[Vic Cerabone]

Anybody seen flyers for some of the "regular" open tourneys like the Motor City Classic, etc??? I usualy see these out at the boat or fishing shows. I've been to both Cobo and Ford Field and saw very few. I've got most of the circuits (BASS,GNT,NBAA,BFL) and a Oakland Bassmasters, but thats about it. I'm trying ot get my own personal tourney scheduel in order.

 

[No More Mini]

There will be a seperate calander on this site soon just for fishing tournaments. You can check back soon.

I do have some info, but there were mistakes on the fliers and I need to confirm them before I let my info out. I dont want to get blamed for bad info or have to answer these types of questions over and over and over and over and over....lol

Mini

 

[stevie1]

I know now the DNR makes clubs pull permits for use of ramps during tournaments, does anybody know where I can find a listing of these permits? I've tried looking at the Michigan dnr website but seem to get lost.

 

[No More Mini]

The DNR does not post them on the website as far as I know. I used to get a listing from the DNR office on N River Road, but they dont like to give it out. I think all offices can take permits and they deal with the waters in their area.

I will be updating the tournament calander here soon, and urge anyone else to do so when it becomes available.

Mini

 

[stevie1]

John,

A tournament schedule will definately help smaller clubs that fish the same areas as the "big boys" find dates and times that don't conflict. Looking forward to seeing that!

 

[No More Mini]

I will post more when it is available....

Mini

 

[stevie1]

While we are on the subject, do you know exactly how these permits work? I was under the impression that if you pulled a permit, that you were supposed to be the only club fishing on that ramp. That was not the case on several tournaments last year. The club I belong to is very small and is not affiliated with the federation.( a bunch of buddies out for bragging rights, good clean fun and good fishing practices) Could this be the reason for the "double booking" of a ramp?

 

[No More Mini]

I am not sure of the actual policy, but I do know that the estimated size of the tournament is required for a permit. The DNR will not allow a tournament in excess of 150 boats, at least that is what ot used to be.

I am glad you are pulling permits, alot of organizers dont. Are you sure the "other" tournaments are doing so? My guess is thay are not. I see that alot especially from out of state clubs.

Mini

 

[stevie1]

Our club is probably one of the few smaller ones that do abide by the rules, we take care of our lakes and especially our fish.

If we come across other tournaments at the same ramp as we are,what could we possibly do?

We can't tell people they can't fish nor would we want to tell them that.

The question comes down to,why do we pay this money for permits if the DNR does not follow up on them?

 

[Bish]

Something to think about.....
If I can remember right. On Canadian opening day, BFL, NBAA, Active Anglers, and the Motor City charity are all shceduled. This could make for just a little bit of crowding. If I'm wrong. Correct me.
Bish

 

[Alex]

I think your right. I show the BFL and NBAA on Saturday the 28th. And the Oakland Bassmasters on Sunday the 29th (this is usually the Sunday of the Michigan opener).

I don't have any info on the Motor City Charity event, but that is usually on Sunday of the Canadien opener as well.

A tournie calender on the site would help. You know, that whole second set of eyes thing......

 

[djkimmel]

Darnit Bish. You got me thinking about ole' Ben Trodder already.

The MDNR will give out multiple tournament permits to clubs and similar small groups at the larger boat ramps. They are not supposed to exceed 60% total of the ramp's capacity normally (between Memorial Day and Labor Day). The Great Lakes see the most leeway.

On the smaller inland lakes, you'll usually only get one group per day per MDNR ramp. You won't usually get a permit for the major holidays and free fishing weekend.

They do make mistakes sometimes. The local offices in each part of the state do their own area's permits.

Enforcement of permits has not been an issue yet to my knowledge. They can enforce them at MDNR ramps. Ask the other group if they have a permit. You can call a Conservation Officer. Don't know what would really happen though. I've never heard of this scenario happening at the ramp yet with any reliability to know what would be done.

 

[Mac]

I'm not exactly sure, but I don't think a small club or a group of less than 10 boats needs to even pull a permit, at any ramp.....that's why a few clubs can end up at the same ramp at the same time and no one will be "required" to have pulled a permit. It's happened before when I was "club fishing" years ago...we just worked out an agreement with the other club(s) present, as to who would blast off first,..and we went from there....never had a problem! On the other hand,..if that same ramp is hosting an organized tournament where a permit was pulled.....than the permit holder get's ramp and parking priority. This is my understanding anyway....

Mac

 

[No More Mini]

Thank you for your explaination Dan. I knew your knowledge would shed light. (BTW nice fish!)

As far as policing it, I guess that is up to the MDNR. But they certainly cannot enforce it if they dont know it is happening. My suggestion would also to try and have some dialog with the other tournament as Mac said and see if it can be worked out. Possibly the other guys dont know you need to have a permit for a tournament. Especially out of state people where their local waters do not require it. Ignorance is no excuse for it, but maybe they are involuntarily ignorant on the whole concept. If you feel that they are aware, then I would certainly try to report it rather than resorting to a "why should we if they dont have to" mentality.

Mini

 

[madman24]

ben trodder.......why is that name sound familiar?????
didnt i read about him in a CF newsletter?

madman himself

 

[djkimmel]

Mac,
The permit process has changed, but I can't honestly remember if there is a minimum or not anymore. It's supposed to cover ALL organized events at a MDNR boat ramp. Spitler would remember, but he seems to have disappeared on an extended vacation or something.

I like what Mini said. You have to try to communicate and work things out first before you start 'shooting.' It's hard to do at times, but probably best in the long run. Many Northern states now have a tournament permit process, so it shouldn't be too surprising to anyone anymore...

except maybe ole' Ben Trodder. He doesn't seem to get anything about anything. But he sure get's around. I see him all over. He's a master of disguise. He looks different and often has a different boat, but it doesn't take long to recognize him from his actions. Often, once he know's you're on to him, he'll up and take off to 'visit' someone else.

 

[djkimmel]

Forgot Mini. Thanks for your comment about my fish. I was jealous of your picture AND I wondered just how many of you 'smallie-holics' would even remember what they looked like...

(Quick quiz for anyone: What weighs more? A 4 pound smallie or a 4 pound largemouth? I'll bet someone will pick smallie!?!)

 

[stevie1]

As always thanks for the info everybody. The one thing we don't want to do is "run" people off the water!!

 

[No More Mini]

Ummm I think a 4 pound largehead weighs more in my book. Yes I know 4 pounds is four pounds. But I have caught pleanty more 4 pound smallies than I have largies....so I think it would weigh more in my memory bank!

BTW YOUR jeaslous if MY fish? Now I am honored. For those that really dont know Dan, he can not only type really well (lol) but he is a darn good fisherman! Took my moolah quite a few times last year, but this year, is a whole different story....lol

Mini

 

[Hoov]

John are you going to have a touranment in the tub at Bass Pro to be able to take Dan's money ???