PWT LOCATIONS 2006

[eyeeeeeeeeee]

anyone know anything?

[nope]

It will only be two more weeks...of course, they've been saying that since July!

[Same Stuff]

No news until last minute so everyone they expect to fish in them can scramble to make plans.

I heard they may even raise entry fees again in an effort to pay out more.

Its the classic the anglers pay more to play, but in reality are only getting more becasue its more of their own money in the first place.

I hope its not true, but the BASS guys are doing it so why not the PWT.

[Stacker1]

That is correct. What is entry fee for the BASS right now, 2,950. or something like that. They don't have the large sponsor dollars either.Wht beat on the PWT? They were the first, and they are the end result, where the pro's all want to play. Money is great but glory carries alot of weight as well.

[Fish_on]

For the Elite BASS series, the entry fee is $5000 per event or $55,000 for all 11 tournaments.

[Mille Lacs Guy]

I read on another website that the PWT was looking into an event at Ottertail lake in Minnesota in June of next year. I don't believe they would go there but that is the rumor around Ottertail.

Anyone else hear this?

[Ottertail]

Heard it too, as one of the elite 50 tournaments. I've been hearing it long enough to feel they are serious about it. I'm sure there are still lots of time and arrangments to be made before things are finalized.

[Rumor Mill Guy]

I've heard from reasonably reliable but anonymous sources that Chamberlain in May, Mobridge, Ottertail, Cass for the Championship are some of the selections for 2006.

[Burr]

Sounds like they may be going back to Devils Lake this year too - June.

[well]

They were supposed to announce the locations, format, payouts and entry fees on Friday 10/28. Well...another promised date came and went with no announcement.

I think they are in trouble.

[Promise]

I do not ever remember any promise of a deadline date. What I heard was the invites to the Elites would be going out either Friday or Monday. They are still waiting for site confirmations.

As far as them being in trouble not sure what you mean by that but I assure they will have no trouble filling up the Elite Super Pro’s. There will be and are guys lobbying very hard to get in.

As far as the regional series if they cap it at 100 they will also have no trouble filling the fields. So in trouble I don’t think so. Right direction, yes!

Looking forward….

[Question]

No trouble filling the regional events? They failed to fill ANY of the events last year. What makes you think this coming year will be any different?

[Answer]

>No trouble filling the regional events? They failed to fill
>ANY of the events last year. What makes you think this coming
>year will be any different?

One reason some of the fields were not quite filled was because several anglers pulled out for what ever reason and the PWT will not allow just anyone to fish just to fill the field, the way it should be. A full field was 120 and they had between 115 and 120 for each event.

Now this year by going with the Elite 50 that leaves about 120 from last season out some from the west some from the east and several from all six. Many of the elite 50 guys will also fish the Regional Series and with around a 100 spots available there should be no trouble filling the fields. Also in the Regional Series they are going to allow one time anglers to fish if spots are available. So if you add it up it looks like a great season ahead.

Looking forward.....

[WHY]

What is the big problem with allowing anybody to fish the Tournaments?Why should you have to be accepted in order to fish?It sounds like they want to tailer the field of contestants.I think they should open up the tournaments to anyone.A real good angler is not to going to be bothered by a local guide jumping in for one event.This sport is sort of turning into a golf club atmosphere were the wealthy and accepted socialites come to seek glory!Just my two cents!

[Future]

>What is the big problem with allowing anybody to fish the
>Tournaments?Why should you have to be accepted in order to
>fish?It sounds like they want to tailer the field of
>contestants.I think they should open up the tournaments to
>anyone.A real good angler is not to going to be bothered by a
>local guide jumping in for one event.This sport is sort of
>turning into a golf club atmosphere were the wealthy and
>accepted socialites come to seek glory!Just my two cents!

Up until now most were able to fish but you were required to fish either all six or at least a division. This was a request made by the anglers themselves. Why should fishing be any different than any other sport? You cannot just request or ask to play in the NFL you need to prove your self first. There are plenty of other tournaments open to all but should the top level be. I think not if you want to gain the respect it deserves.

Now the regional Series will solve this as anyone can apply to fish any individual tournament. But preference will got to the guys who apply to fish all 4 of them, then to the guys who want to fish 3 and so on. I doubt there will be any room for one time anglers as fields will fill before that ever becomes an issue.

I am glad to see what is going on in both the PWT & FLW right now. They both seem to be following what is going on in Bass. You have to fish the BFL or Bass Federations to hopefully qualify to get into their tours. This is a good thing. There will come a time if you wish to fish the FLW Walleye Tour you will have to qualify through the FLW Walleye Leagues. As of next season if you wish to fish the PWT Elite Series you will have to fish the Regional Series firstand hope to have very good results to qualify.

As far as the Golf analogy goes. All I know is if you want to Golf on The PGA Tour you have to be darn good an qualify, qualify through “Q” school and you need to continue performing to keep your tour card. If you look at the money leaders for 2005 the guy in 200th place has earned $173,319. A good living to say the least. Not suggesting we will ever get to this level but working on it is a positive move.

Once fishing evolves to this level you will have with out a doubt the best of the best. I agree there are many great anglers out there now not doing the PWT or FLW due to the financial issue. But I always say if you are that good and confident in your game the money will come.

The days are coming where the money will be there and the guys there now will have the advantage because it will be much harder to qualify to get the chance to compete at the elite level. As in golf there will a few out every year and a few in but not many.

What is happening now with both Walleye and Bass is very exciting and I am looking forward to end results!!

[been there]

the fishing tournament circuit is an important part of the fishing ho bby, it brings info and interest to other anglers and advancements in knowledge, and equipment are helpful to regular fisherman, yet to compare the people who participate in tournaments to professional athletes is ridiculous. there is no professional sport where an avid fan could step on the playing field and compete but with fishing an experienced fisherman could compete with 80% of the "pros" on any given day. This is especially true with the access to information available on the internet, magazines etc. I was in a tournament last year and fished a small area with three of the top ten rated pros using techniques that are not my favourite method but warranted with the conditions and i ended up doing as well or better then all three of them. This was no reflection on me but made it clear to me that even the best pros using their favourite methods arent much better then regular fishermen. The gap is only going to get smaller also as the equipment and knowledge are available to all. I guess the main thing is that the skill part of fishing is actually the least important part of the hobby. This is not the case with real professional athletes. I still enjoy the tournament circuit but they are strictly a profit maker for the organizers with about 10% of the pros making a living out of it. The changes being made are good but being done because more of the participants who were helping to in reality sponsor their own event are starting to wake up to the reality.

[been there]

the fishing tournament circuit is an important part of the fishing ho bby, it brings info and interest to other anglers and advancements in knowledge, and equipment are helpful to regular fisherman, yet to compare the people who participate in tournaments to professional athletes is ridiculous. there is no professional sport where an avid fan could step on the playing field and compete but with fishing an experienced fisherman could compete with 80% of the "pros" on any given day. This is especially true with the access to information available on the internet, magazines etc. I was in a tournament last year and fished a small area with three of the top ten rated pros using techniques that are not my favourite method but warranted with the conditions and i ended up doing as well or better then all three of them. This was no reflection on me but made it clear to me that even the best pros using their favourite methods arent much better then regular fishermen. The gap is only going to get smaller also as the equipment and knowledge are available to all. I guess the main thing is that the skill part of fishing is actually the least important part of the hobby. This is not the case with real professional athletes. I still enjoy the tournament circuit but they are strictly a profit maker for the organizers with about 10% of the pros making a living out of it. The changes being made are good but being done because more of the participants who were helping to in reality sponsor their own event are starting to wake up to the reality.

[Done That]

So you fished one tournament did OK and now think you can hang with the big boys. I do not care what circuit one fish’s be it local or national there are always guys who are more consistent than others. One good tournament finish means nothing. I have seen guys win a tournament never to be heard from again. You are correct in one thing the avid fans could try there hand at the elite level but no more. Now you will have to qualify to fish at the elite levels weather it is the PWT or BASS. Many of the average have tried and most over a full season or two realise they were in over their heads and quit. This is s very non forgiving SPORT!! Fish the PWT & FLW for one season and see if it is not physically and mentally demanding.

I agree that this is a sport that some guys can compete on any given day but to compete for the long term and be successful takes skill and a very strong mental game. There is a great deal of information out there theses days and that alone does not make every guy an instant perennial top contender.

Anyone who thinks they can compete on a consistent basis with the top ten guys right now is a fool if he or she is not on Tour because you would be making a very good living doing what you love.

Imagine making a living at a hobby. What a life!! So simple!

[Done That]

So you fished one tournament did OK and now think you can hang with the big boys. I do not care what circuit one fish’s be it local or national there are always guys who are more consistent than others. One good tournament finish means nothing. I have seen guys win a tournament never to be heard from again. You are correct in one thing the avid fans could try there hand at the elite level but no more. Now you will have to qualify to fish at the elite levels weather it is the PWT or BASS. Many of the average have tried and most over a full season or two realise they were in over their heads and quit. This is s very non forgiving SPORT!! Fish the PWT & FLW for one season and see if it is not physically and mentally demanding.

I agree that this is a sport that some guys can compete on any given day but to compete for the long term and be successful takes skill and a very strong mental game. There is a great deal of information out there theses days and that alone does not make every guy an instant perennial top contender.

Anyone who thinks they can compete on a consistent basis with the top ten guys right now is a fool if he or she is not on Tour because you would be making a very good living doing what you love.

Imagine making a living at a hobby. What a life!! So simple!

[JLDII]

..."Imagine making a living at a hobby. What a life!! So simple!"

Its only simple as long as your passion continues. Changing your hobby into your job can cause you to loose some of that passion after a while. Once you start to loose that passion it's not so simple to continue day after day. Especially if you have strong feelings about family and home.

[JLDII]

..."Imagine making a living at a hobby. What a life!! So simple!"

Its only simple as long as your passion continues. Changing your hobby into your job can cause you to loose some of that passion after a while. Once you start to loose that passion it's not so simple to continue day after day. Especially if you have strong feelings about family and home.

[been there]

i do not believe it would be easy at all for someone to compete with the top 10 guys on a consistent basis, they have a great deal of experience, resources, knowledge and skill, and most importantly they have a strong team they work with, this doesnt happen over night. i agree totally that anyone could do well in one tournament but is unlikely to do well overall without the time, money and dedication the elite guys put into it. i think the top 20% are being supported by the other 80% though, which is unlike other sports, and not really reasonable if you want a viable situation. i think the elite 50 idea is great, and looking forward to seeing how things evolve over the next few years. i would like to see the sport evolve but am concerned it is adapting each year to try to survive without spreading the wealth and charging outrageous fees esp. for the ams.

[been there]

i do not believe it would be easy at all for someone to compete with the top 10 guys on a consistent basis, they have a great deal of experience, resources, knowledge and skill, and most importantly they have a strong team they work with, this doesnt happen over night. i agree totally that anyone could do well in one tournament but is unlikely to do well overall without the time, money and dedication the elite guys put into it. i think the top 20% are being supported by the other 80% though, which is unlike other sports, and not really reasonable if you want a viable situation. i think the elite 50 idea is great, and looking forward to seeing how things evolve over the next few years. i would like to see the sport evolve but am concerned it is adapting each year to try to survive without spreading the wealth and charging outrageous fees esp. for the ams.

[Done That]

>..."Imagine making a living at a hobby. What a life!! So
>simple!"
>
>Its only simple as long as your passion continues. Changing
>your hobby into your job can cause you to loose some of that
>passion after a while. Once you start to loose that passion
>it's not so simple to continue day after day. Especially if
>you have strong feelings about family and home.
>
>
>
My translation got lost here I was trying to be sarcastic. By no means do I think it is great and simple. It is a great deal of hard work and sacrifice no matter how you look at it. Is it worth it well that all depends on the individual?

But thinking anyone can do it and compete on a daily basis because they have success once is a foolish thought.

[Done That]

>..."Imagine making a living at a hobby. What a life!! So
>simple!"
>
>Its only simple as long as your passion continues. Changing
>your hobby into your job can cause you to loose some of that
>passion after a while. Once you start to loose that passion
>it's not so simple to continue day after day. Especially if
>you have strong feelings about family and home.
>
>
>
My translation got lost here I was trying to be sarcastic. By no means do I think it is great and simple. It is a great deal of hard work and sacrifice no matter how you look at it. Is it worth it well that all depends on the individual?

But thinking anyone can do it and compete on a daily basis because they have success once is a foolish thought.

[Done That]

>i do not believe it would be easy at all for someone to
>compete with the top 10 guys on a consistent basis, they have
>a great deal of experience, resources, knowledge and skill,
>and most importantly they have a strong team they work with,
>this doesnt happen over night. i agree totally that anyone
>could do well in one tournament but is unlikely to do well
>overall without the time, money and dedication the elite guys
>put into it. i think the top 20% are being supported by the
>other 80% though, which is unlike other sports, and not really
>reasonable if you want a viable situation. i think the elite
>50 idea is great, and looking forward to seeing how things
>evolve over the next few years. i would like to see the sport
>evolve but am concerned it is adapting each year to try to
>survive without spreading the wealth and charging outrageous
>fees esp. for the ams.

I do agree with you hereon all accounts!!

[Done That]

>i do not believe it would be easy at all for someone to
>compete with the top 10 guys on a consistent basis, they have
>a great deal of experience, resources, knowledge and skill,
>and most importantly they have a strong team they work with,
>this doesnt happen over night. i agree totally that anyone
>could do well in one tournament but is unlikely to do well
>overall without the time, money and dedication the elite guys
>put into it. i think the top 20% are being supported by the
>other 80% though, which is unlike other sports, and not really
>reasonable if you want a viable situation. i think the elite
>50 idea is great, and looking forward to seeing how things
>evolve over the next few years. i would like to see the sport
>evolve but am concerned it is adapting each year to try to
>survive without spreading the wealth and charging outrageous
>fees esp. for the ams.

I do agree with you hereon all accounts!!

[JLDII]

I understand what you were saying.

I was one of those who decided the game was not worth the sacrifice of time spent with family and home.

[JLDII]

I understand what you were saying.

I was one of those who decided the game was not worth the sacrifice of time spent with family and home.

[Done That]

>I understand what you were saying.
>
>I was one of those who decided the game was not worth the
>sacrifice of time spent with family and home.

Absolutely, I am still trying to figure out if it is worth it or not. It is a very tough decision. By going with the Family you can never be wrong. I am sure your family appreciates it.

You have a nice day...

[disagree]

I've guided many over the last 12 yrs who call themselves average anglers. I don't fish the pro circuts, but I can tell you, on any given day I can out fish the majority of them, so...the fact that skill isn't involved is false. Now, I agree there are many guides, and weekend fisherman that can out fish probably at least 50% of those on the tours, so it does go both ways. But the names at the top are there for a reason. I know several guys on the circuts that don't fish half the days I put on the water, and other who put more.

[topnames]

The names at the top are there because they have been blessed to be able to fund and participate for the long haul. Being at the top of the PWT is simply an exercise in how long you are able to stay in the game. The guys that have been able to keep funding the venture through personal or sponsor money are the ones at the top. The most skilled anglers are not necessarily the ones at the top. Many excellent and better anglers have come and gone for various reasons. Protecting the group at the top is the game the PWT has decided to play. They are working a strategy now that is simple - create as much distance as possible from the "top" anglers to the good, solid anglers... because as evidenced through the way the top guys fear the local guides, etc... they know the skill set of the "top" guys cannot outmatch the local talent fishing the lakes on a regular basis. Why else would the "top" names fight and jockey for position with the best locals when traveling to those areas. I wonder what kind of perks need to be passed on for that kind of relationship?

[Juls_OH]

"...they know the skill set of
the "top" guys cannot outmatch the local talent fishing the
lakes on a regular basis."

Ok, I've stopped laughing enough to type...

Take your locals off "their" lake/river and let them compete against these top guys on an unfamiliar body of water, and see how they match up in skill sets against the top names.

If you have years of experience, and an intimate knowledge of a particular body of water, of course you would be favored to beat the top names who only have a LIMITED amount of time to learn and dissect this same body of water. However, it doesn't guarantee you will. ;)

Do you think it's fair, that the Pros who are putting up their hard earned cash to compete and make a living fishing tournaments, and fish the ENTIRE series, should have to compete against one timers who only fish the bodies of water they are intimate with? I don't. The way they have it set up keeps it a more level/fair playing field for all who are trying to make a living in this sport.

Just my opinion...

Juls

[Steil]

That is a very good point Juls. I just wanted to jump in here to say that there are a lot of great anglers out there. Some fish the Tours, some do not. I honestly believe the true test is when a person is forced to fish an entire tour, not just their "favorite" or "home" lake. I like to see how a person does for an entire season, on many different bodies of water. We all know being consistant if VERY tough in the fishing world.

With that said, I wanted to thank the FLW for making the switch to a top 50 championship, because it does two things; it rewards consistancy, and makes more people fish the entire tour. I believe in 2007 you will have to fish the entire tour if you want to fish the tour at all, and that is how it should be.

I do not fish the PWT because I do not have the time to devote to it. I think they made some positive changes this year, but also took several steps backwards. We all understand the importance of marketing ourselves but the idea of Super Pro's or something like that is ridiculous.

Scott Steil
NPAA #825

[Marble Eyes]

Super Pro? hehe Okay.

Perhaps if there are those out there that feel the need to restrict their competition- tournament fishing should walk away from the competition and share those stocked ponds and make fishing videos with Roland Martin and Bill Dance.


Look at that SON, now that is a fish SON, oh boy oh boy oh boy.
SON! Hey bill get out of my way. I am a SUPER PRO, SON!