Tour Plunge

[rayhawk]

OK, I'm looking to maybe take the plunge and start doing the walleye
trails as a Co-Angler. What does everyone think? Waste of money? Time? Great deal? Good thing? What about FLW vs. PWT?

I am really looking at it as a learning experience. Get out of my home range, see other water, other styles and become a better fisherman. Any input appreciated.

Ray

[reelman1]

You want opinions so I will give you mine. If you fish a lake that is a jigging or casting bite you could learn a bit. If you fish a trolling bite ie. Erie or Green Bay you will learn how to sit on your but for 8 hours a day.

Some guys like to do it and if that's what you want to do then more power to you. Personally I would take the money you are going to spend on entry fees and put it towards more time on a fishing trip. Say if you are going to fish a tourny on Erie instead take you boat and for the money you save on enrty fees you can stay a coule extra day. Plus you can go when the fish are most active instead of when the tourny happens to be there.

[steve hammons]

I disagree with the above post,I fished the PWT in 2000(Erie,Sault Ste. Marie,& Saginaw Bay.I was taught so much over those 8 days(1 day was cancelled @ Erie)than I could have learned in ten years of trial & error.We trolled every day(kicker/boards/cranks-harnesses on Erie & Saginaw & bow mount/bottom bouncers/harnesses on the Soo).I thought I knew alot about trolling until I sat in a boat for 8 hrs with pros like Gary Parsons(sag),Shannon Kehl(soo),Sam Anderson(soo),along with lesser known pros.They all taught me something, about everything,from boat control to lure selection & why....They taught me alot of "little things" that make a big difference on a tough bite.It is a little on the expensive side,but in my mind,it was money well spent(I was lucky enough to about break even in winnings-prizes,not cash).As a bonus,I was in a picture in Walleye Insider mag,as well as,in each episode of the videos on each location(no big deal,but kind of neat).I consider myself lucky to have fished with the PWT & plan on doing it again in the near future.So I say,if you can afford it,it will be money well spent.GO FOR IT,PWT,FLW,MWC-my guess is they are all pretty good "schools".eyecrazy-steve hammons

[mike wallleye]

Fishing as a Co is a tremendous learning experience. Since your questioning the wisdom of entering, that tells me looking for a real educational experience. Lots of tips and pointers, if your willing to listen, observe and work hard in concert with the pro. And since your undecided, check out the schedules for both RCL and PWT, then determine which waters and time of year, best suits your interest. WELL WORTH the time and money. Good luck

[Juls_OH]

The RCL doesn't exist anymore. ;)

It's the FLW Walleye Tour. http://walleyetour.flwoutdoors.com/

Juls

[JB251]

If you want to learn this is the way to do it. I still look back and wish I would have fished as a Co-Angler for two seasons before I stepped up to the Pro ranks. It has worked out for me but I do not think for a second I would not and could not have learned a great deal more than I thought I already knew.

For someone to say you would be wasting your money is ridiculous even if you are trolling boards for 8 hours. Just think of all the time you would have to pick his brain.

No one should ever believe they know it all about fishing and feel have nothing left to learn. I have learned plenty from my C0-Anglers over the years. Many of them are excellent anglers and also have a great deal of knowledge to share.

This would be one of the most rewarding experiences you could embark on. You will learn a ton and meet many great friends.

Keep an opened mind if you decide to do this and remember some of the lesser know guys are every bit as good and cagey as the well know anglers.

Keep in mind you are there to learn if you take the attitude you are there to win like some you maybe be disappointed.

Good Luck!

[JLDII]

To some measure I agree with what reelman1 said about the trolling. Yes, you can learn alot about trolling by doing it for a whole tourney with 3-4 different pro's.. Unfortunately, it has gotten to the point that that is the only presentation many of the pro's use if they have the choice. They understand that suspended fish are active fish, and those are the only ones they want to target, which is logical. So the chance does exsist that if you sign up to fish a whole season as a co-angler, you will most likely spend the largest share of your time trolling.

Now if the goal you want to achieve is to learn the most you can about different styles of fishing, including trolling, I would consider picking and choosing differnt waters to fish. You can do this without restricting yourself to any one curcuit too. Not all waters lend themselves to trolling, and those are the ones where you will have the better chance to learn the different techniques used. As I said earlier, no matter where you go, you will probably spend at least one day trolling though.

Another option for you to consider if you want to tailor your fishing lessons just the way you want, guided fishing trips. Figure out what your cost would be to fish a full curcuit as a co-angler. Then think about how many guided trips you could do in a season for that amount of money. That approach allows you the convenience of picking those waters you would like to fish, plus you can build the times you fish around your schedule. You can pick which waters to fish based on the techniques you want to learn and also the time of year it would be best to give those waters a try. Call some guides, talk to them and explain what you want to do. Any man who calls himself a professional guide will be glad to discuss with you everything you would want to know and help you plan your trip in any way he can.

Either way you decide to go, you will probably have a great time on the water. Feel free to contact me if you want, and I'll be glad to help.

[rayhawk]

Thanks guys/gals. I can't help but think you would learn a ton but am definitely seeing reelman's point about the trolling aspect. Learning is a two way street though. Anybody got any thoughts on PWT or FLW? It looks to me like the FLW keeps gaining popularity and is putting itself in position to be "the" tour. PWT is changing formats, not sure why. Interested to see what the locations will be.


Thanks,

ray

[Bear Fan]

FLW gives cash prizes, and the PWT gives tackle prizes.

That set aside, take a look at both schedules and look at the waters fished. That should help you decide.

[hmm]

That's a good question. I'm sure you'll get lots of energized discussions on that one. This will be a pivotal year for the PWT, and I think it's future will all depend on the sucess of this new format.

If the new format is the "JK's favorite 50", it will fail. If they don't have a mandatory dropping of the bottom 15% of the "elite" 50 every year it will fail (i.e. if there is no turnover based on performance). If the championship is just 50 guys from the "elite" 50 every year, it will fail. If the "opens" don't fill, it will fail. If the entry fees go up again without an increase in payout, it will fail. If the FLW continues to grow amd improve it's media exposure, it will surpass the PWT. If the FLW increases payouts for non-Ranger owners, the PWT will be in trouble.

[answers]

>That's a good question. I'm sure you'll get lots of energized
>discussions on that one. This will be a pivotal year for the
>PWT, and I think it's future will all depend on the sucess of
>this new format.
>
>If the new format is the "JK's favorite 50", it will fail. If
>they don't have a mandatory dropping of the bottom 15% of the
>"elite" 50 every year it will fail (i.e. if there is no
>turnover based on performance). If the championship is just 50
>guys from the "elite" 50 every year, it will fail. If the
>"opens" don't fill, it will fail. If the entry fees go up
>again without an increase in payout, it will fail. If the FLW
>continues to grow amd improve it's media exposure, it will
>surpass the PWT. If the FLW increases payouts for non-Ranger
>owners, the PWT will be in trouble.

#1.)It is not "JK's favorite 50" they are using a performanced base formula.ie. top tens , money won, championships attended and so on.
#2.)There will be a droping off of the bottom. the new qualifiers will come from the regionals.
#3.)The championship will be less than 50 guys with 10 or so coming from the regionals.
#4.)Entry fee's will not go up payout will increase.
#5.)The regionals will fill. Entires will be less fo both the Pro and the Co-Anler.

I am sure there will be some exceptions to all this and I am only passing on what I have been able to gather by reading between the lines.

This will be very good for the sport overall and move the PWT and the Anglers to the next level.

Way to go PWT!!!!

SO IF YOU WANT TO REALLY LEARN FROM THE BEST ENTER THE ELITE 50 AS A CO-ANGLER. NO ONE COULD ARGUE WITH THAT AND KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE.

[answers]

>That's a good question. I'm sure you'll get lots of energized
>discussions on that one. This will be a pivotal year for the
>PWT, and I think it's future will all depend on the sucess of
>this new format.
>
>If the new format is the "JK's favorite 50", it will fail. If
>they don't have a mandatory dropping of the bottom 15% of the
>"elite" 50 every year it will fail (i.e. if there is no
>turnover based on performance). If the championship is just 50
>guys from the "elite" 50 every year, it will fail. If the
>"opens" don't fill, it will fail. If the entry fees go up
>again without an increase in payout, it will fail. If the FLW
>continues to grow amd improve it's media exposure, it will
>surpass the PWT. If the FLW increases payouts for non-Ranger
>owners, the PWT will be in trouble.

#1.)It is not "JK's favorite 50" they are using a performanced base formula.ie. top tens , money won, championships attended and so on.
#2.)There will be a droping off of the bottom. the new qualifiers will come from the regionals.
#3.)The championship will be less than 50 guys with 10 or so coming from the regionals.
#4.)Entry fee's will not go up payout will increase.
#5.)The regionals will fill. Entires will be less fo both the Pro and the Co-Anler.

I am sure there will be some exceptions to all this and I am only passing on what I have been able to gather by reading between the lines.

This will be very good for the sport overall and move the PWT and the Anglers to the next level.

Way to go PWT!!!!

SO IF YOU WANT TO REALLY LEARN FROM THE BEST ENTER THE ELITE 50 AS A CO-ANGLER. NO ONE COULD ARGUE WITH THAT AND KEEP A STRAIGHT FACE.

[hollywoodeyes]

Rayhawk,

Fishing tournaments is by far the greatest way to learn a lot in a little bit of time. You don't have to spend lots of money fishing with the big boys to learn a lot. I suggest you look for a local circuit to fish. You will meet some great people and learn at the same time. If you have the resources then by all means jump in with both feet and fish the PWT and the like as a Co. I have learned more fishing tournies than I could ever learn from the bait shop guy and have had a real great time doing it. Watch out fishing as a Co at some tournaments as you may find yourself fishing with some kook that knows less than you do. Some of these "PRO" tournaments require only that you pay the entry fee to be considered a "PRO"! Best of luck.

hollywoodeyes

[hollywoodeyes]

Rayhawk,

Fishing tournaments is by far the greatest way to learn a lot in a little bit of time. You don't have to spend lots of money fishing with the big boys to learn a lot. I suggest you look for a local circuit to fish. You will meet some great people and learn at the same time. If you have the resources then by all means jump in with both feet and fish the PWT and the like as a Co. I have learned more fishing tournies than I could ever learn from the bait shop guy and have had a real great time doing it. Watch out fishing as a Co at some tournaments as you may find yourself fishing with some kook that knows less than you do. Some of these "PRO" tournaments require only that you pay the entry fee to be considered a "PRO"! Best of luck.

hollywoodeyes

[Burr ND]

I'll mention a couple of things that have not been already said.

First, depending on you finances, it may be a good idea to add up the projected cost. I agree it would be a great experience, but it is an expensive endeavor. When you see what the numbers add up to, you will have to make the decision if this is the best way to spend your resources - however limited they may be.

Second - consider being at the tournament site during the whole prefish period as well as the tournament. One of the greatest things about doing that is to have the opportunity to meet more pro's and co's. I feel the relationships you will make, the friendships formed, are the most valuable part of the endeavor.

Third - If you do not already know a pro, see if you can make contact with one and consider taking you along as a partner through the tourney. The Pro's want to have people to fish with during prefishing. You could share rides, share room expenses, and would get familiar with the informal team aspect of the tournaments. You may want to be careful in you selection, because if you share time prefishing with Pro A, you will get to know the Pro B, C D and E that he works with - but will not be able to share information with the other 115 pro's on the circuit. Let me give you an example.

I have 2 local friends that are pro's. They used to work together, but for valid reasons, they are no longer on the same informal team. I went prefishing one tournament, and prefished the first and second day with 2 different pro's that were on the same team. One was one of my best friends (Pro A), and one was one of my friends team-mates I had just met - now they are all friends! The third day I fished with my other Pro friend (let's call him Pro B) that is part of another team. It was kind of frustrating for me, because I was in the boat with one of my best friends (Pro B), and could not openly make comments about what I had learned in day 1 and 2. So there I am, with one of my best friends - Pro B - and I could not help him as much during prefishing as I could have. I honestly had learned a couple of things that would have been valuable for Pro B to know. He did not in any way make it challenging for me to keep my mouth shut, Pro B was professional in every way - I just wish I could have been more open with what I knew - but I could not.

So the next times I went prefishing with Pro A and B friends - I prefished with the same team the entire time. That way I could share whatever information I had - much better experience. On one of the following prefishing trips - I fished with Pro A's team exclusively, on the next, I fished with Pro B's team exclusively. That worked much better.

If finances are tight, and you can establish these relationships, you could prefish only, and the trip is really quite reasonable without the entry fees. But paying the entry fees then allow you to fish with pro's you would otherwise never have the opportunity to learn from.

And what the heck - it's a $500-$700 lottery ticket for a pretty nice boat. You'd have a 1 in 120-150 chance in winning it. Much better than powerball!

IMO - everyone should be a Co at least once!

[Burr ND]

I'll mention a couple of things that have not been already said.

First, depending on you finances, it may be a good idea to add up the projected cost. I agree it would be a great experience, but it is an expensive endeavor. When you see what the numbers add up to, you will have to make the decision if this is the best way to spend your resources - however limited they may be.

Second - consider being at the tournament site during the whole prefish period as well as the tournament. One of the greatest things about doing that is to have the opportunity to meet more pro's and co's. I feel the relationships you will make, the friendships formed, are the most valuable part of the endeavor.

Third - If you do not already know a pro, see if you can make contact with one and consider taking you along as a partner through the tourney. The Pro's want to have people to fish with during prefishing. You could share rides, share room expenses, and would get familiar with the informal team aspect of the tournaments. You may want to be careful in you selection, because if you share time prefishing with Pro A, you will get to know the Pro B, C D and E that he works with - but will not be able to share information with the other 115 pro's on the circuit. Let me give you an example.

I have 2 local friends that are pro's. They used to work together, but for valid reasons, they are no longer on the same informal team. I went prefishing one tournament, and prefished the first and second day with 2 different pro's that were on the same team. One was one of my best friends (Pro A), and one was one of my friends team-mates I had just met - now they are all friends! The third day I fished with my other Pro friend (let's call him Pro B) that is part of another team. It was kind of frustrating for me, because I was in the boat with one of my best friends (Pro B), and could not openly make comments about what I had learned in day 1 and 2. So there I am, with one of my best friends - Pro B - and I could not help him as much during prefishing as I could have. I honestly had learned a couple of things that would have been valuable for Pro B to know. He did not in any way make it challenging for me to keep my mouth shut, Pro B was professional in every way - I just wish I could have been more open with what I knew - but I could not.

So the next times I went prefishing with Pro A and B friends - I prefished with the same team the entire time. That way I could share whatever information I had - much better experience. On one of the following prefishing trips - I fished with Pro A's team exclusively, on the next, I fished with Pro B's team exclusively. That worked much better.

If finances are tight, and you can establish these relationships, you could prefish only, and the trip is really quite reasonable without the entry fees. But paying the entry fees then allow you to fish with pro's you would otherwise never have the opportunity to learn from.

And what the heck - it's a $500-$700 lottery ticket for a pretty nice boat. You'd have a 1 in 120-150 chance in winning it. Much better than powerball!

IMO - everyone should be a Co at least once!

[reelman1]

jb251, How did you learn from you co-anglers? I thought that FLW and PWT had rules that basically said that the co-angler could not share information with there pros?

I am sure that most of the pros are GREAT guys and will try to teach you as much as possible but there are times when trolling that there really isn't much to learn. You drag a crawler harness off of a board, not that hard. Location is more important than anything else. There are also pros that are no better, and sometimes worse, than the hard core ameture, pray that you do not get drawn with these guys.

[reelman1]

jb251, How did you learn from you co-anglers? I thought that FLW and PWT had rules that basically said that the co-angler could not share information with there pros?

I am sure that most of the pros are GREAT guys and will try to teach you as much as possible but there are times when trolling that there really isn't much to learn. You drag a crawler harness off of a board, not that hard. Location is more important than anything else. There are also pros that are no better, and sometimes worse, than the hard core ameture, pray that you do not get drawn with these guys.

[JB251]

>jb251, How did you learn from you co-anglers? I thought that
>FLW and PWT had rules that basically said that the co-angler
>could not share information with there pros?
>
>I am sure that most of the pros are GREAT guys and will try to
>teach you as much as possible but there are times when
>trolling that there really isn't much to learn. You drag a
>crawler harness off of a board, not that hard. Location is
>more important than anything else. There are also pros that
>are no better, and sometimes worse, than the hard core
>ameture, pray that you do not get drawn with these guys.

FLW has no such rule as long as the information was not given and used from a previous day of competition. You can use information that your co-angler gives based on his past experience. Unless the rule has changed of course. This has happened many times on the FLW tour where the co-angler takes the pro to his spots on that particular body of water. This is a known fact.

PWT you can not use or take any information from your co-angler period during the tournament. What you learn before and after the tournament is of course allowed. I have many co-anglers who are friends that I pre fish with many times they have a great deal of knowledge.

[JB251]

>jb251, How did you learn from you co-anglers? I thought that
>FLW and PWT had rules that basically said that the co-angler
>could not share information with there pros?
>
>I am sure that most of the pros are GREAT guys and will try to
>teach you as much as possible but there are times when
>trolling that there really isn't much to learn. You drag a
>crawler harness off of a board, not that hard. Location is
>more important than anything else. There are also pros that
>are no better, and sometimes worse, than the hard core
>ameture, pray that you do not get drawn with these guys.

FLW has no such rule as long as the information was not given and used from a previous day of competition. You can use information that your co-angler gives based on his past experience. Unless the rule has changed of course. This has happened many times on the FLW tour where the co-angler takes the pro to his spots on that particular body of water. This is a known fact.

PWT you can not use or take any information from your co-angler period during the tournament. What you learn before and after the tournament is of course allowed. I have many co-anglers who are friends that I pre fish with many times they have a great deal of knowledge.

[Jesse-WI]

If you have the money it is a wonderful experience. I fished around 10 of them several years back when the economy was better. I fished some to learn a particular system and others to learn a particular type of fishing. As we recall from our younger days, learning requires paying attention and asking lots of questions. I still remember the day, I received the equilvent of personalized jigging lessons from Gary Parsons.

[Jesse-WI]

If you have the money it is a wonderful experience. I fished around 10 of them several years back when the economy was better. I fished some to learn a particular system and others to learn a particular type of fishing. As we recall from our younger days, learning requires paying attention and asking lots of questions. I still remember the day, I received the equilvent of personalized jigging lessons from Gary Parsons.

[Marv Sandbek]

Rayhawk:

As is obvious, there are many opinions and viewpoints regarding the "pro" and "con" of co-angler participation! As with any venture in life, the experience can be positive or negative . . .there are so many variables! I agree with many of the respondents. But, I also take issue with some commentary. You, and only you, can determine what value is returned on your investment, and I encourage you to "plunge" in and take advantage of the opportunity! I offer these points for your consideration:

1. Are you interested in learning specific techniques, or are you interested in exploring new waters? If the answer is "yes" to both, then the first component to consider is "Water!" I am from northern Minnesota, and when I jumped into the PWT amateur ranks in the early 90's, my interest was in exploring Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay, etc. The thing I learned that still sticks in my mind is the fury of a thunderstorm on open water!!!! Sure, I learned "tons" about big water fishing, but I also learned about natures power . . . eight miles out! Carefully consider the schedule . . .some event locations are very weather sensitive, and some Pro's are reluctant to head for safety when the weather is less than favorable! It's hard to learn with a bolt of lightning streaking across the bow!

2. Do you need fishing tackle or cash?? I ask this question because circuits differ in the payout to the amateur/co-angler contestants. I have enough tackle and coolers . . .so, for me the choice is the FLW . . .both Walleye League, and next year . . The Tour! I prefer co-angling because of the opportunity to meet new people, and to continue to learn about this great sport! And . . I do not have the "jingle" to invest $50,000 to $70,000 in a fishing rig and tow vehicle. I salute the people who invest so heavily in this sport! However, I cannot do it . . .and probably would not do it if I could. To me, it makes more sense to view the co-angler experience as a "fishing trip!" I have no designs on being a co-angling "Champion," but rather to become a better angler . . .learning from both good experiences, and bad!

3. What are your expectations??? What do you want to take away from the investment and experience?? Do you plan on becoming a "pro" at some point in time?? Would you like to become an outdoor journalist, and share your experience with others through print or electronic media?? Do you consider the co-angler role to be an educational venue, seeking more knowledge for personal application and enjoyment?? These are all questions that you should consider before laying down the cash! And . . .as far as the investment is concerned, it is no different that paying tuition and books at college. The great unknown is . . .who is the "professor?" Some are very good . . . and some are not so good! You must be prepared for both . . .you must be prepared to get as much out of your investment as possible no matter who the teacher may be!

Best wishes to you, Rayhawk . . . jump on in and enjoy the water with the rest of us! We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Marv Sandbek

[Marv Sandbek]

Rayhawk:

As is obvious, there are many opinions and viewpoints regarding the "pro" and "con" of co-angler participation! As with any venture in life, the experience can be positive or negative . . .there are so many variables! I agree with many of the respondents. But, I also take issue with some commentary. You, and only you, can determine what value is returned on your investment, and I encourage you to "plunge" in and take advantage of the opportunity! I offer these points for your consideration:

1. Are you interested in learning specific techniques, or are you interested in exploring new waters? If the answer is "yes" to both, then the first component to consider is "Water!" I am from northern Minnesota, and when I jumped into the PWT amateur ranks in the early 90's, my interest was in exploring Lake Erie, Saginaw Bay, etc. The thing I learned that still sticks in my mind is the fury of a thunderstorm on open water!!!! Sure, I learned "tons" about big water fishing, but I also learned about natures power . . . eight miles out! Carefully consider the schedule . . .some event locations are very weather sensitive, and some Pro's are reluctant to head for safety when the weather is less than favorable! It's hard to learn with a bolt of lightning streaking across the bow!

2. Do you need fishing tackle or cash?? I ask this question because circuits differ in the payout to the amateur/co-angler contestants. I have enough tackle and coolers . . .so, for me the choice is the FLW . . .both Walleye League, and next year . . The Tour! I prefer co-angling because of the opportunity to meet new people, and to continue to learn about this great sport! And . . I do not have the "jingle" to invest $50,000 to $70,000 in a fishing rig and tow vehicle. I salute the people who invest so heavily in this sport! However, I cannot do it . . .and probably would not do it if I could. To me, it makes more sense to view the co-angler experience as a "fishing trip!" I have no designs on being a co-angling "Champion," but rather to become a better angler . . .learning from both good experiences, and bad!

3. What are your expectations??? What do you want to take away from the investment and experience?? Do you plan on becoming a "pro" at some point in time?? Would you like to become an outdoor journalist, and share your experience with others through print or electronic media?? Do you consider the co-angler role to be an educational venue, seeking more knowledge for personal application and enjoyment?? These are all questions that you should consider before laying down the cash! And . . .as far as the investment is concerned, it is no different that paying tuition and books at college. The great unknown is . . .who is the "professor?" Some are very good . . . and some are not so good! You must be prepared for both . . .you must be prepared to get as much out of your investment as possible no matter who the teacher may be!

Best wishes to you, Rayhawk . . . jump on in and enjoy the water with the rest of us! We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Marv Sandbek

[Sunshine]

Marv,

Very well said.

[Sunshine]

Marv,

Very well said.

[DUDE]

reelman1,
Your in 40' of water and your not marking fish on the bottom, but you are catching walleye. Your using crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers. Tell me how much weight bottom bouncers are you using and how far back are you putting them behind the boards??? That is what you are learning when you fish with a pro!! I fished with Gary Roach in 2000 on lake erie, and he taught me that walleye's are not always on the bottom on the lake. I got in the tourny as a co-angler to learn and that is exactly what I did. Everyone can learn something new when you fish with these guys, and most of them are top notch people!!

[DUDE]

reelman1,
Your in 40' of water and your not marking fish on the bottom, but you are catching walleye. Your using crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers. Tell me how much weight bottom bouncers are you using and how far back are you putting them behind the boards??? That is what you are learning when you fish with a pro!! I fished with Gary Roach in 2000 on lake erie, and he taught me that walleye's are not always on the bottom on the lake. I got in the tourny as a co-angler to learn and that is exactly what I did. Everyone can learn something new when you fish with these guys, and most of them are top notch people!!

[Vikings Fan]

I second the motion for "very well said". Very well said.

[Vikings Fan]

I second the motion for "very well said". Very well said.

[reelman1]

That's what the Precision Trolling book is for.

[reelman1]

That's what the Precision Trolling book is for.

[why]

Your post suggest that there is a formula that uses top tens, championships, money won, etc. A formula like this will exclude young guns with only a few years on the trail...Up and comers with only 4 or 5 seasons under their belt could never have enough top tens, and enough money won to get in, in place of guys that have been doing this for 17 years.

How will they keep this from becoming the "old guys tour"?

[why]

Your post suggest that there is a formula that uses top tens, championships, money won, etc. A formula like this will exclude young guns with only a few years on the trail...Up and comers with only 4 or 5 seasons under their belt could never have enough top tens, and enough money won to get in, in place of guys that have been doing this for 17 years.

How will they keep this from becoming the "old guys tour"?

[DUDE]

Whatever....

[DUDE]

Whatever....

[answers]

I think the formula will take that into account. You will see several guys fishing the Elite 50 that have only been around for a few years.

There are several guys that have been around for less than 5 years that have much better credentials than some guys that have been around for much longer. You may even see a Rookie in the mix!!

This should be base on performance not longevity as in any professional sport. Times are changing and only the best will get to fish and stay in the Elite 50. The way it should be!

[answers]

I think the formula will take that into account. You will see several guys fishing the Elite 50 that have only been around for a few years.

There are several guys that have been around for less than 5 years that have much better credentials than some guys that have been around for much longer. You may even see a Rookie in the mix!!

This should be base on performance not longevity as in any professional sport. Times are changing and only the best will get to fish and stay in the Elite 50. The way it should be!

[when]

Do you know when the elite 50 invitations will be sent, and the details will be announced?

[when]

Do you know when the elite 50 invitations will be sent, and the details will be announced?

[answers]

I believe by the end of next week.

[answers]

I believe by the end of next week.

[tourneys]

I would highly suggest the FLW over the PWT, both are fine tournaments, but for the co-angler there is no $$ on the co-angler side in the PWT unless you get 1st place (new boat). Otherwise I'd fish the FLW, where there is money to be earned. The PWT really needs to change that aspect of their circut.

[tourneys]

I would highly suggest the FLW over the PWT, both are fine tournaments, but for the co-angler there is no $$ on the co-angler side in the PWT unless you get 1st place (new boat). Otherwise I'd fish the FLW, where there is money to be earned. The PWT really needs to change that aspect of their circut.

[Badger 05]

"If you fish a trolling bite ie. Erie or Green Bay you will learn how to sit on your but for 8 hours a day"

That might just be one of the dumbest things I have ever read. Every fishing tactic takes skill to be successful at. I work just as hard, if not harder, when trolling as I do when employing other tactics. If a person wants to be truly successful at fishing (able to catch fish under any conditions) that person has to be very proficient at all methods/tactics. One of the best ways to get better at everything is to fish tournaments, especially with a guy who fishes for a living.

Fishing is: One jerk waiting for another jerk at the end of his line

[adapt]

Agreed, even though I'd rather fish bait....you have to be able to adapt to every situation, and being a good troller is no easy task. Ask Ron Seelhoff. There is definately a science to it.