2002 FishingMN/L.E.T.S. Fishing League

[GullGuide]

Hey all,
This league is run by FishingMN users for FishingMN users. We had a blast last year and this year should be no different. This league is more learning than competition. Don't get me wrong, competition does exist, but you will find most of us willing to share as much info as possible.

We currently have 12 teams signed up and we will limit the league to the first 15 teams to pay their league fees.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 17th

L.E.T.S. is a league format event in which teams of 2 anglers compete for points. This is a multi-species tournament series which allows for a wide variety of fishing options.

League Size- 15 teams

Teams- 2 people must sign up to be league members. Teams may use substitutes, but at least 1 registered team member must participate.

Cost- League fees for 2002 will be $200 per team. All fees will go towards event pay-outs, overall champion payouts, Saturday night meals for all teams, an end of the year banquet, prizes, trophies and any league expenses. The first 15 teams to send in their dues will be allowed into the league.

Pay-outs-
Event pay-outs (based on a 15 team league) -
1st place- $150
2nd place-$100
3rd place- $50
Overall champion pay-outs (based on a 15 team league)-
1st place -$300
2nd place-$200
3rd place -$150
4th place -$100
5th place -$50

Events- Each event will be a 2 day tournament. Saturday's event will run from Noon until sundown, Sunday will be from sunrise to 2pm. Each day will have a 1 hour break 4 hours into the event. This will allow for a lunch break as well as scoring of fish caught during the first half.

June 1-2 Lake Vermilion
July 13-14 Lake Minnewaska (Glenwood)
August 10-11 Clearwater Lake (Annandale)
September 7-8 Big Pine (Perham)

Headquarters for each event will be announced

Lodging- To keep in the spirit of sharing information, fellowship and camaraderie, we encourage teams to camp or stay in the same general area.

Contact us for more information on this.

Saturday nights' meal site will be announced prior to the event.

General Rules- L.E.T.S. prides itself as being a catch-and-release league. Taking some fish for the pan is ok, but selective harvest is strongly recommended.

1) All rules and regulations of the State of Minnesota must be observed at all times. There will also be a boat and trailer inspection for aquatic vegetation prior to teams launching their boat.

2) A cell phone or marine band radio must be in the boat at all times. This is necessary for safety and to contact other teams for large fish verification.

3) Teams must respect other teams. No fishing within 30 yards of another team will be allowed unless invited by said team to do so. Non league boats must also be respected at all times.

4) All check-in deadlines will be strictly enforced. A watch synchronization will take place each morning.

5) There will be a staggered start. Teams will draw for starting position before each event. Boats will then leave the starting point in 5 second intervals with the last team being the starter boat. After the break, this order will be reversed. On the second day, order of start will be determined by total points, having the lowest scoring team go first, highest last. In case of a tie, the first days' starting order will be used. This order will be maintained after the second days' break.

6) Scoring- The scoring system will be based on weight converted to points. There will also be points awarded for attendance.

All fish will be weighed and 1 point per pound will be given to the team.

Muskie= Any legal fish will be worth 8 points- Teams will be allowed to do on-the-water verifications with another team in order to ensure survivability of released fish.

Also, one bonus point will be awarded for each Pike, Walleye, Bass combination brought in for a maximum bonus of 3 points.

In case of a tie, the weight of a teams largest fish will be the tie-breaker. Also, a running point total will be kept towards an end of the year league champion. These points will be based on order of finish. 1st place will receive 15 points, second 14, and so on plus attendance points. Ties will be determined by largest fish caught.

7) Limits- Each team will be allowed one persons' legal limit per day.

8) Lifejackets- The wearing of lifejackets while teams boat is under power of main engine is strongly encouraged.

9) Live wells- All boats must have a live well or other means such as a cooler with an aerator capable of keeping fish alive. Stringers and fish baskets will not be allowed.

10) Fishable waters- Any water that can be accessed by boat without having to pull, push or drag the boat will be deemed tournament water. The use of a push-pole, oar or paddle will be allowed.

11) All teams must remain in their boat except in case of emergency, or at breaks and weigh-ins.

12) Fishing in Minnesota presents a wide range of weather conditions that anglers must face. Events will only be cancelled in the event of lightning. The event will not be completely cancelled, only postponed until the lightning has passed. In event of lightning, all boats must return to the starting area within 1/2 hour from time lightning is spotted by league president. This will allow ample time for teams to reach safety. Teams failing to report in will loose all points for that day except under conditions where teams must take immediate cover and unable to make it back to the starting point. Teams will be contacted by cell phone or marine band radio if a postponement is called.

13) All rules and scoring decisions will be made by league president and are final. In the event of a rules violation or conflict by the league president, the league vice president will make the call. Any rules changes will be announced prior to each event.

To register for L.E.T.S. Go Fishing!!, or for any questions you may have, please contact
[email protected]
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[This message has been edited by GullGuide (edited 05-03-2002).]

[Guest]

This is something that everyone should try for at least one season.If your a novice this is a great way to improve your skills and meet new friends.I signed up last year expecting to get my but kicked and most events I did.Even though my team member and I are not pros or guides and well are little better than novice fisherman we did manage to win one event.I had a blast last year and learned alot.The league is filled with guys from novice to pros and everyone is generous with tips and techniques.And heck its just a good time and thats what its mostly about.Give it try!

[Guest]

I couldn't agree more. I didn't sign up right away last year because I was intimidated and had never fished in a tournament before, heck fishing is suppose to be fun, isn't it? Well after reading some of the posts after the first event, I figured I was just going to do it. I fished all of the events the rest of the summer and had a blast. As a matter of fact, I had so much fun fishing with the people from this forum that when they started the I.C.E. series this winter I went ahead and volunteered to help out. You see I had only icefished a time or two before (too busy riding snowmobiles)and wanted to learn how. Well needless to say I think that I will be doing the icefishing thing from now on So go ahead and take the plunge. These events are about learning and camraderie. The friendships that I have made fishing these events will last forever. I hope

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Paul
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Pwaldow123 (edited 03-19-2002).]

[LaVoi]

This is exactly what I have been looking for! I am 19 years old and haven't got into tournament fishing yet but I would really love to, there couldn't be a better way to do so than with the wonderful people from fishing minnesota. I am definately going to have a serious talk with my brother about partnering up for this event. Four events, for $100 a person, sounds pretty reasonable to me. I will get back to you guys if we plan on joining the league this summer. Good fishin, LaVoi

[Guest]

Lavoi If your brother doesn't come through for ya, you just may be able to talk me into joining with you. My work keeps me pretty busy in the summer. So I'm not sure what I want to do yet. Matt

[Guest]

I was quite hesitant to join last year because of several factors, but took the dive and really got "hooked" on fishing with these guys. The main factor discouraging me to join was not being able to find a partner! All my friends were so busy. The 1st tourney I fished by myself, on new water, and couldn't boat a keeper. I didn't expect to place on the scoreboard by any means. I was out to meet new people and try to learn some new tactics. I guess I succeeded in my goals. I learned how Scott caught some nice walleyes (and other fish) with a tactic I would have never tried, and so on...

I have fished big walleye tournaments for a few years, and I am no longer fishing the the big $$ tourneys. I like this style of competition where there is no huge pressure to produce, I am learning new tactics, new waters, and friends at the same time. The multi-species is what really puts the icing on the cake and makes it really interesting targeting different fish.
You won't regret your decision to join in on the fun!

[Guest]

If you have ever thought about tournament fishing this is a great way to get started. The guys are really friendly, the competition is good, but certainly not to much. It is a very good time and you will meet some great guys that enjoy the same thing you do. Fishing! Looking forward to meeting all the new guys in the Series this year.ScottS

[fiskyknut]

Hey CD
If your still looking for a set of in-line boards I saw some offshores and roaches on HSOList earlier today.

Regards....fisky

[guideman]

Hey guys,
If you can't get a campsite at HooDoo,I still have some room available at Ace's
place. That is if this ice ever melts!

------------------
Terry Sjoberg
Ace guide service.
Beautiful Lake Vermilion.
aceguideservice.com

[Bob O]

After following some of the message threads last year, I jumped at a last minute opportunity to be a substitute partner with ScottS. I had a great time, learned alot, and then subbed with two other teams at later events. This year I've registered with my own partner. I highly recommend this league for fun and learning. However, my daughters still tease me about driving out of town to spend a day in a boat with someone I just met over the internet...

[Guest]

Fisky,
I think "Scoot" was looking for some in-line planers not too long ago. I have 2 boards that work ok for me now. Thanks for the tip!

[Guest]

That sounds familiar to me Bob. I still get harrassment from my fiancee about my "gay fishing chatsite". She can't comprehend why anybody would look on the computer once or twice daily to see what a bunch of guys have to say without being gay. No offense intended.

I also met my teamate on the forum. We arranged to meet at 4:00 AM for the long drive down to Tetonka for the first event last year. It's an odd feeling hopping in a truck with a guy that you never met before for a 2.5 hour ride at 4:00 in the morning.

I had a great time last year and am looking forward to it this season. I met a bunch of new people that share an enthusiasm for fishing, hunting, and everything in between. That wierdo that I hopped in the truck with happened to be a good guy and a great fisherman. We look forward to competition as well as the camaraderie.

[Guest]

Back to the top

[Guest]

back to the top

[GullGuide]

We are down to 4 spots left.

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>"////=<
Gull Guide Service
fishingminnesota.com/gullguide
Brainerd-Mille Lacs-Willmar
Bemidji-Ottertail

[GullGuide]

Bump

[Guest]

How many teams will have a marine band radio for these events? I just bought a radio and antenna that I am installing in my boat.

I also have a spare VHF radio now, so if any team is interested in adding a radio let me know. All you need is an antenna which is about $35 or so.

[GullGuide]

CD,
What kind of radio is it? I'm stupid when it comes to radios, is a VHF the same as marine band? Can you get ch 16, etc with it? What do you want for it? Give me the details, I'm VERY interested in it.
Thanx

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>"////=<
Gull Guide Service
fishingminnesota.com/gullguide
Brainerd-Mille Lacs-Willmar
Bemidji-Ottertail

[Guest]

It's an older (not real old!) marine band radio (my understanding it is a VHF, marine band, same thing, I'm new to it all too). I just bought it from a guy who had it along with an 8' antenna. I wanted the antenna and he wanted to sell the whole package, so I bought both. He told me it works, haven't tried it yet. I just bought another radio from a guy a couple weeks ago and ran into this package.

I'll check on the channel 16 thing...I'm pretty sure that's not a problem.
I'd sell it to ya for $25, I paid $40 for it all. All you need is an antenna. I looked at a new 8' fiberglass for $35 at the sports store. The mounting base was another $8. From what I understand you don't want to skimp on the antenna.

[GullGuide]

Sounds like a deal there Chuck! Refund if the thing dosnt work?
I'll get ahold of you later this week, I think I have your phone #.

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>"////=<
Gull Guide Service
fishingminnesota.com/gullguide
Brainerd-Mille Lacs-Willmar
Bemidji-Ottertail

[Guest]

Yes, complete refund! I will power it up and make sure it works. Takes no time to install either.

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

I was able to fish one on the outings last year and It was very cool. It was especially neat because it was so easy to join, it was multi-species and it gave me a tournament/competition feeling I never had before. I really felt more compelled to do better and learn. Unfortunately the new format that requires teams to commit and pay for the entire year does not work for me. Will any of the outings have individual open registration?

[This message has been edited by Suzuki (edited 04-09-2002).]

[Guest]

Suzuki,

The Pokegama Challenge is a one day tourney that is open to the first 30 teams that Register. You can find more info here:

http://fishingminnesota.com/ubb/Forum40/HTML/000008.html

------------------
Paul
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Pwaldow123 (edited 04-09-2002).]

[Bob O]

Suzuki,
There is another forum here called "FM Tourneys & Events" which has a thread labeled "The official L.E.T.S. I wanna get a team going page". You may want to post your interest in fishing some of the events as a substitute.

For example, I am going to miss the July event and I don't know yet if my partner has a substitute (although he has some prospects). He expects to miss the Sept event so I may need a partner then (although I will first extend the invitation to my regular fishing buddy, who is not my partner).

I met you at Otter Tail last year and I would enjoy fishing with you. By the way, I just added a 4 stroke kicker to my Pro Sport - can't wait to try it out!

[Bob O]

CD,
I hope to install a fixed mount marine radio before the season starts. If that happens I can loan my handheld unit to someone during the events. I think it would be fun if most or all boats had radios - more joking, bragging, helpful tips, etc. Also makes it easier to find someone to verify a 50" muskie before it is released.