I dont get it FLW...

LawDog · Post by **LawDog** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:30 pm

So this is the first tournament I have fished with FLW but have fished numerous over the last twenty something years with other organiziations. I decided this year is going to be the year I fish as a Pro. I dont have any sponsors. I'm paying for everything out of my pocket and yes, I'm currently un-employeed. I plan on fishing the whole series but cant plop down $8,000 at one time. I find a good friend to sign up as my co-angler. We sign up for the Shasta event on the second day because I'm a Champion owner.

Well here comes my complaint. I get an e-mail today saying I have been confirmed. About an hour later my partner calls me and says he is number 15 on the waiting list. This happens 11 days before we leave.

This has screwed me in two ways. First, since we were splitting costs it is going to almost double my expenses. Secondly, we were planning on staying with his family so now I dont have anywhere to stay and if I can find a hotel there is another expense that I havent planned for. Not to mention the fact that he's not going to be able to compete.

Now I understand FLW wants people to sign up for all four events. It is a smart business move to guarantee people who sign up for all four events. So instead of having people sign up together you have everyone sign up seperate so no one gets there hopes up.....OR....have everyone sign up at a partner. Your telling me that everyone who is signing up as a Pro cant find a partner to sign up with????

I dont get it but hope it all works out. If it doesnt I will not fish with FLW ever again. I hate to bring up bad stuff on Westernbass but hopefuly this will bring up some issues that need to be worked out.....Scott

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:36 pm

LawDog wrote:So this is the first tournament I have fished with FLW but have fished numerous over the last twenty something years with other organiziations. I decided this year is going to be the year I fish as a Pro. I dont have any sponsors. I'm paying for everything out of my pocket and yes, I'm currently un-employeed. I plan on fishing the whole series but cant plop down $8,000 at one time. I find a good friend to sign up as my co-angler. We sign up for the Shasta event on the second day because I'm a Champion owner.

Well here comes my complaint. I get an e-mail today saying I have been confirmed. About an hour later my partner calls me and says he is number 15 on the waiting list. This happens 11 days before we leave.

This has screwed me in two ways. First, since we were splitting costs it is going to almost double my expenses. Secondly, we were planning on staying with his family so now I dont have anywhere to stay and if I can find a hotel there is another expense that I havent planned for. Not to mention the fact that he's not going to be able to compete.

Now I understand FLW wants people to sign up for all four events. It is a smart business move to guarantee people who sign up for all four events. So instead of having people sign up together you have everyone sign up seperate so no one gets there hopes up.....OR....have everyone sign up at a partner. Your telling me that everyone who is signing up as a Pro cant find a partner to sign up with????

I dont get it but hope it all works out. If it doesnt I will not fish with FLW ever again. I hate to bring up bad stuff on Westernbass but hopefuly this will bring up some issues that need to be worked out.....Scott

You are not alone, there are many in the same situation as you right now, my co-angler is on the same list and im not sure how far back and we signed up together and I signed up when all eligible Ranger owners could sign up. The wording fo the rules has not changes, the way they are interperting them and enforcing them has.

BMX Bassin · Post by **BMX Bassin** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:55 pm

sucks.... these days its Pro heavy so a Pro can pretty much sign up last day. They are Bass Ackwards sometimes the way they do things, Corporate......... If I end up signing up Last Minute I'll check with you to see if your partner is still on list. Good Luck

Long Nguyen · Post by **Long Nguyen** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:59 pm

That sucks Scott.

After Shasta, maybe it's time to reconsider which pro tournament trail you invest your hard earned money with.

Great thing about being a paying customer is you have choices on where to spend your money.

Your actions as a fisherman speak louder than any words we type on WB.

leachman90 · Post by **leachman90** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:10 pm

This same BS is being replayed all over the place today. I have heard from many people that they were confirmed by phone this morning only to get a call 5-6 hours later that they were not in. All of these people had signed up with "pro's" as well. I think FLW will start hurting when some of these "pros" with co's (that aren't confirmed) start asking for their money back. So basically you want to take someone else's pro and match them up with someone else?HMMM

bryanmc · Post by **bryanmc** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:15 pm

That just doesn't seem right. If I recall correctly, to sign up at the meeting a pro has to bring a co with him, so what happens to the cos on the waiting list, or are they supposed to travel in the HOPE that someone shows up to snatch them off the list?. Seems to me if you sign up with a co or with a pro you should be in. This may bite them when it's all said and done.

rdearmond · Post by **rdearmond** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:19 pm

I've fished a few FLW Tournaments, and they usually make their pairings. I know 7 or 8 boaters that live around Shasta Lake that haven't registered, myself included. My big deal is making sure my boss lets me off for the week.

Have Faith

Ricky-S · Post by **Ricky-S** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:21 pm

flipit · Post by **flipit** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:26 pm

rdearmond wrote:I've fished a few FLW Tournaments, and they usually make their pairings. I know 7 or 8 boaters that live around Shasta Lake that haven't registered, myself included. My big deal is making sure my boss lets me off for the week.

Have Faith

I dont think its about having faith. Its about a bad business practice that FLW seems to practice. Suprise, suprise.

rdearmond · Post by **rdearmond** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:29 pm

As Ricky said, talk to the TD, FLW have always helped me out. Let them know your deal and they will help. I've gone as far as paying for a tournament followed by a family emergency and FLW SAYING "would you like your money back or do you want to roll it over to the the next event".

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:29 pm

rdearmond wrote:I've fished a few FLW Tournaments, and they usually make their pairings. I know 7 or 8 boaters that live around Shasta Lake that haven't registered, myself included. My big deal is making sure my boss lets me off for the week.

Have Faith

+1

Guys hold off till end of the week before blasting FLW. Remember this is the first day they started confirming people and they are back from the holidays. They are busy at work and the more time we spend pestering them on the phone the slower it's going to take to confirm everyone.

For those of you with people thinking about Pro's on the fence or about to sign up have them give FLW a call ASAP. Even if you put a small deposit with the remainder of the balance to be paid next week (payday) it will help them confirm the field.

Let's cross our fingers and hopefully we'll get a full field with a Pro waiting list or more than 150 boats. I know it's pins and needles right now and not knowing is tough on everyone. Let's just give them some time to do their job and confirm everyone on the list.

Vince

leachman90 · Post by **leachman90** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:43 pm

Vince Borrego wrote:
rdearmond wrote:I've fished a few FLW Tournaments, and they usually make their pairings. I know 7 or 8 boaters that live around Shasta Lake that haven't registered, myself included. My big deal is making sure my boss lets me off for the week.

Have Faith
+1

Guys hold off till end of the week before blasting FLW. Remember this is the first day they started confirming people and they are back from the holidays. They are busy at work and the more time we spend pestering them on the phone the slower it's going to take to confirm everyone.

For those of you with people thinking about Pro's on the fence or about to sign up have them give FLW a call ASAP. Even if you put a small deposit with the remainder of the balance to be paid next week (payday) it will help them confirm the field.

Let's cross our fingers and hopefully we'll get a full field with a Pro waiting list or more than 150 boats. I know it's pins and needles right now and not knowing is tough on everyone. Let's just give them some time to do their job and confirm everyone on the list.

Vince

PM Vince

BMX Bassin · Post by **BMX Bassin** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:11 pm

Actually Law Dog If I remember right you cant sign up with a partner til a certain date. They should have told you that but prolly didnt.

But that date has come sooooo Get a refund. Then re-sign up with your partner.

Sounds stupid but bet it will work.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:23 pm

Gary Dobyns · Post by **Gary Dobyns** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:32 pm

BMX Bassin wrote:Actually Law Dog If I remember right you cant sign up with a partner til a certain date. They should have told you that but prolly didnt. But that date has come sooooo Get a refund. Then re-sign up with your partner. Sounds stupid but bet it will work.

Tom Salo was Richards sign up partner. He was confirmed then got a call later today saying he was 45th on waiting list. Richard talked to them with no help. He said refund my money I'll stay home. He was told they would work on it and call him tomorrow. Both these guys signed up within an hour of the starting time as sign up partners. They want you to bring guys and then this. BMX Bassin is right though and If they say they won't refund your money tell them you will dispute the claim on your credit card and then do it.

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:47 pm

Gary Dobyns wrote: Tom Salo was Richards sign up partner. He was confirmed then got a call later today saying he was 45th on waiting list. Richard talked to them with no help. He said refund my money I'll stay home. He was told they would work on it and call him tomorrow. Both these guys signed up within an hour of the starting time as sign up partners. They want you to bring guys and then this. BMX Bassin is right though and If they say they won't refund your money tell them you will dispute the claim on your credit card and then do it.

They do one they better be ready to do 20. They made a written rule for the Strens last year to allow partner sign-ups BEFORE balance deadline and had the Guards wait until after balance deadline. In the Guards it was an important allowance, but never a written rule for two years. Especially with these lowered paybacks boaters and Co's are going to need partners to share expenses. Good luck. I'm watching from the "fence" as Ricky S would say.

LawDog · Post by **LawDog** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:55 pm

Thank you all for the advice and support. It sounds like we are not the only people in this situation.

Vince, I am not trying to bash FLW. I know there isnt anyone out there in this industry that would try to screw a customer on purpose. It is just the fact that there is only 11 days until we are leaving. So say we wait until the week before and he does not get in? What now? Or mabe he does get in, we wont know until later.

Long, I do plan on fishing WON and West Coast Pro/Am's. I hope it is much smother with them.

Honestly the big reason why I want to fish FLW is because of the exposure. I'm trying to start my professional fishing career and need as much as I can get.

ORHOZER · Post by **ORHOZER** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:17 pm

The reason that the co's that signed up with partners got bumped was that they didn't sign up for all 4 events. And the co's that signed up for all 4 events are getting priority, if they signed up for all 4 before the 21st of December. This was explained to me today by a F.L.W. Rep on the phone.
Why should a co that has signed up for all four events not be able to fish the first event at Shasta just because he doesn't know anybody to sign up with? And on another note, there's not a shortage of co-angler's that are willing to split travel expenses with a pro.
I'm currently #17 on the wait list on the co side. Hopefully I get in, however I only signed up for Shasta. If I get bumped by a guy that signed up for all 4, then so be it. He deserves to get in, not me.

Jim Sall III · Post by **Jim Sall III** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:26 pm

Same thing happened to me.Now I'm 40th on the waiting list,signed up as soon as possible on the 17th with a partner.Chris Hover says even if you have a new pro now to sign up it does not work like that anymore and sign ups for pros end Monday that's what he told me.I asked him what he thought my chances were of getting in he said not good.Co anglers are the future front seaters.If the tournament was not so close to Christmas would you have more pros?I planned on fishing all four but I guess not.This is a joke to be told this 11 days out.

Long Nguyen · Post by **Long Nguyen** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:58 pm

LawDog wrote: Long, I do plan on fishing WON and West Coast Pro/Am's. I hope it is much smother with them.

Good call. You want to add Angler's Choice to that list too, especially since Hutch is behind the wheel of them now.

AC= Bass West magazine. That's pretty awesome national exposure. Unless they changed it, every member of AC receives a subscription to BW with their membership. So the rag gets sent all over the USA.

Get to know DanO, sTony, Bill Mays and Kent Brown. Between those guys, they could give you all the exposure you'd ever want.

PS-If you want love from FLW outdoors, switch to a Ranger!

trailersource · Post by **trailersource** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:01 pm

Man I've fished a lot of FLW tourneys in the past, and was shocked when I called in with my pro partner ready to sign up for all four tourneys (as a co) and they refused to let me sign up. I guess I missed the memo, but I had no clue we couldn't sign up together. I've been waiting on my pro buddy to get his funds in line, and now that he has I assumed we could sign up together as we have EVERY year in the past. No go I guess. Real frustrating, but that knocks four tournaments for the year off my tourney schedule "scroll" as my wife calls it. A little consistency would be nice. I get the feeling this isn't playing out well for most though.

Keith Tripp · Post by **Keith Tripp** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:01 am

I have put some thought into this (yes KB I do actually think) and been reading all the posts regarding FLW and other tournament organizations......in regards to the FLW co-angler sign up has it occurred to anyone that potentially FLW has more co-anglers signed up for ALL 4 events than they have pro's at this point for the Shasta event??? This would create a issue for a pro that signed up with a co-angler for just 1 event because of course any company would want to get a guys business for ALL 4 events not just 1.....

I know this is probably a turn of events from prior years where they didn't have enough co's or the co's didn't sign up for all 4 events, but I think with the change in entry fees to $350. for the co-angler it may have created a different scenario.

I don't think FLW has changed their rules, I think there has been a shift in the business which is changing the outcome and appears to be a rule change. In MHO I think that any angler, either pro or co would call down to FLW and talk to Chris Hoover the TD they could get their questions or concerns answered....they only want what we all want which is a full field at ALL the events. I know they will work with you the best they can to get a positive result!!!

Good Fishing!!!!!!!

World Boat Outlet, Inc. · Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:27 am

Keith Tripp wrote:I have put some thought into this (yes KB I do actually think) and been reading all the posts regarding FLW and other tournament organizations......in regards to the FLW co-angler sign up has it occurred to anyone that potentially FLW has more co-anglers signed up for ALL 4 events than they have pro's at this point for the Shasta event??? This would create a issue for a pro that signed up with a co-angler for just 1 event because of course any company would want to get a guys business for ALL 4 events not just 1.....

I know this is probably a turn of events from prior years where they didn't have enough co's or the co's didn't sign up for all 4 events, but I think with the change in entry fees to $350. for the co-angler it may have created a different scenario.

I don't think FLW has changed their rules, I think there has been a shift in the business which is changing the outcome and appears to be a rule change. In MHO I think that any angler, either pro or co would call down to FLW and talk to Chris Hoover the TD they could get their questions or concerns answered....they only want what we all want which is a full field at ALL the events. I know they will work with you the best they can to get a positive result!!!

Good Fishing!!!!!!!

Very well said, and you are correct, by calling Chris Hoover, he was able to answer all my questions as well. Hope everyone can get in and have a shot at fishing! Can't wait to leave for some pre practice minus a hangover on the 1st.

LawDog · Post by **LawDog** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:29 am

Ok...just got off the phone with the TD from FLW. My co-angler has gone from 15th on the waiting list to 25th on the list. WTF??? And they wont give me my entry fee back. Is FLW all about the money??? Or do they really care about thier anglers/consumers???

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:37 am

LawDog wrote:Ok...just got off the phone with the TD from FLW. My co-angler has gone from 15th on the waiting list to 25th on the list. WTF??? And they wont give me my entry fee back. Is FLW all about the money??? Or do they really care about thier anglers/consumers???

Why not post on here for another coangler to prefish/travel with? As a Coangler I've always had a hard time finding someone to prefish with. Post on here and I'm sure you can find someone close. Adapt and overcome.

LawDog · Post by **LawDog** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:51 am

Well Vince theres two reasons why I'm not looking for another co, and there both gonna seem pretty selfish on my half. First off, I'm a former cop and do not trust anyone I dont personally know. Its a bad trait to have but I am who I am. Secondly, I now have to pay for all the gas and now have to pay for a hotel room. That is adding a lot of money to the bottom line.

Vince, I'm normally a very positive person but this situation really pissed me off. If I drop $2,000 on a tournament I expect the tournament organization to be professional and well organized. I'm honestly not seeing that right now. I honestly cant see how FLW even got this far.

Scott Povio

Team Pollard · Post by **Team Pollard** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:57 am

Isnt that the whole reason to sighn up with a Co at the samr time is make sure you and that co get in. If Lawdog sighned up with co several months ago at the same time co did, then how come co is 15th on list, That does not make since to me at all.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 11:01 am

LawDog wrote:Well Vince theres two reasons why I'm not looking for another co, and there both gonna seem pretty selfish on my half. First off, I'm a former cop and do not trust anyone I dont personally know. Its a bad trait to have but I am who I am. Secondly, I now have to pay for all the gas and now have to pay for a hotel room. That is adding a lot of money to the bottom line.

Vince, I'm normally a very positive person but this situation really pissed me off. If I drop $2,000 on a tournament I expect the tournament organization to be professional and well organized. I'm honestly not seeing that right now. I honestly cant see how FLW even got this far.

Scott Povio

No worries I understand. If I was in your shoes I'd be pretty pissed too. Especially when the money for the tournament comes out of your own pocket vs sponsor dollars.

I'm just glad there's enough water this year on Shasta for us to even have this event. Last year with the low water situation for the Stren's it was 100x more stressful.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:10 pm

Am I reading this correct, If you signed up with a co he's not getting in. But if a co finds a boater he's in!!!!!!

I bet the co's with the fancy shirts are in!!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:15 pm

bigbass111 wrote:Am I reading this correct, If you signed up with a co he's not getting in. But if a co finds a boater he's in!!!!!!

I bet the co's with the fancy shirts are in!!!!

It depends on your definition of a fancy shirt.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:31 pm

I would rather wear that....than what they give you....

Hollywood · Post by **Hollywood** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:32 pm

bigbass111 wrote:Am I reading this correct, If you signed up with a co he's not getting in. But if a co finds a boater he's in!!!!!!

I bet the co's with the fancy shirts are in!!!!

clayton meyer · Post by **clayton meyer** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:19 pm

I talked with Hoover today...

I am in this very same situation. I asked if I could sign up with someone and was told I could at the time, so I named tressen. I will admit I stopped reading the FLW emails after circuit change 32. Which probably stated the signup priorities, so as of this time he is not in. But having asked at time of signup if I can guarantee a coangler a position and am allowed to name them without being told they might not get in rubs me the wrong way

but here it is

IF you are a coangler that signed up on day one for just one tournament, lets say Shasta and you are on the waiting list and are number one on the waiting list you will not get in if the remainder of pros signing up decide to name a coangler that has not signed up yet. So... you pay your money up front... make travel arrangements up front, schedule time off up front, buy tackle, other people depend on you showing, but you don't get in.

I will agree with Tripp about full field aspects, the more the merrier and signing up for all four gets you in, but we have plans to attend to and the scheduling for Shasta is terrible, the response time and time for us to adjust is very short making it very difficult. I will rank this as an 8 in difficulty for customer satisfaction, there isn't an easy way out of it.

I do hope no one is able to sign up after official practice days. This has happened previously (even though the rules clearly stated you could not sign up) with locals and non locals signing up after they practiced and found out fishing was good so they would put their money in on a tournament that wasn't full, if the fishing wasn't good they went home

The post about travel partners and expenses make a good point. I know if I have to foot the bill for the entire trip it comes right off the top and there isn't a whole lot of top below 10th place.

somebody post the official signup rules and all the changes made if you kept them so I can read them thx

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 5:48 pm

Clayton, If Vegas had odds on FLW allowing entries after practice I would bet on it.....They have always allowed cherry picking, why would they change...

But, I dont and wont put my dog in this fight....

I wonder what the turnouts are going to be like after this..

Good luck to all of you and be safe up there...

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:12 pm

So yesterday at FLW it was unfair to the Co's already signed up and they were not going to allow a Co to find a Pro and move up in priority. Today it is happening.
Clayton likes this rule change back to the way business was done in the past but they better not allow a Pro to sign up until pairings like they did for years?

I will hold off my boat buyer for a couple of weeks if a Co wants to pay half of my entry. They can have half of the winnings after my expenses (probably not going to get anything back)

cleb19 · Post by **cleb19** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:51 pm

So let me understand this, so if somebody who wants to fish as a CO-Angler calls 2mrw and says I want to fish all 4 here is my money HE IS IN over somebody that called the first day without a pro? That seems odd Im I off here or Im I on!!!

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:59 pm

cleb19 wrote:So let me understand this, so if somebody who wants to fish as a CO-Angler calls 2mrw and says I want to fish all 4 here is my money HE IS IN over somebody that called the first day without a pro? That seems odd Im I off here or Im I on!!!

I think that part is over Chad. It was the deal up until last week.

clayton meyer · Post by **clayton meyer** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 5:55 am

I didn't ask if you signed up for all four now could you get in. My partner couldn't do it so I didn't follow up. He can't sign for the rest until after tax time or so and I understand.

But if you called the first day with a pro you are probabalby in but it wasn't becasue you signed up with anyone, it is because someone signed up without designating a coangler.
if you are on the waiting list it is possible that others can get in signing up now with a pro and you will not.

Now about the angler who said he was called and confirmed, then told he wasn't? they are trying to get everything done but I think there are 12 people handling signups and only Chris Hoover can say if you are or are not in. Until there is a final list who knows? It is unfortunate timing with changing statistics every day== someone signs up, someone drops etc. But first come first serve does not apply and everyone is calling in complaining as they should.

This sign up procedure makes it less exciting to fish. The manipulation and lack of information this year is distateful at best. there was no excitement online, you couldn't get numbers from FLW to get people excited... people waited because they think it will bomb, and rightly so. FLW brought us the largest payback at the largest price and unfortunately it has problems in the west and economic obstacles, which has made each year less successful There was no up front and personal feeling about this year. as I said before there was no pride, just a numbers games and now people are pissed because progress was not made and our opinions and advice were not taken seriously.

. The strens are gone to focus on the Series, which now is somewhere in between. I suppose we should just make the best of it and hopefully we can build it back up the 200 anglers, 150 regular anglers and 50 that come and go, with full entry fees and 10k for 50th... I need the money :)

Keith Tripp · Post by **Keith Tripp** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:02 am

This sign up procedure of procurring a pro or co to get in was designed to get a short field to a full field....I dont know of a pro/am tournament circuit where you sign up as a team??? I understand why you would for travel reason and I called and had a discussion with Chris Hoover about this and now understand their situation and the number of co's that signed up for all 4 events.

If we had 150 pro's and co's for all 4 events this situation could still arise where somebody's co or pro who didnt sign up for all 4 may not have been confirmed. I think since FLW started coming out here with the Everstarts and then the Series they have tried as hard as anyone to get full fields and accomondate fisherman, is it always the perfect scenario???? NO probably not but not due to lack of effort of getting on the phone and calling to having fisherman recruit other fisherman.....

I believe the cutoff to get in is next week and they are not going to change that from my understanding......

Its too bad there is not a system in place that would please everyone......

keithcant · Post by **keithcant** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:24 am

I'm not going and really don't have a dog in this fight.....but FLW's game plan makes no sense and is not reasonable as a way to make it easiest to assure a full boat field. Frankly in all times....not just tough times don't you want to get your full complement of boats assured as quick as possible..........and that isn't even considering three more to go where you need boaters to fill the field.

As far as pleasing EVERYONE.....how could this ridiculous set-up please anyone...........(except for someone who has the money in their hand and won't give it back) ??........
I hope you guys keep a close eye on whether any boaters finnagle their way in AFTER the 'closed' period.

.............you sure hutch isn't organizing this??

Long Nguyen · Post by **Long Nguyen** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:26 am

Vince Borrego wrote:
It depends on your definition of a fancy shirt.

But I don't want to look like a pirate! One of my favorite Seinfeld episodes!

Robert F · Post by **Robert F** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:45 am

Keith Tripp wrote: Its too bad there is not a system in place that would please everyone......

FLW expected these tournaments to fill before they even got to general public sign-ups. I am sure they would not have Co-Anglers stumbling over each other if the still had a Stren (All American) Series. Just think how many of us are not even in the mix with this thing. I know of close to ten San Diegans that are sitting at home. The price point on the back of the boat is too low. Everybody thinks they have a shot at money back and if the don't get it well they only lost 350 bucks. Wait till Mead comes. Maybe they will be looking for Co's like two years ago. Bring back the Strens. It is not too late.

bryanmc · Post by **bryanmc** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:51 am

Keith Tripp wrote:I dont know of a pro/am tournament circuit where you sign up as a team???

Actually, in WON and most other pro-am tournaments I can think of, if a pro and co sign up together they are both guaranteed to be in.

clayton meyer · Post by **clayton meyer** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 8:28 am

I will have to say I have no complaint about an early sign up and all four tournaments getting you in, but.....

IF you signed up early and are getting bumped by someone that signs up late because they happens to pair up, it is not fair to the person that signed up early.

We went through this previously and it is the same reaction. You can't please everyone but you could at least stand by the angler that believes in you and puts their money up first

leachman90 · Post by **leachman90** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 8:35 am

That's what happened to me. I called and was confirmed at 7:00am pst. Then recieved a conformation e-mail at 10:30. So I cemented all my plans. Then got a call from them 4 or 5 hours later saying I was on the waiting list. NOW I need to get ANOTHER pro just so I can REALLY get in. Very frustrating.

profisha1 · Post by **profisha1** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:08 am

FLW has messed up the way these sign-ups are sapposed to go. In the past, you just signed up for the tournament through their series of sign up dates. The reason the co-angler/ pro sign up came about, was a way to to try to get more pros. If a pro and a co signed up together then they would be guarrenteed. It was a play to try to get co's to try to find more pros to fish the event.

It really needs to be first come first served, I do understand that signing up for all four can move you up spots on the list. FLW is trying to get all their events filled, and if an angler misses an event he or she is less likely to go to the next once because, they will be out of the points race.

With FLW guaranteeing spots and then canceling that statement I feel that is completly wrong.

I hope they get this figured out and it will be smoother from here on out.

Pro/ams are sapposed to be for everyone and it sounds like they are making it to where you have to know a pro to get signed up on the co-angler side.

First come first served... its a solve all, (with priorities to those who sign up for all 4.) No more signing up with somebody. That is really meant for after deadlines or if they have equal number of pro's to co's. Then they can tell the co's that didnt get in "hey unfortunatly you did not get in, but if you can track a pro down within the next week, you will be in" But they can only do this for co-anglers that were left on the waiting list. not for anglers who want to sign up after the deadline. They would have to have all entrants in before the official practice period. All entrants would have had to obided by the lake off limits as well.

My .02..

RJ Bennett

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:36 am

profisha1 wrote:FLW has messed up the way these sign-ups are sapposed to go. In the past, you just signed up for the tournament through their series of sign up dates. The reason the co-angler/ pro sign up came about, was a way to to try to get more pros. If a pro and a co signed up together then they would be guarrenteed. It was a play to try to get co's to try to find more pros to fish the event.

It really needs to be first come first served, I do understand that signing up for all four can move you up spots on the list. FLW is trying to get all their events filled, and if an angler misses an event he or she is less likely to go to the next once because, they will be out of the points race.

With FLW guaranteeing spots and then canceling that statement I feel that is completly wrong.

I hope they get this figured out and it will be smoother from here on out.

Pro/ams are sapposed to be for everyone and it sounds like they are making it to where you have to know a pro to get signed up on the co-angler side.

First come first served... its a solve all, (with priorities to those who sign up for all 4.) No more signing up with somebody. That is really meant for after deadlines or if they have equal number of pro's to co's. Then they can tell the co's that didnt get in "hey unfortunatly you did not get in, but if you can track a pro down within the next week, you will be in" But they can only do this for co-anglers that were left on the waiting list. not for anglers who want to sign up after the deadline. They would have to have all entrants in before the official practice period. All entrants would have had to obided by the lake off limits as well.

My .02..

RJ Bennett

+1 on First come first serve. Well put RJ. That's pretty much how the BASS events work and they fill quickly. I do appreciate the effort FLW made for allowing those who signed up for all 4 events on the Co side to have priority. $400 for a Co who plans ahead isn't that much money to secure your spot in the overall scheme of things.

LawDog · Post by **LawDog** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:57 am

RJ, I understand your thoughts but you will still get a higher number of Co's than Pro's just because of the price difference. There is a lot more people that will put down $350 than $2,000. The thing I dont understand is that if you make everyone sign up with someone you will always have an even field. FLW can still have priority sign up but just make sure everyone is signing up with someone. I would not be upset if I got a call from FLW telling me BOTH myself and my Co were on the waiting list becasue the field was filled with both Pro's and Co's that signed up for all 4 events or it was filled with Ranger owners. Just dont let me in and put my co on the list then tell me if you find another Pro to sign up your Co can fish. THAT WAS THE REASON I SIGNED UP WITH A CO TO START WITH!!!!

Scott

leachman90 · Post by **leachman90** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:37 am

After all said and done I really hope this will all work itself out. And I feel the next event will be much smoother. The problem with me is that the FLW is the "only" game in town that is worth traveling for. If I lived down in Cali(not in this life time) I would have several other trails I could follow but I don't. And some times I get very frustrated ans say or do things I shouldn't. I am and will continue to support FLW now and in the future. To me it is the only avenue to go further in this game.GB...Jim

profisha1 · Post by **profisha1** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:52 am

Lawdog,
You are correct on the higher number of co's, But this is a professional event. It will never be even, We are not team fishing, Infact, i am actually in a way competing against the guy in the back of my boat, for my fish.
My thoughts were to elimintate the confusion of am I in or not.

I understand the less entry fee on the co-side, more sign ups, but look at what you get, no say of boat control or style of fishing. I dont think it is a price point on the co's, If you fish co angler you fish co-angler if you fish pro your fish pro. One person could very easily fish smaller lever pro/am tournaments for less entry fee. So I dont feel that that is the reason behind why so many co's are signing. Its actually a lack of pros willing to drop that money. The first year we had 200 pros and 200 co's.
I already stated that what FLW did and is doing was a mistake on their part, I just wanted to show how to make it fair and not a game of whose better friends with what pro. " to get him to sign up with me, Ect.."

In the past FLW never had the sign up with a pro or Co unless they were outweighted heavily on one side and it was near the end of the sign-ups. I think the main problem arroused when people signed up with partners on Day 1, they were not ready for it or prepared, because that is not their normal sign up style.

Correct me if im wrong.

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