FLW League, what to expect????

[MNwalleyehunter]

Hey all, I'm entering my first FLW event as a co-angler @ the MN Red Wing event, just want to hear any advice, suggestions, basically anything you can offer to make the experience as enjoyable as it can be. My whole goal is to go and learn as much as I can, and if I win something..great.



MNwalleyehunter

[dave_unlogged]

Here's what to expect and bring:

Lunch for yourself, clothes and rain gear! Sunglasses, sun block.
When your running, hold on! Ask your boater what you can help with.
You'll go over the boat routine so don't worry. Have fun and don't forget to pitch in for gas!

[Juls_OH]

As the Co Angler, all you need to do is be prepared for the weather. Bring the right gear to keep warm and dry. Just remember, you can always take it off, but you can't put it on if you don't have it.

Also, as Dave said, bring a lunch/drink, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and most importantly...a POSITIVE attitude.

BE ON TIME!!! You will meet your Boater the night of the rules meeting, and you will both agree on a meeting place in the morning. Be there when you say you will be. The boater will have enough on his/her mind without having to wonder where the heck you are. ;)

Don't show up with a hangover, because the boater will need you at your best that day.

Your boater will provide all the gear you will use for the day. If your pro is using a presentation/technique that you haven't used before, let him/her know it! That way, they can teach you the proper way to present it, and that will increase your chances of catching fish.

Just go fishing and most of all have FUN!

Good luck!

Juls

[Marv Sandbek]

You've taken the initial step to an outstanding walleye angling adventure! You've got the right attitude . . . and reasonable expectations . . . LEARNING! If the FLW Walleye League is your first tournament experience, you have chosen wisely. The FLW is a top-notch organization, and the FLW League events provide the weekend "Pro" and the walleye "Novice" with professional angling opportunities and experiences, while keeping an eye on "budget!" I speak from experience. I fished the entire Minnesota Walleye League in 2005! It was incredible!

While on tour, you will encounter a courteous and professional tournament staff and you will meet and fish with tournament-tough, veteran walleye anglers, as well as experienced, hard-charging "new-comers!" You will ply some of the best walleye water in Minnesota, while learning about high-tech electronics and high performance walleye boats! In other words, it's everything you see on television, without spending the BIG BUCKS to participate!

And, in mentioning $$$$, "dave-unlogged" summed it all up when he mentioned to pitch in for gas! It goes without saying, the cost of fuel is a major factor! You may be thinking, "Well, how much do I offer to pay?" I recommend discussing this subject with your "Pro" at the first opportunity, as in "before you head out for the day!" Why? No suprises . . and everyone is happy, (we hope)! I pitched in $25 to $30 a day last year . .so maybe it's more like $35 a day this year! If that sounds like alot of money, it is! But, just think of the amount of $$$$$ the "Pro" has invested in the day! We're not just talking about fuel here . . .let's remember the cost of bait and event-specific tackle! Then, a $35 co-pay doesn't seem like too much, does it? (And, if you do alot of "running" from spot to spot . . . a "pair of twenties" might be more appropriate!)

Enjoy the year! You'll be working the water with some outstanding people, who just happen to be excellent "walleye sticks" as well. Oh, ya . . you mentioned "if I win something, great!" Well then . . "GREAT" . . . you're already a winner by being a co-angler in the 2006 FLW Minnesota Walleye League! Have fun . . .

Minnesota Marv!
minnesotamarv@yahoo.com

[Marv Sandbek]

Hey, JULS:

GREAT ADVICE . . . excellent "event specific" information, especially the tips on being "on-time at a specific place!" I do have a question for you, however! What does the co-angler do if the "Pro" shows up with a hangover! I speak from a co-angler's experience . . mine! Talk about a disappointment!?!?! It does happen . . .

"Minnesota Marv"

[Juls_OH]

Report your "disappointment" with the Director of the event. That would fall under rule #7.

Juls

[Marv Sandbek]

Yes . . I did follow the procedure under Rule 7, Juls! I am aware of the FLW League rules, and as a participant, follow them to the letter! However, the impression of that specific morning, with that specific individual was not good! It happened, I did my very best during that particular competition day, and after the event had ended, I politely reported my concern as per the rules. My question was rhetorical; based upon my personal experience. This had never happened before; not in more than 14 years of tournament competition! I have been very pleased with my "Pro's" throughout those years! They are exceptional boaters and outstanding anglers! I hope they have been pleased with my work ethic and attitude in their boat! I am fully prepared, on every tournament day, to give 100% to the effort. It was just that . . on that particular morning, I was disappointed. I meant nothing more than that, and I felt it was a fair reply and question!

Minnesota Marv

[Juls_OH]

Sorry, I didn't realize you weren't actually looking for a reply to that...lol

Juls