Quinte Fishing

Not too impressed with this decision. I've been in the same spot with my old man for 12 years! Why change it now?

1. Why put HQ way back where nobody can get to it?
2. Only parking for HQ is the little parking lot just to the north of tent
3. Why put additional docks along the shoreline that gets blasted with westerly winds all day
4. Who wants to camp on asphalt
5. No access to power(city doesn't want to flip bill$$)
6. You are no where near your boat to keep an eye on things
7. You jam that many people into parking lots and things are going to go missing and more altercations will arise

Shall I continue? If it ain't broke don't fix it!!

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FishinMagician }-)))">

Have you contacted them and shared your concern? Not saying it will change but its one of those things where it might change if enough people speak up

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Dan Elliot - A bad day on Quinte is better than a good day at work !!!
http://www.quintefishing.com

Just camp out on the ice....

Parksy, lmao!!! I have considered this! I think alot of us might be dodging ice on opener. I have tried emailing them and no response yet. 2 years ago the city shut off all the power to the trailers because they didn't want to flip the bill. I'm sorry but this event brings a TON on money into these little towns. I think the least the city could do is leave the power on! And the only fire that's gotten out of control was over by the skate park where all the hooligans hang out. The dumb kids set a propane tank on fire in a garbage can. There is nothing wrong with a fire in a tire rim, like I've had for 12 years this year! As for security reasons....jamming everyone into one parking lot will be a huge headache! And if its windy out, what protection does that big tent have from the wind sitting out there on that point. Not to mention its not even level ground out there...this derby is changing for the worst. And they need to do more for the KIDS. It's the future! But that's a different story...don't get me started!

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FishinMagician }-)))">

I assume camping at the Trenton park is free?

Its true - the configuration of Centennial Park is changing due to the changing conditions in the park.

Camping - RV and large camper parking is being directed to the three large parking lots available in the park. This is due to the concerns of emergency vehicles and personnel being able to adequately provide needed services in the rather cramped conditions that existed in the last few years as camping in Centennial Park grew more popular. This is not our decision but comes from the City of Quinte West to alleviate the concerns of emergency personnel. If you are camping in a tent you are still welcome to use any grassed area to do so.

Derby HQ - the area where Derby HQ previously occupied has been paved over for additional parking for the arena. The new location was selected as the best option of all possible locations available to us at this time.

Additional docks - the additional docks are being made available for derby weekend to help reduce the need for any additional stress to be put on the fish being brought to the HQ weigh station rather than having them be carried from the launch all the way to the new tent setup. These are not slips, but rather in-and-out transport locations for fishing weigh-ins.

Power - the camping is provided as a courtesy for our event to our participants by the City of Quinte West. Centennial Park is not a campground and expectations of similar services should not be expected - especially not for a courtesy that otherwise is not being charged for. If you were paying for the camping you would be most certainly in a position to expect power but as this is a public park and not a campground do not expect these services to be made available.

Regretfully as the popularity of camping in Centennial Park during Derby weekend increased the concerns increased with that many rvs, campers, and vehicles clustered together should an actual emergency arise such as a fire going out of control or someone requiring serious medical attention.

Re. emails - I personally respond to every email received.

If you have concerns or questions regarding the camping situation in Centennial Park please contact the City of Quinte West.

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Kiwanis Walleye World
http://www.kiwaniswalleyeworld.com

The city needs to reconsider their decision. I will be contacting them personally along with many others I have spoken with. I understand the tent has to be moved. You can't stake it properly in a paved parking lot. The additional docks on the bay side of the marina are going to be an absolute headache and dangerous if its going to be wet and windy. That's my opinion. As for jamming all the trailers and RVs into parking lots...you watch! People will get robbed blind and the amount of fights are going to be ridiculous. You put that many people, money, alcohol and egos into a small area like that and it ain't going to be good. People actually have spots they go to each and every year and we are all actually pretty spread out. If a medical/fire/police emergency occurred a vehicle can drive down the waterfront trail with ease. Every year the police make routine drives down the trail to make their presence known. As the members of the Kiwanis, I would have a chat with the city. The future of this derby is in jeopardy because of this decision. IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT! I was on the phone with a handful of people who were on the phone with a handful of people tonight and we are discussing moving to a different town or even questioning supporting it anymore. And that's just who I have talked to and who my buddies talked to... Someone needs to step back and look at what it was and what it is now. And again, more needs to be done for the kids. A dollar now means dollars in the future!

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FishinMagician }-)))">

I need to make one more point about parking. The city wants all the trailers to be parked in the parking lots...where is everyone going to park. The parking lot near the tent certainly will not handle the volume of vehicles. Especially if the amount of people are increasing as you say. It will surly be what you would call a "Cluster F***"!!

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FishinMagician }-)))">

Please feel free to contact the City of Quinte West to express your concerns. All things evolve and this concept, too, can evolve.

What surprises us most about this is that a decision outside of our control - our event exists in cooperation with the entire region not in spite of it - is often blamed on us.

Our volunteers - a detail people forget that we are volunteers - work hard every single year to put this event on to raise money to support youth activities and sports. We don't retain a nickel of this for ourselves and we receive VERY little in way of donated materials and yet we are consistently attacked and blamed for every thing that changes that is outside of our control.

The City of Quinte West is an exceptionally generous partner who does a lot for the derby thanks to a Mayor and Council who understand its value not just to Trenton but to the entire region. They do this because they know that every penny raised goes right back into the community to allow organizations like hockey and soccer and the youth centre to focus on providing their youth services rather than having to worry about raising the money to do so.

With changes like these that are ultimately not that big a deal in the grand scope of the event we hear cries "the derby will fail" and "you're ruining the derby" - WE are not doing anything but working in cooperation with our community partners to make sure that everyone is as happy as possible. In regards to the camping situation this could very well have become NO camping at all as this is a public park and camping is illegal in public parks at all times.

Is this ideal? No, not a chance. However all things change and we do our best to make it work as best as possible.

The additional docks will either be a bonus or a headache but that is dependent on the weather - which is also out of our control.

What we ask is that you consider that we are VOLUNTEERS doing the BEST JOB we can in an ever changing environment and ever changing regulations. Yelling, screaming, attacking and outright berating us is neither productive, deserved, nor warranted considering how much work goes into doing this every year for the sake of making our community a better place to live, work, and play.

You're upset with the change and we understand that however decrying our event and then spitefully yelling us down does nothing and produces nothing. We're not particularly happy with the change either considering the years of hardwork and refinement went into making our previous setup as productive and efficient as possible with an ever dwindling volunteer base.

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Kiwanis Walleye World
http://www.kiwaniswalleyeworld.com

Well said.

I'm glad this issue came up to give you the opportunity to explain the situation to everyone.

As you say, this is not just a fishing derby. Maybe Kiwanis could better advertise this event to also show what is stands for and where the funds are used. I'm sure people would be more receptive if they knew more about it.

I hope everyone here understands better as a result and continue to support this derby.

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HUNT, FISH and RIDE

First of all there is no yelling and screaming. Simply a discussion. I knew this post would catch someone's attention who was related to the Derby. I've sent emails and no body has returned them. I'm glad one point was made clear, that the city is responsible for the ludicrous camping arrangement. If you aren't happy with the change...do something about it. I, and many are calling the city to get camping back in order! As for supporting the kids, you need to do more in the derby for them. Have more hidden weights even if its just for youth. Every time a kid brings a fish in give them a lure or something. There was nothing cooler than walking into the tent with my old man and weighing in a fish. But then what do I get....some grumpy old scary guy, or a "better luck next time". Yeah, because that makes me want to get back out there and get another one. Just little stuff like that will go a long way. Anyways I do understand what the derby supports, I believe many don't. And as adventure mentioned maybe it would be a good idea to advertise that more. I never said the derby will fail. I said it was in jeopardy. If changes like these keep happening, I'm sure you will notice a change in ticket sales. Could you imagine if you couldn't camp in the park...I know so many people that come from out of town. It would be a real shame! I thank the Kiwanis for the show you put on. I don't think I have "blamed" you for ruining the derby. The city on the other hand! If that picture I posted is going to be seen by everyone make sure to note on it that the changes are made by the city. I'm sure you can find some fancy wording that doesn't upset anyone. It's a shame everyone I camp with wants to go elsewhere this year. I've been in the same spot for 12 years and I'm sure others have been in the same spot for longer. It's become a tradition! Lets keep it that way! I want to do this with my kids one day!

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FishinMagician }-)))">

Two ways of looking at a situation. If a handful of people talked a handful of people into volunteering their time and energy into the event then the two handfuls of people could influence decisions being made. Ie: the camping situ 1. The could come up with a parking plan so the area space is maximized 2. They could help guide the campers into the spots so nobody takes up more area then required 3. Space would be left for emergency vechiles and police patrols 4. They could organize a volunteer patrol so their presence is felt and thiefts would be less likely to occur. 5. They would meet and interact with the organizers, the town council and the fishermen and women of the area and realize how to mold this event for future years.
If u have concerns about this event then do something about them,
Cheers Rob

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Fishing is all fun & games until someone loses a walleye

Let me get this straight, you are complaining about the services you intend to use FOR FREE!!!!!!! If I was a campground owner in the area I would be very happy to hear that the town is limiting the free-for-all camping at one of the largest events in the area.

The concerns of the town are legitimate. If you got hurt at the "campground" and emergency services couldn't get to you in time (or fast enough for someone with your apparent sense of entitlement) I'm guessing you would complain about that too. Or probably sue.

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"A harmless man is not a good man. A good man is a very very dangerous man who has his capacity for mayhem under voluntary control."

"(B)e wary of discarding the ancient system where we all have the right to make our own decisions for one in which we all have the right to make each others, in the hope of finding true human fulfillment through “positive” rights to other people’s money and applause?"

The City of Quinte West's logo is on that map and it identifies the "Quinte West Parks Staff" as being the source of that information which we thought was clear enough that it wasn't us who produced it.

In regards to kids: you're right! More so than that - we are doing more this year!

The kids are now free with an Adult ticket. We made it one child is free with every adult ticket. Why did we do it that way instead of just blanket free? We did it this way because we do require that each individual participating have a ticket and be registered with us. We also did it that way so that we can maintain a 1 Adult - 1 Child arrangement out of concern for the safety of more than 1 Child to a single Adult - especially out on the water where accidents can happen. As a parent I most definitely find it easier to keep a strong eye for the safety of one of my children at a time than to try and watch both of my kids going in different directions (that was my personal perspective during the group discussion about this).

Also, we require the children attached to an adult ticket to be registered at a weigh station. Why? Because we have goodie bags for them! We struck up some relationships this year - new relationships - that were exceptionally keen to do something for the kids in light of our ticket change. We are also working our butts off to try and get tackle and lures and other giveaways every time a child comes into every weigh station. We haven't announced this yet because we haven't secured it yet with a firm commitment (hopefully that will be secured soon but the deal isn't final).

Rather than have more hidden weights (we've tried that with mediocre success) we decided instead that every fish a child weighs in will result in them getting something (once we have the deal above I just mentioned secured).

Kiwanis Int'l's priority is children first and this is also why we added the 50 ft fish tank, the play activities, etc etc at Derby HQ over the years because we want to entertain and welcome families with children to the derby (whether fishing or just looking for an afternoon out).

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Kiwanis Walleye World
http://www.kiwaniswalleyeworld.com

Well there you have it guys/gals!!!!

For a Cheap $35 you get:
1) to say that you contribute to a charity that helps local kids (well worth $35)
2) you get a ticket to a fishing tournament for a whole weekend with over $260,000 in prizes
3) with the purchase of said ticket you also get a ticket for a youth (free)
4) a hat that is basically priceless
5) possibly, if things come together, a gift for the kids who weigh in a fish (great idea hope this works out)
6) you get to tell everyone you fished in the tournament

I could go on and on but the bottom line is this is a charity for kids first and a fishing derby second "FOR $35".
I hope that people don't get mad at the tournament cause it really is a great thing run by great people.

Keep up the good work. And thanks to all that contribute to this weekend.

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hookingeyes