RCL

[StoneyPointeTom]

I kind of get the feeling that a lot of post are suggesting that the Detroit River RCL Pro's are going to fish Lake Erie near the bass islands. If this turns out true, then why have the tournament based in Detroit? What about all the local AM's that are entering thinking they may learn something about the river that is in their own back yard? I will not argue the fact that you can probably catch a bigger basket over there. If the tournament is about only catching the biggest fish, then why don't they base it out of Port Clinton? Sure would help the environment and save a few thousand gallons of gas! Just my thoughts.

Is there any reason why the RCL does not have limits?

[eyebuster]

I was going to enter the tourney as a co-angler, but I live within 20 minutes of the river and have fished it my whole 40 or so years. The reason I didn't enter was I was afraid I'd draw someone that was going to do some jigging or handlining in the river. If I was sure I'd draw a pro that was going to fish the big lake I would have got in it in a heartbeat.

I would also add that your post is also right on the money. The fisherman and women that don't know how to handline or jig correctly, or that would just like to know different areas of the river that might hold some walleyes probably wouldn't be to happy about a 20 some mile ride to try and get 5 bites. But those 5 bites would probably put someone on the first page.

just my .02

eyebuster

[ebijack]

many tourney's are fished on waters that have rivers and open waters as fishable water. with only 30 miles to the detroit river, that's quite a short distance to consider as fishable water for a large tourney. the weather will be the big factor as to where some will fish. a majority of the local tourney's that launch on the river include lake st clair/st clair river/detroit river/lake erie as fishable waters(which covers canada/michigan/ohio). it's not uncommon to run 60 plus miles in a tourney around here in one direction. that's just part of being the "great lakes". boat control is the biggest factor next to location on catching fish in the rivers around here. i'm not sure that presention differs all that much from other rivers. like trolling, it really comes down to the details that make a big difference.
hope that helps

[bean]

I don't understand. Why would someone run 30 or 40 miles out into the lake when the walleyes are currently migrating INTO the river to spawn? Just wondering.

[W'eyes Guy]

It might be as simple as: Where is the closest Wal-Mart store to the launch site? Wal-Mart is sponsor and weigh-ins are usually held at a local store parking lot.

#610

[The Big Guy]

I love the spirit of any fishing tournament that doesn't set boundaries. Its merely a go out in eight hours and bring in the best you can. Many of the PWT events are won with tremendous runs in resevoirs and rivers and the RCL keeps that spirit alive. Parsons making a 150 mile round trip run to win an event a few years ago. Fellegy's 40 mile run one way to the Charities to fish for a half hour or so and return in time to win. It goes to show what pros really contend with to win. They risk it all to outdo the next guy. I think its much better drama than watching the locals all try to slug it out in the river handlining, jigging or whatever.

[ebijack]

if you can find the right "school" of big walleye out in the lake you have a better chance to bring in 40+lbs. not that you can't bring in a big basket from the river, it's tougher to find and stay on a pod of really large fish. the walleye travel continually in the river (the ones that aren't homesteaders). as a average, the river big baskets will be somewhere around 35lbs. there are some pro's who don't have the confidence/practice to do well in the river. they can go out in the lake and troll. the weather/dirty water will be the major factors on where alot will fish. pro's are at every tourney to win and will try to fish the way they have the most confidence in to win.
hope that helps

[eyebuster]

The weigh-in is at a Walmart store that is good 15 miles north of the launch site in the city of Taylor. The boys and girls running out to the lake will have a long ride in from the lake and then another 20 to 25 minute ride to the weigh-in store.

eyebuster