2002 Masters Walleye Circuit

[Bob "Kaz" Kaczkowski]

Cabela's has signed on as the MWC title sponsor. A press release regarding the 2002 MWC schedule has been written and will be issued shortly. (The circuit is still owned by North American Membership Group.) Briefly, the May 18-19 tournament location has been changed from Big Stone Lake, Ortonville, to Mille Lacs, and will run in conjunction with the Cabela's National Team Walleye Championship (daily fish limits will be counted for both tournaments if teams are entered in both events). The current Big Stone Lake tournament director and Chamber of Commerce President have been advised and support this change 100%. The MWC will be back at Big Stone in 2003.

Also, the 2001 MWC Championship qualifying teams will be invited to fish the Cabela's MWC World Walleye Championship Oct. 16-20, 2002 on the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien, Wis. The Cabela's retail store at Prairie du Chien will serve as Championship headquarters.

As Steve Baugnet stated in his posting, please everybody, settle down. North American Membership Group is a solid organization and is working in the best interests of all MWCers, tournament communities and circuit sponsors. The new circuit is basically doubling the payouts at all the tournaments, which will be covered by ESPN2 and The Outdoor Channel TV programs. Get a good grip on your rods and reels guys and gals...stay tuned. Here's the schedule:
March 23-24 Illinois River, Spring Valley, IL
May 18-19 Mille Lacs, Brainerd, MN
August 24-25 Little Bay de Noc, Escanaba, MI
Sept. 21-22 Lake Pepin/Mississippi River, Lake City, MN.

Contact Kristine Houtman, Events Director, or Kristina Mauersberger, Senior Events Assistant, at MWC's toll free number: 1-877-893-7947.

"Kaz", MWC Consultant

[Bad Finger]

Why Mille Lacs?

You could very well be fishing for 16 to 18 inch fish on that date.

With the slots changing at the whim of the DNR, why go there instead of Big Stone?

[Bob "Kaz" Kaczkowski]

It's a compromise, as not to conflict with the Cabela's event and if you check previous message board postings, many anglers requested the change because they wanted to fish both tournaments. Many e-mails were also received by the MWC and Cabela's regarding this. Also,the MWC didn't want to change the May 18-19 dates because many anglers had already picked their 2002 vacation dates. As far as Mille Lacs length of fish and slot limits go, the rules will be the same for all anglers. As stated in the original posting, neither the current MWC tournament director or the Chamber of Commerce president at Ortonville has a problem with the 2002 arrangement.

[Jeff Berg]

That sounds great Kaz. I'm glad Cabela's is getting back into tournament scene and bringing ESPN back with them. I am planning on fishing the Pepin event, now I trying to figure out how I can fit the whole year in.

Congratulations!

[Chris G]

Kaz,
Maybe I have missed this, but when will the early bird registration start?
Thanks,
Chris Gasser

["Kaz"]

The MWC brochure which includes the Early Bird sign-up has been delayed due to the negotiations with Cabela's. The brochures should be mailed shortly.

[Jim Siewert]

Kaz:
Will the tournament be held out of the town of Garrison?? Everyone should get their reservations in ASAP as lodging could be of some difficulty with both tournaments going on. Thanks Kaz for clarifying with everyone the basis behind the decision.

Jim

["Kaz"]

The Cabela's National Team Walleye Championship is being run out of Eddie's Resort, and the MWC is trying to headquarter as close to Eddie's as possible.

[JEFF ZAWICKI]

KAZ,
, IS THE CHAMPIONSHIP AT PRAIRIE DU CHIEN JUST GOING TO BE THE 50 TEAMS THAT QUALIFIED IN 2001 OR WILL THERE BE OTHER TEAMS.
AS FAR AS MILLE LACS WHAT IS THE CLOSET TOWN THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD OUT OF
GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK IN THE PICTURE
JEFF

[Bob "Kaz" Kaczkowski]

Just the 50 qualifying teams from 2001. Eddie's is located on the southwest side of Mille Lacs off of Hwy. 169.

"Kaz"

[Dave in Mpls]

For all who are interested, Eddy's web page is listed below:

http://www.eddysresort.com/

Regards

[Crowded]

Let's see...250 team Cabelas event, 200 team MWC event.

possibly 400+ teams. Wow, this will be a show! Better get some reservations.

[rockford]

Has it been determined on what pools the championship will be held on?

[wallytap]

Kaz,I've sat on the sidelines and have read your posts here on WC for quite sometime now. I have to say we've never met, but I admire your integrity when dealing with the sometimes"hard to please" fishing public.Having only a 16 ft boat with a 40 hp doesn't realistically make it possible to join the fun, but I follow the tournamant scene with envy and daydreams.Maybe someday..........I can shake your hand at a weigh-in ceremony? Good Luck in 2002!

[eye guy]

I WAS really looking forward to the Cabelas TOURNEY!I had to Place very high in one of the hardest tourney's in the world to get in!
NOW THEY ARE LETTING IN THE "BIGGEST" BOAT FOLLOWING CIRCUIT THAT I HAVE EVER FISHED! I AM PI**ED. This is a joke,that many boats on that lake in May 1 week after opening weekend!Cabelas is going to get some BAD press for this one!One good thing a bunch of guys will keep the casnio in business,an hurt the locals chances of getting the lake rights back in the fishermens favor!

I'm getting out before this one even starts!

[Bad Finger]

I don't know about the boat following thing, but I agree there is a huge chance for bad press. The weekend after the opener and 400 teams come swooping in on every spot on the Whiffer map. The “Regular Folks” who come up for the weekend will be *****ing. Add in the fact that no one knows what the slot or possession limits will be. That’s a huge gamble. What if the DNR comes back with a 12-15 inch slot with 2 in possession? Not likely, but one never knows. Yes, everyone plays under the same rules, but my 6.125 lbs beats your 6.124 lbs??!! Now picture this, local media showing film on the 6 o’clock news of “Pro Fishermen” hanging out at the casino!! There are a lot of us who make it a point to boycott that place. That would certainly piss off all of the true Mille Lacs sportsmen who have been working their A$$ off trying to stop the indian spearing and netting!!

Will be interesting to sit back and watch.

[bye bye]

one less whiner

[okay]

What color is the sky in some peoples world? It will not be a 450 boat tourney. As to the locals, and tourists, I'd be willing to bet that they will keep more fish, legally, than any of the tournament anglers. Ya and boycotting the casino has reallly hurt em, huh? How about pressuring local and state elected officials? They make the decisions. The indians, right or wrong, are merely doing what the law allows. I am not taking sides here, or throwing stones, just my opinions on the matter. Yes Mille lacs is a Great fishery. Yes local anglers do care, and yes you could not do any better than the MWC coming there. I notice no one whines about other tournies being there. There are many. I also dont see walleye anglers crying cause musky are eating walleye fingerlings. More die from predation than all the anglers combined.

[slip_bobber]

Cabelas, Kaz, and North Americian Fisherman joining forces has to be a great thing. I've fished the MWC for a long time. I also fished the NAWA/Cabela's circuit. I can't wait to fish this one. It will be FUN. Thanks Kaz and great job.

Michael Meyer Jr NPAA #67

[Cws]

Cabela's toyurney I had heard is no cull. Is it safe to assume MWC will be no cull as well?

[Bad Finger]

OK,

Guess you have never heard of PERM? Or the Minnesota Walleye Alliance? Or the Game and Fish Coalition? Yes I do pressure the local officials. Right or Wrong?? You bet it’s wrong. And I take sides, point fingers, throw stones!! Whatever it takes to get the indians to stop raping the lake!

As far as the casino goes, yes my little one man boycott ain’t hurting them at all. Just hope to set an example.

Yes there are a lot of tournament on the lake. Most are small resort tourneys. Last year after the slot was tightend up, you would be lucky to have 40 boats. These are events that usually top 100 boats. I saw plenty of teams walk away from the tournament scene on the lake. (Team Walleye for example) There were more teams that would have walked away too if they could have had their entry fee refunded! (Wave Wackers)

My point again is this. It is a huge gamble to hold such an important tournament not knowing what the slot will be. No matter what side of the Indian issue or the Tournament issue you are on, people feel pretty strong about it. Controversy at tourney time. You bet!

You say more walleyes die from Musky Predation than angler take?? I’d like to know where you got that info. Please educate me.

[GM]

KAZ, when was the last time the MWC fished at Mille LAcs? Since before the PWT started? Can't wait.

["Kaz"]

It was one year before PWT started. At that tourney, the MWC record that stood for years was caught: A 12-1/4 POUNDER...I remember it well because I was on shore and saw it caught. Talk about memories......Kaz

[eyecrosser]

bey-bey

Hope you wont mind donating your entry,when you get get schooled!Then we will see who is whinning!

[dls]

you will have to read this slow cause i only type with one finger. what i understand is that the mwc is going to mille lacs. thats ok. i think. i don't mind going anywhere to fish. but if you have 450 boats on one body of water thats alot. i would also like to know how to get in the cabelas tourney. were should i send my money so i can fish both. just like the guys that made the top 250. but i can only fish one side of the tourney. because i made a choice to fish the mwc.if i rember real well, i think it was in spring valley about 3 yrs or more ago that a person that was running the mwc said, i don't care what other circut you are fishing we will not take a back seat to no one. you have to make a choice. kind of like fishing a tourney? hopefully this is the right one. also i would like to no what a top sponser like merc. or cabelas, or lindy, or ranger, etc. etc. etc. have to put in to be a TOP SPONSER. is it money or is it a name. if it is money how come the fisherman don't see it in the payout. you raise the entry fee but the math just doesn't work out for me. like i said before it is the best show in town but now i'm wondering. well i hope it took you as long to read this as it took me to type it. more than 450 for the tourney and only so few post. lets here what you have got to say.

[New to MWC]

Since I used to fish Team Walleye, and have considered making the jump to the MWC, and really thought that this was year, let me understand a couple things?

1. You are going to be running two tourneys the same weekend at the same lake?

2. These two tourneys will have different take off sites, and the second one hasn't even been picked yet?

3. There will be different directors that will be measuring close fish and determining which one touches the line and which one does not. Keep in mind, all of us use the Judge ruler which is suppose to be so accurate, but how many times do we see teams DQ'ed because a fish is on the line at the official ruler, but not onthe line on the ruler in your boat?

4. There will be different scales weighing these same fish to compete against each other in two differnent tourneys?

5. If I remember correctly, the Cabelas tourney is a qualified tourney that you must have been invited to, where the MWC is an open tourney year long point accumulation tourney. The potential is here to have the winners of both tourneys collect the MWC points and be somebody that you will never compete against the entire year? We're all ok with that? Isn't the MWC suppose to be the common guys tourney, where there may be a number sponsored pro's fishing the Cabelas tourney. Probably nothing for them to throw in another $600 bucks into the MWC tourney even though they will not fish another one this year, besides then they can write that anount off on their taxes.

6. I am not sure how the DNR issues tourney permits, but I see that there will be another tourney this same weekend in May being run out of Macs. It is that new Mike Holt tourney. Granted thisbeing new, he may only draw 50 boats or so, but that means there will be 3 not 2 tourneys on the lake that weekend.

I guess this whole deal sounds kind of fishy to me. Why not just cancel on or the other of the tourneys? All of us want to say yep we promote fishing and the conservation of fishing, we support catch and release, but to the public it looks bad to have all of these tourneys on the same weekend. I don't think there is any getting around this, we will be giving ourselves a black eye both in the eyes of the public and in the eyes of those of us that are fishing any of these events.

[Bob "Kaz" Kaczkowski]

Mille Lacs is a huge body of water. One of the largest inland lakes in the country. During the open water season, hundreds of boats can be found on it daily even when tournaments aren't scheduled. The local DNR has no issue with the Cabela's and MWC tournaments taking place at the same time.

The Cabela's National Team Walleye Championship is an invite tournament, you have had to qualify for it and there is no entry fee. Every team fishing the Cabela's event will receive cash and/or prizes.

Cabela's is now the title sponsor of the MWC and it was decided to hold the Cabela's and MWC tournaments in conjunction with one another on Mille Lacs. Some teams that had qualified for the Cabela's tournament also wanted to fish the MWC tournament, so there will not be 450 boats entered in both tournaments because there will be "cross over" teams.

Sponsors pay a fee to endorse a cicuit. Sometimes, a fee and merchandise. The MWC payouts are the highest of any pro circuit in the country, more than 80% of the entry fees are paid back to the teams.

[Bob "Kaz" Kaczkowski]

1. Yes , the Cabela's National Team Walleye Championsip and a 2002 MWC qualifying tournament will run in conjunction with one another on Mille Lacs May 18-19. Mille Lacs is one of the largest inland lakes in the country and can easily handle both tournaments and the local DNR has no issues with the tournaments. Cabelas's is now the title sponsor of the MWC and some teams which qualified for the Cabela's event also wanted to fish the MWC tournament. It's a cross over tourney. Rules and daily catches will count equally for both tournaments.

2. The launch sites as well as the weigh-in sites will be in close proximity to each other.

3. The same ruler will be used. If a fish (length) is questionable, it shouldn't even be brought in.

4. All weigh-in scales will be certified.

5. Only teams entered in the MWC tournament will earn circuit points. Teams fishing the Cabela's event which decide to fish the MWC tournament will have to become MWC members. Therefore, they would earn MWC circuit points. Over the years, many teams only fish one MWC tournament in a given year, i.e., most of the teams that fish Spring Valley (Illinois River), never fish another tournament the rest of the year. It happens all the time.

6. We are in contact with Mike Holt and are working on a equitable solution to his and our events.

Much thought has gone into and will be continually implemented into this event which will be televised on ESPN2. There have and there will always be pros and cons to tournament fishing. The MWC and Cabela's staffs will do their utmost to see that the event will be a rewarding experience for all competitors. It's your decision to fish or not. Thank you for your response.

[Dave in Mpls]

Kaz, if a team is fishing both tournaments, will the same fish have to be weighed twice, once at each weigh-in location?

Regards

[jake]

Kaz, when will the early-bird or vip start. Dad and I want to fish all of them and send in for them all at once w/ the program mentioned, is that already in progress, or when will it start? I look forward to seeing you again. Jake

[Bob "Kaz" Kaczkowski]

The fish will be weighed once and count for both tournaments if the team is fishing both events......."Kaz"

[Prchjerker]

Kaz,
Whats up with this issue about no culling. I was all pumped about making a switch this year to do all MWCs.This sounds like a big nut to crack with two tournaments two way ins and allowing some of the anglers to fish both.Ive fished the spring valley for the past four years and if anyone can do it you can. I hope it all pans out.Ps let us know about the no cull.

[Bob "Kaz" Kaczkowski]

Hey Jake!

The 2002 MWC brochures which include the Early Bird and regular circuit entry forms are done and they may have started mailing them out today, next week for sure. It'll be good to see you and your Dad again...."Kaz"

[Bob "Kaz" Kaczkowski]

There is only going to be one weigh-in for both tournaments, just more scales. I'm not up to speed regarding the no culling aspects. Culling exists when a fish is actually taken into possession (livewell). I'll get some answers..."Kaz"

[219guy]

I can't help but throw in my 2 cents worth on this announcment.
Cabela's coming on board with the MWC as the title sponsor is a great move for all of us that fish the circuit. A first class company that will afford professionalism & increase media exposure for the anglers.
Having fished Mille Lacs for 30+ years, I can't help but look foreward to the MWC going to one of my all time favorite fisheries, and despite the restrictive slot limits that we are all but guarenteed of having to deal with, the best weight will win and the show will go on. I am NOT loking foreward to trying to find lodging, I am NOT looking foreward to waiting in line at the launch' trying to find parking during pre-fishing and the tournament, I am NOT looking foreward to batteling the virtually thousands of non-tournament anglers that will be on Minnesota's favorite Walleye lake in the week following the opener. Apparently, the folks organizing this have never been on Mille Lacs for the 1st two weeks of the season. Combining the Cabela's Championship with the MWC tourny doesn't seem to be a very good solution but with the logistics of running two seperate tournaments at the same time under the same banner, I can see why it is being done. It just would have been a much better choice to have the combined tournament on Big Stone.
I do feel that the Cabela's anglers who qualifyed for their championship are getting the short end of the stick. They worked long and hard at a shot to make their big show, now they have to contend with sharing the spotlight with another circuit. Having fished the MWC Championship, I know that I wouldn't be happy with the situation.
The MWC circuit has not had a great couple of years, we have lost anglers and most of us remaining are gun shy when it comes to changes. Especially changes that seem to not take into account the best interest of the anglers. So a word of caution to NAF & Cabelas; be carefull. Recent history should show you that if you don't take care of the men & women that fish the MWC, they won't take care of you.
Rick Stange
219Guy

[Stizo]

Rick

The decision to move both tournaments to Mille Lacs was a well thought out decision based purely on what was best for the anglers. We did not want anyone to not have the chance to compete in these two landmark events. As for your perceived "inconvienences", "short-term pains for long-term gains." This is a big time event and will be ran as such. The MWC and the National Championship are for the anglers, not one individual or one community. I hope that this sport will continue to grow with that thought in mind.

May we learn from history and see that your concerns, and those of many others who have posted, are very similar to those of golfers from Augusta, GA when the PGA was formed. Thank goodness golf was not side-tracked by the myopic thought of a few. Every sport today experienced the same things our sport is today. The anglers are crying out for more, more exsposure, more sponsors, better competition. Those who embrace these opportunities and make them the best they can be will be remembered in the record books. I can only imagine the number of track owners, car owners, and others who now wished they would have embraced the vision of Bill France. Their sport too started where our's has. I hear all the time that you, the anglers, want to be like NASCAR. The drivers, track owners, and sponsors built NASCAR. Together.

I have been overwhelmed by the direct response of the MWC and National Championship, to the point of "goosebumps." Embrace opportunity. "Not the Victory but the Goal, In the Deed the Glory." Life is what you make of these opportunities. Who will the record books remember?

I can't wait to see you all at Mille Lacs in May.

Chris

[Bad Finger]

Chris, That is one of the strangest posts I have read in a long time….

1. “The decision to move both tournaments to Mille Lacs was a well thought out decision based purely on what was best for the anglers.” Why?? Every post responding to that question say "It's best" but not why?

2. “As for your perceived "inconvienences", "short-term pains for long-term gains." This is a big time event and will be ran as such. The MWC and the National Championship are for the anglers, not one individual or one community. I hope that this sport will continue to grow with that thought in mind.” Why should a tournament angler gamble on your hopes??

3. Walleye fishing, NASCAR and golf are all different. Trying to relate them will be the downfall of “Pro Fishing”!

4. Why have you been “Overwhelmed…..with goosbumps”??? Who are you?

[Bad Finger]

219 guy, I thing you sumed it up very well....

[Sizo]

>>>RESPONSE FROM CHRIS

Chris, That is one of the strangest posts I have read in a long time….
>>> SORRY YOU READ IT THAT WAY.
1. “The decision to move both tournaments to Mille Lacs was a well thought out decision based purely on what was best for the anglers.” Why?? Every post responding to that question say "It's best" but not why?
>>>THOSE WHO FISH THE MWC AND WHO HAVE STRIVED FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, CAN NOW FISH BOTH WITHOUT CONCERN OF ADDITIONAL TIME OFF AND/OR HAVING TO MISS ONE OR THE OTHER. THUS NOT INTERFERRING WITH THEIR GOAL OF BECOMING "WORLD CHAMPION."
2. “As for your perceived "inconvienences", "short-term pains for long-term gains." This is a big time event and will be ran as such. The MWC and the National Championship are for the anglers, not one individual or one community. I hope that this sport will continue to grow with that thought in mind.” Why should a tournament angler gamble on your hopes??
>>>GAMBLE? I MISSED THAT ONE. SEEMS LIKE A NEGATIVE ANGLE. I HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN SPORTS AND ESPECIALLY RUNNING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP LEVEL EVENTS. I ASSURE YOU, THIS IS A "BIG TIME" EVENT.
3. Walleye fishing, NASCAR and golf are all different. Trying to relate them will be the downfall of “Pro Fishing”!
>>>I DISAGREE. THEY ARE ALL SPORT. THEY ALL HAVE "EVOLVED" MUCH THE SAME. "DOWNFALL"? PLEASE BE POSSITIVE. THAT IS A VERY DIFFICULT STATEMENT TO DEFEND DURING A TIME IN WHICH THE COMPETITIVE ASPECT OF THE SPORT IS SHOWING SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH.
4. Why have you been “Overwhelmed…..with goosbumps”??? Who are you?
>>>CHRIS BAHL, WHO ARE YOU? MAYBE AN EMOTIONAL STATEMENT. HOWEVER, THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIAL AND 100% POSSITIVE.

I apologize for the CAPS. But, I wanted to make sure I responded to each point. I don't respond to negative post. However, I took the post as potentially constructive critism. unfortuantly, the negative, destructive, opinions of few have driven off or silenced the best minds our sport has from this site. That is unfortunant.

Chris

[s.f.]

well said chris! mwc/cabela's will be a great fit and offer the teams more promo opportunity. and don't worry about crowding on mille lacs...then or any time. you don't have to fish where the other boats are. every acre of the lake has plenty of walleyes in it. believe me...
i kinda miss those mwc days with 'ol kaz'at the mike. i think my linebacker partner kinda scared kaz though!
#49

[Bad Finger]

I think posting under Chris Bahl may have given the post more credibility. “sizo” did not come across well. (nor does Bad Finger)

You say >>>THOSE WHO FISH THE MWC AND WHO HAVE STRIVED FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, CAN NOW FISH BOTH WITHOUT CONCERN OF ADDITIONAL TIME OFF AND/OR HAVING TO MISS ONE OR THE OTHER. THUS NOT INTERFERRING WITH THEIR GOAL OF BECOMING "WORLD CHAMPION." But that still does not answer the question… Why Mille Lacs?

When I say gamble. Isn’t that what a tournament is? You wager your money in the hopes of a win?? Really not trying to be negative, just realistic.

100 percent?? Chris, come on… I personally know 5 people who have contacted the MWC who are not on board with this thing!! There are several posts in this thread (excluding mine) who are not on board too.

Just defending my point.

[Stizo]

***RESPONSE FROM CHRIS

I think posting under Chris Bahl may have given the post more credibility. “sizo” did not come across well. (nor does Bad Finger)

***Sorry. Point well taken. I had always used Stizo in the past.

You say >>>THOSE WHO FISH THE MWC AND WHO HAVE STRIVED FOR THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, CAN NOW FISH BOTH WITHOUT CONCERN OF ADDITIONAL TIME OFF AND/OR HAVING TO MISS ONE OR THE OTHER. THUS NOT INTERFERRING WITH THEIR GOAL OF BECOMING "WORLD CHAMPION." But that still does not answer the question… Why Mille Lacs?

***Mille Lacs is probably one of the best fisheries in the country, right now, that can handle a large number of boats, as well as all types of boats safely. I believe Mille Lacs is a perfect fit for the National Championship. Teams from Elephant Butte, NM can compete evenly with teams from Alleghaney, PA at Mille Lacs. In May, the tournament at Mille Lacs could be won trolling cranks, slip bobbers, live bait rigs, jigs, etc. What other large body of water could that happen at? We also had to consider the safety of all of our anglers. We will have boats of all different sizes. We wanted them all to be able to compete evenly and do so without feeling cramped. I am confident walleyes will be caught all over Mille Lacs next May. Our National Champions may just find a pattern in an area all to themselves.

When I say gamble. Isn’t that what a tournament is? You wager your money in the hopes of a win?? Really not trying to be negative, just realistic.

***I hope no one sees any form of competition as gambling. Tennis players, golfers, and racecar drivers all pay an entry fee to compete. They use their skill to ultimately earn more money through competition. I believe as a competitor, if you think of it as gambling you will not succeed. Those who are successful in competitive angling are not at all wrapped up in the money aspect of the competition. They compete at such a high level, especially mentally, that if they at all relied on "luck" they would be sure to fail. Such thought is a ditraction from competitive focus. Angling is no different. I was amazed, when I discovered, how much of competitive angling is mental. Their are so many variables to successful angling, that any little distraction can have you praying for luck.

100 percent?? Chris, come on… I personally know 5 people who have contacted the MWC who are not on board with this thing!! There are several posts in this thread (excluding mine) who are not on board too.

***All of the messages and calls I, or my staff, have received have been very possitive. I heard the same from our friends at the MWC. I am open to concern. I am not interested in senseless negativity. None of us can be distracted by that. I have not been on this board, I just had time this evening to catch-up. I read the thought. I believe much of it can be easily addressed. Sharing concern on this board gives us opportunity to cross check our operation plans. Believe me, I want to hear all possibilities now, in December!

Just defending my point.

***I truly do respect that. At least you are sharing your thoughts!!! The one thing I hate about these boards is that you don't get to see emotion or body language with the statements. That, I believe, leads to some horrible mis-interruptations.

Thanks for being candid.

Chris

[Fish-on]

Some excellent points Chris. I read the book about the beginnings of NASCAR and the France family. Great stuff and we all can learn a few lessons from it.

Bernie

[Bad Finger]

Thank you Mr Bahl,

Ok, that covers the Cabela’s Championship. Good luck with that tournament!

Now on to the MWC…. I must have missed something along the way here. (And it is probably conflicting dates with other circuits in states I’m not aware of, just not sure)

Big Stone was scheduled for May 18-19. Why not keep the Big Stone event and change the date? Just looking at the calendar and see the tourney could have been held April 27/28. Yes I realize there would be no pre fishing because that is the opener there, but it would not be the first time a tournament was held on the opener at BS. Everyone would be in the same boat. May 4/5 at Big stone would still give everyone enough time to re-group and get ready for Mille Lacs on the 18/19, heck, May 11/12 would seem to fit the bill to.

I’m speaking as a guy who was prepared to enter all 4 events. I refuse to pre-enter any Mille Lacs event till I see what the slot will be! I still want in on the Spring Valley event, but will have to hope my entry gets picked in the lottery! I’m not to worried about LBDN or Pepin. I’m sure there will be spots open.

If it’s not set in stone, here is one vote to get back to Big Stone!!

[Stizo]

>>>RESPONSE

Now on to the MWC…. I must have missed something along the way here. (And it is probably conflicting dates with other circuits in states I’m not aware of, just not sure)

>>>Once again, we had numerous anglers call, write, etc. concerned about the conflicting dates. The other major concern was time off. Also, we did not think going head to head with the "opener" was a good idea for anyone. Not everyone is, or appreciates, tournament angling.

>>>The bottomline is we chose Mille Lacs. It was a great chose for us at this time. I am a fan of Big Stone. I believe many anglers are. We will be back at Big Stone in the future. We strongly considered Big Stone.

I’m speaking as a guy who was prepared to enter all 4 events. I refuse to pre-enter any Mille Lacs event till I see what the slot will be! I still want in on the Spring Valley event, but will have to hope my entry gets picked in the lottery! I’m not to worried about LBDN or Pepin. I’m sure there will be spots open.


>>> Don't get wrapped up the slot limit. No matter what the slot is, we will have a great tournament. I was recently at the Radfish Tour Championship in Titusville, FL. They ran their tournament with a self imposed slot of one fish per angler, (2), between 18" and 28". By law they could have a fish over 28" and they could have more than two fish. But the Redfish Tour decided to have their tournaments this way in the spirit of conservation. It was an incredible tournament, that came down to a .10 of a pound! They did not lose one fish either. I really liked the format. My point is, you can have a tournament with any number of fish of any size. We are trying to find who is the best angler. As long as the rules are the same for all competitors, that will happen no matter the slot limit imposed by law.

>>>I hope to see you in Mille Lacs. Tighten your chin strap and show what your made of. Your obviously passionate about your angling. Convert that into competitive focus.

Chris

[concerned]

I have watched the topic of MWC and Cabelas running their tournaments together for a week now ad seen lots of interesting notes. Several questions come to mind.
#1-Does anyone truly believe that 400 plus boats on a lake where the local walleye fishig season has just opened is a good PR move on our part?
#2-I know the difficulty of fishing against a full field at any tournament. Are we maybe pushing it by adding a second full field and the local pressure of opening week? I realize we (most of us) will only compete in one or the other, but we will be fishing the same fish all week-pre-fishing and tourn.
#3Im interested to know how many teams actualy are going to fish(or needed to fish)both tourn? I keep reading that many calls were received to make this happen but im curious as to what percentage of MWC teams were talking about?
#4In a pefect world we would all get to fish in every event wed like but the fact remains that schedules do conflict and they always will. I wonder if we arent inconviencing alot of people for the sake of a few?
#5 Ive not seen an official post on the MWC Championship yet but I did see the dates of Oct.16-20. Does it seem strange to anyone that we will fish our chmpionship 13 months after qualifing? If these dates are correct, then it will be possible to have qualified for 2 championships and still not have fished in one?
I look forward to the new leadership at MWC and am excited to see the circuit improve, but i have to wonder if this is a little too much a little to soon? I would love to see the fishermans input as a whole, not just a few, help to determine Who,What,When,Where and Why. Isnt that what the MWC has always been about?
Thanks for your time in reading this...........

[219guy]

Chris
Thanks for your reply. Please excuse my ignorance - I know who you are but I don't know where you fit in to the decision making process with regards to the Mille Lacs tournament. I would assume by your answer that you are part of the Cabelas circuit.
I believe I can speak for most MWC anglers when I say we need facts, not fluff. I sell for a living and I know the old "if you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with B.S." ploy when I see it. We need some answers, not the same old jacking around that we've received for the last two years. How about some straight talk for a change?
Question #1 Assuming that the MWC feilds a full tournament of 200 boats, HOW MANY BOATS ARE FISHING THE CABELA'S CHAMPIONSHIP?
Question #2 WILL THE MWC TEAMS BE ALLOWED TO FISH THE CABELAS TOURNAMENT? Your answer did not make this clear.
Question #3 EXACTLY HOW MANY MWC TEAMS REQUESTED THAT A WAY BE FOUND TO ALLOW THEM TO FISH THE CABELA'S CHAMPIONSHIP? Having NEVER talked to an MWC team that fished in the CABELAS qualifying tournaments, its a little tuff to believe that were so many that the drastic step of moving a 200 boat tournament from the same location and weekend that it has been held for the last ten years was the answer.
Question #4 WHY ARE WE FISHING A MAJOR EVENT ON A LAKE THAT WILL ARGUABLY BE THE BUSIEST LAKE IN THE STATE ON THAT WEEKEND? You say in your answer that the best interests of the anglers were at the center of this decision. I say that's bull. I ask again - were the logistics of finding lodging, and launch facilities taken into account?
Question #4 HOW WAS THE DECISION MADE TO FISH MILLE LACS AND NOT BIG STONE? Please don't blow smoke on this one - if the decision was based on a money or "political" issue, say so and explain.
Question #5 WHERE IS THE MWC TOURNAMENT GOING TO BE HEADQUARTERD? I hope that there is no mention of Grand Casino in your answer.
If any one else has questions, please feel free to jump in. These aren't all mine. My phone and e-mail have been busy since Kaz's original posting. If I had written everything in this post that I have been told, Scott would probably have me banned from the board. There are many MWCers that are not happy with this latest slight. Mille Lacs is a great lake, but not on this weekend. It is a mistake to go there. MWC anglers are once again getting the raw end of the deal.
Rick Stange
219 guy

[eeeeeeeeeeeenough]

Jeez, it is what it is. Shut up and fish, shut up and go away, or shut up and start your own friggin circuits if you nay sayers all know so much. You crybaby whiners are exactly why i don't fish tournies any more.

[s.f]

i'm not fishing in these events, so maybe i should stay out of this...but...i agree with eeeeeenough, to a certain extent. this also
is proof, that has been ongoing since the inception of the various circuits, that there needs to be a major role played by the anglers in
all aspects of the game. it can only make things better all the way around. why not have a seat at the table for npaa? that said...
the crowding issue should not be a concern while at mille lacs that time of year. major events have fared well without any problems for many years at that time. unlike most lakes, fish where the boats aren't and you will do as well, if not better. technique is the mille lacs key, not so much location. there are plenty of fish in the waters
that don't have crowds of boats. as for lodging problems, get on it now, don't be too fussy, and you will find enough. the town of aitkin and deerwood have lodging also, just 20 minutes north of the lake.
see ya on the north end....
s.f.
ps. look at the bright side of this merger. this will definately enhance the growth and opportunity of your sport. the above issues are incidental at best.

[Stizo]

Rick

Like I have said, I am willing to answer constructive thought and concern. I am not going to acknowledge unconstructive negativity. I almost didn't respond to this post at all. You have not asked a question, you have postured and made demands. That is a sign of a tainted motives.

>>>RESPONSE

** Chris
Thanks for your reply. Please excuse my ignorance - I know who you are but I don't know where you fit in to the decision making process with regards to the Mille Lacs tournament. I would assume by your answer that you are part of the Cabelas circuit.
I believe I can speak for most MWC anglers when I say we need facts, not fluff. I sell for a living and I know the old "if you can't dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with B.S." ploy when I see it.

>>>I don't know you. This statement could be construed as offensive. However, I have a great sense of humor.


We need some answers, not the same old jacking around that we've received for the last two years. How about some straight talk for a change?

>>> Who is we? Please, stand up for your own concerns. I am at (308) 254-5505. I have not heard from you.

Question #1 Assuming that the MWC feilds a full tournament of 200 boats, HOW MANY BOATS ARE FISHING THE CABELA'S CHAMPIONSHIP?

>>> That will be released after the first of the year. Entries are due in then.

Question #2 WILL THE MWC TEAMS BE ALLOWED TO FISH THE CABELAS TOURNAMENT? Your answer did not make this clear.

>>>No. Only if you have qualified for the National Championship.

Question #3 EXACTLY HOW MANY MWC TEAMS REQUESTED THAT A WAY BE FOUND TO ALLOW THEM TO FISH THE CABELA'S CHAMPIONSHIP?

>>>The exact number does not need to be disclosed. I will say several "top" teams expressed concern.

Having NEVER talked to an MWC team that fished in the CABELAS qualifying tournaments, its a little tuff to believe that were so many that the drastic step of moving a 200 boat tournament from the same location and weekend that it has been held for the last ten years was the answer.

>>>We sanctions 23 associations and organizations from New Mexico to Pennsylvania.

Question #4 WHY ARE WE FISHING A MAJOR EVENT ON A LAKE THAT WILL ARGUABLY BE THE BUSIEST LAKE IN THE STATE ON THAT WEEKEND?

>>>We were asked to come to Mille Lacs. We believe it is a terrific site for our Championship and the MWC.

You say in your answer that the best interests of the anglers were at the center of this decision.

>>>I did.

I say that's bull.

>>>Why? Harsh.

I ask again - were the logistics of finding lodging, and launch facilities taken into account?

>>>Very much so. You have not been to the event yet. I will print this statement and bring it with me in May. I will also use it to motivate my staff, for that I thank you.

Question #4 HOW WAS THE DECISION MADE TO FISH MILLE LACS AND NOT BIG STONE?

>>>Ahhhh! The root of this post. It was a decision we made. I believe it is the right one, taking into consideration all the variables.

Please don't blow smoke on this one

>>>Oh my.

- if the decision was based on a money or "political" issue, say so and explain.

>>>Neither of these even came into mention.

Question #5 WHERE IS THE MWC TOURNAMENT GOING TO BE HEADQUARTERD? I hope that there is no mention of Grand Casino in your answer.

>>>That has not been decided as of today. I will pass on your concern and preference.

If any one else has questions, please feel free to jump in. These aren't all mine.

>>>Who are they? I thought I was addressing your concerns?

My phone and e-mail have been busy since Kaz's original posting.

>>>Please clarify, how do you fit into this?

If I had written everything in this post that I have been told, Scott would probably have me banned from the board.

>>>I was on a live chat last week on this site addressing this tournament. You did not use that opportunity to clear the air in a professional, diplomatic manner.

There are many MWCers that are not happy with this latest slight.

>>>Once again, who? I want to address their concerns individually.

Mille Lacs is a great lake, but not on this weekend. It is a mistake to go there.

>>>I strongly disagree.

MWC anglers are once again getting the raw end of the deal.

>>>I believe this is your opinion and yours alone. The MWC has never offered more to the anglers than they are in 2002. The payouts, the exposure and the events have never been better. Your post is senseless and hollow. I am going to dismiss it as emotionally driven and not take offense. I will not shy away from such displays, our sport is far too important to me. I hope to see you in May. I hope you give the event, and the 2002 circuit, a fair evaluation. At that time, fairly post your opinion.

Chris

[eeeeeeenough]

Thanks for the reassuring comments sf. and sorry for the tone of my last post, but c mon guys. a pack of ya whine if the rule is changed and a pack of ya whine if it dont. Ya cant have it both ways. If so many anglers called and e mailed asking the MWC to do something and they did, you shoulda called and told them not to do something. Maybe the dates could not be moved. you all keep forgetting the MWC and Cabelas has to have approval from the MDNR before they can do anything, then there has to be action on the community level. Shut up and Fish goes a loong way around here.

[concerned]

dear eeeeeeeeeenough,
brilliant response! as is the case with most uninformed people, you have turned this personal with "crybaby" and "whiner" answers.
you failed to address any of my questions or concerns.
believe it or not, i do care enough to ask about new issues and this forum is the only one available.
i understand that kaz has done alot of good for the mwc in the past and am hopeful that it continues.
if any one with enough info can answer my questions (kaz?), i would appreciate it.
ive already benifited by knowing that eeeeeeenough no longer fishes tournaments!
thanks again...............

[Juls_WI]

Hi Chris,

This is a very interesting thread to say the least...I have stayed out of it since I'm not fishing this one, but I would just like to say...(since I always seem to have something to say..heheh)

I know how you approach things, so just do what you do best and I'm positive everyone who fishes this tournament will come away from it "impressed".

You can't please everyone, as you well know, so "just build it, and they will come". They always do.

I have no doubt it will be everything you and Kaz say it will be.

Best of luck to everyone who gets to fish this event!

Don't let the subject of slot limits keep you away. I know first hand about the Mille Lacs slots. Last summer I was up there for two weeks to fish two tournaments. The first week, the slot was fish between 16-20 inches with one over 28", and we kicked butt. Then on June 5th (I remember the date, because it was my birthday) during prefishing for the Wave Wacker, they changed the slot to fish between 16-18" with no kicker fish. We sucked in that one, but there were competitors who changed their locations and presentations and came in with their limits. Those competitors made the neccessary adjustments and kicked our butts! We still caught a ton of fish and had a great time out there.
It all comes down to the fact that everyone will be playing by the same rules. The question is can you make the adjustments to find and catch the right fish to be the winner? One thing's for sure, those people that approach this with a positvie attitude will surely do better than those that don't!

As for lodging and ramp space...
Call now to make reservations. There are plenty of places around the lake to accomodate everyone and their pocketbooks. As for ramp space...get your butts outta bed early and get to them first! It's that simple.

Good luck!

Juls

[I respect that, but]

Uninformed? Me? I think not. First I never meant to attack any one person, second I apologized for my tone. Third, I know why the tourney was moved, I know who was in on the decision and why it went where it has. I applaud the MWC and cabelas for geting together due to all the anglers complaints and instead of grandstanding they not only resolved the issue, they joined forces as it were. The MWC is still the MWC and Cabelas is still Cabelas. Cabelas is the title sponsor, they do not run the MWC.I know Kaz since forever, and I have spent a considerable bit of time talking with Chris Bahl in the chat room and reading his posts here. Trust me in my opinion that the MWCis in the best position it has ever been in. The anglers have never had it better and this will continue to grow. I spect that as soon as anglers start seeing themselves on TV, a lot of the negativity will really drop off. As to the indians and the casino, I can completely understand local opinion on spearing. We went through the same stuff here, years ago. I object to local armchair tourney director wanna bees coming here, only to cast stones. I object to people with freezers full of fish, griping about tournament mortality. I object to negative trash talk here, and no action in the real world. Any idiot can spout off about how rotten things are, but not do anything about it. Again, I do not level this at you, just in general. But as mr Bahl has said, he will not just gulp and go away due to some nameless faceless bashing. You ask valid questions, and they have been answered. Bottom line, MWC's game, their ball their rules. If you disagree with them, call them on the phone, dont post a usless post here full of hate and facless accusations. You have to admit, the "professional wannabe ranks" are full of crybabies. If more people like me fished more often, there'd be a heck of a lot more integrity among anglers. And yes it stinks in here, cause I'm the sh*t!!

[Twocents]

Big Stone is a great fishery, too! It has a lot to offer and makes for a great competition. The people make it the best run tournament. i think they should have kept it on the schedule and just changed the date to early June or late fall. Many people were looking forward to participating. It would have been better to reschedule the Big Stone tournament than to cancel it all together. As for me, the Mille Lacs tourney is controversial.

[s.f.]

you guys better listen to jul's....
#49

[me no matter boy.]

Actually, changing the dates may have drawn even more fire as many anglers expressed not only their concern about conflicting with the Cabelas tourney, but they had also requested their vacation time based on the schedules as released. In fact, that was an even bigger concern. To accomodate the majority of the requests and keep things consistent and fair, the two tournaments and entities were combined. All in all a great day for walleye fishing in general.

[concerned]

rick(219)
i still have not seen a # on the mwc boats that called to complain about needing to fish both tourn. have you, and i just missed it?
this is going to happen and we will need to accept it. i can live with it as will most of us, but it does bother me that no one will provide us with straight answers to simple questions.
i do feel as stated earlier that alot of people are being inconviencied for the sake of a few. i wish the mwc would be more open on this.(not the #s of boats will be announced later)
id still like a response on the mwc championship in oct?
we now need to get behind the mwc and support tis and i will, but it could have been handled alot better. were asked to be PROFESSIONALS as participants. i think its fair to ask the same of our circuits.
good luck to everyone.....see you at milles lacs

[219guy]

Chris
Thank you once again for your reply. Seeing as how I'm suffering from myopia, I'm afraid I'm having a diffacult time getting beyond these trivial details and grasping the big picture. I promise that this will be my last post with regards to the Mille Lacs tournament.
>>>RESPONSE
I don't know you. This statement could be construed as offensive. However, I have a great sense of humor.
>>>No, you don't know me. I'm glad you have a sense of humor, this was toung-in-cheek.<<<
Who is we? Please, stand up for your own concerns. I am at (***) ***-****. I have not heard from you.
>>>We refers to the other MWC anglers that I have talked to since the anouncement. Their views and concerns parallel mine. My name is on the posts, the views and concerns are mine. A message is on your work voice mail with both my work & home phone #s. Please feel free to give me a call if you have the time.<<<
That will be released after the 1st of the year. Entries are due in then.
>>> Thank you. That was clear enough.<<<
No. Only if you qualified for the national championship.
>>>Once agin, thank you. Clear, concise & to the point.<<<
The exact number does not need to be disclosed. I will say several "top" teams expressed concern.
>>>I beleive the exact number absolutely should be exposed! By definition, several means more then two but not many. Are you truly suggesting that possibly 5 "top" teams have the power to demand & get, a change in tournament sites? Do they pay more in entry fees? Do they carry more weight then the other 195 teams in a full feild? Ahhhh! We finally get to the root of why the MWC has to change tournament sites. "Several "top" teams expressed concern" Thank you one again for being clear & concise.<<<
We sanction 23 associations and organizations from NM to PA
>>>Is that an answer?<<<
We were asked to come to Mille Lacs. We beleive it is a terrific site for our championship and the MWC.
>>> Of course you are going to be invited to Mille Lacs! After the poor year that most of the resorts have had, the red carpet will be rolled out. As stated in my 1st post, Mille Lacs IS a terrific site. We agree on that. Just not on the weekend after the opener. Chris, have you ever fished Mille Lacs within the 1st two weeks of opener? If you had, you might think differently about the lake being a great tourny site on that weekend.<<<
Why? Harsh
>>>If you are talking about the best interests of possibly five "top" teams, I apoligize. If you are talking about the best interests of the other 195 MWC teams, I'll stand by my original assessment.<<<
Very much so. You have not been to the event yet. I will print this statement and bring it with me in May. I will also use it to motivate my staff, for that I thank you.
>>>Fair enough.<<<
AHHH! The root of this post. It was a decision we made. I beleive it is the right one, taking into consideration all the variables.
>>>You couldn't be more wrong. I will fish a tournament any time, on any body of water. Big Stone is a great site, as is Mille Lacs. It makes no difference to me. The root of my post was trying to dig out how and why the decision was made to fish Mille Lacs, and why the MWC anglers didn't have any say in it. I beleive you went a long way in answering that question with regards to the "top" teams. I'm sure there were more reasons for the decision, but that reason is the one that will stick in the craws of MWC anglers. Thank you for not blowing smoke.<<<
Neither of these even came into mention.
>>>Thank you<<<
That has not been decided as of today. I will pass on your concern & preference.
>>>I know you will inform us as soon as possible.<<<
Who are they? I thought I was addressing your concerns.
>>>"They" are the other MWC anglers I have been in contact with. Not all have been concerned with how this tournament came about, but the majority are.<<<
Please clarify, how do you fit into this?
>>>Chris, I am nothing more then one of the nameless, faceless guys that fish tournaments. I'm a middle of the pack kind of angler, good enough to cash a check once in awhile and to land my fifteen minutes of fame. I am under no illusions that tournament fishing will make me rich or famous, I take it for what it is. An expensive hobby. I enjoy competitive fishing and I enjoy the friendships I'v made along the way. I just happen to stay in touch with more then a few of my fellow MWCers.<<<
I was on a live chat last week on this site adressing this tournament. You did not use that opportunity to clear the air in a professional, diplomatic manner.
>>>Somebody screwed up and didn't give me the memo. I had no idea you were hosting a chat last Wednesday. I have a real conflict of interests between sitting in on a chat & missing my kids scout meetings and dance classes. Sorry, but I thought we were clearing the air here. Of course, in a professional, diplomatic manner.<<<
Once again, who? I want to adress their concerns.
>>> I'll make a deal with you. You divulge who the "several top teams" are, and I'll tell let you know who has the concerns.<<<
I strongly disagree.
>>>You are entitled<<<
I believe this is your opinion and your's alone. The MWC has never offered more to the anglers than they are in 2002. The payouts, the exposure, and the events have never been better. Your post is senseless & hollow. I am going to dismiss it as emotionally driven and not take offense. I will not shy away from such displays, our sport is far to important to me. I hope to see you in May. I hope you give the event, & the 2002 circuit, a fair evaluation. At that time, fairly post your opinion.
>>>Chris, you can beleive anything you would like. That is your right. Go ahead and do your best Ostrich imitation, believing that I am the only MWCer with concerns about this situation. It will not serve you well in the future. I am curious, are any questions directed twords MR. BAHL's master plan senseless & hollow? Or just mine? Boy oh oy, I don't beleive I've been dismissed for a display since I was about five years old. Kind of brings back fond memmories.
I am not questioning that the MWC will be better in 2002, I am looking foreward to it. I'm even looking foreward to Mille Lacs. I believe you know what I was questioning, and I beleive you gave me an answer. It just took a bit of doing.
Rick Stange
219guy

[I-Man]

Another opinion/thought from the WC fishin' MB

http://www.walleyecentral.com/dcf/fishingreports/7222.html

[POOR TIMING]

First, thanks Cabela's for getting back into walleye tournaments. I fished your other circuit and it was always top shelf and much fun. I think it's great that you joined the MWC. Mille Lacs will be a great tourney no matter what slot is imposed, in fact the Wave Wacker was great last year even with a reduced two inch slot. My son and I qualified for the Cabela's Championship at that tournament. Here is my concern. My son as well as many other young men and women are still in school during the month of may. Because of this he can't prefish and to make arrangements for him to make a seperate long trip to join me is almost impossible. Also I fish the PWT. The Cabela's Championship falls on two of the most important practice days for that event. I can't give up those days as the tremendous competition on the PWT tour would assure a poor finnish on my part if I did. It has been stated that much care was taken to assure that this overall event was the best place and time for the fishermen. Only if you're not a kid or a profesional fisherman in another circuit. I along with my son and some other fishermen that qualified cannot fish the Championship and that is unfortunate. I wish we could. To all that can fish, best wishes and good luck.

[Still New to the MWC]

This last post sounds like Parsons or Kaviez as I know where they each finished at Wackers last year. Good luck at the PWT this year, and I am bummed htat I will not be able ti compete against you at this tourney.

Earlier I made a post questioning having three tournaments that weekend. If you notice, the MN Walleye Trail is still having a tourney that weekend. The MWC has asked them to postpone, but they have not. I suppose the MWC just thinks that they can run anybody over.

Stizo, I have a question for you. The last time I seen your name in print here on WC you raise a lto of contreversy, and it seems that's still going on today. What gives?

[Chris Bahl]

Poor Timing

Now, that was a well presented and very legitimate concern. One that concerns me. We had a team that qualified for the National Championship call this week, they are both still in high school! I was fired up to hear of such a young team that qualified. Now I am trying to figure out how to get them there.

The PWT was a concern. However when cross referenced the potential anglers that fish both, the number was low. It is our goal to attract more of those anglers to fish the MWC. I believe the payout of the MWC for 2002 warrants many of those top anglers to team up and join the circuit. I have spoken to a couple of anglers who said they are fishing our tournament and the PWT. Just depends on how confident you are with both waters.

POOR TIMING, great post! Suggestions? The irony to this, these type of situations is what led to the development of "associations" owning the competitive circuits in other sports. Therefore the competitors enforce the rules, make the schedule and support the growth. Something to think about.

Chris

[Adman]

Howdy,

It is not my intent to be confrontational here, but what is your point?

You make a reference about the lack of (your perception of) someones character, and name him by his handle. Most know who he is, as do you. Yet you do not use your true name or handle.

If you have a beef, and go directly at someone, you owe them the courtesy of letting them know who you are.

You also owe those who read and participate here the courtesy of keeping private vendettas off the message board and in e mail or phone calls.

Thanks.............R

[Stizo]

The great thing about having technology on your side......I get to see IP addresses. You can e-mail me or I will just let everyone know what you are up to. Spineless, just plain spineless. I don't hide.

[Texeye]

Are any of these tournaments close to Texas? For those of you that have choices of which tournaments to fish ...be thankful someone is willing to sacrifice their time to put on these tournaments!! Some of us who read these posts would give our right arm to be able to fish in some of these tournaments.We have started a Texas Walleye Association and are finding out how much there is to putting on a good tournament. I am beginning to realize how hard it is to set dates,times and places to benefit the majority of fishermen. The input of the fishermen is of utmost importance to tournament directors and if we as fishermen express our concerns in a decent and respectful manner our words will more likely be heard. I hope you all get to common ground and have some great tournaments.Maybe some of us can qualify for Cabelas this year and come fish with you guys up north. Till then ...good luck to all!

[Adman]

Howdy again New to MWC,

I re read your post, and realize I may have taken a harder stand that the post warrants. If I misread your intent, I apologize.

But in general, posts that fit my response will be addressed on a case by case basis.

Thanks for e mailing me today, and I have responded to it.

Have fun........R

[john mannerino]

WOW!!! I just got to the bottom of these posts.I`m glad I made lodging arrangments before this started. I say bring on those mwc boys and let us riverrats smoke em.Just joking, please dont beat me up.It sounds like its going to be a blast. I`m fishing the Cabalas tourney,and plan on having a great time.I`m glad I reserved my dock space at eddy`s! I traveled many miles to qualify for this and I`m not backing out.90% of people who fish tourneys,do it because it`s fun/pressure fishing. Sure cashing a check is always great,dont get me wrong,but relax and enjoy it.Remember,nobody is forcing you to go.
John Mannerino

[Adman]

Me again,

Both e mails I replied to came back as no client listed at your isp.

Thanks.......R