Hey Bill Monroe! How 'Bout That Gator Derby?

Chromaflage · 03-08-2004, 01:21 PM

Bill, I know you take a lot of heat on this board and I'm really not trying to add to that. But I'm curious why there was no mention in the Oregonian about the GI Joe's Derby. Especially since the purpose of the derby was to raise money for a good charity. Here was an opportunity to show the non-fising public a very positive aspect of sport fishing.

Also, on your "Inside Line" recording you refer to the derby as "some kind of sturgeon derby that GI Joe's was sponsoring" (or something to that effect. Ummmm, yeah some kind of derby - there were celebs that came from various parts of the country to participate. It was to raise money for a good cause. And most of participants are local.

IMHO (what do I know, though), it would have at least been nice to see the winners in print.

My .02.

ORS

Bill Monroe · 03-08-2004, 01:39 PM

Good point...As many are aware, we don't cover fishing derbies or tournaments...but make exceptions for fund-raising events that go to good causes...the salmon events listed in Sunday's column are examples, but not the only ones.

Functionally, the fact is that I was only aware that there was a sturgeon derby from reading a few posts here on ifish...none of them mentioned celebrities or that money was being used for a cause. I certainly would have paid more attention had I known.

In fact, as I read Eric's post this morning, I grimaced (and swore a little) that I'd missed an opportunity. I had absolutely no idea so many heavy hitters were involved.

Sometimes, someone just has to grab me by the collar and shake a little bit to let me know these things are coming...and it should be at least a couple of weeks or a month in advance.

I apologize to everyone for not doing something about it...

The trouble with being an outdoor writer is that everyone expects you to know all the secrets, but no one wants to tell you one...

We'll try harder next year. I'll talk with Eric at the Quest dinner...

DiveR · 03-08-2004, 01:43 PM

Bill
We greatly appreciate all you do for our sport and all of your support for ifish.
No one bats 1.00 and I sure couldn't cast the first stone.
Keep up the great work
Bernie

Chrome Bumper · 03-08-2004, 01:47 PM

Sorry for not tipping you off Bill.

Chromaflage · 03-08-2004, 01:53 PM

No stones from here either - just curious. Thanks for the info and your candor, Bill!

ORS

puddles · 03-08-2004, 05:06 PM

Bill, there is another derby this sat. put on by fishermans.i believe hosted by lance fisher and i am sure money to some sort of charity.anyhow just a heads up to you. scott

Bill Monroe · 03-08-2004, 07:00 PM

Thanks all...
The other, larger problem for us, is that various stores attach themselves to derbies and tournaments for prizes and for causes, but also because the events bring them publicity and business. That gets us into a ticklish situation where we can't be fair to everyone at the same time...I don't know where or how to draw those lines.
The whole sports world is going that way and it's too bad...sponsorships are worth big bucks, but are starting to turn fans off. It's a catch 22.
So far, my only dealings have been with unsponsored causes that carry themselves, but if Eric is rounding up that many pro athletes, we'll have to do something about it and simply acknowledge the sponsor like any other sports event. I'm not really keen, though, on promoting any kind of fishing as a competition...

[ 03-08-2004, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Bill Monroe ]