Steelhead/ Springer Challenge Ideas

[Chris Nordling]

First, let me give some big thanks to Big-n-Bright and to Kentucky Hog Hunter for stepping forward and throwing together some fun gatherings. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Thanks in advance for the hard work you will put forth to make this happen.

Next let me voice a few ideas that may improve to the attendance of these outings. I think the more that can participate, the more fun we all will have.

1)Last year what helped, was allowing people a choice of days they wanted to fish(of the 2 the challenge was held), fishing both if they wanted, but only counting one score for the team. I think this really helped those with family or other commitments on the weekend. I know I was able to put together a team because of that option.

2) While a meeting place is a fantastic idea, it does rule out some folks participating, if you must show up for a weigh in, etc., especially for those that do not live around here.I think that a picture posting deadline allowed those not willing to drive after a long day of fishing to participate, even if they lived in Grants Pass or Idaho. Again, if everyone can play that seems to work best, rather than restricting it to basically the Portland area or those willing to drive to Tillamook. Personally there is no way I'm going to fish near home,drive an hour and a half,wait 15 minutes, then turn around again. There is no reason to open it to" wherever you want to fish", then tell people they have to drive 100 miles or more to verify the catch.

In other words,if you're willing to let people fish wherever, then let them post pics as proof. There are many 1 hour photo places around, getting a pic,even from an older camera should be no problem.

3) There are plenty of "cliques" on Ifish. How about spreading it out a bit, to meet and fish with some new friends? Or adding at least one bankie to a team, you know sharing the wealth of the water that they normally don't see. I think that this may help the morale of the whole event(s).

I think the original intention of these floatillas was to involve as many people as possible,nab a few fish, and gather at a place that those fishing could easily access. Not necessarily to take home a trophy, or worse yet the Baton. But the winner did have bragging rights, and those that talked trash, and showed up empty handed, ate crow for awhile.

Prizes are cool, but comradarie and new friendships appeal to me a little more. Guess I've always been one of those that tries to makes sure that everyone has an equal chance to have fun.

Anyway, that's my .25, if anyone cares.

Chris

[ampersat]

I care Chris. :smile:

Your suggestions are right on. I was looking forward to another steelie challenge until I found out that it was basically going to be limited to fishing the Wilson or driving over there for check in.

It's really about the fun and maybe fishing with some folks from the board you haven't met yet and who wouldn't get a chance for a boat ride normally.

But in the end, they are organizing it and it's up to them. Whaddya think fellas?

[steelheadslayer]

Great post Chris!!
I agree that having only one place of verification is difficult, especially for those of us in SW Wash. to make a weigh in. But, in BNB's defense, this was put together pretty quick so I guess next year may be better to get more people involved. I think pics say a lot when that can be used for verification. Splitting up some of the 'good ol boys' would allow a very diverse group of people to get together with others who may have a lot of success with those who have so so success. Besides, who knows when that next BEST friend is just waiting to be invited on the next trip. SS

[Chris Nordling]

I just want to make sure that everyone knows I'm not picking on Big-n-Bright, that I was just merely offering suggestions to help get more people signed up for both challenges.

There seem to be plenty that want to play, it just seems to me that some need a little flexibiity. Look at all the posts, many say the same thing. "I would like to, but....."

I know Challenges are supposed to be difficult, but at least make it easy for everyone to participtate.

To make it tougher, you could make the boats have to catch more fish than the bankies, or your team could be given a hadicap(like golf or sports betting) if you're boat is full of fish studs.

I don't know. Personally I have commitments that day that I cannot re-arrange, but I could fish another day, and would gladly drive to the coast to fish, but that's me. Others like those Idahooligans :grin: , or those in Southern Oregon, or Washington, may just want to have a local Ifisher get together, but still would like to compete in the Challenge.

Again I say good job Bobby for stepping up and getting it going , I'm sure those that can make it will have a ball.

Chris

[ 02-28-2004, 07:24 PM: Message edited by: FWF1 ]

[FishinMission]

Yeah..I know that if it's April 10 or so...I'd like to be in Chris's neighborhood. :grin:

I'm watching for changes. Besides that...I couldn't handle the restroom on Sand Island any more. EEEeeeeeewwwwww. It killed "Spooled's" steak sandwich last time. :whazzup:

Mark

[Chris Nordling]

Mission-

Stay home.

No springers in my neighborhood, just houses.

Chris

He was in the right neighborhood that day Chris. I just could not talk him into staying there long enough. :shocked: :shocked:

Spooled's "samiches" were excellent. Sounds like itsa' good thing I missed the restroom though. :grin: