USFA Team Walleye

[wondering]

The last two tournaments for the Ohio Region have been cancelled due to lack of participation. Are any other states or regions having this problem? There were supposedly only four teams there to fish the tournament. Is this how USFA walleye tournaments are run? I know there are a lot of guys who fish the circuit in other states and wondered what anybody had to say on the matter.

[eye1]

Don't know about other states but here in MN they have been getting 85-100 teams per tourney.Granted we have alot of fisherman in MN but there are also alot of different tourneys to choose from so they must be doing something right.

[I Fish GS]

Here in North Dakota we are getting 50 - 60 teams per tourny and growing. Its only 4 yrs old. The first two years we had 20 - 30 team. We have a lot of teams that just fish the USFA in thier local events not the whole series.
We have a good core of team, you have to get out and promote it sport shows, walleye clubs, news paper writeups.
Good luck

[Eyez]

We're getting 70-90 boats for each tournament here in SD. The turnout's been great, even with the crappy weather we had for the first two.

Eyez

[Juls_WI]

We had 95 the first tourney here in Wisconsin, and then 107 for the second one.
The only thing I would like to see differently in the Wisco circuit, is an opportunity for the anglers to say how and where the fish were caught, when weighing in their fish. There is usually a crowd of people who didn't fish the tourney there, and it would be nice to be able to share some info with them. Not all people like to just approach strangers, to ask them these questions, although, I'm sure, most of the tourney anglers would be willing to share the info.
The way it is done now, you just take your fish up and they announce the weight. That's it.
I don't see this as a good promotion of the sport. It should be more than just who came in first or second, or about the money etc...it should be about information, promotion, and fun I think, but hey, that is just my opinion.

Juls

[Mt-1]

In texas their only getting 5-10 teams per tournment. I say it's due to the lack of advertising, you have to spend a little to make a little! If no one knows of the tournments how do you expect to get any teams to join in, even teams from neighboring states.

[Mt-1]

In texas their only getting 5-10 teams per tournment. I say it's due to the lack of advertising, you have to spend a little to make a little! If no one knows of the tournments how do you expect to get any teams to join in, even teams from neighboring states.

[Mt-1]

In Texas they only get 5-10 teams per tournment. I say it's due to the lack of advertising, you need to spend a little to get a little.

[Tom22]

I fished one in Mich. last season, and there was only 14 boats

[Wondering]

It looks like the main problem is advertising. I have never seen anything about the TW events anywhere here in Ohio. I know there are just as many eyeheads around Ohio as other places, so it would seem to be that if you are going to hold a tournament, you might want to make sure the walleye world knows about it!

[135guy]

Good to hear from you Texas, I didnt know you guys caught fish with teeth in your lakes. Figured it was bass or cowboy stuff.

[Jim Carroll]

I fish the USFA circuit in North Dakota. We have a dedicated core group of teams that fish the entire tour perhaps 30 or so. With the local hot sticks jumping in we have averaged over 50 teams per event this year and I think the numbers will continue to grow. Success or lack of it in these tournaments is highly dependent on the state director. Our director is Rick Ripplinger and he has done a great job of organizing and promoting these events. It is my understanding that directors are paid a small stipend per boat entered so it is in their interest to increase participation. Promotional expense is also the local directors responsibility. Perhaps states where participation is lacking need a different director. Juls is right- in every tournament the MC should ask the top teams what they were doing to catch their fish. Be specific and maybe press them a little. I have been to some weigh-ins and walked away not knowing what the winning tactics were only to hear three different stories later. This does very little to help our sport and the credibility of the winning teams. Give them a chance to tell their story. The USFA Team Walleye Classic will be held on Devil's Lake Sept. 10-16 and for any of you teams that have or will qualify be advised that there is a USFA tourney Aug. 5th on the lake. This will be a good opportunity to learn the lake and I hope to see some of you anglers there. Call Rick (701) 224-0667.

[Scott Richardson]

We have a terrific tournament director in Illinois named Bob Kidd who has built a substantial following for tournaments on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.Uncertain of the total numbers, but I know several events attract more than 50 and some over 70. I enjoy them. I would only wish the USFA had larger paybacks considering the entry and that they held championships in spots more easily accessible to the masses. All in all though, the Sunday format lets us prefish one day on Saturday and the rivers are accessible to most without extreme investments in time and money.