OPINIONS PLEASE

[Fishin Fool]

Like Richard and Drumking I have no dog in the fight because I seldom fish in a TX! I like a couple of ideas; the point system, and the idea that Ranman had about having at least 50 posts. Again you asked for opinions and I know some of you won't like them, but very honestly I think we have far too many TX being promoted here with too many TX guys coming out with statements that say "they are fishing for the money". The CFF TXs that I have been to have all been great and low key but I know a good many of the other TX that are promoted here are not. I hate seeing that change. These guys that make a milk run to see how many TX they can enter in a given week to make some pocket money are just about out of control on the Chick and elsewhere and in my way of thinking I see no reason to promote that type behavior. A great many of my good friends LOVE to fish TX but I am seriously and sincerely concerned about the amount of pressure the TX put on the lake, the fish, the way they change people when money is mentioned, the delayed fish mortality, lack of sportsmanship, rudeness, and greed. I totally avoid the lake on Saturday mornings now and it is NOT totally because of the pleasure boaters. A lot of it has to do with trying to fish in peace without being run or crowded out by someone in a flying bass boat that is fishing for "money". Let's face it folks, a lot of these people are not like the core, contributing people on CFF. They are in it for money, not the love of fishing, and beyond that......money. They care nothing about sharing info, sharing tactics or anything else as we have been told in many posts. If you can't post 50 times in a year to CFF (other than something for sale) but think that a CFF TX pot is rich enough that you might want to sweep in and try and win it, then I think there should be a rule in place to discourage that. My thing in agreeing with DK on the point system is a little more complicated and I guess it comes from thinking too much but here it goes. Can someone please tell me the difference in gambling and fishing a TX? Please don't say it's skill, because I've seen skill in many, many card games. I've also seen many skillful gamblers that make a living at it. Please don't say it's about the "rush" or "fun" because that's what I've heard from every addicted gambler I have talked to. If we agree it is another form of gambling then why did we allow it to become a part of fishing to begin with? Do we have gambling in hunting? Trout fishing? Dove hunting? If gambling is addictive then why isn't this form addictive also? (which I think to some degree it can be) The idea of winning points and a title, a trophy or rankings at the end of the year makes sense to me, but money never has. Again, I'm not attacking anyone, but an example I'll give is this. We had a group that was promoting a TX from a church and saying that so much of a percentage of the proceeds went to the winner and so much went to a charity...... HUH? A church group promoting a form of gambling for profit?....Didn't a bunch of these same folks come out swinging agaisnt a lottery? Haven't many of them opposed the idea of the Indians setting up casinos? I've heard hard core Baptist put down Catholics because of bingo! But yet they see no problem with everyone putting money in a pot and seeing who wins it at the end of the day. Now before anyone goes off the roof here I know the TX was for a good cause, and I know good and well meaning people put it on, BUT how many of the people that fished it would have fished it if they had know it was only for a trophy???? Why not just give ALL THE MONEY TO CHARITY IF CHARITY WAS THE POINT??? See my point? I honestly think a point system, trophies would work for contributing CFF members but I think it would sure discourage a LOT of the folks that can't seem to post a fishing report from attending a CFF event. I don't think 90% of them would even bother. The CFF folks that show up to help with projects, do charity events, go to the picnic, would still fishing CFF tourneys but the money oriented folks would not. In summary PLEASE don't get angry. I am only voicing my thoughts and I know that I am in the very small, small minority here. If you want to insult me, please do it with a PM........ emoPoke

 

[Buoy-Master]

Good grief man.

..Got your opinion out didnt ya..LOL!!!!!

 I have zero problem myself in running or fishing a tournament purely based on points here and end of season rewards. Heck, I can keep track of the points if everyone will report the results to me. I think it would be fun! It would be "CFF" and it reflexs the principles' reasons we cme here for.</p>

Fish Fool..you type fast a well..LOL. You nailed it all down. If I have to deal with what I did this weekend again, I'll not fish or run another.

</p>

Pointer, Rob, Flip, Jmax...what do y'all think about this point system idea with a blow out at the end of the year?</p>

 

[jon the fisherman]

I'll fish more of the CFF tournies if we go to a point system

 

[Fishin Fool]

jon the fisherman - 6/17/2007 4:30 PM

I'll fish more of the CFF tournies if we go to a point system

I would also.

 

[Liveliner]

I'm an old school Bass TX Burnout but I do have a few suggestions. Because this is a CFF TX with contributing members fishing, Then no one fishing should have a problem contributing to CFF.emoDoh

I suggest that in each and every $ TX held that is a CFF sponcered event a small % of the pot(10% where the pot is going to be on the plus side and smaller as the entries decrease) be earmarked to go to fund the CFF fall pic-nic. That is a sure fire way to insure that each entry contributes to CFF. If someone don't want to contribute, don't fish. Another factor here is that It would take much of the pressure off our beloved TT.

Sign ups on the list should be done on CFF. One party of each team should be required to login and add their name to the list. The day of the event you can sign up only if you have logged onto CFF and added the name of at least one on the team.

Money collected from a percentage of the TX pots would help provide door prizes at the picnic. Area businesses could have a problem donating items to CFF that we give to ourselves. I am sure that they would be more than willing to give a discount for us to use the money collected to buy what we desire for the pic-nic. If we spend money there then, I would bet that the business would be more willing to throw in a few more gifts for the CFF Kids.

Keep it up CFF Friends. Excellent subject for this thread BBass

 

[Bprice]

I think for the time being everyone should relax... i'm sure a lot of this stems from the winners not posting yet. They could be like BBK and other, who don't have internet access from home, and have to wait on MOnday to role around to access it at work. Just a thought...

With a broken boat, and a hectic work schedule, I'm not fishing much right now... but i like the OG RR's ideas of the tournaments... Maybe thats also because I never am close to the money honey

 

[Jmax]

You know I have to admit I am confused...emoConfused . We have said all along that anyone that wants to put on a Tx can do so. Anyone that wants to be a director can be one. Post it they will come. Don't get mad at me but where have you guys been????emoScratch If you want a point system then start one and you can organize it, track it, keep the points and the whatever. You would be the one responsible for it.emoScratch This was brought up before by our beloved RR. Well...all you need to do is do it. Take the bull by the horns and get one started. If you are willing to invest the time and do the tournaments then all you have to do is post it and I am sure some will come and fish it. Why have we each year seemed to have this brought up and no one really want to actually run the thing??? If you think it is that great of an idea then you need to do it. Those with no horse in the race that talk about this being such a great idea all you have to do is post it and be the one in charge....any takers????emoRolleyes
I will continue to do the ones I have been doing under the same type of rules we have been doing all along but it is no skin off my nose if there are some of you that want to do the point thing and take on that headache or the charity thing and give it all away. Post it they will come. Bbass has done two great charity tournaments and god bless him, I know his heart is in the right place.emoAngel However he will be the first to tell you, "They ain't easy!"emoMad I would love to see some you that do not fish the ones we are having put one on yourself with the type of rules you are suggesting. Anyone want to be first. I may fish it but you need to get one started. Lots of great ideas here so who wants to be in charge and be first?emoConfused Jmax

 

[DHaun]

This is a website & community forum intended for sharing fishing reports and meeting other anglers. I also like to think that CFF serves as a platform for spreading conservational messages and monitoring the health of our local resources.

I wish I could say I made something from this site but I don't. All the ad sales this year will be significantly less than the annual raise I got from my real job...so $$ is not the incentive for CFF and this site will never break even in terms of the amount of time and energy it takes to run it. I have learned tons here meeting other anglers to fish with and from the reports contributed on this site. That's my payback and I appreciate it as much as anyone else who reads the posts here (Yes - I am addicted ) - That is what truly keeps CFF going and is the foundation of its existence. Therefore, CFF events should help to fuel its existence with content and that's why there is a requirement to contribute something to the site.

I am a firm believer in keeping things simple, very friendly with a low $$ incentive, with the purpose of uniting anglers, shaking the hands of folks you have met on CFF and sharing a bit of information, even if its trivial. That's the way it has been from the beginning.

CFF has always welcomed every angler with free memberships and an opportunity to ask questions, just read the posts, or contribute to the info here. Given my beliefs I think there needs to be something more than just showing up to be eligible fish a CFF event. I also think there needs to be additional requirements to be a director for a CFF tournament to ensure safe events that align with what CFF is about.

I don't think that keeping track of points keeps things simple - I think it will increase competitiveness and detract from pre-tournament reports. I think all the Txs held so far have been just fine and I have no problem with the current entry fee and 100% payback...anglers need a bit of $$ to help pay for gas. There are just always a few anglers that sign up at the last minute or just show up at the ramp that have no understanding of the requirements to fish (even though they are clearly posted in the Calendar entry) or what the basic intent behind the event is - That causes problems for the directors.

All skill levels have always been welcome to fish. Anyone can sign onto CFF, get a free membership, and post a couple generic fishing reports...I honestly do not think that is asking too much to be eligible to fish a CFF tournament.

 

[Buoy-Master]

Jim..I think the main concern is that the whole"money issue" on a Tournament brings in some major heat nowadays. Its the dedicated anglers here that post and fish the Txes that are getting a bit disturb that several other "members, if I dare call them that, make a post MONTHS ago then just show up but never contribute.</p>

Lets get to the original roots of CFF...Family, friendly, a place to share. I think the whole $ thing attached to the CFF name is starting to get a bad taste. I know several people that will agree. BUT..If "members" followed the principle of why CFF is here, there would not be issues or concerns.</p>

Heres a cenerio: Rogie Brown is a awesome angler but what if he was to make 2 short itsy bitsy post and 5 months later starts showing up to every CFF Tx and cleaning house? How many of our dedicated CFF Family members are gonna start backing out. I for 1 because I FULLY support CFF, stand up for what it is and do not want to be fishing against people that will not contribute here at all. That is the concern of other members. (Note: I hated to use Rogie as an example but I had to get a good name in there

) </p>

Heck, I'll start a point system...I'm pretty sure well see the Madbombers and Fat Alberts on the forums there too!</p>

I run a dogfight and will continue to as long as I feel I want to. I'll donate..LOL..my money every week for someone else. All I'm saying is, there are plenty of cash tournaments out there that we al can get in on. If CFF if differant, lets be sure make no doubts about it.</p>

 

[Buoy-Master]

<font size="2">CFF has always welcomed every angler with free memberships and an opportunity to ask questions, just read the posts, or contribute to the info here. Given my beliefs I think there needs to be something more than just showing up to be eligible fish a CFF event. I also think there needs to be additional requirements to be a director for a CFF tournament to ensure safe events that align with what CFF is about. </font></p>

<font size="2"><font size="3">Well said David! before the "point idea" I was kicking around that to be eligable to fish a CFF, a member must have posted a report atleast 30 days prior to event. </font></font></p>

<font size="2"><font size="3">Heck ..I dont know.

</font>
</font></p>

 

[jon the fisherman]

No skin off my back no matter what becomes of this

 

[Jmax]

Bbass I am not saying that is not a good idea...I am saying if there is enough interest there is no reason that we cannot do both types. I will truely be interested to see if we really do have much interest from any of the ones that hardly ever show up or never show up for the ones we are having now. If it truely starts having a good crowd of true CFF members that want to do points I will show as well. With 1400+ members there is room for several types. Catfish, bream, crappie and bass Txs are all possiable. Jmax

 

[Buoy-Master]

Thanks Jim..I guess I should have mentioned in that post I last did, that I read what you were saying and you are supporting the idea.  Theres room for other stuff and I'd be happy to see you there gathering up points!

 

[Guest]

I have spoken to Dhaun a few times and he is a straight shooter. I have had ideas and spoke to him on getting money and even offered to pay a membership(wich he declined) graciously. Bottom line is I got on here 2 years ago and really enjoyed this site. With all that said it sounds like to me that you all should read these articles above and really think about how childish this sounds. Its always about competiveness or you wouldnt be having this conversation. I fished one cff and made accurate post and had conversation with some of you untill I won your night tx 2 years ago. After that it was in articles about cherry pickers and even was told by one so called cff guru on here that it wouldnt be too cool for me to fish this so called friendly tx that took place this weekend. Sorry guys but I will tell you what I think and this has been on my mind for sometime. Once a contributing member wich was not in your click and had many post and ?s ignored. Grow up and remember always there will be a winner and a looser no matter what the sport.

 

[MrWiskers]

The main issue as I see it is money. As soon as we get 15 boats or so the pot gets big enought for the ringers to show up. I have an idea, why not cap the pot. Make a cap on first place at $80-100 or so and pay more places. That way the payout is not enough to get the ringers, the winner can get their entry fee back with some gas money, and more people can share in the winnings. I fish these for fun and if I wanted to make money I would get a second job. Payouts like this would only attract the members that want to get together to share information, not win $300.

The other option would be to lower the entry fee to lower the pot. Maybe $20 like the Wednesday dogfights we have. The low pot seems to be keeping most of the ringers away on Wednesday. With the cost of gas a lower entry fee sounds good to me. Remember we are fishing to get together to share information, not for money.

 

[Jmax]

Pearchjerker I wished you had showed up with your son like you had said you might. It would have put to bed the other thoughts on the matter. I do not blame you for not showing up if you had planned to be there with your normal partner as was suggested you might under the circumstances. Your situation was personal and should not be confused with what we are talking about here. Sorry if you felt that you were not welcome to fish with us.emoSorry Jmax

 

[Jmax]

MrWiskers - 6/17/2007 7:34 PM

Payouts like this would only attract the members that want to get together to share information, not win $300.

The other option would be to lower the entry fee to lower the pot. Maybe $20 like the Wednesday dogfights we have. The low pot seems to be keeping most of the ringers away on Wednesday. With the cost of gas a lower entry fee sounds good to me. Remember we are fishing to get together to share information, not for money.

MW, I agree 100%. That is why for every 5 entries we pay out one place and once we hit 15 boats we pay out two big bass. For this one here first place was only $220.00 and if you share that with a partner that is only $110.00 each. That to me is not big money. By the time you pay entry fee, gas and maybe a prefish trip you might break even on that one trip but add the other times you don't get a check and it is all for fun because you are going in the hole.emoScratch Jmax

 

[DHaun]

perchjerker - 6/17/2007 7:10 PM

I have spoken to Dhaun a few times and he is a straight shooter. I have had ideas and spoke to him on getting money and even offered to pay a membership(wich he declined) graciously. Bottom line is I got on here 2 years ago and really enjoyed this site. With all that said it sounds like to me that you all should read these articles above and really think about how childish this sounds. Its always about competiveness or you wouldnt be having this conversation. I fished one cff and made accurate post and had conversation with some of you untill I won your night tx 2 years ago. After that it was in articles about cherry pickers and even was told by one so called cff guru on here that it wouldnt be too cool for me to fish this so called friendly tx that took place this weekend. Sorry guys but I will tell you what I think and this has been on my mind for sometime. Once a contributing member wich was not in your click and had many post and ?s ignored. Grow up and remember always there will be a winner and a looser no matter what the sport.

PJ - The way I see it anyone who told you it would not be too cool for you to fish a CFF event was mistaken. You have made your contributions to the site and are just as eligible as anyone else. CFF events are open to all anglers at all skill levels so long as they have posted a couple reports and plan to post afterwards. The term cherry picker and ringer should not apply in a friendly competition where there is little $$ to win. I hope to see you at the next one.

 

[Buoy-Master]

</p>

Wheeeskers..Not a bad idear! Theres another good approach to it. </p>

Flip will tell ya, I was so fustrated the other night that I said several time I wouldnt fish another TX until I learned more about the lake...But in the back of my mind was Perchjerker a year ago telling me to fish them, although you'll donate more than win, atleast your under the pressure to learn more and learn it faster. </p>

Guys, this has been a good thread but lets keep it in line too. I dont want any heat over it, I just want things to get out in the open. I'll supprt all rules as a CFF member and conribute all I can (although there aint no lunker fish for me.LOL) Perchjerker has a point...Money + Fish = Competition and we all know that ribs get rubbed and things get said. </p>

My Main Point and reason for this thread is to make sure we are doing things in line with what CFF wants this site to be and its getting the contributions from the member as it should before tournaments being that some are alittle unsettled about the 2 post rule and then never seeing another post from them. I thought we could just hack it out here and make sure everything is cool.</p>

 

[Guest]

<font color="#000066">Blame it on Bbass, whatever it's his fault. I'm just messing with you, the lower entry would be the best way to nip it in the bud</font>