Thanks, I was just curious about the donations back to charities, I figured many organization did, I just didn’t know much about which ones and where they may donate to.
Odd thing is, that you don’t hear/see a lot of stories about tournements showing that something is getting given back to those in need.
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so my question is, DO any of the larger tournements orginizations give to charities? I was just curious, and if so what organizations to they donate to?
On another smaller scale, The Great River Classic series and others ran by the same fellow out of ALma, WI donates all proceeds to the local Boys Scouts.
alot of clubs don’t need to have that their giving back announced to everyone. they are just happy to give without the pat on the back from everyone else. i just started to fish local club level tourneys and I tell you one thing, I try to be a courteous and cautious on the water as humanly possible. I will not go through boats on full plan or stay way far away if leaving a spot and boats are there. I don’t like to fish in a crowd. as far as the other guys that dont want to fallow rules. I am not pointing any fingers at anyone, because 3 are always pointing back at us. for us tourney guys, we need to figure out a way to win the promoting to the local neighborhoods and show them that we are just like them, we are not rich snobs that have too much money. I have a job work my 40+ a week, have 3 kids and a wife that wants to cut me off of fishing, but I still have time to go. basically, every person, angler or tourney angler, needs to make sure we can enjoy wetting the lines, the money part will take care of itself and be passed down to the particpants of each tourney with higher entry fees.
sorry for rambling, bring on the 
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Fishing big tournaments is all about having lots of money and everybody knows it. For many normal people out there it is about impossible to afford to fish tournament trails without either losing their job, or having their wife cut their seeds off.
Lots of guys like said in the article, see tournament fisherman as a bunch of spoiled rich dudes tearing up the water and pushing and shoving their way around the lake. THAT is what makes people mad.
It really isn’t about having big money. Its about picking and choosing your battles I think.
Tournament fisher people are lumped into a bad category. Most everyones posts and reasons why, at least on this site, are really weak. BUT James has the point, don’t matter, the fact is its a stereo type. I could debate anyone with their off the wall bs stories of this one time and that guy did this crap but it don’t matter. It really does come down to almost having lobbyist and paying your way.
I know I might catch ‘ell for this; but oh what the heck. James has it right. Its all about perceptions. And the perceptions aren’t what we as tournament people (and wannabe’s like me) want them to be. The perception by many is that the tourney guys are speed-crazed cowboys ripping up the lakes and rivers “jerkin jaws”, “rippin’ lips”, “wackin’ walleyes”, “clobbering the snot out of ’em.”
Turning tournament fishing into thrills and chills and pro wrestling type excitement makes for great TV watching; but it isn’t what is really going on. The image needs a huge upgrade so it reflects more of the passion of people enjoying fishing and fisheries and less of the rock ’em sock ’em big time competion aspect.
dd
James, how much does a State of Minnesota Guide license cost every year?
And any resort, how much does your permit to plow snow on the lake cost? How much does your darkhouse permit cost on a house that is rented thruout the winter cost? How much more does the registration cost for your launches then my private boat?
Lemme know. Thanks, Adam
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James, how much does a State of Minnesota Guide license cost every year?
And any resort, how much does your permit to plow snow on the lake cost? How much does your darkhouse permit cost on a house that is rented thruout the winter cost? How much more does the registration cost for your launches then my private boat?
Lemme know. Thanks, Adam
My point went left. You took a right.
My sense of directions have never been very good but I do think you see where I’m going…Adam
Are you saying that because tournament anglers buy the same license as the rest of the anglers on the water public opinion shouldn’t be a concern for the future of tournaments?
I think fishing tournaments should be against the law, period.
Musky – would it be a misdeamenor then if you were to hold a tourney, or are you thinking felony? 
And I believe bowling should be against the law.
Point is, everyone or no-one has a right to their own choice of recreation or competition.
For every a-hole tournement guy you can find I will show you 10 jet skiers, waterskiers, corkers, trollers ect. The issue is not “group” related it’s species related (humans)
I have been watching this thread spiral out of control and I am beginning to think tourmanemts should go in the same category as politics,abortion and religion. All those subjects can get some great arguments going but in the end very few minds will be changed.
Here is my take—as worthless as it is—on the whole matter. I have done research and I have found out that all it takes to be a “tourney angler” is filling out a form and signing a check. There was no indoctrination or “tourney guy” rulebook handed out. That got me thinking—-if a guy that fishes tournaments was out pleasure fishing—he was thinking about the honey-do list he had skipped out on and the butt chewing he was going to get when he gets home—and he looks up and he is too close to another boat. Does this count as rude tourney guy behavior or just normal guy “stuff happens”?
I think tourney guys are an easy target because they are visible.
I know a few tourney anglers and every one of them has a passion for fishing and a knowledge of the fish they go after. Most will talk fishing and give information at the drop of a hat or the asking of a question. They’re great guys and the kind of people you’d want to share a boat with. I know there are bad apples in the lot but I guess I haven’t had the misfortune of running into them yet.
I personally think the fishing community needs to pull together and stop dividing into groups. It is the old divide and conquer—if the average fisherman throws the tournaments to the wolves—don’t be suprised when restrictions start popping up on lakes as far as times or ramps start getting shut down. There are groups out there that would like so see the general public kept off “their lakes” and they will start with tournaments but that isn’t their main goal.
If you think about it the casual fisherman and the tourney guy have more in common than they are different. They both have a love of fishing and they get the same thrill with that “biggun” pulling on their line. If everyone would try to be more tolerant maybe we can all work this out. I think the tourney guys know who their bad apples are so maybe with all the bad press they will start trying to open those individuals eyes to the results of their behavior.
I know, I know, the old fart is rambling again!!!!!
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I think fishing tournaments should be against the law, period.
I’d really like to understand your logic behind such a short sighted statement. Please give us facts, we all are here to discuss and possibly shape our opinions. Some are shaped easier than others. I for one am trying to listen to both sides of this “argument” so I can become better educated and hopefully have a more well informed opinion in the future.
Brian, I agree, this is just a start to blocking fishing on “their” lakes. Look out west in California if you want any examples. Holy tree huggers!!
The thing I dont get is that if someone sees a Jet-Skier out in the middle of a lake creating wakes, doing jumps, etc…, it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but as soon as a bass boat goes driving across a lake at over, say 40mph, they are rude dis-respectful and dangerous.
For me, the anti-tournament people have won as this will probably be my last summer of tourney fishing. I’m sick of feeling guilty for driving moderately fast, fishing someone’s dock, and even loading up my boat at the ramp. The looks I get on and off the water are disgusting and rude. You anti-tournament people have basically developed the next new form or racism and bigitry by slanging accusations at every tournament angler every time you get mad at someone in a boat that costs more than yours on the water.
Good ‘ol censorship 
It is shortsighted for me not to like fish tournaments?
I think it is hard on the fish. That is what “I” think. Maybe Bass can hold up better that other species say a Muskie or Walleye. It is shortsighted for me to think it is hard on the fish? Large Walleye and Muskie are pretty fragile creatures. That is what “I” have observed in my shortsighted fishing for 45 years.
I went to Mille Lacs one time this summer and will not go back after seeing what that 26 inch walleye looked like when it tried to go back down into 26 feet of water. That was with a very fast release, no pictures or ooh aweing.
I have a easier time with bass tourneys than others.
I am not saying tournament anglers are not good guys or courteous people.
I do not like tournaments!!! If it were up for a vote I would definately vote NO.
Thanks for offering more info up. That’s exactly what I was looking for. Simply stating tourney’s are bad, seemed shortsighted to me. I didn’t mean to personally offend you if I did. Stupid internet!! 
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I have been watching this thread spiral out of control and I am beginning to think tourmanemts should go in the same category as politics,abortion and religion. All those subjects can get some great arguments going but in the end very few minds will be changed.
Here is my take—as worthless as it is—on the whole matter. I have done research and I have found out that all it takes to be a “tourney angler” is filling out a form and signing a check. There was no indoctrination or “tourney guy” rulebook handed out. That got me thinking—-if a guy that fishes tournaments was out pleasure fishing—he was thinking about the honey-do list he had skipped out on and the butt chewing he was going to get when he gets home—and he looks up and he is too close to another boat. Does this count as rude tourney guy behavior or just normal guy “stuff happens”?
I think tourney guys are an easy target because they are visible.
I know a few tourney anglers and every one of them has a passion for fishing and a knowledge of the fish they go after. Most will talk fishing and give information at the drop of a hat or the asking of a question. They’re great guys and the kind of people you’d want to share a boat with. I know there are bad apples in the lot but I guess I haven’t had the misfortune of running into them yet.
I personally think the fishing community needs to pull together and stop dividing into groups. It is the old divide and conquer—if the average fisherman throws the tournaments to the wolves—don’t be suprised when restrictions start popping up on lakes as far as times or ramps start getting shut down. There are groups out there that would like so see the general public kept off “their lakes” and they will start with tournaments but that isn’t their main goal.
If you think about it the casual fisherman and the tourney guy have more in common than they are different. They both have a love of fishing and they get the same thrill with that “biggun” pulling on their line. If everyone would try to be more tolerant maybe we can all work this out. I think the tourney guys know who their bad apples are so maybe with all the bad press they will start trying to open those individuals eyes to the results of their behavior.
I know, I know, the old fart is rambling again!!!!!
I don’t know exactly how the scales are handled in the states that you guys are talking about but here in Nebraska the trail that I fish, the Nebraska Walleye Trail, we keep the scales open ALL day long and we do that to make sure that we give our fish the best chance at survival. We had a tourney 2 weeks ago in the hot of July and only lost a couple of fish during the two days. That is good P.R.
I am a tourney guy and have never had any of these run-ins that you guys are talking about. Maybe that is just another great thing about living in Nebraska
“I think fishing tournaments should be against the law, period.” I disagree.
I think we should discriminate as to how much the state charges for a tournament. River tournaments should be differnt rate than lake tournaments. Border water tournaments a tax should be collected from both states. There should be an per pound surecharge for the total pounds weighed in.
I think crappie tounaments should be banned. (Clearwater,Tonka) Taking Fish off there beds in may oh what skill.
I think anyone signed up for a tournament should not be allowed to prefish that body of water 10 days prior to the tournamnet. Or better yet all anglers who plan to fish a tournament must declare it upon purchasing a MN Fishing Lic. and a 50 dollar fee should be imposed for all tounament anglers. You have to buy a trout stamp, pheasant stamp 2 different duck stamp, why not a tournament stamp.
By the way I fish tournaments I fish one of the most expensive invitationals there are. It doesn’t bother me that the cost of permit keeps going up. If I want to fish it I’ll pay the money.
TO THE STATE Keep raising the fees don’t worrie “rich snobs” Like me will just pay it. Just like fuel, and gas and the cost of food. I am so spoiled that I’ll just roll over and take it like the rest. Or I may just hike the cost of my goods and pass it on to others so I can go fishing. Can I now get my .02 cents please?
The question is not the tournaments but, rather what does the DNR going to do with the money? As we have had everything under sun taxed and fee’d to the hilt I am growing sick of living in Mn. Everything since Pawlenty came has been nothing but pay-plenty. Unfortunately, most of the working peons are lucky to get a 3% raise and if they do they hammered with 30% Medical care costs not paid by employers. Some say what is a couple of bucks here and there to do what we like to do. The couple of bucks turns into many bucks to do anything. Hopefully this is not considered political! But, the fees are political!
Is it as simple as a lake for some is about the freedom of being on the water, enjoying mother nature, getting away from the daily grind versus an organized event, with money on the line, competition, often fueled with big horsepower and big boats, high speeds and time frames.
I guess for a little guy taking out the family in the 14 footer it could be intimidating or frustrating not having the rig and gear to try and entertain the family while any sort of tournament is occurring. A lot of us want to be able to buy the best for our families, but we often have to compromise. I am envious of 95% of the fishing boats I see on Tonka.
My experiences tell me the the bass tournament angler approaches fishing near other anglers much differently then myself. Is it common for one bass boat to cut another bass boat off on a shoreline that is lined with docks? My buddy and I fish in a deep v and it seems like we often are cut off by the bass boat while working docks. Is it because we don’t look legitimate as bass fisherman? We often try to fish away from anglers, just for the serenity and giving other anglers their space.
The philosophies and tendencies must be very different in tournament and non tournament anglers. Just differences in our ideals of what fishing is about and what we want to get out of the experience of being on the water.
Another fee for you tournament guys does not surprise me either. Minnesota is just that way, fees and taxes. Having lived in another state I now understand the term of the land of 10,000 taxes and rules. I hope the monies stay in the fisheries or improve existing facilities, docks, ramps, etc.
Sounds similar to the MPCA and their actions of a few years ago. Every site of 5 acres or more of disturbance required a NPDES plan and permit. They changed it to every site of 1 acre or more of disturbance and raised the fees. While attending a seminar about the changes, it was stated that they could not imagine how they were going to enforce or monitor so many job sites state wide. Sounds like it was one heck of a fundraising move. This may be of the same nature.
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It is shortsighted for me not to like fish tournaments?
No not at all but that was not what you said……
What you said was……
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I think fishing tournaments should be against the law, period.
Guys,
This thread is one that holds potential to turn into an angry slam-fest. So far guys have stated opinions without turning things personal or directed at individuals involved in the discussion. Please… let’s keep it that way.
Thanks everyone.
its amazing to see how far out this thread goes and how it has turned to a discussion about tournaments. Whereas it is about fees on tournaments. Not the whether tournaments are just or warranted. But, the fact another increase of a FEE. We can complain but, will it do any good probaly not. I do wonder how much the DNR is raising the pollution permit fee that 3M pays. I have heard it was 400 bucks- if that is true fees should be based upon impact to the water. Rather than because we can charge. I support NO fees period on any recreational sport. As we all have paid dues to get there. I would support more fees on pollution. Then we’ll be back to economics- 3M and others like them will move to China if the FEES warrant it. Then we will all be fishing!
I like these kind of threads, weaving in and out about a couple related topics. Very informative and I always seem to learn more. Another reason why I prefer IDA, less moderation and a higher quality postings.
It could be a slippery slope though fee here another fee there. 
The two things that bother me about tournaments are using a public resource (lakes and fish) for personal monetary gain. The other is all that CPR crap. If its legal to keep a fish, then IF I decide to keep it, I’ll keep it, and I’m not gonna let some “Pro” fisherman tell me I should have released, most likely so he/she could have a chance at catching it in a tournament as a “kicker”. What’s the latest on mortality after a “catch and release” tournament. I have seen some locally run tournaments, granted not the level of the PWT, where their “release” pen was full of floaters.
I don’t have a problem with the relatively small (in relation to the payout) fee the DNR is charging for tournaments -after all why should the DNR stock and manage lakes only to have somebody make money from them?
Just my two cents
tad
Lets not go down the road of using a natural resource for private gain. I’m sure Mr. Holst has put a few bucks in his pocket guiding on the river. We all profit from some sort of natural resource.
I believe those fish are here for us to have fun with, whether we choose to harvest or release. Our number one goal should be working together to maintain good fish populations for future generations. We can not afford to lose any fisherman, be it a perch jerker, or tourney angler. Both Minnesota, and Wisconsin have missed a great opportunity to work with tournament organizers on reducing user conflicts. I believe there is room for all of us. We might have to change a little. But there’s plenty of water and plenty of fish for everyone.
A while back in this post someone had said most of thier bad experiences on the water have come from tournament anglers. Well I’ll be honest with you all of my bad experiences have come from guides, landowners, and pontooners, and the occasional clueless game wardens. The only difference is I don’t pick up the phone and whine to the DNR everytime I have a run in.
This whole discussion is out of control. The fact is, and I said fact, 80% of the general angling public could careless about tournaments. The other 20% are split between those who fish tournaments and those who urine and moan about them. And we aren’t going to change anyones thinking in those camps.
My advice to you guys in Minnesota, is track every dime you give to the DNR regarding tournaments. Because if you let them get away with this, every single user group in the state will soon have some sort of tax to pay the DNR. I hope Irwin Jacobs will get his lawyers on this one, and sue those crooks in the DNR!!
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This whole discussion is out of control.
I thought this discussion has been level-headed for the very most part.
I don’t have the answers but I’m hopeful that tournament anglers and organizers wil find ways to unite all anglers behind the continuation of tournaments. In my opinion the mark is being missed currently and the popularity of tournaments with the masses is waning. Your opinion may differ with mine and that fine too.
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