold p*&%$ and some arn't but thats human nature I try to do anything to not kill a fish and once weighed release it although sometimes the stress does kill the fish. It has brought celebrities to the forefront who preach simple rules they are catch and release respect the environment and above all teach the youth about the sport. A weekend does not go by that I dont have a cild ask me about a lure rod or spot on the lake and as a father thats great if I can get 1 kid interested in fishing well he might not be there for the first smoke or drink and save himself all the grief of the wrong path followed. the bad yes it has become a business lets not confuse recreational fishing with a job. yes over a weekend they do tear up the water leave a mess etc. but I have always believed that the irresponsible recreational fisherman and cotteger have caused more damage and grief to a body of water We are careful of not contaminating bodies of water with bilge pumps live wells etc are recreational fisherman doind the same??? are the cottegers and towns people controllling their brown water. I have seen bodies of water undergo tremondous damage from year to year and generally I see a change in conjunction with local environmental changes.. A poor fishery generally only repairs itself once a slot limit is placed on the body of water. We only share your water system for a few days a year and in return a tour pro will leave behind several hundrend dollers for those short few days.<br />I dont think it is us that sour the waterways what about all the jetskies etc.. Now a pooly run tourny is a different situation.. They are awful filled with weekend rambos that generally damage bodies of water pollute the environment etc... Part of most sponsorship deals is a degree of enviromental sensitivity in fact some sponsers demand it.... sorry for such a long post JB but thats the way I fell Im sorry if I got anyone mad that was not my intention in fact since posting on this board I forgot who my wife is (is that sobad)??