PWT or RCL as Amateur

[TK_551]

I have been wrestling with this for a few weeks now and wanted to hear what others thoughts are. I am thinking about fishing a PWT or RCL Tournament as an amateur. If I could, I would do both but I can't. What would be my best option? I am not concerned with the whole prizes vs cash payout. I am looking for what would be the best experience. Thanks in advance.

Tom
#551

[Goldpig]

I like the idea of a guaranteed three days of fishing. I guess personally, I would try to figure out which techniques I wanted to learn more about, and then pick an event which they will most likely be implementing those techniques. Good luck making your decision.

[Ristorapper]

Goldpig hit the nail on the head. Three days PWT vs two days for the RCL. Pick water that you know nothing about. I know of a few people that fished Sakakawea last year that know the water inside and out and they were disappointed because they cannot relay any inside info to the pro as where to fish. Needless to say they were fishing here when they would have liked the pro to fish over there. Pick a body of water you are not familiar with.

Keep an open mind and I agree with goldpig on picking a site you may need more experience in. If you need more experience in trolling, pick a body of water where there is a good chance trolling will dominate the competition. If in doubt as to what tactic may prevail get in touch with Jim Kalkofin at in-fisherman.com and I'm sure he can help you out in that respect.

Good luck in your decision and have fun. I did on Sakakawea last year.

BW(ND)

[Jigger]

Gee if I'm not mistaken, didn't the tournament director leave the PWT and go to the RCL. I think that might say something for which is the best one and which has the best future.

[pa walleye]

jigger, I would not say which is better. maybe dorn just thought a change might be nice. it would be nice if we all could do that once in a while. I hope this does not start a big controversy. just saying what I feel. I think both the curcits have something to offer.

[wallytap]

I've fished both and the caliber of each is excellent.The PWT offers a guarantee of 3 days fishin', RCL has 2 days with a gamble of making the cut for the remainder of the tournament.If you fish eyes you should do at least 1 pro/am to see the variety of tactics used.It's better odds than buying a lottery ticket so go for it and you might even win something.This isn't a relaxing day of recreational fishing,it's a serious competition among anglers for the top spot.Learn have fun and if the bug bites you bad enough maybe you to will be a "pro" someday showing others your style of fishing.

[whitetips]

Both circuits offer a great challenge, choose a favorite location and
enjoy your experience, gives the staff an opportunity to get to know you when you try the Pro side, in my opinion its the best way to get there.
GLuck

[tj1n]

Another excellent opportunity is to sign up to be an observer for the PWT championships. It's free! You show up to ride along with the pro and insure rules/regulations are followed and often you will be with a big name pro as only the top pro's qualify. I've learned a ton from these people and often feel guilty that I got everything for nothing.

During the rules meetings and the shows, these guys/gals will share a wealth of knowledge and commaradrie with all. These people are awesome.

And best of all, what a show they put on! Why Dorn left the PWT, only he knows. He is a class act. Maybe the PWT will suffer, maybe not?

Good luck, three days gauranteed will always have my money. Now, if my dream ever comes true I'd have to consider where I can be the most profitable.

Travis J.

[Doug Burns]

To all those that do volunteer to be observers at the PWT Championship; I would like to say a big thank you. The gentleman that have observed for me were not only good company but they were a big help. They were always net ready, kept an I eye on my fish and bait, making sure all was well. Mostly they were encouraging, always talking positive. They became a member of my team for the day, even though they had nothing at stake.
Thanks again guys,

Doug Burns

[tj1n]

Doug,

It's people like you that make Professional angling what it is! You are an inspiration to me. By the way thanks for the copy of your book, I loved it! Your exactly the "CLASS" that I was referring too.

Any recommendations on other books that are real life angling experiences that you utilized in your growth in the industry.

Good luck this season!

Travis J.

[Observer]

If you check out the new April edition of the Walleye In-sider, there is a side bar called amateur observations on page 45. A couple of Gary Parsons' amateurs rated their experience during the PWT Chamberlain tournament last year. Their comments should help with your decision. Guys like Parsons, Kavajecz, Gray, Fairbairn, etc. can not participate in the RCL, only the PWT where there are not restrictions as to participation. Plus you are pretty much guaranteed 3 days on the water with the PWT pros, not 2 like the RCL. It seems to me that if the decision to fish is not based on prizes versus cash then the PWT is the best choice of the two. As far as Mark Dorn leaving...you couldn't have drawn him anyway, the fishermen are the real show.

[goodluckcharlie]

charlie moore will do a great job at the PWT. good luck charlie! we are supporting this good decision!

[curt quesnell]

Mark Dorn took a job with FLW..He isnt Tournament Director for the
RCL it was a better job, higher wages, expenses paid and a car.
It pays to be good.

Curt Quesnell

[TK_551]

Thanks for the replies so far. Keep them coming. I have been fishing USFA and WWA the last two years and I recently purchased a house so my funds are diminished a bit this year. I have heard things about both. Just trying to narrow down which to do.

Tom
#551

[Ristorapper]

That is a very nice comment from a class act Doug. I have volunteered here in Bismarck for nearly all the PWT championships held here and have had some great times. I run that river alot and can tell the pro where he may be running into trouble running up and down this sandbar and wood infested jungle of a river. Remember Puccio telling me one year "Boy you can spot them dead heads a mile away." Last year I did a couple days patrolling and it is no fun pulling them big boats off the sandbars. And on day two I ran with Mark Martin; miserable day (weather wise) but we were done by noon. Was soaked bad cause the rain hit my glasses and dripped down my front where the rain jacket was cracked a little, eventually soaking down to you know where!! Didn't realize it till we stopped. BRRRRRR Funny how when ya start catching fish that cold and wetness all went away. NOT as bad as Seehloff"S observor though on day two. They hit that sandbar and don't think the boat settled and that observor hit the water and they had that boat up and running again before the patrol boats got there!!! Time is money eh? See ya on the water.

[Ristorapper]

Just another note in reference to Oahe in Mobridge SD a few year back. You may not be "guaranteed" 3 days PWT or 2 days RCL. Mobridge was a one day tourney due to very high winds the first two days of the tourney. So weather may play a factor in you not getting "your" monies worth. I went down to watch day three and it wasn't much better. Todd Frank had a wonderful time though.

[Jesse-WI]

So you are interested in the best experience? This can be a bit subjective but here is my 2 cents. Since you have other tournament experience some of this you will already know, but I will write for the general web crowd.

The first thing you need to do is research the waters that are going to be fished and gain an understanding of the likely techniques that will be used during that particular tournament remembering time of year can effect this. If you hate trolling with boards fishing Saginaw would most likely not be a good ideal. Some of the tournaments will focus on just one primary technique while others will use most any technique. It is very important you select a tournament that will either likely include a method you like or a method you really want to learn. When possible, select one that gives the opportunity for both.

The second thing is to be prepared for anything. You need to understand that you will most likely fish in conditions that would cause most people to choose not to. If you have low quality rain gear, you will get soaked and you will most likely be miserable. When in doubt, take drugs for sea sickness.

Do not choose a body of water that you have a good knowledge of. You will get upset with what your partners are doing. Murphy's Law will screw you. You will not get to fish your favorite spots. If a tournament is close and you do have good knowledge, you can usually find a pro to pre-fish with.

Now that you have increased your chances, should you pick RCL or PWT? Since you have already stated prizes are not important, the RCL loses its biggest advantage, money.

Assuming good weather, you will fish for 3 days at the PWT. You will know your schedule and can make plans to do whatever else you would like to do. The RCL's new format will mean that you will most likely fish 2 days, but this could change and you will not know until late in the week where you stand. This requires you to be very flexible with your vacation days.

The PWT has rules that should ensure that it really is an educational format event. The RCL does not have these rules. I still believe the RCL to be educational in nature but I would prefer the additional rules.

PWT pro's are divided into 3 groupings based on current rankings. You will fish with one pro from the top, middle and bottom third of the rankings. This greatly increases your chances of fishing with best the sport has to offer. (Disclaimer, there have been a few cases of this not happening due to the total pro's contestant numbers not being divisible by 3). As of last year, the RCL had no comparable method.

The RCL is limited in what boats may be used. Even though I do own a Lund, I still like to see how other boats are laid out. I like to see how other boats handle in rough water and other situations. This allows me to gain a better understanding of my equipment's strengths and weaknesses.

If it matters to you. I will say it again. If it matters to you. If you are interested in being on TV or in a magazine to further your professional fishing career the PWT is still ahead of the game. The lead is shrinking and the RCL is gaining.

So in my opinion, PWT will likely give you a better experience than the RCL.


Jesse Fletcher
7 PWT/amateur, 1 RCL/co-angler

[gofish]

The RCL is getting better, but still has quite a ways to go. While it offer more CASH, it lacks in quality. In the RCL you could end up with some pro with a 17ft & 50hp tiller like a few I know did last year. The PWT at least has some qualifications and I believe that will give you a much better experience overall. In either one you're at the mercy of the draw, but as I said the PWT will give you a much better chance at a more professional draw.

As for Dorn moving, the PWT's lucky he's not heading the tournament. As long as they keep the same director, the PWT shouldn't have a problem in staying at the top of the pack.

Good Luck, either way you should have a blast and a great time.

[LindyRigger]

What is the cost and requirements to enter either of the tournaments as an amateur? I think this would be a blast. Also, when you sign up, is it for the entire tourney or just a day or two. If you place with the pro, do you get any prizes or a little cash.

LindyRigger

[stevefellegy]

lol I just just talked to Bob Probst Sr., and he and I agreed, that in the best interest of the RCL, he and I will TRY and improve on the size and style of the boats we fish we fish in. Geezzzz....lol

Any one with questions about fishing as a co-angler in either circuit, feel free to contact me. sf@mlecmn.net
Bottem line is you will have great,unique experiences, participating in either circuit. We welcome the opportunity to have you as our teammates. Good luck!!

[TJ]

I think its important to mention here that BOATS DON'T CATCH FISH!

;)

[Jesse-WI]

For someone who has never ridden in a fully decked out luxury tournament walleye boat, the boat and the ride are part of the experience.

It is also a fact that smaller boats and motors CAN limit the waters an angler may fish or CAN reduce the time they have on the water due to travel times. The body of water, weather and the current bite dictate the effects. There are times when the smaller boat can actually be better.

So for the best experience, the boat can matter.


Jesse Fletcher
7 PWT/amateur, 1 RCL/co-angler

[Rudedog]

If your looking to fish the PWT or the RCL, If it were me I would choose the PWT, As the last time the RCL was in the Saginaw Bay they had no idea how to run a walleye tounament, alot of fish died on the behalf of the RCL staff, some of them stating that they never worked a walleye tournament before, that they only new bass tournaments. As I have it on tape. the first day bags of fish laid on 80 degree ashfalt as the fishing teams were lined up to weigh-in while Mr. Reynolds tried to woo the auidance and then when the tournament was over hand outs of false live fish released totals were given to the local press and fishing teams to my under standing they tried to blame it on the local volunteers for the fish kill. not very professional, I would say keep to what you know, Bass. The PWT spells it out. Professional Walleye tour. just my thoughts

[Chairman]

Rudedog, I think you need to cut them a break. It was the anglers that laid the fish on the hot pavement not the RCL officials. Give them a little slack. We don't need negative publicity about fish kill. How about showing the kill of the other big events held in the bay. I know they are equally as great.
Get off their back.

[ma walleye]

Hey lets stop picking on the p.w.t. or the RCL they are both good curcuits and they both are doing outstanding jobs. Just weigh which one you want to fish as a amateur. and go for it. they both probably have there good side and bad side. but every thing does. I fish the P.W.T. and enjoy it. And hope to fish it after i retire to. so pick witch one you like and go for it. just my two cents.


pa walleye