Cpa - Central Pro Circuit - 10/11/14

[Fishin Hodge]

The Central Pro Circuit starts this Saturday. It is a little restrictive on who can fish it, (no guides/noone making > $10K fishing in the past 5 years). Wish they would open it up a little more to get more participants, but I can say I easily qualify to fish. Kinda excited to do this little series.

http://webboutdoors.com/2015-info/central-pro-circuit/2015-pro-circuit-schedule/

[Champ188]

Hope it works out for you. But unless participation is waaaaaaaay up from what it's been the past couple of years, it's gonna cost you out the wazoo to fish it with little chance of recouping any of it.

For example, by the time you pay entry fee, gas, lodging, eats, lures and other assorted costs, you are going to spend a bare minimum of $500. On a 40-boat field, you will have to finish third or better to get a check for more than $500. And they only pay seven places on 40 boats, so it's not like a bunch of people are going to recoup at least part of what they spent.

And 40 boats is assuming a jump in participation. This past year and the year before, they only averaged 30 boats per tournament ... and that was without all the new restrictions on who can/cannot fish.

Just saying, it will take a far bigger field than they've been able to draw in order to spread around any appreciable amount of money. And I'll have to see that happen to believe it.

[Fishin Hodge]

I can't argue with you there champ. I am in a unique situation to live about 45 minutes from the ramp, and won't be out of a lot of extra money, but still, unless a fella can pull a top 5, it is a loser, but anymore, what tournament isn't.

On a better note, I do enjoy the fall tournaments on Table Rock, if I have a strength, which is debateable, that would be it. It looks like an attempt to involve some of the more local guys in the area that will throw down $170 to fish, but shy away from a two day $300+ entry fee that travels to several lakes that we/they lack experience on. September next year championship, 4 tournaments. Bacially just hopeful between the two fall tournaments I might squek away and break even. Anytime I can fish and do that, I call it a victory.

I am hopeful several will show up, I'll be sure to report back my feelings on the experience.

[Champ188]

Agreed with all, Hodge. Especially the part about all tournaments being down in numbers, which couldn't be more directly tied to payout.

I hope you do well. Being able to stay/eat at home changes the dynamic considerably where the wallet is concerned.

May see you at the May tournament. I do enjoy fishing post-spawn derbies on the Rock.

[Fish24/7]

t's w/ many prizes and lots of food are drawing lots of boats/anglers.

WRVEC Hooked On Education on BS

Record attendance this year, 134 boats. First place took home $2,000.

There's been talk of putting a 150 boat max limit for 2015 but I'm not 100% for sure.

Each of the fishermen received a very nice gift at registration. They returned in the afternoon for grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and the chance to win an assortment of prizes including rods,reels, tackle, power tools, Bass Pro gift cards and more! The winners, including first through 15th place, took home 70 percent payback in prize money.

[Fishin Hodge]

Yeah that is a little hard for me to understand what it takes to draw big numbers. On the same note, Big bass tournaments seem to be doing really well too. I have fished half a dozen in the past 4 or 5 years, and I must say that are rather enjoyable.

I just wish there was better participation like in some of the days of old, but for the most part 30+ boats is an honestly good turnout now for most stuff.

On this theme, I was thinking it may be a decent idea to mention some of the better tournament organizations you guys have fished that you enjoy.

Some organizaitions/trails I consider to be some of the better ones now:

Ozark Mountain Team Trail

Central Pro-Am

Joe Bass

Anglers in Action

Oakley Big Bass

Winter Bass-O-thon

Winter Bass Series

BFL

Anybody have any additional trails/orgs they recomend for those looking to fish some tournaments?

[cullinby9]

I think it takes the trust of the anglers. So many circuts to choose from if the tournament directors run a profesional circut that treats every participant the same wether they're buddies with the guy or complete strangers I feel the better fisherman gravitate towards those circuts. I've gotta say that if you're spending 500 bucks on a one day tournament that only draws 40 boats then you must eat 30 ounce ribeyes or drive around the whole lake. I'm fishing this event and if there's 5 boats I'm still gonna go fish just as hard as if it's a 200 boater. I think what Mike is doing is a good idea. If I know going out that I don't have have to beat 15 touring pros and 5 guides it might make it a little easier to relax and let the day unfold intsead of forcing things trying to catch 20 pounds. Everyday that I get on the water gets me that much closer to competeing at the highest level. If it's only about the return then the only option is flw or b.a.s.s. I don't know very many guys that make a profit not fishing some level of those two circuts. I think this is a good way to let guys build confidence whether they're new to the sport or co-anglers wanting to try to fish out of the front.

[dblades]

I think he's cutting his own throat by restricting anglers, no one that has had any success, even in his own circuit can fish. CPAA didn't used to have any trouble getting 100+ boats for the two day draws. Now everyone only want to fish team or one day solo events events, but they want the same payouts they used to get. I personally fished the old CPAA mainly to test myself, not to fish against a weaker field. I definitely don't like the all Table Rock format.

[Flysmallie]

How can you become one of the best if you don't compete against the best?

[Bill Babler]

It is more than easy to spend 500 bucks on any derby. If you have a night lodging, entry fees, including big bass and side pot, travel expenses, fuel for both boat and truck and I will tell you, you can eat cold cuts and still go way over that 500 figure.

A few years ago Tim Sainato and I won the Heartland buddy circuit. At that time there was lots of traveling all over to Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. We won a total of right at $20,000.00 and that is just about what it cost us.

Before gas came down a few weeks ago, it was costing me close to $350.00 to fill the truck and boat. You drive down here from either Saint Louis or Kansas City, and come a day early to pre-fish and you will not do it for $500.00 Be way closer to a $Grand.

Just in oil for 2 or 3 days of hard to moderate running, you if you are really watching what you are spending will be a 50 bucks just for the oil if you are using name brand.

As tight as my wife's purse strings are, I don't believe she could hold in under $500.00