Quinte Fishing

Don't really see the need for fishing tournaments. They are almost always won by people who have 250-300 HP outboards and fish for a living. Why are they so expensive to enter? Why do they have so many rules? It's like running a marathon. If I'm going to run 40+KM, someone is going to pay me, not me pay $75.00 to enter one. It's like trying to keep up with the Jones', nobody can win that game because there is always someone with more money than you. Fishing should be a simple affair that is shared between a father & son or daughter. There is too much competition in this world already, why subject youself to more on your day off?

I agree totally, they are only for the well off, I live and breath fishing, I have all my life. during the summer I'll fish 4 to 7 days a week. I don't see it as a competition sport at all. I'm happy if I'm down walking around in the water casting flies, and only come home having caught a 5" rock bass. It's about getting out and doing something, learning new things, spending time with family. (I don't even like to eat fish, yuck!!) LOL

I am not rich by any means. I don't have a 250 (or more ) HP boat (I have a 135HP). I don't fish for a living (very few pros do). I enjoy walleye tournament fishing. I certainly don't consider myself a pro

I have fished a few tournaments a year for the last two years and the knowledge I have gained is unbelievable. They don't have to be expensive to enter. There are some that are less than $50 per person. Why do they have rules? To help prevent cheating.

This year I am fishing a great circuit, the Cabela's MWC East division. My partner and I even managed to finish in 5th place at the Henderson Harbor tourney last month. These tournaments are $600/team but I would encourage anyyone and everyone to just try one sometime. The next tourney will be on Lake Erie (Dunkirk, NY) in August

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Pete Lewis

Boat don't catch fish, fisherman do. You don't need a lot of money, a fancy boat or tons and tons of tackle to fish tournaments. You would be surprize to know that it isn't always the guys or gals in the big flashy boats that win. I have seen guys fishing out of tin can do very well in tournaments consistantly.

The reason entry fees are what they are is because anglers fishing these tournaments always want bigger payouts.

Like eyedoktr says, rules are there to ensure cheating does not happen. There is money on the line.

Tournament fishing is fun. I love it. You get to know a lot of people with the same interest in fishing and you have a chance to win some money if you have a good day. I don't make a living at it or anything like that but it is a nice hobby for me. Above all else, I get out on the water and fish.

Cheers,

Mike

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Wish I wasn't here...Rather be fishing if you know what I mean

Well....I don't consider myself rich and I certainly don't make money fishing tournaments.

I am one of the few from our area who competes in the US doing a full circuit. I was one of the guys who got beat by Pete (eyedoctr) in the Cabela's MWC East Henderson Harbour tourney.

I fish for walleye tournaments for 3 reasons:
1. Education. when I first started fishing walleye tournaments I thought I knew what I was doing. I was wrong. I learned more fishing the PWT and MWC that first year than 20 yrs of Walleye fishing had taught me. The techniques and equipment blew me away and now I am a much better angler. You are forced to learn to fish in all conditions.
2. Fellowship. I like being around other serious fisherman who know what I am talking about and have similar values and beliefs as me. I work downtown Toronto and I can tell you that people who know and appriciate the Outdoors and fishing are more pleasent people.
3.The dream. Fishing tournaments makes me feel closer to my dream of being a full time professional outdoorsman and angler. I know it probably won't likely happen, there are other priorities like my family and kids, but at least I'm out there not giving up and having a good time.

If you haven't fished an MWC event I encourage you to give it a try. This is a professional team circuit that is a treat to be a part of. Plus I would love to have other Canadians to beat!

Shawn Hannah

I'm not saying anyone here is rich LOL!! I don't see myself ever entering a major tournament, unless it was a fly casting tournament. the tournaments definately are good for tourism, etc... more money should go to sustaining our fisheries instead of big prizes though. I still think alot of people would enter, if they truly do enjoy fishing.
I'm wondering if it's possible to enter without a boat, what would be used for a livewell??
if anyone has links to websites where I could find out that would be cool.

fish on,

chris

btw, anyone going to the trout fishing weekend at seymour conservation this saturday??