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Posts: 5
| Hey guys,
I am the director for the new Fishers of Men Muskie Tournament Trail. Obviously I was very interested to read the discussion about using digital cameras in tournaments in place of judge boats since that is exactly what we are doing. We are not the first organization to run muskie tournaments this way but we are the first to organize tournaments this way in the form of a National Tournament Trail. I would like to explain how we plan to do this and why we chose this method instead of judge boats.
In response to some of the other posts I would like to start by saying that we will not be providing the cameras and placing a seal on the memory cards or anything like that. We do not have the resources to do this primarily because we are a not-for-profit organization and we are NOT a big money trail. We will, however, be issuing all measuring boards.
Here’s how it will work: On the morning of the tournament every boat will be issued a hat (not the same hat for every boat we have a wide variety of various colors etc.), a wristband, and a measuring board. We require 2 pictures to be taken: 1 picture of the angler wearing the hat and holding the fish, and 1 picture of the fish being held against the measuring board with the angler wearing the wristband. This picture of the fish against the measuring board is obviously the one that could potentially create the most controversy. However, the rule is that entire fish must be visible in the frame of this picture. That being the case anyone looking at the picture will immediately be able verify that the head of the fish is positioned correctly at zero due to the nature of the measuring boards. After the tournament we will upload the pictures and zoom in as necessary to verify the length. If the angler fails to capture the entire fish in the frame of either picture, that is grounds for disqualification and it will be soley to the discretion of the Division Director to determine the placing. This is the understanding going in to our events. Anyone who cannot accept these rules before hand should not fish.
Some reasons why we choose this method:
We feel this is a better way of handling the fish. Everyone may not share this opinion, but we believe the release can be done faster and with less stress to the fish by not using the judge boats. But as always the true responsbility to take good care of the fish lies with the fisherman. Not using judge boats also means that we do not have to limit any sections of the water. On all the lakes we fish, any section of the lake that is navigable by boat will be fair game.
Also, remember that we are not talking about big money tournaments. We have entry fees of $135 per boat, payout of one place per every 5 entries, and a total payout of about 80%. In a sample field of 75 boats this would be a total payout of about $8,000 over as many as 15 places. If someone is motivated enough to try and sneak photo editing equipment on their boat and attempt to cheat (hoping they don’t get caught) just to win a little $, then that is the risk we are willing to take.
We are willing to take that risk because our main goal as a Christian organization has nothing to do with winning money in fishing tournaments. We run tournaments with professional quality organization and leadership, but our number one goal is to promote fellowship among anglers and faith in God. We welcome anyone and everyone to participate. We are going to have fun, enjoy friendly competition, and focus on what’s truly important in life while cherishing every moment we get to spend on the water as a blessing from God.
Luke Sparks
Fishers of Men Muskie Tournament Trail
[email protected]
www.fommuskietrail.com
630-292-2535
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| thank you for using your heads on this issue. if more care there can be larger and more fish. have a great day. |
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Posts: 376
Location: Lake Vermilion Tower, MN | If the main goal is to promote God and good fellowship, why have any cash prizes at all? Do you need money for a friendly competition?
I assume the other 20%, will be used to budget your not for profit organization?
Just curious...
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Guideman,
You should know it costs money to run a circuit. That wasn't the issue, or the question. 80% payback is pretty standard, the rest going to operational costs. Most of the circuits rely on sponsor money to make a profit, and even then some don't get out of the red often. |
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Posts: 5
| Ace,
(I LOVE Vermilion). The answer to your first question is because our mission is to do those things through competitive and professionaly run fishing tournaments. As a ministry our target "market" is guys who like to fish tournaments. For the best example of how we operate take a look at Fishers of Men's already established bass trail which has 53 divisions this year in about 30 states. For people who want fellowship without the tournament, prizes, etc. there are plenty of churches who plan fishing trips and outings.
As to the second question, Steve was right on 
Luke Sparks
Fishers of Men Muskie Tournament Trail
www.fommuskietrail.com
[email protected]
630-292-2535 |
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Posts: 7090
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Can anyone fish your tournaments? Even if they dont accept, and have no plans to accept Jesus Christ as their savior?
"Our mission is to present the gospel of Jesus Christ and the challenge of knowing Him as Lord and Savior to fishermen and their families through competitive and professionally run fishing tournaments."
Just wondering.
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Posts: 5
| Slamr,
Of course! Our tournaments are open to absolutely anyone who wants to fish regardless of religious affiliation, conviction, etc.
Thanks for the question,
Luke Sparks
Fishers of Men Muskie Tournament Trail
www.fommuskietrail.com
[email protected] |
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Location: The Yahara Chain | How would you know if the fish was released sucessfully?
If a fish dies in the tournaments that I have fished you either lose points and/ or the angler is done fishing for the day.
How would you know if the fish was even released? Let's say Joe catches his first 50 incher and keeps it.
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Posts: 5
| We wouldn't necessarily know. That one is somewhat of an honor system rule. However, if Joe catches his first 50 and brings it back to the dock and shows everyone then obviously he would be disqualified (although he certainly would have every legal right to do that). Certainly someone could keep a 50 and try to keep it a secret, and they would just have to hope they don't get caught. The purpose of that particular rule is just to promote conservation as much as possible.
Hope that answers the question,
Luke Sparks
Fishers of Men Muskie Tournament Trail
www.fommuskietrail.com
[email protected] |
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Using Digital Cameras in Tournaments! (follow-up)