Just a reminder to all the non boaters at the tournament.(in case you forgot) I'm sure that all of you remembered to pay your share of the gas and expenses for the tournament. In case you didn't I would reccomend a minimum of $50.00. I know that with the gas for two days (practice & tournament day) I spent over $150.00 total.

I know that at some of the prior tournaments I heard some grumbling from some boaters about getting little or no help.

If you paid your share then this isn't aimed for you so don't be offended and if you forgot then you should be grateful for the reminder and not be offended. (heck either way someone will be P O'd)

I had a great partner - cellis. He over reimbursed and I had to threaten him with fishing with me again before he would take some of it back.

What a problem to have.

Thanks for posting this Ernest, my partner for this weekend more than paid his way but I know there are some that don't.

First off, Ernest I'm not pissed off and I do understand the possible neccessity of posting this item, but I would point out that usually the only ones that respond to this kind of posting are the boat owners who typically were pleased with their partner and their partner's reimbursements. What I would say, is if the grumbles continue, perhaps it relates to specific individuals and maybe PM's are more appropriate to them specifically rather than a every tournament gentle reminder.

Just my thoughts.

Tracy

Thanks Tracy,for your thoughts, if I knew who the offenders were I might well address this in a PM but since I don't this is the only way to address it and it is a problem.

We all know that you pay your way but you are also not the one getting stiffed. If you were you might appreciate these reminders. I also agree that the offenders will probably ignore the reminders. But we can only try.

Sadly, if it is as much of a problem as you indicate, this alone will more than likely put and end to the draw tournaments and will ultimately lead to folks like me no longer being able to participate in club tournaments. Its a sad commentary IMHO, but such is life.

Tracy

You may be right. Maybe there should be a standard for non boaters. Half the entry fee plus $75 for expenses and if you place in the money only 25% return. Or something reasonable like that.

Got no problem with the first 2, but would take exception with the last one. In fact, I would change it to cover the entire entry fee, plus some number for expenses. I would be against affecting any return monies won due to placement. Opportunities for non-boaters to place in the money are so rare that to dock that would be the final straw to make um probably not want to fish at all. Now if thats your goal after all then I guess you could implement that.

Regarding the first 2 items I listed, for the last 2 tournaments I have paid the entire team entry fee plus any expenses that the boat owner wanted. I will continue to do that for the remainder of the year. Seems only right to me.

Tracy

Hey you could be right. It was just a suggestion. I know that boats are expensive toys. Ive had mine less than a month and have already spent over 3,000 on it and didnt even get an si. Shoot thats 50% of what I spent on the boat. To me the money doesnt mean much, just know what it costs to be a boat owner.

My regular partner for TXSBHA tourneys picks up the entire entry fee and I cover the gas for the boat and my truck. He has a boat as well but we fish mine because of the electronics. We split all winnings 50/50 and if there's an odd amount it goes to me (or him should we fish his boat). Our tourney fees aren't quite as much, $35 / team + $5 big fish pot but so far it's worked out well for us.

And Brian's right, if you've never owned a boat you can't appreciate how fast things add up even on a new boat. I bought my Nitro last year new and have spent close to $3k getting it like I want. Granted I could have done that before the boat ever left Bass Pro but I was a new boat owner and didn't realize that Nitro "bottom ends" most of the accessories to keep the price low.

Not trying to give CELLIS a big head, but you can't ask for a better partner. Learn Hard, Fish Hard (sometime would give me a good whooping as well) and extremely CONSIDERATE, simply one great fella to fish with anyday!!!!

I agree 100%. I had the pleasure to fish with Cellis 2 weeks ago on lake Arlington and he taught me how to shoot docks and we had an awesome day on the lake. Funny guy too!

I paid them all to say that.

Paul and I try to split expenses 50/50. Sometimes we use my boat, sometimes his. We switch tow vehicles, split gas, motels, food, ice, etc. as best we can.
We split earnings 50/50 and split the taxes on earnings.

That is only fair and no one feels cheated. I've had partners that didn't or couldn't afford to split expenses and I've had some that paid far more than their share.

99% of the time we both go pre-fish. If one doesn't go pre-fish, the other helps on fuel/bait for those days also.

It stinks when your out all the expenses and have to split earnings also. I don't expect anyone to help on up keep of the boat but just splitting costs 50/50 goes a long way and doesn't cause hard feelings and is only right.