Pro-am Pro Division Question

[DEFIANCE1]

I have my captains license but do not have a charter business, will I have to register in the pro division even though i have never operated a charter business?

[L&M]

Yes to the above unless something has changed for this coming year.

[Splitshot115]

Defiance1,

Here's the rule:::

Pro Division Definition: Any Captain or team member, excluding the observer, who is/was (or has been within the past 5 years) a licensed charter boat captain, fishing guide, or commercial fisherman, is required to enter the Pro Division. All others may enter the Amateur Division. Amateurs may enter the Pro Division if openings are available,

[Fishtails]

DEFIANCE1,

It may be worth mentioning that anyone can enter the open division. It would appear the wording in the rules may not have been updated upon the introduction of the open division in 09, but the open division was in fact put in place (in part) for a case just like yours. It's also in place for those who can only fish one day, or for those who want to enjoy the Pro Am expierence without having to get an observer (no observer needed for open division).

My understanding is that If your Captians lic. is current within the past 5 years, you would need to enter in either the Pro division or the Open division. Hope to see you in this years Pro Ams. There is a division for everyone and It really shouldn't be missed......they are a blast!!

[waterlogged]

One additional thing... you can be an observer for an amateur team but not a fishing team member.

[DEFIANCE1]

Thanks for all the replies. Last year I fished in all four open division events and really enjoyed them, over the winter I had a chance to get my captain's license and did so. Its good to know that I can still fish in the open division.