| Golden |
The way I'd like to see this go is someone asks a question then we give Keith time to answer it before asking another one. When Keith is done answering the question, he will ask for the next question. First Question anyone? |
| stpper |
At this point who does AIM have as sponsors? |
| keith kavajecz |
As of right now we have no signed contracts. As many people are running into this year, companies have not decided their budgets or in some cases have not got approval. So it is a little wait and see especially since tournaments don't start until May. |
| Juls |
Keith, has AIM figured out how they are going to handle the camera issue? Will AIM provide the competitors with cameras or will they have to supply their own? |
| keith kavajecz |
Actually some good comments on the CRR (Catch Record Release) came up at the meeting we had last Friday and some guys have actually found some pretty cool measuring devices on-line. Our current strategy will be to tell anglers what they need for a camera. Hopefully we will find a camera sponsor to provide the cameras for free or at a reduced cost. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| cjbrown |
Will dead fish be allowed at weigh-in and counted? Such as a deep hooked fish? |
| keith kavajecz |
We will not be bringing any fish to the weigh-in. We will be Recording the length of the fish in the boat (jointly Pro and Co), and the releasing them. The idea behind CRR is to make it fun again to fish tournaments by eliminating restrictions on culling, slots and the time of year we can fish. |
| walleyedmike |
Keith, I think you know how I feel about the am's from my posts on TNB. I see that you have no sponsors as of yet, but do you know what kind of prizes will be drawn for? Will all of the am's win a prize? |
| keith kavajecz |
We plan on giving out prizes to Co-anglers - but they will be randomly drawn - some companies are offering us partial payment with gift cerficates - one in particular has a real nice set of prizes we can give (one that everyone will want) - just can't give out details yet |
| stpper |
Keith, when can we expect the details on the rules and payout schedule? |
| keith kavajecz |
We reviewed the rules at the AIM meeting and should have something to show in the next week or two - no real big changes. We tried to take the best of the PWT, FLW and BASS rules and look at the responses from an owner survey we did earlier. |
| keith kavajecz |
For payouts, we also went over those and have an idea of what people want. I can say that we will be paying back 100% of the pro fees and if we get good sponsor support we will put more back into the purses. I can say on purses, most guys want a first place of at least 50K with the last payout spot of 2K and a "good" payout at 10th. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| 620 |
since the third site has been announced as up here on GB , with this format how will the teams handle the big water if she's blowin and rockin, as per gettin good pics and measurements ? |
| keith kavajecz |
Well, GB and Saginaw are both big bodies of water. I think the main thing to remember is that for CRR the "official" length is recorded on the Scorecard. This length has to be agreed upon by the Pro and the Co. The photos will be used for verification. I beleive we can get the photo process down to where it is managable in big waves. |
| Juls |
Keith, what would you say to those who are leary of the CRR because they think the camera can lie? |
| keith kavajecz |
Digital camera's don't lie, but we will have to train pro's to take valid photos. We had examples of some photos that Jim Carroll took for us in bad light conditions with a 6 meg camera and could easily see the nose and tail and therefore the length. |
| KTurner |
What if anglers had hat cams on streamed thru the inet, anglers could then recruit their own fan base. Set fees to get web access w/the profit split between the angler & AIM. Fans could then follow the angler thru the day & you could have live coverage. |
| keith kavajecz |
Again, we are looking at more sophisticated measuring devices that may take some of the inaccurcy out of the measurement. |
| walleyejim1216 |
Did you figure anything out on the Muscat system |
| keith kavajecz |
One last point on the measurement is that even now there are inconsistencies with scales, fish flopping and timing of pressing the button. So we will strive for consistency to give a fair compentition. |
| keith kavajecz |
I will do Muscat now. |
| Juls |
that's a great point |
| keith kavajecz |
We did discuss the Jim Muscat "counting competition" for co-anglers. The general consesus was not to have any competition for the co-anglers. Even as it is now, co-anglers are so dependent on who they draw to determine how well they will place that most anglers thought the additional record keeping and handling of fish would not provide a good competition for co-anglers. One thing that was discussed was increasing the number of spots after the cut so that more anglers would get to fish all 3 days. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| stpper |
Can you share any details about AIM's grass root efforts, and will that be 2009 or 2010? |
| keith kavajecz |
AIM's Grass Root effort typically referrs to a program that we want to come out with to have AIM help introduce more people to tournament angling and make tournament angling at all levels (not just our pro level) a better experience. So doing things like lowering our Co-angler entry fee lets more anglers in. High level sponsors will be given slots to give to co-anglers so some anglers might get in for free. But the biggest part of our grass roots effort can't be given in detail right now. We have to wait and get some sponsor support to pull it off. I will say that much of it was based on how Poker has satellite tournaments and giving regional and local tournaments a chance to get involved with "bigger" tournaments. |
| keith kavajecz |
Co-angler cut - right now we have said 10 - maybe it should be cut to the payoff spot (30) or cut to 50. We will be addressing this shortly with the board. My guess is that it will go up from 10. |
| keith kavajecz |
next - I think I am caught up |
| keith kavajecz |
I will say that as we presented our game plan to sponsors they were very impressed that it was not just a pro level circuit we were proposing - right plan - bad economy. |
| stpper |
How about the fourth site, and will you have a championship? |
| keith kavajecz |
On the co-angler deal, one thing that came out at the NPAA meeting (which came after the AIM meeting) - most co-anglers in attendance were in complete agreement with our philosophy of making tournaments fun to fish - even though co-anglers will not be competing. By using CRR we can go back to great places, fish all day, fish for the biggest 5 fish we can catch and the winner will be the best fisherman for 3 days. It will not be a lottery on who can catch the right fish in the right order. |
| keith kavajecz |
Forth site - we are negotiating with 3 spots in Minnesota - one in particular works good and will be great fishing (so that is the one we are pushing for). Championship - not this year. |
| Juls |
I'm assuming that the MN site will also be in conjunction with a festival of some sort...yes? |
| Jim Muscat |
Have you considered soliciting Glasgow MT (Fort Peck) or is it not a large enough town? |
| keith kavajecz |
One of the nice things is that the 3 sites we have so far - Saginaw Bay, Green Bay and Akaska, SD all have festivals associated with the event so we should get great crowds. The GB one in particular is during Fire On The Fox - a huge fireworks festival and we get primary placement in the festival. Should be a great event. |
| walleyejim1216 |
I was hoping for fort peck after tnb show! |
| keith kavajecz |
Yes we'd love to go to MT. We do not need a festival associated with the event - just is an added plus. Since we will have live-all day web coverage we can get viewers without having anyone at the weigh-in. This first year we decided to try to stay in the "walleye belt" and reduce expenses for our anglers. But in the future we certainly want to go to great fisheries like Fort Peck. Parsons did a show for us out there is year and said the fishing was UNBELEIVEABLE.... |
| keith kavajecz |
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| Juls |
all day long web streaming? |
| Juls |
from the water? |
| keith kavajecz |
For at least the last days competition - obviously have to be careful the first 2 days that we don't divulge anyone's spots or techniques. Plan is Live or nearly live - mainly based on the cell coverage we can get (or other means of communication) But even the first days - an on-site commentator can certainly get on several times a day - maybe some chase boats to give status on the water. |
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| stpper |
Other than the original investors, potential sponsors, what is AIM going to do for additional revenue to build the business? |
| keith kavajecz |
Well obviously sponsors are our main emphasis right now - and mainly in the industry sponsors. We do have plans to go after non-endemics - the nice thing is not only do we have AIM programs to offer, but we have about 80 Owners and Lifetime members who can participate in promotions so we can do some nation wide (or at least northern US) promotions for these companies. Right now we do have enough money from the initial investment to make it through the first season with no additional funds - so we will be having 4 events in 2009. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| roxtar |
if everyone had a hat cam---couldn't that be used for verification on how many fish and possibly size |
| keith kavajecz |
I imagine so, but still have the problem of the person verifying they are pointing the right way. At least with a digital camera you can quick look at the back monitor and be assured you got a photo. Remember - the photo is for verification - the official lengths will come from the measurement agree to by the Pro and Co. Also with a hat cam we run into the problem of saving 8 to 10 hours of data - if we want it high enough resolution to verify a 1/4 inch length it will take a lot of data space. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| stpper |
Any chance for a new TV show or magazine linked/owned by AIM? |
| keith kavajecz |
We actually are planning on doing a TV show - but not one that covers the tournament itself - people can see the tournament coverage on the web. Our show would cover the tackle, techniques, decisions, games plans etc. of the top finishing anglers in the tournament. They can be filmed in their own boat with their own tackle with no restrictions on hats and logo's they want to present. Very angler sponsor friendly. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| stpper |
What should we know that we're not asking? |
| keith kavajecz |
I think one of the things people should know is that the main focus of AIM is on our sport. Getting walleye fishing back to being fun. Taking care of the anglers (pro and co) that fish it. We have no side agenda to sell boats or sell media - we just want the sport to get back to where it was when we first started. An angler could fish tournaments, catch lots of fish and if they cashed a check they could make back the entry fee and expenses - and hopefully some profit. We used to fish tournaments to get sponsors - right now you almost need a sponsor to fish tournaments. And again making tournaments fun again! |
| keith kavajecz |
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| Robert Kidd |
When you talk measurement does this mean lenght and girth |
| keith kavajecz |
Measurement will be just length. I know, I know - a fat 16 incher weighs more than a skinny 17 inch... I really doesn't matter. As long as all the anglers know that length is what counts - in the example above I would go with the skinny 17's - it will get a bigger converted weight. All the anglers will be given the weight conversion chart so they can make relevant tournament decisions on the length of fish they want to go for. Again, we want to make CRR a valid measurement but also as easy as possible. |
| keith kavajecz |
One thing I did want to mention, for those who hadn't heard. Scott Fairbairn resigned from the AIM board. He still supports AIM and believes in it, but he has decided to persue some other personal endeavors and did not feel he would have the time to be effective on the board. The good news is that Mark Martin has stepped up to be a Board Member (until the next election). Mark is very strong at getting sponsors and explaining the value of programs to potential sponsors - he is a great addition. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| Robert Kidd |
Is the tournament field limited to 100 boats |
| keith kavajecz |
Yes 100 pro's 100 co's. Preference will be... Owners fishing 4, Lifetime members fishing 4, Owners fishing less than 4, LM fishing less than 4, Anglers fishing 4, Anglers fishing 3.... The owner and Lifetime member preferences last for 2 years - at that time we hope to have a system in place to allow new anglers to qualify for the circuit spots. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| keith kavajecz |
I will say, that if anyone has questions about AIM, don't hesitate to call a board member or Scott Matheson (our President) |
| eyesbme |
Will there be any tournaments in the future as ther was up on Lake Wabigoon, "Artificial Baits" only tournaments? |
| keith kavajecz |
Artificials Only has been discussed. I think our current thought is that if we get sponsors who support us and want that we will ease into this as we go. For right now we see no reason to limit ourselves (potentially reducing the fun) for no reward. I will say, the event up in Wabigoon was great - if we do go to artificials it will be at locations like that. |
| rich stadler |
Sorry Keith, got in late, have you addressed what will happen if you do not have as many co's as pro's? |
| keith kavajecz |
We have not addressed that but will if signups don't come in as we need. Hopefully we are giving good value to co-anglers by reducing the entry fee and giving them a chance to fish 2 or 3 days with some of the top pro's. |
| keith kavajecz |
Last year I asked every one of my PWT co's if they were fishing for the learning experience of fishing for the prizes. To a person they were there to fish. That is AIM will give them - a great experience on the water. |
| rich stadler |
I agree, I don't think you will have any problems, just was not sure if you would have volunteers to pair up with pro's lke the PWT would do on accasion. |
| keith kavajecz |
I know there are some co's that like to fish for money - I have no problem with that and thankfully the FLW is still doing that. In fact we had a nice talk with Sonny Reynolds (FLW) and he is all for AIM - just as AIM is all for FLW. AIM has worked hard to minimize scheduling conflicts with FLW so if anglers want to fish some of each, or both, they should be able to do that. |
| keith kavajecz |
I guess volunteers would be our backup plan - always worked good for the PWT. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| Jim Muscat |
If it's ok I want to touch on a subject brought up a little earlier and that is the AIM tourneys possibly interfacing with local or reginal tournements. Are you considering reserving a few spots at each event for local "qualifiers" to enter on a one time basis, Or are you thinking more along the lines of anavenue to recruit full time pro's |
| keith kavajecz |
Well the sport needs more pro competitors - many anglers certainly have the skills and desire to compete at high levels. We need to give anglers reasons to join tournaments locally, regionally and nationally - our programs touch all of these - again if we get sponsor support to pull it off. Can't give the details - but if you watch Poker on TV, many of the competitors in the high dollar tournaments got there by fishing Satellite tournaments - seems like a good idea....... |
| keith kavajecz |
By the way, if it does not work in 2009 that does not mean it is off the table for 2010. Again, AIM has a much bigger game plan for the sport than just having a Pro/CO circuit. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| Golden |
Can you tell us about that game plan? |
| keith kavajecz |
Not any more than I have said aleady as far as the Grass Roots - in fact I am sure I will be in trouble with the board saying as much as I did. I do want to make sure that everyone knows that people like Gary and I and many of the AIM owners that have been around for a while - love this sport. We want the sport to grow, we want anglers to have opportunities to be in the sport that has treated us so well. Without AIM we see - in a not too distant future - where Professional Walleye angling may go away. And for many reasons. The main one is that tournaments are not as fun to fish (because of regulations) and that we needed an organization who's main purpose is to grow our sport. By the way, the economy is NOT one of those reasons. The economy is just a short term (abeit big) bump in the road. |
| Juls |
Keith, while the AIM rules made it to the message boards, by one of the investors, (we took them down until you are ready to release them)....but, I did want to touch on one subject that was mentioned in the rules.... "off limits" periods you plan to use.........I'm assuming that rule will keep the local one timers from entering any of them....yes? Is that why you are using that rule? Or, is there another reason to have an off limits period? |
| keith kavajecz |
You are right about the rules, the ones sent out were VERY PRELIMINARY. That rule slipped in from the BASS rules. I beleive our current thought is to have no closed period (like PWT and FLW). We will allow locals to fish if there are spots available. We will have a cutoff date so that people can't pre-fish up to the tournament and then decide whether or not to join. Again - that is my thoughts - the board (and anglers) will finalize the rules. |
| Juls |
Good to know...thanks! |
| keith kavajecz |
One thing to keep in mind with AIM - we are publizing (sp) information just as fast as we finalize it. We are not intentionally holding anything back - just don't want preliminary stuff out there that we can't commit too. That is why we have given out tournament sites one at a time. As we sign contracts with the site - we immediately let people know when and where we will be fishing. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| flyonthewall |
For 2010, AIM might want to take a look into getting in on the Detroit/Windsor Freedom Festival. The fireworks show is typically 4 or 5 days before the 4th of July. It's televised locally and it draws over a million folks every year. |
| Juls |
that's cool |
| keith kavajecz |
Well, sounds like a great festival - the first thing we look at for a site is fishing - we want it to be good to great. I am sure we could find great fishing in that area (probably right off windsor). I will say though that for 2010 - most of the sites we have for this year have signed multi-year contracts. We intentionally did this to build up relationships in the community similar to how Walleye Weekend works in Fond Du Lac. I will also say that in the future as we add sites, we may sign them for only one year just to visit new sites each year. |
| keith kavajecz |
I see Jim Muscat is out here - just want to thank him for taking the time to give suggestions for AIM. ALthough we may not use it, it was well thought out, certainly provoked some good coversations (on the web and for the board) and we want people to keep suggesting ideas. We are not set in stone, if it makes sense we will implement it. |
| Jim Muscat |
Ideas are easy you guys have the huge task of making things work! |
| keith kavajecz |
It has been a huge task - what many people don't realize is that we really have only been formulating this since June. It took several months of legal work just to have our stock offering approved by the SEC. Then we elected a board - gave a sponsor survey and an owner survey to help guide us down the right path(s). |
| keith kavajecz |
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| magic |
Is there going to be a championship this fall? |
| keith kavajecz |
No championship this fall. We hope to have a significant Angler Of the Year race that will pay multiple spots - it is one of the main things we are trying to sell to a sponsor next. |
| keith kavajecz |
I like championships, I can forsee a championship in future years as we grow - for now we figure we can hold 4 great events this year to get AIM on it's way. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| FreeByrd |
Not really a question - but a comment - the idea of trying to tie events into local festivals I think is REALLY COOL - especially from the aspect of THIS SHOULD BE FUN. This has worked well for the Salmon Tournaments in Michigan - especially the big one in Ludington - and the big saltwater tournaments are BIG PARTYS |
| keith kavajecz |
Thanks - we think they will work well also. The nice thing is that AIM does not have to run the festival - we are just working with them to take part of the festival - hopefully enhancing the festival. One really cool success for AIM was the Green Bay site. They were very cool to sponsoring/supporting a big walleye event until they heard about CRR. It completely turned them 180 degrees to where they are not only supporting the event but will be helping to find local sponsorship to help support AIM. |
| I walleye |
I too think that is a good idea. You can both draw people off of each other |
| eyesbme |
What will the credentials be, if any, for the Pros to fish the AIM circuit? |
| keith kavajecz |
Credentials - if you look back a little I give the preference list. After that it will be first come first serve. Obviously we will try to screen out any shady characters. If we hear about past rules violations or bad conduct we will reserve the right to decline any entry. Usually the $1500 dollar entry fee keeps only serious competitors thinking about entering as a pro. |
| keith kavajecz |
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| Juls |
how long has the "Fire Over The Fox" been going on now? Do you know? |
| keith kavajecz |
I don't know how long Fire On the Fox as been going - it is big though - around 100K people - biggest event in Wisconsin after..... oh that big music thing in Milwaukee....Summerfest |
| FreeByrd |
There is an annual "Walleye Festival" in Port Clinton, OH around Memorial Day Weekend every year - on the average probably better chance for good weather in late May than April.... just for future thinking... |
| keith kavajecz |
Good idea, I will have Scott Matheson look at this whole chat session and pick off ideas like that.. Plus I like fishing on Lake Erie - it has been many years since I got to fish there...At least for a tournament.... |
| keith kavajecz |
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| magic |
I think someone mentioned Ft Peck in MT, are you still looking at that? |
| keith kavajecz |
FT Peck - not for 2009, but certainly in the future - too good a fishing not to go there! |
| keith kavajecz |
By the way, we got some great input about CRR from Montana and Wyoming who are already holding measure tournaments. |
| Golden |
That's about 1-1/2 hours of "structured" chat....and I want to thank Keith for his time. We can relax things now and just chat for fun....Keith said he would stick around for a little longer. So....I'll quit bugging everyone about the format and turn it over to "the public" |
| keith kavajecz |
Yeah, I'd be glad to talk walleyes too - that's more fun! |
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