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Thread: Business Meeting and Decision Making--Classic

  1. #1
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    Default Business Meeting and Decision Making--Classic


    As some of you may know, Jeff Tobin has a new job and will not be able to run the BCC in 2014. I became involved in December, 2012 and set up a number of the tournaments this year. I also initiated a number of changes after talking with various circuit members, both past and present, in an effort to improve the circuit. I had planned to take over running the circuit in 2014.

    However, participation has continued to decline and in 2013 hit its lowest level--ever. I was particularly disappointed in East Fork, but the decline has affected every single lake. These are the average number of teams in the tournaments since 2006:

    2006 38
    2007 36
    2008 32
    2009 31
    2010 29
    2011 21
    2012 21
    2013 15

    With these numbers, the circuit may not be viable as it becomes increasingly difficult to attract sponsors. Sponsor money pays for the web site, brochures, prizes, and a good portion of the Classic pot. In addition, it's simply not worth the amount of effort it takes to put on these tournaments.

    Given these facts, we will be considering a number of changes for 2014, including limiting the number of tournaments (perhaps to 5 with all 5 counting toward the points championship, 4 still required to qualify for the Classic), using volunteers as Tournament Coordinators, and eliminating the circuit entirely.

    Given that only 15 teams qualified for the Classic, I wanted to give others who may have an interest in the circuit a chance to voice their thoughts. While I know, based on the number of views of forum messages, that many people like to read about the tournaments, and others have told me that they like the changes that have been made, this has not translated into increased participation--quite the opposite.

    Constructive thoughts will be appreciated. However, please be civil....

  2. #2
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    Frank,

    Thank you for all you have done to help the BCC survive. I believe the BCC would have better turn outs if the payout would be spread out a little better. A couple years ago Bill and I got 3rd or 4th at a tournament and received a bottle of fish formula...? I know it looks good to show first place getting a big pay check, but the guys who finish 4th, 5th, and 6th probably deserve a little too...(That keeps them coming back). I look at the OGF tournaments that have 30-50 teams every year both spring and fall because they payout almost 10 places or more. They also usually provide extras for the fisherman to enjoy their experience of the tournament (Fish Fry, Doughnuts/Coffee, etc.)

    To me the decision comes on if you want to have a competitive tournament trail only focused on the Top 3 winners and payouts or a tournament trail more about ALL the fisherman and how everyone can enjoy fishing crappie tournaments and feeling they belong to the club/trail.

    Just my two cents and I hope the BCC can start to grow back into what it once was.

  3. #3
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    Thanks, Jason. You're right. That's why I changed it at the beginning of the 2013 season. We now pay out every 5 paid boats (remember, one boat is ususally last year's point champions and gets free tournaments the following year). This means we pay 4 places down at 20 boats, etc. At 50 boats, we would pay down 10 places. There's also a minimum payout of $60 for the last place paid. This equals your entry fee, less the 20% held back for the classic. No more fish food or whatever. I gave Jeff the new payout schedules before the beginning of the year and he's followed them religiously.

    I published this change on March 3rd in this forum before the season started. Apparently, it had little effect.

  4. #4
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    I think your doing a great job Frank. Today there is so many one off tournaments for charity and other circuits that it is probably hurting the attendance. The economy doesn't help either. I don't have any new ideas on the tournaments but it would be nice to see a crappie.com gathering some Saturday for Ohio. Fry up some fish, go out and fish and guys can have a side bet if they want.

  5. #5
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    You may be right. With all the crappie tournaments (there were 3 in a one week period on East Fork), there may no longer be a need for a circuit like BCC. I think it's cool to fish alot of different types of lakes in a year--forces you to get outside your comfort zone. Alot of folks end up fishing the same 1-3 lakes over and over again, with an occasional "highlight" trip somewhere. Thanks to this trail, I now feel confident in fishing any lake, anywhere, using any method, for crappie. I learned to long-line, shoot pontoons and docks, spider rig (first time this year--it saved our butts in at least two tournaments!!), use a long pole, etc--all in this circuit. Usually, you bring a few tools to the table (I always could flip a jig or use a cork and jig), and then you expand because you have to be flexible to compete on different lakes at different times of the year.

    But not everyone feels that way. Some folks like fishing the Boar's Head--good tournaments, all on the same lake. I did it for a few years, but eventually got bored with it. Some folks like to fish a smaller circuit--Shelby County is a great circuit, for example, and I understand the Outdoorsman is sponsoring a circuit. Folks get to stay closer to home, fish a few lakes, and seem to really enjoy it. I get that.

    Cost, competing tournaments, family obligations, or just a general lack of interest---all are reasons for the decline. In the end, they may also be reasons to simply end the circuit. I hate to see it happen, because I think it's one of a kind in Ohio and it would be difficult to restart once it's gone. But the market is deciding the outcome, and it is what it is.

  6. #6
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    Frank, I also agree that you are doing a great job. This is the second year that I have fished this trail and have noticed much improvement with communication. As stated above, there are many reasons for decline in these type of events. However you are not alone - Boars Head has a great following, but the numbers flucuate from year to year. Personally, I like BCC better. As you stated, I have been forced to fish new lakes to make the classic= learning curve .Lol but that is what makes it fun! Many folks have an anxiety or intimitation about fishing a tourney(I DID) But after they do a few and make new friends and learn new tips they come to enjoy them. I will be there to vote, but hope it continues.

    Y-SLABS

  7. #7
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    I have only been a member here for a few months, but did not know about the BCC until joining. I enjoyed following the circuit on here and it definitely intrigued me as I have never fished a tournament before. A couple months ago my father retired and has since become very bored. He used to be an avid fisherman but has since moved away from his buddies years ago. Being that my brother and I have very young children we aren't able to take him out very often. Anyway....long story short, I decided that I was going to sign my dad and I up for the 2014 circuit for a Xmas present. It will get him back on the water and give us some time to spend together. I am sad to hear now the possibility of canceling. For what it's worth...you have one new team for 2014 if it's still running.

  8. #8
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    Thank you, it's worth alot. If I knew that the number of participants was going to increase, it would certainly affect the decision.

  9. #9
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    fished-out...... for a guy in my position time & money are the big factors......that being said fishing tourneys on the same lake over & over is getting extreemly boring.....ive always enjoyed fishing a variety of different places........the one thing the BH series has going for it is the 500 guarantee payout for 1st and the fact i can fish them with out the added cost of a room/ place to stay and to much burnt gas......maybe places that are central to where most of your teams come from & payouts that warrent the drive, time etc....... I know, i offer no real solutions, just the obstacles i may face when deciding if i can fish a particular tourney....... Jeepguy JR. and I won a BH tournry together this year, since then he's expressed alot of desire to fish some tourneys...... leaving all the cost on me ha ha.....hopefully you can keep the BCC alive......and my schedule and finances allow us to make a few......


    -ROMANS 10:9- PHILIPPIANS 4:13

  10. #10
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    Nov. 2nd is the first tournament for next season at Indian lake. The circuit is still looking for someone to run it, hopefully someone steps up or there won't be a circuit next year.

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