Hi Guys
Ive been talking to a few people who have been around tournaments for a while running ideas around the place for a couple of new comps that we could do to replace some of the lost 2 day events.
Im of the opinion that alot of people miss the two day events, not only so they dont get to dominate the comp if they are a skilled angler, but alot of guys just miss getting away with friends and catching up.
So to fill this void Im planning on a non for profit club to be started to organise these comps. The idea is to keep things social. When ego's and commercial stuff happen im sure it takes away some of the fun. Prize money was sure nice to fish for but in the context of making these events available, its not going to happen straight away. Maybe later when we are running strong but not initially. Hopefully there might be a couple of sponsors willing to provide some tackle to make things a little nicer for those who do well.
My idea is
Arrive at the chosen location, fish for two days in allocated time slots, weigh in and get back home at a decent hour. First session will be 10am til 4pm or something similar to allow people to drive down if they cant friday. Should everyone be there then there is no reason why we cant start early. Sunday is early start and slightly less time fishing to get everyone home at a decent hour.
I would like to get the electric guys involved too, possibly giving them an hours head start over the power boats. Also dropping the bag to two fish to weigh in would see them alot more equal, be able to fish in comps again and also possibly beat power boats. Same basic rules apply, i dont think we need to go into them in detail. I know there has been and probably continues to be issues with dropping in etc. My stance here is that if it continually happens then you wont be invited back. Its all about honesty and being there for the experience of fishing not trying to hinder other people from having a good time.
I have made a few enquiries as to insurance and the like, it all depends on how much of a response there is and how people like the sounds of things. Of course if it goes big, insurance is a must and therefore it will require a seasonal nomination fee for everyone before they fish etc.
As far as prizes go, im not going to know until people jump on board. I had thought of trophies that get your name on it and maybe a prize pack of sorts. I think we all know bream fishing in WA isnt going to be at the stage where you can live off it anytime soon so dont expect huge amounts of prize money if it ever gets to that stage.
What I will add is that times and seasons for the events will be researched a bit and if its a long weekend, we can maybe do an extended event. Things like tides can be planned for to accommodate flats fishing, moons, seasons like blackwood in december or november or even january, walpole around the same time. Perth in august or july, mandurah in april albany when it fires etc. Or if we want can organise a real tough one when its not in season but i dont see the point of it. Maybe we could look at murchison river for something different. Maybe a skippy jigging comp. Mystery fish can be included. What we need is a good amount of feedback to keep the choices up to the anglers to make the events unique. Its not designed to tread on anyones toes, we will plan the events around ABT and the classics etc. I just want to give people the opportunity to do it like we used to and have a heap of fun along the way.
So yeah basically a socially orientated series, egos and politics not welcome, enjoy yourself and the company you will be in. Catch two fish a day, give the leccy boats a go, and be relaxed about the whole thing.
I would also love to get a group of ten or so boats together for some trial weekends to see just how it functions, just like a mates getaway.
Brad