| Author | Message | ||||||
| Redskeeter
Moderator Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 2419 Registered: 8-2007  Rating: N/A |
Posted on Saturday, February 28, 2015 - 5:09 pm: Quick question for the in the know crowd.... will both trails allow guides to fish one season to the next if they qualify for the championship the year before???.. Looking at the numbers of entries, drop from say 4-yrs ago.. Not trying to hiss anyone off here either.. But if you notice and I'm sure you have. The donator teams have fell off big time.. Now I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but it don't take a lot to figure some of this stuff out... So what do you experts say about that ??? hummmmm ??? Look at BnB and BLT.. way better payout than the afore mentioned ?? where is everybody ??... Not that I'm gonna run out and sign up for every trail that disallows Guides to fish. But I bet there are some that will/would..justsay'n-m2c's | ||||||
| Shawnmead
Bluegill Username: Shawnmead Post Number: 270 Registered: 6-2012 Rating: N/A |
The donator teams have fell off....that's no lie. I doubt it has much to do with the guide rule though. I believe it has more to do with the overwhelming amount of tournament trails available to fish and gas prices over the past few years. It seems to me that more people I know have stayed closer to wherever home is for them. March-May will always have a higher draw at Fork though. | ||||||
| Redskeeter
Moderator Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 2420 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
Maxwell and I were talking about the BLT and why he and Dudley weren't gonna fish it... Like you say more entries in spring time, they are fishing Media.. I have to much going to commit to a trail.. I know when Eric and Caldemyer hook up as a team--watch out, you have a big fish guy and a finish your limit out with big unders guy.. Deadly combo.. It's hard to compete against that much talent without T.O.W. you have to be real good, or lucky or both.. I can't remember the last time I had a big limit day, even when just fun fishing.. I do know Monte' is somking hot right now, I've got to get over there asap.. A buddy of mine is begg'n me to go with him.. He's been pulling some big fish over there... | ||||||
| Shawnmead
Bluegill Username: Shawnmead Post Number: 271 Registered: 6-2012 Rating: N/A |
Do they fish anything other than Bass'N Bucks on Fork anymore? I know they fish Texas Team Trail together. As far as I know, those are the only trails that the Fork Guides encompass besides the few fishing a BASS Weekend Series or something related to FLW. The Champs tourney being rescheduled just eliminated about 6-7 guides from entering. I have heard plenty of folks complain about Lil E and David Ozio fishing Media in years past. Maybe that's why Media has fallen off. Mark Howard won't let any of em fish JCO and it hasnt really helped his draw at all so that kind of debunks that idea unless his problem is payout. To add to it.....it's the same people cashing checks in both. Maybe the LF Mafia and the likes of Maples/Walker, Priest and a few others ran everybody off?? Can't compete against TOW and an impeccable network of friends. jm2c's (Message edited by Shawnmead on March 1, 2015) | ||||||
| Picklefork
Moderator Username: Picklefork Post Number: 1200 Registered: 12-2009  Rating: N/A |
Don't get me started..... | ||||||
| Redskeeter
Moderator Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 2422 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
The Pickle abide's....LMAOOOO... Mark you da man... Shawn you hit a lot of thinks right there... On Sandlin two guys all but ran everyone off.. They aren't guides either, they can't help it if they're just that good... They don't have a life or girlfriends---one has a girlfriend now... The guides that do fish Media are carried over every year if they follow Medias format and they do so ?? throw your hands up. Gordon will have to change that, if he ever will ? i doubt it... again not trying to pizz anyone off here, but knowing what I know, I won't fish those trails, neither will a lot of other donators like me.. It's just to much of an advantage to over come. imo | ||||||
| Tomc
Lunker Username: Tomc Post Number: 1072 Registered: 12-2006  Rating: N/A |
Overall from the little I have read and looked at shows that entries are up for other areas. I noticed that Media was drawing more in a lot of places than in past years and Champs has been killing it with 2 -3 events having over 300. Teams may have also moved on to some of the higher stakes, bigger events. I noticed that Billy’s schedule had a lot of Fork on it though was focused on the Big Fish events rather than the stringer trails. There could be folks moving more to that side of the tracks. Would have liked to have seen what Champs would have drawn on Fork with some decent weather. My guess would have been 325 or more. 20k goes a long way for drawing entries and with gas where it is, makes sense to travel a bit. I was going to fish it and I had not even been on the lake in about 2-3 weeks and only twice this year. My partner had not been on the lake recently either. We were just going to try our luck because of the 20k. I think the guide inclusion clause hurt the JCO several years ago though Mark and Diane seem to be making a comeback recently. Let’s see if we can get Pickle started….. Pickle, having been a participating member of the Lake Fork Dinkmaster ATM Crew, what are your thoughts on what has transpired over the last couple of years? Where do you see the stringer trails headed as they move forward into 2015? Thanking the Lord, all day long --- tomc | ||||||
| Picklefork
Moderator Username: Picklefork Post Number: 1201 Registered: 12-2009 Rating: N/A |
where do I see um goin? My back pocket!!! with my health issues the last 3 years I could barely fight off those young bum punks...Well thats all over...I've been playin' nice for to long..See this Revo stx and champion extreme in my hand? well? do ya Punk? It'll blow your top ten plum off!!!! | ||||||
| Charles
Moderator Username: Charles Post Number: 1634 Registered: 7-2004 Rating: N/A |
Yea...lets get Pickle started  | ||||||
| Shawnmead
Bluegill Username: Shawnmead Post Number: 272 Registered: 6-2012 Rating: N/A |
Yeah I don't think we can put any weight on recent draws. Imo you can chalk that up to timing and low gas prices. Rayburn and Toledo in Jan/Feb is guaranteed 300 teams with the above factors. That's like Fork in March. The purse has to be worth it....and guaranteed money brings em in. That is something that JCO and Media can't compete with. Anymore, it seems that 40-60 teams is a high draw for either. I am betting that they average 20-25 boats on the year. Mark and David are good people, but it is a business and they are on the sidelines watching the Champs dog and pony show. | ||||||
| Redskeeter
Moderator Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 2424 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
Phft---40-60 teams.. When we fished it was a 100+ teams was the norm.... Try to beat those odds of getting lucky---and guides were there too. •••• I could fish back then, what happened... LOL...: ) Not being on the water 120-160 days a year is what happened... Yep.... | ||||||
| Shawnmead
Bluegill Username: Shawnmead Post Number: 274 Registered: 6-2012 Rating: N/A |
The good ole TOW cures all doesn't it? One day!!.....hmmmph. | ||||||
| Picou
Wall Hanger Username: Picou Post Number: 4451 Registered: 8-2004  Rating: N/A |
That was the benefit to fishing Media on Fork -- number of teams... Made it possible for guys like me to finish in the money occasionally. The top 10 spots were always splattered with the names of Dyson, Ozborne, Pickle, Tommy C, Zeeter, Sinkey, Little E, and a few others. If that tourney was not paying out at least 15 places and all of the regulars were there then it was just a donation day. If we had 90+ fishing that day I went out MUCH more relaxed then those days we only had 70. I remember going to tournaments on T-Wok or Cedar Creek thinking there were only a few teams to really worry about -- Scott Dean comes to mind. But a tournament on Fork meant that there were 10 - 15 teams that you had to worry about. At least 3/4 of those teams would always finish in the money so that left very few spots in the payout list. A good day on Fork was rarely good enough for a check. Any other lake against the regular field, a good day put you in the money.  Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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| Picklefork
Moderator Username: Picklefork Post Number: 1202 Registered: 12-2009 Rating: N/A |
I am real excited about the possibility of the TLF starting up. This format is right up my alley and I will for sure fish a few of them. | ||||||
| Zeeter
Lunker Username: Zeeter Post Number: 1769 Registered: 3-2007  Rating: N/A |
The guides ain't got nothing to do with entries! That's a scape goat when you get beat by a guide! On the other hand I've heard people on here say hell I beat a guide when they win bawahahaha The problem is tournament directors having too many trails on too many weekends. He'll every Tom dick and Harry got a tournament trail! That's why I really started guiding'. You win a tourney now you win 1500 split plus gas and tackle! And you got to find a place for a plastic plaque! Catching Big Ole PIGS... It's Awesome Man Zach Hughes For assistance contact my agent #cell 585-815-9079 http://www.sundogeyewear.com Skeeter Boats / Yamaha Outboards | ||||||
| Zeeter
Lunker Username: Zeeter Post Number: 1770 Registered: 3-2007 Rating: N/A |
Oh and every lake has locals..... Go down to Rayburn and Toledo to really get a taste of it! Catching Big Ole PIGS... It's Awesome Man Zach Hughes For assistance contact my agent #cell 585-815-9079 http://www.sundogeyewear.com Skeeter Boats / Yamaha Outboards | ||||||
| Shawnmead
Bluegill Username: Shawnmead Post Number: 275 Registered: 6-2012 Rating: N/A |
I am in agreeance with ya bud....there are far too many trails and only a small few that have decent turnout and guaranteed payout. There is always going to be local competition....but they still gotta catch em and play by the same rules as everybody else. | ||||||
| Redskeeter
Moderator Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 2425 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
IF it weren't an issues why did the numbers drop off... Being in the position I'm in on another forum 4-5 yrs ago I used to get a lot of PM's concerning the guide issue in torunaments on fork from the average Joe's of the world thinking I might have some pull in getting that fixed.. Well I ain't got no pull and it was starting to pizz friends of mine off so I quit and frankly my dear I don't give a dam.. That's why I fish big bass events or something like a Champs event ONLY... However I promise you from past conversations THE GUIDE DEAL IS A DEAL for the average Joe I don't care what you say in defense of it... I wish I had some of those PM's but my box fills up so quick I have to delete them once a month... I honestly can't believe anyone in their right mind (general public here) would agree to hand their entry over every month... LOL And they don't thus a drop in entries.. The economy is on the rise, gas prices are a 5-yr low, I'm loving it....Where are the donators ?????????? | ||||||
| Redskeeter
Moderator Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 2426 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
What is this you speak of Pic..??? Posted on Monday, March 2, 2015 - 11:32 am: I am real excited about the possibility of the TLF starting up. This format is right up my alley and I will for sure fish a few of them. | ||||||
| Zeeter
Lunker Username: Zeeter Post Number: 1771 Registered: 3-2007 Rating: N/A |
I think we are talking about the low end entry tournies.... Platinum, Champs, Texas Team Trail they have higher entries better pay out and draw 200+ for sure! It has local sticks and guides that fish every one of them! Including a lot of average Joes. It all boils down too when Media was drawing 100+ teams there wasn't JC no bass n bucks no bud light Time on the water plays a huge role in wins vs.losses but what's the difference in the so called young bum punks and the retired guys who fish every day....... Catching Big Ole PIGS... It's Awesome Man Zach Hughes For assistance contact my agent #cell 585-815-9079 http://www.sundogeyewear.com Skeeter Boats / Yamaha Outboards | ||||||
| Shawnmead
Bluegill Username: Shawnmead Post Number: 276 Registered: 6-2012 Rating: N/A |
Fish for $2000 depending on turnout or fish for $10,000/15,000/20,000 guaranteed with bonus incentives...I mean that pretty much sums it up. As far as the average joes....lol...they all want an equal playing field. They want a trail full of blue collar 9-5 guys that are weekend warriors. In their eyes, guides are no different than those that can spend 180+ days on the water a year. That includes a long list of folks....some of whom post here. They will never be happy unless the playing field is equal. Equal practice/pre-fishing time, equal electronics, equal boats....equal everything. If ya don't believe it then read some of that bs on TFF. Luckily the only thing they are entitled to is a long day on the water and a drive home. Way of the world these days | ||||||
| Redskeeter
Moderator Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 2428 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night... | ||||||
| Picklefork
Moderator Username: Picklefork Post Number: 1204 Registered: 12-2009 Rating: N/A |
Texas League Fishing Billy. Same format as Major League Fishing. There's a post over on TFF somewhere on it. | ||||||
| Redskeeter
Moderator Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 2429 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
Ow interesting, indeed... I was just at Fork--back home now. Not much change in my cove,water wise... depressing.. | ||||||
| Picou
Wall Hanger Username: Picou Post Number: 4454 Registered: 8-2004 Rating: N/A |
The point about the average joe wanting a level playing field is partially accurate in my case -- not the boats, electronics, fishing rods, etc.... The only point I agree on there is pre-fishing. All the other stuff is irrelevant to me. I can catch fish when I find them -- finding them is the key. Being able to locate them immediately preceding the event is an advantage -- period. Especially during the spawn on Fork. I am not saying that it is wrong that people have the means to spend time on the water before an event. Heck, if I could do it I would be right there with them. However, I am not as willing to put my cash on the line when I know that I am fishing against several teams who already have a distinct advantage over me and the payout is shallow. Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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| Shawnmead
Bluegill Username: Shawnmead Post Number: 277 Registered: 6-2012 Rating: N/A |
We seem to all be in agreeance as to why the media's and jco's of the area have fallen off....simply put, economics. We all just have a slightly different idea as to who or what is responsible. To each his own I guess as all of our thoughts and concerns are respected amongst this group. | ||||||
| Tomc
Lunker Username: Tomc Post Number: 1073 Registered: 12-2006 Rating: N/A |
Trails get aged. Trails designated on the same lake maybe get older quicker as far as a draw. The bottom line of the thread imo, is “what is with the entries”. I think Mike states it well as folks want to have a decent chance at cashing. Less entries means a higher percentage of checks to regulars and means less checks to your average angler entering. Media has hurt its draw on Fork by consistently allowing several of the well known names to continually compete over the years. The few entries from the guides are not the entries that make or break the turnout. In order to keep the entries up, there has to be a major majority of the average tourney anglers. Those are the dollars the trails need to be after in order to produce turnout for a trail on Fork that is a $160 entry. If you don’t like the odds, do you play anyways? Everyone has a choice. Folks are making their choice and they are not showing up. Being designated as a donator does not have much appeal. It does make for some interesting debate on a snow day. Fork does have her allure. Thanking the Lord, all day long --- tomc | ||||||
| Picou
Wall Hanger Username: Picou Post Number: 4457 Registered: 8-2004 Rating: N/A |
Proven fact that you will never please every body but I agree completely Tom... A tournament trail is a business -- bottom line. What market are they targeting is the question they need to ask themselves. You have to appeal to that market and you can have a successful business. (Message edited by picou on March 5, 2015) Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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| Charles
Moderator Username: Charles Post Number: 1637 Registered: 7-2004 Rating: N/A |
Speaking of tournaments, we need to have another TFN gathering. The Red Solo Cup pattern was off the chains! | ||||||
| Picou
Wall Hanger Username: Picou Post Number: 4458 Registered: 8-2004 Rating: N/A |
I was thinking the same thing the other day... I guess I do care how much water is at Billy's dock after all... Thank you Lord for my family and the waters I get to fish
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| Redskeeter
Moderator Username: Redskeeter Post Number: 2432 Registered: 8-2007 Rating: N/A |
Not enough is my guess from last Tuesday... At 400 we'd have 3 foot under it. | ||||||
| Tomc
Lunker Username: Tomc Post Number: 1074 Registered: 12-2006 Rating: N/A |
More rain coming this Sunday/Monday. Should still be wet. We need a serious turdfloater Thanking the Lord, all day long --- tomc |
