MWC Spring Valley Numbers

[MWCer]

I just checked out the MWC website and it looka like 153 teams have signed up. That's terrific news!

[floodvalley]

Except for the flood that will be the river

[ru4real]

look at the snow amounts in northern IL. 2to6 inches or so. 40 degrees plus days quite a bit in the next 15 days. River is 3' above flood stage today. How can you say it is going to be a flood over 3 weeks from now? I think there is an equally good chance that it will be just like it would be in a normal year. High water?probably. fishable?more than likely. People are just overly gunshy because of last year.

[fishhoggunlogged]

I have looked on the website and I don't see how to tell how many have signed up? I want to check the lake Erie tournament.

[Toolman]

From the main page of MWC site click on "Bulletin Board" and go to "General Discussions". There is a Thread titled "Tournament Entries". I'll make it even easier...Port Clinton Lake Erie has 67 teams signed up right now.

Tim

[MWCer]

BTW - How many teams have historically fished the MWC Spring Valley opener? A buddy of mine at a local Gander store said the numbers are lowere now than a couple of years ago. Is this true?

[Wisconsin Wade]

>BTW - How many teams have historically fished the MWC Spring
>Valley opener? A buddy of mine at a local Gander store said
>the numbers are lowere now than a couple of years ago. Is this
>true?

Check out the Leaderboard page here at WC and you can check MWC results for quite a few years back or you can go the MWC website and check the results back to '04. All the past info you will need. Good Luck.

[WAZZZ]

There used to be waiting lists for this tournament.

[TJH-un]

Just an FYI,

You can go the Spring Valley Walleye Club web site for a history of this tournmanet. The MWC has been at SV since 1987. It appears the lowest number of teams was 173 boats in 1989. For the last 21 years, the event has averaged 209 teams per year. They have had 220 boats or more in 11 of those years.

[so whats wrong]

>Just an FYI,
>
>You can go the Spring Valley Walleye Club web site for a
>history of this tournmanet. The MWC has been at SV since
>1987. It appears the lowest number of teams was 173 boats in
>1989. For the last 21 years, the event has averaged 209 teams
>per year. They have had 220 boats or more in 11 of those
>years.


That is unbelieveable! Why the big drop in entries? Does anyone have any ideas what is wrong? Economy, locations, payouts, travel distance, etc?

[Former mwcer]

>>Just an FYI,
>>
>>You can go the Spring Valley Walleye Club web site for a
>>history of this tournmanet. The MWC has been at SV since
>>1987. It appears the lowest number of teams was 173 boats
>in
>>1989. For the last 21 years, the event has averaged 209
>teams
>>per year. They have had 220 boats or more in 11 of those
>>years.
>
>
>That is unbelieveable! Why the big drop in entries? Does
>anyone have any ideas what is wrong? Economy, locations,
>payouts, travel distance, etc?
The way they run it now is what is killing it.

[UL]

Not quite sure what you mean by how they run it. Seems to me the payout percentage is as good or better then it ever has been. Everyone gets to fish the same amount of time and the largest weight wins. Not trying to be a wiseguy but don't you think that $4 a gallon/gas and a general slowing economy might have just a LITTLE to do with it?

I get so sick of people that want to come on here and constantly bash the MWC for some personal reason. How many of you have contacted them and shared your concerns and ideas with them to try to make it better? Just remember keep tearing apart what options there are out there for top level team events and some day there will be NONE! Then the same people will be crying about the lack of options.

I am not saying the MWC, or any other circuit for that matter, is perfect but for once maybe try being part of the solution. Who knows you might like it!

[eyezforcash]

Cheers UL

[dutchboy]

I'm sure they are available to be bought out. Then you can be the hero on the white horse who comes in and saves the day!!:bowdown:

[MWCXX]

>I'm sure they are available to be bought out. Then you can be
>the hero on the white horse who comes in and saves the
>day!!:bowdown:
Just wait the Pilot Group will give the MWC away. Then all the MWC cherleaders will be out of a job too.

[des moines iowa]

Great point UL. I really don't understand the bashing of the MWC. My God, if the river is even in OK shape there will be close to 200 boats. It is clear from reading the boards that people are praying for crappy weather to have a year like last year. That is truly sad. The numbers will be down in part from the gas prices and economy period. If people who used to fish it don't because of last year, fine, but stop whining about it. It is somewhat pathetic that some people are hoping for bad and maybe even dangerous conditions to be present in 3 weeks and they are not even fishing the tourney.

[des moines iowa]

Great point UL. I really don't understand the bashing of the MWC. My God, if the river is even in OK shape there will be close to 200 boats. It is clear from reading the boards that people are praying for crappy weather to have a year like last year. That is truly sad. The numbers will be down in part from the gas prices and economy period. If people who used to fish it don't because of last year, fine, but stop whining about it. It is somewhat pathetic that some people are hoping for bad and maybe even dangerous conditions to be present in 3 weeks and they are not even fishing the tourney.

[Mark O.]

Well said UL. I loved fishing Spring Valley. What you don't hear about is how good the fishing was just a couple days before the tournament. I wasn't down there, but my former MWC partner was. It's to bad things turned out the way it did. It was set up to be a great bite. I loved fishing Spring Valley. I admit, it is gas prices that are keeping me from doing the tournament. If I lived within 50 miles I would fish it in a heart beat. If you have a chance to fish the Spring run, do it. You can't beat catching 3-5lb saugers! I think the MWC does a pretty good job. I spent two years on the advisory panel. I wish everybody could see and hear what I did. Everything isn't always as black and white as some people make it out to be. You can't please everybody. That's just how it is. I wouldn't want Kristine's job, not in a million years. I think she does pretty good with what she has to deal with sometimes. She has a boss just like us.

[Mark O.]

Well said UL. I loved fishing Spring Valley. What you don't hear about is how good the fishing was just a couple days before the tournament. I wasn't down there, but my former MWC partner was. It's to bad things turned out the way it did. It was set up to be a great bite. I loved fishing Spring Valley. I admit, it is gas prices that are keeping me from doing the tournament. If I lived within 50 miles I would fish it in a heart beat. If you have a chance to fish the Spring run, do it. You can't beat catching 3-5lb saugers! I think the MWC does a pretty good job. I spent two years on the advisory panel. I wish everybody could see and hear what I did. Everything isn't always as black and white as some people make it out to be. You can't please everybody. That's just how it is. I wouldn't want Kristine's job, not in a million years. I think she does pretty good with what she has to deal with sometimes. She has a boss just like us.

[walleyedmike]

>>>Just an FYI,
>>>
>>>You can go the Spring Valley Walleye Club web site for a
>>>history of this tournmanet. The MWC has been at SV since
>>>1987. It appears the lowest number of teams was 173 boats
>>in
>>>1989. For the last 21 years, the event has averaged 209
>>teams
>>>per year. They have had 220 boats or more in 11 of those
>>>years.
>>
>>
>>That is unbelieveable! Why the big drop in entries? Does
>>anyone have any ideas what is wrong? Economy, locations,
>>payouts, travel distance, etc?
>The way they run it now is what is killing it.
Easy to whine when you're not logged in.....

[bradley894]

whats wrong? you ask... lets see with memberships 800 dollars to enter big money requires big attn to pre-fishing and preperation.. that means if your going to throw your name in the hat your lookin at big $$$$$$$ other then 50-75 local guys who are on the river twice a week anyway the majority of the field better be pre- fishing at least 3 days prior.... 300 dollars for rooms 50 dollars a day for meals 50-100 dollars a day for fuel , time off of work ... the monday after off of work.. the only way you could be garanteed to get into the spring valley tourny was to send in for all events at the first deadline date years ago.. now a team spends almost 2 grand to try and be competitive... not counting how much money it costs to take off of work for most... not so long ago... the entry was 300 bux the field was full gas was 79Cents a gallon... a two man team could get away with a 500 dollar bill each easy... pre-fish a day or two and made the trip for a good time... and good friends and good fishing .. compition a bonus... im sory for most today a couple grand can get you a week in mexico the same time of year and plenty of salt water action . remember big money means big pressure to produce fish.. stressfull days on the water for many.. when 90% of the field goes home and is depressed because they spent that much money and the pressure takes the fun out of the weekend,,, they will most likely not be back... keep it fun... and they will be happy to spend the money next time... its not about the chance to win big ... its about the chance to win something and the good times doing it... Wake up People. everyone wants to have a purse that would enable them to turn pro... but with that takes the fun away and the real reason most folks participate... i myself should be fishing all three.. winnibaggo is home and i live an hour from the bay of green bay,,, many hours on the bay and very competitive out there... the illinois river isnt far either ,, why am i not doing all three with an awsum chance to qualify for the championship this year? add it up... 6000 dollars split two ways.. all three tournaments are in my busy months at work... a week off will a min of 1000.00 maybe more per week... (sales) now im lookin at a 6 grand investment myself with my partner throwing in 3 grand plus time off of work too... he is also sales and very busy time of year for him ... between the two of us we could have 12 grand invested in 3 tournaments... 100 local boats at each event makes compition tuff... ill admit it ... I AM NOT A GOOD ENOUGH WALLEYE FISHERMAN TO COMPETE WITH THOSE ODDS AND THAT KIND OF CASH INVESTMENT!!!!!!! not even when i consider 2 out of the three events home water... oh and do i have to add a 4 th event to compete for the championship or team of the year? i need to read my rules... sory mwc managment .. you have a top notch cercuit run very well... always professional and i know you guys work hard to keep everyone happy... just out of my league ... thats my thaughts... lower the entry...if the payout is smaller say back to 300 and a guy can pre-fish a day or two before and still compete ... instead of a week.. that will cut the cost tremendusly.... if i can pre fish 1 day or two in stead of taking the week of with my partner and i we are talking thousands... if the purse is smaller others will not pre-fish as much either .. go back to the old mwc days... and the fields will fill again.. its just the way i see it. sometimes hard to face it but a day or two of pre-fishing and the field will show up... a week off of work for each event is not realistic... i dont care if a team can win 30 grand... i dont care if first place is 50 grand.. or if its 5 grand for me its about the enjoyment and compition. lets face it its entertainment.. when the cost factor of a ticket to a show or big sprorting event exceeds the fun and enjoyment factor the ticket wont be purchased.. i would have loved to take my family to see Bret favre play his last game in the nfc championship agianst the giants... at 500 dollars a ticket times for tickets spending a couple three grand and then for those that did freeze there arses off having to drive home with the big loss on there mind .. hey as a tournament angler we have all face the let down on the ride home.. and its not a good fealing .. good fishing

[bradley894]

oh its not all gloom and doom! the MWC put togather a great schedual this year! sring illinois river always a great place to catch plenty of fish.. winnibago in june!!!!!!!!! are you kidding me , if you have a week off of work for this one its going to be fish suicide!!!!!!!!!! UNREAL time to be on bago!!!!!!!! and plenty of nice size fish out there... if you want 30- 50 fish days its one to not miss out on! and the Bay of green bay is still a sleeper!!!!! need a big one for the wall? expect big weights and good fishing for all.... i complement the mwc for the dates they picked.... i still think turnout will be great ,, baggo event will fill to 300 if they allowed it .. still contemplating all three this year dispite my better judgement ... as a walleye guy i can stil hear the mwc calling my name in 2008.. its a sickness im convinced of it. cant help but love it! i feel like that 13 inch male walleye ,, getting called up river.. i dont know why just that im sposta be there.... what do i do? what do i do? might hafta get out the checkbook! again!

[bradley894]

BACK again! yup yup ,,, think im gonna call my fishing partner see if he has the cahonies to sign up for 3 and only pre-fish friday before... that will keep the cost down.. yup yup ,,, i feal like a walleye looking at a crank bait... i know better but ....... i think im gonna do it... oh boy another boat ride

[bugkiller]

Like a moth to the flame.

[Gotta know]

Gotta know when to stop and beleive me, that's a hard call to make. I don't care what you tell me, I just know that I'll be able to figure it out, I WILL fish!! And I WILL win!! Many a tournament fisherman has lost his house, wife and family because of fishing.I'm feeling the pressures this year, the price of everything is out of control. I HAVE to take a step back and look at what is really important to me at this point of my life, and if fishing is my biggest priority, God help me....But not to fish? It's KILLING me!!

[so whats wrong]

> I wish everybody could see and hear what "I" did.>

Mark O, I was just laughing so hard I fell off my chair!

[bradley894]

gotta know... yes its ok to take a step back... its ok to ride along in a few smaller events with a buddy.... its ok to take a year off and fish a few bar tournaments .. golf a bit .. spend time with the kids , go camping and things... rememer this ,, your not going to forget how to fish by taking some time off.. use the time to grow.. and there is always the future ,, been up and down myself.. and down is no fun.. so slow down for a year and do a few fun ones that dont put all the stress on you and the family.. no big deal.. so you dont get to run with the boys all summer... what do thay care anyway if your not at all the events... just nice to see you around from time to time ... anyone who has been fishing any organized walleye events for some time will have the respect of his freinds and piers for the few weekends he shows up in a slow year anyway.. just nice to see some of the guys show up once in a wile and talk about the old days... heck most of these guys are incredible anglers and competitors... its just when the crash comes it comes fast and hard... then there gone..... dont be afraid to slow down... just because your old and washed up doesnt mean you can dig the old FENDER strat out of the closet once in a wile and get togather to jam with the boys in the garage... so you hafta sell the big sparkly rig... oh well.. im sure you have made a few freinds and im sure you wouldnt be left on shore if your heart was still into it... always someone looking for a good partner and somone to ride shotgun.... good luck with your decision... and yes A MOTH to the FLAME...... good point! im the mauth i get it! ... but im having trouble getting to the flame because im still stuck in the Bug ZAPPER on the porch. lol

[bradley894]

gotta know... yes its ok to take a step back... its ok to ride along in a few smaller events with a buddy.... its ok to take a year off and fish a few bar tournaments .. golf a bit .. spend time with the kids , go camping and things... rememer this ,, your not going to forget how to fish by taking some time off.. use the time to grow.. and there is always the future ,, been up and down myself.. and down is no fun.. so slow down for a year and do a few fun ones that dont put all the stress on you and the family.. no big deal.. so you dont get to run with the boys all summer... what do thay care anyway if your not at all the events... just nice to see you around from time to time ... anyone who has been fishing any organized walleye events for some time will have the respect of his freinds and piers for the few weekends he shows up in a slow year anyway.. just nice to see some of the guys show up once in a wile and talk about the old days... heck most of these guys are incredible anglers and competitors... its just when the crash comes it comes fast and hard... then there gone..... dont be afraid to slow down... just because your old and washed up doesnt mean you can dig the old FENDER strat out of the closet once in a wile and get togather to jam with the boys in the garage... so you hafta sell the big sparkly rig... oh well.. im sure you have made a few freinds and im sure you wouldnt be left on shore if your heart was still into it... always someone looking for a good partner and somone to ride shotgun.... good luck with your decision... and yes A MOTH to the FLAME...... good point! im the mauth i get it! ... but im having trouble getting to the flame because im still stuck in the Bug ZAPPER on the porch. lol

[WAZZZ]

If I remember correctly a survey was taken of the MWC membership and they overwhelmingly supported the increase in entry fees. Why? For larger paybacks. No Argument there. The cost of gas, food and you missing work is not the MWC's fault. You decided to participate and you have to understand the expenses associated with the tournament. I fished the Green Bay one last year. Great event, run professionaly and a place for freinds and family to participate in something they love. Also look at the history of locals winning pro tournaments,(PWT,RCL,FLW,MWC) doesn't happen to often.

P.S. Thanks for giving me permission to step back and take sometime off. The pressure was getting to me.

These are just OPKA's opinions so don't get too excited.

P.S. II I am basically computer illiterate so I'm registered but just don't know how to log on or use spell check. Many know me as Wazzz.

P.S. III People need to look at the MWC as a fun experience and a weekend to fish, make freinds and whoop it up. As a bonus you might actually win some money. If you don't big deal. Did you have fun? If not then don't fish tournaments. Seems like folks are expecting way too much from the entry fee.

We all chip in they hold our money, pay expenses, a little for them and then pass the rest back to us. Not rocket science.

[WAZZZ]

If I remember correctly a survey was taken of the MWC membership and they overwhelmingly supported the increase in entry fees. Why? For larger paybacks. No Argument there. The cost of gas, food and you missing work is not the MWC's fault. You decided to participate and you have to understand the expenses associated with the tournament. I fished the Green Bay one last year. Great event, run professionaly and a place for freinds and family to participate in something they love. Also look at the history of locals winning pro tournaments,(PWT,RCL,FLW,MWC) doesn't happen to often.

P.S. Thanks for giving me permission to step back and take sometime off. The pressure was getting to me.

These are just OPKA's opinions so don't get too excited.

P.S. II I am basically computer illiterate so I'm registered but just don't know how to log on or use spell check. Many know me as Wazzz.

P.S. III People need to look at the MWC as a fun experience and a weekend to fish, make freinds and whoop it up. As a bonus you might actually win some money. If you don't big deal. Did you have fun? If not then don't fish tournaments. Seems like folks are expecting way too much from the entry fee.

We all chip in they hold our money, pay expenses, a little for them and then pass the rest back to us. Not rocket science.

[bugkiller]

I reluctantly took a year off last year, just burned out on the whole thing I guess. I did miss hanging out with the boys and the competition but I also got to go on some really great fishing trips with some of my old non tourny buddies and family, went where we wanted to go when the fish were biting and the weather was fairly predictable. Relaxed, laughed alot, learned some new things, amazing what you pick up when there is no pressure. It was really a nice break. Spent a lot less money too. Some really great anglers dont fish tournaments. being a tournament fisherman just means that you are a really good fisherman with a gambling problem-LOL. I am back fishing tournys again this year.. like a moth to the flame

[bugkiller]

I reluctantly took a year off last year, just burned out on the whole thing I guess. I did miss hanging out with the boys and the competition but I also got to go on some really great fishing trips with some of my old non tourny buddies and family, went where we wanted to go when the fish were biting and the weather was fairly predictable. Relaxed, laughed alot, learned some new things, amazing what you pick up when there is no pressure. It was really a nice break. Spent a lot less money too. Some really great anglers dont fish tournaments. being a tournament fisherman just means that you are a really good fisherman with a gambling problem-LOL. I am back fishing tournys again this year.. like a moth to the flame

[Gotta know]

Hey Bradley, thanks for the encouragement. I know that it shouldn't be so important to me but it is and I have a hard time getting it out of my head. I love the pressure, fishing the tournaments is the most exciting thing I've ever done. I don't want to slow down, I may not be able to pick it back up again. It's a long journey to get the sponsors and I hate to start over. The big rig is gone, went to Canada and now I'll adjust to a smaller boat and motor. IF my boat arrives soon, I'll do a couple of smaller tournaments, just to have fun and keep out there.But like you said Bug Killer, if I'm forced to take the year off, at least I'll still have my family I think. My family always takes a couple of trips together fishing, sitting back, drinking beer and playing cards, I'd really like to go. May even have to get a job.....Suck it up, let it go, enjoy what I have. Got it.

[Gotta know]

Hey Bradley, thanks for the encouragement. I know that it shouldn't be so important to me but it is and I have a hard time getting it out of my head. I love the pressure, fishing the tournaments is the most exciting thing I've ever done. I don't want to slow down, I may not be able to pick it back up again. It's a long journey to get the sponsors and I hate to start over. The big rig is gone, went to Canada and now I'll adjust to a smaller boat and motor. IF my boat arrives soon, I'll do a couple of smaller tournaments, just to have fun and keep out there.But like you said Bug Killer, if I'm forced to take the year off, at least I'll still have my family I think. My family always takes a couple of trips together fishing, sitting back, drinking beer and playing cards, I'd really like to go. May even have to get a job.....Suck it up, let it go, enjoy what I have. Got it.

[john mannerino]

I have been tourney fishing for 10 years. I`m also takeing a year off the bigger trails and fishing smaller tourneys. Yes I will miss alot of guys that I have made friends with over the years,but I wont miss the others. The expensive costs do take there toll on everybody involved in your life. Yea I was burned out alittle but I also had a knee replacement and that might be what I needed to recharge my batteries. I`m fishing smaller trails with my son this year and we are haveing a ball.

[john mannerino]

I have been tourney fishing for 10 years. I`m also takeing a year off the bigger trails and fishing smaller tourneys. Yes I will miss alot of guys that I have made friends with over the years,but I wont miss the others. The expensive costs do take there toll on everybody involved in your life. Yea I was burned out alittle but I also had a knee replacement and that might be what I needed to recharge my batteries. I`m fishing smaller trails with my son this year and we are haveing a ball.

[Another Former MWCer]

Let me fill in the gaps for the mentally challenged.

MWC Upside:

Local midwest tourney
Great starting point and time of year
Historically a favorite

MWC Downside:

Management appointments and decisions
Poor backup plans
Increased entry fees in poor economy
Lack of strategic marketing - many brand names have left
Rising fuel costs
Format / division changes - better at 5 tourneys per year
Inability to really listen to Angler requested changes

I am not bashing, merely stating the facts as I have seen them.
I am glad to have been part of the growth of the MWC, unfortunately
in life, we all meet up with cross roads and have to make decisions.

The MWC needs a complete management makeover with a review of how to keep the business alive.

[Toolman]

Former MWC'r,

I guess I'm one of the "mentally challenged" because most of your "facts" makes no sense to me.

You state:

MWC Downside

<Management appointments and decisions>
Is it having a female director or is it that the fact that the staff tries to run the circuit like a business-which is what it is to those who haven't figured out the tourney game yet. Every person will not be happy with every decision. From what I've seen, they try to do what is best for the circuit as a whole, for both the business and the anglers.

<Poor backup plans>
What back-up plans does any circuit have when inclement weather arises? Come back and fish the following weekend? Yeah right-that's going to work. SIte logistics alone prohibit that. The MWC fishes when it is fishable. Are conditions always ideal? No, but everyone has to contend with the same thing. I think the 3 days to get 2 in the East is an outstanding plan.

<Increased entry fees in poor economy>
When the entry fee was raised few anglers argued and most liked the prospect of larger payouts. Which makes more sense? Lower the entry fee and fish for less money with ever escalating costs to fish, or raise them and fish for larger payouts? I know which most anglers will choose. I know... lower fees and higher payouts...that would be ideal.

<Lack of strategic marketing - many brand names have left>
They still have Ranger, Merc, MinnKota, along with several new sponsors. I'm sure they would like to have more sponsors, but, like you said, it's a poor economy. Money isn't growing on trees.

<Rising fuel costs>
While I'm sure the MWC people would love to have control over this-I doubt they do.

<Format / division changes - better at 5 tourneys per year>
A team can compete in any number between 1 and 6 tourneys. Fish a single event, two, or all 3 in a division, add a Challenge and make it 4. Fish both divisions and do all 6. Throw in Walleye Madness and that would be 7. If you do well you are rewarded with a Championship invitation. That's 8. Sounds like plenty to me.

<Inability to really listen to Angler requested changes>
I had the opportunity to be on the AAP. Despite what many think, they do listen to what we have to say. Do they always make it happen-no, but they certainly consider all ideas with merit and see if it fits in the overall business plan. Again, remember it is a business. If you have an idea, get with one of the AAP guys and lay it out for them. Better yet, get a group and discuss it. If the AAP member is convinced, he will likely pitch it to the MWC staff. When this years schedule was released, was it not well recieved by almost all anglers? The schedule is developed through the input of anglers, AAP, and the MWC Staff.

<I am not bashing, merely stating the facts as I have seen them.
I am glad to have been part of the growth of the MWC, unfortunately
in life, we all meet up with cross roads and have to make decisions.

The MWC needs a complete management makeover with a review of how to keep the business alive.>
Who wouldn't like lower entries and higher payouts, but that obviously will not happen. Entries make up most, if not all of the payout in almost every circuit. The management staff does a good job of balancing keeping the business viable and giving the anglers a well run, quality circuit. I think the economies of tourney fishing, for both the circuit owners and anglers, will get tougher before it gets better. Hopefully the MWC will be able to continue to provide the product in the future.

Bash namelessly or go away quietly and find somewhere another circuit to fish. Like reduced entries and higher payouts-that's what I'd like to see. There's my "mentally challenged" opinion-complete with signature.

Tim Joseph

[Ok Tim]

Tim:

Thanks for your reply. I am truly sorry if you felt the points were targeted at you personally. And no, I wont go away quietly. Not for you or anyone regardless of title or business.

Question and Perspective:

Do you have a Coast Guard license? How about a Charter Captain's certification? By recommendations of the law and most of all safety, would you have allowed anyone to enter a tournament water with the debris, the rising current, and the dangers of flooding conditions?

My point is that I realize this circuit is a business, but safety and well-being is paramount. The perception alone can kill OUR so-called
"business" let alone jobs for those organizing the circuit.

Additionally, you mentioned gender, I mentioned management because I believe there is a pool of resources making the decisions. It just happens that the gender difference (you referred to) delivered the message.

As for the other responses, we are all entitled to an opinion. We are not supposed to agree but we should be mature enough to accept those opinions. For your assistance, that would not be bashing namelessly.

Have a great day and a wonderful 2008 fishing year.

Good Ole Boy

>Former MWC'r,
>
>I guess I'm one of the "mentally challenged" because most of
>your "facts" makes no sense to me.
>
>You state:
>
>MWC Downside
>
><Management appointments and decisions>
>Is it having a female director or is it that the fact that the
>staff tries to run the circuit like a business-which is what
>it is to those who haven't figured out the tourney game yet.
>Every person will not be happy with every decision. From what
>I've seen, they try to do what is best for the circuit as a
>whole, for both the business and the anglers.
>
><Poor backup plans>
>What back-up plans does any circuit have when inclement
>weather arises? Come back and fish the following weekend? Yeah
>right-that's going to work. SIte logistics alone prohibit
>that. The MWC fishes when it is fishable. Are conditions
>always ideal? No, but everyone has to contend with the same
>thing. I think the 3 days to get 2 in the East is an
>outstanding plan.
>
><Increased entry fees in poor economy>
>When the entry fee was raised few anglers argued and most
>liked the prospect of larger payouts. Which makes more sense?
>Lower the entry fee and fish for less money with ever
>escalating costs to fish, or raise them and fish for larger
>payouts? I know which most anglers will choose. I know...
>lower fees and higher payouts...that would be ideal.
>
><Lack of strategic marketing - many brand names have left>
>They still have Ranger, Merc, MinnKota, along with several new
>sponsors. I'm sure they would like to have more sponsors, but,
>like you said, it's a poor economy. Money isn't growing on
>trees.
>
><Rising fuel costs>
>While I'm sure the MWC people would love to have control over
>this-I doubt they do.
>
><Format / division changes - better at 5 tourneys per year>
>A team can compete in any number between 1 and 6 tourneys.
>Fish a single event, two, or all 3 in a division, add a
>Challenge and make it 4. Fish both divisions and do all 6.
>Throw in Walleye Madness and that would be 7. If you do well
>you are rewarded with a Championship invitation. That's 8.
>Sounds like plenty to me.
>
><Inability to really listen to Angler requested changes>
>I had the opportunity to be on the AAP. Despite what many
>think, they do listen to what we have to say. Do they always
>make it happen-no, but they certainly consider all ideas with
>merit and see if it fits in the overall business plan. Again,
>remember it is a business. If you have an idea, get with one
>of the AAP guys and lay it out for them. Better yet, get a
>group and discuss it. If the AAP member is convinced, he will
>likely pitch it to the MWC staff. When this years schedule was
>released, was it not well recieved by almost all anglers? The
>schedule is developed through the input of anglers, AAP, and
>the MWC Staff.
>
><I am not bashing, merely stating the facts as I have seen
>them.
>I am glad to have been part of the growth of the MWC,
>unfortunately
>in life, we all meet up with cross roads and have to make
>decisions.
>
>The MWC needs a complete management makeover with a review of
>how to keep the business alive.>
>Who wouldn't like lower entries and higher payouts, but that
>obviously will not happen. Entries make up most, if not all of
>the payout in almost every circuit. The management staff does
>a good job of balancing keeping the business viable and giving
>the anglers a well run, quality circuit. I think the economies
>of tourney fishing, for both the circuit owners and anglers,
>will get tougher before it gets better. Hopefully the MWC will
>be able to continue to provide the product in the future.
>
>Bash namelessly or go away quietly and find somewhere another
>circuit to fish. Like reduced entries and higher
>payouts-that's what I'd like to see. There's my "mentally
>challenged" opinion-complete with signature.
>
>Tim Joseph
>
>
>
>
>

[Actually]

The management is quite poor.

[Raybob]

Is it upto 154 for SV??

(anyhow TG) ~ Spring Valley Tournament begins in:

11 Days, 22 Hours, 14 Min, 37 Sec.


da old fart,
Bebob da I-Bobray

[Toolman]

Former MWC'r,

I didn't take any of your "facts" personally, though they seemed to be more of a bunch of formed opinions. I was merely stating my observations and opinions as I've seen them over the past few years. I never said the MWC was perfect, but I believe they are always working to be better. From my experience, becoming better is not a destination, but a journey. I wish you a good '08 season as well, what and wherever you fish.

Tim