Gimme Shelter Growing Pains

I can add that in speaking with the locals, they were concerned that the kayakers were going to trash the cove and leave litter all over the place.  I was about to say something about how we generally always do clean up after ourselves... but unfortunately someone had left a broken PVC kayak cart right next to us down at the cove.  Next year I'll do a volunteer beach cleanup after the weigh in.

Regs and things.......I understand your view on everyone knowing the regs and adhering to them. 
But, this is not on you, it is totally on them if they get it wrong.  Honestly I'm not sure if a pop quiz is necessary or going to be too effective.  However if we had a representative from Fish and Game be at the safety meeting go over the tell tell differences of specific fish and specific size limits, this may be more beneficial.  You could also (if you wanted), put the jist of it on the back of the Hawg Trough extension you already provide every participant. 

Since we always have people prefishing the day before the tournament, how about asking these anglers to "donate" a vermillion rockfish, a copper rockfish, a greenling, etc. for the safety meeting Friday so ATD or one of the DFG guys can go over fish identification. Of course the anglers would get their fish back after the demo.

I discussed with my fishing partner while on the water that if someone comes on the radio for fish ID or size it will be instant DQ.

Rob, I understand what you are suggesting and I'm not against it.  I do however see it possibly being counter productive in folks keeping the wrong sized fish, or wrong colored fish to avoid getting DQ'd for calling out.  The end result would just less radio traffic.

Rob, no offense but I am against it, I agree with INSAYN, there are couple folks thats just getting started tofishing because we influence them with the MADNESS. Last thing we want for others to assume, I've been fishing for sometime now, yet, I still ask every now and then just to confirm. I think the variance of qualifying fish is too broad.. perhaps like Kayote suggested (Hali, Salmon, ling) add Cabie. Everyone that fishes deeper water should have a mandatory descender no questions.

Just because you go to a big fish format doesn't mean people won't still want to catch the rockfish.

So I'm kind of rubbed the wrong way by seeing folks not pay the registration fee and then utilize the group perks...Quote from Piscean .. I did not pay the registration fee because I don't like to compete. But I like to come up fish and have A great time.Just my 2 cents.

For sure, that's why i mentioned that there will always be room for exceptions. You are certainly that dude. We all wanted you to be there, you are integral to NCKA, and your circumstances dictated some flexibility. I know you give back more than you take.

I didn't compete either.......but I paid just in case the ocean gifted me a contending score even when i wasn't trying for one.
I just wanted to voice something that has the possibility to be an issue, and also say bring the A game. GS isn't just another hook up, it is special. I know you get that.

Just a thought, but if you went to a big fish format (halibut, ling and salmon) you would eliminate fish ID problems totally. Zero rare or endangered rockies would die in the tourney.

This format would not solve the problem of people donating or upgrading their catch, especially with so many large lingcods at the cove. And it would not solve the problem of no take species for those who are just out to put fish in the cooler. Some people just want limits of rockfish.

So I'm kind of rubbed the wrong way by seeing folks not pay the registration fee and then utilize the group perks...Quote from Piscean .. I did not pay the registration fee because I don't like to compete. But I like to come up fish and have A great time.Just my 2 cents.

For sure, that's why i mentioned that there will always be room for exceptions. You are certainly that dude. We all wanted you to be there, you are integral to NCKA, and your circumstances dictated some flexibility. I know you give back more than you take.

I didn't compete either.......but I paid just in case the ocean gifted me a contending score even when i wasn't trying for one.
I just wanted to voice something that has the possibility to be an issue, and also say bring the A game. GS isn't just another hook up, it is special. I know you get that.

 ... For A minute there I thought you were A dick. ...

 ... For A minute there I thought you were A dick. ...

Nah, just a regular scumbag!

Maybe have price format like Crabfest.  Every registrant will get a raffle ticket for the main price.  That way on the tourney day most may just opt on targeting the hard to get Salmon and Butt and still have a chance at the price while leaving the Rockies alone in peace.

Bathroom: 200+campers w/2 shower n 2stalls n couple porta potties= Trouble wherever it may be.

Speeding No need for it.

For as many people that were at GS8 I would say that the growing pain is minimal. We had closer to 300 with friends, family members, and non-competitors and there was no fighting or serious altercations that I was made aware of. Yes we could use a few more porta potties but that about it. As far as showers in the camp go yes there are only 2 but I never had to wait more than 10 minutes to use one.

I also think your format is awesome the way it is. You encourage CPR with point bonuses and it takes a bit more skill to target multiple species. This means being the AOTD is harder to attain as it should be. I agree that if you sponsor someone they should know the regs or fish closely with their sponsor to help answer their questions. I carry a fish ID for verm/canary/yellow eye and I always use it if in doubt. If I still can't figure it out than back it goes.

Eric you have done an amazing job at creating a positive experience for not only the participants but their families as well. I look forward to GS9 no matter the format. Thanks for all you do.

For as many people that were at GS8 I would say that the growing pain is minimal. We had closer to 300 with friends, family members, and non-competitors and there was no fighting or serious altercations that I was made aware of. Yes we could use a few more porta potties but that about it. As far as showers in the camp go yes there are only 2 but I never had to wait more than 10 minutes to use one.

I also think your format is awesome the way it is. You encourage CPR with point bonuses and it takes a bit more skill to target multiple species. This means being the AOTD is harder to attain as it should be. I agree that if you sponsor someone they should know the regs or fish closely with their sponsor to help answer their questions. I carry a fish ID for verm/canary/yellow eye and I always use it if in doubt. If I still can't figure it out than back it goes.

Eric you have done an amazing job at creating a positive experience for not only the participants but their families as well. I look forward to GS9 no matter the format. Thanks for all you do.

+1.

Well said bro.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Maybe have price format like Crabfest.  Every registrant will get a raffle ticket for the main price.  That way on the tourney day most may just opt on targeting the hard to get Salmon and Butt and still have a chance at the price while leaving the Rockies alone in peace.

Bathroom: 200+campers w/2 shower n 2stalls n couple porta potties= Trouble wherever it may be.

Speeding No need for it.

And with a raffle format some may just stay in camp for catch up sleep in peace and quiet while everyone us on the water

I really like the current format.  Like Rider said being AOTD means something.  RacinRob is a BAD ASS!  I tried hard all day and couldn't do what he did.  Anyone can catch a big stupid lingcod.

I like Pat's idea of capping it at 200.  It doesn't need to get bigger and with a cap everyone will make a point to sign up early.  Raise the entry fee by $10 and add a couple porta potties.

No release bonus for lingcods under 36". 

I'm not a fan of the raffle for prizes unless it is a pay it forward raffle with purchased tickets for the raffle only.  Tournament prizes should go to winners, not just participants.

Thanks for all you do Eric!

Josh

It seems that every year there are similar issues.  The speeding thing just makes no sense to me.  I think we all drive as slowly as possible to save our brakes when coming down the hill.  I rented a house on the hill and had to make that trek many times and never observed anyone speeding.  However, I always have to pull to the side several times to allow speeders to pass when I'm coming to or leaving the cove.  I don't believe the speeding thing has anything to do with our group.  The restroom issue is the main reason I choose to rent a house,  One time in the camp restrooms was enough for me.  I think it's just a capacity issue and really has nothing to do with the kayakers.  A few more portables seems like a good suggestion.  I choose not to compete, probably because I just don't have the skills that many of you do but I always pay the entry fee to support the event and NCKA.  I loved the event this year and every year I have attended.  Eric does an amazing job with organization and the changes made this year made it even better than last.  It just keeps getting better!  I agree that everyone should know the regs but there are times when the identification of a particular fish can be difficult and relying on friends to help doesn't seem like a bad thing to me.  I agree that everyone should know the size requirements and the the limits without question.  If I couldn't get the help of a friend to identify a questionable fish, I would always release it rather than risk breaking the law.  I'm sure I have released more than a few Verms.  I have studied the fish charts and consider myself a pretty good "identifier" but unfortunately, not perfect!

It seems that every year there are similar issues.  The speeding thing just makes no sense to me.  I think we all drive as slowly as possible to save our brakes when coming down the hill.  I rented a house on the hill and had to make that trek many times and never observed anyone speeding.  However, I always have to pull to the side several times to allow speeders to pass when I'm coming to or leaving the cove.  I don't believe the speeding thing has anything to do with our group.  The restroom issue is the main reason I choose to rent a house,  One time in the camp restrooms was enough for me.  I think it's just a capacity issue and really has nothing to do with the kayakers.  A few more portables seems like a good suggestion.  I choose not to compete, probably because I just don't have the skills that many of you do but I always pay the entry fee to support the event and NCKA.  I loved the event this year and every year I have attended.  Eric does an amazing job with organization and the changes made this year made it even better than last.  It just keeps getting better!  I agree that everyone should know the regs but there are times when the identification of a particular fish can be difficult and relying on friends to help doesn't seem like a bad thing to me.  I agree that everyone should know the size requirements and the the limits without question.  If I couldn't get the help of a friend to identify a questionable fish, I would always release it rather than risk breaking the law.  I'm sure I have released more than a few Verms.  I have studied the fish charts and consider myself a pretty good "identifier" but unfortunately, not perfect!

Well put, bro!   

Make Jack pay for all the porta potties. ????