Went fishing with n2fishin1 last night, and we were discussing the fact that we didn't have any tourneys this year. We talked about having one in the fall, either late September or early October, when the heat lets up a bit. Here's the idea: the tourney will be held at a lake to be named later using the same rules as last year, basically. Entry fees will be $25 per person, $10 for big bass, 100% payback.

The big difference is that we will release the name of the lake one week prior to the tournament to everyone who confirms their entry. The lake will be within two hours of the metroplex, and will hopefully be one that few, if any, of us have fished much if at all. Those of us setting up the tourney will only visit the lake to determine where to set up the start/weigh-in, etc. (We won't even bring a rod, even if it kills us! )

The idea is to level the playing field, so to speak.

In addition to this little twist, we might also want to hold a fish fry or other lunch after the tournament. This would allow us to get to know one another better and tell some lies.

If anyone has any thoughts, let me know. As soon as possible, I'll post info on my website and here. Also, if any of you connected tubers could hook us up with sponsors who might be willing to contribute prizes or $$$, let me know. I could only offer publicity on my site and in tournament publications, but it would be nice to have some prize drawings or even entry "goodie bags."

Anyone else just dying for some competition? (Must be the Classic!)

I'm in!!!!

I'm in also. Let me know what we need (other than sponsors)

When I get my feet wet (no pun intended) with my new float tube, I might try and make it.

How about October 2nd?

Count me in as well

When you say you're going to release the name of the lake a week prior, does that mean on Friday so the weekend prior is a pre-fish? or....are you thinking everyone will fish it blind?

Kelly

sounds like no pre fish.

We were thinking everyone would fish it blind

Wayne is right--we were thinking of fishing it blind. I have a few lakes that folks have recommended that will be considered, but the idea is for there to be no advantage to anyone fishing their "home" lake. Of course, if a person happens to enter who knows the lake, that's the way it goes. What do you think?

What do I think?

I think that after the grief Jerry and I got last year, and went out of our way to try and make it fair to everyone, there is no way that someone won't step up and cry foul, insinuating that the person(s) that picked the lake fished it prior to the tourney.

Hope I'm wrong, but the only way I see around that is for a tourney director to not fish the tourney. Otherwise, I think it'll be limited to those of us that would otherwise get together and fish for fun.

I sincerely hope I'm wrong!

Either way, count me in, as long as it doesn't conflict with another tourney I'm in.

KD

Or....if you really want to make it blind....collect entry fees based on who wants to fish, based on the limited mileage range.

Since everyone is fishing it blind, naming the lake a week prior serves no purpose but to make people suspect to those that have week days off and may fish it prior to the tourney, after it's named.

Maybe picking the lake thru a drawing, and posting it on the site at 5pm the night prior might eliminate some of the suspiciousness.

I'm just thinking as I type.....like I said, I'll fish it either way.

Kelly

At least you're thinking--don't hurt yourself! The drawing idea is a cool one--but people could still say the drawing is fixed or nonexistent or whatever. I'm not sure how to combat that, except to make it a matter of my word. Those who have gotten to know me through this here forum can, I hope, vouch for that (begin the sarcastic replies now! ). Didn't know anyone gave you grief last year--good thing I can be selectively deaf! I'm emailing some folks about sponsorships for the tourney via the website, btw. We'll see if we can't get up some prizes.

I'm all for the drawing idea, I just wanted to make sure no one starts complaining about it, and that the tourneys draw as many as possible. I like the "mystery lake" angle alot, and wish some circuits would try it.

On the other hand, whatdaIcare if someone complains????.....You're the man this year!

Go get'em Tiger!

KD

My brain hurts!

What about everyone meeting like in some central locatation at 4 or 5am for breakfast the morning of the tourney, and then drawing from the lakes listed on the LSFTA web? We could then all caravan out there, and everyone would see the drawing? I know I've gone over to the dark side and am getting used to fishing dry, but darn it last year I bought a floating fish basket, and got a wrist mounted humminbird I planned to use in a tubing tourney! Just an idea...Ron