Proposal for Colorado State Team qualifying!

coloradoman25 · July 27, 2011, 02:41:37 PM

Its just me Joe I like to hit refresh every 30 seconds and re-read myself speaking. I like to see myself type almost as much as I like to hear myself talk.

Whatever the state decides it needs to get up as a whole and dust itself off and make a concerted effort to drive the ideas forward. Good bad indifferent there needs to be some sort of action.

At this point if you could honestly tell me a tournament at a mini-golf course would draw more interest I would support it. (with proof)

Allen · July 29, 2011, 04:54:55 PM

While I'm on today, I thought I would post on several topics just to piss everyone off.

Just kidding. My opinion is still: Leave it alone.

toobman · July 29, 2011, 05:51:50 PM

I don't know where I fit in on being a serious angler or not, but I like the single tournament format, and I am also very intrigued by doing a 3 tournament series format. It really doesn't matter to me because I plan to fish either one. I just enjoy fishing with the best in Colorado and I know I will whenever I fish an STQT. That being said I would like to see it left as the top 12 anglers and not top 6 boaters, top 6 non boaters. I believe that regardless of whether you fish out of the front or the back you still need to figure them out. I have fished many tournaments where a non-boater has out fished the boater so I don't think the boater always has the advantage.

PS. Next time we fish in 25 MPH winds I think I will let my non-boater have the front all day LOL!!!

Frank Villa

BassinColorado · July 31, 2011, 01:13:56 AM

Amen to the non running the boat! Nah! I want a good chance at catching a fish!

Leaving it alone does nothing for the Federation. It is time to start getting the Federation to becoming the one thing everyone wants to be a part of every year. What we have going isn't producing that desire. Staying layed back isn't what the Federation needs right now. It needs a boost of energy. Those guys comfortably sitting on the sidelines saying how it should be running, better start running for positions and show us how to keep the Federation active with their idea voted into place.

Voting to keep things the same might not work as well with a different BOD. You might have a BOD that is planning to bring more activity to the Federation. Voting to keep things the same may shut that plan down. Are you guys that are voting to keep things the same ready to run the Federation by being a part of the BOD, and then try and get things active and exciting with what I would venture to say is a bad idea of keeping things the same? I bet not. Let the guys interested in creating some activity, those that may run for a positions in the future, have more of the reigns and lead the Federation to some activity and maybe a great place for all the members, instead of unknowingly being part of what is keeping the Federation from movement.

Somebody better have a plan in place if it is voted to keep things the same. A plan like Allen, Dave G., Ed, Garrett, and others so adamant about keeping things the same, running for president and vice president, perhaps. The BOD will have the responsibility to keep things alive, active, and gaining participation down the road with a one tournament, once a year meeting taking place. Good luck with accomplishing that goal with this set up. Just in case nobody noticed, it ain't working all that well!

coloradoman25 · July 31, 2011, 10:30:29 AM

Cant picture changing the format and alienating your most active members being a benefit either. Just call me Captain Obvious on that one.

Perhaps you want a bizzarro federation...one where only the minority vote wins instead of the majority.

The members could be in charge and the bod could sit back and just participate...wait....I think we have some of that now lol

BassinColorado · July 31, 2011, 12:32:51 PM

Guys are only considered "active members" because they fish the STQT. That is an easy one when that is all we have for guys to show their support to the Federation. Take out the STQT and what kind of support have many "active members" given to the Federation? Would those same guys be considered an "active member" if there were other events and projects laid out for all the members to participate? Would they participate in being an "active member" if it took more than just the STQT to show support, or would they just fish the STQT? Having more on the table for the Federation would surely find the real "active members" that believe in what the Federation stands for. Having more for the members does not mean guys having to create mass amounts of time to participate, either.

If your not a leader, then you are a follower. Leaders will step into the important roles of trying to get things done and not try and dictate from outside the realm by standing in a group and saying they are part of the majority, "so this is how we want you to run things!" They step up and make things happen. The majority of the individuals in the Federation want to set things up to favor their personal agendas, which is understandable. One would think that folks that truley believe in what the Federation is supposed to accomplish and stand for, would "bend and give a little" to see if something can be done to make things better for "the majority of the members and the longevity of the Federation," not just the majority that fish in the STQ tournament. Participation should be considered much more than just fishing the STQT every year. Know what I mean guys?

I know some remember when we used to have a yearly dinner banquet to give awards and have guest speakers. That kind of stuff needs to happen again to bring the Federation together. We need a steady funding plan and a group of guys committed to making things happen and creating opportunities for the state members. There are some young guns that still believe they can go into the professional fishing world and we should have some plans to help get those guys to that point.

Why not start this year by voting for a BOD consisting of guys that have chosen themselves and can work together? Maybe, in this years voting for a BOD, those guys interested in helping to turn the BASS Federation back into an exciting top of the line fishing entity here in Colorado, can get a group of folks together that they think would be a great team for a BOD. Then we can vote on a complete BOD in one vote, instead of separate votes for this person or that person. You know, like when folks run for city council and they have their complete group of folks listed as to who they would want around them to make up the remainder of the council. You vote for an entire group instead of just single folks at a time.

That might take some pressure off of folks that are interested in running, but that are uncomfortable because they aren't sure who would be with them on the BOD. If you didn't like the choices, put your own group together and run against them.

Then, we would have to trust our votes and let these guys have a little more reign on getting things going, as I said before.

Just more food for thought.

coloradoman25 · July 31, 2011, 07:07:49 PM

Wow....Okay so you want the guys that feel the same as you do..whether they are the majority or not to step up take over the bod and implement the changes that you are suggesting? I dont think that is what you mean but it sure seems to be the way you are coming across.

Theres only one event because thats all that is offered. To be honest with as spread out as you are I cant imagine having a banquet. Maybe for the front range guys?? I am fairly certain that people participate in charity events throughout the year on both slopes...and if they were offered or sponsored by the fed such as Fort Carson Kids Day and C.A.S.T. you would see plenty involved.

Lets be realistic...the fed needs to go digital in that meetings can be conducted in a more realistic manner, the site needs to be updated, and there needs to be more than on event (but not STQT only).

You want people that want to be involved in moving the federation forward...But your barking up the wrong tree. The guys that are here are the current active membership....AND they are ACTIVE in the clubs which means they are active in the federation. The Federation IS the clubs.....think of it from that prospective because THAT is where my thoughts of the active majority are coming from. The clubs are telling you no...who else has to do so...Ray Scott?

Lets get grounded in reality. Yes we need a BOD that wants to act but change in the programming of the singular event isnt neccessary. Lets not attempt to build Rome in a day...

Lastly and im gonna go ahead and say this....It's hard enough to get guys to send me a freakin email about selling this boat...you think your gonna mount a cavalry to WORK....good luck lol

BassinColorado · August 02, 2011, 07:49:20 AM

Exactly! There are some clubs that aren't telling us "no" or "yes" on much of anything. A few of the clubs are responding regularly to subjects, but a few other club's members need to be notified "by members outside of their club" that something is even going on. Those type of "paper clubs" need to be absorbed into other "active" clubs, so the rest of the federation isn't waiting months for a uncommunicative club to get notification to enough of it's members to get a dang vote on something. If guys think that isn't happening, they aren't involved enough or paid attention to some of the smaller clubs reaction time.

When I write about getting more participation by having a 2 out of 3 format, there might be some confusion on what "participation" really is to the Federation. It doesn't mean that we have hundreds of members fishing the STQT, which would be awesome, but not the objective of "participation" in my eyes. I am not sure what the numbers are as far as members in the Federation, but those that "actually participate" as to what we call participating at this point, are a small percentage of the total membership. Maybe 25% participate within their clubs or fish in the STQT.

I personally would rather see a participation percentage of 85% or more rather than see more members in the Federation, if that makes sense. It has always been that the Federation wanted anyone that would kick in a $ to be a member. I don't think the money has ever been a good reason to have just anyone in the Federation. It should be an honor and a privilage to be part of the Federation, not a right. I think that there should be certain criteria that all members should be held accountable to be doing within each club to be a member. Some clubs are too lax on expectations from their members and let many guys slide along while letting others do all the work. Those "slackers," (everyone knows who they are in your own club), just want to fish the STQT and hopefully take away a prestigious team position from another member that actually does something for and within the Federation. That should not be allowed to take place. Having a shot at making the state team should always be held as the prize at the end for those that donate their time and are in full support of the Federation and for which it stands.

The Federation "has not ever needed the money as bad as we need good members that participate in the clubs, community activities and for what the Federation stands." If there are some community activities taking place out there that the Federation doesn't know about, I would like to hear what those projects could be. Knowing how the "majority," as you say, want to just keep things as the "do nothing, same ole', same ole'" I wouldn't imagine the clubs, in representation of the Federation, are doing very much behind the scenes.

I say it is time for some big changes within the Colorado Bass Federation to gain "participation." If you don't want to be involved in your club along with the rest of the active members, save the membership the headaches of dealing with and hearing your complaints.

I think a 2 out of 3 format would find those wanting to participate more often, while opening up opportunity for the Federation to become a better community helpful entity all together.

Bassgambler · August 02, 2011, 09:59:22 AM

I believe you need to change "active member" to "member in good standing".

To be a member of the federation you must join a club within the federation. You must pay dues to join the club, the state, the federation and be a current member of BASS.

Each club has it's own by-laws on how members are to participate.

We are currently trying to weed out those that only participate at the state qualifier. In the last couple of years we have had several anglers who just pay the membership the week before the qualifier so that they can go to the qualifier. No participation at the club level whatsoever. That is not fair to those who come to the meetings, fish our club tournaments and basically carry the weight of the club and then have thier chances cut when these few show up at the last minute. It is also not fair to those in other clubs whose chances are also dinged. We are going to try and make it mandatory that you attend a certain amount of meetings and fish a certain amount of club tournaments to be a member in good standing. Maybe even use our club tournament format to qualify for the state qualifier.

As mentioned previously SWCB brought up the different formats to it's members and voted on keeping the one tournament format on a quality lake but agree that there should be a payout. Our members are informed. We use email, phone, website and facebook and meet the first Tuesday of every month to keep members up to date.

Joe, you say that some members do not know what is going on is the problem and at the same time you have been floating your format around for several years now and you have not even taken it to you own club Pikes Peak Bassmasters to vote on it. What format do your members want? Don't they deserve a vote or say in this?

Frank Villa, how did your club vote on the format issues? Joes Format? Other Format? Current Format? Don't your members deserve to be informed so they too can vote on this issue?

What about the leaders in the other clubs? I am sure that over the past few years with all the hype about different formats that all the leaders of the clubs are informed about the STQT. Wouldn't it be easier if the clubs did what they are suppose to do and bring these issues to the members of thier clubs and vote on them so that the clubs are represented at the state level by majority rule? Why is this being avoided?

Participation might be down some but I believe there are a bigger issue's than just the STQT format and at least it is quality participation for the most part.

Now let's go to Falcon in May 2012 and catch GIANTS!

Brian

BassinColorado · August 02, 2011, 01:01:46 PM

I have brought it up to the PPBM, but not for a vote yet. Nobody is really going to be voting until it is presented to the BOD and then taken to the clubs. I believe that is how they say it is supposed to work, so I haven't pressed the issue yet. Some are really looking at the possiblity of change. Some "oldies but goodies" are singing a different tune than in the past presentations of a proposal change and agreeing that some kind of change is needed, so why not. That time will come when our club votes for real and I think it will have been researched enough by then that guys will be able to make an educated decision on the subject.

I commend the SWCB for noticing and attending to the guys that come in and pay to "steal" positions away from our active members. I think all clubs should have such an avenue in order to be part of the STQT.

coloradoman25 · August 02, 2011, 10:54:16 PM

I can see the stealing of positions being an issue to some, but you guys as clubs need to make the guidelines on that...

PPBM voted on Military issues and said that I could remain a member because we were moved by the military. If people dont want me to come I guess I wouldnt, but I think I am a pretty darn active member for the federation. The guys on the team from Navajo have seen this 10 fold I would hope in the last few weeks.

The problems start at the top. Poor communications, lack luster attention to protocol and detail, and a general lax approach to the position. Right the ship and and get back off the beach...then worry about plotting the course.

BassinColorado · August 04, 2011, 07:03:41 AM

Knowing what the course may be may bring out more members that believe they could make a difference to the Federation in that format. Seeing that things may stay the same will definitely get the same support from the membership as we have now for the top positions, and we know how that looks already.

Chris is a great supporter of the Federation and is a unique case, in more ways than one, to say the least.

The military is an important part of our club here in the Springs and will always be that way. We have to have provisions for those guys that come and go, to a point.

Word has it that there is support for the changing of the format far beyond this site, so I will continue the crusade to present the proposal to the masses and see where it goes!

Thanks to all the guys supporting and feeling at least part of what I am writing here!

Mike Garrett · August 04, 2011, 04:14:28 PM

Good post, Brian.

Pikes Peak Bassmasters has certain qualifications for "member-in-good-standing". Mostly minimal attendance at meetings, tournaments, or events. I concur, our STQT participation should be based on more than just joining and signing up for that tournament.

I'm with you...lets go to Falcon!

Hopefully I will be back in shape to participate next year. Just returned home after 14 days in the hospital for colon cancer surgery. Yeah, I said that nasty word... cancer. Every one of you guys need to get scoped and you need to do it at least every 5 years. It can be caught and it can be cured. One good thing...I have lost almost 30 pounds.

BassinColorado · August 05, 2011, 07:39:55 AM

Although Falcon sounds very intriguing, I don't believe we would get the "majority" of the members, that were interested in trying for the team, to attend the STQT way down yonder. Even if we did get a number of guys to attend, it wouldn't be a good turn out and we would be leaving someone at home that would have normally competed if it weren't so expensive to attend.

A question to you guys talking about traveling so far away on "vacation trip STQT's." How has the economy affected your income? It appears that some have been lucky to be in a field that actually gained business from the economy slump, but I assure you the "majority" have not been so lucky. It would be selfish for you guys to forget the majority when it comes to being able to travel to the STQT. Most cannot afford to spend what it takes to do one of the trips some of you guys can take more than once a year, if you wanted.

With a 2 out of 3 format, guys have the chance to compete in at least one event inexpensively, compared to one attempt at the format we have now, to see if they want to continue or step out. At least they had a chance to investigate their potential to making the team at a lower cost than the one shot format offers to everyone. Some guys are still doing well financially and some are not as good as they were. There is a way to give everyone the opportunity to participate without risking such a high expenditure. New guys into the Federation may not be as intimidated by the cheaper experience and may try and get there feet wet.

If only those seeming to do well would take a second to consider those that may not be doing as well, and then come up with an alternative plan that would give everyone the opportunity to participate, without a one shot drain on one's finances, that would be where we want the Federation to be. Any other serious ideas, besides this one presented, would be reviewed by all of us with open minds and interest, so don't hold back.

We could always run the new format presented for a couple years and then add or change things back to a one big trip event later, once the economy got back up and rolling for the majority. Maybe it will be more of what we needed for participation and we might want to leave it in place. Regardless, something happening to attempt a recovery of participation is better than nothing, especially when there is nothing to lose.

coloradoman25 · August 08, 2011, 12:53:53 PM

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but dont tell anyone

mullet80 · August 30, 2011, 02:54:50 PM

have never read through these forums; found out about them through Todd as I fished with him at Conchas this past weekend. I just thought I would share my opinion on the STQT. I am a new bass fisherman and have only lived in CO for 3 years. I fish mostly as a boater with PPBM but I did fish the STQT this past April for the first time as a non-boater. I really liked the format: a 3 day tourney with the top 12 making the team.

Fishing as a non-boater has its disadvantages regardless of a 50/50 split. If a non-boater wanted to fish 20 miles away from where the boater had in mind, I don't see the boater making that run. Also, as a rule of thumb, there is usually better opportunity for quality fish in the first few hours of the day, depending on the season. The boater will 99.9 percent of the time be making the casts to the quality spots during those hours. These are just a few, but truly, no matter who the boater is, the boater almost always has the advantage.

I have also observed when I fish as a boater in tournaments, my non-boaters typically put in little to no research or ideas into fishing areas/techniques/patterns until we are on the water. This only solidifies that boaters overall have more of an advantage.

That being said, it is my opinion, to keep the STQT a 3 day tournament with 12 members making the team, but I'd like to present the idea that the top 9 boaters and the top 3 non-boaters make the team or a 8 boater, 4 non-boater team. I believe this would pull the strongest fishermen from each group (boater, non-boater) and allow Colorado its strongest chance of doing well at the Divisionals.

Initially, I wasn't a fan of the 3 tournament qualifying format, however I am open-minded to it. It would obviously need to be tournaments in Colorado, as you won't get participation with 3 out-of-state tourney's in one year. If it's in Colorado, it's going to make it tougher for a keeper tournament.

Another idea is to combine both the old and new: have the top 4 guys qualify from the 3 tournament format and 8 qualify from the one STQT. That gives the guys who can't afford the time or the money from the 3 tourney format to at least have a decent shot.

I'd also like to see more formal functions at the STQT, such as a BBQ. Though there weren't many guys there this year as past year's, I feel like I barely got to know anybody. We had our pre-tourney meeting and then everybody went to their hotel rooms and hung out with their known friends. There was no real opportunity to meet and hang out. If we had a BBQ or two it would allow us to mingle and strengthen our camarederie, only helping us grow stronger as a team going into Divisionals.

Another idea I have is fishing the STQT where the Divisionals will be fished shortly after. For instance if the STQT were on Navajo this year, rather than Truman, that could have only helped the prior year's state team learn the lake, conditions and patterns before fishing the Divisionals. If there is an "off-limits" time for Divisionals of 2 or 3 weeks, then make the STQT 4 weeks before that.

Anyways, I thought I'd throw some ideas out there; again, I'm new to the sport, but I'm really enjoying it and can only see myself becoming more involved as long as I'm living in Colorado.

Take care.

Tim Cooper
Pikes Peak Bassmasters member

BassinColorado · September 04, 2011, 12:08:39 PM

It is important that boaters and non-boaters alike, express their opinions on what might help the Federation gain participation year to year. The obvious is changing things up, now and then, as the Sun Country boys do about every couple of years. They have stayed in existance for many years running, and with pretty good attendance, just by mixing things up now and then.

The CBF changing up the format for investigative purposes, isn't going to happen soon, based on the feedback from the few that engage in the activities of the CBF. Maybe the next generation of BASS membership will have a good plan to excite the masses about having a chance to compete for a shot at being one of the top bass guys in Colorado, winning a boat, representing Colorado in a National slot, and gaining a shot at fishing in the Classic.

Only one place you can get all these particular opportunities around Coloardo......being a proud member of the CBF. Help by doing your part in keeping it running strong!

Mike Garrett · September 05, 2011, 09:55:42 PM

Joe...there was a time you would drive half way across the country to fish a tournament. Now it's lets keep things here in Colorado and mostly on Pueblo. I know peoples' finances change and I know times are tough for lots of people but don't you think the opportunity to fish some really quality lakes draws out a better number of people? I, for one, would really like to fish Falcon. Jumped at the chance to go to Amistad and would do it again if it comes up.

Speaking of fishing Pueblo...I am going to sign up for the PPBM tournament there on the 10th. Getting stronger every day and have so missed being on the water and out with the guys. Will be doing a P.E.T. scan on the 8th and if it comes back clear I won't have to do chemo. Hopefully, I can draw a boater that will understand I am not 100% yet and won't beat me up too bad running down the lake. I will probably do a lot more sitting than standing but I am ready to go fishing

It is my opinion what we need is strong leadership on the B.O.D. Colorado needs a president who will take the ball and run with it. Of course a good quarter back needs a team of dedicated players with the same goals in mind. We certainly need more than just a STQT once a year to build enthusiasm. Perhaps we need a couple of other tournaments during the year too. Really like the idea of the Federation sponsoring C.A.S.T and the Fort Carson Kids Day. I think that would help bring us all together and gain valuable public exposure. We also need to be involved with the D.O.W. in conservation and habitat projects.

What we need are individuals willing to volunteer their talents and time to promote The Colorado BASS Federation. It starts with a strong president. There is no excuse for our website being so in-active. How about working with Bass Pro and Sportsmen's Warehouse on some annual seminars on bass fishing? In years past we had a presence at boat shows promoting Casting Kids. It usually produced several new members every year. Would also be good for promoting the Jr Bass Clubs. Granted Casting Kids is gone but can't we come up with something to take it's place?

Ok, enough rambling...see youse guys tomorrow night.

A new and skinnier Old Guy.

BassinColorado · September 07, 2011, 08:04:09 AM

Glad to see you getting back to being you and beating that monster down. Not sure of what the suggestion of not driving far is all about, as I still go to every STQT, no matter where it is held. My preference has always been that there be the ability to recoup financially, or to at least have some type of prize of substance to attain, when fishing any tournament I attend. I don't feel that I need to pay an entry fee just to show guys what my fishing abilities are like. I fish strictly for the prize and support of an entity. Helping to teach and train others in this sport is something that I choose to do along the way.

Making the BASS Colorado state team, representing Colorado at the Divisional, with the possibility of winning a boat again, is still an honor and a prize of substance, even if there is a smaller amount of the membership that participate in the happenings of the Federation every year, and even fewer that believe in that statement, now days. Therefore, I will always try to be there and attempt to be a force to be dealt with and hopefully we can get some type of payout for our guys in the future.

Although I may travel to wherever we have the STQT doesn't change the fact that more members "may" fish STQT's that are more often and closer. Gaining participation isn't about me, or those of us that always try and fish no matter what, but about those that can't make it regularly into the qualifiers and what would bring the majority of those guys into the game. At this point, we don't know how a change "may" have enabled some to attend.

I wish we had more boats showing up at a Colorado STQT tournament, but with that said, it only makes for better odds for those of us that fish the STQT regularly.
It has been about a 35% chance of making the team each year. Super great odds compared to the need to be part of the top 20%, or sometimes the top 15%, in some of the higher level tournaments that many of us are used to fishing.

Looks like it is on to Lake Powell again! Sweet! I love that place! We will need to make it a little more spicy with some different side pots this next year. Not big money, but more variety for the guys to have something else to fish for throughout the tournment, even if they are not doing as well as they would like to be during the day.
Fun, fun!

Xfactor · October 25, 2011, 04:49:07 PM

I didn't read every post on this thread but I was wondering if anyone has looked at how many non boaters ( on average ) make the state team every year? I don't know, as a non boater that I would want to go to a tournament with say 30 boats like it has been in the past...to only compete for 4 spots, I like the idea of competing for all 12 spots, but make the sporting better by adding a team element to it. by having prizes, or money each day for the best team that helps the non with incentive, why is this so damn hard to figure out?

longdraw · October 26, 2011, 03:13:48 PM

Quote from: Xfactor on October 25, 2011, 04:49:07 PM
how many non boaters ( on average ) make the state team every year?

2-3

Mike Garrett · October 26, 2011, 03:31:32 PM

I think it is more like one or two each STQT. Of course half the qualifiers will go as non-boaters. What has been the success rate for them at the Divisional? We all know the boater has a huge advantage at the STQT and also at the Divisional that's the reason everyone wants to go as a boater.

Much of the advantage is in the fact the non-boater usually doesn't ask for or take their half of the day on the front of the boat. Personally, I am much more comfortable in the back. Not much good running a trolling motor when there isn't a butt seat up front. Guess I will learn how now that I have bought a bass boat...well sort of a bass boat, it's an 86 Bass Tracker TX17.

Just for the record, I will be 70 in January and still planning on fishing the STQT in 2012. Met with my oncologist a couple of weeks ago and it appears the surgery took care of the cancer. Putting on some weight and am joining a gym so I can build some muscle. I lost 40# pounds and much of it was muscle.

Also planning on going to Texas to fish Falcon and Lake Fork in the spring. Chris Dombkowski has invited me to come down to fish Falcon and Gary Martin, former New Mexico Federation President who now lives on Lake Jacksonville has also invited me to fish Lake Fork with him. I went down there two years ago and it was really neat. If I could afford it I would love to move to Lake Jacksonville. Weekly night tournaments.