This has been going on for years.... Those that fish the Strens and know the Tour guys know it happens all the time. I have even been offered some kickback for some waypoints on certain lakes. There are several of the pros that actually abide by the rules 100% and won't even consider asking for "under the table" help. Those guys are handicapped even before they launch their boat.

Maybe Peter T. should contact Mr. Robby Rose to prefish for him.

Im not dogging the Elites, Im just saying that if they want to compete against the Skeet Reese, Alton Jones, Kevin Van Dam, and other Elite anglers they have to do the same as them. It is unfortunate, but thats just the way it is in the Elites. They still have to put their skills into play as far as fishing goes, but thats the easy part. Finding areas that hold large amounts of fish is the hard part.

Having a staff of people that prefish for you can only be bad for the sport! It makes it harder and harder for one compete without the deep pockets....I would think it would benefit everyone if this was stopped, the sooner the better. One can look to NASCAR to see what happens when the deep pockets rule.

I agree,

[quote=jbassman] Strike King and Lucky Craft just to name a few, have deep pockets, to hire and find the best locals,waypoints,etc on the lakes that are on the schedule.
So there guys can be on top all of the time. I know they still have to catch them BUT--I have read this before

I do not know whether what you said is true or not, jbassman. It probably does happen at some level. Either way you should be very careful about making potentially defamatory statements unless YOU have proof of your statements. Could open up a can of worms none of us want to see a fellow angler get in to.

The same thing happens here on the local level as well.
Not to many guys around the metro go out and find their own fish, They share amongst themselves and take each other out and show them this and show them that. It is kinda like the no tell don't ask BS.
I know most guys will not agree nor admit this. But most know this goes on. If you are one that plays this game you will be the one that disagrees and the ones that have been effective in one fashion or another will agree.
And I am fully aware that this post is going to ruffle some feathers at least those that practice this.
I would like to see a tournament trail with no schedule and you sign up and meet at a certain park a lot in the am and pull the lake you are going to fish out of a hat and drive to the lake that morning. Everyone shows up and fishes blind so to speak. Then let see how these boys do. I truly beleive that alot of these guys ( not all) will be in trouble.

I think that is why guys like Clunn, and the older guys are not doing as well , they still hunt and find there own fish like the old days. With there practice time.

A lot of this stuff is set up by the sponsors. They are the ones with the deep pockets. It's not even as hard as just getting the waypoints. They are provided with pre-loaded memory cards. Pop the chip in, and you're good to go.

I believe Jay Yelas speaks about this in his book.

It's nothing new, unfortunately.

i like Peter T, and am in no way trying to defame him- just proving a point that they all recieve help. I like the fact that they have a network that helps them, but for one or two to call the rest out seems unfair.

"I'm not saying I don't get information � I do, but mine comes in the form of relationships with friends and people I've fished with over the years, and I ask them about the conditions and the bite. I don't call and ask them to give me their 10 best waypoints. Some of these guys have no conscience and relying on that is a way of life for them. "(peter t)

you wanna seperate the ones who are fishing specific spots that were given to them, Vs. the ones who know the lake and whats going on with the fish at the current time.... add 6-10" of cold muddy water and some current and watch them scramble...

Fouzman I understand but I know Strike King does this because I was asked by 2 reps standing in Barlow's store? who is the best on LL we need to talk to that person,3 weeks before KVD showed up.

I for one wish this sport had the equality that it deserves. I wish money didn't buy you happiness, fishing spots, and tournament wins (which end up benefiting the sponsors). It has really took some of the excitement out of the sport for me.

If equality was the case we would be seeing Todd and Chris fish this next year in the Elites!

BUT I'm always the guy who roots for the guy who did it himself, has the daily struggles, and still pursues his dream.

I like KVD (he's a machine), but how exciting it knowing who will win each event?