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Outdoors

Tournament impact

Competitive fishing influences industry for anglers.

By DAVID A. BROWN
Published February 4, 2006

For as long as I have participated in tournaments, there has been a perception that the events only matter to competitors. In fairness, there's probably general, albeit vicarious interest among the angling public. But despite those who may fervently eschew the notion of utilizing natural resources for the purpose of winning prizes, there's no denying the impact of tournament fishing.

For starters, there's an economic benefit. From bait to boats, anglers spend a pretty penny on their sport. Bring a tournament to town and local businesses experience a spike in food, lodging, fuel and incidentals purchased by tourists.

But tournaments benefit the average recreational angler, too. Consider the universal pursuit of a competitive edge, something that lifts one competitor's game a little higher than the next.

Competitive fishing compels the development of product innovation. Hardcore anglers bring real-world input on what works, what doesn't and how to make good things better. Manufacturers are quick to include this data in their research and development, with the end result yielding another round of latest and greatest.

There's a lot of shallow hype in this game. Look at any tackle shop wall and the array of lures is intended to catch fishermen as much as it is to catch fish.

There's plenty of legitimate gear, too. And casual anglers benefit when products born of countless hours on the water and at the drawing board appear in their local tackle shop.

T.J. Stallings of TTI Blakemore Fishing Group said that by sponsoring tournament anglers, his company gleans invaluable design and performance pointers that enhance products such as the Road Runner Crappie Thunder.

"The general fishing public benefits from the product research that our tournament pro staff conducts," Stallings said. "Tournament anglers are the most dedicated fishermen and offer the best on-the-water testing you could ask for."

Stallings likely picked up more feedback when the Crappie Masters Team Tournament Trail held its Florida Championship Jan. 27-29 on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Leesburg, an angling hotspot just a short hop from Citrus County.

Ocala brothers Larry and Nathaniel Smith finished second with a seven-fish aggregate weight of 9.95 pounds, just short of the winning 10.03 pounds posted by Missouri father and son Joe and Mike Meyer.

A tournament competitor since 1989, Larry Smith said the fishing industry has responded to anglers' needs.

"The competition has developed every phase of it from fish finders to trolling motors to the poles we use," he said. "Tournaments have created a lot of enthusiasm [among lure companies] that has led to all the jig colors."

Taking the developmental aspect a step farther, Larry Smith has created a "secret" jig that he uses in conjunction with Missouri minnows. Calling his hand-crafted lure "The Bug," Smith has caught fish on his creation in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. He hopes to expand that range before retiring his rods.

During the Crappie Masters Championship, 176 anglers from 18 states attempted to catch the freshwater crappie. I lacked no respect for this speckled species as it has long enjoyed a strong reputation for sport and table fare. But joining a few top guns during practice showed just how scientifically and mechanically advanced this game's tools and tactics have become.

Pro tips include blasting jig tails with garlic spray for added scent, dragging heavy chains behind the boat to stir up grass shrimp and stimulate feeding, and installing sensors on a trolling motor head to determine optimal strike speed.

Such advanced techniques won't always appeal to the average minnow-corking weekend warrior. But thanks to tournament pros in the crappie world - and other species for which anglers compete - casual anglers can charge confidently into battle with the same gadgets, gear and gumption of those who fish competitively. FISHING SEMINARS: Captains Mike Locklear, Jim Long, Gary Cox and Ray Wallace will offer free seminars at the AmSouth Bank (6730 W. Gulf to Lakes Hwy.) in Crystal River on Feb. 10.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the guides will address saltwater fishing techniques including fly fishing, light tackle and selecting the right boat and motor for particular angling styles. For information, call Locklear at (352) 628-4207.

[Last modified February 4, 2006, 00:32:20]