mbrillhart1957 Loc: Southeast Wyoming

I personally don't care to fish in a tournament. Years ago I gave it a try and even won a couple of them. Just not my cup of tea. I don't want to be told how or when I can start and finish. Then have to pay for the privilege. To me the "The TUG is the DRUG".
I'm ok with having tournaments. Especially the ones for the local Moose Lodge or organizations to raise some funds. More beer is drank at those than fishing. It is also ok that there are the big organized tourneys. There are many positives to having them.
Here is my gripes with the organized sanctioned ones. Mostly with the ill behavior that is displayed.
Because you are in this tourney does not mean you own the lake. I have just as much invested to be fishing that day as you do. Gas, lodging, travel, and time. Minus the entry fee.
When you want to move 50 yards with your 200+hp motor. Does it have to be at full throttle?
It is rude to cut me off 30 yards from the choice spot on a point, flat, or that bank that has the best cover.
Is it safe to scream by me with your hair on fire at 60 mph in a narrow stretch of water to get to your next spot.
I do need to mention the kayos that is at the boat ramp.
I feel that courtesy on the water is a must. No matter why your fishing.

JD HEAT Loc: Nebraska

LOL! Someone must have really just P'ed you off M. I agree with you that all those stunts can be frustrating. However, they can happen by anyone who is just not respecting others and the environment around them. Tournament or no tournament!

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Ego maniacs??

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I fished military BASS about 30 years ago. Couldn’t wait. All enthusiastic
After a couple trips leaving at 1:00 driving to a lake I’d never been to . Fishing in the sleet . Fishing in the rain . Fishing in the wind. Fishing with someone I didn’t know ... mechanical problems away from home ...competition with 250 HP me with 50 and guy cuts me off 40 yards from the spot I’m headed

I made it thru the season
Managed to place in the money a couple times and competition acted like I’d personally insulted them
Had the host organization give 4th to a local when I’d beat him by 8 oz one time.
Never again.
If I feel like going , I go
If I feel like leaving early cause the weather sux , I leave.
If I want to sit in the truck drinking coffee till the fog lifts a little. ... you get the point

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Just do it your way and enjoy life - forget about the others.

mbrillhart1957 Loc: Southeast Wyoming

JD, your right. Anyone can be rude to others on the water. It's just been my experience that tourney fisherman do rude on steroids.

Ben, I like the way you think and fish.

Billy Bob Loc: Terre Haute,IN

I have fished tournaments for the last 48 years, and at 74 still fish a team tournament here in Indiana. Tournament fishing is surely not for everyone, I really believe that you need to be a bit crazy to do it. I really like the idea that on a given date I will have to go to a body of water, regardless of weather conditions and all other things that effect fishing and figure out how to catch them. Could I pick my times and catch a lot more fish. Sure, but tournament fishing has made me a much better fisherman. Anyone can catch them on a good day, but to figure them out on a bad day is a thrill that is hard to explain. Now with that being said I have seen rear ends from all sections of the fishing community. Tourney guys as well as pan fishermen to bank fishermen. It's a shame that people are that way, but it is in everything in life. My suggestion to anyone is don't let an idiot ruin your day no matter what you are doing. Just adjust, get away from the boob and enjoy your day no matter what you are doing.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Billy Bob. I agree with sone things you related to. However some go overboard and act like they own the waters - that is what is not right - wether tourney or pleasure. Have only been on one water when a tournament was happening and I too lost respect for what the tournament boats did to all others. You stated that tournament fishing made you a better ‘fisherperson’. Great! Hope it was not at the expense of others. You stated to just get away from the ‘boob’. Why should that even have to be done - just makes the ‘boob’ think they can do it anytime - anyplace. There are a few of my thoughts.

Billy Bob Loc: Terre Haute,IN

I was just trying to get across that it is not only tournament fishermen who act like a rear end. They are in every aspect of life. Not just fishing. I have fished around thousands of tournament fishermen over the years and the majority will give you room. I will agree there are those that think just because they are fishing for money they have certain rights that non tourney people have. These are the same people that would cut in line any where. I have had my share of words with tournament and nontournament people on the water. Nothing will get my dander up like someone who cuts me off. No excuse for that kind of actions. As far as me being a better fisherman because I fish tournaments. Any suggestion even remotely that it was done at the expense of other fishermen is unfounded and uncalled for. As I stated earlier. I have had my share of run ins with all types of fishermen. Did it help anything. Nope. Might have made me feel better at the time because I got my say, but over all it was unsettling. I don't like confrontation, but will if needed. Most of the time when you run into someone who is rude, no matter what it involves and you try to school them it's like trying to teach a pig to sing. Just frustrates the pig and makes you mad. Hopefully our discussion here might reach some of these people and they will think twice next time they are on the water.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Ditto!

Az Bob Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Hi, another 75+ yr old TNX and ‘fun’ fisherman. Jerks are jerks and will always be around. Whether fishing a TMX or just for fun don’t let a boob ruin four day! I’ve always felt fishing has to be ENJOYABLE, TMX or for fun. I often fish with a ‘TX redneck’ who goes ballistic over anyone messing with ‘his water’. I always look around and see water everywhere, potential everywhere, and go have fun, TMX or not. No reason for diarrhea!

Mako Bob Loc: Southern California

I found nothing as exciting as high dollar off shore Marlin and Mako tournaments
Just google ( Bisbee’s marlin tournament Cabo San Lucas shot gun start )
And Southern California Mako tournaments won a lot of money first place four tournaments
We no longer have Mako Tournaments on the west coast this was back in the late 1990’s nothing like a 180 pound mad Mako at boatside ready to gaff and could be worth $20,000 give or take

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

While we are on this subject of rude self important fishermen, my personal peeve is the belief bass fishermen have the right to bang their lures and lead against the gelcoat or aluminum of others parked boats. I even saw a skipping tutorial on a TV show, where the host smacked his lure into an aluminum pontoon boat. He continued on like it was OK, no big deal. That is just wrong. Don't do it. If anyone is wondering, no I do not have a dock.

TXmudbug Loc: Houston TX

When someone has the nerve to pull up 15’-30’ from my boat I just put a few cast in their boat and snag a few goodies, they get the message pretty quickly. “I was here first so back off “ coupled with maybe loosing a landing net or something pretty much gets their attention.

mbrillhart1957 Loc: Southeast Wyoming

I would like to say that all the gripes I made on my first post happened in ONE day and each incident was a different boat. I do believe in turning the other cheek. Move on and enjoy the day. But I also have a breaking point and enough is enough. Most of the time that is what I do. But rewarding bad behavior just tells them that its ok. Try raising children that way. Good luck with that.
I have corrected friends that I felt what they did was not right. You tourney fisherman could do that. Be a good ambassador for your sport. I also know very well there are a lot of good guys who fish competitively.
Now lets all be nice guys and get to fishing.