Perhaps everybody in MSC already knows this, but I’ve never let pride overrule my ignorance, so I’ll ask anyway.
As it appears that the Tournament Striper Teams are composed of fixed groups of 3-4 fishermen geared up for serious fishing, are there any mechanisms established for the less experienced or less equipped angler to participate in these tournaments?
While our 17’ Ranger is sufficient for the two of us to go out and chase stripers at our leisure, it would be mighty cramped if we pursued the tournament trail, especially with another body on board. Finally, in our unique case, we’d be looking at 30+ miles round trip on water from marina to weight-in back to marina.
So does one just have to bite the bullet, put a team together, and jump in, or does any sort of “pool” exist of willing and waiting team members? Obviously it’s not a free ride.
I hope someone in your club can work with you to help get you guys into the tournaments.
In my largemouth club we draw for two man teams (boater and non-boater) before each tournament. That seems to give everyone a chance to fish every tournament if they so desire. We fish all over the state and the non-boater is usually responsible for any launch fee, the entry fee and half of the other expenses which can include gas and/or a room in some cases. So far it has been a great education for me. I’m one of the non-boaters and haven’t had a bad experience yet. I’m seeing lakes that I would probably never have seen and have had some pretty good finishes, including a few wins. Hartwell, Clark Hill and Wateree have become some of my favorite lakes inspite of the long rides to get there. Murray is still my overall favorite.
If I were you in a 17’ boat I would trailer to every weigh-in and be very cautious on windy days. I know from past experience, Murray can be very unsafe in a small boat on windy days.
You guys are really limited with not trailering the boat. I wouldn’t be worried about size of boat. I used to fish MSC events in a 15’ Jon boat. Another option is to fish your normal areas then leave enough time to get back to the marina and drive your catch to the weigh in.
When I was fishing in the Jon boat I was very limited as to where I could fish. If found fish far away from weigh in I would put in close to the fish and then reload to go to weigh in.
I think the tx would be great for yall. It really pushes you to become a better angler. Set goals like 1st yr finish top 15 next yr just do better than last yr and so forth…
I agree with Chip … Fish where you want to and then drive to Acapaco to weigh in … I can’t find anything in the rules that suggest you can’t do it that way … I also don’t think there is a “set” number of people you need on your team …
Liz and I flipped a quarter at the banquet last night to see if we would make a tournament team … Heads it was and so Team Stone Age was born …
Our team is simply our family (Liz and I and our two youngest children) … Sometimes it will be all of us and sometimes it’ll be just the kids and myself …
Near as I can tell the only real issues the MSC has is with the collection of tournament fees …
Obviously, there are people more qualified than I to answer your questions, but I think Chip is giving you sound advice…
Look forward to seeing you guys next weekend …
FYI, next Saturday is (was) Jose Wejebe’s birthday … He was huge in the Saltwater fishing scene and was one of the pioneers for television fishing shows … He died in a plane crash two years ago … Even if you’re not tourney fishing Jose’s foundation is asking all of his fans to fish in his memory sooooooooooooooo … Go Fishing!!!
I was a member for 2 years, probably only fished 10 tournaments in that time. But towed my boat to every weigh in. I even fished a team tournament alone, so two wouldn’t be a problem. It is very helpful to see what the other boats are doing and where they are fishing when you are learning.
As far as team size goes, there are plenty of teams that fish with only two members. The winners of last month’s tournament fished a two member team all year. In the 2012 DNR tournament we ended up 2nd fishing cutbait(20 rods) with me and one other. I plan to fish with my six year old as a team this year so it’s kind of like 1 1/2. You definitely don’t need a big team to have fun and compete. Give it a shot. It’s not nearly as intimidating as it might appear. This is way more about having fun than battling it out on the lake!
Appreciate the ■■■■■■■■. Looks like we’ve been able to hook up with another interested party and will be forming a new team making our debut in February. I think we’re all looking forward to the competition which should also help improve our skills.
I wouldn’t get hung up on boat size or team size. 2 people can easily fish for stripers just fine. Smaller boats can get you access to water that larger boats and boats with T-tops can’t get to. Especially in the winter time where I frequently pull boards in less than a few feet of water. The stripers don’t know or care how big your boat is or how many crew are on board. Good bait trumps all.
I wouldn’t get hung up on boat size or team size. 2 people can easily fish for stripers just fine. Smaller boats can get you access to water that larger boats and boats with T-tops can’t get to. Especially in the winter time where I frequently pull boards in less than a few feet of water. The stripers don’t know or care how big your boat is or how many crew are on board. Good bait trumps all.
