RCL IS A GO!!!!!!!!!!!

[FISH 24 7]

Please see the following announcement from Sonny Reynolds and the RCL regarding tournament entry. Time to get on line and get on board!

http://www.operationbass.com/ezineArticle.cfm?strObjectID=D98281E0-16C3-11D5-9AB200508B6CCE50

Mark Gilbertson
NPAA #556

[Payout?]

I read the press release. Thanks for the info. In reading through a chat that Sonny did earlier this year he was asked in several different ways if the payout was guaranteed. He said yes. I'm wondering why all the wishy washy wording in the press release like "A FULL-FIELD qualifyng tournament will award ..." and "UP TO 2.9 million COULD BE awarded during the 2001 season ..."

Perhaps they have rethought the idea of guaranteeing and are unsure they can fill or even be close?

[FISH 24 7]

I saw the same language and wondered the same thing. I think the "as high as 2.9" figure includes the potential bonuses that would be paid out if every single winner has a Merc or a Yamaha hung on the back. It would change the total payouts of the circuit if the winning owners were running OMC product I guess.

The notation of a "full field" payout is a little disturbing for Erie, seeing as though it's so late to come to press. My guess is that they'll have to shave it on the co-angler side cuz the likelihood of getting a full field on that side is pretty minimal this late in the game, at least for that tourney.

Mark Gilbertson
NPAA #556

[TOURNAMENT HEAD]

The way this press release is worded, is an indication that the payout is definately not guaranteed. They probably will not come close to filling their fields for many different reasons, so it seems that all the hype most probably is just hype. You know it's too bad. With the PWT overfilling their fields on the western side and the subsequant anger that is circulating through the PWT Pro ranks, this RCL could really be a barn burning circuit if they just would open their entries to all fisherpersons. I'll bet many of the PWT pros would pull their entries and fish RCL instead.

[A betting man]

First, stop with the "if they'd open up to all anglers" or "if the PWT guys could fish..." It aint gonna happen. And, no slam to PWT anglers, last time I checked none of them walked on water.
Second, as high as means just that, if everyone meets all the sponsor bonus money awards it will be that highm, Fact is, if a guy takes the whole enchilada in a tournament ahd doesnt have the bonus money qualifying motor, he wont get the motor bonus money. That being the case the payout wont be as high as stated. It is not dishonest. They are being honest to the bone. If I were a betting man, my money is on the RCL changing the face of walleye tournamnets forever, for the best!

[You missed the point]

I think that you might have misunderstood the intent of Tournament Heads post. I don't think that he was saying that PWT anglers "walk on water". Instead he was saying that there is an opportunity for Operation Walleye to take adavantage of. The PWT has filled to 155 boats in two of their western tournaments and 146 in the other. Last report was that they are still taking entries in the west. Essentially there are going to be 85-90 anglers trying to qualify for 5 championship spots. Many of those anglers signed up for the PWT recently because the RCL folks kept dragging their feet. I think that Tournament Head was trying to explain that a large portion of western division PWT anglers would switch and fish RCL if they could.

As for the payouts. It does say that the payout is for a "full-field". I would assume that this means no guarantee on the purse. Another way to look at it is -- if they were going to guarantee the purse they would have said so. I agree with Payout? on this one. I think that the RCL folks realize that on such short notice they don't stand a chance of filling their events and won't guarantee the purse (they would lose a mint).

[Perhaps you did]

It is called RCL (Ranger, Crestliner, Lund) not The Operation Whatever Tourney. Simply put, the RCL owners are taking care of their boat owners and could care less about everyone else. If you do not like it, complain to your boat company or switch boats.

[Chairman]

Remember the big picture here. Bottom line is to get to the Championship and the real big money. The less boats at Erie the better the chances of qualifing. Give them a break and let them get off the ground. It has been a major undertaking for a very small staff and will be great for the industry and the anglers. Sonny and staff need a big congradulations and pat on the back and not the continual criticism that is thrown his way by people that can not fish the event any how. I am willing to bet the other boat will counter with special events of their own in the future. Anyhow, as Mark Dorn says so well, "LETS GO FISHING!"

[FISH 24 7]

Bruce. I certainly meant no disrespect to Sonny, et al with my post. I was simply interpretting the language in the announcement. We got eight+ inches of snow yesterday and it obviously gave me too much time to be thinking about not being out on the open water. I appreciate your viewpoint and will shut my mouth regarding the entries at Erie... you're right! Better chance for all to get to Championship.

Mark Gilbertson
NPAA #556

[Respect]

I hear the word respect for Sonny and the RCL a little to much. This is something that in any business is earned by making deadlines and getting things done in a timely and efficient manner. So far I would have to say that has not been the track record. Has anyone gotten the entry information? I thought this was going to be out?? How about Gaurenteed pay outs, I am pretty sure if we looked in the archives we would find that also. How about the ametures? I hope to be there but I am not impressed by the level of business professionalism.

If everyone would have gone with the same formula maybe the Cabela's NAWA would still be around to help the game.

[Bullfrog]

Why do some want to incite tournament vs tournament with inflammatory remarks? Posts today talk negative and positive about MWC, PWT & RLC. Why not enter them, fish your heart out, and win or lose depending on your own decisions? Or, not? If the PWT is full, good. If people like to fish as teams, good. If companies want to host events for their customers, go after it, but quit whining and go sharpen your hooks.