FLW NUMBERS

[clayton meyer]

135 and that sounds pretty good to me for being right after christmas

a couple of people have personal issues which if taken care of by the end of the week may add to the anglers.

Chris also will remind everyone with an email about sign ups and the time you must be off the water that day. As I understand it there is also no gold members missing the meeting.

[Ricky-S]

I heard the same numbers. Looks like a couple of my buddies owe me money for winning the pool for what I thought we would draw

I hope that FLW calls or emails everyone to tell them to READ the RULES.

After what happened during registration we can't assume that people actually read the rules for these events. There are real specific rules that will get people DQed that are specific to fishing a FLW Series verses a Stren or weekend Pro/Am.

The first person that walks into the tackle store or runs into a local not in the derbie or local non-boater fishing as a co-angler could find themselve in a world of trouble.

Please read the rules.....

[Mike]

Does anyone have the email address where I can voice my opinion about FLW pulling out of Russo's and taking the Delta tournament to Stockton?

Russo's Marina and Chuck have done nothing but bend over backwards to cater to FLW and all bass fishermen only to have FLW move? For what? Is Stockton paying them?? I would like some answers and I will NOT be fishing the any of their tournaments because of this. I encourage everyone that has used Russo's Marina and enjoyed the golf cart ride to and from your truck to also voice your opinion. Pretty messed up if you ask me.........

[cleb19]

Mike business is business, in this economy MONEY IS MONEY. I do not know the facts but I also think RUSSO's has always had OUR BACKS (ANGLERS) I didnt like the move either, but you know the saying CASH FEEDS THE MACHINE!!!!! A bummer ill miss the staff at Russo's.


Chad

[619]

Stocton paid 10K from what I heard. I agree with you but wouldn't not fish because of it. I guess it's a good reason if your are looking for a reason to not fish it though. I know someone else that told CE he wasn't fishing because of it. Money talks these days mor then ever.

[Ricky-S]

There is no doubt that Russo's is a GREAT place with GREAT people. However, I for one do not mind the move to Stockton. I remember a time (as they say-back in the day) when the derbies used to rotate between the Break and Ladds.

As someone that travels in and out of the Delta from Southern Cal, it is a lot quicker trip for me to stay in Stockton. In fact, I often stay in Stockton during practice for tournaments because the hotels are cheaper, there are more places that I like to to eat, and the ramp at Ladds is one of the best that I have launched at, especially if you are by yourself as I am most of the time. I also see a lot of other guys doing this as well.

I have also talked to several guys that are concerned about safety in Stockton and do not like the move away from Russos, which maybe they should be? However, I have stayed in Stockton since 1995 without a single problem. I think that Ladds is a great facility. I was there last fall prefishing while the college kids were there.

Just wanted to give a different perspective-not agreeing or supporting the move.....I also think the NG has more to do with these decisions and the fact that there is a recruitment station in Stockton?

with that said....here you go...
choover@flwoutdoors.com
cevens@flwoutdoors.com

[Brian]

You will all wish it was at Russo's when half of you guys have your vehicles broken into.............

If god wanted to give the world an enima, Stockton is where he would shove the tube...............

[phill strader]

Ricky, I might be wrong, but i don't think they are going out of Ladds.

Phil Strader

[bryanmc]

\There are real specific rules that will get people DQed that are specific to fishing a FLW Series verses a Stren or weekend Pro/Am.

Please read the rules.....

There were a few who weren't aware that you can't get help (suggestions or "what I found in pre-fish") from your co-angler during official practice or the competition days. That being the case, I truly wonder why co-anglers practice during official practice, or why pros take them. If nobody practices with me there will never be any question about what was or wasn't said. BTW, does my dog count as an immediate family member?

[Ricky-S]

You are right Phil. The city of Stockton built a new facility near their baseball stadium some years ago. It the place that BASS launched out of. Nonetheless, I'll launch out of Ladds during practice like I usually do.

Again. I am indifferent about the situation as there are benefits and drawbacks to both locations. The people at Russos are great people and they did bend over backwards for the anglers.

However, I do think that people are making a bigger issue out of the thefts and situation in Stockton than it is. I've been using that place for over 10 years and have never had a single problem.

[kb]

If that is the case Ricky then FLW shouldn't mind pulling their trailers out of Russo's where Chuck has been letting them store them in the off season and between events and park them over in Stockton at the "new" facility near downtown. The good folks of Stockton will spend that 10 grand for them real fast when they have to replace all their equipment before every event.

I heard that the National Guard thinks Stockton gives a better image for the fans as opposed to the image they got at Russo's. I for one hope they did get money because they will need it to replace all the volunteers that Gene and Chuck had there with one phone call.

We will see how the guys like that little run down the SJ in June every day too. It should be fun!!!!!

kb

[Ricky-S]

I see your point KB.

Again-I agree that the people at Russos are great people that bend over backwards for anglers.

It will be interesting to see who the move affects participation.

[Smitty]

I didnt read anything in the rules about what time you must be off the water on registraition day only that you must attend and be checked in by 5:30.
I think 135 is pretty good and would bet that it is 140 by tournament time hopefully more.
Smitty

[Hollywood]

Here you go Smitty,

see you up there, travel safe.

[Guest]

I didnt read anything in the rules about what time you must be off the water on registraition day only that you must attend and be checked in by 5:30.
I think 135 is pretty good and would bet that it is 140 by tournament time hopefully more.
Smitty

Section 4 Off limits

"Tournament waters will be closed to all contestants when registration opens on Tuesday until boat check on Wednesday morning. "

Registration:
January 12, 2010 4:00 p.m. PT - 5:30 p.m. PT

[GW]

I agree Mike, its a piss poor move but as we know the almighty dollar speaks.


So, Welcome to Stockton FLW.

Signed,

Gangs, Crime, Car Theft and Shootings

[CN]

Stockton was rated the number one city in America per capita for stolen Vehicles. I believe Modesto was number two!!

[BassnReed]

Does anyone have the email address where I can voice my opinion about FLW pulling out of Russo's and taking the Delta tournament to Stockton?

Russo's Marina and Chuck have done nothing but bend over backwards to cater to FLW and all bass fishermen only to have FLW move? For what? Is Stockton paying them?? I would like some answers and I will NOT be fishing the any of their tournaments because of this. I encourage everyone that has used Russo's Marina and enjoyed the golf cart ride to and from your truck to also voice your opinion. Pretty messed up if you ask me.........

Mike,
I'm with ya 100%, its absolutely amazing they would even consider pulling the event out of Russo's but they did. Bad Move!!!

I have e-mailed FLW regarding this on 2 occasions.

They have a contact us link at the bottom of there main page.

Maybe try this;

Angler Relations:
Aaron Hall, Angler Management
ahall@flwoutdoors.com

[Brian]

Forbes:

The Most Miserable City in the U.S.

Comment On This Story
Topping the list: Stockton, Ca
Stockton ranks in the bottom seven in four of the nine categories we looked at: commute times, income tax rates, unemployment and violent crime. Only New York City has a higher income tax rate than what Stockton, and all California residents, are forced to pay.

[wicked28]

I agree with Mike also. I will not fish with FLW anymore not because they moved the event locatation but because FLW sucks, I wish they would pack up there redneck podunkion trailers up and go back home where having a full set of teeth is optional.

So long FLW this will probably be there last year anyway.
Lets all keep our fingers crossed that BASS comes back.

[bryanmc]

I wish they would pack up there redneck podunkion trailers up and go back home where having a full set of teeth is optional.

Dude... if you're going to say "redneck podunkion" you at least need to use "their" instead of "there".

[wicked28]

thanks bryan, I also didn't spell location right, maybe next time i'll use spell check.

[Mike]

So they are going to drive to Russo's and hook up their trailers that they have stored all year and haul them to Stockton to have the tourney............. Hmmmm. I hope Chuck sticks their storage fee to em' Good! But knowing Chuck he probably let them keep them there for no charge, then they stick the knife in the back.

[Robert F]

Russo's will probably do a ton of business with the event just being on the Delta. What is sad is that people think 135 boats is a success. They fully expected this new format to sell out by the first day of public registrations. Most Strens drew better than this PLUS the Guards. Russo's will lose a ton by the loss of the extra event. 110 for Mead?

[Ricky-S]

Well Robert you shouldn't be surprised. Some look at the glass half empty while others look at the glass half full. You have showed where you stand with the situation.

Many of us go fishing to get away from the negative while others are consumed with it. Sure we expected them to fill and you may be right about Lake Mead. However, we are right in the middle of one of the worst economic situations that many of us have seen in our lifetime.

Given that fact, I am happy when ANY of the pro level events draw over 100 boats because I understand the finances that it takes to fish at any level.

Heck, I can't wait to the first WON on the Delta and I know going in that the payback is what it is. Some of us fish for the love of the sport and money is just an added bonus.

It's what we do. Always have and always will. Period.

[RMANZO]

i really dont see how you guys can say russos is soooooo safe.... i have never been fkd w/in stockton.... i stay at a house a few down from russos when i fish 2 day events out of russos.... i have had things taken off the dock while i was out pre-fishing... my buddy stayed @ the same place a couple months back w/his young boys and had there poles stolen from the dock... this was in the day time before the "either island" toothless wonderers were even out.... i agree "russos" takes care of the fisherman, and it sucks they lost this event, for now, but come on, i cant think of a town that doesnt have these "slimeballs"!!!!!
and by the way, all you guys that bash on flw---- you are plain ignorant!!!! they are the "only" "BIG" venue that even supports us out here..... its always "when b.a.s.s comes back out here, it will be better......"WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY"

[619]

Robert,

Let it go. NO MORE STREN. Fish WON. Are you still fishing the Tour as a CO?

Art

[Robert F]

Robert,

Let it go. NO MORE STREN. Fish WON. Are you still fishing the Tour as a CO?

Art

Actually the Stren at Falcon just went off this morning over full field. So Stren is alive and well and needs to come back to the West. With Stren gone I am selling my boat. Waiting to deliver it right now so no WON, A/C or WCB for me. I am hitting up the Tour and a few trips to Georgia to practice with Kevin.

[littlebailey]

they're not trying to fill the field i guess. i just got back from holiday celebrations and tried to sign up. No go. Too many people complained about locals signing up late. ive been to Shasta twice. hardly a local but they would rather not have the full field to make it fair. i dont get it. There goes my next year. Guess ill live on Clearlake.

[clayton meyer]

last year... 148,109,148,161... those were the numbers

2008 180,150,155,200... this indicates a loss of 29.75 anglers per tournament in one year and most of '08

Where did all those Stren anglers go and how many would have signed up this year, maybe even less? How many of the previous stren competitors were series competitors... somebody with a huge amount of time do a count please.

low numbers in cold weather or too far away? What was the complaint. You lose 35 to fifty anglers because it isn't in your back yard?. At that rate it is a good business decision to regroup.

oroville should be close enough but it drew 109.

If you can fish you can catch fish everywhere.. if you can't ... you can't. Maybe that is why some choose not to go. Why would you not want to go to a championship. It is really hard to qualify with only 3 tournaments

We should be going to texas, back to powell, elephant butte and every other lake we can get on. I know FLW needs certain requirements for a tournament and if we had full fields we would have a voice in these matters and be able to expand, but since we did not make full fields in either division our tournament circuits falter... also.... if you are going to compare or mention circuits based upon $$$$ you had better research your paybacks.

BREATH

[Robert F]

they're not trying to fill the field i guess. i just got back from holiday celebrations and tried to sign up. No go. Too many people complained about locals signing up late. ive been to Shasta twice. hardly a local but they would rather not have the full field to make it fair. i dont get it. There goes my next year. Guess ill live on Clearlake.

That sucks Paul. Especially since there are a lot of backseaters left on the bank. On the other side at least they made a rule and stuck to it.

Clayton, I would say the big reason Oroville drew so few boats was the schedule change that put two tournaments 2 weeks apart. That was difficult to accommodate for many. Western Strens were one of the best drawing circuits in FLW. I personally know of 7 boaters and 8 Co-anglers that would have liked to fish. Be certain there are more as 4 of those boaters were new customers. Bringing Texas in to the Series would be awesome.

[clayton meyer]

what was the other tournament close to oroville. If it was an FLW tournament it gives a good idea of what not to do if the strens come back. But we really have to make a choice of what we want to fish. I have a job that will allow only one circuit at this time. I am fine with that and really enjoy it. I have no pressure when I go to a tournament... my bills are paid. I cash a check and I am not having to pay my mortgage with it. I know many people fish every weekend and don't fish FLW tournaments, but could invest the time and money by cutting out teams and smaller pro-ams and fish something that really pays back and makes you a ton of money when you catch them. It's just a commitment putting it all out there at once, instead of a little each weekend

Robert... 7 boaters and 8 cos for which tournament.. oroville?

[Robert F]

Clayton,
They had the Delta Stren two weeks after the Oroville Stren last year. It was a tough situation for people that have to get time off work. More people chose to drop Oroville if they had to drop one. That is why Oroville had such a low number. It happened because the Oroville ramp was not ready when the tournament was scheduled for earlier in the year.

The boaters and Co's I know that are not fishing wanted to do Strens this year.

You fish the way everybody should fish. This is not a job. It is gambling. You should only gamble money that is able to be lost. I would like to think I have a chance to get my money back when I go out there but I know that it is more than likely I won't.

Overall everybody has to agree FLW tries to do a good job for the fisherman but not every decision is made for us. They have to make the Guard happy first as they pay FLW far more than we do. If the Guard wants to go to Stockton, FLW goes to Stockton. Done. That is why we fished Umatilla last year. I still would rather have the Guard making the venue choice rather than have no sponsor and no series.

[N.A.R]

[. I personally know of 7 boaters and 8 Co-anglers that would have liked to fish. .

I was one of the seven.

[CN]

I really dont understand this. Why would any orginazation not want to fill as many spots as they could.

You guys that fish these events know more than I do but I would support what you have but I would also give the other guy a reason to come back. A competitive market is the best thing you could ask for. If this damn economy would just come back a little qiucker and it will but until you put a person to WORK good luck.

[Jeff]

Maybe they can "Guard" the boats for us while we are there? LOL

Jeff

[RichThiel]

RAMANZO,

If your not staying at Russo's, you shouldn't blame the Marina. The reason people don't get hit at Russo's is the fact that its surrounded by dogs and guns and the Meth heads, gangs, and unwanted now it.

[clayton meyer]

Robert

that's a pretty tight schedule but if you plan on fishing all four, you have to plan on fishing five... thats the championship. It seems to me most people have the job/work that allows them to take the time either due to the type of work they do or the value as an employee or as a company owner. It might be tough but to compete you have to show up

I just wonder why it is always the cold small fish tournamaments that get low numbers. You still have the same chance of cashing a check if everyone would show or how about 95% of the guys.

I don't really wonder... I know why it is and you hear people.. 'I don't want to go there and just catch 3 fish a day'

but if that is what you catch and it gets you 30th place because that is how the fishing is... that is how it is.

I never used to like cold tournaments, but then I figured out that most people have a bad attitude already and get nervous. If i can get 5 bites I am happy. If I can put three in the boat at havasu in January I am getting a fat check because they are 3lbs when they bite

Start looking... it isn't the orginization.. it is the people fishing. Mead should be a full field just because people should want to challenge themselves. Won southern has been coming to Mead since before I started fishing and I never got the impression that people didn't want to go. But SoCal doesn't have as many anglers and when the central/northern guys decide not to go it makes a huge impact on a circuit that covers the entire west. Every tournament can't be in hog heaven 70 degree weather.

As the economy recovers it will slowly get better just as long as we keep with a circuit that pays extremely well. Smaller circuits have never paid what FLW pays, thats as far as I'll go on that and let everyone else research what circuit comes even close.

Thanks for your help with my co-angler

[Robert F]

The issue with Oroville was a product of compromise. We had to get a date wedged in to FLW's nationwide commitments and a date two weeks before the already scheduled Delta was all they could accommodate. It happened just a few weeks before the tournament date. Many people have to ask for time off weeks in advance. If that tournament went off as scheduled it would have drawn over 150 easily. There are more people like Tony (N.A.R.) and I that are comfortable with the Stren level of competition than Guard level anglers out here. Simple fact.

Why will Mead draw a small field? I do not know. It is as fun as anything the Guards will fish. Two years ago in practice we were shaking 40 bites a day. The funny thing is in that small field I think the Washington/Oregon/Idaho guys showed up the best. I too would rather fish a tough bite tournament. Guess that is just our San Diego roots.

[clayton meyer]

I will have to agree...

tournament dates should not be changed and especially that close to a tournament. I plan my year on the day a schedule is released, so everyone knows when I will be out of town and so I can have the money on hand for the tournament