As someone who has fished competitively for bass, I think this is a great idea. It will bring good publicity to the sport, if the tournement is managed well. It also could potentially attract advertisers and sponsors to the sport (which is needed to provide $$$ to the sport fishing cause).

Yeah, it may generate a little crowding, but that's what contests do. If you are a good fisherman, and plan to be there that day, fork out the money and show them what you can do. Remember, being in a tourney doesn't give you any special rights to first water, you still have to put together a winning combination and catch fish, regardless of the number of people fishing. This is what separates the men from the boys.

Imagine turning loose a 12 pound chinook because you are looking for a "kicker" fish that will win you a tourney. It's not like bass fishing where you have a livewell and can "cull" for larger fish. These are fish you are killing. The decision to tag and kill a fish is a final one. It will be an interesting contest. Myself, I hope it goes well. Sportfishing needs a positive image. If this goes well, and generates some money to sportfishing intrests, It would be a good thing.

If you don't like tourneys, put you $$$ where you're mouth is and out fish those guys and make a little dough. Otherwise deal with the crowds, or fish somewhere else. Or just take up bass fishing.........Nobody fishes them thing around here anyways;)

Aaron