Thread: SICA Ideas

As I read rule 12 it states you may only enter the weigh in line with 7 fish and im curious about that wording. I used to fish the sica..im not even sure they called it the sica back then but i think it was. As rule 12 reads am i to understand that a team can weigh in 7 fish yet have as many fish as they want up to the lake limit back in their livewell? This was the case back when i was involved and it was why i left. There would be 40 boats or so searching for 7 good fish each but in the process they were loading their livewells to the lake limits (if there were any). 1000's of crappies were kept and killed by the tournament anglers and I thought that sent a bad message. I just had a problem with that in a tournament event. Rend was a massacre as i recall because they didnt have the creel limit they do now. Egypt had a 30 fish limit and they hauled 1000's out of it over the course of just a few tournaments. I really thought this hurt the image of the whole association from non tournament anglers especially. My question is has this rule been changed to only allow for 7 total fish per livewell or are livewells still being filled with "meat" fish in the process? Maybe im reading the rule wrong but im not seeing this specifically addresses and i think it would be a good rule to address if it has not already been done so.

Originally Posted by CarpPoop

As I read rule 12 it states you may only enter the weigh in line with 7 fish and im curious about that wording. I used to fish the sica..im not even sure they called it the sica back then but i think it was. As rule 12 reads am i to understand that a team can weigh in 7 fish yet have as many fish as they want up to the lake limit back in their livewell? This was the case back when i was involved and it was why i left. There would be 40 boats or so searching for 7 good fish each but in the process they were loading their livewells to the lake limits (if there were any). 1000's of crappies were kept and killed by the tournament anglers and I thought that sent a bad message. I just had a problem with that in a tournament event. Rend was a massacre as i recall because they didnt have the creel limit they do now. Egypt had a 30 fish limit and they hauled 1000's out of it over the course of just a few tournaments. I really thought this hurt the image of the whole association from non tournament anglers especially. My question is has this rule been changed to only allow for 7 total fish per livewell or are livewells still being filled with "meat" fish in the process? Maybe im reading the rule wrong but im not seeing this specifically addresses and i think it would be a good rule to address if it has not already been done so.

Hey Jeff it is still the same. Everyone comes in with a limit and weighs in their 7 biggest. And yes there is a lot of fish caught.

CX.

guys our new website should be up and going by december 1st keep the ideas coming we will be having a meeting here shortly and we will post dates so anybody can give there input thanks

Originally Posted by rlduckhntr

I concure with all of your post dkb. I have fished in SICA tournaments years ago and finally decided I liked to crappie fish to get away from the the pressure of working and to get out and enjoy the great resource we are blessed with here in Southern Illinois rather than competition. In addition, I like to eat the tasty things. To each there own. I understand why people enjoy competitive fishing. However, competition brings out the best and worst in people. Vince Lombardi once said, " If people do not care about winning, then why do we keep score".

Now, with the suggestions:

1. Members of the board, who actually create and enforce the rules of the tournaments should not be allowed to fish in the tournaments. Especially, since there is potential for monetary gain. This could be considered a conflict of interest. Now, if everyone is fishing for is bragging rights, then it should not be a problem for everyone to fish.

2. Get your website current and advertise on that site. Create pdf files for your rules and entry forms and have subpages for anyone to print off copies. Post all the pictures on there you have in an organized fashion. In the future, take all the pictures you can of everything, especially the crowds at weigh-ins. You can use these pictures as aids for potential sponsorships. You will also have ammo to spice up your website all the time. Also, sell advetising on your website (Banners). If you can not get money, settle for prizes to be given away at the tournaments. Either way, you come away with something for space you have available anyway.

3. Treat everyone as if they are your last member. Part of managing any organization (a big part) is conflict resolution.

4. Have signs made with your 2011 schedule made. (Standard 8.5" by 11" should be big enough) The two things that should have the largest font size on the sign are the organizations name and website, website, website. Did I forget to mention WEBSITE. Then post these in every sporting goods store, bait shop, gas staion, and everyplace you can think of in Southern Illinois. Most sporting good stores have places to hang stuff like this in them. Be sure and get these up at least a month before your cutoff date for entries.

Give/mail ten to every past member you can think of and ask if they can post them for you.

You can go to Staples and have a couple thousand printed in black and white on clolored paper for less than a hundred dollars.

Before you post the signs, create a google adword account and track your clicks for your website (Free). You can learn a lot about where to focus your marketing efforts by this tool.

Lastly, I realize you guys took this organization over recently and my above suggestions should not be confused as criticism. I believe you can grow leaps and bounds if you run the club like a business. Remember, in business, a customer/member is your most valuable asset. I wish you guys the very best.

I agree with all above. Lots of good info in all of that. Sounds as if you've done this type of thing before.

Websites in today's age are HUGE. You'd be surprised how far creating just general "group" page on something as simple as Facebook can draw peoples attention. I use it for another organization I help run, it allows me too keep other members posted along with advertise dates with certain events, meetings and keep people informed. You can also link something as simple as that with you main website for people to see. All completely free!

rlduckhntr you do have some good ideas. Not sure I agree with board members not being able to fish. I believethe rules should be gone over, edited, and updated where needed. This will be happening in the near future as i am understanding. After this is done I think a voluntary meeting open to all club members should be held. This meeting would be held to discuss and vote on the rules in place. Table would be open for input on new rules or how to ammend existing rules. Bottom line everyone present would cast their votes on the rules..this should make the fishing fair for all. For those who don't show up and give their input...no complaints later!! Will definately be present for that!!

I was informed last night that the website is under construction and sounds like it will be pretty kick a**!!

Flyers are also being worked on and will be distributed when available.

I think a kids fishing rodeo would be fun as a way too involve the members families and maybe peak the interests of non-members. Would be fun, but lots of work so volunteers would be needed.

Excellent ideas crappie attitude! I think you guys are on the right track.

I especially liked your idea about the kids rodeo. You also might consider adding a tournament where all, or a percentage of the proceeds would be donated to a charitable cause. First one that comes to my mind is American Cancer Society. This disease has affected all of us in some way. A family member, loved one, friend, or a friend of a friend. Businesses in Southern Illinois will donate a lot of cool stuff in order the have their name on a banner at the weigh in, or on the website. Not to mention the amount of people who would fish in your tournament because it goes to a good cause. Like me

It would take a lot of effort by the members, but the publicity for the club would worth it. Look at the Elks bass tourney.

Anyway, food for thought.

A question for you northern guys, there was some talk at the meeting about adding a couple lakes up your way such as Shelbyville. If we did that how many of you guys think you would fish them tournaments and how many of you guys think you would come down and fish some of our southern lakes?