Is this ok just a honest ? about tourneys on the pond

[walleyecaber]

This was sent to me this morning by a friend that lives in Isle. I attended the tournament today and had a very nice time as usual, but left with one huge question. Why was a professional fishing team with a guide whose business is sponsored by Hunter's Point Resort allowed to collect prize money? It is my honest opinion that this is totally unfair. The advantage this team had over ocassional Mille Lacs fishermen like a lot of folks in attendance goes without saying. The proper thing to do would be to say "George, draw some names and give this money away." Or, go down the list to the next entrant or two. Perhaps I am alone in my view of this, but it just didn't sit well with me. Any other thoughts on the subject? .

[outdoorav]

I think it unfair too. that resort only cares about money. they told some buddys the perch and pout was the big tourney so they 2 house for the weekend but it is next weekend. we ask for a wheel house pass in dec, he told me 425.00 for season.

[RECOIL]

fill in some details. Did they win a drawing, or catch a nice perch and place?

[walleyecaber]

 Originally Posted By: walleyechaser

This was sent to me this morning by a friend that lives in Isle. I attended the tournament today and had a very nice time as usual, but left with one huge question. Why was a professional fishing team with a guide whose business is sponsored by Hunter's Point Resort allowed to collect prize money? It is my honest opinion that this is totally unfair. The advantage this team had over ocassional Mille Lacs fishermen like a lot of folks in attendance goes without saying. The proper thing to do would be to say "George, draw some names and give this money away." Or, go down the list to the next entrant or two. Perhaps I am alone in my view of this, but it just didn't sit well with me. Any other thoughts on the subject? .

Here is some more he sent me this is all i know about it i wasnt there he fished it and said he wasnt the only one not happy. this was my first year at hunters and first year at the contest. i to was a little upset that some of the guides were able to win money but hey they did catch the fish i know they fish the lake and it is there job but i think it is luck of the draw we never fished the lake out of hunters and we had 1 fish 1/2 lighter than 3rd place a little disappointing but yet it was still almost a lb. good eating was a good contest and i feel that even a couple (pros-guides) won money so be it. they fished as well as the rest of us i feel they may have had an advantage but it was luck that got them the money. i have no problem with that fact. congrats to all the winners cash and prizes. i do have to say i wish our numbers would have been called. maybe next year. I also was told these where posted on said resorts site.

[gopher_nation]

I don't see any problem with a guide placing and collecting cash. Just because they are a guide doesn't mean the big perch is going to bite. They might have a better idea where they are because they fish the lake everyday, but that's just an advantage to them. It's the same thing with locals that can go out every afternoon, they just know a little more. Still need to get them to bite. Not a big deal to me at all.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Id also like some details. What 'team' was it? Did they get a bunch of winning fish?

[RECOIL]

Thanks for full story. Glad to see the your buddy is not too sour over the situation. I can see how he would be a little upset. Honestly I would rather get edged out by someone that knows what they are doing. That way I know they actually caught the fish during the tourney instead of wondering if they caught it weeks ago and let it hang out in their aquarium to fatten up for the big day. Try not to take these perch contests for more than they are. Basically just 10 bucks for a chance to win something and a excuse to get out fishing and enjoy some laughs with friends.

[goggy eyes]

I think it's not right that people are getting mad. The guy did catch the fish. Yes he my know where to go but you can't make the winning fish bite. Good for him for catching nice fish. As far as the resort just caring about money. I believe the resorts and guides in ther area care more about the lake then anyone. With out it they would be out of business. Just my 2 cents.

[walleyerookie]

As an advid fisherman, i agree with that just because they are guides, does not mean that the "Big Bertha" is tied to a rock and waiting for him or her to pull them up...I am jelous that they have a better feel on where and what to use, they have spent all those long cold windy days on the lake and now it is pay day.....as for the people that have all the heatburn over it, maybe you have lost the love of the sport of having time with family and friends and a good excuse to get out of the house and have a couple laughs with them and down a cold Captain

Best of luck fishing all !

Walleye Rookie

[goggy eyes]

That's well said walleyerookie. It seems we lose sight of whats important. At the end of the day we are all just fisherman.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I dont care that they did well, either. They've paid their dues to get good at locating and catching fish. Im just curious about the details of what happened.

[gopher_nation]

I believe Tony Roach took the 3rd Place fish.

[gopher_nation]

I can't find any results on the contest anywhere. Kind of want to see what I'm up against for next weekends Extravaganza.

[HoleHopper]

It was a fun turney. Me and my wife ended up meeting some very nice peaple there. Fishing was slow but fun! We will be there next weekend for the extrav. I think I will bring the portable and drill about 100 holes and HoleHop. till I find a good place. and if I dont. all that meens is I have to keep trying. Success only depends on me!

Pay my dues, and have fun too........What a deal!

[late night]

Usually in a contest or drawing no employee from the buisness sponsoring the event is allowed to participate just so questions like this dont come up. Was the guide employed by Hunters? My buddy is a guide on Mille Lacs and he fishes alot of contest. That is part of thier yearly income.

As far as Hunters Point just being interested in the money, well of course they are. It is how they make a living. Nobody goes to work just for kicks and to give services away. It is thier job just like the rest of us going to work everyday.

[dws]

The team split 2nd and 3rd. It was Tony Roach and some others.

[BigD]

1.3 I believe won 1st and I think he was a local (not fair)haha. Tony guides out of Hunters as well as Appeldorns. Is he on their payroll? I don't think so. I have zero problem with the way it went down. Congrats to the fish winners and raffle winners. Maybe my luck will change next weekend up there.

[Glassguy]

We all need to keep in mind the difference between a contest and a tournament. In a contest you can win prizes (nice ones at that) without even catching a fish. Tournament prizes can only be won if you at least catch a fish. Hunters and the Extravaganza are both contests. These are clearly contests and the prizes are very minor compared to what you can win for catching the largest fish. I have no problem with Roach winning $150. There were probably 20 drawn prizes that had a greater value than that. It was a lot of fun and the competition is healthy. Knowing these guys are fishing in the contest only makes it better when you beat them. I'll see you all on the ice next weekend.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

 Originally Posted By: late night

Usually in a contest or drawing no employee from the buisness sponsoring the event is allowed to participate just so questions like this dont come up.

Its funny my dad and I have joked before because it seems like someone helping with prizes or selling concessions wins something. We also wonder if its our ticket they pulled out and called a different name? We really arnt overly paranoid or lose sleep over it but its something weve noticed.

As far as the guides winning, maybe they have fished the contests before but this is the first time they have caught a winning fish during it?

[Jimmy from Cottage Grove]

I actually won this year in the raffle. 50 bucks not too bad. First time in five years I won something. And a buddy of mine won a tackle box. I agree the prizes in the raffle are in the thousands of dollars. The prizes in the fishing contest were like 1000 bucks. The bottom line is it is a fun tournament. I would much rather fish a tournament like this one. Then to fish one of those contest where all the holes are pre drilled for you, and you sit on a bucket freezing to death.

[walleyecaber]

I would just like to thank everyone who gave there thoughts on this.One day over 800 views and only 19 people took time to give there say on this.I myself have never had a problem with guides fishing in these contest been going on for years just none maybe won befor and now that one did there was some people that had to be a little upset over it.My buddy now thinks its ok after reading the responce here and said maybe the drinking had more to do with him being upset more then the guides winning.

[Deadwood]

If you don't like the way they are running their contest, then don't enter it. Otherwise, everyone who enters and pays the fee is eligible in my mind.

[GRH]

I think its fine for guides to fish tournaments and contests. there are many locals out there with as much, or more fishing ability and knowledge than guides. And people dont complain about that. I fish tournaments and contests both. I like haveing guides and big names to fish against. If you can beat them or come close to them. It makes it that much sweeter. Plus most of them will teach you and give you ideas on what they did to catch there fish. "usually after the tournament though" the only thing I would be against, is if an employee of a contest holder won a prize in a drawing.

[icefishing21#2]

even though there are guides they still have the right to fish. sure they might have the upper hand on everbody but still they did not make them bite on there line . and also its just like other contest people who fish the lake alot are obviously going to have a better advantage of winning