Save the DATE August 26th MBK/OK Tourney!!!

SCAllen.... are MBK's derby proceeds going to benefit some cause?

NCKA's derby fees and raffle proceeds are usually donated to pro-fishing advocacy groups like the ASA (American Sportfishing Association) or the Coastside Fishing Club.  Also, a part of the proceeds go to keeping this site up and running.

Kayak Connection's Derbies benefit the Salmon & Trout Restoration Project.

Isn't MBK known for supporting COOL and other enviro groups promoting the closure of our coastal fishing grounds?

I don't want to be a killjoy, but I think participants should know. 

Right On! Tourney in the home town.

Don't forget the wheels and bring a tent for the day

Hey Ben,

Thanks for checking on the BBQ question.
I don't know about a tailgate party Saturday night. This is my 1st tournament and I'll want plenty of sleep the night before! 

Looking forward to it.

Kim

DUDE!
I was thinking the exact same thing...
Prioir to signing up, I would like to know where the fees are going.

PK

SCAllen.... are MBK's derby proceeds going to benefit some cause?

NCKA's derby fees and raffle proceeds are usually donated to pro-fishing advocacy groups like the ASA (American Sportfishing Association) or the Coastside Fishing Club.  Also, a part of the proceeds go to keeping this site up and running.

Kayak Connection's Derbies benefit the Salmon & Trout Restoration Project.

Isn't MBK known for supporting COOL and other enviro groups promoting the closure of our coastal fishing grounds?

I don't want to be a killjoy, but I think participants should know. 

I just realized that we have a group site reserved for a multi family camping trip to Big Sur that weekend.  Unfortunately, we have to reserve this site a year in advance so it is not likely I can change it.  It is not too far from Monterey and I usually try to fish Lime Kiln while there anyway so there is still a chance I can make it.  Where the fees are going would help me make up my mind.

ChuckE,

Where did you get your info from? MBK is known for promoting education and environmental awareness. That IMO is totally appropriate for the area we live in. I don't see MBK as a political anti fishing support group as your thread indicates. MBK sells fishing kayaks and equipment, promotes Allen Bushnell, guiding from MBK, and are sponsoring a kayak fishing event for the first time. IMO that's being supportive of recreational fishing. I was in hopes NCKA members would support this event, especially the local ones. However, it appears there is some doubt because IMO your question appears to be more of a statement. I for one trust that if MBK should be fortunate enough to make a profit from this event they will choose an appropriate recipient. 

Ben

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=5099.0

IIRC, the "MBK rep" was just a former employee expressing her personal opinion under the MBK name.  I remember hoping MBK would come out with some sort of public statement in support of recreational fishing. 

ChuckE,

Where did you get your info from? MBK is known for promoting education and environmental awareness. That IMO is totally appropriate for the area we live in. I don't see MBK as a political anti fishing support group as your thread indicates. MBK sells fishing kayaks and equipment, promotes Allen Bushnell, guiding from MBK, and are sponsoring a kayak fishing event for the first time. IMO that's being supportive of recreational fishing. I was in hopes NCKA members would support this event, especially the local ones. However, it appears there is some doubt because IMO your question appears to be more of a statement. I for one trust that if MBK should be fortunate enough to make a profit from this event they will choose an appropriate recipient. 

Ben

True.... my question does sound like an implication.  Sorry, if I offended anyone, but I, like Kevin, am fishing for a public statement from MBK and a financial commitment to help save our sport especially around Monterey Bay.

IMO, it is a good and valid question.  It is great that they have contracted with Allen on have Aaron on their staff now.  If they are embracing fishing, they will want to find what aspect of supporting fishing appeals to them......we at least pay DFG with our license fees.  As previously stated, our tournament money goes to some form of sustaining fishing.  Holding tournaments to make money is not such a cool idea these days.....y'know?

The question is simple and appropriate, "will the procedes from this event be distributed to charities that support our local fisheries". That's not how the question was asked. I personally didn't appreciate the way ChuckE responded. I felt it was more of a political attack on MBK. I happen to do a fair amount of business with MBK and think very highly of the staff and the company in general. I do appreciate ChuckE's response to me and now I think the best thing to do is wait for SCAllens reply as he is working with MBK on the tournament. I don't know where the idea MBK was in this to make money for themselves came from. It's about promoting the sport of Kayaking and Kayak fishing.

Ben, IMO ChuckE's post is entirely appropriate.  There have been some misunderstandings in the past with MBK, and I don't think those issues have ever been appropriately addressed.

And yes, I'd like to know the answer to ChuckE's question ...

  Isn't MBK known for supporting COOL and other enviro groups promoting the closure of our coastal fishing grounds?

I don't see how asking a question is a political attack.

-Allen

I agree with Chuck.  MBK is a business and if they are using our site and club to attract business in the form of a fishing derby that is not cool.  As they have not indicated that proceeds are designated for anyone but them, the assumption that this is for their benefit.  While they do sell fishing yaks and equipment that is also because they can make money on it.  They have not historically supported recreation fishing and they do not allow fishing from their rental boats (except maybe by Aaron).  They are well aware of our concerns and never explicitly expressed support for our causes.  The way they, MBK, played or avoided the politics of the MPAs in the area justifies a political attack if that is what it was.  They seem to want to have it both ways supporting fishing to increase sales but not vocally in case they upset the environmental save everything take nothing crowd.

Why have they yet to respond to the simple question as to where the money will go?

Ben, IMO ChuckE's post is entirely appropriate.  There have been some misunderstandings in the past with MBK, and I don't think those issues have ever been appropriately addressed.

And yes, I'd like to know the answer to ChuckE's question ...

  Isn't MBK known for supporting COOL and other enviro groups promoting the closure of our coastal fishing grounds?

I don't see how asking a question is a political attack.

-Allen

Agreed... and agreed. I hope MBK can come clean with us since there is some "history" here.

Ben, please do your homework about NCKA. These threads are all here and there was a long one about fisheries closures in Monterey that MBK was steadily supporting. That's where this is all coming from.

Z

Ben, have you looked at the information on this site about MBK's position during the MPA creations for this region?  A person gave public testimony that MBK supports only no-take reserves.  You can watch the video of the meeting and hear the testimony for yourself.  

I was at that meeting giving the ONLY public testimony, representing NCKA,  in support of kayak anglers retaining any fishing opportunities outside of Del Monte Beach in the Monterey/Carmel areas.

At that time, the leading proposal for reserves essentially ended ocean kayak angling in Monterey County for anyone but the highly adventurous.

Tara did write to us saying it was a mistake and the speaker shouldn't have done it.  But, no public statement was ever made to that effect.  I believe, that without my presence, we would have lost the entire northern

I have bought more boats and gear from MBK than any other single company.  It really hurt to sit at a decisive meeting and have them used against us.

No one wants to find MBK to be an ally more than I do.  Yeah, they are nice people.  I keep looking for excuses to justify supporting them.  

If they understand the importance of taking care of our fisheries, and demonstrate that commitment, that will be wonderful.

OK - First of all I want to let you all know that I appreciate your comments and allowing me to voice my opinion as well. I am definitely getting educated from all of this. You all know I am fairly new to this forum and kayak fishing. I've been responding from what's been posted. When SCAllen first posted the topic, many of you seemed very supportive of the tournament, including ChuckE, and looking forward to attending. I'm thinking this is great! This will be my first tournament and I am really looking forward to meeting many of you. So far I have met some great people associated with this forum. It wasn't until the 3rd page and ChuckE's comment that seemed to throw a wrench in the gears. All of a sudden many of those supportive at first are taking an about face. Why would those who support the event in the beginning oppose it because of one persons comments? That was my reason for responding and defending MBK the way I did. Now the same people who supported the event in the beginning are all backing ChuckE, and others are showing up in support as well. What is going on here? Being a newbie to the forum, I was not aware of the past history on the subject until tonight. I took Z's advise and did some NCKA homework (I am a good listener too) If the later threads would have been up front it would have shed a different light and I probably would not have even questioned ChuckE. I apologize if I have offended anyone by my comments. I do hope this issue can be resolved in a positive way that will start the healing process with MBK. They are good to me and my family. I hope they can show thier  political views as being supportive of our sport as well. I have to agree that remaining silent is not to MBK's best interest. As I said before, I think the best thing to do now is wait for SCAllens reply as he is working with MBK.  ChuckE, I owe you a beer OK. I'll shut up now. Ben