2007 FLW Walleye Tour Dates Announced

[Juls_OH]

April 11-14th Detroit River
May 2-5 Red Wing
June 6-9 TBA
July 11-15 TBA

Sept 26-29 (Championship) Cleveland

These dates were announced at the rules meeting in Green Bay last week.
The June and July tournaments are still being finalized, and will be announced soon.

Juls

[Jiggerman]

Are they going to increase the fields for next year or stay at 150? They filled on the first day and now next year it will be even tougher to get in. With the guys that made the Championship this year getting priority entry that only leaves 100 spots open. I had heard that they were going to keep growing the circuit and add at least one maybe two tournaments for next year. That would give some of us the chance to get in at least a couple of them and get our foot in the door.

Thanks

[Fish all Four]

I would hope they will push for all anglers to fish the four events. This will keep the local one timers to a minimum. How fair is it for a one timer to fish a pro level tournament trail? I believe they can fill next year with enough anglers fishing all four events. Get the money up front with no cancellation except with death certificate.

[RookiePro]

There were 130 four timers this year. Don't you think they will easily get 20 more 4 timers next year? That doesn't leave them any room to grow or get anyone new to fish their events. Word is that alot of the PWT guys want to switch but it don't look like they'll be able to get in unless they fished this year.

[lip ripper]

I understand the frustration of having one time local entries that cash a good check and then are done for the rest of the year. But, as a working stiff that likes to fish tournaments I find it frustrating that I would have to take a week off for 4 months straight in order to fish the FLW. Under those circumstances the FLW is not going to necessarily have a high talent field, they will instead have a wealthy field. I heard rumors of 2 seperate divisions and was hoping that it would happen, now I just have to hope that I can get into 2 events out of the 4. I personally enjoy the FLW set up more than the PWT, but I can see the benefit of having several open tournaments so that others can fish besides the wealthy or self employed. Just my take.

[working class]

I have fished pro circuits for six years and work a real job. I get four weeks vacation a year and use it all for tourney's. It's a tough road but it can be done. Fish the FLW league if you cannot afford the time to fish all four of the tour tournaments. Part of the competition level is being able to fish all of the tourneys and adapt to the fishing techniques each fishery has to offer. Not what you can do on your local water. One timers take money out of the touring pro's pocket and that is only one of the problems with allowing them to fish.

[Lee K]

You have to start somewhere whether its one tournament or the whole circuit. Some of these one timers have what it takes, just dont have the time to fish a whole circuit. Most of these guys are up and coming younger sticks. Throwing yourself out there for 4-5 weeks out of the year can hurt the bank account for young guys trying to start a family and still make a living.

[tcfish]

I think it's just fine if a local is entering just 1 tournament, however the entry fee should be the same as all of them. If they are that confident that they are going to place it shouldn't be a problem.

[Sunshine]

A couple of comments......

If I heard correctly, Sonny said that the June date would be in the Dakota's and the July date would be a Great Lakes event.

He also mentioned that they have plans to expand the amount of tournaments BUT not in 07, maybe in 08.

As far as the local sticks fishing 1 or 2 tournaments........ it's a place to start and some like myself have jobs that will not let them off on all the dates. Why not do your homework before making the statement and tell us how many local sticks took money from you?

[Juls_OH]

"Why not do your homework
before making the statement and tell us how many local sticks
took money from you?"

Your reply was under my post Dennis, but I'm assuming that question was directed towards a few of the other posters in the thread...yes?

I KNOW you're not asking ME that question...LOL

I have NO problem with one timers...a lot can be learned from them for future events on those same bodies of water, and history shows that they don't always place that well. Sometimes knowing too much about a body of water can be a detriment, in that you're always second guessing yourself on your choice of spots to fish, because you have so many to choose from....know what I mean?

Juls

[Your Right]

I checked on the ones that finished higher than I and no one timers except the winner took money away. I guess those local one timers with the big talent aren't that good after all!

[Chad]

Working class,

The touring pros never seem to complain about the locals that donate their money and do not cash a check. I would bet that the % of locals that cash is equal to or lower than the % of touring pros that cash.


ChadM

[League and PT Tour guy]

I wish they would up the pay out in the League tourneys. That would take some of the pressure off the Tour and increase interest in the Leagues.

[eye lunker]

To me it doesnt matter who wins the league tourny (local or out of area person) i have seen both situations Win.The best stick with the best luck on that day gets the win!!! For the leagues to up the money we need more boaters and the coanglers will follow. They could raise the entries but they then would be getting away from why they started the league menu wich would be for poeple who wanted to see what a tourny is about and for very well experienced fisherman tourny/nontourny poeple who cant afford and have the time for the big tourny's like pwt and flw tour.I for one love pro/ams and perfer them over team tourny's. JMHO

[brad b unlogged]

ROUGHLY

25% of the guys fishing only this event cashed a check (5 of the top 50 as I saw it). Two placed in the top ten. Their average winnings were about $3,435 per angler.

35% of the guys fishing all 4 cashed a check (45 out of 130). Their average winnings were about $1,072.

[ttw]

You must not have a wife or family that wants to go on a family vacation to kickback and relax!

If you do currently have a wife then your days with her might be numbered.

[fish 4 also]

Couple more points for clarification here:

- Roughly 130 anglers signed up for all 4 events during registration. Many dropped after Devil's Lake when they were no longer in the hunt for the championship which opened up many additional slots for one-time anglers. I hope the priority registration is changed next year such that the top 50 are first, anglers outside the top 50 who fished all 4 are second and then those that fished 3 or less events are third. In my opinion it's BS just to drop out because you aren't going to the championship. Be confident in your skills and go swing for the fences - with nothing else on the line what do you have to lose for that event???

- As for independently wealthy or self employeed - I work a professional job that requires travel and I dedicate 99% of my vacation to fishing as I am working towards a career within this industry. Is it fair to me to fish an entire circuit (as I have always done) vs. a guy who just want's to fish on his home water but not test his skills as an overall angler to fish a circuit. While others get to enjoy hunting in the fall, fishing in the fall and additional time with their families, I am either working at my real job or working promtions for sponsors. I find it a stretch to compare locals to those of us who are professionals within the industry.

- If it is truly your goal to fish walleyes (or other species) at the professional level, you need to align your income to coincide with the tour schedules. This may mean job or career changes. I don't think it's fair to ask the circuts to move around your current lifestyle just to accommodate you.

- The FLW has made two significant format changes that I believe are for the better: 1- one tournament per month in April - July and 2 - a Tour only championship that you must qualify for.

- If you want to fish an entire division with less than 4 events, there isn't a pro-am circuit to accommodate you right now. The FLW Walleye tour has the best pay back right now reguardless of your sponsor affiliation.

- I am excited that the FLW organization continues to look for ways to grow the walleye end of it's tournaments. Indoor championship weigh-ins, additional tournaments in the future, increased payout each year with MODEST increase in entry fees, additional sponsors, wrapped boat opportunities for anglers, etc.


FYI - from reading the posts here, most of the whining is from those that sit on the sidelines and don't participate at this level. For the most part, those that are fishing this circuit are finding ways to make it work.

My applause to the FLW

[Walleye Pro]

Well stated and 100% accurate!


Couple more points for clarification here:
>
>- Roughly 130 anglers signed up for all 4 events during
>registration. Many dropped after Devil's Lake when they were
>no longer in the hunt for the championship which opened up
>many additional slots for one-time anglers. I hope the
>priority registration is changed next year such that the top
>50 are first, anglers outside the top 50 who fished all 4 are
>second and then those that fished 3 or less events are third.
>In my opinion it's BS just to drop out because you aren't
>going to the championship. Be confident in your skills and go
>swing for the fences - with nothing else on the line what do
>you have to lose for that event???
>
>- As for independently wealthy or self employeed - I work a
>professional job that requires travel and I dedicate 99% of my
>vacation to fishing as I am working towards a career within
>this industry. Is it fair to me to fish an entire circuit (as
>I have always done) vs. a guy who just want's to fish on his
>home water but not test his skills as an overall angler to
>fish a circuit. While others get to enjoy hunting in the
>fall, fishing in the fall and additional time with their
>families, I am either working at my real job or working
>promtions for sponsors. I find it a stretch to compare locals
>to those of us who are professionals within the industry.
>
>- If it is truly your goal to fish walleyes (or other species)
>at the professional level, you need to align your income to
>coincide with the tour schedules. This may mean job or career
>changes. I don't think it's fair to ask the circuts to move
>around your current lifestyle just to accommodate you.
>
>- The FLW has made two significant format changes that I
>believe are for the better: 1- one tournament per month in
>April - July and 2 - a Tour only championship that you must
>qualify for.
>
>- If you want to fish an entire division with less than 4
>events, there isn't a pro-am circuit to accommodate you right
>now. The FLW Walleye tour has the best pay back right now
>reguardless of your sponsor affiliation.
>
>- I am excited that the FLW organization continues to look for
>ways to grow the walleye end of it's tournaments. Indoor
>championship weigh-ins, additional tournaments in the future,
>increased payout each year with MODEST increase in entry fees,
>additional sponsors, wrapped boat opportunities for anglers,
>etc.
>
>
>FYI - from reading the posts here, most of the whining is from
>those that sit on the sidelines and don't participate at this
>level. For the most part, those that are fishing this circuit
>are finding ways to make it work.
>
>My applause to the FLW

[Juls_OH]

Excellent post...well said!

Juls

[I agree]

Fish,
Very well said. The PWT and Flw Tour are both allowing anglers to fish 1 tournament. In fact, the PWT regional at Devil's Lake a local that is fishing just one tournament won that event. I know it would be hard to police, but allow anglers to fish 1 or 2 events as long as they are fishing the entire circuit on the other tour, if that makes sense.

The local anglers do have an advantage. They have a distinct advantage of knowing where the fish are at the time of year they are fishing the event. It's a heck of a lot harder going around the country fishing different waters, that you have never fished before.

Keenan did have an advantage fishing G.B., it's in his back yard, but he also had to go fish Devil's lake, the Miss, and the detroit. Other fulltime anglers that lived in those areas had an advantage over him. He just put together a better program then them, that's why he is The Angler of the Year.

Local anglers that are fishing just one event have more time to prepare for the event, in my opinion.

If they can't get the time off from work, or just choose not to invest that amount of time, to fish the whole circuit, then they should fish the league events. That is what I did to prepare myself for the tour.

[Burr]

Thought I would weigh in on the subject, and yes, I'm just a nobody that does not fish the pro circuits.

I don't understand the issue.

Who cares if there is a 'local' fishing the tournament. As long as everyone competes on an even playing field, let the best angler win. If you can't beat them on a level playing field, you don't deserve the win.

I am co-director of a couple of local tournaments. I find it interesting there is NEVER an issue with professional anglers entering our local tournaments. Quite the opposite - we welcome the professional anglers to compete in our local tournaments, and appreciate their participation. They are our friends, the local tournaments is where they started, it is their roots, and they can compete with us anytime they would like. And guess what - they don't win every tournament either! I'm thinking of 5 different pro's that have all accomplished top 5 finishes on the pro level. They can and do fish our local tournament, and are welcomed by all.

But it wouldn't be acceptable the other way around? I couldn't fish in the pro tournament and be welcomed.

That's just wrong. If you want to be the best, beat the best. Sorry I disagree.

[in DL]

Fishing as a "local" isnt a huge advantage. Too many spots, and often either not enough time to fish them all, or else not disciplined enough to find other areas. Its a level playing field and you still need to put a program together for 3-4 days. Having more pre-fish time doesnt give you an advantage either, changing conditions lets the guys/gals that do their homework cash a check.

[still fishing 4]

Two issues I believe were missunderstood.

First - The tour schedules are set - if you want to fish them arrange your life accordingly. The rest of us are are making sacrifices to do so.

Second - Comparing local 'pros' to industry pro's is not an apples to apples comparasion. Fishing one event at the pro level does not equate you to a pro who fishes the entire tour and works for sponsors year around.

I welcome the competition from local pro's as we fish events on their home waters. I did not mean to insinuate that local pro's are not welcome - every walleye circuit has them except the invite only PWT Super Pro series. Please drop your defense and re-read my post - I worked to write it objectively.

[Marble Eyes]

"Second - Comparing local 'pros' to industry pro's is not an apples to apples comparasion. Fishing one event at the pro level does not equate you to a pro who fishes the entire tour and works for sponsors year around."

-----------------------

I think you Protest to much. Sorry if this sounds personal but it is. You seem to suffer from a stuffed shirt syndrome.

I could care less what you do for a living. But if you want to go down that road I will be more than happy to entertain you. I work for a living. I am not out promoting products I may not really care for because they offer me a gas card to fill my boat at each tournament.

You enter a tournament- you compete. If you want to be known as the best on that day then Fish against the best. That includes local anglers. If you are good, they shouldn't be a problem.

I fished in Two FLW League events this year (Detroit River and Lake Erie) that had "Tour Pros" in them. Ask them if they "lowered" their status by fishing against us Leaguers. Having a wrapped boat and a Shirt with logos embroidered on it or a large expense account doesn't make you any better nor should it grant you any special status IMHO.

Sheesh some folks get way to caught up in themselves.

[done here]

whatever... it's interesting that other pros have agreed with my post.

it should be easy to understand why you don't have pro's(or whatever label you have for them now - somehow equating them to burger flippers) posting on this site any more.

Go out and fish better than a pro for a day and live that moment up for the rest of your life!


FYI - I have only changed one sponsor during my career and am with the same core of sponsors that I pursued many years ago. I detect a deep vein of jealously in your posts.

[Burr]

Sorry if I came off as attacking, not intended. Much of your original post is very well thought out and good points. I agree the one tourney a month, agree with the championship format etc. The emergence of the FLW tour and league for walleye fishing is very good for our sport. Personally, I think they are doing a very nice job in creating formats that are good for anglers to compete in. Cudo's to FLW - they are doing a nice job of listening to the anglers!

And it is possible I may misunderstand what your statement is intended to convey:

"Is it fair to me to fish an entire circuit (as I have always done) vs. a guy who just want's to fish on his home water but not test his skills as an overall angler to fish a circuit. While others get to enjoy hunting in the fall, fishing in the fall and additional time with their families, I am either working at my real job or working promtions for sponsors. I find it a stretch to compare locals to those of us who are professionals within the industry."

My thoughts are that it is fair, the difference in anglers background is irrelevant to the competition. The playing field is still level, the same rules apply to all, and every competitor is given the same opportunity to prepare and compete, knowing exactly how their performance will be ranked in the end. Some of these one time anglers are preparing to one day (year) fish all four, put together a resume, arrange sponsors, and maybe even reach the point of making a living, year-round, as a professional angler.

At the same time, I believe the expectation of every angler fishing at this level is for them to conduct themselves professionally, (as you have - this is not a stab at you, please don't misinterpret). The expectation of professionalism is placed upon then entire field - regardless if they are fishing 1 tournament, work a full time job and fish all four, or even at the next level - have dedicated all of their efforts to making a living fishing, and representing their sponsors on a full time basis with no other source of income. Every competitor is, and should be, professional.

Part of my thoughts involve how a pro-am can introduce new talent. If the tour is closed to anyone not making the commitment to fish all four - it's pretty hard to introduce new blood, and sustain themselves in the long term. I agree with priority entries for last years standings, I agree with priority for those willing to commit to the entire tour - but if those 2 categories fill the field - where does new blood enter the tour? For this reason, having competitors drop out when their chances at the championship have become very remote - is kind of an ingenious way to allow new blood the opportunity to test the waters at the next level - by fishing less than the full circuit. At the same time, it gives preferential treatment to those making a greater sacrifice. To sustain, grow, succeed in the long term, there has to be an identifiable avenue into the field.

It's fine if we see things differently, we don't have to agree - and it would not cause any hard feelings by me. I just thought I would offer that I do see a couple things a little different. pssssst - the other one I won't bring up... ;-)

Sorry if you felt I was being defensive, I did not intend for my post to come off that way, I apologize for that. My ooops.

[SHA]

Wish the FLW would come down south again.....Or at the lest start a FLW walleye league southern region.

[Juls_OH]

Another excellent post! I agree with letting one or two timers in for the reasons you stated Burr. Well said. A "local" may win his home water, but one tournament's points will not get him/her to the Championship.

The circuit must be allowed to grow.

Juls

[workingalso]

If the one timer is good enough to win a big event on his local water I would think he is probably talented enough to place in the money on any body of water.

Another note, not having the one timers would also take money out of the winnings pro's pockets. The payback is better with 150 boats than it would be with 130 boats!!!

[JoeK]

This is a circuit not one time events. This circuit will survive based on the angler willing to devote his time to fish all the events not the one time local anglers.

Thus, I would agree with the previous posts of keeping the locals out. And yes locals take money out of the guy's pocket that is committed to the success of the circuit by fishing all the events. I feel this money should be available for the guy that has made a commitment to the circuit vs the one time angler.

It appears the growth in the FLW (130 pros signed up for all 4 events in 2005) will eventually take out the local by the fields maxing out with guys wanting to fish all four. I would like to see the FLW only go with the guys that sign up for all four events. If its only 130 then that's what you have for the year. If you want to compete on your local water then be prepared to go fish the other waters and help contribute to the purse, seems fair. If your new to this game and you want to get your feet wet in this type of fishing then fish the FLW League.

I also feel that if you sign up for all four events there should be no refund for dropping out just because your having a bad year. Either you sign up to play or you don't sign up.

I currently don't fish the FLW, but plan to. These are just my thoughts. I'm sure the locals will fire back with the standard comment "if you want to be the best then beat the best".

[Juls_OH]

Not to worry Joek...I don't think it will be that hard to get 20 more anglers to sign up to fish all 4 next year, making it a full field of full timers. ;)

Juls

[wondering]

Has the flw ever considered coming to the St Mary's river as a michigan event?

[okay]

Bring the FLW league out west. Most of your one timers come from ND, SD and MN. How many League events do you get out this way? We were lucky enough to see the MWC on DL this year. What a break that was. You get one timers out here because all we see are the Tour events. Drive 8-10 hours one way to fish a league event, no way.

[Juls_OH]

They tried having League events in Sout Dakota in 2003 and 2004, but there wasn't enough interest or participation from anglers out there, so they ended those. (All this information can be found on their site at http://www.flwoutdoors.com).

2003:
Francis Case 49 boats
Lake Sharpe 46 boats
Lake Oahe 59 boats

2004:
Lake Oahe 19 boats
Big Stone 38 boats
Lake Oahe 54 boats

They are still running Minnesota League events. North Dakota never had any.

Juls

[kb]

I guess maybe Michigan is on the buvle also, only 45-48 boats fished the Michigan League events @ Erie & Saginaw River this year, will that mean No more Michigan tourneys there for them also ?

[michiganwalleye]

The reason the Michigan league events are suffering is the local economy. Michigan is getting hit harder than any other state. The Michigan league will come back to have 75-100 boat field in the next 2 years.

[perchjerker]

you think the economy in Mich will get better in 2 years?

It will only get worse in my opinion.

[100 boats]

The league has never seen 100 boats in Michiga, even before the economy down turn

[ttw]

Juls,

It will take more than 20 additional anglers to fill up the circuit.

You are forgetting that out of the 130 there are probably 80 plus fisherman that lost a lot of money fishing all four this season. Even folks with money don't like giving away as much as $12,000 per year. There will be some anglers in this years field of 130 that don't fish next year.

I would guess a full field for next year will require at least 40 to 50 fresh anglers.

[Marble Eyes]

>Another excellent post! I agree with letting one or two
>timers in for the reasons you stated Burr. Well said. A
>"local" may win his home water, but one tournament's points
>will not get him/her to the Championship.
>
>The circuit must be allowed to grow.
>
>Juls

--------------------------
Kick this around a bit...

This is an idea of what I think should be done in the FLW.

All persons allowed to enter a Tour event will have either finished in the top 30 of any Tour event the previous year or finished in the top 15 end of year standing from the 3 different FLW League series the preceding year. If the field is not full by 14 days before tour Date, an open entry will be allowed on a first come first serve basis.

This partly eliminates the conserns of "one timers" taking your money by fishing one event close to home because they can't bank on being able to enter until two weeks before the tournament. It also puts a greater emphasis on tournament performance versus bank rolls.

I also think this will give some credence to Co-Anglers being more willing to sign up, knowing their chances of fishing with someone that has performed well in the tournaments in the recent past is very high.

[Amature]

How soon can you or should you send in your money to fish as a co angler. Looking at Red wing

[Juls_OH]

When the 2007 FLW Walleye Tour brochures are online at http://www.flwoutdoors.com we will find out what the sign up dates are. Take a look at the brochure from this year to get an idea of what to expect. You will find it under the walleye tour page under the link for "rules". Click on that link and then click on the link for the 2006 brochure.

You will want to find a Pro counterpart to sign up with too, so that you will get priority entry into that event. There are different levels of priority entry.

Priority entry levels are as follows (at least I think this is how it goes):
Pro/Co signing up together for all 4 events
Pro/Co signing up together for less than 4 events
Pro or Co signing up without a counterpart for all 4 events
Pro or Co signing up without a counterpart for less than 4 events.

Juls

[DUDE 2]

Juls,
Have you heard any places that they maybe thinking about for the other 2 tounaments? I would think about doing all 4 next year if they arent way out west in the dakotas. Just thought you may have an idea.

[Walleyeless]

Boy, I sure hope I can be such a big league complainer some day!!!
Listen, everyone has a different set of circumstances. We have different tournaments with different sets of rules. Find the one(s) you like - and support it. Following the rules is another issue. If the single event or full participant angler doesn't follow them, hang em up. I for one don't need to see them again.

[Juls_OH]

They stated at the rules meeting in Green Bay that the third one would be a "West" tournament (so probably the Dakotas) and the fourth one would be a "Great Lakes" tournament, which could be Green Bay again, Saginaw Bay, or Sault St. Marie I'm guessing.

Juls

[DUDE 2]

Thanks Juls. I would really love to go back up to the sault again. That is one of my favorite places in the country. The Dakotas would be a tough one but with the others being close enough, I may swing it. I guess Im going to have to work even more overtime then I already do...

[Shep_Unloggable]

Great Lakes event could also be Port Clinton. I'd do that one in May! hehehe

Maybe not though, as the Championship is at Cleveland. Saginaw Bay would be cool, as would GB again.

[bw]

Let me say devils lake ND

[day]

Is there a entry fee for the Championship???

[Muleskinner]

>Is there a entry fee for the Championship???
NO!

[jerry unlogged]

Hmmmmmmm......let me see. The tops two weights in an FLW event are from where????? Green Bay!!! And now they're considering going somewhere else......why is that? In all fairness to everyone involved, how correct would it be to have two events, like on Saginaw Bay and Detroit River, and allow those who live near those waters to have home-water advantage twice in one year?

[walleye1234]

what about the people who live near green bay?? They have an advantage. I live near the Det river and fish it all the time. I also live about 3 hr from the Saginaw bay and only fish it during tourneys. There is no advantage there.

[thump55]

Walleye1234-
Jerry is saying you would have an adavantage over a guy like him, who lives near GB. You "fish the Detroit River all the time" and have "fished Saginaw bay in tournaments". If the GB tourney were dropped and both Detroit River and Saginaw Bay were fished instead, YOU would have an adavantage over him, that's all he's saying, and he would be correct!

Dave S

[Just a Thought]

Maybe we should wait till the stops are announced before we start arguing about where they MIGHT be going? Just a thought.....

[Juls_OH]

(Jerry said)>Hmmmmmmm......let me see. The top two weights in an FLW
>event are from where????? Green Bay!!! And now they're
>considering going somewhere else......why is that?

Maybe, because it's a warm water event again next year? I don't know, I'm just guessing here...
But, as you said, it would be a big fish fest again if it were at Green Bay, and it's hard to keep those big girls alive in a livewell all day. One or two in a livewell is pretty easy, but there isn't a lot of room when you have 5 or 6 in there.

Do we really need to stress out or kill any big fish unneccessarily during warm water tournaments, just for the sake of having big fish on the scales during an event? Personally, I don't think so. I think we can have an exciting event with smaller fish during the warm season.
Someone is still going to win whether it's big fish or small fish. I vote we keep the big fish waters for cooler temeratures when there would be a higher release rate with less mortality, and hold events on bodies of water with smaller fish for the warm water tournaments. They are much easier to keep alive and release alive in the summer.

Sure, big fish will be caught by anglers on any body of water we go to, but the number of big fish caught will be lower than the trophy sized fisheries like Green Bay, Erie, Fort Peck, and Mille Lacs...just to name a few. There are plenty of other places to go during the summer.

Besides, I don't want to see the entire schedule the same as this year's. I want to fish new places next year.

Just my opinion

Juls
p.s. Keep up the whining big bro, and I'm telling MOM on you! ;)

[Juls_OH]

(Jerry said)>Hmmmmmmm......let me see. The top two weights in an FLW
>event are from where????? Green Bay!!! And now they're
>considering going somewhere else......why is that?

Maybe, because it's a warm water event again next year? I don't know, I'm just guessing here...
But, as you said, it would be a big fish fest again if it were at Green Bay, and it's hard to keep those big girls alive in a livewell all day. One or two in a livewell is pretty easy, but there isn't a lot of room when you have 5 or 6 in there.

Do we really need to stress out or kill any big fish unneccessarily during warm water tournaments, just for the sake of having big fish on the scales during an event? Personally, I don't think so. I think we can have an exciting event with smaller fish during the warm season.
Someone is still going to win whether it's big fish or small fish. I vote we keep the big fish waters for cooler temeratures when there would be a higher release rate with less mortality, and hold events on bodies of water with smaller fish for the warm water tournaments. They are much easier to keep alive and release alive in the summer.

Sure, big fish will be caught by anglers on any body of water we go to, but the number of big fish caught will be lower than the trophy sized fisheries like Green Bay, Erie, Fort Peck, and Mille Lacs...just to name a few. There are plenty of other places to go during the summer.

Besides, I don't want to see the entire schedule the same as this year's. I want to fish new places next year.

Just my opinion

Juls
p.s. Keep up the whining big bro, and I'm telling MOM on you! ;)

[I heard]

Devil's in June and Saginaw in July

[I heard]

Devil's in June and Saginaw in July

[Sunshine]

Maybe we should give suggestions now and be proactive versus sitting back and waiting to argue about where they ARE going. My guess is that someone from the FLW monitors this sight and thinks about the suggestions made from anglers.

[Sunshine]

Maybe we should give suggestions now and be proactive versus sitting back and waiting to argue about where they ARE going. My guess is that someone from the FLW monitors this sight and thinks about the suggestions made from anglers.

[jerry unlogged]

I don't disagree with you one bit, Juls, but what I don't understand is how will the fish of Saginaw Bay be any better off than those of Green Bay? The best part of that fishery is 35-45 miles offshore at the Charities and that's where a high percentage of the field will go for big fish. Given that the water temps at Saginaw are nearly the same as Green Bay, I'd say the results will be the same.....many big fish will die.

If I were running things, I'd say we go something like this: Detroit River in mid-April, Green Bay in mid-May, Red Wing in mid-June and Devils Lake in mid-July. I've been monitoring the bite out there and, given that it's very hot, the bite continues to go well. It would be alot easier to keep Devils' Lake fish alive in mid-July than it would eith Saginaw Bay or Green Bay fish. Just my opinion.

[jerry unlogged]

I don't disagree with you one bit, Juls, but what I don't understand is how will the fish of Saginaw Bay be any better off than those of Green Bay? The best part of that fishery is 35-45 miles offshore at the Charities and that's where a high percentage of the field will go for big fish. Given that the water temps at Saginaw are nearly the same as Green Bay, I'd say the results will be the same.....many big fish will die.

If I were running things, I'd say we go something like this: Detroit River in mid-April, Green Bay in mid-May, Red Wing in mid-June and Devils Lake in mid-July. I've been monitoring the bite out there and, given that it's very hot, the bite continues to go well. It would be alot easier to keep Devils' Lake fish alive in mid-July than it would eith Saginaw Bay or Green Bay fish. Just my opinion.

[Just a Thought]

I'm just guessing, but I think the FLW would rather hear directly from the anglers via phone call or e-mail than read all the bickering going on here about who might have to drive farther. Most of it probably coming from folks who don't even fish the tour.

[Just a Thought]

I'm just guessing, but I think the FLW would rather hear directly from the anglers via phone call or e-mail than read all the bickering going on here about who might have to drive farther. Most of it probably coming from folks who don't even fish the tour.

[Burr]

...Devils Lake in mid-July. I've been monitoring
>the bite out there and, given that it's very hot, the bite
>continues to go well. It would be alot easier to keep Devils'
>Lake fish alive in mid-July than it would eith Saginaw Bay or
>Green Bay fish. Just my opinion.


I don't think ND will permit a live release tournament during that time of the year. They had one on DL a few years back and it was a PR nightmare. Many fish floated after releasing and ended up in the same bay - looked pretty bad.

Since we're all speculating, I've heard June would be either Devils Lake or Sakakawea. It would be nice to see it on Sakakawea. Although the anglers would probably have to bring their tents!

[Burr]

...Devils Lake in mid-July. I've been monitoring
>the bite out there and, given that it's very hot, the bite
>continues to go well. It would be alot easier to keep Devils'
>Lake fish alive in mid-July than it would eith Saginaw Bay or
>Green Bay fish. Just my opinion.


I don't think ND will permit a live release tournament during that time of the year. They had one on DL a few years back and it was a PR nightmare. Many fish floated after releasing and ended up in the same bay - looked pretty bad.

Since we're all speculating, I've heard June would be either Devils Lake or Sakakawea. It would be nice to see it on Sakakawea. Although the anglers would probably have to bring their tents!

[Juls_OH]

Not bad Jerry...but, again it's the same darn places as this year.

Also, at Saginaw...
There are big fish, but not in the numbers that Green Bay or Erie holds. It also wouldn't be a 35-40 mile run if the tournament were held out of Tawas, closer to where the majority of anglers would be fishing anyway... (There's a nice launch, protected bay from storms out of the West, and there's a Wal-Mart in Tawas. At least I think that's the name of the town...I would have to look at a map again. ;))

And, most importantly, Saginaw would be a CULLING event, so anglers could keep fishing up until the end of their flight time. Not so at Green Bay, and look how upset some people got two weeks ago, because they couldn't weigh in early.

Just a thought...

Juls
Edit: I don't know where they would go out of if the tournament goes to Saginaw, but I would definitely vote for Tawas...not Bay City.

[Juls_OH]

Not bad Jerry...but, again it's the same darn places as this year.

Also, at Saginaw...
There are big fish, but not in the numbers that Green Bay or Erie holds. It also wouldn't be a 35-40 mile run if the tournament were held out of Tawas, closer to where the majority of anglers would be fishing anyway... (There's a nice launch, protected bay from storms out of the West, and there's a Wal-Mart in Tawas. At least I think that's the name of the town...I would have to look at a map again. ;))

And, most importantly, Saginaw would be a CULLING event, so anglers could keep fishing up until the end of their flight time. Not so at Green Bay, and look how upset some people got two weeks ago, because they couldn't weigh in early.

Just a thought...

Juls
Edit: I don't know where they would go out of if the tournament goes to Saginaw, but I would definitely vote for Tawas...not Bay City.

[Juls_OH]

Is there a WalMart really close to Sakakawea now?

Remember, you have to have a WalMart close by for the final day weigh in. ;)

Juls

[Juls_OH]

Is there a WalMart really close to Sakakawea now?

Remember, you have to have a WalMart close by for the final day weigh in. ;)

Juls

[Jays]

NDGF wont allow a C&R tourney in July. Sak's closest wal-mart is Minot of Bismarck, Both are a haul. I'd put my money on the FLW being at DL again.

[Jays]

NDGF wont allow a C&R tourney in July. Sak's closest wal-mart is Minot of Bismarck, Both are a haul. I'd put my money on the FLW being at DL again.

[LeeBrown]

What about the people that drop out of the last event because they are out of the point race, seems like you will always need locals to fill those slots. Kind of a silly argument when the issue this last tournament was made worse by the so called pro's backing out.

[LeeBrown]

What about the people that drop out of the last event because they are out of the point race, seems like you will always need locals to fill those slots. Kind of a silly argument when the issue this last tournament was made worse by the so called pro's backing out.

[point taken]

those that were 4 timer's that dropped shouldn't be considered pro's in my book. It's one thing for a family emergency, etc. but unacceptable to be a no-show!


my $.02

[point taken]

those that were 4 timer's that dropped shouldn't be considered pro's in my book. It's one thing for a family emergency, etc. but unacceptable to be a no-show!


my $.02

[WALL I]

>I have fished pro circuits for six years and work a real job.
>I get four weeks vacation a year and use it all for tourney's.
>It's a tough road but it can be done. Fish the FLW league if
>you cannot afford the time to fish all four of the tour
>tournaments. Part of the competition level is being able to
>fish all of the tourneys and adapt to the fishing techniques
>each fishery has to offer. Not what you can do on your local
>water. One timers take money out of the touring pro's pocket
>and that is only one of the problems with allowing them to
>fish.

WORKING CLASS,

SO YOU ONLY HAVE FOUR WEEKS OF VACATION PER YEAR??? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO IF YOU MAKE THE FINALS. 4 WEEKS DOESN'T LEAVE MUCH TIME TO TRAVEL, PREFISH AND COMPETE. WHAT IS YOUR SECRET? ALSO YOU SAID "CIRCUITS" PLURAL, I DON'T THINK YOU CAN BE FISHING MORE THAN ONE CIRCUIT IF YOU ONLY HAVE 4 WEEKS OF VACATION. CAN YOU?

ONE TIMERS HELP FILL THE FIELD AND ARE NOT ALWAYS LOCALS....MANY LIVE NO WHERE NEAR THE EVENTS THEY FISH. IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT LOSING MONEY THEN BEAT EVERYONE..."TOURING PROS" "ONE TIMERS" "LOCALS"...... NEW BLOOD NEEDS OPPORTUNITY TO FISH AS PROS IN SOME EVENTS BEFORE THEY CAN VENTURE INTO THE TOUR FULL TIME IN SOME CASES. IF YOU LOCK THEM OUT THEN YOU KILL THE LONGEVITY AND WEAKEN THE COMPETITION OF THE SPORT.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER PROBLEM ALLOWING ONE TIMERS TO FISH?

SOME ANGLERS WILL END UP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STANDINGS AND MONEY EVERY TOURNAMENT THEY FISH SHOULD THEY BE KICKED OUT FOR BEING NONCOMPETITIVE? AS IN ANY SPORT YOU NEED SOME SKILL TO BE CALLED A PRO NOT JUST 4 WEEKS OF VACATION AND DEEP POCKETS.

[WALL I]

>I have fished pro circuits for six years and work a real job.
>I get four weeks vacation a year and use it all for tourney's.
>It's a tough road but it can be done. Fish the FLW league if
>you cannot afford the time to fish all four of the tour
>tournaments. Part of the competition level is being able to
>fish all of the tourneys and adapt to the fishing techniques
>each fishery has to offer. Not what you can do on your local
>water. One timers take money out of the touring pro's pocket
>and that is only one of the problems with allowing them to
>fish.

WORKING CLASS,

SO YOU ONLY HAVE FOUR WEEKS OF VACATION PER YEAR??? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO IF YOU MAKE THE FINALS. 4 WEEKS DOESN'T LEAVE MUCH TIME TO TRAVEL, PREFISH AND COMPETE. WHAT IS YOUR SECRET? ALSO YOU SAID "CIRCUITS" PLURAL, I DON'T THINK YOU CAN BE FISHING MORE THAN ONE CIRCUIT IF YOU ONLY HAVE 4 WEEKS OF VACATION. CAN YOU?

ONE TIMERS HELP FILL THE FIELD AND ARE NOT ALWAYS LOCALS....MANY LIVE NO WHERE NEAR THE EVENTS THEY FISH. IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT LOSING MONEY THEN BEAT EVERYONE..."TOURING PROS" "ONE TIMERS" "LOCALS"...... NEW BLOOD NEEDS OPPORTUNITY TO FISH AS PROS IN SOME EVENTS BEFORE THEY CAN VENTURE INTO THE TOUR FULL TIME IN SOME CASES. IF YOU LOCK THEM OUT THEN YOU KILL THE LONGEVITY AND WEAKEN THE COMPETITION OF THE SPORT.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER PROBLEM ALLOWING ONE TIMERS TO FISH?

SOME ANGLERS WILL END UP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STANDINGS AND MONEY EVERY TOURNAMENT THEY FISH SHOULD THEY BE KICKED OUT FOR BEING NONCOMPETITIVE? AS IN ANY SPORT YOU NEED SOME SKILL TO BE CALLED A PRO NOT JUST 4 WEEKS OF VACATION AND DEEP POCKETS.