After the tourney - thoughts?

[powerdive]

Well, the MWAA Stockton Open is over, we have new winners and life can go back to normal for those who were a part of this event. I can tell you that it was a success for the MWAA--the auctions and raffles and level of participation all helped the association to meet its financial goals.

So, for those who fished or were there, how was it? Did you have fun, was it worth your while, what did you think of the overall experience? Maybe more importantly, did you learn anything?

I personally was a little miffed about the top teams being unwilling to share info about how they caught their fish. There's not so much money involved that this should even be an issue--and the tourneys are promoted as a learning opportunity as well. Even at the PWT, all of the competitors are asked these questions, and most are happy to oblige, especially since conditions can change drastically from year to year. I really wanted to know how these guys who nobody ever heard of came up with 5 fish for 21.6 lbs. in one day on Stockton--that's quite a feat!!!

Other than that, I thought things went very well. It was great that most teams were intending to release their fish and took care to keep them alive and feisty. Some made it; some didn't. Weigh-ins can be a problem for the fish.

[Skeeter Jr.]

I thought the torney went pretty good. The items for the Saturday Dinner were awesome. Thanks Mike for all your hard work to get those together. I think the torney should be pushed back to June. It is getting to get a little to HOT in July. I think we should work on keeping the fish alive and healthy so they can try to be released back for another day. All in all they torney went good.

[coyotewhacker]

Mike....I had probably the worst run of bad things happen that I can ever recall, and still had a great time. The dead outboard was quickly revived early this morning with a simple cleanout of the inline fuel filter inlet. Some kind of gel stuff had clogged the inlet side and no gas could flow past into the filter itself. Could have fixed it in ten minutes over on the lake if I had not been so PO'ed.
The rock cut is healing nicely.....you and John gotta work on that boat launching routine, though. Only broke two rods....both BPS Wally Marshall sticks that I dearly loved.
Did break the no fish jinx by catching a nice keeper yesterday morning, followed by a rather large channel cat about five minutes later....looked like we were on a roll, but only one short fish later in the morning. I thought the run of bad luck was over, but on the way home my trailer came off the ball while crossing the 245 Bridge, and only the two safety chains keep the rig directly behind my Explorer until I could safely coast to a stop. This morning, I discovered that the chain link holding the two pieces together was ground through completely by the cement bridge surface. Another few yards, and it would have separated, allowing the whole rig to go over the bridge into 70 feet of water...close call! At least the motor is running again with no ill effects. Whatever was blocking the filter looks like a piece of rubbery skin....maybe some kind of sealant used inside the fuel tank. Henceforth, it shall be called the "Wendy's Syndrome". My last minute connection with my partner was a bright spot in the weekend. Mike Campbell showed up with a boat looking for a partner. He is a great guy to fish with, and since we both like to fish live bait, it worked out perfectly for him to drown his crawlers and me to drag a leech rig. We caught fish, but just couldn't find the bigger ones. Maybe next time. If the big winners don't want to share info, there is a way to deal with that, too......but El Presidente would have a coronary attack if I brought it up. Thoughts on the tournament itself are all positive....well run, as usual. The socializing at the Treehouse was outstanding, the dinner and raffle were great. Maybe next year the field will exceed forty-five boats...

[walleyesrus]

Pro's don't have to worry about their favorite fishing spot being overun next weekend. With that said i too was disappointed, thats something that for years held back the sport of walleye fishing was the unwillingness of locals to give out any information about their favorite techniques and spots. Thank goodness we have some great members , like Steve Fisher and jonh Estes to name a couple that are willing to share their secvrets to help us all become better fishermen.

[trackerteam6]

Thanks all for letting us non-fisher people know what happened. I had out-laws come in from Texas so was not able to get loose to fish. Although I plann to fish in September. Sounds like you all had a great time.

[coyotewhacker]

Maybe those free fizzing needles can be of some use between now and the September tournament. My partner and I discussed the possibility of deep spoon jigging and both of us said, "Nah...not enough O2 down that deep." Maybe the thermocline conventional wisdom doesn't apply in lakes like Stockton......might be very interesting to get some dissolved oxygen levels in the deeper holes this time of year. And don't forget that the lake was lowered by a foot or two in the last few days before the tournament, which could let more water flow in the main tributaries...bringing in fresh oxygenated water to those deeper channel holes. Might be something to think about.

[scottwhitman]

Regina and I had a great time and it was wonderful to be on the water again and competing
My hats off as always to the MWAA staff and all who helped put together another SUPER event for us to enjoy and to the members for their sportsmanship and outstanding behavior on and off the water....again I can't say enough about this group and the MWAA.
On a more personal note I want to thank everyone for their words of incouragement and support for my return, it means a lot and was great to be there. Thanks
As for giving up info I have mixed feeling on that but i lean towards giving the detail and not the locations and I would give it up at the end of tournaments, some of you know that I share info during the tournament, Its not a $30,000 purse here so for me is more bragging rites than anything......

[powerdive]

Scott, I agree. I don't want their spots, but the general approach so I can come away with something to think about, new things to try, etc.