Trout Fishing League

[hanson1287]

I was thinking of starting up a trout fishing tournament/league this spring/summer. We have all the resources around us and it would be an excellent opportunity. These tournaments would have to have quite a few restrictions on them due to the streams and habitat...it just wouldnt be good having 30 people trouncing in one area of a stream. Possibly a 10 person entry limit with a first come first server basis. The rules wouldn't be set yet but I would just be looking at gettin some feedback to see if others would be interested.

[DEADhead]

just an FYI, you may want to expand your league to include other non-trout species, otherwise you will need a permit if you are exclusively targetting trout species only.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/tournaments/regulations.html

[hanson1287]

Thanks for the FYI deadhead.....In line of this I would expand it to be a trout and bass contest on streams and rivers that hold both species.

[Note from admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank you. The topic is for those interested in starting a trout/bass league. It's not asking for those opposed. It's legal. Please stay on Topic.]

[so haaad]

If I could make a suggestion in the effort to support the conservation of our trout streams, I would suggest doing a "tournament/league" similar to the King Of The Cats league (coordinated by FM staffer "Dtro" I believe). They emphasize catch-and-release (pictures are the proof of catch) and seem to do most of the fishing "independently" rather than getting together on a particular stream as large groups. So you may want to take a look at the catfish section if you are looking for "rule" ideas.

[-Marc V-]

Good suggestion So Haaad...I'd be interested in this sort of deal. Rochester boys would kick my butt as I only make it out trouting/smallmouth bassing a few times a year these days. Sounds like fun though.

[brenen]

The DNR says 31+ people is required for a permit ... what if it was kept to under 30 peeps ? is that free? because i would be in , and other species would draw an interest as well.

[hanson1287]

brennen....if you keep the contest number under 30 it is free....take the UPLR for example they have limits on the so they dont have to buy a permit

[hanson1287]

My decision has been made....I will be doing a contest this summer with set dates planned that will be posted. A picture will be posted the night before that you will need to take with you to the stream and take a picture with the fish and a tape measure....showing clearly the length of the fish. Totals will be added up and the length of the contest will be the length of the trout fishing season. Full set of rules in details and the dates is yet to be set. I was thinking $10 a head at the beginning of the year that goes into a pot for the winner and maybe pay out thru 3 places if we have enough people willing to try this?? It will be something along the lines of a 90% payback with the other 10% being donated to Trout Unlimited for the restoration of our streams in the area. So be assured I am not profiting from this in any way. Just trying to get a friendly competition going with a little incentive to get out and fish. Possibly look for donations to be givin away for leaders or just random pictures?????

[Quickstrike]

May I make a suggestion that if you do decide to do this, you don't single out one particular stream every week. It will be a rat race to the better holes/runs and 30 guys on a single stream can be a bit much. I would suggest that people sign up on-line, can fish anywhere they want, and then upload pics by a certain time that day.

An idea like this does sound fun, but you have to think of the effect if could possibly have on our resources. I'm not saying don't do it, just do it right.

[DEADhead]

good advice QS

[so haaad]

Bingo.

[so haaad]

I also strongly agree with QS. Have fun if you do the league, but remember that trout streams are very fragile with a limited number of fishing areas.

[DEADhead]

I think you are going to collect any money for the league, 100% of it should go to a conservation organization whether it be TU or MTA or whomever else. You shouldn't have to fish trout (or any other species for that matter) for a monetary reward. You should fish because you love the thrill. If you're looking for a payout, you're doing it for all the wrong reasons, IMO.

Just keep it fun and simple, and protect the resource. I know you'll do the right thing hanson!

[hanson1287]

Alright as far as all on one stream....thats not happening....people are allowed to fish whatever stream they choose so long as they take a picture with the approved card for that day in the picture....as far as the money goes IMO it is fun to add the competitive action into some things. It does not change the integrity of the sport or anything. Alot of people are out there for meals...well in my case I'm out there for the thrill of being there and trying to outsmart these smart lil buggers. The money is there to add the competitive edge onto the contest.

[hanson1287]

Back to the top as the season nears.....its gonna be a good one folks