Is it hard, costly to set up an event!

This whole discussion is good.

I've been doing some thinking and talking to guys like Sean and PAL about the future of kayak fishing derbies including our coveted AOTY.  We can learn a lot from our SoCal bros who've paved the way for us.  Before NCKA's AOTY, SoCal's Plastic Navy/BigWatersEdge had their own version called "West Coast Whoppers".  It's still going and PAL told me that one of their past winners "retired" from the competition because of burnout.  I can see it happening.  The number of participants in the WCW actually went down despite the increase in the number of fishermen and prizes.  Is it because of the caliber of competition, year long commitment, the cost of gas, or all of the above?  I'm not sure, but we should discuss what people want for the 2009 AOTY.  Should we go back to putting more emphasis on the biggest fish in each species?

For me, it's not about the glory or prizes as much as the fun of fishing with old friends and making new ones.  Derbies, in general, lose their luster with me when it starts to get too serious or costly in time and money.  The freedom to fish with friends when and where you want when the mood strikes or when the fishing is hot is why love the sport.

I personally like the Fishin' & Chillin' format combined with a not so serious MBF jackpot and prize raffle.  I think it's more social and less intimidating.

Let's keep this discussion going.  I'd like to hear from everyone.

While AOTY is too much of a commitment for me, I enjoy following the event.  It has the makings of a great spectator sport.  Maybe add rules that focus more on strategy such as posting entries within a time limit (so no one is hoarding points until the last minute) and limit "trading up" (one would have to decide to book the points or risk not catching a bigger fish).

Who knows?  Maybe in the future there will be AOTY trading cards (what's a Jellyfish rookie card worth?), fantasy AOTY leagues (I picked Mooch in the first round b/c he moved back to HMB!), and betting lines in Vegas.   

I think a Team version of AOTY would be popular, too (esp. with the time challenged members or Freshwater only specialists).  You guys should start another thread to track suggestions.

so no one is hoarding points until the last minute

They enacted the mickfish rule this year 
but I might challange I see some cracks.

Adam brought up this issue at the end of last year and it did lead to more events such as fishin and chillin north (mickfish) and the AOTD. The fishin and chillin at Del Valle has not been planned and hopefully Joel is still game to organize for November-December. The trout derby (BrianG) was fun, not just because I won   but because I hadn't fished New Melones for a few years. It was really cold however. The saltwater season really sucked, IMHO, shelter cove was blown out, the salmon season closed, rockfish was marginal and the HMB derby never happened. Halibut was great but I hate halibut fishing. For those who organized events, thanks so much.

Scott

IMO Kayak Fishing should not be about cut throat competition and major prize money. Most of us began yak-fishing because of the simplicity and camaraderie it created. Friendly competition and MBF is as far as it should ever go.
As for the original question (how much does it cost to put on an event?) As much or as little as you want to spend.
Friendly gatherings are the least expensive and you don't need permits or insurances where as full blown Tournaments will require the above. For "08" I was able th put on 5 events which drew approx. 20 anglers each and all participants had a great time.
Eric

Ive been pondering the "whys and hows" an event like BAM has a low registration/participation with NCKA memebership growing so rapidly.
I watch the site grow with a mix of very crafty anglers, the occasional kayaker, and then of course the lame who cant figure out the search engine or the most disturbing of folks who have owned 1 kayak with MAYBE 100hrs OTW handing out kayak "advice" right out of their ass.
This being said, it is still growth and that SHOULD mean more participation in events.
Ive read folks stating they arent participating because they have never caught a striper or dont feel they would be comptetive. This is absurd to me. Is it possible that they havnt caught a striper yet because they havnt gone striper fishing at mendo with the NCKA?
I wonder.
Its no secret that I am one of the weakest all around anglers that participates regularly here and Im out there fishing to win. Why? How? Because we are dragging around minnows and enjoying adult beverages with friends. Its not that hard.

Of course I understand that these are tough times financially and it must be very difficult to justify the cost of a weekend adventure to a wife and family that does not share the madness. I get it.
What I dont understand is the many parasites that read reports, fish the haunts shared here, and gain the amazing education this site grants and then refuse to give back. This site has many hearts and GWKC family is the biggest in my book. That family makes sacrifices for OUR subculture to thrive in norcal and any who go to the GWKC events have to notice that Sean isnt where he belongs, on the water with us. Its time to show the love bitches.
The NCKA site is fantastic but is a pale shade of blah compared to what goes on when we are on the water TOGETHER. For those said parasites I ask that you please refrain from reading the reports from this event.
get out there or just be lame. OK my rant is over.

As for the future and how we adapt to the current state of our financial culture that keeps some folks trapped in their local waters.
Well, maybe its time we bring back the virtual tournaments. maybe its time we start talking regional teams again. (go 707!)
It isnt the wonderful mass of plastic on the water but it is still being on the water together doing what we do better than anyone else on the planet.
nuff said

Amen and good stuff Terry!

Its no secret that I am one of the weakest all around anglers that participates regularly here and Im out there fishing to win.

Although I call BS on this one.

Michael

Right on Terry! The only thing I can add is this.

Nicely said Hydro

GWKC events have to notice that Sean isn't where he belongs, on the water with us.

Good point,

What I read into from what ChuckE says and just looking at how the Bigger tournaments go, it does take way from what brought me to this sport. Starting to Feel those Bass boats Buzzing and polyester.... YUK!!!!

 Anyway, we have something really Kool here and making bigger events with Bigger and better prizes really does not seem to be the answer.

 I think we should brainstorm this topic...

 I've always thought we as a Group can do Great things,

let the thoughts and ideas flow....

Anybody interested in Club Dues?  $$$$  Build a slush fund for that NCKA ClubHouse

Just a thought....

 

You guys could always just move up to the Pacific Northwest and join NWKA.  We're just entering the glory days.  Growth is up just enough that I can find a person or two to fish with me when I want and events are laid back.  Think NCKA in 2005.

As for the NCKA AOTY... you guys decide what you want and I'll make the changes for 2009.

Brian

Yes the Original question!
Just a thought not a request.

A thought to possibly generate interest in a TRAVELING COUNTY TO COUNTY FOSTER KID DERBY at certain lakes.... thats it, my question was answered by Sean. Thank's again
I am an extremly new "fish" to this site but a seasoned fresh water guy. I've been fishing for years with power boats and now kayaks a much more relaxing expeience (Boat for sale).

I've read about some real Situations funny, good, bad, some full on bull-onnie, and real info pertaining to safety.
Here not only in the recent posts but don't forget all the info/history's stored here. Supporting this flow of FREE information is a real good reason to stay. Nothing is really free I.E. sponsorship so consider your time and energy as such for future event participation.

I'm glad as a new "fish" I found this site. Thank you to whom ever keeps this up and running.
 
I'm very happy I'll be able to attend BAM IV in support of the comraderie you all have started and from what I read, quite a few are willing to keep trying.
I'm sad that this may be the last time for BAM IV but at least I'l be able to meet some more of you all.
Maybe, The Idea for a Fresh Water AOTY would still kick ass......

As many of you know, I maintain a photo DVD album of the kayakers displaying the results of their day's efforts, special events, memorials, kids involved, spouses involved...the only thing I haven't been convinced to do yet is to include a Pets of NCKA category. I do this mostly on my own time and at my own expense. If you ever meet me, chances are I'll have some copies of the DVD to hand out. I don't mind doing it. I like the sport. I like the people. I'm not very good at the fishing part, and occasionally, I have difficulty staying onboard. But I like it. I signed up for AOTY not for the chance to win money or prizes, although the idea of winning a kayak is tempting. I don't fish the ocean (yet). I signed up just to be part of the festivities. Sure. I could still show up at the AOTY celebrations without spending a penny, but that's not the way I do things. I was serious about helping Sean out with BAM expenses. It's an event that I've been pointing to all year. CSBA was OK, but we were all isolated in our individual camp sites. The group camp-out is a great idea. Let's keep it going somehow.

Howard

What I dont understand is the many parasites that read reports, fish the haunts shared here, and gain the amazing education this site grants and then refuse to give back... For those said parasites I ask that you please refrain from reading the reports from this event.

I must have missed the terms of membership that stated "for every X number of reports you read, you must post Y number of reports yourself and enter Z number of tournaments..."  Everyone who comes to this site does so for their own reasons and contributes in their own way, even the "parasites."  I bought my 2 yaks from Sean White in 2005, and when we were doin' the deal he invited my entire family into his house and showed us some amazing pictures from the Ranch and showed me this site as well.  Although I havne't participated nearly as much as I would have liked (that damn Cali rat race is my EXCUSE, but not a very good one!), my hat is off to Sean, Bill, Abking, Mooch, Chuck E, Danglin, Fishunter and many more who make this site what it is.  With a very few exceptions (HMB Derby, GG, Linda Mar and Brickyard hookups), I experience this sport and NCKA vicariously through you guys - I hope you don't mind! 

Good luck and have fun, all you BAM participants.  Wish I was going to be there (another lame excuse...).  Lookin forward to reading all the reports!!   

I don't think Hydro is really knocking on those who come to the site and read the great reports and live vicariously through those as you state.  Just like you, I'm part of the rat race and would be lucky to fish once a month.

I think hydro is more of upset with the lurking types who come to sites like these, take information on locations/reports and don't care to contribute their results.

I know that if I were to fish and be somewhat successful I would make an attempt to post a report.  I try to contribute where I can, but since I don't even have a yak yet, I can't really comment about fishing from one - but I can share what I know about fishing in general, as limited as that is.

As for the events, since I don't have a yak, I didn't think I could participate in BAM. 

But this was shown to be BS as multiple members have offered up extra yaks for people to fish from (thanks BrianG!), so of course I will end up at BAM IV for my introduction to kayak fishing.  I just hope not to embarrass myself out there =).  There really should be no excuses for people to not attend other than truly personal reasons like work, serious financial condition or death. Being afraid of being shown up should not be - pretty much every post I've read at BAM is that all the guys are friendly and happy to give as much advice as possible.

That's the reason I'm going - I'm not expecting to win a kayak or even catch a fish, but the chance to meet a large community of kayak anglers who are dedicated to their sport and teach those who don't know squat (like me) is something that you don't get a chance to experience often.

Only takes a little luck to win in an event like this - I'm sure everyone has seen days where the worst fisherman has caught the biggest fish and vice versa. 

Thanks Marin Schoolie....

and well said BassManBen...

It can be kinda intimidating if ya think about it too much, putting yourself out there for all to see and giving out personal info ect ect... But I don't think about all those that I don't know who are reading this. I always feel like I'm talking to my Bro's and Sis's, and passing on information.

I know that I have learned much in such a short amount of time,

 I am Grateful to this site and it's members and want to give back...

 I can relate to Hydro,  He Shoots from the Hip, and is Fast...   

 Just his way of Saying " Get on it Already... "