N.E.W.C. / Kinzua Outdoors - Aim

[WILLOW CREEKER]

Last week both of my circuits N.E.W.C. and Kinzua Outdoors agreed to participation with Aim for their Championships.

We will be using points from last year, along with points from our first two event this year to arrive at the participating teams.

Details will be released at a later date.

The way I look at it is, it is just another way to give a average working person the opportunity to compete in a major Championship without spending thousands of dollars and weeks of vacation time, which most of us have neither of, in hopes to possibly qualify. If anglers don't like it, thats fine, don't go, it didn't cost any extra while fishing your circuit anyways.

I don't believe it will increase tournament entries, and if it does it might only be 1 or two teams, due to the fact that every circuit from what I have been hearing has been offered the same opportunity. Time will tell.

In any case, I am very happy to offer our teams this extra opportunity.

Tom Means

[Beagler2]

You must fish at least one other AIM event during the season in order to fish the championship. Or, qualify through one of these other circuits, and enter it that way.

:deadhorse:

[WILLOW CREEKER]

So did you have a question about the announcement? I do not understand your post.

I was letting everyone know that fish my two circuits, and visit wc that we are also a Aim Championship qualifying circuit.

Tom

[Wow]

I don't understand why everyone is feeling special. All they are doing is trying to get entries in a tournament. They have no track record and their own guys have no real qualifying other than fishing one other event. All you have to do is pay your money and fish. Just because they put up a name like "International Championship" you think it's a big event. I don't see why those of us that fish smaller weekend events we can afford, are going to put up that kind of money to bolster their payouts and entries. Wow I'm just feeling so lucky.

[WILLOW CREEKER]

Mr. Wow,

I for one have not taken it as being special. I do however look at it like this.

1. At least someone (some group) is attempting to develop another option for anglers to choose from. I am hopefull that this diverse group of anglers can improve our current situation in the tournament world, and help to inspire more anglers and youths to participate.
- As of right now you have the FLW ( I am fishing my first event in April with this organization). The only draw back I see right now is that you can't were your sponsors logo shirt in the boat or during weigh ins on the last day (if your fortunate to make the cut) so for some, including me it is a tuff sell to tell your sponsor that hey, I will have 400 people maybe look at the boat and shirt for three days while I am fising, but when or if I make the cut, and the tv cameras are on the boat and I am being interviewed during weigh in on stage with the cameras rolling, you will get zero exposure.
From my understanding Aim will allow all logos etc at all times.

2. Aim is providing local grass root anglers the opportunity to fish for a prize significantly hire than most grass roots circuits have. A few of my anglers I have talked to appreciate this, and would love to be the team that qualifies to go. The same as teems attending the NTC.

- Yes I know they can fish an Aim event for $ 1,750.00, and at least a weeks vacation, and then qualify for the cvhampionships (I believe), but by Aim allowing grass root anglers to qualify the way they have chosen to, Anglers can save there vacation time, and most of there money while participating in a local circuit, thus making it more affordable for Blue collar anglers to be able to participate in their event IF THEY CHOOSE TO DO SO.

3. Partnering up with Aim will cost me (tournament director and founder of two circuits) zero, but enables me to offer another option to my teams for no added cost.

As far as them boosting there participation numbers, no shet sherlock, that is the name of the game.

I know that without the numbers, you won't get the sponsors. Without sponsors, it is impossible to grow an event or a circuit into what it is capable of. This is a double edge sword that has made it extreemely difficult to grow our events in the North East. I have a couple very loyal supporters in the fishing community that understand how difficult it is in the North East to get the large numbers as in the west, but we still develop deeper interests in the sport, and teach fisherman different techniques and equipment in which to catch those fish, even though the anglers do not wish to compete in the tournament itself. The fishing manufactuers get to reap the benefits of our hard work, without puting up a dime, or a single prize. If the numbers are there, the sponsors will be, thus the reasoning behind Aims Championship format, I would imagine.

I have read so many comments bashing Aim for what they havn't or have done. In this economy they were able to solidify 4 events, and have started to ink sponsors, without ever having run an event. I would have to say that they are doing a fine job.

With their hit list of top pros, I would suspect that by next year if not sooner, several of there tackle sponsor will be jumping on board to support Aim. They are probably allready planning it for there budgets next year.

As far as your comments wow, SHUT UP and fish!!!

I for one believe you have a serious axe to grind with some if not all of the Aim members. It makes me wonder if you were a part of the pwt that closed shop, and you don't want to see someone else succeed, or you were not allowed or asked to be apart of Aims organization.

I know you say your trying to make everyone see the light on whats going on. BS, it appears as though you just want to complain!!!!!

I havn't tried to hide who I am hear, and if I offend anyone, then I will offer my appologies right now, but enough is enough. Lets hope Aim can make it, and provide options for those who would like to have them.

Tom

[Beagler2]

AIM™ Pro Anglers will qualify for the AIM International Walleye Championship™ by fishing at least one of the three AIM Pro Walleye Series™ events. The top three ranked AIM™ Pro Anglers along with the two anglers with the strongest comeback in ranking from the first event to the third event will pay no entry fee for the Championship. Also qualifying to fish the AIM™ Championship event will be top ranked anglers from as many as 50 national/regional/local walleye tournament organizations from the U.S. and Canada who are outstanding tournament anglers and more than ready and willing to let their talents shine. Details outlining this qualification process and a list of the qualifying tournament organizations will be released at a later date on AIM’s website www.aimfishing.com (http://www.aimfishing.com/). The qualifying field for this Championship could exceed 100 boats and be as large as 200 boats. Championship Payouts will be guaranteed to exceed 100% of Pro entry fees. Your
fishlng the FLWL not FLW:bowdown:

[WILLOW CREEKER]

Beagler,

I still don't understand your posting originally. You are copy and pasting info we allready know about the Aim championship.

When the bass championship allows grass roots anglers to compete in the big show, they are revolutionizing the way the tournament format is looked at, and all grass root anglers would love to be invited. They just allowed the first woman to participate in the event. When the walleye guys do it, there own walleye guys critisize them for it. With this attitude, its easy to see why bass fishing compared to walleye fishing is where it is today.

And you are wrong, I am not fishing the league event, but a lot of my fellow anglers from my circuits are.

I will and am fishing the FLW Walleye Tour event out of Port Clinton on April 14 - 18, 2009. I have allready signed up with a co-angler.

Thanks for your support.

Tom

[Wow]

Willow, I have no axe to grind with anyone!!! You can offer your anglers the same thing all year. All they have to do is pay the $250 fee, and fish any of Aim's tournaments. This way I can pick the event I feel I have the best chance in. What make's their Championship so special, other than them waving the fee. Why would I want to go fish it other than feeding my ego that I fished against some top name guys. Heck I can do that anytime in any event. What gets me is their so called owners don't have to quailify but they make it sound like it's something special for us to get invited. We can go fish it anytime!!!!!!!!!

With the info they posted on paybacks, You have to place in the top 10 to make any money. If I place 11th I don't even break even. What will make thios tournament any different. They would have to post their payouts before I'd even consider going and donate.
Nothing personal just good business.

[Beagler2]

No free ride one entry fee event to fish 1,750.00 to ride 250.00 .:fishhit:

[Kemo]

Tom, I don't think that these people have anything against you or your circuit.

[Beagler2]

:cheers:http://www.walleyecentral.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif
Tom, Noting against you or your circuit.

[Slick Willy]

Mr. Wow,

I for one have not taken it as being special. I do however look at it like this.

1. At least someone (some group) is attempting to develop another option for anglers to choose from. I am hopefull that this diverse group of anglers can improve our current situation in the tournament world, and help to inspire more anglers and youths to participate.
- As of right now you have the FLW ( I am fishing my first event in April with this organization). The only draw back I see right now is that you can't were your sponsors logo shirt in the boat or during weigh ins on the last day (if your fortunate to make the cut) so for some, including me it is a tuff sell to tell your sponsor that hey, I will have 400 people maybe look at the boat and shirt for three days while I am fising, but when or if I make the cut, and the tv cameras are on the boat and I am being interviewed during weigh in on stage with the cameras rolling, you will get zero exposure.
From my understanding Aim will allow all logos etc at all times.

2. Aim is providing local grass root anglers the opportunity to fish for a prize significantly hire than most grass roots circuits have. A few of my anglers I have talked to appreciate this, and would love to be the team that qualifies to go. The same as teems attending the NTC.

- Yes I know they can fish an Aim event for $ 1,750.00, and at least a weeks vacation, and then qualify for the cvhampionships (I believe), but by Aim allowing grass root anglers to qualify the way they have chosen to, Anglers can save there vacation time, and most of there money while participating in a local circuit, thus making it more affordable for Blue collar anglers to be able to participate in their event IF THEY CHOOSE TO DO SO.

3. Partnering up with Aim will cost me (tournament director and founder of two circuits) zero, but enables me to offer another option to my teams for no added cost.

As far as them boosting there participation numbers, no shet sherlock, that is the name of the game.

I know that without the numbers, you won't get the sponsors. Without sponsors, it is impossible to grow an event or a circuit into what it is capable of. This is a double edge sword that has made it extreemely difficult to grow our events in the North East. I have a couple very loyal supporters in the fishing community that understand how difficult it is in the North East to get the large numbers as in the west, but we still develop deeper interests in the sport, and teach fisherman different techniques and equipment in which to catch those fish, even though the anglers do not wish to compete in the tournament itself. The fishing manufactuers get to reap the benefits of our hard work, without puting up a dime, or a single prize. If the numbers are there, the sponsors will be, thus the reasoning behind Aims Championship format, I would imagine.

I have read so many comments bashing Aim for what they havn't or have done. In this economy they were able to solidify 4 events, and have started to ink sponsors, without ever having run an event. I would have to say that they are doing a fine job.

With their hit list of top pros, I would suspect that by next year if not sooner, several of there tackle sponsor will be jumping on board to support Aim. They are probably allready planning it for there budgets next year.

As far as your comments wow, SHUT UP and fish!!!

I for one believe you have a serious axe to grind with some if not all of the Aim members. It makes me wonder if you were a part of the pwt that closed shop, and you don't want to see someone else succeed, or you were not allowed or asked to be apart of Aims organization.

I know you say your trying to make everyone see the light on whats going on. BS, it appears as though you just want to complain!!!!!

I havn't tried to hide who I am hear, and if I offend anyone, then I will offer my appologies right now, but enough is enough. Lets hope Aim can make it, and provide options for those who would like to have them.

Tom


Well said Tom. Our trail is also participating in the AIM championship and from what I'm hearing from anglers they are excited about this new opportunity.

>Bill Arnott

[Randy Reek]

The format of the AIM Championship is designed for two reasons:
1. To attract a bigger field, that provides for a bigger payout and more excitement and more media attention. Anyone NOT in favor of this?
2. To give the top anglers from the many, many regional circuits the opportunity to try a tournament at the "top level". In the process some of these anglers may decide to make the decision to fish the top level events next year (whatever brand they choose.) AND there may also be some avid anglers that get motivated to start their tournament careers with this added incentive. Anyone NOT in favor of this?
In my mind, there can only be one reason for bashing the goals outlined above (that is, the AIM championship format) and that is that you are directly compensated by a "competitive" tournament organization - or one of their "exclusive" sponsors. Is this the reason for continuous and anonymous posts?
This is not a "zero sum game" - the success of AIM will directly benefit tournament angling in total. Remember, rising water lifts ALL boats!

Randy Reek
AIM Operations Director
rreek@aimfishing.com

[Wow]

Randy,

How very unprofessional of you to make accusations of fishing and marine industry folks on a public forum. I guess all of that big money from Mercury, Lund and the other two sponsors is going to your collective melons.

Wow, that is not a good sign of things to come.

Anyhoo, AIM is following the previously successful RCL format for their championship. Good for you guys. Since it worked for the FLW maybe it will work for AIM.

[Double Standard]

Tom, Pull your horns back in alittle..... All I did was ask a question. Nobody has answered it yet. Now the tournmaent director comes on and starts slamming another circuit. Nowhere in this thread is another group talked about, only Aim. Here's the question again, I was going to fish Saginaw Bay, I finish 100th and want to fish the "Championship" Do I still have to pay the $250.00 fee? I qualified under their rules. Now and Angler wins his AOY title,is invited to the "Championship" and does'nt have to pay the fee. If he decides not to go and you go down the list say to 15th place to find someone to take the offer does the new guy have to pay the fee? He did'nt win AOY so what makes him more special than me? I just don't understand the double standards here. Can you answer this question? I never slammed your tournament trail so why are you saying I did?

[WILLOW CREEKER]

Anglers that qualified through grass roots tournament cicuits due have to pay an entry fee (unless there circuit pays it for them). Aim has waived the $250.00 membership fee for the championship thus making it the exact same entry fee as the Aim members pay.

Both members from the grass roots circuit may enter as the boater, each paying a seperate entry fee.

There is no bonus as far as being a co angler from a grass root circuit, because anyone can enter as a co angler, just pay the co angler entry fee.

So the way I see it is a Aim member or someone that fishs Aim event has to pay a entry fee and member fee, unless they are a owner / life member, then they have to pay another entry fee for the championship,
Totaling $3,250.00 plus alot of traveling and vacation.

A grass roots team still fishes his local sunday events, uses no vacation time, spends as little as say $200.00 in entry fees fishing his local events that he fishes anyways, and now HE AND HIS PARTNER have the opportunity to fish the same Aim championships for the same entry fee each that the Aim member / owner/ competitor has to pay at $1,500.00.

The grass root angler is saving vacation time, traveling time, family time,and $ 1,750.00 each, because of Aim's format.

To some teams this is very appealing, and to others that don't like it, thats fine because it didn't cost them anything to have the offer given to them, and they do not have to participate if they don't like it.

Tom

[Juls]

Anglers that qualified through grass roots tournament cicuits due have to pay an entry fee (unless there circuit pays it for them). Aim has waived the $250.00 membership fee for the championship thus making it the exact same entry fee as the Aim members pay.

Tom,
I don't think that is the issue the other poster is referring to. He is talking about the 250.00 membership fee, not the entry fee.

Let's take your circuit for example....

Your teams fish all season and an TOY is crowned. They are invited to fish the AIM Championship, but for whatever reason they decide not to go, and then you go down the list to the next team in the TOY standings to see if they want to go. The next team says, "yeah, we want to fish it".

That team will choose who is going to fish as the pro and who is going to fish as the co...ok? The one who decides to fish as the pro will pay 1500.00 to enter, but will not have to pay the 250.00 entry fee.

This is where the other poster is disagreeing with that rule.

From what I can tell....He feels that if the winners of the TOY don't go, then the next in line should have to pay that membership fee, like he is going to have to, even though he supported the circuit by fishing one of their other events during the season.

Why does this non winning team get to pay 1500.00 and he has to pay 1750.00?

Also, the AIM members already paid their membership fees up front when they put in their 5,000.00 to be "owners". And, then there were others who were not owners, but rather members, who put up 1000.00 to 4000.00 (depending on how many years they wanted to be members for). So, their membership fees are already in the pot. The only ones not paying membership fees are the "grass roots" Team Of The Year winners from the smaller circuits.

His other point was that by AIM's qualifcations to fish the championship, an angler either needs to fish one of their other events or win the TOY in a smaller circuit.

If he fishes one other event, then he now "qualifies" to fish the championship. What makes his qualifing any different than theirs? Why should he have to pay the 250.00 and they don't?

I'm pretty sure that's the question on the table. Or, at least that's what I'm understanding from reading all this.

Juls

[WILLOW CREEKER]

Jul's,

That could be his point, I don't know.

If it is that way that grass root anglers don't pay the extra $250.00 but the aim supporters due, than I guess that would make the grass root anglers feel special.

If the invite is passed down the line to other teams, they will not have to pay the fee either.

I thought no one participating in the event had to pay the $ 250.00 but I am not positive on that.

I have only read my corespondence from aim reguarding us participating once, and that was a week ago.
It is noty top on my priority list yet.

Off to work, check back in 12 1/2 hours.

Tom

[Juls]

10-4 Tom...have a good night at work!

See you in the Spring! ;)

Juls

[brother of guest]

wow,

It's a grass roots effort. If AIM can bolster all of the qualifying organizations by 10-20% it can only help. Please, turn the TV off or stop watching the "doom and gloom"-- find something good about life to talk about.

Jesse Buechel

[Beagler2]

Am I hearing things right ??? . Is AIM changing Tourmanent Rules as they go along ???. I Wonder If AIM is having a hard time filling a100 baots field ???.:shame:

[WILLOW CREEKER]

Morning Jul's,

Just got home about 10 minutes ago.

I always check for messages while I try to unwind , and I received my confirmation for the PC event via e-mail.

I just got a little pumped.

Can't wait for this zero degree weather to quite so I can get organizing on the boat.

Can't wait to get there and watch a board go back.

Tom

[Fishing Insider 2]

The format of the AIM Championship is designed for two reasons:
1. To attract a bigger field, that provides for a bigger payout and more excitement and more media attention. Anyone NOT in favor of this?
2. To give the top anglers from the many, many regional circuits the opportunity to try a tournament at the "top level". In the process some of these anglers may decide to make the decision to fish the top level events next year (whatever brand they choose.) AND there may also be some avid anglers that get motivated to start their tournament careers with this added incentive. Anyone NOT in favor of this?
In my mind, there can only be one reason for bashing the goals outlined above (that is, the AIM championship format) and that is that you are directly compensated by a "competitive" tournament organization - or one of their "exclusive" sponsors. Is this the reason for continuous and anonymous posts?
This is not a "zero sum game" - the success of AIM will directly benefit tournament angling in total. Remember, rising water lifts ALL boats!

Randy Reek
AIM Operations Director
rreek@aimfishing.com

Randy Reek,

I simply have to question the purpose and wisdom of your reply above.

First you assume that individuals raising valid questions and looking for honest answers are "bashing the goals" of AIM? Then you make accusations as to the motives of those individuals and devalue this issue further by your insinuations as to their origin, motives and intent?

Questions will be asked. Some comments may indeed be critical and poorly made. In responding as a Representative of AIM just remember, EVERYONE is watching AIM right now. As an AIM operations Director, do you really wish to portray your organization as adversarial and antagonistic in nature?

Many of us are on the fence and yes, a little gun shy about becoming involved with AIM. Myself included. If your reply is how you intend to win us over, believe me it is not working.

It is obvious that AIM uses Walleye Central to make announcements when it meets AIM's agenda to do so. Would it not also be more productive for AIM to actually answer the questions that are raised on W/C in a positive manner? Resorting to bashing, making assumptions, accusations and insinuations against those who comment or raise questions about AIM on W/C won't portray your organization in a positive manner.

Signed,

A potential AIM participant merely responding on his own behalf and definitely not representing any "competitive" tournament organization or one of their "exclusive" sponsors in my comments.