FLW or PWT as co-angler?

[Texeye]

My neighbor and I would like to fish as co-anglers in either one of these organizations next year. If there was a possibility of both of us getting in, we could fly up and split expenses to make it a little easier on both of us.

It seems most posts are asking for co-anglers to sign up for all the tournaments not just one as we had intended to do.

Can we fish just one event? If so,what are the odds we could both get in on the same event as co-anglers? We hate to even start making plans unless there is a good possibility.

Hope some of you could help us.

Thanks,
Texeye

[Juls_OH]

There are plenty of Pros on the FLW that will take one time event Co Anglers to sign up with. That's what I did last year. I lined up a few of them to cover all of the events.

If you and your buddy post on here that you are looking for a pro to sign up with for "______________"(enter FLW event here), you should both be able to find counterparts to sign up with....it shouldn't be a problem for you guys to get in.

The only reason they encourage finding a counterpart, is to confirm your entry in case there is a waiting list...(which I think will definitely happen next season).

I don't think entering a PWT event will be a problem, so if that's the circuit you decide on fishing, you might want to call the PWT offices to get more information.


Juls

[Jim Carroll]

I can't speak about the FLW co-angler situation, but you will certainly be able to fish any single PWT Tournament event if you like. With 8 PWT events this year, there is a real variety of lakes and tactics to choose from. Regardless of where you fish, try to hook up with a pro for a day or two of prefishing if you have time- Am's tell me, and I've always felt that it adds a lot to the overall experience. Best Fishes. Jim Carroll NPAA #333

[Texeye]

Thanks, to you both.

It really seems like a no brainer to get the opportunity to learn a little more and have fun doing it. We would love to do two tournaments next spring but one at the very least. It sounds like we better start looking where we would like to fish.

Do the FLW and the PWT allow pre-fishing up to the day of the tournament? If we can get there early, how do you get with a pro who is willing to take you pre-fishing? I assume splitting all costs is the norm?

Thanks,
Texeye

[Juls_OH]

Usually, if you sign up with a Pro for the FLW's, they are more than willing to take you prefishing too. I can't speak for all of them, but the ones I do talk to, don't see this as a problem.

Once you find a counterpart, a simple email will open that line of communication.

Otherwise, what works at most events, is showing up at the ramp early in the morning and hitching a ride with a pro. They are usually willing to take someone along (if they are solo), so they can get some extra lines in the water.

Both circuits have prefishing all the way up to the Tuesday before the events, but most guys are usually off the water by 12pm.

Good luck in whichever you choose, and I hope you guys enjoy the experience!

Juls

[Johnnie Candle]

Posting right here on WC is a great way to hook up with a pro for pre-fishing. I have made several great friendships form exactly this process.

Chipping on for gas, bait, lures, is greatly appreciated.

Best of luck choosing a site.

[dave_unlogged]

>My neighbor and I would like to fish as co-anglers in either
>one of these organizations next year. If there was a
>possibility of both of us getting in, we could fly up and
>split expenses to make it a little easier on both of us.
>
>It seems most posts are asking for co-anglers to sign up for
>all the tournaments not just one as we had intended to do.
>
>Can we fish just one event? If so,what are the odds we could
>both get in on the same event as co-anglers? We hate to even
>start making plans unless there is a good possibility.
>
>Hope some of you could help us.
>
>Thanks,
>Texeye
>
Texeye,

This reply is from an experienced co-angler.

I would recommend fishing the FLW. In the FLW you can discuss
information and the pro's are usually a little more receptive
to those conversations.

In the PWT, you are not suppose to discuss any fishing information
from the co to the pro. My experience has been shut up and sit down.

Granted I do have a negative perspective of the PWT due to experiences, but per the info I've stated above, I believe the best
Walleye tournament series at the top level is the FLW.

[Satch_MN]

I have done both circuits as an Co-Angler and many of the PWT Pro's fish FLW. With that said keep an open mind and determine where you want to fish. Then do some research on where the landings nearest the tournament weigh in are and be ready with a cooler for refreshments, lunch etc. Also, have good rain gear/life vest along for weather conditions. Then just ask the pro if he/she wants a partner for the day. It's that simple. Of coarse be there at the landings early to make sure you get out. Don't get hung up on a specific technique that you would only like to learn because, on the alot of the bodys of waters in the schedules you can have multiple techniques and possibly the one you don't prefer may be used. So keep an open mind and go with the flow and have fun. Try not to be biased on which circuit to fish from negative comments someone else shares on this forum because, that was their experience. You can have the opposite experience and have the best of time.

Satch_MN

[dave_unlogged]

Satch_MN,

I agree. The events in each tournament will not be replicated the next tournament. My previous comment was biased.


The biggest thing for co-anglers is to remember your working w/ individuals who are fishing the premier Walleye Events. Alot is on the line for them. Yes you can come away disappointed, but always have an open mind and think positive. Don't focus on the money! If your there for a good time and to learn something, then the money will be extra. I lost site of that fact several times and came away disappointed. Don't let that happen to you.

[KTurner unlgd]

Tex - I've only fished the FLW as a co so here's my interpretation from the events I've fished (Erie, Devils Lake, Oahe, Pool 4 (Red Wing, and Moline, IL). Come with a positive attitude, clear mind (not hungover) and the willingness to work hard ALL day doing whatever your boater requests of you. You'll have the opportunity to learn a significant amount, varying from small things (knot tying) to some rather significant issues (boat control, pre-fishing strategy.) It has been my experience that the boater is most willing to share more and bigger information (techniques/strategies) when you bring a positive attitude and immediately learn to communicate your maturity and willingness to assist in bringing in the winning weight. After all they all paid their entry fee to win first place, right? As for the PWT, just look at the list of pro's and I find it hard to believe that many bad days could be experienced in any of their boats..... Good luck with your decision. It'd be fun to hear back on your experience........ Kurt

[wallytap]

Hey Tex: One thing to consider is if your get very lucky and do well.The PWT pays co/am in "prizes" the FLW is $$$. There's taxes to be paid on both & I'd rather pay taxes on cash not a cooler full of stuff.

[ChadM]

Tex,

My feeling is that I am fishing the tournament to learn. I would make your decision based on the lake and time of year rather than which circuit. Decide what you want to learn and pick a lake which will showcase those tactics. The anglers are all excellent on both circuits. Both have rookies and veterans.

As far as payouts....About 1 in 4 get prizes. So you have a 25% chance of having to worry about cash vs. merchandise and 1099's.

[ChadM]

If you send your entries in right away once they are available you have a very good chance of getting in.

[One In Three]

One in three win cash on the FLW Walleye Tour since they pay down 50 places.

You should have fun on either circuit. It's really what you make out of it.

[DiveGal]

Juls,

My husband fished the PWT as a co-angler for the last 3 years and we thought we might try the FLW this year. But we are a little confused when reading the site. You sound like you understand their format so maybe you can answer a couple of questions.

You talked about hooking up with a pro for the FLW but we thought it was just a drawing to match up pro's with co-anglers. Does it work both ways in the FLW? If so, and my husband does not have a pro to sign up with, what are his chances of getting into one of the tournaments? Do they fill up with pro's that already have co-anglers?

I looked at their web site and they have different fees for qualifiers and opens and I couldn't understand how to tell which events were qualifiers and which were opens.

I also could not find a payout schedule (for either pro's or am's). Do you have any idea when they usually post that, or do we just have to contact them for it?

Just curious....how would you compare your experience in an FLW tournament vs. a PWT?

If you would rather steer us to someone at FLW, is there anyone in particular you would recommend? Thanks for any help you can provide.

[Juls_OH]

>You talked about hooking up with a pro for the FLW but we
>thought it was just a drawing to match up pro's with
>co-anglers. Does it work both ways in the FLW? If so, and my
>husband does not have a pro to sign up with, what are his
>chances of getting into one of the tournaments? Do they fill
>up with pro's that already have co-anglers?

DiveGal,
Finding a counterpart to sign up with only means that the Pro and Co who sign up together will have priority entry (confirmed) over those that did not find someone to sign up with. In the event that there is a waiting list, or unevenly matched pro/co entries those that signed up together have priority entry.
When it comes to the tournament, it is just like the PWT...the pairings are made by computer draw. You never know who you will end up with.


>I looked at their web site and they have different fees for
>qualifiers and opens and I couldn't understand how to tell
>which events were qualifiers and which were opens.

Last year was the only year that they had 3 qualifiers and one "open" tournament for the Walleye Tour, with the open tournament being a little higher in entry fee. 2006 will have 4 events all at the same entry fee, and a free entry to the Championship for the top 50 that qualify.



>I also could not find a payout schedule (for either pro's or
>am's). Do you have any idea when they usually post that, or
>do we just have to contact them for it?
>
The payout along with the 2006 Brochure have not been released yet. That will be released soon.


>Just curious....how would you compare your experience in an
>FLW tournament vs. a PWT?
>
Let me just say, "I prefer the FLW", and leave it at that. ;)

>If you would rather steer us to someone at FLW, is there
>anyone in particular you would recommend? Thanks for any help
>you can provide.
>
>If you would like to talk to someone at the FLW Outdoors offices, please call tournament director Sonny Reynolds at 270-252-1591. He will be happy to answer any of your questions. If he is not available when you call...leave your name and phone number and he WILL call you back asap.

Juls
p.s. To find a pro to sign up with for the FLW...simply leave that message here on the tournament board (thread is posted at the top of the page) and a pro will contact you. I don't see that as a problem.

[KTurner unlgd]

Oh and one last important suggestion. Bring along a 50 dollar bill to help defray the ridiculous cost of gas. If you think 50 bucks is a lot of money go try and hire a local guide and see what you'll pay plus the pro's I've had the opportunity to fish with have ALWAYS had top notch gear........ Man it's going to be a long winter.....

[Fish_on]

Surely there is someone visiting this post that has finished high as an amatuer on the PWT. Fill everyone in on what you did win. If you finished in say the top 5, give us a list of what you won. I think that would help people make a decision.

[DLNDr]

I've fished both as a co-angler. What I've found is that the FLW seems to be more into the quantity of teams rather than the quality. I've ended up with quite a few pro-wanna-bees fishing the FLW. Whereas, I've the pro's I've always fished with in the PWT events seemed to really be "pro's". I also like the fact that in the PWT the pro runs the show and you can't tell them what you did or where you went the days before. The FLW allows the pro to go to "your" spots. On the other hand, the FLW pays much better as a co-angler. But, I have to say that when I fish as a co-angler I'm not fishing for the $$$'s. I'm there to learn and I feel I learn more at PWT events than I do FLW ones.

[WormDunker]

Strange I have fished the FLW as a co-angler for three years and I have found that if you compare the list of pro's fishing the FLW with those fishing the PWT you will see alot of the same names. As far as the pros "running the show", they do in both the FLW & PWT and the FLW has a strict rule that co-anglers can not share information with their next day partners from the previous day. Apparently you haven't read the rules or listened at the pre-tournament meeting.

In both the FLW & PWT you will have a mix of knowledge on the pro side. Some pros are really good and others are still in a learning curve just like the co-anglers, some are really good while others are still learning. You must understand that not all pros are of the same caliber where ever you fish.

I have found that the FLW is well run and everyone is treated the same and you are shown that you are welcome and that they appreciate
the anglers. The main thing is to fish and have fun and learn then you may be one of the "Pro-wanna-bees" that each has on their rosters.

WormDunker

[Juls_OH]

If he hasn't already, and he's interested, have your husband contact one of the Pros in the thread pinned at the top of this page. A few have already posted that they are looking for a co angler.

Thanks,
Juls

[DiveGal]

Juls,

Thanks a million for the explanations (it's so much clearer now!) and we will check out that other thread.

Robin

[Texeye]

I've enjoyed the feedback on this topic. We are thinking of fishing one of the early tournaments in April.The PWT is on the Fox and Wolf river chain and the Flw is on the Detroit.

If you had a choice between these two what would you chose? I know the Detroit River is an awesome fishery but I wonder ...will it all be handlining? It's not that I wouldn't like to try this, it's just that I kinda like a place where all different methods will be used.On the other hand I wouldn't mind a nice picture of a 12 pounder.:)

We have made our minds up and roughly figured how much it would cost, so all we need to do now is decide between these two and go for it. Any help will be appreciated.

Have a good one.
Texeye

[Juls_OH]

You will find a large portion of the FLW anglers using jigging techniques on the Detroit river too. However, handlining is very effective there (invented there by the way), so the odds of fishing with a handliner is 50/50. ;)

Some of the guys handline while moving up river, and then they drift/jig back down it. That way your fishing all the time.

I've never fished the chain, so I can't comment on it.

Juls

[hgmeyer]

Juls,

In all your "travels" you haven't hit the 'Bago chain? It isn't Erie or Green Bay... but I have cashed a few checks for some nice fish from there... Hope you will take the first opportunity you get to fish there...

[hgmeyer]

Juls,

In all your "travels" you haven't hit the 'Bago chain? It isn't Erie or Green Bay... but I have cashed a few checks for some nice fish from there... Hope you will take the first opportunity you get to fish there...

[Juls_OH]

Whoopsie...my mistake...read it too fast. I thought he was talking about the chain-o-lakes in Illinois.

Yep, I've fished Bago quit-o-bit. Afterall, I am an ex- Wisconsinite! :)

Juls

[Juls_OH]

Whoopsie...my mistake...read it too fast. I thought he was talking about the chain-o-lakes in Illinois.

Yep, I've fished Bago quit-o-bit. Afterall, I am an ex- Wisconsinite! :)

Juls

[chainowolves]

The Wolf River Chain can be a great time that time of year. The fishing can be fantastic with good sized walleyes. The last time the PWT was there, it was a cigar festival. The minimum fish size had to be lowered from 15 down to 14" and that was done at that last minute. The lowering of the minimum fish to be weighed worked well for the pros that were tipped off to this earlier in the prefish. The entire field was fishing for the 15" plus fish in prefishing with the exception of a few of the select that knew about the reduction earlier in the prefish. True to their style, the PWT told some of the guys earlier in the prefish and told the rest of the guys at the rules meeting the evening before the event started.
The techniques and variety available at that time of year was spectacular. This is a great fishery with a lot of nice fish. If the conditions cooperate, the weights will be much better than the last time the PWT was there. I would have a difficult time saying which event would be better at that time of year. They are both awesome places with fine people.

[chainowolves]

The Wolf River Chain can be a great time that time of year. The fishing can be fantastic with good sized walleyes. The last time the PWT was there, it was a cigar festival. The minimum fish size had to be lowered from 15 down to 14" and that was done at that last minute. The lowering of the minimum fish to be weighed worked well for the pros that were tipped off to this earlier in the prefish. The entire field was fishing for the 15" plus fish in prefishing with the exception of a few of the select that knew about the reduction earlier in the prefish. True to their style, the PWT told some of the guys earlier in the prefish and told the rest of the guys at the rules meeting the evening before the event started.
The techniques and variety available at that time of year was spectacular. This is a great fishery with a lot of nice fish. If the conditions cooperate, the weights will be much better than the last time the PWT was there. I would have a difficult time saying which event would be better at that time of year. They are both awesome places with fine people.

[Fished it]

Mr. Chain of Wolves,
I really don't know where all the animosity comes from when referring to the fishermen that consistantly do well on the PWT. No one was tipped off in practice ahead of time about lowering the size limit. It was decided and told to everyone at the same time. I was there. Those good fishermen that had found pods of smaller fish in practice remembered where they were and adjusted their game plan to give themselves the best chance to do well. You make it sound like the same PWT fishermen that have taught many anglers so many techniques are villians and get all this "special consideration". You're wrong. They do not. However certain individuals are in fact excellent fishermen and repeatedly do well in all competitions and because of that get quite a bit of press. I'm tired of all the PWT bashing on this site and most of the spin is pure bull. Along these same lines it would seem that by listening to the posts here that none of these excellent anglers whould be able to catch a fish with out their "teams". Well I would challenge any one of you to fish against the likes of Mike Gofron one on one and see how fast the money in your billfold would disappear. Instead of constantly throwing stones at the PWT fishermen, why don't you just admit that many of them are just that good? Now this post ought to get all you PWT bashers all worked up!

[Fished it]

Mr. Chain of Wolves,
I really don't know where all the animosity comes from when referring to the fishermen that consistantly do well on the PWT. No one was tipped off in practice ahead of time about lowering the size limit. It was decided and told to everyone at the same time. I was there. Those good fishermen that had found pods of smaller fish in practice remembered where they were and adjusted their game plan to give themselves the best chance to do well. You make it sound like the same PWT fishermen that have taught many anglers so many techniques are villians and get all this "special consideration". You're wrong. They do not. However certain individuals are in fact excellent fishermen and repeatedly do well in all competitions and because of that get quite a bit of press. I'm tired of all the PWT bashing on this site and most of the spin is pure bull. Along these same lines it would seem that by listening to the posts here that none of these excellent anglers whould be able to catch a fish with out their "teams". Well I would challenge any one of you to fish against the likes of Mike Gofron one on one and see how fast the money in your billfold would disappear. Instead of constantly throwing stones at the PWT fishermen, why don't you just admit that many of them are just that good? Now this post ought to get all you PWT bashers all worked up!

[D. Frank]

I've fished both. You'll have a chance to handline or jig at Detroit and a shot at some BIG fish. If you get with an experienced handliner like I did (Rick Lacourse) you'll learn a lot.

On Winnebago (where I live) You'll jig or troll. The trolling bite will be cranks or harnesses on Lakes Poygan or Butte des Morts, pronounced "Beautamore". I doubt if you'll hit Winnebago because most of the fish won't be back from the spawn yet. You might also draw a pro who'll fish the Wolf and that will be a jig bite. Trolling is not allowed on the Wolf. There are also places where you might be slip bobbering or casting cranks at shorelines.

Hope this helps.
Dale Frank

OOPS!! Handlining is legal on the Fox River in Oshkosh. You could end up there too.

[D. Frank]

I've fished both. You'll have a chance to handline or jig at Detroit and a shot at some BIG fish. If you get with an experienced handliner like I did (Rick Lacourse) you'll learn a lot.

On Winnebago (where I live) You'll jig or troll. The trolling bite will be cranks or harnesses on Lakes Poygan or Butte des Morts, pronounced "Beautamore". I doubt if you'll hit Winnebago because most of the fish won't be back from the spawn yet. You might also draw a pro who'll fish the Wolf and that will be a jig bite. Trolling is not allowed on the Wolf. There are also places where you might be slip bobbering or casting cranks at shorelines.

Hope this helps.
Dale Frank

OOPS!! Handlining is legal on the Fox River in Oshkosh. You could end up there too.

[Rick LaCourse]

Dale, Your so right about the programs that will work in both locations. Don't rule any of them out. Remember when Tim Minnama won handlining and I was 21st. that year on winnie. On the Detroit River, where handlining was invented you'll learn how to do it. I hope you do as well as Dale did with me. It's a blast when the student out fish's the teacher. REMEMER DALE. Give Ginny a kiss for me and have a good holiday.

[Rick LaCourse]

Dale, Your so right about the programs that will work in both locations. Don't rule any of them out. Remember when Tim Minnama won handlining and I was 21st. that year on winnie. On the Detroit River, where handlining was invented you'll learn how to do it. I hope you do as well as Dale did with me. It's a blast when the student out fish's the teacher. REMEMER DALE. Give Ginny a kiss for me and have a good holiday.

[Pond scum]

Texeye:

Whether you choose to fish the FLW or the PWT, all I can say is do it. It will be a rewarding experience. I can only comment on the FLW, as I fished the entire 2004 tour as a co-angler. All I can say is that it is the single most important thing I have done to improve my walleye fishing skills. I now have a much more complete perspective of the sport. This is exactly why I did it--to learn. However, I gained something else just as important from the experience, and that was new friends and new fishing partners. Winning a little money along the way was nice, but I would be just as enthusiastic about it if I had not won a thing. Fishing one or two events is good, but I highly recommend fishing the whole tour for those who can do it. It was very exciting, and I got to fish with some great people. I can honestly say that every Pro I was paired up with throughout the year went out of their way to teach me something and make the day fun. Imagine the excitement (and nervousness) of getting in the boat with Doc Sampson on the first day of the first tournament you have ever fished, or have a Pro (Rick LaCourse) work exceptionaly hard for me, a co-angler, to ensure that I had a good finish in a tournament. If you get nothing else out of it, you will be left with great memories.

[Pond scum]

Texeye:

Whether you choose to fish the FLW or the PWT, all I can say is do it. It will be a rewarding experience. I can only comment on the FLW, as I fished the entire 2004 tour as a co-angler. All I can say is that it is the single most important thing I have done to improve my walleye fishing skills. I now have a much more complete perspective of the sport. This is exactly why I did it--to learn. However, I gained something else just as important from the experience, and that was new friends and new fishing partners. Winning a little money along the way was nice, but I would be just as enthusiastic about it if I had not won a thing. Fishing one or two events is good, but I highly recommend fishing the whole tour for those who can do it. It was very exciting, and I got to fish with some great people. I can honestly say that every Pro I was paired up with throughout the year went out of their way to teach me something and make the day fun. Imagine the excitement (and nervousness) of getting in the boat with Doc Sampson on the first day of the first tournament you have ever fished, or have a Pro (Rick LaCourse) work exceptionaly hard for me, a co-angler, to ensure that I had a good finish in a tournament. If you get nothing else out of it, you will be left with great memories.

[Dale Frank]

Rick,
I didn't want to brag and try to steal your thunder. I think we were about even that day. I was just in the right place at the right time to get that hog. You called the shot though!!

That was the coldest, most miserable weather day I've ever spent on the water. 1999 PWT on the last day at Detroit. Boats were busted, at least 2 pros had to bring their Ams in due to hypothermia. Thanks to proper clothes and Gore Tex, we hung in there. Rick made 1 last pass and he told me that I was going to pull a big one. He even pointed out the spot!! Within a couple of minutes there was an 8 pounder on the floor of the boat that put us both in the money!!!! Being nearly out of time we speared a wave on the way in and only the windshield saved us from a cold bath. I was so cold the Mike McClelland had to back the trailer in for me. I had already known Rick for a few years but that's how frindships are made in these Pro/Ams. Don't ever give up.

[Dale Frank]

Rick,
I didn't want to brag and try to steal your thunder. I think we were about even that day. I was just in the right place at the right time to get that hog. You called the shot though!!

That was the coldest, most miserable weather day I've ever spent on the water. 1999 PWT on the last day at Detroit. Boats were busted, at least 2 pros had to bring their Ams in due to hypothermia. Thanks to proper clothes and Gore Tex, we hung in there. Rick made 1 last pass and he told me that I was going to pull a big one. He even pointed out the spot!! Within a couple of minutes there was an 8 pounder on the floor of the boat that put us both in the money!!!! Being nearly out of time we speared a wave on the way in and only the windshield saved us from a cold bath. I was so cold the Mike McClelland had to back the trailer in for me. I had already known Rick for a few years but that's how frindships are made in these Pro/Ams. Don't ever give up.

[YukonD]

I had the good fortune of getting my first handlining lesson from Rick while prefishing the 2005 FLW Championship. He's a master, a fishing machine, and a patient teacher. Only cost him a handfull of crankbaits and one or two shanks :-)

The student didn't outfish the teacher that day, but I sure learned a bunch.

YukonD

[YukonD]

I had the good fortune of getting my first handlining lesson from Rick while prefishing the 2005 FLW Championship. He's a master, a fishing machine, and a patient teacher. Only cost him a handfull of crankbaits and one or two shanks :-)

The student didn't outfish the teacher that day, but I sure learned a bunch.

YukonD