Rich - By getting permitted and chaning the rules to 3 fish, I think you've gone a long way toward to legitimizing the sport and building respect for everyone who fishes in both clubs. I know you care a lot about the fish, and I don't think that there's any kickboater or tuber who would ever go out on the water intending to jack up the fish. You are an ambassador for the sport of float tube / kick boat bass fishing, and I have a lot of respect for you.

I do feel though, that in the heat of a tournament, and in the desire to catch the most and the biggest - fish care an become a lower priority than it should be. So I make a stink about it from time to time to encourage the guys who organize the tournaments to structure the tournaments in a way that is good for the bass. While I still don't feel right about running, I am encouraged to hear Mitch's report that things are going better.

It has definitely been too long since I've fished in my kickboat and fishing a tournament or two next season is certainly on my radar now that I'm moved back to the bay and living in Dublin.

Let me put one carrot on a stick while we are having this conversation and see if I can get a nibble :) If the SCBBBC runs the State Classic with a no running rule (no driving somewhere, fishing, then driving back), I will make a point to come to the tournament, and I will call on some connections to assemble the best "big bass" prize ever offered in a kickboat tourney for whoever catches the big bass of the event.


-Rob