Hats off to MLB

[m&m]

Here is an idea that is out of the box......it appears that the mortality rate is highest in the summer months.  It also appears that larger tournaments want the exposure for the sponsors, fans, etc at a weigh-in.  Most, if not all of these large tournaments obtain regatta permits from the government agency who issues them.  Surely we here in MO can approach the government agency and try to have a black out period where no regatta permits are issued during those months where the mortality rates are highest.  Or maybe the regatta permits for those tournaments during the hottest months limit the number of fish in a livewell as Browning Collector suggested.  I think that everyone is in agreement about preserving the resource.

Mike

[basser6760]

From someone who doesn't fish tournaments much, I have always liked the 3 fish limit or big bass format.  There has been a decrease in tournament participants over the last few years.  The reason: those who can't fish 5 to 7 days a week feel like they are donating their money.  If there were a 3 bass limit, even a "hacker" like myself might have a chance to win some money.  Also, as previously stated, the mortality rate might possibly go down hauling fewer fish in a livewell in the summer and with the spawners in the spring.  Just some thoughts from a very simple man.

[Flysmallie]

2 hours ago, m&m said:

Surely we here in MO can approach the government agency and try to have a black out period where no regatta permits are issued during those months where the mortality rates are highest. 

So what you are saying is that the government is going to pass on all that extra tax money because they have a tender heart for fish? I think not. They won't even do that for it's citizens. I don't think you have any chance in getting the government to help control this. I'm all for it but politicians are all for money. 

[Nimrod Nick]

I like the mlb weight in concept but not practical for many local tournaments. I use frozen gallon jugs in my 30 gallon live well that had 2 pumps and the fish seem to do well at weigh ins. Also use the reguvinator powder in live well.Is there more that I could be doing. I have fished tournaments with others that did not have big enough live wells and poor areators and the fish did not live, and the live well was to small to use frozen 1/2 gallon jugs including the fish. Maybe there should be some better regulations on live well's in tournaments and some education on how to treat your fish me included.

[ramman123]

10 hours ago, slowbait said:

Well ramman then you should be the first to donate 8 hours as a volunteer to ride around and be a judge.

Slow Bait Ill do it anyday that im not in a yak tournament, and it would be a fun experience riding with the guys and showing them new structures without having to haul fish in. 

[slowbait]

well I'm glad to hear you would ramman, cause I would too, just to maybe learn a few new things. I love the MLF and their format. It's just not to many people these days would donate anything that does not benefit themselves. I fish tournaments and it is just amazing that half of the contestants don't take care of their fish. BUT there are alot like me that do..................  

[Browning Guy]

Thinking again of the 3 fish limit possibility.  A good compromise that doesn't cost a dime. I have witnessed bed fisherman pull 2 pounders off the beds "to fill the limit" only to finish in 40th place.  I used to do the same in my younger days, but have since changed my thoughts. Tournament organizations all over the U.S. could advertise they are becoming more conservation minded and use the 3 fish limit to their advantage for exposure and to increase awareness of taking care of our resources. We don't need government intervention....just 4 or 5 larger market tournament organizations to take the lead.

[dtrs5kprs]

1 hour ago, BrowningCollector.com said:

Thinking again of the 3 fish limit possibility.  A good compromise that doesn't cost a dime. I have witnessed bed fisherman pull 2 pounders off the beds "to fill the limit" only to finish in 40th place.  I used to do the same in my younger days, but have since changed my thoughts. Tournament organizations all over the U.S. could advertise they are becoming more conservation minded and use the 3 fish limit to their advantage for exposure and to increase awareness of taking care of our resources. We don't need government intervention....just 4 or 5 larger market tournament organizations to take the lead.

It would change strategy too. We had a three fish limit in IA. You almost always need good ones. Limit of squeakers won't help in that format. 

[holleybob]

2 hours ago, slowbait said:

well I'm glad to hear you would ramman, cause I would too, just to maybe learn a few new things. I love the MLF and their format. It's just not to many people these days would donate anything that does not benefit themselves. I fish tournaments and it is just amazing that half of the contestants don't take care of their fish. BUT there are alot like me that do..................  

I would also volunteer to be a judge. I've done the tournament thing years ago and have no interest in doing it again but I really do miss the atmosphere and camaraderie of tournaments. Probably learn a thing or two as well. 

[dtrs5kprs]

The three fish deal would better fit the team tmt format too. Paper format works , but really needs to be a solo , or draw derby.