Hats off to MLB

[dtrs5kprs]

Honestly, I didn't notice any complaints about it. Think most of us are intrigued by the format, and would like to see it used more. Stating reality isn't complaining.

It should be a no-brainer for club derbies, even federation level can make it work. We did paper federation tmts in IA for a variety of reasons, all the way back in the mid 90s.

 

[fishinwrench]

Yeah this needs to happen on a wide scale.   Guys prancing around on stage with a big bass in each hand is ignorant, we've all seen enough of that.  It's way past time to find a better/smarter way to score competitive fishing events.  

[Champ188]

I am all for it. I am just saying that the present collective mentality among local tournament fishermen is not going to allow it to happen. If they're gonna throw down $50, $100 or more for a 1-in-5 chance to get it back (most derbies pay 1 place every 5 entries), they want to SEE the fish that beat them out of their money.

Is that the most intelligent way to look at things? Absolutely not. But it's the prevailing mindset and one that isn't likely to change anytime soon, especially as long as BASS and FLW aren't on board.

MLF is a made-for-TV deal. That is their audience, period. BASS and FLW want butts in seats at their weigh-ins. Hence the reason BASS hired Dave (MegaMouth) Mercer as their emcee. It wouldn't appear that they are willing to cancel weigh-in events anytime soon (and lose sponsor exposure) and until the example comes down from above, you can't reasonably expect it to happen at the local level.

[slowbait]

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

[OldMillRoad]

A list of things to overcome that will make this type of format feasible, and they are BIG ones.

1. Cheating.  Anytime money is involved there will be morons trying to manipulate the system.

2.  Compensation. No one is going to ride around in a local jackpot derby for free, logging data on an Ipad.  

3. Sponsor exposure.  As much as we all hate it, sponsor money makes these derbies possible.  Even the smaller circuits need sponsors.  And they aren't going to kick in when their product or brand isn't being mentioned 25 times during the weigh in process.

These are just the big ones I could think of, I'm sure there are plenty more.  And believe me, I wish it was possible.  You could still go off the weight of your 5 best fish at the end of the day.  The last two weeks have been brutal on released fish. 

[Flysmallie]

#1 continuously happens in the current format. Like you said, anytime money is involved you will find a thief somewhere close by.  

[Stein]

One could say I'm pretty anti-tournament but the way I look at it is I'm "pro-fishery resource" so my feelings cloud my opinion.  I'd love to see an immediate "weigh, document and release" format if people continue to insist on spending hundreds to win 50.

[Smithvillesteve]

Unfortunately, I agree with Champ. The bottom line is change is hard. But its also inevitable. Most of us on here love to bass fish. And we love that wonderful resource. When I hear of big fish kills at these weigh ins because of extremely hot weather it really bothers me. We need to keep pressing the issue!! Keep talking about it! Hopefully, someday even the old school will come around and realize this is the best thing for our resource that we love. 

[Browning Guy]

What if.................I've always questioned having a 5 bass limit (suspect it's for the cameras) at tournaments.  Some are 6 fish and I've read on this forum some "company" tournaments are 10 fish.  Maybe a 3 fish limit would be a good compromise for tournaments and could be seriously considered.   It might not do the 3 in the livewell any good to be hauled around all day, but the two released fish that were released might fair better. I like fishing tournaments from time to time, but realize the fish population is getting thumped with all of the tournaments.

[dtrs5kprs]

21 minutes ago, BrowningCollector.com said:

What if.................I've always questioned having a 5 bass limit (suspect it's for the cameras) at tournaments.  Some are 6 fish and I've read on this forum some "company" tournaments are 10 fish.  Maybe a 3 fish limit would be a good compromise for tournaments and could be seriously considered.   It might not do the 3 in the livewell any good to be hauled around all day, but the two released fish that were released might fair better. I like fishing tournaments from time to time, but realize the fish population is getting thumped with all of the tournaments.

Makes a lot of sense, and would require nearly zero resources to implement. Might even up the fun factor.