WCW Poll - next season start

[nmbrinkman]

If people only joined to be part of the top 3 then only 5 people would join. Most of us join knowing full well we aren't going to crack the top 5 or 10. The point is to be part of something in general. Something that only a handful of people can be a part of. It's the "win or go home" attittude that kills it. Prizes are just there to keep people going year round. The donkey needs the carrot knowing full-well he isn't ever going to catch it.



This is starting to sound familiar.... http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ead.php?t=1474

[wavster]

I like the quarterly tournament idea, but it wouldn't make much
sense to have WCW participants pay each quarter if they're already
in it for the year. I think it would be a great supplement.

As for a new format, I'm not sure that's the esscence of WCW.
At least for me it's not. It takes a lot to stay focused for
12 months. It also evens out those slumps and freak
good days/months.

It takes all kinds to make it interesting. Josh and Brad are
both excellent fisherman and their position on the
leaderboard proves that. The gap between 2nd and 3rd is wide due
to their skills, not just time on the water.

Maybe we just need to have more 1 day tournaments to get people
fired up...

[jscott]

From someone not in WCW 07 here are a few ideas.

-if we want more participation in wcw-- then require all posts within 72hrs of catch(or as soon as return home from out of country). But put WCW08 forum board to be private so that only registrants can view this. This takes away the fears that lurkers will flood the area. And people who like the intel (as I would) would be more than willing to join-- knowing that they wouldn't likely place top 3
-fishing is about fun, friends we meet, and challenging your own personal goals...I bet many will be more than happy to 'out' a bite if they know only the wcw kayak community can see this report. It also takes some of the luck out of it...as everyone will have the same intel/info and some people aren't better connected to a private pipeline of info.
-Start it either immediately after wcw07 or very soon thereafter. With YT bite heating up-- if there was a break and it didn't start until the fall (or offseason for many fisherman)-- less people would be willing to pay and sign up. Summer fishing in 08 needs to be included if you want a large group of people. (more people = more payout)
-Supplemental contests/giveaways will definitely keep more interest....maybe some smaller prizes for players after top 3-- top 10 get a WCW Beanie...11-20 get a t-shirt-- 21-30 get a box of crackers... etc..

my 2 cents that may only be worth 1 cent.

[wavster]

I like the 72 hour post suggestion, as well. I would definitely agree that
the WCW forum be locked to participants only, with that rule.

[madscientist]

Originally Posted by jscott

-fishing is about fun, friends we meet, and challenging your own personal goals...

That is an essential point right there. I get the feeling some people are more interested in the trophy than in the experience. Got to prove your "the best". But kayak fishing is not about that, and even if it were it's an improper medium with insufficient statistics. Take my win at the BWE tournament (or even the WCW kickoff). 90% or more of the contestants are perfectly capable of landing that fish. A dozen guys were in the same area doing the exact same thing as I was. I did nothing special, just did the right thing at the right time and then got lucky. Doesn't make me a better fisherman. In it's current incarnation, WCW is a reward for time on the water, with a side of luck as to when the point fish come (Unless you're Arne, in which case I don't know what the hell it is: some combination of skill, commitment, luck, and a deal with the devil I suspect).


Having a ton of time to fish is a reward in itself, there's no need to collect the props and cash from those that don't, and certainly no need to wave it in other people's faces.

Unless the format is something that is is more good natured and fun, I will not do WCW next year, except perhaps jackpots.


I suggest those that want to measure effort and dedication set up their own competition where they can punch in and out on the webcam, thus proving who spends the most time on the water. Perhaps have a multiplier based on the conditions (like degree of difficulty in diving), judged by the BWE viewership. Bonus points for taking a dump at sea (the Andy special). Tape shot required.lol

[dgax65]

I suggested the quarterly tournament as a method of keeping those who can't fish on a regular basis interested and involved in WCW. Sort of a mix of instant gratification and reward for perseverance all wrapped up in one tournament structure.

Regardless of the format, I'm in for next year. I know I'm not going to win, so I can just have fun and hopefully catch a few

[Dan]

Brad nailed it on all points.

[nmbrinkman]

Originally Posted by Dan

Brad nailed it on all points.

It's nice to see that I'm not the only one in it for the experience.


I don't like the idea of forcing guys to post a timely submission but how about maybe giving a 1 point bonus for fish caught and submitted 36 hours of being caught, .5 point bonus for fish reported within 3 days of being caught, and the deadline for a individual month's submission is midnight of the 1st on the following month (ie. fish submitted for April must be in by 11:59pm on May 1st).

I still like the idea of a "priviledged" forum for WCW participants. That would enable us to get to know each other a bit more, share some advanced techniques and whatnot. I would say share "hot" info but loose lips may sink that ship. A confidentiality agreement seems a bit over-the-top. I'd sign one though if it helped make the tourney more competitive though. Not sure what the consensus will be on that topic. Either way, a WCW forum would be nice.