Tournament Circuits in Michigan

[Cards 1]

I would like to get several opinions, observations, facts, from people that have fished any of the tournament circuits in Michigan (MWT, WWA, RCL League, GNWC). I know the GNWC is new but I would like to include it as well. I don't want this to become a bash session but I would like honest replies. I would like to be able to use this information in a possible research project I am working on.

My feeling is that the MWT used to be the biggest/only game in town, and has now really slipped. I think the RCL League is really going to take off; their format is great, and is very professionally ran. The GNWC looks very interesting, maybe a little pricey for a one day tournament; they have TV coverage which makes them very appealing. The WWA seems to have trouble attracting entrants; I think maybe the Michigan market is saturated.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[Cards 1]

I would like to get several opinions, observations, facts, from people that have fished any of the tournament circuits in Michigan (MWT, WWA, RCL League, GNWC). I know the GNWC is new but I would like to include it as well. I don't want this to become a bash session but I would like honest replies. I would like to be able to use this information in a possible research project I am working on.

My feeling is that the MWT used to be the biggest/only game in town, and has now really slipped. I think the RCL League is really going to take off; their format is great, and is very professionally ran. The GNWC looks very interesting, maybe a little pricey for a one day tournament; they have TV coverage which makes them very appealing. The WWA seems to have trouble attracting entrants; I think maybe the Michigan market is saturated.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[mrbreeze]

I think that you are speculating a bit when you say that the RCL League is really going to take off. It had a good start last year, and I hope it does well. But, all the same, I'll wait and see. I'll probably pick off one just for the heck of it.

The GNWC looks to be a good one, and they worked hard to make sure that their tourneys are not on MWT dates. I believe that their tourneys are on Sundays. I plan to fish a couple, and feel that this is less of a competitive circuit and more of a "fun" circuit. I likely won't even pre-fish that one too hard.

I'm not sure if you are trolling for a strike when you mention that the MWT is slipping, but you got one here. Sure, like any big tourney circuit it has had its growing pains, but for serious walleye fishermen that either don't have the time, budget, or general inclination to go to the PWT or RCL, it is still by far the best circuit in Michigan. The payouts are going to be better in 2004. In know that has been an issue for some people. The tourneys are well run and well organized. People have some issues with some aspects of the MWT, but when aren't you going to have some P.O'd folks who are concerned about something when you get 200 highly competitive personalities together in one place.

As far as saturation, I don't know. In my opinion, the more the better. The good ones will live, the others won't. For my money, though, I'd just as soon pay to enter local tournaments that are run by local clubs, who help support the local resources (fish and businesses).

by the way, good luck with yor research project...I hope that you are willing to share the results. We'll be waiting.

[mrbreeze]

I think that you are speculating a bit when you say that the RCL League is really going to take off. It had a good start last year, and I hope it does well. But, all the same, I'll wait and see. I'll probably pick off one just for the heck of it.

The GNWC looks to be a good one, and they worked hard to make sure that their tourneys are not on MWT dates. I believe that their tourneys are on Sundays. I plan to fish a couple, and feel that this is less of a competitive circuit and more of a "fun" circuit. I likely won't even pre-fish that one too hard.

I'm not sure if you are trolling for a strike when you mention that the MWT is slipping, but you got one here. Sure, like any big tourney circuit it has had its growing pains, but for serious walleye fishermen that either don't have the time, budget, or general inclination to go to the PWT or RCL, it is still by far the best circuit in Michigan. The payouts are going to be better in 2004. In know that has been an issue for some people. The tourneys are well run and well organized. People have some issues with some aspects of the MWT, but when aren't you going to have some P.O'd folks who are concerned about something when you get 200 highly competitive personalities together in one place.

As far as saturation, I don't know. In my opinion, the more the better. The good ones will live, the others won't. For my money, though, I'd just as soon pay to enter local tournaments that are run by local clubs, who help support the local resources (fish and businesses).

by the way, good luck with yor research project...I hope that you are willing to share the results. We'll be waiting.

[Cards 1]

Thanks for the reply...

If I get enough information I will share the results. I have a lot of other avenues for information as well. Most of the info I have is pretty dry though...just entry numbers, dates, places, winning weights etc. That is why I am looking for some feedback from some real people.

I fished the MWT the last couple of years and it just does not seem to have the same feeling as it did when Ken Shear was running it. I agree that it is still a good circuit, with good people, but something is missing.

I think the GNWC has the possibility to really fly...check out their website...looks great, and the TV coverage has to attract people!

[Cards 1]

Thanks for the reply...

If I get enough information I will share the results. I have a lot of other avenues for information as well. Most of the info I have is pretty dry though...just entry numbers, dates, places, winning weights etc. That is why I am looking for some feedback from some real people.

I fished the MWT the last couple of years and it just does not seem to have the same feeling as it did when Ken Shear was running it. I agree that it is still a good circuit, with good people, but something is missing.

I think the GNWC has the possibility to really fly...check out their website...looks great, and the TV coverage has to attract people!

[Mich]

I don't think the MWT is in any serious trouble. Good work by the GNWC to work together, I think lots of MWT teams are going to fish both this year. I think the GNWC will do well because Gander Mountain is behind it and pushing it. A $56,000 first place at the national championship will get a lot of attention. The RCL League will be good too, but it's not a team trail so the comparisons are not fair. Just be glad we have this many great choices!!!!

[Mich]

I don't think the MWT is in any serious trouble. Good work by the GNWC to work together, I think lots of MWT teams are going to fish both this year. I think the GNWC will do well because Gander Mountain is behind it and pushing it. A $56,000 first place at the national championship will get a lot of attention. The RCL League will be good too, but it's not a team trail so the comparisons are not fair. Just be glad we have this many great choices!!!!

[BobB(MI)]

Interesting post to say the least - sorry in advance for the length of my reply. I hope people will share opinions and facts as you asked without getting into the bashing scene.

I too have fished the MWT and lost some interest. My partner and I really didn't think that much has changed at all and were wondering why our enjoyment level slipped a bit. We both thought that Ken and JD did a good job as directors - really the only thing it came down to was maybe the "newness" effect weared out with us. For the first couple of years, the ideas of a fairly high level of competition and 100+ boat events were new and exciting - now after a few more it seems somewhat comfortable and old hat. Not saying it is right or wrong, it just seems that way to us - maybe we just have short attention spans! We will fish 1 or 2 MWT events this year, but not the whole circuit anymore. I'm sure that there will be teams coming in to fill in for the ones who leave. In spite of all the whining by a few, it is a good, well-run circuit with good people.

I am going to fish the RCL League (new for me)this year and am looking forward to it. If you end up high enough to cash a check, I liked the fact that the payout is slightly better than the MWT - with the exception of 1st, but boat mfg incentives will make up that in the event of a win - not counting on that though! It is also one day (one is possibly 2)and 3 events through the year. I have limited vacation time and was spending it all on the MWT, leaving none to enjoy other things. The RCL will let me spread those vacation days around a bit more.

Don't really know why the WWA has not taken off - that's an observation or opinion only - others may think it has. I thought it would get larger fields. My friend and I were going to fish it a couple of times, but in the end decided to pre-fish for the MWT instead. They did have some decent locations and timing, though.

The GNWC is the wild card this year. My hunch is that it will go over well. I hope so.

I too feel that the MWT was the first, biggest and only one on the block. There are some new kids and there are bound to be some difficulties. With all the tournaments now, one thing I noticed is that there are a few spots on the west side of the state that may draw in other people when the event comes by. What about the UP? None of the state events are venturing up north. MWT did a few times in the past with the Soo - great place to fish. As far as oversaturation, I don't know if we have it or not. It seems like there is little conflict in scheduling between the RCL League, MWT and GNWC so folks can do a bunch of tournament fishing if they are able. After this year I hope the boards are buzzing with everyone's thoughts and comparisons.

Interesting subject - would like to see your compilation when done as well.

Bob

[BobB(MI)]

Interesting post to say the least - sorry in advance for the length of my reply. I hope people will share opinions and facts as you asked without getting into the bashing scene.

I too have fished the MWT and lost some interest. My partner and I really didn't think that much has changed at all and were wondering why our enjoyment level slipped a bit. We both thought that Ken and JD did a good job as directors - really the only thing it came down to was maybe the "newness" effect weared out with us. For the first couple of years, the ideas of a fairly high level of competition and 100+ boat events were new and exciting - now after a few more it seems somewhat comfortable and old hat. Not saying it is right or wrong, it just seems that way to us - maybe we just have short attention spans! We will fish 1 or 2 MWT events this year, but not the whole circuit anymore. I'm sure that there will be teams coming in to fill in for the ones who leave. In spite of all the whining by a few, it is a good, well-run circuit with good people.

I am going to fish the RCL League (new for me)this year and am looking forward to it. If you end up high enough to cash a check, I liked the fact that the payout is slightly better than the MWT - with the exception of 1st, but boat mfg incentives will make up that in the event of a win - not counting on that though! It is also one day (one is possibly 2)and 3 events through the year. I have limited vacation time and was spending it all on the MWT, leaving none to enjoy other things. The RCL will let me spread those vacation days around a bit more.

Don't really know why the WWA has not taken off - that's an observation or opinion only - others may think it has. I thought it would get larger fields. My friend and I were going to fish it a couple of times, but in the end decided to pre-fish for the MWT instead. They did have some decent locations and timing, though.

The GNWC is the wild card this year. My hunch is that it will go over well. I hope so.

I too feel that the MWT was the first, biggest and only one on the block. There are some new kids and there are bound to be some difficulties. With all the tournaments now, one thing I noticed is that there are a few spots on the west side of the state that may draw in other people when the event comes by. What about the UP? None of the state events are venturing up north. MWT did a few times in the past with the Soo - great place to fish. As far as oversaturation, I don't know if we have it or not. It seems like there is little conflict in scheduling between the RCL League, MWT and GNWC so folks can do a bunch of tournament fishing if they are able. After this year I hope the boards are buzzing with everyone's thoughts and comparisons.

Interesting subject - would like to see your compilation when done as well.

Bob

[cnags]

I think that the MWT is still the biggest and the best in town right now.They have been around the longest.They have done a great job promoting the sport of walleye tournament fishing.Before them who did we have?? Nobody,unless you had the money to fish the PWT.I think that people need to remember that the MWT is ran by volunteers!! Do you know any other ciricut that is run by volunteers?? that has a following like the MWT? I will always be thankful to the people that started this great tour.It has taught me many ways to fish,under many different conditions that I normally wouldn't fish.It also helped alot of other guys who wanted to move up to fish the PWT and the RCL as a stepping stone.It is a great place to learn! Just take a look at the PWT or the RCL weigh-ins,there are always a few guys at the top of the leader board that came from the MWT!!!!! The MWT did not happen over night,like some of these other tours are trying to do. The PWT and the RCL has it's problems also,#### they all do!! Have you ever fished a tour where everyone was happy?? I wll stay with the MWT for years to come,and maybe they will be around long enough so that I can enjoy fishing with my son.If I had the $$ I would fish the PWT and the RCL,but for now I will just keep on fishing with the MWT!!! Craig..

[cnags]

I think that the MWT is still the biggest and the best in town right now.They have been around the longest.They have done a great job promoting the sport of walleye tournament fishing.Before them who did we have?? Nobody,unless you had the money to fish the PWT.I think that people need to remember that the MWT is ran by volunteers!! Do you know any other ciricut that is run by volunteers?? that has a following like the MWT? I will always be thankful to the people that started this great tour.It has taught me many ways to fish,under many different conditions that I normally wouldn't fish.It also helped alot of other guys who wanted to move up to fish the PWT and the RCL as a stepping stone.It is a great place to learn! Just take a look at the PWT or the RCL weigh-ins,there are always a few guys at the top of the leader board that came from the MWT!!!!! The MWT did not happen over night,like some of these other tours are trying to do. The PWT and the RCL has it's problems also,#### they all do!! Have you ever fished a tour where everyone was happy?? I wll stay with the MWT for years to come,and maybe they will be around long enough so that I can enjoy fishing with my son.If I had the $$ I would fish the PWT and the RCL,but for now I will just keep on fishing with the MWT!!! Craig..

[Capt. Paul]

I have fished MWT, WWA, and RCL League in michigan. Of the three the MWT is the best and smoothest run by far. The staff (all volunteer) works hard to make every event runs as best they can. They get the most bad press because they have been around the longest, although they could do a bit better job controlling some conflicts they let get out of control. I did not think much of the Michigan WWA, and had difficulty getting in contact with anyone at their office. When I had questions, and when I did email them they never responded. Was hoping that the RCL league would be a step up, but was dissapointed by the lack of organization, even with Sonny Reynolds running the Michigan events with the RCL trailer and everything. Maybe I like the team formats better. In 2004 I will be fishing all the MWT's and RCL Leagues, and hope to do one GNWC.

[Dan from MI]

I started the tourney thing about 5 years ago with Team Walleye, then MWT. The MWT is alot of fun for not only myself, but my wife, my partner and another group. We all have a good time on MWT weekends. This year I'm doing all MWT and all RCL League. I've fished the WWA in past couple years a couple of times. I would do it this year only if time allowed.
They are all good, its just what do you want out of it. I want to win, but I also want to have a good time. I love the competition.
See ya on the water.
Dan

[Mitch-igan]

The MWT is not perfect but it the best thing going so far. There is a place for the GNWC if they can do a better job of organization than the WWA. In fact, if the GNWC's reputation is correct, they will make it very hard on the WWA. If the pattern holds, the GNWC will go to some of the smaller waters as they build a tournament base of anglers, because one-day tornaments of 100 boats can be held on some places that the MWT will not go. MWTers keep asking for that. I'll be watching closely this year.

[JIGMEISTER]

What do you know about organization? All tournaments have their weak points and problems especially when they open circuits up to new states.Comparing one tournament to another.... well people complain when they have no clue how much time,money and working around other tournaments takes. These tournaments are for the fisherman and all comments are taking seriously. I've never had a problem with the WWA or the MWT. For those of you that have maybe you should speak privatly to them. Gossip is cheap,Time to go fishing.