Where are they now?

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:18 am

Kyle and I have this discussion at times, about guys that used to fish but have dissapeared. And with the low turnouts of most trails at DVL, some former killers names really stand out. What has happen to these gent's:

Frank Taylor/Rich Lee
Ryan Krost
Derrick Patch
Dale Wentz
Kurt Hodges-aka "the Hodge"
Harry Jioras
Jeff Augustin

This is just a few of the guys who used to take home tons of Hardware from DVL. Still a fun lake, just coming into it's prime. I am sure I will remember a few more and add them to the list. What are you guy's doing now? Rick G.

TEAMDEADMONEY · Post by **TEAMDEADMONEY** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:18 am

Ryan Krost is still around...he just tore it up at his clubs Havasu event. He fishes with Rich from what Ive seen at DVL but the results havent been there.
Dale Wentz only fishes the WON events there...he had to cut back a bit but now that dude is finally settling his case after 12 years expect him to be attending more of the events there.
Derrick still fishes quite a bit at DVL but has been in a bit of a slump lately results wise...

I actaully think that some teams out there have just caught up to the pack so to speak. DVL forces teams to adjust in order to stay at or near the top of the standings consistantly. Some teams havent adjusted and have stuck with the slow deep presentations and that has hurt them. The teams that have been doing well lately have been extremely versatile...fishing deep, shallow, fast, slow, big, small,...etc etc...thats why some teams are being left behind lately. Adjust adjust adjust...that seems to be the story for DVL...the teams that do it get the cheese, the teams that dont get the whine...
Its definetly NOT a one or two technique (C-rig and swimbait) lake anymore.

Pete

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:25 am

Saw Frank Taylor at Vail on Friday. By the way, the bite at Vail is horrible. Don't go there.

Gerryjig · Post by **Gerryjig** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:49 am

Hey Rick, using myself and DB as an exmple for many, and although we feel we can pretty much be a threat even on a "wing-it" basis and even though we happened to win the last W.O.N. event we fished at DV last June (yes last June!

), I would have to say with the cost of fishing these days and perhaps not enough time to prefish as often to help keep yourself mentally at the top, many of us have to work more to pay the ever increasing bills. It could be all the drama accompanied with the low turnouts that just don't appeal to us the same as it once did or just a combo of all I've stated.. This is truly a bummer for the So Ca. bass fishing scene. For now and for us, not having to drive far to fish local salt and having a great time doing it by catching way more fish with way more options to do so has way more appeal to me and from what I hear, Kyle, Will and Kevin are putting time on the salt too!

......mixing fresh and salt keeps the pure "fun" in fishing. I also think once all the different orgs "sift-out" and turnouts become larger, things will get better. I'm hoping that when things do come back around, I will be fishing with my younger guy against all the studs you mentioned and didn't mention (like yourself and Kyle). In time, along with others, we'll be back and we'll be ready to kick some booty!

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:13 am

For sure time on the water is a big deal. Look how consistant John Krumsiek/ J. Curry are. John pracitices a ton. Good points Pete. Kyle and I always try to fish to our strengths, but the last couple of years things have changed for sure. I am also sure DVL is not the only lake that has teams come and go. Look at Castaic, been around for a long time and I am sure Ron C. can fill a big list. Still though, once you get it in the blood, it is hard not to keep chuckin. And for me, after having to listen to all the anglers talking about it all week, I cant wait to get out there. Good or bad. Rick G.

hippie · Post by **hippie** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 12:58 pm

i think the biggest thing is what jerry said let some org's fizzle out to many. so many options and so little money these days. i for one have been putting as much money as I can in savings this year getting ready for the commercial side of construction to take a big hit, not that it already hasn't. usually i'm at your shop spending money like its nothing. I don't think ive been in anglers at all this year. maybe a coupleof times. I know ive never been a big contender but I love going out for competion every weekend. but to fish against 20 boats with 2 - 4 comped boats sucks.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 1:20 pm

There are for sure way to many comp. boats. Won last weekend had like 6 out of 25 boats. Only 1 staff team per event and 1 AOY, max. Rick G.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 2:03 pm

Great points Mike. And the toughest pill of all yesterday is the lake was packed. The most I think I have ever seen. If just the guys that normally or used to fish DVL tournaments entered, it would have been an "Ironman" like turnout. They were there fishing anyway. Maybe we need an "Economy" entry fee where if you are on the fence you can pay half entry and win a smaller amount. Pony up people, its still fun and competitive. Rick G.

rocky asbury · Post by **rocky asbury** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 2:08 pm

I agree with all of the above. When I first began fishing tournaments there wasn't one every weekend so we saved our money and fished twice a month, with draws that averaged 45-60 boats. Now with 5 different orgs wanting a peice of the money pie, it's hard to draw boats. Not everyone can afford to fish every weekend, especially when only 1st and 2nd pay now days with 15-20 boats, so no win ,no money which can drain u real quick. I agree maybe if the orgs made their season longer and the lake only allowed 2 permits a month we would see bigger fields right away. The draw back on that is now the lake is losing some revenue and we all know most things revolve around the dollar. I personally would like the orgs to somehow maybe come together and figure this out, because eventually people will stop coming and as a TD it really is a waste of time to spend a whole day for a 15-20 boat field. JUST MY THOUGHTS

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 2:34 pm

Im not a DV guy (yet) but it seems like the case on the rest of the lakes as well. I for one have takin a break from the tournys just for the mere fact I got burnt out . Burnt out on the fact that I just found the more turneys I fished the the more I felt I needed to fish . As a result My personal life with my wife and boys were affected , the credit card dept was in the thousands from ordering tackle and I was looking for any reason to cut out of work to prefish . Being self employed thats more $$ out of pocket. A few years back I added up all my reciepts for one season and to my suprise it was enough to zero the tax dept on a won Clear Lake boat. Big eye opener , nearly 20,000.00 in expences for one season. Suddenly the fun of fishing tourneys wasnt there anymore . Now my blood pressure is reasonable and my every day life is somewhat under control . I still fish every weekend but now I can fish were the bite is good and can afford to fish places Ive up until now only dreemed of . I miss the competition and the guys telling stories but all and all for now its all good . If Casitas doesent let us back on the water by summer Ill see you guys at Diamond for the night events .

Schneider Fishing · Post by **Schneider Fishing** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:08 pm

Hey Rick and others,
With regards to staff boats.... How many people does it really take to run a tournament correctly and what does each person do? Let's talk actual bodies not just boats. I've seen Moffit try to run it with himself and one staff boat (3 total people), Ponting with 2 staff boats and family (8 people), Petersons (Husband and Wife) run it with what appears to be 3-4 staff boats plus some sponsor help. If I understand correctly Ron C. doesn't have staff boats but he pays his staff (so my guess is the money still comes from the entry fees). Here's what I think you need as a min. in the way of warm bodies, whether they are staff boats, paid staff or family.

In the afternoon:
one person at boat check
one person to measure the fish
TD pushing the button on the scale
one person running the computer
one person at fish release
BBQ??

I attribute the lower numbers to the both the economy (only so much disposable income ) and to the 1 in 5 pay out when you only have 15-25 boats (because of more team organizations?) and there are a few teams like Mike implied, that are pretty much a given to cash a check (due to their hard work). If your goal is to cash a check you want to fish the bigger draws to get past those 'given check cashing teams.'

I would really like to see how many anglers we actually have fishing. Whether the numbers have gone up or down and by how much. With more organizations competing for the same bucks you have to wonder if the folks have just spread themselves around or if we have really lost some folks without gaining any new ones. I think we may also be seeing some of this with respects to WON Bass and FLW and BASS. We will only know with some real research I think.

I also don't see Jim Emmitt or Josh Moreno out that much any more. They used to fish everything.

I also still like the idea from 6 months ago or so about doing a PRO/AM team format (same lake/same day) to try to get more folks involved.

Saturday was the most boats I've seen on that lake in a long time. Seems that most of them left by noon though.

Personally, for me, I've cut back because of both the economy and because I haven't found a partner that can get time to pre-fish; which made me feel like I was always donating my money. There were a few years there where I was fishing nearly everything at Perris and Diamond Valley. Gas was cheaper and I was making more money at the time.

I live in Temecula which is really close. It takes me 6 gallons of gas to drive to DVL and back, 4 gallons for the boat. $3 daily fishing permit. That's $40 roughly plus all the other odds and ends that we all know about. And I live a lot closer than most folks. (Working the events really helps)

Disclaimer: No offense was meant to anyone or any organization by this post. If I said something that made your blood pressure rise please pm me and let's iron it out.

Have a nice day.

one fish wonder · Post by **one fish wonder** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:10 pm

For me, I think next year I will fish only 100% and National. Those are where the checks are at and if everyone came out for those two orgs., we would see some serious cash paid back.

All the orgs run smooth events and are run by great people, but only two are really paying back the top spots. If you catch a big bag you should get paid and not wish on a lottery pick to cash a check. Just look at the past results this year for those orgs and the paybacks that the top team recieved. I know that some people would say the fish offs are better at other orgs, but in my eyes, they all give away boats, all pay checks and it is a good time regardless. This is just my opinion and not meant to disrespect anyone in any way. Think about it! Thanks.

Todd

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:02 pm

Willie Waller. Emmitt and Moreno got a divorce this year so they are still around, just dont team up anymore. I am having a hard time digesting the arguement the same teams win all the time that is why the turnout is low. The same teams win all the time at Havasu and they have 45-60 boats and guys drive alot farther to fish there for smaller bags. Too many events. Mike M's plan is pretty good. 100% needs a fishoff in the Southern part of the state, or at least let people know where it is going to be. Bob K. of 100% has dissappeared from this site faster than that NY Governor's hooker girlfreind. Rick G.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:04 pm

As a t.d. and part of another tournaments org. staff I guess I could chime in.
Since I have to run my stuff mostly by myself I see the real need for staff.
If you run an event that is around 50 boats I see the need for 4 staff members at least. Maybe 5 total. It is a lot of work to do it solo that is for sure and the money is nill for me since mine is a vol. basis for the fed.
I can say Mike makes some valid points. There are some others that can be seen though. Check the price of an entry fee now. They are going through the roof.Many orgs cost over $300.00 to play if you are in most all the options. Man that takes a dent from the wallet when you consider gas prices to go with it. Yes the payback can be good but really it only pays the top 3 well if the turnout is good. You also have to consider fishing a region. On avg. you have 5 to 7 events per region, and at say $300.00 per event you are looking at over 2k without gate fees, gas, baits, oil, etc.etc.etc.. The price to play is getting pretty high these days and is not going to go down in the near future.
Many of you say how tournaments are not drawing well at this lake or that, this region or that region, or this org. or that org..
Well I guess I will point out 1 thing and maybe it is bragging a little bit. In the past 2 seasons my region for the federation has grown and become a good paying tournament for a low cost.
Ok enough on my stuff and back to the real subject. I have also noticed some people not fishing tournaments this year. Many are great sticks but with the way things are going and with many a persons work and homelife getting tough people are just not going to spread there money out all across the board and fish everything at D.V.L. or Castaic, etc.etc.etc.
Fishermen are going to pick 1 or 2 circuits that they think will give them a good return on there hard earned money. I have looked around and I see a couple of circuits that are a good value and some others that are very top heavy. Myself I would rather fish the one that gives me a good return at a fair price (the cheap fisherman talking). I still like to take the shot at the bigger money every now and then. I am just not stepping up and fishing everything out there anymore. I am watching my money and trying to fish where I feel I have a shot at getting a return on investment.

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:19 pm

How about the last boat out has to do the launch and come in 15 minutes early to do the check-in. 1st boat out also has to come in and help weigh fish. Just "Staff for a day" No freebee's either, everyone pays the same. Would make for bigger payouts for sure. Also everyone would show up on time. Just a thought. It is'nt rocket science. Rick G.

N.A.R · Post by **N.A.R** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:15 pm

LoL New York hookers Girlfriend.

Me and My team partner are also looking into each org. trying to figure out which one to fish. And at this point 100% may get the nod. With a southern Fish off it wouldn't even be a question. See you at DVL next year.

Schneider Fishing · Post by **Schneider Fishing** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:22 pm

Rick,
Interesting ideas. After all the years of folks not having to donate time and effort; do think the guys would do work the events instead of having a staff team? Those are some possibilities.

Would one or two more paying teams make that much difference. I know the Ponting has been getting a lot of comp boats this year (about 5 per event) 2 are staff and the other 3 are for AOY. Would you also propose not giving the AOY team free entries into the next season?

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:01 pm

It is a good carrot to try and achieve AOY and get the entry's. Why not entry's into the regular events and just pay the whole tab for AOY's at the fishoff. They get in all the options for free, Pay like the rest all year long. And they would have no choice but to work if their team is first out and last out. Rick G.

Waterdog007 · Post by **Waterdog007** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:15 pm

Rick,

I would consider myself and partner average DVL bass anglers.
We are part of the group that supports the 40 to 50 boat tourney's. The individuals I have spoken to regarding their tournament whereabouts, ALL state (2) major reasons............. economy and no real chance to cash a check. Most think they understand the work and effort that needs to go into these tournaments........they just don't have the TIME, network or knowledge to pursue it.

The top money earners are a very tight group typically at DVL......not meaning personally, just finish placement.

The issue I hear time and time again in the parking lot is the "networking" that goes on between the top angler's and "time spent on the water", "Wednesday's" by these angler's at DVL or any other lake. That's why the OFF-LIMITS was voted in so convincingly last year. In my opinion it was a failure.

Most are not complaining....most would love to have the time to build the fishing knowledge and relationships needed to be competitive.

Most, like myself, have extreme admiration for those who have the time, knowledge and network like yourself. This group has earned it.

I'm with you....the competition and outing is the great part, but when finance and your senses grab you....you have to step back.

my .02

M. Lewis @ EMWD

Gerryjig · Post by **Gerryjig** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:18 pm

With the high cost of just getting to and on the lakes, Ray nailed the most important thing......top heavy payouts. Sure a huge payout for 1st is great and seems to be a big attraction for tourney orgs to "draw" teams out to participate, If the money were spread down a way (less from 1st and 2nd place), it would somewhat salvage an entire donation from a team that finished a very respectable 5th-10th place finish (with a field of 25-40 boats). And how about creatively spreading more of the option $ around too? After all, this surelly shouldn't be about the $ and if it is for some, then fish the big $ events, not these "peanut" events that are pretty much for the weekend guys that have to work or go to school all week. ANY $ back makes you feel better on the way home. To me, it's not even the $ that draws me to participate.......it's the FUN of competing against all your buddies and having bragging rights until the next event. With today's economy, and needing to feel your return for your efforts were fair, that's where the best change would be.... and AOY teams should ALWAYS get free basic entry the following year......my .02

Gerryjig · Post by **Gerryjig** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:28 pm

no need to cut the staff.....we need a smooth operation to maintain "fair" and "honest" bragging rights!!!

hippie · Post by **hippie** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:52 pm

Damn it !!! I want Ron C. at DV next year i like pontingbut man Ron C. tournies pay good . Look at his payouts and amount of teams and DV NBW and amount of teams. My vote 100% next season if I fish teams top heavy is sweet and if trhey drew the #'sit will go down farther just like Brian does

smpboy · Post by **smpboy** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:21 pm

its all about the Benjamin's

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:43 pm

......and the lack of them in return for participation. When first place money is about five times your entry it is pretty discouraging considering the work involved to be competitive. More fun to fish the big show with first place paying 50 times your entry. As far as "working" to have a one in five chance to get my money back? That is rediculous. If the other organizations can't do it like FLW they should just get out of the way and make room for the fun fishermen on Saturday morning. Somebody is making money in those businesses and it is more than ten dollars an hour.

Kevin · Post by **Kevin** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:54 pm

Hippie, you're sick.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:41 am

I know next year I will cutting back on derbies big time.. Its not worth the gas and time and to drive every weekend to fish for only 3 places. Gas keeps going up and Draws keep going down. Too much lake lice at DVL nowadays. You have 20 boats in a derby and 40 bass boats not in the derby... whats the point? Majority of the guys you mentioned i still see at DVL all the time they just dont sign up anymore.

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:51 am

you are complaining about lake lice on D.V.L. .... Please.... go to Castaic sometime and see real lake lice.... I am not talking the fishermen either. I have had very few problems with fishermen over the years. They have every right to fish on the water as I do. If they choose not to fish a tournament that is fine as well. The real problem is the wake boarders who have no common sense and the skiers who have non as well.
Try Perris. I think you are forgetting pre d.v.l. days.

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:58 am

100% BASS is working on a South fish off as we speak. I know once we establish a Southern fish off, our numbers are going to be a lot better.

Our paybacks speak for themselves and by the way, we only have 2 comp. spots at each event (AOY & Staff Team).

I also plan on doing a few night derbies next year. Can you imagine the 100% payout for a 50-60 boat event?

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:03 am

very observant of you Ray L... my hats off to you. I grew up fishing perris and castaic.. id much rather have a wake boarder eat crap infront of me so i can laugh at him , rather then have 4 clowns trying to pick apart the same rockpile. I agree they have the same right as we do. I think its lame battling multiple boats for one spot when im in a derby... not for me. You can have it. You sit in the marina watching the weekend guys go out to the prime spots while we wait for blast off...get to your water and there is two guys already plugging away.. im all about catching fish.. i dont need a plaque or a pat on the back.. id rather be out there after the fish then waiting around.. just MHO.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:17 am

I think you should try wakeboarding before you knock it.. all your friends.. some chicks..some drinks and getting down when its 90 plus degree weather.. I know alot of wakebaorders that spend more time on the water then your average weekend derby donator.. Not all of them are clueless.

macinckirk · Post by **macinckirk** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:58 am

Great read so far, I think the bottum line is the cost is getting out of controll for the chance of maybe getting a check. Right now it cost about 400.00 to fish a trny and thats a Truck payment or Boat payment, h*ll for most poeple thats a Big pice of a weeks pay after taxs to just flush down the shiter if your not on the big bag of fish.

We all like the fun of fishing trnys but I can fish all month on the wood for the cost of 1 ABA trny up here sence I foot the whole bill myself, I just got out of a club for a few reasons but 1 of them were the cost of fishing the club, I sat down and looked at the cost to fish the lakes that they pick and the pay back if you win the trny that month and it didn't make sence to do it, you could win every trny and still loss money every month form the cost to fish the club.

I think Rays #'s are good because 1 its not a team deal and it gives the person like me that doesn't have a real team partner that has money to fish a chance to fish in a trny. and 2nd it does NOT Brake the Bank to fish it I'm Talking Trny Fee, Now I just wish thay had a region closer to me and on lakes I feel I know because with the cost of gas I'm not going to be fishing that region again because with the prefishing at 100.00 plus a trip thats getting alillte high also, to fish lakes I really don't like. But if you fish those lakes Rays trnys are a Great Deal for the $$$

I really think someone needs to get the cost back down on a trny trail for weekend guys that are not whating to fish team trnys and is willing to spend in the 100.00 range a trny for all options and fees and I would think they would see a Good trun out, because I don't think I want to find a job to just pay to fish trnys and I know alot of others that are not looking to find a 2nd job to pay to just fish trnys and donate the 300.00 plus a week/trny to the same people with no chance of even cashing a small check

I also think it would go along way if they payed back more places this 1 in 5 with small flieds is not cutting the mustrad IMHO

Anyways just my 2 cents worth

Jeff Augustyn · Post by **Jeff Augustyn** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:13 am

I'll keep turning in my aluminum cans so maybe I could afford the entry fees again someday!! Maybe I can cash a check someday too!! Har.....I just got tired & needed some time off...I will be back...I think??

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:21 am

Great points and something to consider. The average tournament entry is $300 "all in." If you look up in Nor. Cal, they have done the whole "rookie league" type format with small entries and they don't exactly draw all that well. When I say "rookie" I'm only referring to the entry fee, not the caliber of contestants.

Tournament fishing is no different than gambling in my opinion. If you don't have the funds, you probably shouldn't be playing the field. I think there is a direct correlation between the economy and our low turnouts. Everyone except NBW is down on their usual numbers. Kudos to Mike and Lynne for figuring out a way to keep participation up. They run the best tournament bar none! And their paybacks are the closest to 100%.

I'm a little bias because of my affiliation to 100% BASS, but in my opinion you guys need to support the organizations that support you the most. Where do you get the most return on your investment?

Some of you remember the golden days of CA bass fishing when 70-80 boats was the norm. Unfortunately, those days are long gone and our current state of team events in So. Cal. is pretty pathetic.

It's always amazing how DVL night events can draw 60 boats no problem, but typical team events draw 15-20. Where do all of these guys go?

With the closure of Casitas and possibly Cachuma, I think we'll see more of the Northern sticks like Hart, Poore, Brakebill, Rodino, Dispenserio, Bailey, Taylor, Newman, Chandler, etc. The list goes on.

Jeff Augustyn · Post by **Jeff Augustyn** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:42 am

I didn' tmean to sound like an arrogant d%ck head in my previous post...just having a laugh!! I have worked extremely long hours & the stress that came with it sort of turned me into a real "nut case". I didn't ever pre fish much & still did o.k. in tourneys. You have to really have the "passion" inside for it. When you lose it, it's tough to do the grind week after week. Also, the reward for doing well in a tourney these days makes it difficult to justify the work, time & money involved to be sucessful. I agree with Some Guy about the crowds anymore at DVL & anywhere down here. It's not much fun anymore at times. Brian brings up some good points also..there are too many tourney orgs. to draw large turnouts. It's gotten to be pretty mundain doing the same old thing on the same old lakes for over a decade +. I sure do miss the old days, but I do think they are long gone here in So. Cal. as someone stated earlier. Changes have to be made to draw back the large participation we used to get. For those consistantly at the top these days...great job & more power to ya' !! Like I said earlier...I think I will be back, just not sure when that is? I do miss a lot of the faces I used to see every week. That's all I have to say about that!!

DL · Post by DL » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:43 am

I too have felt the need to scale back on what I fish. With fishing tow circuits and working full time, I only have so much time to practice and cannot get out during the week. With and event 2 weekends a month, it gets expensive(both $$ and time away from home) to practice for each event. Fishing one event while practicing for the next days event is an option, but trying to win an event and practice at the same time is futile. I am just more selective of what I fish, and when I fish it.

I do know Johh Barron has put together a circuit that has a lower entry fee, pays 1 in 4, and will hopefully have sponsor money to help spread the money throughout the field. He should have more information soon, and if you contact him directly I am sure he would answer any questions you may have.

Derrick P · Post by **Derrick P** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:43 am

Thanks for the Kind words Rick. I fish there as much as I can but with my job, family, and the economy things are not like they used to be. The lake has not been kind to me as It was in the past and do to the amount of organizations I just cant afford it. I choose the regions with my Partners (Dale & Mike) and try to do whats best for us and the Best payback possible. I cannot fish every tournament every weekend at DV or I would be living in your parking lot, My wife wouldnt like that

I liked the Olden days of 70-80 boat turn outs and a couple organizations than the low boat turn outs where you have to finish in 3rd or 4th place to even get your money back.

I think it would be much more exciting if i could just Flush my $200.00 share right into Yours and Kyles toilet

then I wouldnt have to get up so early LOL. The Top teams Do well just like any others if you can put alot of time on the water which requires alot of $$$$!

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:53 am

Like I said before, it makes sense that the economy has something to do with the low turnouts, but how do you explain Havasu?

My point is that on average, the jobs out there pay a lot less yet all of the circuits still draw 30-60 boats. Why doe the AZ guys show up and not CA guys? Perhaps they are more hardcore out there, I don't know.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:04 am

Im def redirecting my funds next year.. Like i said a few weeks ago, im buying a new home so my money is going to be tight for a while.. I have to agree with Jeff. The time, effort and money involved to win greatly out weighs the pay backs. My uncle and I are tied for first in WONBASS with Kyle and Will and our biggest pay day this year has been a massive 400 bucks...

There just isnt enough money in it anymore. I get just as much joy catching a 7 on derby day as i do in prefish, so why am i putting up this money every weekend again? As long as i am on the water catching fish im stoked.

Another major reason that no one is signing up anymore is because they have already lost.. everyones soo strung out on who caught what where that they seem to have forgotten we are fishing against the fish.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:11 am

im not too famililar with the AZ circuits, but my guess would be they dont have 5 lakes with 10 diff orgs within an hours drive..

Supply and Demand Brian..

i mean look you have soo many circuits out here and everyone is crying that we need the PERFECT circuits with PERFECT entry fees and PERFECT pay outs. BLAH. There is too many options for the So Cal angler.

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:18 am

John, they have more circuits in AZ. Also, they have Havasu, Mojave, Mead, lower river, Pleasant, Alamo, and many more within a 2 1/2 hour drive. Doesn't make sense does it?

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:29 am

yeah that makes no sense... like i said im not familar with the AZ circuits, but something needs to be done out here and i dont think starting ANOTHER circuit is going to help.

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:31 am

You can start one. 100% prop.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:36 am

hell i have been throwing those props in there air shooting them with shotguns i have so many.

Yeah right.. me a TD? Theres enough drama for me right here on westernbass.

fishinman · Post by **fishinman** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:04 am

Yes I do Kinda Agree with ya about the fees but everthing has gone up the only thing I think is the turnout. I use to love seeing and talking to all the faces and names at the events that I fished, Heck 60-70-80 boats pays 12 - 14 - 16 places, we all pretty much feel on any day we could compete or we think so -so the turnout was good. nOw BOTTOM LINE how do ya get more anglers to more events. Not possible period... Why I don't know, but for some reason most have left the beaten path via W.O. N. , A B A to fish 100 % or Angler choice or whatever circuit they call home. One thing I know is that the only way we will ever see 80 boat Team Tourney Fields is if there are no more than 3 Orgs and the Federation. We now have 5 or 6 and the federation so be it!

ash · Post by **ash** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:27 am

Brian Linehan wrote:Great points and something to consider. The average tournament entry is $300 "all in." If you look up in Nor. Cal, they have done the whole "rookie league" type format with small entries and they don't exactly draw all that well. When I say "rookie" I'm only referring to the entry fee, not the caliber of contestants.

Brian the FPT is averaging 100 - 150 boats last weekend on Berry they had 150 boats. That is one of the largest turnouts that I know of in terms of team fishing.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:52 am

I wouldnt call 7 boats a "harcore" following.. if thats the case us DVL boys are way more hardcore..

JK dont get all sad on me.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:57 am

Too many tournament circuits, too few lakes and anglers. People shop for tourneys for different reasons. Payout, proximity, home lake, the list goes on. If there were fewer tournament circuits, that is, less choices, more would fish whatever was left.
When BASS abandoned the West Coast, I suggested that all the local tournament trails get together, figure out how to coexist, and set up a state or region championship. Similar to what WON does with the US Open.
A multiple TOC, same qualifications as now, but lots more boats, and bigger pots, since all the trails would be chipping in.
An event like that would draw lots of sponsor support, and media coverage, if it's handled right.
But it means the local, smaller trails would have to cooperate, instead of compete. Fewer tournaments, but with more participation, and better payouts, would work. It costs a lot to fish a tournament. At least, with 60+ boats paying to 15 or 16 spots, guys would feel like they'd have a shot at cashing a check somewhere down the line that might help them break even at the end of the year.
Just my 2cents.

Brian Linehan · Post by **Brian Linehan** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:59 am

Curry, blow me

Nobody knew about the tournament. Next one will be better. Guarantee it.

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:00 pm

SOCB_Hawghunter wrote:
Brian Linehan wrote:Great points and something to consider. The average tournament entry is $300 "all in." If you look up in Nor. Cal, they have done the whole "rookie league" type format with small entries and they don't exactly draw all that well. When I say "rookie" I'm only referring to the entry fee, not the caliber of contestants.

Brian the FPT is averaging 100 - 150 boats last weekend on Berry they had 150 boats. That is one of the largest turnouts that I know of in terms of team fishing.

Jonathan,
That's because people up north don't have a life (except you).