OCT 2017 FLBR BS Thread

[BarryFL]

Lou, I greatly appreciate you taking on the responsibility to run this. I know that when multiple personalities are involved, a unanimous consensus is rarely reached. I don't begrudge anyone catching fish wherever they can but for a competition to be fair, there has to be rules, that are mostly fair to all competitors.

I've read that there is a perceived unfairness between those that have boats and those that don't. Maybe even between those that have big boats versus kayaks. I will opine that while having a big boat could be an advantage on big public waters versus bank fishing but it is also a disadvantage in that I can only fish waters that allow big gas engines, have appropriate launch facilities, etc... and those waters tend to be the most pressured. The challenge for me is to successfully fish those more pressured waters.

IN contrast and as I've mentioned before, I live in a private community with several lakes that are loaded with fish. I can catch a full bag just about any day because they are not pressured in the least. In fact, I'm starting to think that they need to be culled somewhat to keep the quality of fish up. I fish them mostly with my grandkids and to test new equipment when I don't have time to take my boat out. It really isn't much of a challenge even from the bank. My PB came from one of those lakes (27+in 11+lbs). I didn't post it for the contest or hawg wall because no one else here could fish it without living here or being with someone that does.

No matter what rules are implemented some will feel short-sided. I also believe the fewest rules required to be fair is the way to go. At least you haven't implemented a weekend only or daylight only requirement.

[Tressbasser]

If the apartments fall under the parameters of the addendum, yes.

So, I'm trying to figure out where I can fish or not. Every one of the lakes I fish could just as easily be accessed by anyone in this club.
For the record, if the hanging point in this discussion is the school lake with the fence, I would be willing to eliminate it from further use, and to disqualify the fish I caught there earlier this month.
The rest of my lakes are easily accessible, and are used by many others. Please clarify.

[Tressbasser]

Lou, I greatly appreciate you taking on the responsibility to run this. I know that when multiple personalities are involved, a unanimous consensus is rarely reached. I don't begrudge anyone catching fish wherever they can but for a competition to be fair, there has to be rules, that are mostly fair to all competitors.

I've read that there is a perceived unfairness between those that have boats and those that don't. Maybe even between those that have big boats versus kayaks. I will opine that while having a big boat could be an advantage on big public waters versus bank fishing but it is also a disadvantage in that I can only fish waters that allow big gas engines, have appropriate launch facilities, etc... and those waters tend to be the most pressured. The challenge for me is to successfully fish those more pressured waters.

IN contrast and as I've mentioned before, I live in a private community with several lakes that are loaded with fish. I can catch a full bag just about any day because they are not pressured in the least. In fact, I'm starting to think that they need to be culled somewhat to keep the quality of fish up. I fish them mostly with my grandkids and to test new equipment when I don't have time to take my boat out. It really isn't much of a challenge even from the bank. My PB came from one of those lakes (27+in 11+lbs). I didn't post it for the contest or hawg wall because no one else here could fish it without living here or being with someone that does.

No matter what rules are implemented some will feel short-sided. I also believe the fewest rules required to be fair is the way to go. At least you haven't implemented a weekend only or daylight only requirement.

As with West, I respect your decision to not post your fish. However, as the rule reads, your neighborhood would indeed be acceptable for you to fish. Whether you do it or not is your own decision. But future participants might not feel the same way, and now, they would have an advantage over everyone else. Personally, I would like to see some of those fish, and if you dominated because of your proximity to those lakes, that would be fine. It would motivate me and the others to find better water in order to compete. We would all be better anglers and catch more and bigger fish.
As far as you or anyone else having a boat, of course that's an advantage - one that you have earned, presumably through hard work. So, in order to hang with someone who has a boat, guys like me have to work hard in our own way. That is what competition does. It makes us all work harder and get better.

[Deadeye]

Comments Deleted

[West6550]

Fred I get where you are going. My lake is fished often by others, tournaments and all and there are two ramps. One has a pier, plenty of parking and a double ramp. It's public.

[Tressbasser]

Deadeye,
Despite my clever nickname, I am not tresspassing in order to fish. I stated before that prior to joining this club I have indeed been asked to leave certain lakes. I have not returned to those lakes, for the simple reason that as much as I love to fish, I'm not altogether stupid. I don't want get in trouble, and furthermore, I do very much respect people's property and their wishes. Incidentally, none of the lakes where I was asked to leave were on people's personal property - they were at businesses. One of them was about 4-5 years ago during the early spawn. I was there on a Saturday, fished all day, and saw the security guard in his golf cart kinda shadowing me around the lake. He never said anything, so I figured it was ok. I went back on Sunday, put in the boat, and was posted up over a solid 6lber on a bed down deep in 8-10 feet of crystal clear water. That's when the guard came over to the bank and signaled me over. He said, "Sir, I know you're having a good time out here, which is why I was reluctant yesterday to say anything. But our property managers will have a fit if I let you stay. So, after you catch that fish you're working on, could you go ahead and pack it in." We both had a laugh about it, and I was stoked that, for one, I was not in trouble, and two, the guy was so nice and cool about it, and obviously knew something about bass fishing. I tried for a couple more minutes to catch the sow, but left pretty quickly, thanking the guard for letting me fish the entire day before, and for the extra few minutes.
This story really has nothing to do with the points we are making, I just thought it was a cool story.
That said, I've been fishing all the lakes in my rotation for years, and have never had any trouble whatsoever. Neither have the other locals who frequent them, and neither would any of you guys.

[Canesfan]

I don't have a boat and am not a real big fan of bank fishing. I live in a non-gated HOA community with a rather large lake although it is really a big retention pond. It encompasses though a 2 or 3 mile radius so technically it could probably be considered a lake. There are no fishing/trespassing signs all over the place but no one has ever stopped anyone from fishing. I occasionally fish when a grandkid comes over and wants to fish and have caught some numbers but have never seriously gone after size but my guess is there some good sized fish there. I think you all are taking this way too seriously since there is nothing more than bragging rights involved but I guess there has to be rules and structure. I guess if I participated I would think differently but good luck to you all.

[Capt. BassinLou]

I'm going to attempt to clarify this topic one more time.

If the water body you want to fish, be it public or private has no signs and/or fencing that clearly states NO TRESSPASSING and/or NO FISHING, and can be utilized for fishing by anyone without permission then the fish caught there can be used for this competition. In regards to apartments, and HOA communities. If you are a resident or a guest of a resident, and you are you are legally allowed to fish on the property, meaning the Associations of these communities allow fishing on their property, then the fish caught there can be used for this competition. If this explanation, does not appease anyone and you still feel the need to nit pick this topic any further then you have clearly missed the meaning of what this club is really about and should reconsider participating in it.

[West6550]

Lots of people who don't participate commenting. Last time I checked Lou runs this thing and he makes the rules. We don't need the frivolous fanning of the flames. Let the group that actually competes & Lou worry about it.. since it literally does not effect you..

People do take it seriously despite being a bragging only thing. The whole point of this thing is to push you and make you try new places and baits and grow as an angler. Anyone who does that for a while will get mentally pushed to go fish more, to get a bigger limit, which is the point.. You will care for the competition like we do.

If you want to fish anywhere.. cool. Post a report in the Florida section.. or the catch of the day section not here. That easy. If you want to use shiners, or fish salt, or not carry a measuring device.. no worries. Don't post them in this one thread.. post them on the several avaliable boards on here. Want something lighter? Make the rules you want and start your own club? Nobody is stopping you.

I honestly don't see the issue. You can still fish wherever you want.. just don't post the ones that aren't valid here. Post it in the many, many other places on this site.. just not here.

As Lou said, it starts November so prior fish don't make a difference.

[BarryFL]

Everyone has made some good points but I still believe we have missed the mark that got us here. As Fred said, spending time on the water is a huge positive but, I, personally, only fish weekends and that's usually one day not both. I'd be divorced and/or unemployed if I spent as much time on the water as some. My problem, I know, and I'm not suggesting we limit the amount of time people can fish.

What I'm getting at is since we don't all live in the same areas, can't all meet up on the same lakes, only fish the same days, etc... there has to be some rules to at least give the appearance of an even playing field.

Humans by nature are competitive, I admit I am, and I truly fished the classic to win but not at the expensed of cheating my boat partner out of an enjoyable experience (or at least I hope not).

This is only for bragging rights. It does give me some additional focus when I fish but its not the driving factor. I enjoy being on the water, accept that some days are better than others, and if I catch a nice bag and do well in a month, even better. I've never left the house thinking I'm staying on the water until I beat so and so or blow off other commitments or responsibilities to fish additional days. I somewhat envy those that can fish several days a week and I guess I can but I've already stated I'm not posting fish from my neighborhood.

Can you imagine the carnage if $$$ were involved?

My last comment on this and the powers to be (Lou) can decide the way forward. If you can't publically name the lake you fished for fear of others (board lurkers) moving in on "your" honey hole, then I'm not sure this is the right format contest for you.

[SFL BassHunter]

Lots of people who don't participate commenting. Last time I checked Lou runs this thing and he makes the rules. We don't need the frivolous fanning of the flames. Let the group that actually competes & Lou worry about it.. since it literally does not effect you..

People do take it seriously despite being a bragging only thing. The whole point of this thing is to push you and make you try new places and baits and grow as an angler. Anyone who does that for a while will get mentally pushed to go fish more, to get a bigger limit, which is the point.. You will care for the competition like we do.

If you want to fish anywhere.. cool. Post a report in the Florida section.. or the catch of the day section not here. That easy. If you want to use shiners, or fish salt, or not carry a measuring device.. no worries. Don't post them in this one thread.. post them on the several avaliable boards on here. Want something lighter? Make the rules you want and start your own club? Nobody is stopping you.

I honestly don't see the issue. You can still fish wherever you want.. just don't post the ones that aren't valid here. Post it in the many, many other places on this site.. just not here.

As Lou said, it starts November so prior fish don't make a difference.

I agree 100%

[cport]

Can't we all just get along?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

[SFL BassHunter]

Damn Cport your appearance changed quite a bit since the classic lol   

[Lipripper]

Damn Cport your appearance changed quite a bit since the classic lol   

[cport]

..

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

[Deadeye]

I'm going to attempt to clarify this topic one more time.

If the water body you want to fish, be it public or private has no signs and/or fencing that clearly states NO TRESSPASSING and/or NO FISHING, and can be utilized for fishing by anyone without permission then the fish caught there can be used for this competition. In regards to apartments, and HOA communities. If you are a resident or a guest of a resident, and you are you are legally allowed to fish on the property, meaning the Associations of these communities allow fishing on their property, then the fish caught there can be used for this competition. If this explanation, does not appease anyone and you still feel the need to nit pick this topic any further then you have clearly missed the meaning of what this club is really about and should reconsider participating in it.

Well that seems pretty clear. Thanks Lou for making it so.


Beyond that I'm done discussing it.

[FlatsNBay]

Great clarification Lou. Everyone should understand the new rule now.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Great clarification Lou. Everyone should understand the new rule now.

Thanks Flats, if it passes your test, considering what you do professionally, then it really works for me. Lol

[SFL BassHunter]

[cport]

Definitely not the tackle monkey, he's always running his mouth!

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

[Deadeye]

This is what I need to learn.

[SFL BassHunter]

Definitely not the tackle monkey, he's always running his mouth!

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

You got that right lol. Damn tackle monkey!

This is what I need to learn.

I still haven't learned it. It's on a trial basis at the moment lol. It can expire at any time without warning... lol

[Tressbasser]

I'm going to attempt to clarify this topic one more time.

If the water body you want to fish, be it public or private has no signs and/or fencing that clearly states NO TRESSPASSING and/or NO FISHING, and can be utilized for fishing by anyone without permission then the fish caught there can be used for this competition. In regards to apartments, and HOA communities. If you are a resident or a guest of a resident, and you are you are legally allowed to fish on the property, meaning the Associations of these communities allow fishing on their property, then the fish caught there can be used for this competition. If this explanation, does not appease anyone and you still feel the need to nit pick this topic any further then you have clearly missed the meaning of what this club is really about and should reconsider participating in it.

Thanks Lou. That does clarify things a bit. Please don't consider our discussion on the topic nitpicking. You stated when you posted the rule that you were doing so 2 weeks in advance so we may discuss it and clarify where we can fish. I think that's exactly what we have been doing.
There is one more question, and it involves the HOA aspect. If we obtain permission from a private property owner to fish as a guest, that owner may not be part of an HOA necessarily, or may not even live in a neighborhood. Would a lake like this be off-limits? In other words, you are fishing it legally, with permission, there would just be no HOA, which seems somewhat irrelevant.
Other than that, I'm going to continue fishing the same lakes (except for the school lake), and using them in this competition. I still will not be naming them, as they are pressured and poached enough already. Yes, any one of us can walk right up and fish them, but to name them would definitely give them exposure, which would be a disservice to not only myself, but to the other guys I know and network with that fish them.
I do this knowing that none of them are honey holes where you can just show up and catch lunkers. The last two trips to Lake "C", including this morning, have yielded 1 small fish. The other lakes have all been off lately as well.
Lastly, since this really hasn't changed things all that much, perhaps we have made more of a deal of it than necessary. But imagine if it had completely eliminated the lakes where I have been fishing, and built a lead in the AOY race. That would mean that in order to continue competing, I would fish only the FMA's, probably staying in contention with modest stringers, and still possibly win. Well, what kind of win would that be? No one, including me, would feel good about it, and the "victory" would come with an asterisk. This is not something I could accept or expect anyone else to, so, I would have simply left the club, and asked that my prior catches be deleted. That's a pretty drastic move, and one that I am glad I don't have to make.

[BarryFL]

Thanks Lou. That does clarify things a bit. Please don't consider our discussion on the topic nitpicking. You stated when you posted the rule that you were doing so 2 weeks in advance so we may discuss it and clarify where we can fish. I think that's exactly what we have been doing.
There is one more question, and it involves the HOA aspect. If we obtain permission from a private property owner to fish as a guest, that owner may not be part of an HOA necessarily, or may not even live in a neighborhood. Would a lake like this be off-limits? In other words, you are fishing it legally, with permission, there would just be no HOA, which seems somewhat irrelevant.
Other than that, I'm going to continue fishing the same lakes (except for the school lake), and using them in this competition. I still will not be naming them, as they are pressured and poached enough already. Yes, any one of us can walk right up and fish them, but to name them would definitely give them exposure, which would be a disservice to not only myself, but to the other guys I know and network with that fish them.
I do this knowing that none of them are honey holes where you can just show up and catch lunkers. The last two trips to Lake "C", including this morning, have yielded 1 small fish. The other lakes have all been off lately as well.
Lastly, since this really hasn't changed things all that much, perhaps we have made more of a deal of it than necessary. But imagine if it had completely eliminated the lakes where I have been fishing, and built a lead in the AOY race. That would mean that in order to continue competing, I would fish only the FMA's, probably staying in contention with modest stringers, and still possibly win. Well, what kind of win would that be? No one, including me, would feel good about it, and the "victory" would come with an asterisk. This is not something I could accept or expect anyone else to, so, I would have simply left the club, and asked that my prior catches be deleted. That's a pretty drastic move, and one that I am glad I don't have to make.

You're too focused on "winning" and haven't heard a word (like Thomas posted) about helping others while having a friendly competition. Seesh! You take tone deaf to a new level.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Thanks Lou. That does clarify things a bit. Please don't consider our discussion on the topic nitpicking. You stated when you posted the rule that you were doing so 2 weeks in advance so we may discuss it and clarify where we can fish. I think that's exactly what we have been doing.
There is one more question, and it involves the HOA aspect. If we obtain permission from a private property owner to fish as a guest, that owner may not be part of an HOA necessarily, or may not even live in a neighborhood. Would a lake like this be off-limits? In other words, you are fishing it legally, with permission, there would just be no HOA, which seems somewhat irrelevant.
Other than that, I'm going to continue fishing the same lakes (except for the school lake), and using them in this competition. I still will not be naming them, as they are pressured and poached enough already. Yes, any one of us can walk right up and fish them, but to name them would definitely give them exposure, which would be a disservice to not only myself, but to the other guys I know and network with that fish them.
I do this knowing that none of them are honey holes where you can just show up and catch lunkers. The last two trips to Lake "C", including this morning, have yielded 1 small fish. The other lakes have all been off lately as well.
Lastly, since this really hasn't changed things all that much, perhaps we have made more of a deal of it than necessary. But imagine if it had completely eliminated the lakes where I have been fishing, and built a lead in the AOY race. That would mean that in order to continue competing, I would fish only the FMA's, probably staying in contention with modest stringers, and still possibly win. Well, what kind of win would that be? No one, including me, would feel good about it, and the "victory" would come with an asterisk. This is not something I could accept or expect anyone else to, so, I would have simply left the club, and asked that my prior catches be deleted. That's a pretty drastic move, and one that I am glad I don't have to make.

Tress, as far as the additional question goes, I have answered it. Are you a resident of the location? Are you a guest of a resident of that location? Does the Association allow fishing on its property for their residents? Does the Association  allow Non-residents to fish on their property? If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions your question has been answered.