Hello ProStaff Members,

Some of your fellow team mates have started kicking around the idea of having an annual tournament for the Bassin' USA ProStaff team. Although nothing has been set in stone at this point, I wanted to open this message board thread to everyone for discussion on this topic.

Some of the guys mentioned having a 2 day team format, pairing Bassin' USA ProStaff team members together and trading partners on the second day.

I wanted to see if you guys would be open to having a 2-day event, but broken into two tournaments.

Day 1 could be a Pro/Am format where we would pair up a non-ProStaff member with a ProStaffer? It would be pretty interesting to let our visitors get a chance to meet and fish with some of you guys in a tournament format.

Day 2 could be a Team Format for just the Bassin' USA ProStaff broken up into 1 or 2 hour segments, giving each person a chance to fish with a few different ProStaff team members. If you guys like the idea, we could make it a "run & gun" lunker tournament. Each team will only weigh-in 1 fish and the team with the biggest single bass will take the pot for that time slot. Then you'll switch partners and go out and do it again.

I have heard of this format done in 1 hour segments and it can get pretty crazy. I would suggest 2 hours because it will give everyone a chance to spend a little more time with your fellow ProStaff members.

Remember, these are just ideas and suggestions, and nothing has been set in stone. (YET).

Keep the ideas coming, comments and suggestions are welcome from "ALL" visitors and not just the ProStaff team.

If we plan this right, I think we can really turn this into something big. I have already started talking with camera crews and sponsors to feel them out.

Talk to you guys soon...

Brendan

B,
I like the idea of Non Pro-staffers having a chance to come aboard with us for a day of fishing, should be very exciting.
I have never fished a run and gun before but it sounds like fun. Hey that all rymed.Wacka Wacka. Anyways, sounds like a good time. What kind of time frame are we looking at, September, or next season?
Dennis Bligh over and out!

Honestly,

I think something like this would be best served if we plan in far in advance. I would think most guys have used up most of their vacation time at this point in the season and/or have committed to other tournaments already. If we shoot for next season, I think we will have a better turn out, better pay out and more time to prepare to ensure things are run smoothly.

BC

I think it sounds like a real good time, besides, we would get to meet face to face. Any initial ideas on where?

Sounds like fun.

My only concerns will be When and Where? Vacation and Location will be my only obstacles. It seems like everytime something cool like this gets planned, I already have a tournament somewhere else.

JT Bagwell

Brendan, you already know I'm all for it. I would welcome the opportunity to meet everyone and fish with them and or invitees. I have done this with the Poe's/Central States Marketing Team and it's great fun. I would like to see us go in the run and gun scheme, two hours per partner, maybe four separate weigh-ins. I think, New York in February would be a good challenge. Let me re-think-that one. Let's do it!! Johnnie

Time and Place will still need to be worked out. I would want to make sure that the tourney would conflict with any of the major tournaments going on (i.e. FLW, Bassmasters, etc.)

New York is a possibility, only because of the amazing fishing on the Finger Lakes & Champlain. The trouble will be with the guys from the west coast and central US. We have time, I would like to see this happen at a prime time and be planned far in advance.

We'll keep kicking the ideas around and see what we come up with.

BC

Sounds like a great time. Although I dont know if I would put it into a tournament format. An educational format ( day in the boat ) format may get a better turn out, you may even consider opening it to the public. I feel a non tournament format may be a friendlier environment for non pro staffers and anglers just wanting to learn.

Just a thought.

Sounds like an excellent way to get Bassin'USA out in front of even more bass fishermen. I'd be glad to volunteer my help as part of the Weigh-in Crew. I might have to hitch-hike outside Brendan's home to get there.

I'm especially excited to witness a "Run & Gun" tournament again. Our local bass club (LIB) had one in 1978. One Big bass per angler. It was fun, but small compared to what this will be.

Great suggestion. Bass Wishes, JoeMo

Eric,

I like the educational idea. Perhaps that would be better served if we ran a separate Bassin' USA Clinic? I have been speaking with Dan Galusha about setting up some clinics and participating in fishing shows. Dan mentioned the idea to me over a year ago and recently brought it back up for discussion. I'm trying to find out more about how to get the ProStaff signed up for events like these...

Joe... Your help would be more than welcome... and you can certainly hitch a ride with the Bassin' USA crew...

BC

I'd be more than happy to run a few clinics here in the Massachussetts, New Hampshire area. keep in touch

The great Ideas just keep coming on this site.

The tournament sounds like a lot of fun!!! I like the idea of switching every couple of hours. We fished a couple of winter tournaments like that here we divided the lake up into sections and we would fish each section for a hour and then weigh in and then move to the next hole and fish for a hour. Its one great way to learn the whole lake and find some new fishing spots. There were 15 teams fishing in each spot so you really had to work hard to get a fish.

The outdoor shows are a great Idea too. The educational part of this is a wonderful Idea. It would be nice if we could get a tour going around the country spreading the word about Bassin' USA. There is some real talent here in the Prostaffers we have I think there could be alot to offer with something like this.

Every Year my tournament schedule expands more and more so if we are going to do this tournament I need to do some planning way in advance so that it does not conflict, or at least so I can plan around it because I SURE WOULD HATE TO MISS THIS.

Sounds like a great time guys!! If we are talking about next summer it would be a good family vacation for everyone who is far away. I will be there if at all possible!!!!!!!

I like the concept of the educational approach. One day for the public and or the non-prostaff. The second day to partner up and talk and share ideas among each other. Keep us informed.

Roger

One thing that would be sure to be a big hit would be to have sponsors at the event, giving these companies the chance to showcase there products and reach out to prospective customers. There should be prizes for the non pro staff members and the general public, whether in a ticket draw format or for their success during the tournament. I'm not sure what ties BassinUSA has to get get these companies to participate, but I feel it can open doors for everyone involved. I may be able to secure some companies and possibly guest speakers for the event. I will need to know well in advance however. I dont want to jump into this head first, eyes closed.

You all make great points and suggestions.

If you guys think one of your personal sponsors would be interested in getting involved, I would be happy to speak with them directly to work out the details. Like Eric said, let's get the details worked out far in advance so we are not jumping into the water "head first, eyes closed"!

I am thinking July of 2004 might be a good time of year to have the tournament/event. That gives us almost 12 months to work out the details...

I am going to start scouting for a location and gathering information for the permits and insurance.

Craig, if you are out there reading this, call me... I would like to talk with your camera/production guy for filming.

Let's keep the feedback and ideas coming...

FILM CREW!!!!

WOW Now that would be great!! That should get some attention of those sponsors.
Get in contact with OLN or The Outdoor Channel and take this thing NATIONAL.
Man what a rush that would be!!!!

If I can swing it, I will... I figure if we at least document the event, it would be nice to get you guys a video copy. Formatting this tournament/event for the O.T.N. would take a lot more than just a camera crew... perhaps next time around. Let's see how the first one goes...

Bren, My tackle company would be happy to be a sponsor. Feel free to drop me an email or give me a ring anytime so we can see if we can make something happen.
978-886-1125

Will do Dennis... thanks for the support...

(1 down, 19 to go)

Brendan and all you Pros: This is an idea who's time is about to arrive. Let's just keep this rolling. If there are additional ideas out there, let's hear them.

This is a great website and it has been since you opened it up, Brendan. Now, you have the Pro Staff to help develop great ideas. There is no limit on how far you can go with this.

Did you say I won't have to hitch hike?
JoeMo

Brendan,

I'm guessing the event will take place in New York State? If so one of the finger lakes may be a great choice for this. Fishing is normally fairly consistant and there are campgrounds to accomodate guests.

Pro Staff, it's hard to believe this all started from a question about boat polish, man, it pays to read every post, whether of interest or not. I hope this thing gets going, I know Bren will do his best and will need all our help. It's going to take a lot of commitment from everyone. Great to see Dennis is wanting to help sponsor, any others? Johnnie.

Thanks Guys...

Joe, yes, you can catch a ride with the Bassin' USA team.

Eric,

The Finger Lakes might be a prime spot, since they are located west/central NY.

Johnnie, thanks for the vote of confidence!

Let's keep working on this...

BC

Gents... I have been giving this some serious thought, and I think for a "first time" tournament, it would make a lot more sense to go with a Team format, or just a Pro-Am. The "Run & Gun" idea would just make for too much confusion and could ultimately ruin this event.

Would you guys be open to having a two day team format, but your 2 day partner comes from a pre-tournament draw? It would work like the Pro-Am, but you will keep your non-boater for both days and your weight will count as a "Team" total, not individual.

The other option is just going with a straight up team format where you all pick your team, pre-register and fish together both days.

Feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
BC

Brendan, I think the team/draw would be best, that way we would be fishing with someone we don't know, I think this would be more fun/educational for both.

Bryan, That's what I was thinking also. Let's hear what the other guys have to say...

I agree with Bryan. Having a differnt person in the boat each day should work out the best for everyone. Who will be taking the non-boaters spots? BassinUSA non boat owning pro staff, members or the public? How about local press?

Eric,

I think Bryan was saying that it would be still be a team tournament, but the non-boater would be a "draw partner". Same teams both days.

The non-boaters side would be open to the public.

As for the press, I'm sure we could contact the local papers and/or news channel for the area chosen.

Like I said before, I am trying to get a film crew involved for this event.

I like the team format too.

I was thinking too you could divid the lake up in holes like they used to do the mega bucks tournaments and see how each person fishes the different holes. or something like that for the final day or what ever I just didn't want this post to die off.

Conley

I like the team draw format. It makes things alot less complicated.
Great ideas fellas.
Over and out.

Brendan, how about some of the pro staff going non boater. It's a long way from Iowa to N.Y. I'd rather fly out? Or most likely hitch hike. Sure like the idea and I know it's complicated from your end. Thanks for the extra effort. Johnnie

Brendan; As a non-pro member I would like to see a Pro-AM event. The AM would need to pay entry fees in advance say 60 days prior. I would also like to see this become a traveling event yearly: moving from one state to another each year. That way many AM's could particpate.

Bassin Butch

Johnnie,

If you would like to come as a non-boater, that would be fine. The team format might help your situation though... For example, you might be able to hook up with someone from out here that wants to bring their boat. After speaking with a few different tournament directors, the team format offers the best turn out because people are more likely to travel if they are with a partner. The team draw concept would still allow people to travel together, but they may not end up fishing together.

What do you guys think of just a straight up team tournament where you can all pick your partners? The only trouble I can see with the team format would be that it will be difficult for Bassin' USA visitors to pair up with a partner.

A two day team draw might be the best way to ensure that everyone gets a ride and that people have a chance to fish with someone new each day.


Butch, thanks for the input from the AM side. We want to make sure that everyone has a chance to contribute their thoughts and feelings on this event.

BC

If we knew ahead of time, we would know how many pro's were not bringing boats...just a thought, that way, any others could and maybe it would even out.

Hello Brendan sounds like a great idea. You can count me in. when do you think you might be able to give us a date. The sooner the better. Helps in our planning.

PS how's that skeeter

scotty shafer

Working on a date... I need to get a few answers about insurance first... As soon as I have something firm, I will let you all know.

Need some feedback on these dates:

August 7th & 8th 2004 (Saturday-Sunday)?

Any conflicts out there? Let me know, I need to hear from as many people as possible...

Thanks,
Brendan

Brendan, August 7/8 sounds good to me. Is it still cold in NY in August? I really hope we can pull this off, there seems to be so many talented and interesting members, that it would have to be a great experience. Just remember, everyone else is fishing for second place--, well, somebodies got to win, right? Can we find a shallow muddy cold water location so Dan and I will have a chance? Keep on it, your doing great!! Johnnie

That weekend has typically been the date for the Indiana North FOM last T. The last weekend in July would be better for me but I know we can't get everyone's schedule to fit. Keep up the good work sounds like a great time.

Thanks for the feedback Roger and Johnnie... Shallow, cold and murky? How about crystal clear and Smallies in 30+ feet of water, is that close enough Johnnie?

It would be nice to get some feeback on the dates provided in my previous post from a few other people. I need input from everyone who would be interested in this event...

Thanks,
BC

As of yet those dates work for me. But I dont know the BFL schedule or the Federation Schedule. Keep us informed.

I can arange it I'm sure! Got to figure how long it will take me to get there from here.

Conley

Brendan,

August is right smack dab in the middle of many of the northern states tournament seasons. I honestly couldnt answer whether those dates are good for myself this early. In my opinion ( commonly worth about .02 ) a fall tournament would be better for everyone, including the bass. ( delayed mortality ) Possibly mid Oct - early Nov. ?

Eric,

Thanks for your insite, that was a concern I had. The tuff part in setting something like this up is working around other tournament schedules. It is a shame they wait so long before they post their schedules for each season.

October-November can get pretty cold and the weather in general can make for some ruff days out on the lake. Perhaps an early October date could be a possibility.

Everyone, the dates are flexible, so if you all feel there is a certain time of year that would be more accommodating, please let me know.

Thanks,
BC

Brendan

I checked my scheduled for the last 2 years and the best time is middle to late August, not much going ( BFL, Everstart or Bassmasters). Plus the finger lakes would be assume that time of year.

Scott,

That's what I found also. So August it will stay. I'll keep you all informed as this event starts to come together.

Thanks,
Brendan

Brendan, I don't really feel fish mortality is too big an issue. Surely I can keep one fish alive for a day, I give them mouth to mouth if necessary. They'd probably rather die. Good luck with the project, I know it's a headache, but for a good cause. Johhnie

Is this tournament just for pro staffers or open to anyone?

Steve,

The tournament will be open to everyone, but limited to a field of 50 boats. Bassin' USA prostaff members will have be given an early entry date. After that date, the remaining spots will be open to the public.

Brendan

Brendan,

Has BassinUSA ever considered running a regional tournament trail? I was thinking a Team type format ( buddy tournament style ). BassinUSA has sponsor ties that I'm sure would be happy to support a trail of this type. I was thinking a NY, PA, MD and VA region would be good, using the northern most states as another region. For example, say 4 - 6 tournaments per year per region on a points system then a champoinship between regions at the end of the year at a neutral lake based on the points gathered througout the year.

This could be great way to raise money and get the word out about BassinUSA.

Just a thought,

Eric, it has been in discussion. This tournament would be a trial for us to see how things would go. The northeast needs a good circuit that has a respectable pay out. Foxwood's was the only trial that really did anything worth talking about.

Brendan, don't forget Mo. Ia. Illinois, Wisc and Kansas.

Johnnie,

We'll be sure to consider it down the road...

BC

Brendan,
Is there going to be non-boaters also?

Steve,

Right now we are looking at a team format (to make travel easier on everyone). If there are non-boaters that are looking to pair up with a boater, I would suggest using the message boards to try and locate someone from your area that is a boat and might be interested in teaming up.

The team format is not set in stone yet, but I think that it will make for a better turn out since this is going to be our first event.

Keep checking in here for more details as they become available.

Brendan

Brendan,
It would be great if you could bring a Team trail with some recognition and high payout back to the Northeast.Myself and many others I know are waiting for another "Foxwoods".
Good luck and count me in as a participent or if you need any local help...><>...HS

Hooked... I know what you mean. I fished Foxwoods for 6 years and really miss having a high level tournament in the Northeast. The only down side is that if I start one, I won't be able to compete in it... (conflict of interest).

I had heard that there was another trial coming to the area that was supposed to replace Foxwoods, but I haven't seen anything yet...

Glad to hear you are interested...

BC

Looks like it is starting to take shape
This tourny could be the start of a big thing.