2008 I.O.W.A. Release

[steve Weisman - I.O.W.A.]

Cabela's and I.O.W.A. Tournament Trail Sets 2008 Season

By Steve Weisman
I.O.W.A. Publicity Director
The ice is still thick and Old Man Winter still has Iowa’s lakes in his grip, but plans for the 2008 season are already taking shape for the hottest tournament circuit in the Hawkeye state, the Iowa Organization of Walleye Anglers (I.O.W.A.) Team Walleye Tournament Trail.
Highlighting the 2008 season will be the Cabela's I.O.W.A. State Championship to be held on the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien on October 11-12.
“We had a great year in 2007, but 2008 promises to be even more exciting!” said Dean Higgins, who along with his wife Chris, owns and directs the I.O.W.A. circuit. "Having a sponsor like Cabela's partner with us as the title sponsor of the I.O.W.A. State Championship can be summed up in one word: GREAT! We have a great sponsor, great location for big 'eyes and a great time of the year to be on the Mississippi River."
In addition to the typical 80 percent payback based on number of entries, sponsorships this year will provide an additional $33,000 in cash and prizes. “We are really proud to be able to offer our teams this type of payback. It’s all due to the partnerships with our sponsors,” said Higgins.
The road to the Cabela's I.O.W.A. State Championship begins on Sunday, April 6 at Storm Lake, followed by a stop at Clear Lake on Sunday, April 20, Lake Rathbun on Monday, May 26 and a return trip to Clear Lake on Sunday, September 14.
The tournament waters for this season provide interesting opportunities for the competing teams. "We continue to target not only good walleye waters, but also communities that we know appreciate our tournament anglers coming to their area."
For that reason, Higgins says Clear Lake, one of the premiere walleye hotspots in Iowa will be on the docket twice. “Our teams have always enjoyed fishing this lake. Both April and September are typically hot fishing times on Clear Lake. In addition, the community of Clear Lake has always responded very positively to our visits."
FCIS “Anglers Choice” Insurance of Forest City is partnering with the I.O.W.A. circuit and will be the title sponsor for both Clear Lake events. In commemoration of its 30th anniversary as an insurance provider, FCIS will give the 30th place finisher at each Clear Lake qualifier a free entry to a future I.O.W.A. tournament and a check for $250. In addition, FCIS will also provide a free entry to two other teams that finish out of the money at both qualifiers.
Reflecting on the purpose of the circuit, Higgins noted. "Our goal remains the same. We want to make the I.O.W.A. Trail the ultimate experience for the Iowa anglers. It will continue to be for the weekend warrior, and we are working very hard to increase the number of anglers fishing the circuit, to create larger purses, to increase the number of sponsors, to add more prizes and to provide new opportunities for our teams."
The entry fee will be $240 per team for all events with an 80 percent payback plus additional prizes and awards. Membership for the Iowa Organization of Walleye Anglers will be $30 per person. "One of the rewarding opportunities for all I.O.W.A. anglers is our Enhanced Fishing Conservation Fund where $10 of each entry fee goes to the fund"
Higgins continued, "We know the importance of sponsorships for the success of the circuit, and we have are continuing to add to the list of corporate sponsors who have a sincere interest in circuits like the I.O.W.A. circuit," said Higgins. "This year's corporate sponsors include Lund, Mercury Outboards, ShoreLand'r Trailers, Algona Marine and Sport, MinnKota, Humminbird, ABU Garcia, Cabela's, Mack's Lure, Smooth Move Seat Mounts, EZEE Step Inc., FCIS Anglers Choice Insurance of Forest City, King’s Pointe Resort of Storm Lake and Wright County Motors of Clarion as corporate sponsors."
With such sponsors, the I.O.W.A. circuit will be able to offer several special awards: the Lund Bonus, Algona Marine and Sport Lund Matching Bonus, Humminbird Team of the Year, MinnKota Family Team of the Year, the MinnKota Rookie Team of the Year, the ABU Garcia Linecounter Lunker Award, the Mercury Heavy Weight Award, the Smooth Moves Seat Award, the Need Mack's Lure Award, the EZEE Step Contingency Award, FCIS Anglers Choice Insurance Bonus and the Wright County Motors Contingency Cash Award.
Higgins continued, "We are also in the process of putting together even more sponsorship packages and will announce them as they are completed."
Higgins will spend several weekends at winter sport shows sharing the I. O.W.A. story. "We have had a lot of interest in the circuit, and I look forward to continued growth this year," said Higgins. "As for the Cabela's I.O.W.A State Championship, I think it's going to be an awesome experience fishing the Mississippi River at that time of year. The teams that qualify will be in for the time of their life!"
The I.O.W.A. website (www.walleyepromotions.com) contains all the rules, registration, schedule, special awards, contact information and sponsors. "We also have our message board as the on-line communication link. It's a great place to ask questions or simply post a fishing idea. It is the hub for I.O.W.A. members.
Interested anglers can call (515) 571-1085.

[steve Weisman - I.O.W.A.]

Cabela's and I.O.W.A. Tournament Trail Sets 2008 Season

By Steve Weisman
I.O.W.A. Publicity Director
The ice is still thick and Old Man Winter still has Iowa’s lakes in his grip, but plans for the 2008 season are already taking shape for the hottest tournament circuit in the Hawkeye state, the Iowa Organization of Walleye Anglers (I.O.W.A.) Team Walleye Tournament Trail.
Highlighting the 2008 season will be the Cabela's I.O.W.A. State Championship to be held on the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien on October 11-12.
“We had a great year in 2007, but 2008 promises to be even more exciting!” said Dean Higgins, who along with his wife Chris, owns and directs the I.O.W.A. circuit. "Having a sponsor like Cabela's partner with us as the title sponsor of the I.O.W.A. State Championship can be summed up in one word: GREAT! We have a great sponsor, great location for big 'eyes and a great time of the year to be on the Mississippi River."
In addition to the typical 80 percent payback based on number of entries, sponsorships this year will provide an additional $33,000 in cash and prizes. “We are really proud to be able to offer our teams this type of payback. It’s all due to the partnerships with our sponsors,” said Higgins.
The road to the Cabela's I.O.W.A. State Championship begins on Sunday, April 6 at Storm Lake, followed by a stop at Clear Lake on Sunday, April 20, Lake Rathbun on Monday, May 26 and a return trip to Clear Lake on Sunday, September 14.
The tournament waters for this season provide interesting opportunities for the competing teams. "We continue to target not only good walleye waters, but also communities that we know appreciate our tournament anglers coming to their area."
For that reason, Higgins says Clear Lake, one of the premiere walleye hotspots in Iowa will be on the docket twice. “Our teams have always enjoyed fishing this lake. Both April and September are typically hot fishing times on Clear Lake. In addition, the community of Clear Lake has always responded very positively to our visits."
FCIS “Anglers Choice” Insurance of Forest City is partnering with the I.O.W.A. circuit and will be the title sponsor for both Clear Lake events. In commemoration of its 30th anniversary as an insurance provider, FCIS will give the 30th place finisher at each Clear Lake qualifier a free entry to a future I.O.W.A. tournament and a check for $250. In addition, FCIS will also provide a free entry to two other teams that finish out of the money at both qualifiers.
Reflecting on the purpose of the circuit, Higgins noted. "Our goal remains the same. We want to make the I.O.W.A. Trail the ultimate experience for the Iowa anglers. It will continue to be for the weekend warrior, and we are working very hard to increase the number of anglers fishing the circuit, to create larger purses, to increase the number of sponsors, to add more prizes and to provide new opportunities for our teams."
The entry fee will be $240 per team for all events with an 80 percent payback plus additional prizes and awards. Membership for the Iowa Organization of Walleye Anglers will be $30 per person. "One of the rewarding opportunities for all I.O.W.A. anglers is our Enhanced Fishing Conservation Fund where $10 of each entry fee goes to the fund"
Higgins continued, "We know the importance of sponsorships for the success of the circuit, and we have are continuing to add to the list of corporate sponsors who have a sincere interest in circuits like the I.O.W.A. circuit," said Higgins. "This year's corporate sponsors include Lund, Mercury Outboards, ShoreLand'r Trailers, Algona Marine and Sport, MinnKota, Humminbird, ABU Garcia, Cabela's, Mack's Lure, Smooth Move Seat Mounts, EZEE Step Inc., FCIS Anglers Choice Insurance of Forest City, King’s Pointe Resort of Storm Lake and Wright County Motors of Clarion as corporate sponsors."
With such sponsors, the I.O.W.A. circuit will be able to offer several special awards: the Lund Bonus, Algona Marine and Sport Lund Matching Bonus, Humminbird Team of the Year, MinnKota Family Team of the Year, the MinnKota Rookie Team of the Year, the ABU Garcia Linecounter Lunker Award, the Mercury Heavy Weight Award, the Smooth Moves Seat Award, the Need Mack's Lure Award, the EZEE Step Contingency Award, FCIS Anglers Choice Insurance Bonus and the Wright County Motors Contingency Cash Award.
Higgins continued, "We are also in the process of putting together even more sponsorship packages and will announce them as they are completed."
Higgins will spend several weekends at winter sport shows sharing the I. O.W.A. story. "We have had a lot of interest in the circuit, and I look forward to continued growth this year," said Higgins. "As for the Cabela's I.O.W.A State Championship, I think it's going to be an awesome experience fishing the Mississippi River at that time of year. The teams that qualify will be in for the time of their life!"
The I.O.W.A. website (www.walleyepromotions.com) contains all the rules, registration, schedule, special awards, contact information and sponsors. "We also have our message board as the on-line communication link. It's a great place to ask questions or simply post a fishing idea. It is the hub for I.O.W.A. members.
Interested anglers can call (515) 571-1085.

[Need to know]

I have a question about your championship. There is a RUMOR going around this area that the Championship being held in Prairie du Chien is going to be a catch and kill. It's been the word that your going to weigh in at the cabelas store which would mean all fish have to be killed so the teams can weigh in on a stage. Please tell us that this is only a rumor and not factual

[Fish_on]

I don't see anything wrong with it. I am sure the fish will go to a good cause.

[i.o.w.a.]

There has not been any decisions made regarding the weigh in or catch and kill at this tournament. So at this point you are right, it is only a rumor. If in fact it will be a "catch and kill" tournament, it would only be done because the DNR would require it. If the DNR does require it, they would only do so if they thought it wouldn't hurt the fishery in any way. Also if it is a catch and kill there would be a slot limit. Tournament associations hold catch and kill tournaments all over the country, and there is not ANY evidence of it hurting any of the fisheries. Also there are organizations out there that come to these events and clean the fish and cook them for the elderly and hungry. This to me is so much more beneficial than the fisherman that stock their freezers full of fish. I will keep you posted when decisions are made , I will be happy to answer any questions from registered folks.

[Lundman1660]

I happen to know the owners of this circuit who are very dear freinds of mine and I also know that they run one of the best cucuits around! They would never have a catch and kill tournament unless it was required by the DNR like he said. A catch and kill tournament is one weekend,how many fishermen do you know that go out every day and take home a limit of fish in the spring or the fall of the year? Having events like this come to your town can only be GREAT for your community and I can only hope that Dean and Chris will bring their circuit to Dubuque next year!!!
Mike Bisdorf

[Hutch]

Mike, I personally talk to Pat Short the fish bioligist that is in charge of issuing tourney permits in this area. When the circut applied for the permit it was explained to them by Pat that this does not have to be a catch and kill event. They can bring the fish into the take off point, weigh them in and then the fish can be put back in the river to live and fight another day. I have talk to members of upper management at the Cabela's store here and they have the same thoughts as I do, that this event ends up being a release tourney instead of catch and kill. I realise that for the latter there would be a crew come in and take care of the fish and they would go somewhere to feed some needy people. But you have locals that just don't like ideas such as that. They all think that these fish are THEIR fish. Well they don't belong to them or you or me. There everyones. It's difficult for most people to grasp this. I also can respect the thoughts and ideals of having a weigh in at a much larger gathering place that would draw more of a crowd to bring attention to the circut. It's unfortunate that the new laws pertaining to the VHS problems are the true culprit behind all of this. But we all need to do what we can to help prevent the spread of this terrible disease. As a full time fishing guide in this area you can hopefully understand my concerns about this. I have MANY clients that come here to catch and take fish home. I also have MANY clients that come here and practice catch and release on a regular basis. It's one of those dang if you do and dang if you don't. I've been fortunate enough to have been selling tackle on a wholesale level to Cabela's for several years. I have had the opportunity to meet several different people from many stores here in the midwest as well as at corporate out west. I know that Cabela's as a whole promotes the ideals behind catch and release as do many of the locals. I hope that these standards will come into consideration when your circut owners and directors make their final decision. Here's hoping the weeds don't start letting go until after your event. Hutch

[Bob from PdC]

If the DNR does not require the tournament to be a kill tournament then why would the I.O.W.A. tournament be structured to kill potentially 100's of walleyes? I doubt if this would be recieved very well by the locals. I worked with numerous teams and attended many of the weigh ins for the MWC Championsips held in Prairie du Chien, and was pleased with the effort to return the majority of the walleyes back to the river. Most good anglers practice catch and release for a reason. Having a kill tournament doesn't set well with me in Prairie du Chien or anywhere for that matter.

[Bob from PdC]

If the DNR does not require the tournament to be a kill tournament then why would the I.O.W.A. tournament be structured to kill potentially 100's of walleyes? I doubt if this would be recieved very well by the locals. I worked with numerous teams and attended many of the weigh ins for the MWC Championsips held in Prairie du Chien, and was pleased with the effort to return the majority of the walleyes back to the river. Most good anglers practice catch and release for a reason. Having a kill tournament doesn't set well with me in Prairie du Chien or anywhere for that matter.

[hgmeyer]

As I understand this issue... It will be a "catch and kill" if they hold the weigh-in at the Cabela's Store parking lot because of the VHS regulations.

With that said, I, too, have no problem with a "catch and kill" since a few things are at play here... 1) A few hundred fish are an insignificant... 2) The teams will be weighing (and removing from the river) far fewer fish than they are entitled to keep... 3) While I am fully in favor of "catch and release", we have become somewhat "PC" by favoring "catch and release" as the only conclusion of a tournament.

On any given weekend, and therefore on every weekend, far more fish are caught and kept by recreational anglers, locals and visitors, than this and other tournaments remove from the reource. Time and time again over the recent past we have had discussions here, and on other boards, about the acceptable level of exploitation (fish removed from the system) Almost everyone (except for some unrealistic foks, IMO) believe that the resource is easily sustainable with significant exploitation.

[hgmeyer]

As I understand this issue... It will be a "catch and kill" if they hold the weigh-in at the Cabela's Store parking lot because of the VHS regulations.

With that said, I, too, have no problem with a "catch and kill" since a few things are at play here... 1) A few hundred fish are an insignificant... 2) The teams will be weighing (and removing from the river) far fewer fish than they are entitled to keep... 3) While I am fully in favor of "catch and release", we have become somewhat "PC" by favoring "catch and release" as the only conclusion of a tournament.

On any given weekend, and therefore on every weekend, far more fish are caught and kept by recreational anglers, locals and visitors, than this and other tournaments remove from the reource. Time and time again over the recent past we have had discussions here, and on other boards, about the acceptable level of exploitation (fish removed from the system) Almost everyone (except for some unrealistic foks, IMO) believe that the resource is easily sustainable with significant exploitation.

[hgmeyer]

I'm not trying to offend anyone, but just what does the "local" intend to imply in your statement; "I doubt if this would be recieved very well by the locals." When I hear this I tend to think someone is having "us versus them" thoughts about who "owns" those fish.

Those fish have no "local only" stamp on them. The idea that only "locals" are entitled to fish in any area does not sit well with me, or other "guests" to an area. As long as I abide by the applicable laws, rules and regulations, my residence should have no effect on my rights in any way.

If a "local" tourist or visitor's bureau (or whatever it is called) should be echoing the sentiment that your staement seems to imply (and I certainly do not want to put words in your mouth, so I am willing to listen to any explanation), then they ought to say, stay away, don't come here for the recreational opportunities. They should say, don't bring your discretionary dollars into our community. Shouldn't they be saying, on't stay in our motels. And, don't buy gas for your boat and tow vehicle here. Don't patronize our bait shops and sporting goods stores. Finally, they should clearly state, we don't need the jobs. We don't need the economic benefits of a 2 to 3 times multiplier for every one of those dollars you and others spend here.

In my opinion, those are "our" fish... "our" means everybody who has a license and a right to fish there and anywhere else. It is a simple concept to understand, your address doesn't generate any benefit to the resouce. What creates the financial engine to keep our outdoor resources vibrant are the dollars spent by every angler for license, the tax on fishing gear, etc.

[hgmeyer]

I'm not trying to offend anyone, but just what does the "local" intend to imply in your statement; "I doubt if this would be recieved very well by the locals." When I hear this I tend to think someone is having "us versus them" thoughts about who "owns" those fish.

Those fish have no "local only" stamp on them. The idea that only "locals" are entitled to fish in any area does not sit well with me, or other "guests" to an area. As long as I abide by the applicable laws, rules and regulations, my residence should have no effect on my rights in any way.

If a "local" tourist or visitor's bureau (or whatever it is called) should be echoing the sentiment that your staement seems to imply (and I certainly do not want to put words in your mouth, so I am willing to listen to any explanation), then they ought to say, stay away, don't come here for the recreational opportunities. They should say, don't bring your discretionary dollars into our community. Shouldn't they be saying, on't stay in our motels. And, don't buy gas for your boat and tow vehicle here. Don't patronize our bait shops and sporting goods stores. Finally, they should clearly state, we don't need the jobs. We don't need the economic benefits of a 2 to 3 times multiplier for every one of those dollars you and others spend here.

In my opinion, those are "our" fish... "our" means everybody who has a license and a right to fish there and anywhere else. It is a simple concept to understand, your address doesn't generate any benefit to the resouce. What creates the financial engine to keep our outdoor resources vibrant are the dollars spent by every angler for license, the tax on fishing gear, etc.

[lundman1660]

Hutch,I didnt mean to offend any one by my post. Especially you since I buy your tackle when im in town!! I just dont want anyone to think negativley about the owners of the circuit because I know Dean would not do anything to give his circuit or his fishermen a bad name. I too practice catch and release but I have no problem wth a catch and kill as long as the fish are going towards something like feeding the needy. Thanks...... Mike Bisdorf

[lundman1660]

Hutch,I didnt mean to offend any one by my post. Especially you since I buy your tackle when im in town!! I just dont want anyone to think negativley about the owners of the circuit because I know Dean would not do anything to give his circuit or his fishermen a bad name. I too practice catch and release but I have no problem wth a catch and kill as long as the fish are going towards something like feeding the needy. Thanks...... Mike Bisdorf

[PdC Bob]

What I meant by locals is the people who live around PdC or who fish there regularly. I never meant that these fish belong to only people from the PdC area. I fish in a lot of different areas in the midwest and release the majority of fish regardless of where I am fishing. All I was trying to get accross is that if it is an option to release these fish why kill them?

[PdC Bob]

What I meant by locals is the people who live around PdC or who fish there regularly. I never meant that these fish belong to only people from the PdC area. I fish in a lot of different areas in the midwest and release the majority of fish regardless of where I am fishing. All I was trying to get accross is that if it is an option to release these fish why kill them?

[Capt Terry Frey]

Being a guide here in southern WI, I spend hundreds of hours on the water and speaking at seminars educating clients on why we need to release and fish. Female and male alike.
Even with a slot, there is a possibility of many fish being weighed in and killed that will tip the scales from six to possibly twelve pounds. I say this from experince. I have fished the Miss. for 35 years an I am also a tourney fisherman. In October there is a chance the big females are on the move and staging. If the timing and the water temp is just right, there will be a slaughter on big fish. Some spots could produce weights exceeding 20 to 30 pounds -
A very ugly site for Cabelas parking lot. If this event takes place, many tourney fisherman may be surprised at the oppositon to this event. In this day and age most people are opposed to kill tourneys. My opinions comes from years of tourney and guiding experince on the Miss. Thank you for all of the interest and support in this post!!!!

Terry Frey

[Rlcrouse]

Would "need to know" like to step up and let us know who told him/her that this was going to be a kill tourney?
IOWA is a good circut, but bashing circuts is starting to be the norm here.
Cabin fever is taking its toll.

[hgmeyer]

All I was trying to get
>accross is that if it is an option to release these fish why
>kill them?

I AM NOT SPEAKING FOR I.O.W.A. ... in fact I have no connection with them except for a long ago acquaintance (very positive one, too) with Dean Higgins when he was a Director for the GNWC.

However, I have some assumptions. 1) That Cabelas, as a sponsor of their Championship, would very much like to have, and have probably asked to discuss it, the weigh-in in their parking lot at the store. 2) That being a possibiity, the VHS rules come into play. Those factors result in a "catch and kill" tournament. As I said, these are the assumptions under which the rest of my response is based.

A related factor, the "long term financial health" of walleye tournaments is one that I want to highlight. Almost everyone should be aware of the financial challenges faced by the PWT as a result of the refocus of sponsorship dollars by Lund and Mercury. The absolute bottom line here is that competitive walleye angling on any "biggger scale" (and probably to a great extent even for local/bar tournaments) depends on hefty contributions from sponsors. Everything in life (at least in mine) is a series of financial decisions, balancing acts with regard to money. We could afford to help send our kids to "in state" State Universities. But, the big name "out of state" or "private universities" were no feasible in our budget. So, we put our heads together and helped our kids pick good State Universities in Illinois.

Well, I.O.W.A. has to do the same. They have to look at the possibilities and weigh the economic factors. It would be great to be "politically correct" and have only a "catch and release" tournament. I say "PC" because we all know that have this tournament as a "catch and kill" will not in any way have a negative impact on the resource (if it would, you can bet the farm that the DNR would never issue a permit, would they?) So let's be intellectually honest here... "catch and kill" is a "negative" only so far as it generates (and it shouldn't) a "reaction" of an emotional kind. No scientific "negative", just emotion. Well, it shouldn't. Almost all of us like eating walleyes (or should...LOL) and so I am sure that almost all of us do "catch and release to the grease" a few walleyes during the year. But, somehow, "catch and release" is the only "publicly discussed" option for fish at the end of the day... That other one is a deep dark secret... One that has become un-PC to admit.

Boys and girls, look into the "acceptable exploitation" and "natural mortality" that takes place in these systems. With bag limits, seasons and slots, it is all managed within that "acceptable exploitation" (a scientifically determined parameter). "Catch and release" is appropriate for most tournaments for reasons other than "PC" and "poential harm to the resource". It is a logistical nightmare for most tournament anglers away from home so great pains are taken to make sure that the released fish are well cared for...

Anyway, back to the issue at hand. We ought to think long and hard about where we want to come down on this issue. Do we really want to discourage a great sponsor and supporter of tournament walleye fishing, Cabela's, from getting as much exposure and synergy from its sponsorship of this Championship. We need these sponsors. And, as long as it does not real (not perceived or emotional) harm, shouldn't we look at their "wants", especially when another positive can come out of this. That other positive is the creation of some great food for the ultimate recipients of these fish. Let's highl;ight the good "for us" (Cabela's support of competitive walleye angling) and the "good for them" (the food for a deserving organization or a few organizations).

This isn't a negative in any way, at least in my opinion it is a "win-win" situation. I.O.W.A. gets the support they need to be successful, Cabela's gets the exposure they need, and some folks who would not otherwise get a meal of my favorite food, get one. If this is explained properly it will be perceived properly.

Cabela's ought to get some additional local publicity for the good deed part of this event. And, so should the anglers.

[Capt. Terry Frey]

Greg

The bottom line on this event is publicity. This kill event is a policy we do not want to start.The reality is you are filleting fish that could exceed ten pounds.
There is no way you will convince me that is okay when the option is available to have a live release at the landing. Maybe on Erie that is fine. I realize fish are harvestd on a daily basis but generally the big spawners are released.
The big Stoddard Tourney weigh in was moved to landings for a live release because of VHS rules.
I am sure Dean is a very nice guy but that has nothing to do with option of a live release or a kill tourney. Look what happened in Dubuque a few years ago, they needed to implement a slot because of the lack of fish in that pool.If you have an option, my choice is release those spawners alive.
Thanks Again

Capt. Terry Frey

[Fish_on]

Very well said Greg.

[TJH-un]

Good statement Greg. I also understand Terry's comment that if you can have a release event why not vs a harvest/feed.

My comment to the harvest/feed event is realize were only talking probably a 35 boat field for a 2 day event. Last year, IOWA's championship had 31 boats, the maximum field is set for 40 boats. Thus, were talking a relativley small field.

I put my trust in the DNR. I feel confident that if the DNR issued a kill permit, they must be confident the event will have minimal impact to the fishery. Were probably talking less than 200 total fish for the event, I don't see an impact to the fishery involving these numbers and that is more likely the thought of the DNR as well. Thus, I see no concern for the event being a harvest/feed.

[hgmeyer]

Terry,

Do you mandate an "absolute" catch and release from ALL of your guide clients? I am sure you "encourage" it, but do you make it an absolute rule?

If you don't make it an absolute rule, then you should understand my point very well. If you have clients that want to keep a big fish for whatever reason, and you do not force them to release that fish, you are making a slightly different "economic" decision, but very similar none-the-less. To "survive" as a guide you need to satisfy the paying customers... The I.O.W.A. Circuit needs to balance the needs and wants of a broader base of "customers" and "sponsors". If that "balancing" results in a "catch and kill" tournament thay have done so to "survive".

[Steve PDC]

Being in a position to experience both sides as well as the financial impact to the community. Bottom line is that it comes down to $$$. Money for Cabelas from crowds, money for the fishermen in the tournament, money for the promotors, sponsers, local gas, eating places and motels. As for the local fishermen there may not be much benifits as one would think. There may be 25 to 30 tournaments a year in this area. We are not talking about 200 fish, how about 6000?
With that, said, the area wants to encourge vistors and sportmen. We want to make all welcome to our community and enjoy our resources. If there is a way to respect these resources rather than disregarding the efforts of local sportsmen then why not do it? Weigh in at the landings and release the fish.
Regarding the comment about The DNR and their insight into this being acceptable I just wonder how many time you have said that the DNR really know what they are doing.
If it wasn 't for the money there would be no discussion

[Capt. Terry Frey]

Greg

I network with six other guides here in southern WI. Generally most of our clients are into catch and release. I am not saying a trophy fish will not be kept.I do not remember the last time a tropy fish has been kept. Most people are very willing in this day and age to do a replica. I see your point, but this event has an option and that is a live release at the landing.
Take this tourney any where else and you will receive the same opposition.
This will be my last post on this subject . I have said my peace

Capt Terry Frey

[hgmeyer]

Who is talking about 6000 fish? That is almost scare mongering. This is one, and only one, tournament that may be weighing the fish at Cabela's. If you have some insight that I am not privy to, please share it. But, as far as I can see we ARE talking only about maybe 200 fish. I am sure that your "local resource" will have that many, and more removed the same weekend by fishermen with a zip code the same as Cabela's.

[TJH-un]

Steve,

I believe were talking this one small event. Your stretching a bit too now be talking about 6,000 eyes. I'm not aware of there being 30 walleye tourneys out of PDC in a year.

Once again, I see some of the points here for it to be a release event but were talking a small event. The overall event is good for the PDC economy. If they want to weight them at Cabela's, I just don't see a concern for this size of event. A bigger event yes.

I have no problem with putting my trust in the DNR for this event. I feel they are way more in tune with what may or may not impact the fishery.

TJH

[Steve PDC]

Like Terry, this will be my last comment on this subject. Since you have an agenda it is a waste of time discussing this. I do want to clarify a few points though. I do not beleive I said there were 30 Walleye tournaments in our area. I think I said we had 30 tournaments in our area. You must realize that it is not all about you. There are Also Bass tournaments.
Where do you draw the line? This tournament you say is too small but larger ones may be of concern. Are you saying 41 boats would be too large? How about 50 or 60. Who makes the call. I was not using scare methods in my first note. I was stating a fact. You are stating feelings. I think for the most part our community wants to be a good neighbor but when this type of contest is proposed it makes it very diffucult

[hgmeyer]

Two short comments...

"Since you have an agenda..." That comment is pretty well applicable to your line of reasoning, as well.

It is true, that I am trying to advocate for a "reasonable, balancing all the factors, approach to this issue" I want competitive Walleye fishing to survive.

On the other hand, admitted or not, your comments continue to resonate with a "locals versus tourists/visitors" aspect, clearly that too is an "agenda".

You state; "I think for the most part our community wants to be a good neighbor but when this type of contest is proposed it makes it very diffucult" It is clear that your focus is one that allows for the fish to be exploited only by "our community".

The "constituancy" that should be considered is greater than just "our (local) community". The fish do not have a "local only" stamped on them. As long as it is a legal activity and approved by the DNR it ought not to be relegated to any less of a possible use of the resource than somebody "local" fshing the same waters for enjoyment.

I don't know of a better way to ask; so I will do so, with the hope that it is not taken in any offensive manner. But, by what line of reasoning do you believe that "locals" have any greater claim to "use/control the use" of the fish? What does a "local" do that is any greater contribution to the resource than me, or any other person? Everybody pays for a fishing license (and really my non-resident costs more), everybody pays the federal excise tax on fishing gear in exactly the same percentage. If applicable, we all pay a launch fee (and many times non-residents pay more).

Now, as a final comment, do not take my word for the benefits of shedding the "local versus others" attitude with regard to this issue. Do some research on the relationship of the Utica/Spring Valley/Hennepin Illinois area with tournament fishermen. These communities truly embrace the anglers. They have a great relationship with them. When Utica was hit by a tornado lots of help came from out of town anglers. There are tournaments almost every weekend from March to June/July. The fish are plentiful and the focus is "make it better".

[baitmaster51]

Been looking over the discussion of catch & release, vs catch & eat tournaments. My point of view is, that the reason we are discussing releasing these big fish is because of fisherman that let them go, for various reasons. We have always kept the small ones to eat if we wanted any, and the big ones always go back, whether it is the Midwest, Canada, or lakes in the West where I live. My view is that slot limits, and big fish going back, regardless if it a lazy fishing day, or a tourney, are why you have a chance of catching a trophy, taking a pic, and letting it swim another day. I'm sure that Cabela's would enjoy a photo op in their parking lot, but it could be had at the boat launch too.

[Captain Anchor1]

I am just curious how it is OK that we can eat 10 pounders out of erie where I believe kill tourneys are the norm and not anywhere else. I am all for catch and release and release 95% of the fish I catch. However, we are talking about a "renewable resource". We are not talking about a dwindling resource. I think we pay the DNR well to ensure the status of the fishery and they should let us know when a fishery is in trouble. With natural reproduction and a hatchery in the area, I would bet the DNR knows more about the health of the fishery than we give them credit. We are not talking about wasting the fish and throwing them on the curb for the locals to clean up. I think we should all follow the DNR recommedations and live with it.

Troy Loeckle

[TJH-un]

Steve,

How were we to interrupt your comments about 30 tournaments in your first reply? This thread is about a walleye tournament, not bass, so lets not go there. Sorry if I miss read your point on the number of events. So, your point of walleye events is much less than 30 a year, probably more like less than 8 a year.

To answer the question where do we draw the line and how to make the call, trust me the DNR will draw the line if they feel the resource is being impacted. That's why each tournament needs a permit to be held. It's there job, there on top of this resource more than we can ever think we are.

TJH

[marble eye]

If the DNR is mandating the process and Cabales wants the event at there store, then I see this as a DNR issue and not IOWA decision.

[Ron Plumb]

I just want to set some facts straight. I fished the I.O.W.A. last year. After watching Deans son returning fish to the water. Running to the water I might add I can assure everyone out there their main concern is the well being of those fish. I believe this topic is getting a bit old. As most of us practice catch and release. There is no 100% percent guarantee that even the fish we release will live. Dean and Christine run one heck of a circuit. Its a ton of fun,and I will only speak for myself but Im sure the guys and gals agree Im quite sure nobodys doing it for the money. Lets put this topic to rest.

[i.o.w.a.]

The I.O.W.A. State Championship at PDC will be a catch and release tournament. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.


Dean Higgins
Walleye Promotions, LLC

[Hutch un-logged]

I want to say thank you. But I feel as that is the WRONG thing to say. Because then it sounds like your doing me a favor and we all know that's not an issue here at all. I can only say "that's great". While your here if you need any help or local resources other than what Cabela's will be offering in any way shape or form I TRULY hope you will give me a call. I'd be happy to help in any way that I can. Again all I can say is GREAT!!! Hutch 1-608-326-6764 jigman@mhtc.net

[Jack Dunn]

Dean.....keep all the ones under 18 inches and Misty and I will come down for a fish fry at your place.... I'll bring the Minnesota beer!!:boozer: :stirthepot: