Shelter Cove Tournee Format Opinions

I have an idea of what I'd like to do, but I want this to be a collaboration and a reflection of our conscientious group.   

I am really excited about the possibility of a catch and release tournament.  I want everyone who desires it to go home with fresh meat and feast on it while we're there, but I think that by demonstrating the discipline and confidence of C&R in big numbers (during the tournee) we could send a strong message about sustainability, the future for down-trodden and lonely ports like Shelter Cove, the kayak fishing ethic, and our way of having Good Times.  That last point has to do with something that I'd say 99% of the active members on this board have exhibited - it's more about the camaraderie, sharing of experiences as well as knowledge and material goods, and the pursuit of a well-deserved ear-to-ear grin over a cold one at the end of the day than it is about filling a stringer.  We are a special group, and I want everyone who comes in contact with us to realize that fishing from a kayak is way more than that - it's a choice about how we treat the world and the people around us, and it's something to be proud of.

Again, I'm totally open to input here, and I'll likely base the tournee on the outcome of this poll, but I'd like to see something like this:

1st Place - Biggest fish caught and released.  Photo required where length can be determined.

2nd Place - Second biggest C&R.

3rd Place - Most species documented and C&R.

Sportsman of the Day - by vote of the membership present at the awards/potluck.  This is someone who saved someone's ass (hopefully don't need that...), someone who stoked others out with gear loan/gift or personal assistance, someone who enhanced the fun of the group likely with some sacrifice of his or her own fun...

We don't have any substantial prizes at this point, but I've heard several folks say they have ideas for some, and I've started putting feelers out so I can get a better idea of just what the hell I'm doing!   

 Well said stuff there about what KayakFishing is all about....

 I think it should just stay informal ( MBF ) just to keep it simple and flexable...

make it up as we go along kind of thing...

 The more formal we get, the more complicated... permits, waivers, etc...

Waiting to see what others come up with on that and hopefully we don't get into a Long drawn out thing
about waivers....

 " A la SG... "     

 I like the lure trade " expo ".... lot of Good Info would be exchanged on that kind of thing

 

I'm a newbie here but voted for C&R.
If the brethren want some sort of tourney that's cool , those that wanted to wager MBF could still do so on the down low, being a rookie I personally won't be wagering
I'm also with you on the ethics issue, I'm a C&R guy from way back.
ABking your organizational skills are outstanding, keep up the good work!

I really like the idea of "most species documented and released". It's very fitting for a tournament hosted by President Abking. It would be a different sort of fishing challenge as well, you'd have to cover all sorts of depths with all sorts of baits to maximise your chances. It's perfect for Norcal rock fishing where there are so many different species.

Great idea!

Thanks, Guys!  So far, from what I've heard back from friends who are more experienced than I am at this mega-hookup deal and from what I see here, I'll be leaning toward MBF format for sure - informal, money-between-friends stuff with the most organization coming for the potluck and making sure everyone has a place to sleep!  Domenic and I are excited about some items we want to give out as a welcome pack, possible T-shirt/Hoodie production, and we could well have a big MBF, so, for now - 3 months out!, I'll be content to play around with the ideas I have and plan on little things that will make the hookup that much better.   

Considering rockfish have barotrauma issues, I don't think a C&R tournament involving rockfish is as conscientious as it might seem at first blush.  At least in their case things should be catch & keep or don't catch at all.  BAM would be a much better venue for a C&R tournament.

Considering rockfish have barotrauma issues, I don't think a C&R tournament involving rockfish is as conscientious as it might seem at first blush.  At least in their case things should be catch & keep or don't catch at all.  BAM would be a much better venue for a C&R tournament.

The only reason I suggested it is because we catch mostly shallow there - floaters aren't generally an issue.  Also, a stipulation of the tournee would be that barotrauma sufferers should be retained.  Last, I planned to hand out a Shelton release device to all participants.  Your input is appreciated and accurate - thanks.   

I voted for informal. Just because I will definitely keep some fish. Heck, I'm planning to have a rockfish taste-test for dinner....the ultimate test to determine which one is the best. 

I'm definitely keeping some fish too... 

I fish for the challenge, learning, adventure and comraderie so personally I am coming to hang out with friends and family and fish a beautiful location. I already know who catch big fish regularly and it is not me.  I think an informal MBF is fine for those who want to get competitive.

Scott

I voted for informal. Just because I will definitely keep some fish. Heck, I'm planning to have a rockfish taste-test for dinner....the ultimate test to determine which one is the best. 

Another great idea.

Thank God someone mentioned about keeping some fish. I have never caught a
lingcod ever. This is the one fish I want badly to catch on my kayak and some
reds. I hope I am not shooting myself in the foot for making my opinion. I hope
you guys understand.

Jedmo

I myself on A regualar basis practise catch and eat. Dont get me wrong I do realease fish!...Carp,..Bass,...Bullhead...And whatever I catch that is not in season.Looking foreward to the seafood feast!!...Andy

I'd say most if not all will keep fish.  The idea behind a C&R tournee was a symbolic thing, and there would be plenty of other opportunities to keep fish - even during the tournee...  It sounds like something that will be some time in the making, so it's shelved for now.