Flw Rewind

[Bill Babler]

Personally, I am not ready to throw out the welcome mat again this year, for the FLW Superstars. For the most part last year their visit was a complete disaster for most of us locals, that fish the Rock.

I am sure most are just wonderful folks and some of our locals and contributors that fished on the Co-Angler Sides reported most to be very nice.

My problem was their Dog And Pony Show took over the Ramps, lake wide and they for the most part parked where they wanted out of desiginated areas and completely blocked ramps. Cut locals and other fishermen off on banks, and then tried to say what kind of rigs could be parked at the Landing and where you would have to park.

At this stage of the game, we really don't need this type of activity. I would rather fish with any of our Ozark Angler members than anyone on that tour.

Kind of like Jimmy Houston eluded to, I believe the bunch is so spoiled and mollycoddled they think they can do anything.

Personally, wish they would just stay away.

[Doug Weston]

Amen Bill,

I worked for the National Guard at the show last year, and I'm at least one person that they told that I couldn't park my Ranger there because I had a Mercury motor hanging on it, not to mention I was pulling it with a Ford....OH NO!!!

I'll be working the show again this year, and I think I get to go out with a National guard Sponsored angler for helping with the show, but other than that as the high point, I totally agree with you Bill. My club has a small derby right in the middle of their practice, so I hope they don't get too pushy out there.

Doug

[techo]

Any big tour that comes into our area causes havoc and makes it a bit uncomfortable. I would rather fish with anyone on here before them, but I had fun at the weighouts and visiting with people. I am still glad they come. I know there is always something or someone that throws a bad shadow though. An example would be apartment buildings and trailer courts. They aren't bad people, but there is a high concentration of people in a smaller area so it seems like they commit more crimes. Another example is the Champion boat tournament where a few Champion owners acted like they owned the lake and parked blocking the natural driving area on the Mill Creek ramp. Another example is at an AIA tourney where a boat cut right in front of me as I was about 25 yards from a point trolling up to fish and he took the point. Not all Champion owners are thoughtless, not all apartment dwellars and trailer court residents commit crimes and I don't have a strong feeling of violence toward all AIA tourney guys. There is this one Triton owner......never mind.

Guess I am trying to say the actions of a few should never be stretched to include all. Some are divas and some are pretty nice family guys. I hope it all goes well, but I know it won't.

[Quillback]

I understand how you feel, Bill. I was happy that they took Beaver out of the FLW tour. I don't have anything against big time tourneys, I just don't like them on the lake I fish The weekend that it is on, I just stay away.

But they do have a positive economic effect on the local retaurants and hotels, and I like to watch them on TV, and it's interesting to see what they use. I guess it's a love/hate relationship as far as I'm concerned.

[Sam]

I've got no bone to pick with big tourneys, I just head the other way. I figure if I start griping and wanting rules passed about the things other people like to do, it won't be long before people start restricting what I like to do, too (which is to put the elusive Missouri crappie in my live well).

Instead, when I catch a much-recycled bass out of Tablerock with half a dozen hook-holes in its' lips, I like to think that some of the holes may have been put there by those impotent (er, important) big-tournament guys with the nifty patches on their shirts.

I'm just downright honored to come that close to fame.

[Don House]

Bill, you got my vote!! I remember last year being cut off more than once fishing up the white past Baxter.. Even remember one of the big named wrapped boat came flying in cut us off made two or three casts then looked at like we were in his way, started up right in front of us and took off full blast.. Jerk, even my client could not believe it.. Anyway will not hurt my feelings at all..

Good Fishing Everyone..

Don

[motoman]

Bill, you got my vote!! I remember last year being cut off more than once fishing up the white past Baxter.. Even remember one of the big named wrapped boat came flying in cut us off made two or three casts then looked at like we were in his way, started up right in front of us and took off full blast.. Jerk, even my client could not believe it.. Anyway will not hurt my feelings at all..

Good Fishing Everyone..

Don

-

Shame, shame. A little courtesy goes a long way. If some people would just get a handle on what I call 'the basics', it coule speak volumes for the sport.

[dwiebenga]

I agree with you all about the issue. I watched an episode of Bass Pro's fishing show two weeks ago, and Rick Clunn touched on the same subject. We need to show eachother proper etiquette. Makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Love of the sport and the fish should drive us, not big rigs and money

[Gone Fishing]

Can't speak for all the pro's but, I followed Scott Canaberry on Sat. last year. Stand up guy. Very down to earth. I know he is new to the circuit but he has a regular job just like us. I honestly believe if he could have he would have let me in the boat to fish with him.

Probably did't hurt he was in the lead after Sat. with a 6 1/2 lb kicker.

[redbud]

I agree with Bill. These guys are pretty rude, Ive been cut off at the launch and on the lake.Now because of jerks like some of these rude pros if you have a nice rig people think you are like them.Id rather go noodling than fish with any of them .They are ruining our sport.$70k boats and $30 swimbaits. Not impressed. Maybe some of these goons will read some of these posts.,you know they are online looking for info.I hope we have a blizzard.