Oakley Big Bass/KVD Classic

[Champ188]

No, aarchdale, you guys are the ones throwing a fit because I don't share the opinion that this tournament is the be-all, end-all, peaches-and-cream event of Table Rock bass fishing. It makes no difference if I'm the only member of this entire forum who feels this way, it's a public forum and I have every right to my opinion. For the last time, I don't care if they hand out lollipops wrapped in $100 bills, I do not care for this tournament and I've about reached the point that I don't care for any of them, including any that I've ever competed in or may compete in again.
My reasoning remains the same. Because of its sheer size, this event seems to bring out unprecedented levels of rudeness on the lake ... as if our everyday rudeness these days isn't already excessive. Does the big-bass format also lend to more of the run-and-gun, devil-may-care attitude of some contestants because of inexperience in how to behave during a competition? I think it probably does, but I'm not prepared to back that up so maybe so, maybe not.

What I do know is that it's high time people started showing some respect for others on the lake and anywhere/everywhere else in the world. But a realistic person such as myself also realizes that isn't going to improve.

So as my last word on this topic, I stand by my feelings and it doesn't bother me to stand alone (or with 5bites).

[Deadstream]

Well said Champ! P.S. When you guys get done barking, it's snowing in Northern Michigan and the Brookies are frisky. May20th.

[dtrs5kprs]

Well said Champ! P.S. When you guys get done barking, it's snowing in Northern Michigan and the Brookies are frisky. May20th.

That would be only barely survivable (snow). Hope you make it.

[Quillback]

And when the snow melts, the mosquitos and black flies emerge.

[5bites]

Champ. I have fished with you and respect you, But you need to pump the breaks You and Donna should have fished it to appreciate it........I promise. A three pounder about any hour would have dang near got your money back. And you would have been casting for a new boat the rest of the tourney. I know you spend a lot mor in entry fees in many your tourneys in hopes of winning $1200 on a successful top 5 finish......and I get that too, I do the same. But you can't compare that to an event like this,the others don't compare. If u think they aren't there there to make a buck promoting their wanna be sponsors you are wrong. Oakley and bass pro are as big as it gets on the rock.

In closing........ Knock off the negativity and appreciate such an event. And fish an event where u have a chance to win a new boat at such a low cost. They don't even offer those odds in Vegas.

As far as boat traffic.............this was held "pre- Memorial Day weekend", as it should. That scrutinized bass boat traffic won't hold a candle to what's to come on a week day in the dam area starting next week. Trust me, I'm on the lake a lot.

I know you said table rock but don't forget that Midwest Fish Tournaments puts these types of events on several times a year. I've only fished one.

Also look up the Nichols Marine series on Grand lake. You're fishing for a boat and serious payouts every event. That's why this Oakley thing doesn't really impress me. It's nothing that isn't already being done locally that you guys could be supporting year round. Not some fly in fly out circus act.

[Bass Enforcer]

There always seems to be some sense of negativity where ever you go or whatever forum you follow. Some complain about negativity on the lake and others complain of negativity on a forum. Yes it's a public forum and yes we are entitled to our own opinion. (Even though our opinion may be better kept to ourselves to avoid being classified as a whiner) But.. to rebuttle that, it's a public lake and everybody is entitled to fishing wherever they please. (Unless the tournament rules state otherwise or law.) Some guys feel more entitled than others. I get it,I too wish there was more respect regarding "coming in on someone else's fishing spot." But anytime you get that many people in an area some view it as disrespect but not always is that the case. Being in law enforcement we often see detours due to road construction. Inevitably, we receive complaints for "speeders." That being said we respond to the area to run radar. Not usually are speeders the problem. It's the higher volume of traiffic that some aren't used to or desire.. So, is this just another misperception? Maybe/maybe not.. I personally have fished the big bass bash numerous times at loz and taken home a check. I love the event and would fish the KVD big bash bass as well if I could get off work. These events are a ton of fun and generate a lot of money. Not only for that venue but also for the contestants. You know in advance when the tournament is coming. If it's going to cause frustration DON'T FISH THAT DAY! or just enjoy what the good Lord has blessed not only you with but all of those anglers as well. Good grief! I'm sure someone may say "why should I not fish that day,it's my lake too." You're right so gone joy it. After all its a 43000+ acre lake. Sorry if I offended anyone. I just hope I bring some other light to this topic.

[Champ188]

Well said, Bass Enforcer. I appreciate the perspective.

[5bites]

I totally agree with that also. This is basically why I fish table rock. It's my chill out lake. I still want to catch them but it's much less pressure. Grand is my tournament lake where fishing pressure is immense and table rock never even thought about dealing with that much pressure. Yet it still kicks out impressive stringers every weekend.

The rudeness part sucks and will likely only be solved by catastrophic economic failure. I've had crappie fishermen give me the same treatment though even with my kids in the boat so it's not just a money problem but a society problem. The same nuts on the highway are the same ones on the water.

[Quillback]

I read in the OBBT rules that a participant cannot fish closer than 25 yards to another boat unless they obtain the other boaters permission.

[Flysmallie]

it's not just a money problem but a society problem.

Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding!!!!

We have a winner.