PWT's call on the Lake Sharpes Tournament

[sam]

I have just heard that alot of professional and amateurs anglers were disqualified in todays tournament on Lake Sharpe. The winds were 45+ miles per hour. Instead of calling the tournament off because of the outragous weather that could of put many lives in jeopardy they decided to keep the tournament going. The anglers that fished close had a chance to get back and the anglers that went a distance (within the pwt's boundries)ended up having to find safety and could not get back. I heard 30+ professional's along with 30+ amateurs could only trailer there boats back so they would not jeopardize their lives. The PWT also had to turn their tournament trailer a different direction so it would not blow over. The PWT disqualified these anglers. Where is the line of professionlism in the PWT of putting so many lives in danger. What are we teaching the youth of today with this kind of unprofessionalism of the PWT? Does the PWT care about these anglers? The tournament was called off at Lake Erie for the day. Sounds like a disaster is ready to happen. All in all the tournament should have been called canceled for the day. Bad call for the PWT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fish-on]

Were you there? It seems pretty early to make a judgement unless you were there, this is the first I have heard about this, but I would challenge you to look at it from another angle. First of all, all PWT pros should be smart enough to find some fishable water close by in case of a blow. This is part of the normal routine for most pros on big water. Secondly, anytime a tournament is called an account of weather, you'll have 10 times as many anglers mad for calling it than you will have infavor of it. The lone exception to this would be a Great Lakes tournament where all the fish are way out in open water. Most of the time, anglers should be left to their own judgement. How would you feel if you spent one of your practice days looking for back-up fish close to the weigh-in in case of a blow, then they called the tournament off when you had a good shot at winning because you made the right choice? Doesn't sound fair to me. Here's another uestion: What was the wind like when they took off in the morning and what was the forecast for the day? That's got to be factored into the question too. I know Kalkofen and Dorn well enough to know that they take every possibility they can into consideration before making these calls. The PWT hasn't become the premiere walleye circuit in the world by making dumb decisions.

It'll be interesting to see how this shakes out.

[Jon'eye']

I live in Pierre. They had a wind advisory out yesterday for today, so they knew it was going to be bad. It took Gary Roach and some others 3.5 hours to get back to weigh-in.

I did over hear a very upset fisherman, say something about being DQ'd. But how many I don't know. Bill Ortiz won the tournament.

Jon'eye'

[cisco]

Ditto -- I want to see how it actually "shakes out." However, I remember some of the tough calls Jim George had to make when he was director of NAWA. One call in particular upset a bunch of anglers. He had been in tough with the US Weather Bureau and knew a big blow was possible on Sakakawea. At 6 a.m. it was tranquil and inviting. He called that day off, and the guys had kittens. By ten that morning half the topsoil in North Dakota was being blown away by 50 mph winds. My vote is for playing safe. In fact, some pros are having serious doubts about Erie in the spring for that very reason. There's bound to be one or more bad days, but with so much at stake the competition goes on. It's not worth it.

[Erie_Tournament_Troller]

Sam, The PWT has a group of anglers known as the "Anglers Advisory Council". These participating fisherman are called together and they vote on issues like this. It is usually their wishes that cause the call that is made. Why be in such a rush to defame the PWT and ridicule them for a "bad call". These fishermen are all grown adults able to think for themselves. Sure some are going to push it if given the chance. That does not make it anyone's fault. These guys knew the risks and the benefits and did what they thought they should. I for one like individual rights, freedoms, and responsibilities. And I get kind of tired of people who are always looking to blame someone else for their problems. As a former touring pro, and a former member of the anglers advisory council, I support their actions and truely wish people would get the story straight before throwing a hissy fit. Tight lines.

[Yo]

NAWA called a day because it was expected to blow that day according to the weather forecast in Nebraska. They were one day late. I was there. NAWA got mud in their face and was forced to fish the last day in big winds. It cost me money . It worked in reverse for me.

[sam]

Sorry to say, this is not a hissy fit, it is a mess at Lake Sharpe. My husband has been a nat'l sponsor for pwt and nawa for 10 years. I do know what I am talking about. At 5:30 there was still 10 pro/amateurs boats 40 miles from the weigh in anchored up together trying to survive. At another boat landing there was 25 boats trying to escape. I do know most of these people also and as you being a ex-pro, you should know about bad calls! When ther is 7-8ft waves on a river system the tourney should be canceled regardless of what weather was in the morning. At 25 mile an hour winds the water is not navigatable. The wind was 45 miles per hour. It is odd that the pwt had to turn their trailer for their own safety but what about the anglers? The erie tourney the coast guard forced the pwt to cancel. The facts are there and I hope my friends are safe.

[PWT PRO]

I was there and took shelter. The run down was calm and the same as the day before. The weather for the previous day was also for winds but 35 is a far cry from 55 to 60 which occured today. We were told to hold at Joe Creek landing while a decision was being made. That was at 1 pm with 3 hours to go and a possibility of getting in. An hour later we were told that the tourney was not going to be cancelled. There was no chance to make it even if you tried. The ones that went anyhow are beat up as is their amateur and equipment. On the great lakes you only have to contend with waves and can make headdway by going back and forth. Here there is a narrow channel lined by deadheads and stumps so you cannot tack to get ahead. The tourney should have been cancelled. They even had to move the weighin trailer to keep it from being blown over! By the way, as this is written, there is still one pro and his partner anchored out in the lake with engine problems waiting for someone to remove him from his boat. They have been there since noon and it is now 39degrees and sleetinng. Real bad call for PWT.

[Erie_Tournament_Troller]

Sam, I do also have friends in harms way. I brought a Ranger off Erie in honest 10 & 11' waves when the NAWA was not so wise (Toeledo in '96 I think). My point is that anglers helped make the call and fishermen who knew the forecast made their own dissision to run or sit close. All this is how it should be . In my humble opinion.

[Erie_Tournament_Troller]

Who is still out ?? Do you have a name?

[sam]

Wasn't it fun standing next to the camper at joe creek as it was rocking back and forth, my husband was there as well. Thanks for bringing the facts to the table and glad you are ok.

[Johnnie Candle]

I was there, it was not pretty. The weather forecast at 7:00am was for winds to 30 mph. I discussed the long run with several other pros. We determined that 30 mph could be handled with not much difficulty. Limits were quick to com. I had mine by 11:10 am. Every pro that made the run was on there way in by noon at the latest. I personally had over 5 hrs to get in.

About 1/4 of the way in I got water in my motor and it temporarily stopped my progress. Not knowing what the situation could turn in to I transferred my fish and amatuer to another boat. This was not just to make weigh in, but to assure HIS safety. I made it to safe harbor along with 10 other boats at Medicine Creek. My amature and his new ride made it to Joes' Creek. He only stopped to get more gas and continue his journey. Note this is at noon, 4 hrs and 45 min till weigh in. There were 25 others at joe's Creek. They phoned PWT and were told to not leave shelter. Remain where you are. Everyone followed instructions. Those of us in Medicine Creek and others stranded on the water were all relayed the message to stay where we were. Eventually we were given notice that the tournament was not called off and that our fish would not be weighed in. Two anglers opted to not stop and try to get a ruling and they both made it back by water. It seems to me they were rewarded for not trying to be safe. Needless to say they both cashed checks. They left the same tim as the rest of us.

The problem I have with the entire situation is that we were all told not to try to get in. How can we be told that and then DQed? I know all of the answers about we should have had close spots and we didn't have top make the run, but 40 some of us deemed it safe to go based on the potential forecast. I know that a lot of us may be crazy, but gary Roach is still recovering from Open Heart surgery and he was there and he made it back. he didn't stop to see what the PWTs decision was.

As for the advisory council, they had no say in the matter. By the time any of the pros got back to town the awards had been presented and everything was wrapped up. I tried to find anyone and couldn't. On my way into Pierre with my boat in tow from Medicine Creek it looked like a mass exodus of pros leaving to go home.

I personally understand the decision made by the PWT, and so do most of the pros, but we don't have to like it. The sad thing is this has happened before in many tournaments not just the PWT. Why can't we as awhole have a plan for these types of situations. It was very apparent that under most circumstances those pros involved could have made weigh in. This is a one in a milion situation, 50 MPH winds. The fish could have been bumped and checked in by a PWT official at Joe Creek or Medicine Creek or anywhere else and transported by land to the weigh in. There were plenty of options available and none explored.

My condolences to Sam Anderson and Greg Horoky. Both had a shot at the win and I am sure one of the two would have won. Also guys like Chris Gilman, Backer, Randash all with big weights the last day. We know who would have been where.

This is to take nothing away from Bill Ortiz. He made a great call and caught a phenomenal basket of fish. Bill deserved the win and it was a great one.

I hope that everything straightens itself out. There was a lot of grumbling about enough is enough. A lot of guys were scared for there lives. Like being in a car accident and afraid to drive again. This incedent could lead to more like it and that will have pros dropping like flies. Many have had all they can take.

I have tried to give the long and the short of what happened. I appologize for the long post, but feel it neccessary. Again, i understand why things went the way they did, i made a decision to go and it turned out to be the wrong one. Let's just be thankful no one was killed.

Looking forward to Lake Of The Woods.

Johnnie Candle

[Hawkeye]

I fished the Erie PWT tournament as an amateur, and chose not to fish the second day due to the forecase for heavy storms and lightning. That is exactly what happened.

It's true that the coast guard called the boats off the water on day two at the Erie PWT. Many pros had to take refuge on Middle Bass Island during the storm. No fish is worth risking your life over, and these tornaments (not just the PWT) live right on the edge.

[I CAN"T BELEIVE WHAT I AM HEARING!!!]

Look, I was there and if the pro's decide to run on the last day and go down to South bend and the wind starts to blow, then that is a chance they take. From their ability to always push the weather as far as they could in rough conditions in other tournaments, they gambled and lost at Lake Sharpe. I have never been in a walleye tournament where if you miss the weigh in or can't make it back on time you get to weigh in under any other circumstances at a different location. The PWT is not to blame at all. The pro's are grown men, not boys, and they can make up their minds as what to do. What about the other anglers who did not make the run and weighed in like it saysw in the rules? If I was in their shoes I would be ticked off if they let others who took the chance on a long run to be weighed differently under what they deemed to be special circumstances. This makes me sick that pro's would whine about not being able to weigh because they ran over 50 miles and would have been able to cash a check if they made it back. Did they make it back? No. Did they cash a check? No. Gary Roach got his fish, made it back, cashed a check and others did not. Mr Candle stated that he consulted with other pro's that it would be ok to make the run with 30 MPH winds. Well, Mr Roach knew about the weather and had the sense to get going early and he made it. Congrats on the 6th place finish. The weather was supposed to turn worse and other pro's I had talked to decided that if it was blowing they would not run far. At least weigh in and not wreck any equipment was the plan. You pay to play the game and some lost based on dicisions that they made, by deciding to run 50+ in the morning.

[I CAN"T BELEIVE WHAT I AM HEARING!!!]

You pay to play the game and some lost based on dicisions that they made, by deciding to run 50+ miles in the morning.

[dutchman]

fishing tourneys are a gamble, put your money up and take the risk's, make a poor choice and you've lost the game, make a stupid decision and you could lose your life or break a bunch of equipment, the choice is always yours

[curt quesnell]

thank you very much, you saved me some typing.

curt quesnell

[curt quesnell]

johnnie,

sounds like a nightmare, we are all fortunate that
it wasnt worse. due to the boatsmanship of the
pro contestants tradgedy was avoided.

your level headed assessment of the situation
under adverse and regrettable circumstances is
very much appreciated by me.

i know you must be fuming still. but johnnie
candle is a class guy and a top competitor. shake
it off and be ready for lake of the woods...
i'll be there rootin for you.

curt

[Scott]

I agree with a lot that ahs been saaid in the posts and am thankful that no one was hurt in the storm. The problem I have with the disqualifications is that the anglers were told to stay put. Yes, it would have been dangerous going back but this goes back to making their own decisions. If they would have been told the tournament was still on right away they could have worked their way back as Roach did. Some may have made the decsion to stay or even have their amatuer partners stay behind. But they should have been told right away if they are not in on time they will be DQed.
In my opinion the tournament day should have been cancelled mainly because the directors were the reason for some of the guys not even trying to get to the weigh-in. If they can decide for themselves to make the run, they can make the same desicion for coming back in very bad weather.
When they told them to stay, they should of made arrangements to weigh the fish there or trailer the fish back.
To me this is a bad call on the PWT's part.

Scott

[Joey]

The fishing should have been cancelled @ 9:30 a.m.when the winds started to exceed 40 m.p.h.The camera boat was on the leaders at West Bend and could see everybody was having trouble. It may have made great T.V. but put everybody's life in danger. I'm sure they got some great shots of Anderson and Horoky doing some great fishing manouvers in impossible conditions and they put the camera boat on the trailer and drove home to base leaving everyone on their own and not making the decision to call the day. We sat on the shore in Mobridge for two days in less wind.

[Sid]

Making choices is part of this game. At this tournament it was the choice to keep that 18+fish or throwing it back because you couldn't cull. That was Parson's complaint on day 2. Anglers shouldn't have to make those choices. But the PWT wants them to make life or death choices and then doesn't leave the choice to them. When Mark Dorn told them to wait, "the game was over". The choice was no longer the anglers. safety safety safety... This may have made good T.V. but the rest of the year is a sham. The angler of the year race is now corrupted by the PWT's decision, not the anglers choices.If you were there you know it was not only a bad weather call on day three. It was also the calls made by Mark Dorn at the measureing tanks on day one and two. I'm sure the dust won't settle on this fiasco for a long time.When the last fish is weighed in at Montana, Dorn's decisions will have altered the playing field. I'm sure thats not the choices any of the anglers wanted to make.

[Tough luck]

They should change the name to the Professional Whiners Trail. I can't beleive these guys are all mad. They made their decision to make the long run and take the gamble. You all should take a lesson from a 63 yr. old pro that just had heart bypass surgury and was smart enough to know when to come home and not push the envelope. Should all the rest of the field pay for your gamble, I think not. I talked to several local pro's that had made the run on the first two days, and decided to fish closer on day three because of the weather forecast. You all dodged a bullet on day two when the wind never showed up. You all made your choices now live with them and move on. Like Roach said, quit whining.

[Mike_Jensen]

I agree with Tough Luck. I made decisions based on the forecasts. I run 50 miles one way the first day and only 6 or 8 the next two. There was no danger within 10 miles or so of the weighin. The dangerous waters were many miles from the launch, why should anglers who made their decisions on where to fish, based on the forecast, be penalized because some took a gamble and lost?
Was it dangerous, yes, I have no doubts that is was dangerous 50 miles away but not around the weighin site it was nasty but not dangerous.
I do feel sorry for them but they took the gamble and lost.
Mike

[Young and Still Alive!!!!!!!!]

I am a PWT pro, alive (and glad for it) and I am somewhat disturbed by the things I have read here on Walleye Central. To call or not call the tournament is not the issue that should be discussed. Saftey should be.

I too was there and left with 5 hours to make the return trip, which was plenty of time. The weather changed from what was forecasted. I am not whining about the call to cancel or not to cancel. When I made the decision to head for safe harbor, I did not feel the conditions were safe any more. The forecast was for 30 mph out of the NW, but not 50 mph.

Someone here feels Mr. Roach had made the decision to leave early enough. Most of us left before or shortly after him. I too congratulate him on his finish. I also think that he made a bad decision risking life to return with 6 stupid fish. It is not that important. I think what most people are saying here is true, we made the decision and paid the price. I am ok with the DQ. I am alive and so is my amateur partner. He was very ok with the choice to chance getting DQ'ed. We knew the consequences of both the decisions to run and to seek safe harbor. When WE made the choice to head in, WE did not know others headed there before us. WE imagined that WE would be the only ones there. To my surprise and relief for the others safety we saw 20 boats beached in a secluded bay. All beat up, but safe. They too made the right choice, forget the glory of winning and error on safety, I would do it again in a heartbeat that I am so glad to still have. People, this was life threatening lake conditions. I do alot of boating and fishing, it is my life. I have never been dumb enough let what happened to me the other day ever happen before and hope that it never repeats itself. I am very safe on the water, things changed we did not foresee. A day I will not soon forget. A decision to run that I regret, but based on the forecast I would possibly run again, but also seek shelter if the conditions were unsafe. This is the game we play.
The game most of you watch us play, a game I watched from afar via magazine and TV. The men I was with are my new heros, forget the money, the fame, the egos and glory. They chose saftey well knowing a DQ was probable.
The point of the early posts being overlooked is that the decision making of PWT officials is not consistent. I made the right decision after making a questionable decision to run the lake. Don't forget we ran for shelter with the thought of safety. Do not credit someone for running the gauntlet for 6 stupid fish. They were and are not worth it.

[Dale Sprouse]

The nice thing about the internet is you can be anyone of your fantasies by using catchy alias. Why I don't know. But I am Dale and I was there. And Young and Alive who posted prior told it the way it was. Reading this brought back some horifying memories, and think what you may, it also brought tears of fear and joy that all my fellow competitors are alive today. I live in America, land of the free and brave. I made a decision based on my freedoms to follow my passion and become a professional angler knowing that there was some risk involved and I would have to make some tough decisions. Every day of our lives we are all forced to make some life threatening some not so life threatening decisions. I made the decision to make the run based on the information I had available knowing that if it was 30 miles per hour winds it I would need additional fuel and time. So, that is why I refueled my boat at Joe Creek on the way down and had an addditional 12 gallons waiting for the ride back unlike some of my fellow anglers who knew sitting at Joe Creek that they did not have enough fuel to make it back. But let me help all of you out. When there is 20 boats sitting at Joe Creek at 12:30 and 90% of them were in the last flight which was due at 4:45 and we were 41 miles from the time boat there was adequete time to make it back even under the conditions that we would have been forced to go back in. So this is not about not having enough time for the most of us, this is not about whinning, this is not about making bad calls, or making bad decisions. It'about professionalism, honesty with ourselves and others, it's about integrity, and it's about freedom. Some of you may never know how on unnerving and emotional it can be to be asked by another angler who is afloat in adverse weather conditions to take his amateur with you to safety but to be asked to leave him behind knowing that you may never see him again. Yes, we call that freedom and that was the choice that I made. Writing about it today still scares the ##### out of me. Everyday on the water there is potential for life threatening situations and we find ways to deal with it, that's the game we play as professionals. Most of them unperdictable. But for those of you that wish to hide behind aliases and fantasy names and condemn those that made consious professional decisions to save the lives of ourselves and our amateurs, you are the ones that should look up in the dictionary the meanings of honesty and integrity and professionalism. I do not see a bunch of whinners here but many fellow anglers that were there and stating there facts and opinions. In my opinion what should it matter if I fish within sight of the weigh in or the edge of the furtherest boundry. I feel it is the tournament organizers responsibility and duty to consider the safety of all anglers in the open fishing area. I pose this question to you that were there and those of you that were not there. Was the weighin trailer or was it not turned 90 degrees to face into the wind for the safety of the people in the trailer so it didn't blow over to protect their investment in adverse conditions? It makes logic sense to me to protect one's investment and consider the safety of others. My only problem is it feels to me the only people the PWT have a genuine concern for is themself and not for the safety and lives of my fellow anglers. But we all Know what they say about opinons everyone has them . I'll be back because i live in america the land of the free and the home of the brave . MY HAT IS OFF TO MY FELLOW ANGLERS WHO MADE THE DECISSION TO PROTECT THE LIVES OF THERE AMATEURS AND THEMSELF

[jp]

If it was not dangerous around the weigh in site why did they have to move the trailer. There's no water system in North America where 45 to 60 mile an hour winds is not dangerous.

[yukonjack]

My opinion, pwt officials should not let the guys out when weather is threatening. cancell it... big deal 1 ##### day stay in and drink coffee..YOU HAVE THE REST OF YOUR LIFE TO GO AFTER THE EYES.

[Floater (MN)]

Wind Advisories were out. The contestants knew it would be windy. They went anyway. They chose where they fished. To travel that far and expect to get back in the same amount of time that it would take with a 5 mph headwind is foolish. Blame PWT? No way! Each "Captain" made the choice as to where his boat was going to fish. These are big boys. They don't need someone to hold their hand any more. They don't need to be protected from foolishness.

Just my opinion.

Floater

[schaefer]

I'm not posting this under your post to make a post against you, but to make a post in general. You were right on to make the call you made, in favor of your safety and you amatuer partners. Your life and health (and his or hers) is more important than any amount of money! Having said that, I don't believe the tournament should have been cancelled! You made the decision to run and that is fine, but those who didn't shouldn't be penalized for the choices (and I stress CHOICES) that you and others made! I know a guy who was DQ'd on day 1 for a fish he measured and thought was under 18 inches and was measured at the weigh in at 18in. It may have been controversial, but he took the chance of bringing in that fish and he paid the price. Like he told me today, if you pursue a sport to its highest level, you eventually will get into this situation. IT SUCKS, BUT YOU JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT! I feel sorry for the guys that it cost, and I am happy for the guys that it didn't. Feel secure in the fact that there are a bunch of guys and gals out here that would love to be in the position to make the tough decisions that you have to make every day on the water! I may not be worthy to say this, but GOOD LUCK AT BAUDETTE! Whether you finish first or last, I still envy you! Marty

[Cranker]

Well, guys and gals here comes my two cents.
I aggree with the majority of your postings. Yes, these anglers are big boys and they are responsible for their decisions both good and bad. However, once again it appears that some have forgotten the facts.
The fact being many anglers were told by PWT Officials to seek shelter untill someone makes a decision.
The fact being many lost an hour or more travel time waiting for this decision.
The fact being that some proved that it was possible to make it to the scale.(Roach)
I realize that I was not there, but based on the facts the correct call would have been a recommendation of seeking safe habor in addition to making it CLEAR that the final day of competition would not be canceled! They blew it!

[Sheila]

I'm so so sorry for everyone effected out there! Glad you're all alive today in spite of this tournament disaster tale.

Cranker, finally you hit the hammer on the nail.

[Scott Fairbairn]

Amen

[Eyez]

The stretch of river where the trailer was located is fairly narrow and protected from large waves (but not the wind) I'm guessing that the waves were probably around 4 feet in the area of the river where the trailer was. I wasn't there, but I've been in that spot when the wind has blown, and don't think that that wind could have made it "dangerous" in that part of the river.


Eyez

[bob oh]

Sure the pros make the decision to run or stay safe, but average fisherman looks to the pros for guidance and advice. In this case the guidance and advice is "forget safety and do whatever it takes to win." Wow, that's a great example. These actions should put more fishermen's lives in jeopardy when they try to simulate the way the pros act and go fishing no matter what the weather.

Bob

[Chairman]

We allowed 4+hours to return which was enough with 35MPH winds. There were no predictions of the type of winds we were hit with. Plus we were told to hold our position until a decision was made and when that decision was made it was too late to go. We could have made it with the time allowed but the safety and general consus woa that it would be cancelled. If we had left Joe Creek it was a long way to the next safe harbor. I guess you just had to be there to realize the situation. it is an easy call from ones home.

[mikevid]

Glad everyone's safe. Just a word from Sally, tournament coordinator (my wife)... the reason the trailer was moved wasn't because it was about to blow over, but because the score panels were blowing loose. Also, the "office" door at the front of the trailer was facing the wind prior to the trailer being moved, so papers were blowing around. Doesn't change the fact that it was a dangerous wind though. I was on the water til 1pm, it was nasty... not pushing it at that point was the right decision regardless of a check and a few angler of the year pounds.

[Ron Miller]

I was one of the amateurs in one of the boats that was at Joe's Creek. I was glad to be there. The young kid that was the Pro did all he could to get us back.We were one of the first to quit fishing and head back if not the first. I just thank the Pro for his call. I am alive to fish another day!!!!!!!!!

[Nofish]

Hey Gang,

Most of you know who I am, for those who do not, this is Ralph Muccilli.

I have read all these posts and I feel it is time for me to put my two cents into the ring.

I do not fish the PWT, but am an 11 year veteran of the MWC. I have fished many of the nastiest bodies of water at some of their worst. I also have 5 years experience out on Lake Michigan running a 26 foot cruiser with my uncle.

I also am a very close friend of Bob Kaczkowski, the former Executive Director of the MWC. I have seen the tournament game from both sides, as a competitor and an organizer/worker.

Whether or not to stay or run for your life, or if the tourney should have been called or not aside, what any organization needs to do is have a firm set of guidlines in place and to follow them.

If it is too windy, it is too windy. Or too foggy, or too rough. Period. These guidlines should be stated at every tournament or in the rules packet, up front. No guessing then.

If 40 mph is the benchmark, then once that is hit, that's it. Or whatever your figure is. Same for fog, waves etc.

I am not talking about minor things, but these last two tournaments could have benefitted from strict guidlines and adhereing to them.

If several terams were told to stay put, then allowed to come in, but were late and then DQ'd, I don't think that is right.

If you are told to get to safety, by the tournament HQ, and you do so, I think you should be allowed to weigh your catch.

If you choose to take shelter and then decide to run in and are late, and you have had no contact from HQ, your choice. If you are l;ate you are late. This, of course is based upon guidlines for calling the day being in place.

I too have not made runs based on the conditions I have seen, or those forcast. No fish, and I mean not one, is worth my life. I have chosen not to make a run and been burned by it big time. But it was my choice, and my conciquenses. Period.

I have also been told to clear off the lake by well meaning tourney officials, only to have me tell them that I was going in anyhow. I was also held later than I wanted to be held based on my summing up the conditions. I have lost time doing this while other anglers have stayed out and fished.

But I do not regret this. It is my life, and whoever is at the other end of the boat.

What it all boils down to is taking responsibility for your own decisions. If the tourney was not called and you did/did not make the run, and were burned by it, so what! You made a decision, you own up to it.

Gang, I am not trying to preach, and I do not think I am better than anyone reading this. But I do love this sport with all my fire. It is second only to my wife and two boys.

I for one plan to go home to them, in one piece, and the same for my boat. My hat is off to all of you. Especially those who chose safety and either didn't make the run in the first place, or sought shelter because you did and it got ugly.

My hat is also off to those who made the run and came back in time to weigh their fish. Although I may think you a little nutty for running those conditions, you had the confidence inyour skills and proved them. Thank God you are all alive and well. But you too made your decision.

Be safe, have fun, and live to fib about your catch...........R

[SDBear]

If I can remember, it was PWT who called off 2 days of the Mobridge area tournament. Why did the PWT let the tournament go on? What is the wind restriction for that organization? I agree with someone else here who said that the decisions made by the PWT staff are inconsistent. What would have happened if someone did lose their life? Is that what it takes to write a "safety first" manual. I agree that the decision to run was the choice of the fisherman, but the PWT must have thought a little about the weather. If they made a decision to have everyone hold where they were, why not call it off? Someone could have died, and that needs to be addressed. The PWT placed lives in danger by keeping the darn tournament going.

The burden of proof is with the PWT staff. Why put up with it? If it takes the pros to make the tournament, the pros should join together to question the decisions made. Life is more valuable than a check and six fish.

[Hawkeye]

Your right SD Bear about the PWT perhaps needing to be even more safefy conscious than they already are. I mentioned in a previous post that on day two of the Lake Erie tournament, the boats went out despite an iron-clad prediction of heavy thunderstorms and lighting.

Every charter boat out of my marina cancelled their trip that day (and that includes about 30 boats that are mostly 27'rigs) for safety considerations. I believe the pros/amateur partners should have been on shore that day too, although it wasnt' their decision.

Several PWT pros did indeed rescue several private fisherman, who went overboard into the water that day. They were heroic and the private fisherman were fortunate they were on the water.

Big bodies of water stage PWT tournaments because they handle 140 plus boats, and the fishing pressure. The PWT pros are superb boat handlers. Hopefully, it doesn't take a tragedy,however, to review the conditions under which some tournaments launch for the day.

A Lake Erie charter captain I respect always had a saying I have followed: "It's better to look stupid being on shore, than look stupid still on the water." PWT is a superb organization, but perhaps it's time for a more rigid safety standard in tournament guidelines.

[Gary]

"It is apparent "looking from the outside" that
those that stayed put for the sake of safety did the right thing. Remember the pro is responsible for that amateur in the boat. Money nor ego is worth the run to take the risk. It is too bad those that ran and got good fish couldn't get back to compete and weigh in. From the PWT side they couln't make a exception and haul the fish to the weigh in site it takes the even playing field out of the competition. Perhaps a smaller
tournament area may be necessary to minimise impact like this. The non-tournament or recreational angler in his world would not make a run like that to catch fish, instead they would trailer. Why should we expect the pro's to do anything different. If one weigh in site is the required check in site then keep it in the real world and less tournament area for the competition. Bad River would of been a good south boundary and I feel in most winds anglers would make it back, safely. Lastly if all are really concerned about live release of those walleyes after the tournament isn't 40 to 50 miles a bit far to run realistically and expect the fish to be alive.

Good luck at Lake of The Woods and be safe.

Gary

[Sunshine]

My hat is off to all my hero's. I've considered entering one of these tourneys as an amateur and now that I know that pro's consider my life more important to them than winning the big purse, I will do so. Congratulations to those who chose safety and either didn't make the run in the first place, or sought shelter when it got ugly. You may not of won the money but you won my respect and the respect of hundreds of others like me.

[Mikevid]

Difference at Mobridge... the conditions were already existing and lasted for three days. An easy call. If officials had ruled based on forecast, day 2 at Sharpes would have been cancelled as well (it was nice). And the forecast at Sharpes was never for 50 mph winds. Tough conditions make for tough decisions. All I know is that the PWT staff DOES care about the anglers. Perception is not necessarily reality.

[Eye Catcher]

You can't predict the weather.
But if my memory serves me right the pro's are
required to have a VHF radio in the boat. Channel 1 is the weather channel if they wern't listing they should have been.
If they stayed to fill there limit well that was there dicission. and they have to live or die by there dicissions.
All the guy's on the pro circuit are great boatmen and there dicission to come off the water and not put there amtures in harms way should be commended. Remember it's hard to win a tournament when your DEAD.
Great job guy's you made the right dicission now don't wine about the consequeses.

[Darcy]

50+ MPH winds, you call it period. The consequences, 4 0f the top 5 competitors DQ'd. Unless you didn't want your leaders to weigh fish. Makes you wonder if it were Al and Ron out there if they to would be whinning

[smart]

Thank God everyone is safe ! Something to think on. The pros know what happened at the tanks day 1&2. What would happen if the (leading PRO?)came in on the third day with another nice bag and consquently won the tournament. How fair is that?

[SDBear]

Missed my point. Now that the PWT has been through some scenarios involving safety concerns, they may want to review their current methods of making calls based on weather and other factors. Does anyone really think the call was a fair one, or a safe one? Do not get me wrong, I enjoy the PWT, but I have concerns for the future and the safety of all of us who enjoy this pass time. We need to move on now, and hope that someone who has authority with that organization will follow through with some action. I am sure that organization has heard plenty from many folks.

[jeff reed]

Well I've heard all the views, "its not fairs", and all the other WHINEY logic. I've fished the the PWT as a Pro twice on Saginaw Bay, was the director of the MWT and a ton of other tournaments. Now its time to refresh the minds of the old folks and inform the minds of the new folks.

The PWT has been in this situation before. The 1994 Saginaw Bay tournament is similar to this deal on Lake Sharpe. During this Saginaw Bay PWT event a heavy wind and 5 foot waves caught many boats 50 miles out at the Charity Islands catching hog walleyes. Matter of fact. Greg Horoky SUNK his boat by overagressive boat handling trying to get back. Al Lesh and I were both DQ'd because we stayed with Horoky's sunk boat and floating fishing gear not knowing Greg had already been rescued. A Pro from Illinios and his Texas Amateur where LEFT on Saginaw Bay all night surviving on the top of their capsized boat because the PWT didnt have confidence in the Saginaw Bay Walleye Club's "boat board system". This system is simple. No returned boat board means your still out on the water. That second day was NOT cancelled. NO excuses about sunk boats ...YOU WERE LATE---DQ'd.....what part don't you understand. The 3rd day was cancelled because the 2 guys were not rescued till 9:00 that morning. Keith K wins big money. End of STORY.
In the Lake Sharpe situation I believe the PWT made the right call. It seems to me the ONLY people whining are the far running walleye jocks that didnt heed unpredictable weather and err on the caution side. TOO BAD SO SAD. Pay your money and take your chances. I'm sick and tired of these guys that want to fish in the next state, then want the tourney cancelled because of weather when they can't get back in time. Its all about money and self interest. You fight for the decision that YOU benefit the most from and thats why the BIG NAME "long haulers" got burned and now are whining.
Ever heard of the SHORT HAULERS whining cause of a cancellation when they HAD fish??? NOT on your life. I'm very tickled this decision was made and SAFETY BE ****ED, the PWT is about WINNING and some pros will risk their life to be up on that STAGE collecting the BIG $$$$$$$ and the GLORY thats goes with it. NOW everyone...... its time to rip into OL JEFF. Take your best shot with faulty WHINEY LOGIC. You lost, pay your money, and fish the next one.

[Dan]

Jeff,
I agree with everything you said 100%. If the guys decide to make the big run and have trouble trying to return then they made a bad decision and need to accept it and move on.
The only issue that remains is why it took PWT 1 hr to return a call to the boats tied up waiting to hear if the T was cancelled. Why so long?? If they were told right away then some would of still had time to return. The PWT blinked before deciding to continue the T and it cost competitors an hour of time. Not fair.

[bob oh]

So professional fishing isn't about skill and catching fish, it's about feeling macho and ignoring safety. Valuable lesson for the average fisherman who is suppose to look to the pros for guidance ... the end justifies the means....hmmmm Hopefully, not too many of the other "pros" agree with you.
Bob

[crash]

Let me start out by saying that I don't fish tourny's, so hopefully I can provide a non-partial view to this.

I've been reading this thread since its begining, wondering what the outcome would be, and trying to patch together the whole story.

The only fault I see is in the PWT for telling the boats to hold their positions. That is the start of the whole fiasco. Some stopped, others kept going. Shouldn't of there been penality's for not following the hold order and risking coming in anyway? If your going to interfere with the boats progression then the whole thing is tainted from there on. I would be plenty mad if somebody told me to stop then left me on my own for an hour before making a decision. I would of least gave them an extra hour to make up for the one they were just robbed of. The decision to stay or go was theirs only after the PWT told them an hour after the hold order.

The only other problem is with congradulating people for making it back (even after they were told to stop) Thats not boatmanship, thats plain risky. Who would of gone and got them if they wern't so lucky?

It sounds like heres a lack of communication between the base and the boats, The Saginaw Bay fiasco is proof of that, (nobody knew that the guy was already rescued?). The Boats are responsible for their own safty, but the PWT must step in when the accident has happened, boats are stranded, or when its obvious the conditions are going to promote unsafe boating.

People say that it was the contestants decision to run that far. If the PWT (or anybody else)is not prepared to support them that far out, then they shouldn't allow them to run that far.

Glad everybody made it home..

[schaefer]

I would disagree with you that tournament fishing is about being macho and ignoring safety. Tournament fishing is about judgement and making calls on the water. Sometimes they work out and sometimes they don't. The PWT has to walk a fine line between trying to run a safe tournament and allowing these professionals the opportunity to find and catch the fish they need to win. Some of these fishermen made a bad call in making the long run! Some of them also made the right call in deciding not to risk it running back. Did Gary Roach make a bad call in running to the weigh-in. I don't think so, he has been in this sport a long time, and knows better than almost any other pro what he and his equipment are capable of handling. The fact of the matter remains, by cancelling the tournament in the middle of the day, the only thing the PWT would of been doing was rewarding those who took the great risk by making the long run. I for one am happy that they rewarded those who erred on the side of caution and fished close. One last point, for those of you who think these guys should be ultra cautious as an example to recreational fishermen, TOURNAMENT FISHING ISN'T RECREATIONAL FISHING! Most of us wouldn't have went fishing in the 35mph winds that were forecast, not because of safety concerns, but because we wouldn't be comfortable. Hope my opinion didn't bore everyone too much. Marty

[Terry]

I think what happened to Greg Horoky was un-explainable and shows a tremendous U.S. biased, god-forgive if a Canadian won an event.

Greg stopped to pick-up a stranded boater, radios in and confirms he is performing a rescue. He then takes on a third passenger and has his optimax flooded by a waive and can't make it back when he had left 4 hours for the ride. Then he get's DQ'd for not making it back. This just shows you what sponsmanship and professionalism gets you.

Add this to Sam Anderson's mystery measurement at the tanks on Day #2 and you have a conspiracy. The PWT will go to any length to ensure a Canadian doesn't win and then to cover it all up is soooo American.

It is no wonder that Ontario is trying to keep Minnesotan's out of our border lakes!!!

[felix]

The one consistant fact here is that we are dealing with pros. These guys had already made that run in 35mh winds. They knew exactly how long it would take and how much gas. until the 50+ winds the only DQ's depended on which ruler they used to measure your fish. So when these pros left in the morning, thinking 35's there was no reason to believe they wouldn't be back in time. Some of them would have made it even with the wind if they had not been told to stay put.

[bob oh]

Who said anthing about being "ultra" cautious? Not running your boat when it is impossible is being ultra cautious, I thought it was being sensible??? Actually, I really don't care whether they cancel or not, I just think there should be less talk about how "the big water" boats can handle anything and some talk about not pushing your boat or yourself over the limit. The Coast Guard had to tell them when to get off Erie; of course, what would the Coast Guard know about water safety???
Bob

[curt quesnell]

greg has already won a pwt event......

[mikevid]

By the time the winds reached 40mph at around eleven thirty or noon give or take, most of the far away pros had either already headed back or headed to safe port. Those who hadn't would definately have been pushing the envelope since the winds continued to build even after that. A decision by the tournament director at that point would only have changed the scoreboard and not enhanced the safety of the contestants. That's my opinion. great discussion. What's with that Canada remark, eh?

[Hawkeye]

Regarding the safety issue most posts are discussing, I found it interesting to look back at some recent issues of the Walleye In-Sider. The message advertisers are reinforcing certainly doesn't encourage the safest boating practices. Three examples:

Example #1, Jan/Feb 2000 issue of Walleye-Insider, page 40-41: A MotorGuide trolling motor ad shows a boat heading out into the lake with heavy whitecaps already rolling. The caption says, "Small craft advisory. Heck! I got a walleye to catch." Ironically the quote is attributed to Gary Roach, but the ad used a stronger word than heck, which you can't post on-line here.

Example #2, Same Walleye-Insider issue, page 46-47: A Crestliner boat ad shows a boat with two anglers running on the water with lightning crackling in the background, and skies ominously dark. The caption, "...there's always one black sheep. Introducing the New 2000 Tournament Series." The copy below says, "What's this bad boy doing in the squeaky clean Crestilner family? Catching walleyes like nobody's business, that's what."


Example #3, December/January 2000 issue of Walleye Insider: A Minn Kota ad shows a sole angler fishing in placid waters with the following captions: "What wind advisory? Two in the livewell, two hours to go. Bring it on!"

Are these messages appropriate ones to teach safe boating? I am well aware that tournament fishing is a different animal from recreational fishing. As previous posts have indicated,however, pro anglers who put safety first showed their true professionalism. I think fishing industry advertisers need to look at the message their ads convey.

This has been a spirited discussion, and the pros who weighed in with frank opinions have my enormous respect. Good and safe fishing to all.

[WOW]

If the PWT tells you to stay, and you follow directions, what do you expect from a "professional" organization like that??? A fair call based on safety. The PWT should know there are fisherman who will run the distance. Are you saying that those folks are of less importance? Maybe, but you were not clear. I have looked at very few posts here concerned with their pocket book. If I was the director, I would have called the day off. Saturday was a viable option. Knowing that the fisherman were safe when instructed to hold position, the "common sense" call would be to call that day's event off. I am sure there were other factors involved in that decision too. The real answers will have to come from the PWT, not you. No one rewarded, no one lost.

[Colin O.]

After reading all the opinions given, it appears to me that with the lack of set parameters that was suggested in some of the articles the pwt is left with egg on their face and with doughtfull credentials. I believe we are actually talking about real live people not just pros and to not consider their ultimate safty is a gross misconduct.just remember without these guys and the amatuers you dont have a tournament. I also heard that there was a little fugging with the fish measurments on day two, and I also believe there were eye witnesses to this. I trully believe that some serious investigation into the running and decision making should be done before people next venture onto the water. If you are going to run a tourney of this size then you should be prepared to make the big decisions
Congratulations to the smart guys that sought shelter, especially to Greg Horoky for rescuing the person. A helping hand in situations like that can mean the difference between life and death.
Regards Colin O.

[Jeez!]

Holy Crap, did you forget to take your medication today??
Greg has already won one PWT event, and consistantly places well, despite the evil anti Canadian conspiracy propogated by the higher ups with the PWT!! Ya, and the aliens control the bumble bee's too!
And, Greg, if you are reading this, you are to be commended for putting yourself at risk to assit others. Bravo!

[Ristorapper]

Will the PWT be back to SD after this one??

1999 Mobridge, SD Day one and two cancelled high winds day three questionable

2000 Lake Sharpe, Day three fiasco, including high winds again.

Three strikes and you're out.??

Glad everyone is safe. Like I heard from one of the pros. That was the worst day on the water that I can remember!!

See everyone at Baudette and be safe.

BW(ND)

[Joe Canada]

I know Greg, and as botched as the PWT's call or calls on Sharpe were, it has nothing to do with him being a Canadian. Thats good advertising for them.

[night_eyes]

That is totally rediculous to think there is a conspiracy against canadians...give me a break. And you keep us americans out of ontario...have you forgot how big of a business this is for Ontario?!!

[Hanky]

Do you really want magazine cops censoring what might give a moron an idea? Heck, look at the posts on here, it's obvious that we need to thin the herd.

[smally]

bob, i have a question. what do you care wether or not these pros operate their boats sensibly or not. what difference does it make to you if they sink their boat on a foolish run. and don't tell me your concerened with their personnel safety! people die in boating accidents all the time. are you affected every time this happens. and who decided that the conditions were "impossible" for safe boating. Roach proved it was possible. If someone had deid it would have indeed been a tragedy. but guess what, we all would have been over it within a week.

[Matt]

OK its time for me to say something.

This forum is the first and only news of this "incident" that I have seen. I will fully admit to not knowing anything other than what I've read here.

Ran too far, couldn't make weigh-in, too bad. You gambled, you lost. Bad call. Move on with your life.

Time to make weigh-in, saftey officials say hang tight, you do, hours later you get an OK, you can't make weigh-in now. That just seems wrong to me! Playing by the rules cost a weigh-in. I would be complaining long and hard about missing a weigh-in because tournament officials said I couldn't move!

Am I totally off base here? As an outsider, this just doesn't seem fair.

[Smitty]

That's some comment. Whether personally affected when boating tragedies happen or not, it should remind us to respect the weather/water and think about safety. I think part of Bob's response leads to exactly this: When people watch the Pros at tournaments and on TV running in unacceptable conditions, some will feel it is ok for them as well and this puts people at risk. It all comes down to knowing YOUR limitations and the limitations of your equipment.

[Eyemadman]

Set Weather condition rules ex. wind mph, fog any inclement weather causing small craft advisories tourny delay just like a ball game. Theres plenty of time to fish, plus you dont have to bounce your brains around all day. Call the tourny, relax and chill out, pound some cold ones! Glad no one got hurt

[jeff reed]

In theory, thats the way it should be but this ain't theory and this isn't "Kansas Toto". Sponsors pay money for pros to win, place and get back on time while not being DQ'd because of poor planning. They have a place for Pros that can't get back in time and it is called placing 26-140 with 12 fish and no paycheck. Doing this too often will get you sponsor to take his promo dollars to numerous other up and coming walleye pros while leaving you to foot the expenses by your lonesome. If you recreational fisherman are using these "go faster honchos" as role models, you are going to get seriously hurt or end up dead. The pros may not completely agree me and thats their right but deep down inside they know thats the way it is when you play the "PWT game". Being a "wuss" in this high stakes tourney game will simply get you beat. Vince Lombardi hit it right on when he said "Winning ain't everthing..... its the only thing". The PWT is no exception, if you aint "pushing it" you arent ready to win yet.

[jeff reed]

YES someone WOULD BE "rewarded", The guys that made bad decisions and couldnt get back in time. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOU FISHED CLOSE BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF BAD WEATHER AND WEIGHED SIX FISH ONLY TO HAVE THE TOURNEY CANCELLED. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT???????

[jeff reed]

AMEN brother

[Jeff Reed]

That's a great idea and I compliment you for it. But let me run this by you. Your rule will be taken advantage by some Pro walleye fisherman. They will run as far away as possible to catch winning fish, knowing if they CANT get back in time EVERYBODY will lose their fish because the tourney will be cancelled. You have to HAVE time limits in place to make a running far away a RISK if you cant get back. There has to be a penalty for making bad decisions and what a great penalty not having your six fish weighed can be. While your safety rules are good for safety, your rules make NO Penalty for making a BAD decision. Sorry to have to think this way and I know it is not right, but THAT is the WAY IT IS in the PWT money and fame game.

[Jeff reed]

Who ever said you have to do what the PWT says regarding the decision to stay put. Never knew anybody yet that got DQ'd cause he got back IN TIME AGAINST THe PWT"S ORDERS. ASK Gary Roach, he didnt heed their orders and got back in time. Would you want to Tell GARY he was being DQ'd for being insubordinate to a PWT ORDER?????????????? The PWT would get a lawyer and a lawsuit in a New York minute.

[PWTPRO]

It would be great to have more people like this Jeff Reed character fishing the PWT. Anyone else who can round up a few more Jeff Reeds, please do.

PP

[PWTPRO]

Who has a bunch of time on their hands.

Final answer?

Me, Jeff Reed.

Yes, you're right Jeff.

You win a Gary Roach autograph.

[Kurt]

Which Jeff Reed do you want? If you read all his messages he agrees with everybody. They made the right call,the wrong call or maybe call. Sounds like he doesn't want to step on anyones toes.

[Pro]

If you knew this character you wouldn't want anything to do with him or the people he hangs with.

[Colin O.]

Hey Sid, If there's one thing I like it's somebody who calls a spade a spade and tells it like it is. Fair play to you for speaking your mind.
Regards Colin O.

[Mikevid]

By that token, we should take virtually all of the sports off of television. Athleticism involves pushing the limit sometimes. The best athletes are those who know how far they can push it. That doesn't mean we should all try to drive like Dale Eahrnheart (sp?) or go smashing into 300 pound linemen. PWT pros are athletes in their own right, and most would probably resent being restricted to competing beneath their level of skill. And, yes, boat control (and speed, even) are part of the sport. There was a huge outcry from many of the pros when the PWT imposed arbitrary boundaries over the last couple of years for safety sake. These folks want to show what they are capable of. I believe that often the best job officials can do is to stay out of the way. That's what they did at Lake Sharpe.

[jeff reed]

REALLY!!!!!!! I dont "hang" with anybody. Until YOU have been in a tournament and circuit director's position and have made the HARD and unpopular decisions then you can comment on the views from both sides of the fence. I stand on my position that the PWT made the CORRECT decision decision. As far as Kurt's comment that I dont step on anybodys toes, ask the webmaster of this site. He has eliminated my posts before because I crushed peoples toes.

[eyemaker]

It looks to me as if the PWT was in a no win situation no matter what decision was made. There will always be questionable situations for them to rule on. We need to accept these decisions, for this is way of tournament fishing. Comrades, lets not be divided, it hurts to see my Walleye brothers and sisters so torn apart. LET'S FISH!!! Be safe and let's support one another.

[Kurt]

really Jeff you think they made the right decision. Then why did you respond to Sid with Amen brother. His post doesn't sound like it was the right call.

[jeff reed]

Kurt, The "Amen" was in response to the "Dutchman's post not "Sids" sorry if confused you.

[jeff reed]

Yipeee, Can I sell it on EBAY? What's it worth?

[tjighead]

I WAS THERE AND EVERYBODY IS MAKING THIS MORE THAN IT SHOULD BE .ITS SIMPLE DAY TWO IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BLOW AND IT DIDNT !DAY THREE IT WAS SUPPOSE TO BLOW10-20. BUT IT DID NOT BLOW 10-20 IT WAS REPORTED ON THE NEWS OUT THERE THAT IT BLEW30-43 WITH GUSTS OF 57 SHE CRANKED.I FISH TOURNAMENTS WHEN YOUR OUT OF THE MONEY BY POUND AND HALF AND YOUR IN 66TH .ONE BITE DOES A GREAT DEAL!SO ONE THIRD OF THE FEILD WENT 25 TO35 MILES DOWN THE RIVER KNOWING THAT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW.WE WENT 30 FISHED FOR AN HOUR CAME BACK TO FIND HUGE ROLLERS.ANYWERE FROM 8 TO 10.SO EVERY BODY WENT IN TO SEEK SHELTER.SMART MOVE, NOOO FISH ISWORTH IT.I HAPPENED TO BE AT JOE CREEK WITH ABOUT 15 BOATS .THE LEADER AND THREE OTHER PROS THAT WERE IN THE TOP TEN.NOW WHEN YOU NO STARTING THE DAY THAT YOUR NOT GOING TO HAVE ALOT OF GAS LEFT WHEN YOU GET BACK. ROLLERS AND WIND ARE NOT WHAT YOU WANT !!!MOST OF THE BOATS WERE I WAS WOULD HAVE NEVER NEVER MADE IT BACK ANYWAY AND SOME HAD FUEL WAITING FOR THEM AT JOES CREEK.THE THREE THAT MADE IT BACK WERE MIKE GOFRON PETE PARKINSON ,ROACH.THEY LEFT AT 1000AND GOT BACK TO WEIGHT IN AT 315 THATS 15MIN.BEFORE DQ TIME .LUCKY.EVERY BODY HOW LEFT KNEW WHAT THE CHANCES WERE.CRAP SHOOT 30SOME LOST.AND I ALSO THINK THAT THE PWT PROS DID ALL THEY COULD .MOST IMPORTANT THING IS NOBODY WAS HURT !!!GOOD JOB PROS.BUT THING ABOUT THIS GUYS IF THE PWT HAD ONLY ONE THIRD OF THE FEILD PINED UP DOWN RIVER.THAT WOULD HAVE NEVER MADE IT BACK BECUASE THEY DIDNT HAVE ENOUGH GAS OR TIME? WOULD YOU CALL A TOURNMENT ,BECAUSE AT WEIGHT THERE WERE ONLY THREE FOOTERS .THEY GAMBLED LOST AND WERE SMART ENOUGH NOT TO KILL ANYBODY. VENTING OVER?

[ProAm]

Personal attacks don't help.

[jp]

lets stop all personal attacks, everyones entitled to an opinion. I think they blew it.

[jeff reed]

I didnt personally attack anybody. Get REAL.

[jeff reed]

Must be nice to HIDE behind a screen name and Cheap shot people. Your're not worth the time it took to write this post.

[Mikevid]

Just re-read your comments. Good, honest, thoughts. See you at LOW.

[slim shady]

What's your e-mail address Jeff Reed?

[eyemaker]

Jeff, I don't know you and I don't like the tone of alot of the responses on this topic, but it doesn't sound like your a real amiable person or the kind of person many people would want representing walleye fisherman. Maybe you are a good guy, but you are not coming off that way. I will say that it is admirable that you use your real name while backing up your opinions.

[Mister pike]

It becomes real easy to make calls and judgements after the fact,I was there so I feel I can make a statement about what went on, and how it transpired.
We all had our eye on the weather report for the day, in fact they even repeat it again just before take off in the morning, there was notheing in the forcast to make me see any reason why I shouldn't make the run to the West Bend area. We were expecting winds in the 25-35 mph range, so I planned on getting my fish and being on my way well beore noon, The plan worked like a charm, we even had some oversized fish that would put both me and my Amatuer partner well into the money!!
AS we started around the bend and headed towards Joe Creek, it took me 1 1/2 hours to travel the 4 miles, at that point in time after taking a severe beating from the waves that were in all reallity 8-10 feet tall, I was getting off the water I didnt care whether I could weight my fish or not, When I pulled in to the bay there were several other boats who had the same idea as I did, listening to the stories of how several of the boats were almost blown over backwards from the waves and the wind were unbelievable, This is what is known as a magnum Flush!! THe boat is straight upand down and when it comes down it dunks thebig motor completely under water!!
Another thing that really drove the poit home for me was the humbles ness of all these experienced PROs who like I had never experienced any thing like this before in our lives.
SO now maybe you understand alittle beter about what really went on, Here is where the problem now lies, Next time myself or anybody else is in the same situation, they wont dare bring ther boat in to cover to find outif the event is going to be cancelled, they are going to go right on by and push the envelope to do all they can to make to weight in on time and find out at th time if the event has been cancelled. Now we a precidence for how the directors of the PWT will handle extreme weather conditions, so now the gung ho individuals who have what they feel is a winning weight will go right on by.
Like I said when I pulled in I was in fear for both myself and my amatuer partners lives, there is no way any fish in the world is worth the few minutes of fame on a windy stage!!
ALL I ask for as well as anyone else is consistancy inthe way the calls are made. Almost every minute on the water reqires a decision on the part of the tournament fisherman, for me the decision to run 48 miles for my fish was the right one, the decision to get off the water regardless of the outcome was also the right decison, I'm still here!!

Mitch Howe

[smally]

so what if the precedent has been set, and the gung-ho pros will risk all to get back to and make weight? what do you care? I f you can't keep up, then get out of the game. I 'm sick of everybody hiding behind this thing as a "safety issue". Does anyone really believe bob from ohio when he posted that us average fisherman are more likely to push the extreme just because we see or hear about some idiot "pro" doing it. People, these pros aren't any smarter than you and me. their s**t stinks just likes yours and mine. Point is trust youself over anyone else. no one should ever be influenced by one of these pros. Stop the hero worshipping-These pros don't want to be responsible to be your safety role model.

[amatuer]

One of very few (pro's) there was Gary Roach.The rest of you people should beg him to teach you how to be classy and not a giant ***.

[jeff reed]

Gee Whiz Smally, you are as radical and as outspoken as I am....that is a GOOD thing. The only thing you forgot is on Monday morning 95% of these PROS will return to their real JOBS.

[jeff reed]

On the contrary, one can't confuse a person's likability with having an opinion on a subject as controversial as the one we have been discussing. When people pay a $1000 entry fee ( I think that what a PWT PRO fee is now) and and are trying to win $50,000 it always seems to bring the worst out in people that didnt do as well as they think they should have. After it's all said and done and this thread is in the archives, I'll harbor no ill will against anybody, since I don't judge people on their freedom of opinion. In addition, I don't represent anyone and that includes walleye fisherman. I submit my viewpoints like everyone else does based on 11 years of involvement in tournament walleye fishing from many different roles and positions, competitor and tournament official included. You may agree or disagree, but to the people that know me well enough, understand that I'm not the person to base opinions or decisions on whether I'm trying to get people to LIKE me.

[jeff reed]

fishreed@aol.com Will I really laugh hard when I find out WHO you are????????

[Eyez]

I think you're forgetting that there are also amatuers involved here. Just because it's possible doesn't mean it's safe. I have done some crazy, stupid things in my boat, but I would have gone to shore on that day, especially if I was responsible for another person in my boat.

And as for being over it in a week, I'd have to disagree with you there.

Eyez

[Eyez]

I think that the real issue here isn't whether anyone was rewarded or punished. There would have been no controversy at all, had the PWT not told them to sit tight in Joe creek. The pro's wanted to know if it was going to be called off, a simele yes or no answer would have prevented the problems, and most of the DQ's. The way it happened, it appeared that someone was "punished" or "rewarded". I think that the PWT does a fine job, and that sooner or later, everyone screws up. I my (not as humble as it probably should be :) ) opinion, the PWT just made a bad call by not responding immediately, or soon enough. The argument could be made that they had to discuss it, but I can't imagine that they hadn't considered calling it off before the pro's asked if it would be. That's the way the ball bounces sometimes. It's not the first time, and it sure won't be the last.


Eyez

[smally]

why? how would this affect you personally? I agree that when you are responsible for someone elses safety, all precautions must be taken.

[jumbojim]

they took there chances and rolled the dice just like the guys who stayed close by because they thought they might not make it back.how much more black and white can it be.the guys who stayed closer just gambled better that day.this is a pro sport these are the things they take into consideration not just what lure to use. being the best fisherman is not always about being the best catcher.
jumbo

[Kurt]

This is not about gambling, expected winds were 35mph max. Many pros had already made that run in those winds with out a problem. 40-50's became a problem. componded by the pwt holding them up while a decision was being made. My guess is if Gary Roach was smart enough not to pay any attention to the tournament directors and he made it back on time some of the others would have to. So I guess the gamble they lost at was listening to the pwt.

[Slim Shady]

AOL huh? That pretty much explains it. Bet you felt special when that disc arrived in the mail.

slimshady@urasobmfcs.com

[Eyez]

Because it's a loss of another Human Being. These are fellow fisherman, it doesn't make any difference if I know them personally or not, they are still real people. I don't think that it should have to be a close friend for an accident to be considered tragic. The other way that it would affect me: could you imagine the bad reputation that tournaments and tournament fisherman would get if someone got killed? I don't want to see the day that PETA can say that tournaments are unsafe for the people fishing them. If that day comes, you'll start seeing opposition from the general public, not just fruitcake activists.

Just my opinion.

Eyez

[jeff reed]

Naughty, Naughty. I wouldn't say things like that about your mother. You have a nice day and may a big carp resembling your mother bite upon you hook.

[CI_Guy]

OWWW! What a rapier wit! Did you think of that all by yourself or did a 5th grader do it for you??? Pat K.

[Eyez]

Nicely done guys, this is the kind of behavior that causes threads to disappear. I don't care what you guys call each other, but do it somewhere else, leave this board for those who actually want to discuss a topic by making intelligent, polite posts. You're setting a great example for all the kids that visit this site.

I hate to make a post like this, because it's not much better than the insults you've been trading, but I felt that someone had to do it.