Real solution here, nice Mr. Harper.

So, exactly what was the �cluster� last year? I�ve been doing it for three years now and while I�d certainly like to see a few minor changes and improvements I think it�s gone very well. One dad cheated, so what? Adults in adult tournaments cheat also. Some people will always cheat no matter what. Some guys like to bitch about everything. Kids stay home they bitch, they get outside and fish they bitch, blah blah blah. Too bad kids can�t be perfect like some of you guys used to be.

It�s definitely not perfect but from my experience it�s 99% the parents, not the kids. After running a club for three years now nothing surprises me with some parents. I agree on the fact some parents don�t even care enough to meet the adults taking their kids out. It�s pathetic but happens all the time. I can�t imagine letting my kid out on a lake with a person I�ve never met.

Glad nobody got hurt, I helped two ladies who got swamped this year and would be curious about what you should do to recover a boat like that? How do you roll it over etc?

I have a grand total of one HS tournament to my credit as captain. Not my kids, but two young men from Rockwall Heath I had never met. One of their dads offered a credit card, cash, anything I wanted, more or less, as thank your my help. His son texted me twice before the event, texted first thing that Saturday morning. They were on time, had their own gear and life jackets, they definitely were pretty solid fisherman and were very polite all day. I never asked for a nickel, but at the end of the day, they each gave me $40. We had a really good day in every possible way, in spite of the rain. I was very impressed with these kids!!

I saw a few clueless people, boaters, kids, truck drivers, etc. but with a very large sampling that day, overall it was a well run tournament and very few problems.

However, I think it's funny when anyone says, "times have changed" and then is able to excuse rude behavior. Yes, I am now 56 and much more easily annoyed. But, I might not have been perfect but, my friends and I were held accountable by our parents, our coaches, other parents, teachers, most adults. Now, kids flat aren't accountable. They are rude to adults, they can't spell, they don't speak, even when spoken to, they have no work ethic, they don't give a crud about their grades, they don't have chores, they are hermits in their rooms, they don't go to church, they don't eat with the family, they don't do squat with the family, on and on. We allow the behavior because we have little help, from like minded adults. As a group, adults/parents/coaches/preachers/teachers we seem to be so afraid of these kids fragile egos that we don't correct in certain terms, we speak softly and act as if the kids run the show. Yes, times are different. However, there are some really good kids who need to be encouraged to fish, hunt, etc. and there are some parents who need to be encouraged to fight the fight. Can you tell I'm a little sick of it !!!! Seems in general, there are far fewer parents who want to PARENT and too many who want to be friends with their kids!! I'd suggest that if you have the time at all, volunteer your time, your boat, and yes, possibly your gas, rods, reels, etc. to maybe help a kid who is actually trying to do right!

Good post, Its different with your own kids or even those that are relatives and will captain those for THSBA, but otherwise due to liability issues I like WAWI I won't be taking other kids out on these.

I sunk a boat years ago. Used large inner tubes to inflate the boat then towed it to shallow water. Once you are in shallow then it is getting help and using the buoyancy of the inner tubes to roll it over. My boat was only a 15 footer so 2 of us were able to roll it over then pump water out. A larger boat may require a winch to roll it. Not easy but doable.

I hope all the kids are able to stay safe out there tomorrow on Lewisville... 20 mph N winds with gusts, sub 30 degree wind chill for most of the morning, rain off an on till about 10am, and 52-53 degree water temp. Its good to know the safety of the KIDS takes precedence .

^^^^^^^^^^^^

No �skin in the game� here...If safety of the kids is not considered, and coercion of kids and captains to do dangerous things, then this is one screwed up deal.

Live to fish another day.

Back trailer into the water, leave boat attached, make several casts, then leave.

Nothing will change until they lose a life. I�ve captained for one on Texoma! Great kid, very polite, great angler! I did see several inexperienced Captains allowing their team to cut off other boats. The ramp was a nightmare. They fish with a lot of boats in each tournament! I pray all are safe tomorrow!

Great Post, lots to think about, planning to capt for my grandson in Lindale, and partner to be named in future, Feb is first tourney, Thank you all for your input