This was my first time to fish a tournament and I had a great time. It was an experience like no other!! I will say this though, and it is no reflection on Bass Champs because they put on one heck of a tourney, but there were some very inconsiderate boaters out there. From running into your boat before take off, cutting you off on the lake, to blocking you at the ramp when you're trying to load. I was shocked!
I couldn't count how many guys cut me off. I was surprised at the fact rules flat out said no guides, no pros and you see trucks in the parking lot with there trailer hooked up with there advertising on the side of the truck. The. You seen 100 wrapped boats with advertisers all over on them. Guess they were advertising for free.
Just because someone has a wrapped boat doesn't mean they are a pro. Definition of a pro is someone that has fished in a tournament with a $1500 or larger entry fee in the past year if I remember correctly. And guides can fish, they just can't guide on that lake for a 15 day period leading up to the tournament. And the way I see it, if I want to be the best, I have to beat the best. Tournament fishing is me vs the fish, no matter who is entered in the tournament.
The PRO--GUIDE thing doesn't bother me any,,,,,,,fish can be caught by anyone & the Bass Champs staff knows what they are doing.
BUT
the cut-offs and the inconsiderate guys loading or un-loading at the ramp is something that can be very annoying. Seeing as how nothing can be done and they know it makes it that much worse,,,,,,but an a$$ will be an a$$ no matter where or when. Although nothing can be done,,,,,something should always be said. Even at the best run events the TD cannot control everyone. Bass Champs does a great job and with 300+ boats you will get a few that think they can do whatever.