Fishtails

True statement. I think this subject has just gotten really old and a lot of us are just tired of hearing the same old points when they really hold no merit. About 5-6 years ago the Am side of the Pro Am got an (at the time) unwanted makeover. Without reopening that old wound, the skinny version is that the Am division was dropped and the Open was added in it's place. If you want an interesting 9 page read on the subject, here is the link to that topic from back in 09 http://www.lakeontariounited.com/fishing-hunting/topic/7415-2009-pro-am-rule-changes/ There were a few years following when there was no place for those guys that were in the middle to fish. We didn't want the Open, yet were not interested in a 12 fish a day format with an observer because that's a minimum of 4 guys limits PLUS an observer and that blows on a small boat. The open division none the less was born and it was OPEN to everyone. Yes, a charter guy or two fished it a couple/ few years back, but who cares?? You see the name and get all intimidated, but how do you know they don't have a bunch of kids or newbs just out for some fun? No charter with a decent crew is going to fish the current open division - that's **** from a few years ago that just keeps coming up as if it was last year. I have not been a big proponent of the Niagara Pro Am because of how they have dealt with Amateur teams over the past half dozen years, so I've exercised my option to not be a verbal supporter OR fish it, but some things have changed and with those changes us amateurs actually have a place to fish again.......until the next change The current format with it's classic box and trophy box format gives a guy like me a place to fish. Even if I run my small old boat with an inexperienced crew I can compete in a 5 box big fish format. That's perfect for me and my son so I have changed my stance and hope to again become involved. This year work just didn't allow it. So, with this newer format why would a charter disgrace themselves and fish the open where the pay out sucks ?? They won't, so get over it and move on. Fish the tournament in whatever division gets you to commit, because having teams enter is the only way these tourneys will continue to exist.

Some people.....ya just can't reach !

Okay, I'll bring it along. Whatever you want to use it for is fine. It does have the first place emblem, so that limits it's use a little or I would have suggested it for a day two comeback award. Not sure I understand what designates a team as amateur in this event?

It's early in the season for Jon, he probably has limited hours right now. Try calling between 4-8 pm. He's most likely closed the early to mid weekdays this time of year.....not enough fishermen around to pay an employee, but he'll usually be there after 3:30.

That's an interesting point that makes total sense to me Tony.

Hey Paul, you say I never listen to you. Not totally true - I love my TX-44's !! Both styles boards have a time and place. See ya at The Orleans Open bud. Jeff is joining me for a couple days so we'll get a beer or two!

Hey Lou, registration is always at Jon's Little Salmon B&T in Mexico. He'll have the rules there when you sign up. (315) 963-7800 Good luck with your season Lou and tell Jon that 8 rod Rod said hi !!

Sweet....this is going to be fun ! Hey Rick, I don't have time to produce any tournament trophies this year, but I do have one 1st place trophy left over from last year if you can think of a creative way to use it? I'd donate it, but I'd prefer to do something different than 1st place over all. It's just one single 1st place trophy like the one pictured below.

Rick, I'm fishing the OOO this year with my buddies on Reel Issues and we want to get in on one of the brackets. Is this something we do at the captains meeting I'm guessing?

Final Flight {Rollie) is a very good fisherman and all around super nice guy who just gave you some very solid advise. Without knowing the fow you were fishing over and types of spoons you ran, It's tough to say what went wrong exactly but most likely you had spoons far too high. Paul mentioned charters and that is a great way to learn. If the money is an issue, sign up to be an observer for the Niagara Pro Am or the the tournament at Oak Orchard the week after the pro am. That way you learn from pro's, plus you even get paid a couple dollars instead of it costing you. You'll walk away with more knowledge than you can imagine. Good luck with your season!

Decided to hold onto it for now, but thanks for the interest ! Sent from my SM-G900V using Lake Ontario United mobile app