Wave Wacker vs. Hunters Pt. Tourney

[super curious]

So after reading the flyers for the Wave Wacker and Hunters Point Tourneys(which are the exact same formats), I added up all the money to be paid out in each one and it is amazing the difference in how much more money seems to be pocketed in the wave wacker. I know that the wacker has to pay for the facilities at the wharf but there is almost a $14,000 difference. And from what I see at the wharf is that they only provide a facility, which in fact is just adding business during the weekdays that probably wouldn't be there if it wasn't for the tournament, so I would have to imagine that shouldn't cost all that much to host it there. Plus there is usually a dinner included at the Hunters tourney. Where at the wacker, anything you want to eat, is just more income for the wharf. Just curious if I'm the only one to notice this or is there a good explanation why the payback is at such a lower percentage rate. Maybe people have noticed and that is why the entries have diminished the last couple years. Don't get me wrong, i love fishing both tourneys and will continue to, but it just doesn't seem right in my book.

[Robert M]

I havnt seen Hunters yet but George doesnt usually take the 20% most tournaments do but im sure he usually makes it up in the bussiness end.Still much better for the angler and payout.I used to fish the Wacker and it was a fun tournament.But with less boats you have to be in top 5 or so out of 100 to come ahead.Not that easy to do and not good enough odds for me to gamble on.

[Robert M]

I havnt fished Hunters for a couple years so I had to look it up.You still need to be close to the top to make anything but it is cheaper and he usually has a good meal.

Ive brought up to several tournament directors that they should skim a little off of the top 3 and pay a few more spots or add a little to the others.I think it would keep a few more people interested in fishing these.So far they havnt listened.

[FuzzzyIL]

So after reading the flyers for the Wave Wacker and Hunters Point Tourneys(which are the exact same formats), I added up all the money to be paid out in each one and it is amazing the difference in how much more money seems to be pocketed in the wave wacker. I know that the wacker has to pay for the facilities at the wharf but there is almost a $14,000 difference. And from what I see at the wharf is that they only provide a facility, which in fact is just adding business during the weekdays that probably wouldn't be there if it wasn't for the tournament, so I would have to imagine that shouldn't cost all that much to host it there. Plus there is usually a dinner included at the Hunters tourney. Where at the wacker, anything you want to eat, is just more income for the wharf. Just curious if I'm the only one to notice this or is there a good explanation why the payback is at such a lower percentage rate. Maybe people have noticed and that is why the entries have diminished the last couple years. Don't get me wrong, i love fishing both tourneys and will continue to, but it just doesn't seem right in my book.

So what is wrong or what isn't right with this picture? The only thing that is clear is that you want a free meal. Is it wrong for local businesses to benefit and prosper from these events? Are you against capitalism? Do you think the rest of the community should stop what they are doing and cater to everyone of your needs because you paid an entry to a walleye tournament? What next? You want the lake to be 'closed to anyone not in the tourneys?' Free meals? Free lodging? Free gas? Geez, the things people whine about when this country is falling apart right under our noses.

[super curious]

Fuzzy, I don't have a problem with the tournament hosts making a little profit from the tourneys at all. My point is that why do they need to make an EXTRA $14,000 from the same type of tourney? My numbers come up with for payouts is that hunters pays out all but just under $6000 and the wacker pays out all but just under $20,000. Those numbers are before expenses of course and I do understand that there are expenses to run a tourney, but its the EXTRA money that bothers me. And yes the wacker has to rent the wharf and lets just say that is $6000. So now there paying out all but $14,000. Which is still $8000 more than the hunters tourney and hunters has an added expense of an awesome meal.

[Fife]

Both of these are great tournaments!

I ran some numbers because I was bored at work. I'm assuming a full field of 100 boats and everybody pays by the early entry dates.

Wave Wacker
100,000 in entries
78,300 payout
2,000 big fish payout
Additional contingensies and prizes

Hunter's
47,500 in entries
45,750 payout

As mentioned there may be some facility fees for The Wave Wacker touranment. The event is also televised, which probably costs some money. I believe they do more advertising as well. If you win, your return on investment is higher in the Wave Wacker as well.

Again, both are great tournaments. Its also very nice to see the bigger payouts for more of "local" tournament. Any chance the Wave Wacker could be a qualifier for AIM championship?