RCL or PWT

[Muleskinner]

Now that the rumors are out on the RCL pulling out of Devils lake. I'm
confused on which circuit to fish. Living in the west ie: Colorado one would think the PWT west would be a resonable choice if accepted as a pro. Two trips to Micigan and one to Wisconson could wear on a guy if the RCL was the choice. My question to the WC cast is what would you choose if you had the opportunity to do so? RCL or PWT and for what reason would you base your decision?

[Juls_WI]

You can't go wrong with either one. If the travel bothers you then fish the PWT West. If you want to fish the waters the RCL is going to then fish the RCL. It's that simple. Both circuits are top notch, and you will have a great time fishing either one.

Good luck next year!
Juls

[jerry]

Like Juls said, the choice comes down to travel. Which waters do you prefer to fish? Are you looking to learn tactics to use on a local water? Best bet would be to fish the waters most comparable to the ones near you. Either way, you won't go wrong. A great time and a great learning experience.

[Fish-on]

There are a lot of factors to consider besides travel. You must define your goals and decide what you want from fishing a circuit. If you aspire to become a full-time professional fisherman, the PWT is likely to give you better exposure to the media. You have a chance of appearing in a magazine (walleye InSider), especially if you do well. You will more likely appear on TV by fishing the PWT. At this point, the PWT has a little better credibility, and the sponsors know that they have a better chance of getting national exposure on the PWT than they do on the RCL. The RCL is set up to give the RCL sponsors exposure, so it's difficult for the individual to get his sponsors noticed with the RCL format; the PWT is a better venue for anglers to strut their sponsors.

If you are interested in payouts, the RCL is much better. To the winner, the PWT championship pays $50,000 cash, a certificate for a Dodge pickup (which might be hard to sell) and a Lund boat. In total you will probably net $80-90,000. That's a fantastic prize, but it won't change your life. The RCL championship pays the winner $400,000 cash. That would definitely change MY life. The individual RCL tournament payouts are better too. There are a lot of trade-offs.

Only you can decide which is best for you. Both are great circuits, you just have to choose based on your goals, the time you have available, and the finances at your disposal. Of course you also want to fish the waters where you think you will do well. The distance you must travel to the event is low on the list I would think. By the way, the RCL has a tournament at Lake Sharpe which would be fairly close for you, and none at Erie like you mentioned.

[Chairman]

I think you should fish the ones you feel confident in and forget about fishing the whole circuit in either. This will get you some feelings for both tours and you can decide about what to do the following year. The Championships are nice, but it takes a few years and a lot of cash to get to them. Get comfortable with the Pro-Am format and then go for the gold.

Fishing this format is much more difficult than taking a friend fishing or a partner in the team tournaments. Much more stress and work than it the team events. You have to get into a completely different mindset.

Just fish a couple of events and get your feet wet, then decide on where you want to go. This will give you a good idea about the costs and travel and time away from home, job and family.

Not trying to scarre anyone away, just that some of the newer anglers really did not understand what they were getting into with trying to fish for the championship right away.

Good luck with your decision.

Chairman
NPAA #6

[Ristorapper]

Very good advice muleskinner from one who has been there, right Chairman.

The only thing I can add is that I have seen more Pros coming from the west each year and have gotten to know a very good one out of Casper Wy. His name is Rick Walter and he fished both the RCL and PWT his rookie year (as a Pro) this year and did very respectable. Give him a call or get to picking the Chairman's brain or other pros that visit this site.

They have a lot of information for you and all you have to do is ask. Too much information on this subject can never be a bad thing. Good luck.

bw(ND)

[Muleskinner]

Thanks for the advice from everbody. I am good friends with Rick Walters and your right he had a great year. We have fished the Wyoming walleye circuit for years. I think I am leaning toward the PWT west if accepted. I know it will be full of new blood trying to get in just like last year. If that doesn't pan out I can always put on my traveling shoes and go for the RCL.