Why Doesn't Anyone Fish Central Pro Am Anymore

[Jerry Rapp]

and what happened to Heartland Pro Am?

[dblades]

They were huge when they had multi-day pro-style tournaments, drawing anglers from as far away as Wisconson and Texas. Then they changed formats to the same as everybody else. I don't know if it's that or just a lack of tournament anglers in this economy that's the problem.

[Jason Essary]

Hate to say it but why fish a tourney where you pay a high entry fee, and by the time you get done and add gas, baits, time and effort not alone room and board if you are from elsewhere, you have to win the thing to break even. Just not a good way to use your money.

On the other hand, Millcreek Friday Night Tourneys are 100% payback, paying one per every 7 boats, and the entry is only $35. If you fall on bad times for the night, your not out that much, and if you at least get in the money, you break even.

http://www.millcreekteamnighttournaments.com/

[riverfish]

jason is right too much money not enough payout i mean i fish a few of the derbys around here. when it gets hot outside i really like the nite bite but, if i can't catch my fish within a mile or maybe two of take off i will just stick to losing my 35 bucks not that and fifty in gas

[Gone Fishing]

I know the winners on Sunday with only 38 boats entered walked away with $2300 in there pockets. Not bad for a day on the Rock. I am not saying it is for everyone and yes you are fishing against some of the best anglers around but sometimes it is fun to see how you rank among them.

[Sprint21fter]

Gone Fishing, momentum is a funny thing isn't it. Great Job!

[Champ188]

It costs Donna and I around $1500 to fish one of these derbies. That's leaving town early Thursday morning and coming home Sunday. Entry fee, truck gas, boat gas/oil for four days, lodging, meals, tackle, incidentals, etc. With only 30 entries, I'd absolutely have to win the pro side of the pro-am derby on Saturday to get a check for $1500. Same goes for the team derby on Sunday ... only first or second place would produce a break-even check.

Gone Fishing, if those guys indeed won $2300 in the last team derby, they had to split that, so each actually won $1150. By the time they subtracted expenses, there couldn't have been much left.

Can't speak for others but it just isn't a good investment for us.

[Gone Fishing]

Champ, I understand the expenses of traveling also. We used to travel and fish the Heartland and yes it was very expensive. CPA is trying something new this year and staying on the Rock. I am lucky enough to live close to the lake so all I am out is the entry and how much gas I am willing to burn.

[Champ188]

Gotcha, Gone Fishing. In your case, it could be very well be worth the investment.