RCL ILLINOIS

[Rust]

What is up with the RCL? Is it it really a national tour if the
winner of their first Tournament lives less then 9 miles from the
river? Also only fishes that tournment each year.

[Wazzz]

No it is a international tour. Everyone and anyone can fish that qualifies. Maybe if you lived 8 miles away you would have won. Congrats to all the ladies and gentleman that participated in this great show.

There were many that lived near and far. The best fisherman at this tournament won. The only advantage he had is that he got to sleep in his own bed.

No reason to demean the tour or the gentleman that won. He beat everyone that participated, 170 other pro anglers. Do not know him personally but I've seen his name at MWC and local tourneys. He is not a one time wonder.

[The saugaholic]

Real nice first post- The kid won and beat all the pros give him his due. If there is one place the locals do not have an advantage its the illinois river. Everyone knows the area that hold fish year after year. Compare that to some of the larger bodies of water- this is where locals may have the advantage. If you are going to cry about a local winning- then put it in the rules. For example maybe the Cheif shouldn't fish Bay deNoc tourneys. Wouldn't that would be ludicrous! Its local hopefuls that fill out these fields, and without them you wouldn't have the support of the communities you have. He won fair and square and he was the best fisherman over the four days period!

[schrof]

Tom went up against everyone else in some poor conditions, give him credit. He fishes several other tournaments and does well at those, besides, this isn't the only tournament trail that lets non-regulars in if the field isn't filled.

[sevenmmm]

Geez, wish that local advantage would work for me on Winnebago... :-)

[des moines iowa]

That is just crap to take a shot at the winner just because he is "local" and hasn't fished the RCL for years. What, because this is only his 2nd tourney he doesn't deserve to win? Also, I suppose all the tourneys should be held in Alaska, Germany, or anywhere else where there is no conceivable way that someone could be located near the tourney waters. We fished close to him at the Illinois Governors Cup (which he also won) and chatted briefly and he sure seems like a good guy (even when some boats were getting pretty darn close to him after he boated a few fish). He paid his entry fee like everybody else, fished under the same rules and guidelines and won. Don't knock him.

[well]

I don't think anyone here is knocking the winner. He out fished everyone in this tournament, and deserves to win...I think the point people are making here, is that, it's not a pro "tour", if the people that enter don't fish the whole tour. It's the "local experts on their own system tournament series" when guys can enter just one tournament.

This is exactly why the PWT does not allow you to enter just one tournament, you have to sign up for a division, or both divisions...No local experts are allowed to enter just one tournament...umless they also sign up for the entire tour.

[Terry53]

He WON !!! Take it like a man and be happy for the guy.He did a great job under some very rough conditions.

[point]

did you miss the point of the post you responded to?

[WAZZZ]

What are you trying to say? That the PWT does not let the best anglers in because they do not register for the whole tour. Seems kinda discriminatory to me. But those are their rules and we must live by them. The RCl also has rules.

[Phil Wilson Sr]

Congrats to the winner. Local or not he had to work for it. He beat some of the best of the best.
Once again. CONGRATS!!!!

Phil Wilson Sr. #91

[informed]

First of all you must understand that the RCL is not about the pro's. It's about boat sales. Every pro is an on the water demo pilot for potential customers, the co-anglers. The pro's are already customers. The only priority a pro gets in the process is if he / she brings a customer (co- angler) to the party. I certainly don't mean to discredit the winner at Spring Valleye in anyway in fact, I applaud him for an oustanding performance. There are no standards, no credentials required other than being an original RCL title holder. As a result you get a considerable amount of cowboys in this gig that don't get it. The rules are a joke. You get cell phone use during tournament hours overlooked, you get guys that have been issued citations during tournament hours allowed to continue, you get guys that don't make the cut holding spots for team mates that do. At the end of the day you have a descision to make. Do you want to except the way things are or do you want to find another game.

As far as what will become of the RCL, who knows. It doesn't matter who sponsors the gig, it's more important that they clean up there act or it will be a mute issue in the not too distant future. I feel strongly that it is healthy in concept for the RCL to survive. I feel just as strongly that it will continue to lose the legitimate pro's if some major issues are not addressed.

[Informed2]

Hmmm. A legitimate pro?

So, you figure the kid shouldn't have been allowed in, because he is not a "legitimate pro"?
He won the money. That makes him legitimate and "pro", too.
It be humiliating to get beaten by an unknown guy, hey?

[Fuzzy]

He's a whole lot more legit now ain't he? He won a major event and no one can change that or take that away from him.

[Clutch]

Take a look at the leaderboard and the weights that many of the top finishers had on the first day, (zero or close to it), only to come in on day 2 with decent bags and make the cut. Did they do this by all of a sudden finding active fish or by moving in on the leaders from day 1? Only they know in thier heart and conscience which it is but I heard there was one key area where most of the fish came from and some guys decided to be good sportsmen and not to barge in on the leaders while others let their greed take over. I realize the water belongs to everyone but I bet some people that hadn't fished the area on day 1 got a bad reputation after barging in on others that had fished the area on day 1. Money and fame does some wierd things to all of us.

[Fuzzy]

Oh stop yourself young man - you are begining to sound like Oliver Stone needs to make a movie about the RCL.

One guys wins. This time it was Tom C. Move on and stop eating your heart out.

[Bears fan]

One day one, there were about 6 angles fishing about a 1/8th mile stretch that caught fish. On day two, in the morning, there were over 75 boats. It was bumper boats. I think we could have walked from one boat to another.

The winner certainly deserves the win. It was a tough bite, and even with 75 boats in the area, just a few had the right presentation to put fish into the boat.

[WAZZZ]

Mr. Clutch is 100% correct. It's alot easier catching fish on day two when someone shows you where and how. I was not there to witness the tailpiping but I heard a little bit about it.

[BigNames]

Some of the big names in the business were the worst tailpipers at Spring Valley. How do they justify this behavior? Perhaps they feel it was ok because the circuit lacks proper ethics and lacks enforcement of basic rules of the road for tourney fishing. Shame on the guys that know better and piped the anglers that caught fish the first day. It was very disappointing to hear the names that threw professionalism out the window. I really wish the RCL had more concern for ethics and fair sportsmanship.

[Dont Bash the RCL]

Your "big names" would have done the same if it was a PWT! Think I'm wrong? Wait until after the first PWT. You'll be back here whining about their tourney too. The MWC still has the worst case of followers though. LOL
If no one had the guts to file a protest/complaint against the tailpipers actions, then the RCL had their hands tied. Anglers were asked to help police the actions of others at the rules meeting. Did anyone bother? Obviously NOT!
The Staff should not have to tell grown men how to behave and show good sportmanship.

Fished them all

[Schmuel]

Rick Lacourse's fish must have really turned on to go from O lbs on day one to almost 16 lbs on day 2. Are you suggesting he was tail piping? Is Rick out there? What adjustments did you make from day one to day two? I'd like to hear from someone that was there. Did you move in on someone else's spot or did your fish turn on?

[Reels]

Rick did not tail pipe. He had his own area, and did very well. We passed him a few times while upgrading.

I fished with Mark Courtz day 2, and I was amazed at all the boats that tail piped him and Steve Lotz. I have to give him credit, it did not let it him bother him, and he still caught his fish within two feet of other boats. He even let other boats ahead, and bump him, stayed polite and proffesional the whole time. Once we caught our limit at about 10, we moved out of the pack and went to upgrade. The same happened to Pete Harsh who was a bit farther upstream, who had the other limit on day one.

This raises a good debate. unethical or competetive?

Thanks Mark for helping me make the cut for day 3. Your concentration and willingness to help others will get you far in life!




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[Informed]

Where in my comment did I discredit the gentleman that won? Obviously you don't get it. Have you ever fished an RCL? My point is how the gig is managed and the general class of the field. After a while the guys that do practice ethical conduct get so frustrated they stop fishing the Ranger Cowboy League, they tolerate the the b.s. or they buy in to the "anything goes mind set". I chose to bail out and not be a part of the madness. Again, I commend the gentleman for winning and I'm sure he done it in an ethical manner. OK, now misinterprate this one as best you can.

[Rick LaCourse]

Well let's see. The area I fished on day two is one I pre-fished with and outdoor writer. I fished it on day one but it was to dirty. When I got to it on day two, there was one other boat in the 300 to 400 hundred yard stretch of water. The water had crested the night before and was receding. The water had started to clear up from the day before. Joe whitten was the other boat to begin with and there was two boats jigging in an eddy at the top of the run. Joe and I kept doing troll's in the area. this was at 11:30 on day two. Jason came and Eric Olson got in at about 1:00. We all worked the stretch and three of the four made the cut. We all had been there before and in fact this is the area we all had fished last year during the RCL. Nobody moved in on anyone in this area during those last three days of fishing. Most all the guys would go by and wave.

I can't comment on the "other" spot you are all referring too, because I wasn't there.

Congratulations to Tom G. for a job well done in a tough situation.

Rick

[Fuzzy]

I 'get it' that you have negative feelings about the RCL. Just keep in mind that river tourneys, especially on the Illinois, usually are limited to spot on the spot areas, hence anglers must chose to pile jump or come in with an empty basket. Who wants to willingly come in with an empty basket?

Ethics in competitive angling is a difficult concept to define since there are so many diversified viewpoints from the participants, add to that the performance demands to keep sponsors and financial pressures.

Sorry if I hit a nerve.

[Informed]

Yes, you do get a piece of my comment. I do have a poor regard for the RCL. It has nothing to do with any one particular tournament, site or incedent. It has to do with 3 years of witnessing first hand what takes place in the RCL. I feel strongly that in concept it's a great idea. The problem is the priority is not insuring the rules are followed by all participants and a minmum level of professionalism is maintained. It takes more than a lecture during the pairings meeting. It takes officials on the water observing what is going on. When complaints are logged they need to be handled, not ignored. The inmates are running the asylum. By all means, jump in and check it out, then evaluate your opinion.

[Marble Eyes]

How about stepping out into the light so everyone can see who is making the allegations. Odds are we will also see the Alterior motives. Not to many people give credence to accusations made by
those not willing to be responsible enough to Stand up and Be seen and heard.

I rather doubt it is one of good faith.


Ethical conduct isn't making blanket accusations behind the veil of anonimity. Matter of fact some organizations would barr you for acting in such a manner. Hardly what one would expect from someone Accusing others of classless behavior.

[Informed]

These are not allegations, simply facts. It obviously is doing as much good discussing them here as it does with the RCL. Please read, thoroughly my original post and the follow up responces. If nothing else maybe someone from the RCL will give this some serious concideration. Have a great day, I sincerly apolagize for affending anyone.

[Marble Eyes]

Well if they are facts then name names, and do it from Out in the light. So those being accused can face their Accuser. That is the only way your concerns will be addressed. Or is that really your motive here?

That, whether you want to belive it or not IS an American Standard.
If you want the change you claim you do, you would do so.

Otherwise IMHO you are doing nothing but Bashing a Tournament Series you no longer participate in because you think your choice is better.

[Informed]

Wow! Thank you for reminding why it makes no sence to enter a battle of wits with an unarmed man. I certainly will take your advise in the future. You obviously have much more experience in this subject and have the wisdom to correct us all. This has turned into useless nonsence. Fish hard, live long. Good luck with what ever you choose to undertake.

[sevenmmm]

I'm jumping up and down and raising my hand! Hey, I have an experience with an RCL "Pro" to relate.

It goes like this: 2 years ago I was an amateur in an RCL event and my "Pro" sped through a no-wake zone. On the return trip I asked if he was afraid to be disqualified and all I got was a arrogant shake of the head and a wave of the hand.

So I called him a loser and sent a complaint to the RCL via e-mail.

What did I get in return? Nothing from the RCL and a whisper of some very unkind words from this "Pro" at last year's Lake City MWC event.

[sevenmmm]

I'm jumping up and down and raising my hand! Hey, I have an experience with an RCL "Pro" to relate.

It goes like this: 2 years ago I was an amateur in an RCL event and my "Pro" sped through a no-wake zone. On the return trip I asked if he was afraid to be disqualified and all I got was a arrogant shake of the head and a wave of the hand.

So I called him a loser and sent a complaint to the RCL via e-mail.

What did I get in return? Nothing from the RCL and a whisper of some very unkind words from this "Pro" at last year's Lake City MWC event.

[The saugaholic]

Tailpiping is the way of life on the Illinois River. First of all the spots that people are mentioning are no secret. Second this is the question that should be asked, did people prefish these spots and catch fish? If the answer is yes, regardless you can't consider this tail-piping. I know for a fact one spot on the Illinois that Rick LaCourse fishes year in a year out, and hes gonna fish it whether there's a crowd or not, does this make him a tailpiper because a crowds in there that day? I don't think so! The worst example of tailpiping I've ever seen occurred this year at the Illinois Governors cup, where many boats locked through on the second day and followed Tom( who won the RCL) because they knew his brother-in-law was on fish the day before. I know for a fact many of these boats had no clue where they were going, they were driving over crap that if the water was 18 inches lower would have ripped a hole in their pretty green fiberglass boat with cabelas written on the side. One guy was jiging in a cofer dam he had no idea was there. After 12 jigs bit the dust he left to no doubt look for someone else to follow.
I also laugh at the so-called local advantage,because most locals work at real jobs and only get to pre-fish a couple a days as oppossed to some sponsered professional who spend three weeks in a row fishing the river every day. (Jealous ain't I)Who has the advantage there? Every circuit has their class acts and their clowns and to stereotype them one way or another based on the actions of few is silly. Hey its time to pack up for Detroit-nobody better be in my spot when I get their either!

[Marble Eyes]

I'll hold it for you Sauger! :)

[Marble Eyes]

I'll hold it for you Sauger! :)

[Informed]

I rest my case. Sorry about your bad experience. Hopefully it didn't discourage you from participteing in future events. Eventually something has to give. I certainly hope so. As I mentioned earlier, it will be healty for the RCL to survive. With any luck this time next year I'll be giving them credit for addressing and correcting the issues that need taken care of.

[Informed]

I rest my case. Sorry about your bad experience. Hopefully it didn't discourage you from participteing in future events. Eventually something has to give. I certainly hope so. As I mentioned earlier, it will be healty for the RCL to survive. With any luck this time next year I'll be giving them credit for addressing and correcting the issues that need taken care of.

[walleyefever]

I heard Tommy Skarlis took Pete Harsh's spot on day two, is it true? It sure looks like it with the weight he brought in on day two & had a big zero on day one.

[walleyefever]

I heard Tommy Skarlis took Pete Harsh's spot on day two, is it true? It sure looks like it with the weight he brought in on day two & had a big zero on day one.

[Informed]

If he did I'm not aware of it. Tommy certainly knows better if it's true. I know Tommy personally and frankly would be shocked if he did. I have called Tommy in to locations I was doing fish when he was struggling and he declined because he didn't practice there. Stand up guy in my opinion.

[Marble Eyes]

Did Pete have a stake out with a sign on it Called Pete's place? Big yellow tape cordining off a area, with print on it saying Fishing scene-owned by Pete Harsh?

Do you know if Tommy prefished that area before the tournament or not and was his "b" spot and perhaps choose it on day two?

Seems to me that those are questions that should be asked before accusing Tommy of "taking" someones Spot.

For what it is worth, I don't know Tommy Skarlas. Never met him.
Nor do I know Pete Harsh.

[sevenmmm]

Absolutely not! Actually find it very stimulating to be constantly planning strategy to working around, past, and through the losers on the tour!

Thanx for your thoughts.:-)

[des moines]

Saugaholic - I don't know who you are or whether you even fished the Governors Cup, but I take great issue with your statements related to the "pretty green Cabela's..." I was in that boat and first off the spot where Chris G. was fishing had about 20 boats around there all day so to take a shot at one boat is crap. Second, everybody knew of that spot, at least everybody was talking about it. Third, we did not lock through. Fourth, Chris was back in the bay and Skup. and Wally were there as well. We never even went back there. Fifth, and quite funny, is we didn't even know who Chris was until later. I asked my partner out of curiousity whether any of the boats were the "Giachettos'" and my partner said he had no idea. Your tone and tenor related to one particular boat sounds as much like some jealousy or something. I don't know, but being one of the participants in the boat at issue, and with your statements being factually inaccurate, I felt it incumbent upon myself to respond.