Interesting Tournament Trail Format Forming

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:13 pm

Interesting concept for sure!! I think I like it. Dates will be the big deal for me, hope it might work out.
Guy Williams

Bassin · Post by **Bassin** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:16 pm

Gary, In answer to you inquiring about central coast lakes, I am glad you guys choose Nacimiento Lake and I hope in the years after this one you guys rotate through the other great lakes close by, San Antonio, Santa Margarita and Lopez for Region 2.

I am glad to see something different come to the lakes I discribed above. This sounds like a fun event.....Now all I need is a boat

Trackerbass · Post by **Trackerbass** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:26 pm

If you finish high in this thing , you shouldn't need to fish amateur any more. Call it an "open" instead of "pro". It's open to anyone , right?

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 6:11 pm

When can we expect to see some dates ?

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 6:37 pm

Very soon. Working on them tomorrow. Just have to talk with some guys for advice. Thanks

Schneider Fishing · Post by **Schneider Fishing** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 7:00 pm

Gary,
I would suggest that you just watch out for near conflicts with the California Bass Federation dates. I know you said Friday for the tournaments. I think that you may be pulling from some of the same pool of angler's as the Federation is kind of similar (one day, non-shared weight, low cost). Otherwise it sounds good!

calfisher71 · Post by **calfisher71** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 7:36 pm

I like this idea. Not sure if I will fish it or not , but lets face it all tournaments conflict with each other weather it be practice days or different bodies of water from week to week. Many Anglers are looking for something new and exciting with a bigger picture at the end. This may do that very well. I only worry about trying to get a chance to sign up and compete with only 50 entries per event.

As far as winnings go ya looks as if a pay back on this day is not likely. But payback on a Pro Am under 30 boats usually pays back 4 spots and were donating our money anyway . I like this since I feel Im a good angler and the odds of me coming in the top 10 are very good, but I work for a living and finishing in the top 4 to get a check is not as likley.

I feel this will be fun and great for our sport. Isnt the reason we fish competition? In business there is competition this can be a good thing. I do agree we are spread thin, but this is set up to qualify close to home on your local favorite body of water. This eliminates much of the cost of travel.

I will help promote this when the time comes.

Eacg of us should fish what feels good and puts you on your favorite water so at the end of the day we have a good time and just enjoy Bass Fishing!

896J · Post by **896J** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 7:45 pm

The format sounds interesting. I understand what sTony is talking about too. I would like to see a $100-$150 entry fee team tournament trail that can draw 100+ boats for every event. There's so many events every weekend and everyone can attend a tournament close to home these days, it seems impossible to draw more than 15-60 boats max anymore. A buddy and I started fishing team events back when we were teenagers in cheap boat we repainted ourselves, and had a blast fishing WON events that drew a bunch of boats for every event. Now with the low turnout for the 100s of events statewide, you practically have to win to cover entry fees, fuel and such

. I've never seen what goes on behind the scenes with tournament orgs, but it seems like that is a business that needs some consolidation right now. Maybe if A/C, WON, ABA and whatever other regional trails merged and formed a huge tournament org, offered 4 tournaments a year in each of 3 regions, Northern, Central and Southern regions, you could get 100+ boats per tournament and the top 10 finishers would get checks... I know it would never happen

pitchin1 · Post by **pitchin1** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 11:51 pm

At least people are trying to drum up something new and I like the idea but a couple potential problems. Tweak it a bit and you might really have something.

1) 1 man 1 boat can be a mess launching and coming in..

2) Potential for cheating, pretty easy for one guy to do this he doesn't need a partner in crime. Wouldn't even need to cheat to win as 5th would be 1,000

3) After each qualifier you have eliminated 10 boats that won't fish the next event, why would they they're qualified.

4) Even though the money sounds great for the investment every Org out there would have a huge payout if they kept all the prize money through out the year to pay back later.

Some good ideas though..

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:15 am

pitchin1 wrote:At least people are trying to drum up something new and I like the idea but a couple potential problems. Tweak it a bit and you might really have something.

1) 1 man 1 boat can be a mess launching and coming in..

2) Potential for cheating, pretty easy for one guy to do this he doesn't need a partner in crime. Wouldn't even need to cheat to win as 5th would be 1,000

3) After each qualifier you have eliminated 10 boats that won't fish the next event, why would they they're qualified.

4) Even though the money sounds great for the investment every Org out there would have a huge payout if they kept all the prize money through out the year to pay back later.

Some good ideas though..

This system of 1 man 1 boat has worked in Japan for many many years and there are far less cheaters caught there than there are here, however they do a boat inspection that is run by the anglers (you must have another angler inspect your boat and tackle and sign on your weigh slip before you launch). This system works for the Japanese Pro Tournaments and there regional levels that have a $90 entry fee get up to 400 boats on a given lake and there could be 15 tournaments going on throughout the small country on any given sunday!

If Polygraphs are being used this should get rid of the cheaters, and really, out of the god knows how many bass anglers out there, how many are cheaters, id say the number is very very little!

Launching and weighing in can be a pain but that is why there are flights, 10 boat flights, 15 minute in between and you should be weighed in and off the water within 15 minutes.

this is a great concept with a great payback at the end.

Hopefully this thing takes off!
I can see spin offs of this idea where there are an entire Pro Series with a fish off at the end.

1 man 1 boat is AWESOME!!!

Can't wait!

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:51 am

You guys pay $ 300, $ 400, $ 1000, $ 1500 or more now to fish a tournament, and go home with your tail between your legs empty handed & someone including the organization gets your money, for all your fun ?. Here comes a new idea, low cost, chance to win or loose alot less than you have before. This new idea I believe will make it on the basis of how it is ran and how the tournament director runs each tournament to make it fun and attractive. Place in the top 40, you practially fished all year for free. Cheating is a low ball affect to worry about. Checking each others boat is a new interesting concept ? Helping each other launch, another good way to meet and make new friends. Sure looks like this is all about the fisherman ! Make it work, keep it simple. Keep it interesting. Enjoy.

macinckirk · Post by **macinckirk** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 6:21 am

Hollywood wrote:
1 man 1 boat is AWESOME!!!

I AGREE 100%

If you get outside of ca. there are trnys that run FINE with 1 man 1 boat and no one worries to much about cheating. If your fishing around guys you cann't trust then I would not be there anyways.

Sure there are a few bad apple's in every sport or anything to tell you the truth, BUT there is nothing you can do about it. And in my mind and thinking (here I go again not good when I think) I think cheater's, lier's, thief's, etc all run around in the same group.

So if a guy is going to cheat on his own in a 1 on 1 trny, I'm sure the same person will do the same with his bubby in a team trny

The little time I have been around here I can say this trny sceen in ca is a small bunch of guys and word runs around fast. Not to sure to many guys are willing to put there name on the line for a few $'s

Just my 2 cents worth

Bassin · Post by **Bassin** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 7:10 am

The road to becoming the State Champion is best described by Mike Tobey, "All you have to do is place top 10 on your local water out of 50 anglers. Then take top 10 out of the 40 qualified anglers in the regional, which should also be close to home for most of the anglers. You'll win $1000 for doing that and the ability to fish against the other qualified 39 anglers for an additional $35,000 and the State Champion title."

...and this with only one entry $118.00 (if you qualify in one local event). No entry fee for the regional or the state (very cool). Very low expenses in total for a shot at $35k.....

Anyone have a boat for sale?

macinckirk · Post by **macinckirk** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 7:16 am

Ray L's boat does sit in the garage ALOT from the word on the street

Maybe you can buy it or rent it

Bassin · Post by **Bassin** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 7:41 am

Ray is a great guy (one of the wests best TD's too)...but I saw a pic somewhere on here before of the pink wrap he has on that Legend...

Tobey · Post by **Tobey** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 11:15 am

Sounds like a new and interesting format...big return on a small investment and hopefully a ton of fun...count me in

Ron

jamie cyphers · Post by **jamie cyphers** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 12:42 pm

i think its an awsome idea, great format and very timely with the economy. the idea itself is really nothing new and has been done over the years many times though. some with success and some that didnt fair so well at all. this being on a smaller local and state level could really work.......

tom has been hinting to the details for a few weeks and i have to agree he was right its deffinitly going to raise some i brows

the one thing i dont like is the one guy per boat, yea Holley---wood
use Japan as an example of less cheating!!!

lets see your saying that less people get caught cheating fishing by themself????????

Hello of course less people get caught, there is less chance of getting caught..............

one guy per boat will encourage cheating cut and dry!!!! this has been documented, and like the guy that just got busted in Texas, he won $$$$$$$ of dollars on different trails, passed 13 different polygraphs over the years and finally got nailed on a fluke!!! (no pun intended) less than 20 minutes after passing our polygraph!!!

it will definitly get more guys thinking about pushing the rules bending the rules and well cheating..................

not to mention as a former ABA director i hated sending anyone out by themselves...................

so much can happen on the water...............stroke, heat exhaustion, heart attack, etc..........................

also why alienate non boaters that might want to get involved, this is how we get new blood and expand our numbers...........

not to mention travel costs, i am a boat rep.......things are tight having a partner to share expenses is not a bad gig either.....

there are currently 24000 subscribers to Bass master magazine in the state of california..................... many dont have boats but sure would like to get further involved in something like this.............

this leads to more boat and engine sales, more rods, more baits etc..........................................

dont get me wrong love the one on one.....................biggest dog, or in Gary's case the big cat!!! takes it all!!!

but thats my .02!!!!!!!

ill drive from utah for a shot at havasu...............................

also is there an off limits??? if this is truely for the working guy i would think there would be..................

i like what gary had to say about Friday events.......or even sunday events...................schedule them around the proximinty of other popular draws..................

for instance if there is a Anglers Choice on sat put it on the friday before, that way you would only have to travel once.................

and finally Tony had some really good points...................anyway you look at it this will cut the pie..............

and that might be a negative to the many organizations already out there. sure were bias we love Anglers Choice, and are affiliated with them. at the same token new ideas are what make us better right??????

JT-Madera · Post by **JT-Madera** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 8:30 am

If you are going to limit it to 50 boats per event you should have a lottery on who makes the event, especially here in region 3.. I wouldn't trust the draw to one individual from my area to do the draw in his house without witnesses..period..and witnesses who are impartial..

There are too many guys who I wouldn't trust to be "fair" on who gets in, their friends would somehow always get in..I've seen it done before.. we might need a polygraph just for the draw..

I would come out of retirement for this if it is straight up. Also, if this is a Pro event then all the guys who are fishing those Future Pro events.... that I can't fish, should not be allowed to enter this event..because I've fished Pro and made a check.. I'm not allowed in any Future Pro team events, so keep the Am's out of this...
There are a lot of guys sitting on the sidelines waiting for something like this...my health prevents me from fishing a lot of multiple day events, but four one days would work great..

I hate Comanche, but for the chance to make the regional I would spend time on it...the lake choice for the regional is the bomb, because it equalizes the knowledge of the field..

The cost is minimual 500.00 is nothing, heck I spend that much driving up to the delta to fish for a day.. them swimbaits aren't cheap and for some reason I keep throwing them off, maybe I should put new line on my reels, I think the line is only five or six years old, it should be okay don't you think

okay rip me up you Am's..

JT

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:37 am

My only comment is that when you walk into a bakery they generally show you a cake or pie that's been fully baked. Why put this out there when you don't have all the details secured to make a proper announcement? Dates? TDs? Sponsors? And so on. Without such information, it's all just speculation and may or may not even happen. It could be the greatest thing since sliced bread but right now it's a half baked cake and you can't eat that.

sTony

Roger Saraiba · Post by **Roger Saraiba** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:07 am

sTONY,
What is with all the negativity. You have one of the greatest names in the sport and the hardest working guy I know behind it. This will happen and it will be great. I have faith in them. There might be some bugs to be worked out before it is a fully baked cake, but that is why it is open right now. There has been some great input on this thing that will only make it better. Be happy, not a hater. In the off chance it doesn't work who does it hurt. Just my .02.

Andy Lippert · Post by **Andy Lippert** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:12 am

Although the word "pro" will probably never be used to describe my status as a bass fisherman, I really like this idea for a tournament trail, and hope it's around in a few years, should I find myself at a level to compete. It's a fresh new idea that will either succeed or not. Until then, why is there so much negativity? Is this REALLY where we're currently at as bass fisherman? A few guys come out with a GREAT new format that is original and gives California anglers a chance to win the title of "California Champion" and a few bucks along the way and 90% of the feedback is negative. It's is complete horse $hit! There's a fine line between constructive criticism, and negative slamming, and all there really is here in this thread is "slamming". I don't get it? If the organization has conflicting dates with other organizations, SO BE IT! Last time I checked America is STILL a free market economy that allows AMERICANs to make choices for themselves. May the best man (or org) win. Am I wrong? I am in no way affiliated with Mr. Dobyns, but I hope this trail succeeds. About this being a "half baked cake" I CLEARLY recall a certain forum sponsor recently releasing an "incomplete" ad campaign ON THIS SITE prior to the full details coming out about that particular product. Seems you were in full support of it then, but for some reason it's unacceptable in this case?

Gimme a break.

Let's keep it positive gents. How bout it?

Andy

Dan Pollard · Post by **Dan Pollard** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 9:55 am

Lets remember a few things. This is a free country, businesses start up and fail all the time unless you are a Bank or Insurance Co. then you get Billions from Obama ( but that is another subject).
This is a new concept in Tournament fishing, Competion is good. It weeds out the weaker Businesses, and sharpens, the ones that survive. What difference in announcing a new Business, on a open forum, or putting a sign on a corner announcing a new business "coming soon" Some times that new business coming to a location never makes it, but tweaking interest is what it is all about. anticipation, getting people talking about it is a great way to pre market. I wish them well, but I dont think I will fish it, as I like the concept of the Future Pro Tour. But I will be following it closly. JT one more thing. We have contacted you for advice on fishing Millerton IN the past, and we appreciate it. But remember, there is no real Pro or Amature, only what each organization want to determine according to their own standards, who is a Pro or Amature. In this case as I understand, whether it is your first time ever fishing or if you have fished the Bassmaster Classic, you can fish, pay the 118.00, and have a boat that qualifies for Bass fishing and you are in. just my .02

2ndsuks · Post by **2ndsuks** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 11:07 am

Tony,

Many bass anglers look up to you and value your opinion, you have always been an advocate for what is good for the anglers. For some reason you canâ€™t seem to find the positives in all this and Iâ€˜m sorry, I thought you of all people would be all over this.

I will try to address a few of your concerns openly as that is where you are going with this.

There has been no official announcement of the tournament as of yet, the press release was made with the intension of judging angler support and it is overwhelmingly positive.
As far as conflicts go, this is a brand new format of boater against boater fishing Fridayâ€™s instead of the weekends, it was planned that way for the very reason of conflicts. All of our tournaments are deliberately scheduled as not to be competing with existing Pro-Ams.
The official dates and directors will be disclosed this week, the website will be up and running and available to the public as well. By the week end you will definatly have some sliced bread to bite into.

We would certainly look forward to any advice or help you could give us.

If you have any other questions or suggestions I would like to hear them. 707-580-3730

Thank you,

Mike Tobey

Tony Lain · Post by **Tony Lain** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:04 pm

NEW RULE. If you don't fish tournaments, keep your negative comments to yourself. If you do fish tournaments, pick the ones that YOU want to fish. Another great idea gets slammed!! No shock here. I'm ALL in for this format/series. MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

JigFishermn · Post by **JigFishermn** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:20 pm

looks mostly positive except for a few of the other organizations people it will be interesting how it all works out

WackySenko · Post by **WackySenko** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:34 pm

This is to sTony. Unless I missed something the dates of the tournaments have not been made public. Do not bash them for having the tournaments on Fridays saying that now they are competing with WON Bass Pro/Ams. WON Bass had their schedule posted as Saturdays and Sundays. I am sure that the change to Fridays and Saturdays for the Pro/Ams was after Gary had already gotten the ball rolling.
I do not feel that it is any different than fishing Won Bass or Angler's Choice, it is the anglers decision.

barse41 · Post by **barse41** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:36 pm

i agree with JT. keep it an all pro tourny just so the there is some prestige in winning the state title. it would be nice to see the cinderella story but if this thing goes down, your going to see alot of guys wanting in at $118. some of the best who might want in might not get a chance.

2ndsuks · Post by **2ndsuks** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:59 pm

barse41 wrote: if this thing goes down, your going to see alot of guys wanting in at $118. some of the best who might want in might not get a chance.

Exactly, we think 50 boats will fill up quick considering all the qualifying events are on everyoneâ€™s local lake.
As soon as the entry registration opens ya better get your money in!

Roger Saraiba · Post by **Roger Saraiba** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 4:15 pm

This thing is going to fill up fast. You better get in quick. Wha a great venue I am pumped for this thing.

JT-Madera · Post by **JT-Madera** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 5:32 pm

Just for giggles you have to know I'm all for this thing 100%

I think it could be real trouble for some organizations because if it takes off they will fall by the wayside..

My comments about who is a Pro are reasonable to me..if you pay fees in a Future Pro tournament series are you now a Pro because this thing comes along? I can't fish your tournament trail, but now you can fish this..hmmm To me you should have to wait until next year to fish this circuit if this year you are fishing any Future Pro series..because by fishing the Future Pro Series you yourself are declaring that "you " are not now a Pro..I'm not labeling you an amatur you are.. I love all you guys, but can you have it all... if this thing goes it will take a draw to get into them and I for one don't want to be in the draw with someone who on one hand says they are a "Future Pro" then want into this at the same time, it isn't fair to me, or maybe you don't believe in fairness, I know that is an old concept but I still believe in it..

be cool guys my .02 is just that .02 nothing more, I would still fish this, but it would be nice if the first year there was some kind of control..how can you be the best Pro in the state if it is full of Am's

I love the boat on boat concept...you can give me a polygraph test anytime..

JT

Steve Reed · Post by **Steve Reed** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 5:56 pm

Future Pro Tour is all about a dollar amount you have won deciding whether or not you are eligible. There are some really good sticks who fall under the max and have continued to fish it.

I also believe final decision is under the discretion of Vince Harris and he is fairly reasonable about whether or not you are a "Pro."

Plus, if you win this, you shouldn't fish it anymore.

Levy · Post by **Levy** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:04 pm

If you are fishing this then you are declaring that you are a Pro just like fishing the front of the boat for any FLW event.

I believe if you do this, you should no longer be eligible to fish ANY amateur series.

It should not be just about weather you get lucky enough to win enough money. Make it simple if you fish the front in a pro event you should be a pro from that point forward.

My 2 cents.

Xbass365 · Post by **Xbass365** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:14 pm

That is not how most orgs do it. Take for instance Tracy bass, there rules say you can not fish if you won mor than $5000.00 the year pryor. Stockton Bass and, AC are the same way. Let me ask you this I fished as A pro in the late 90's then quit for 5 years when I came back I fished all the amature series for A year. Was that wrong?

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:18 pm

Why would other orgs be upset? Theres only 50 spots! Now that they know this is a winner they can go put on a event like this, maybe for the am's.

Johnny C · Post by **Johnny C** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:21 pm

Levy wrote:If you are fishing this then you are declaring that you are a Pro just like fishing the front of the boat for any FLW event.

I believe if you do this, you should no longer be eligible to fish ANY amateur series.

It should not be just about weather you get lucky enough to win enough money. Make it simple if you fish the front in a pro event you should be a pro from that point forward.

My 2 cents.

+1

Levy · Post by **Levy** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 6:33 pm

Xbass365 wrote:That is not how most orgs do it. Take for instance Tracy bass, there rules say you can not fish if you won mor than $5000.00 the year pryor. Stockton Bass and, AC are the same way. Let me ask you this I fished as A pro in the late 90's then quit for 5 years when I came back I fished all the amature series for A year. Was that wrong?

Yes I think it was. Did you forget how to fish in those 5 years you took off??? Once a pro always a pro. Again once you make the decision to step to the front as a pro then you should not be allowed back in amature circuits. It should not matter if you got lucky and won as a pro or not.

I also believe that once you win so much in a year as a am that you should also be ineligable to fish am's going forward not just for one year.

2ndsuks · Post by **2ndsuks** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:26 pm

Levy wrote: If you are fishing this then you are declaring that you are a Pro just like fishing the front of the boat for any FLW event.

I believe if you do this, you should no longer be eligible to fish ANY amateur series.

My 2 cents.

The problem with the pro vs. am designation is, each organization sets their own criterion as who is a â€œproâ€

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:33 pm

Just tell me the damn dates and if it works out I'll fish!! Waiting sucks!! Time is running out because my weekends are filling fast.
Guy Williams

Schneider Fishing · Post by **Schneider Fishing** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:33 pm

In my humble opinion (This thread has been Hi-Jacked - lol)

A Professional Angler (Boater) is someone who makes their primary living angling; tournaments, guiding, TV, etc.

A Boater is someone with a boat and the money to pay the entry fee for using their boat in a tournament.

An Amateur can be a Boater or a Non-Boater. Has nothing to do with how much money has been won.

In the past I have been a proponent for an Amateur Team League, so to speak, based on past winnings, and no Professional Anglers/Guides. (I still think it is a good idea.) But I also think that there is a fundamental difference between an individual boater event and a team event. Apples and Bannanas.

2ndsuks · Post by **2ndsuks** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:42 pm

Guy Williams wrote:Just tell me the damn dates and if it works out I'll fish!! Waiting sucks!! Time is running out because my weekends are filling fast.
Guy Williams

Waiting does suck, the dates will be public tomorrow Guy.

Guy Williams · Post by **Guy Williams** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 7:44 pm

Sweet, I'll be attached to my blackberry till I see the dates!!!!
Guy Williams

Dan Pollard · Post by **Dan Pollard** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:41 pm

I am not trying to hijack this thread, but must clarify a couple of Points. As to who can fish in this circuit will be determined by the guide lines layed out, by the organizers. Don't be confused by a Name Future Pro Tour, is just a name, not requirement, The eligibility to fish it is quite liberal, that determines who fishes, and not the name, as it is just a name. In fact whether you can fish is basically a dollar amount won, you could of been fishing for 20 years every day, and still be eligible to fish it. I am sure there will be several that choose to fish both circuits, and as I understand the qualifying to fish as it is now layed out, any one can fish even if the fish the Future Pro Tour, They only need a Boat and 118.00. Of course that can change. I will be interested in following this circuit. But will stick to the Future Pro Tour, my choice, can't afford to do everything.

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Mon Dec 14, 2009 11:09 pm

2ndsuks wrote:I like to think of it more as a boater or a non boater and let their winnings dictate their status.

That is exactly it, until you get to the Elite/Series level. For the purposes of the trails out here, it should be classified as Boater/Non-boater, and base any limitations on winnings for whatever period is appropriate.

Roger

sTony · Post by **sTony** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 12:51 am

2ndsuks wrote:Tony,

Many bass anglers look up to you and value your opinion, you have always been an advocate for what is good for the anglers. For some reason you canâ€™t seem to find the positives in all this and Iâ€˜m sorry, I thought you of all people would be all over this.

I will try to address a few of your concerns openly as that is where you are going with this.

There has been no official announcement of the tournament as of yet, the press release was made with the intension of judging angler support and it is overwhelmingly positive.
As far as conflicts go, this is a brand new format of boater against boater fishing Fridayâ€™s instead of the weekends, it was planned that way for the very reason of conflicts. All of our tournaments are deliberately scheduled as not to be competing with existing Pro-Ams.
The official dates and directors will be disclosed this week, the website will be up and running and available to the public as well. By the week end you will definatly have some sliced bread to bite into.

We would certainly look forward to any advice or help you could give us.

If you have any other questions or suggestions I would like to hear them. 707-580-3730

Thank you,

Mike Tobey

Thanks Mike. I actually spoke with Tom L earlier about it. If you guys had waited one week to make the announcement you'd have had all the info that is supposed to be announced today in one really BIG announcement; with dates, with directors and so on. All the details most guys want to see to be able to make informed decisions. I understand maybe you wanted to tease out some info, but I always duck and run for cover when tours are announced with important information missing.

Folks can sink their teeth into a full and complete announcement and look at calendars and see how it fits in, see whether there's conflicts or not and so on. Some, including guys organizing this tour, have spoken about other plans before and they never got off the ground. I'd just hate to see that happen again.

I wish you guys all the best.

As for AL's assertion that 90% of the comments have been negative, I think his addition must be off cause I read a lot more positive and constructive posts then negative. And I'm not trying to be negative, only cautious and guarded, as I usually am about all announcements.

sTony

PS - And keep in mind, it's posts like mine that get the message about your tournaments viewed thousands of times on the forum. There always a method to the madness.

2ndsuks · Post by **2ndsuks** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:54 am

sTony wrote:

Thanks Mike. I actually spoke with Tom L earlier about it.
I wish you guys all the best.

sTony

PS - And keep in mind, it's posts like mine that get the message about your tournaments viewed thousands of times on the forum. There always a method to the madness.

[/quote]

Great news Tony,

I'm glad you and Tom talked, he will be a welcome addition back on Western Bass.

This new tournament series was put together by three tournament anglers not a couple of suits sitting behind a desk. We may not be perfect or have all the answers but our main goal is to listen to the anglers and try to give them they want and deserve.

Thanks so much for your support.

Mike

Roger Saraiba · Post by **Roger Saraiba** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:09 am

This is a great idea. Can we just make the press release a sticky. Or at least lets keep it towards the top.

acm95301 · Post by **acm95301** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:24 am

This thread or at least this topic ha smy attention...I am very curious how this will be put together and alot of good suggestions and comments have been made.....

Lets hope we see the fruits of this labor.

Kenneth Haring · Post by **Kenneth Haring** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 12:19 pm

Im in, how do I sign up, and insure a spot?

TomAtkeson · Post by **TomAtkeson** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:26 pm

I agree, whats the problem recently with cutting ams out of the world of tournament fishing? I thought this would be fun to fish when I get home but I don't have a boat as of yet so I cant think of fishing it till I do. I guess I just don't understand why so man tournament orgs are cutting out ams.

Make the ams entery fees 3/4 of the pros same pay back precentage or maybe slightly less even. Not a lot of us make enough to even buy a used boat and winning a tournament is a great way to get that money to get a boat get on the water experience be able to prefish and eventually move up to being a pro.

Other than that the format sounds very exciting and I wish all involved and who plan to fish it the best of luck! I'll see ya'll when I get get a boat

Xbass365 · Post by **Xbass365** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:33 pm

If am's want some afordable experience check out the federation series.. $120 all in you can run the front of the boat half the day..

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