Author Topic: NYS Ice Pro-Am Tournament Series. (Read 79522 times)

Raquettedacker · « **on:** Jun 30, 2012, 08:43 AM »

http://www.nysiceproam.com/

New York's only $75,000+ Ice Tournament Series!
A series of three big-money/high-stakes events spread across the state of NY, where each event is split into three divisions: "Professional", "Amateur", and "Open" and requires each team to be skilled at targeting multiple fish species using multiple techniques on different waterways.

Those teams who fish two or more events in the "Professional" Division can enter the
Triple Crown Challenge*, a calcutta
event within the series that yields the
coveted Triple Crown Trophy and deams
the winning team members as the
overall series champions!

Registrations are now being accepted!

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #1 on:** Jun 30, 2012, 10:57 AM »

Please use this chat board to ask questions about the tournament series, individual events, rules and regulations, etc. This series is going to be nothing short of AMAZING:
*Huge prize packages (100% guaranteed when we reach 250 teams in the Pro and Am divisions)
*4 or 5 ATV's given out AT EACH EVENT, along with other high-end door prizes
*54 premium trophies (at each event) and the coveted Triple Crown Cup Trophy given out at the Sodus Bay Event
*The largest fish of each species will be kept LIVE (if possible) in a 180 gallon custom tank that will be on display
*Large awards ceremonies with possible dinner options
*News coverage
*Up to $2,000 per event being given to the Good Ol' Boys Junior Bassmasters Club of Central NY
*Shotgun start to kick-off each event

And that's just the beginning!! Register today at www.NYSiceproam.com and be a part of the largest ice fishing events in NYS this winter!!

Tim Thomas
NYS Ice Pro-Am Corporation
President & CEO

Finders Keepers Pro Sport Fishing Team
Team Captain

bushyjr · « **Reply #2 on:** Jul 10, 2012, 04:11 PM »

:)hope to make it

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #3 on:** Jul 23, 2012, 08:10 PM »

There has been some concern over pike for the Chautauqua event. Just to clarify: there will not be a pike division for the Chautauqua Lake event, as there are no pike in that waterway and we do not want anglers taking muskey out of season.

bushyjr · « **Reply #4 on:** Jul 24, 2012, 08:31 PM »

How many people signed up yet

bart · « **Reply #5 on:** Jul 24, 2012, 08:53 PM »

Just reviewing the rules and regulations...
Am I reading this right? Especially for sunfish & bluegills, it seem it would really cut in on actual fishing time? And how do you retain your spot? Can anyone offer more clarification, for me at least.

6. Weigh-In:

1. Any fish that measures at or larger than the following must be run-in to weigh-in when they are caught, unless within the last 30 minutes of fishing:

Pike: 30” or larger
Walleye: 24” or larger
Perch: 15” or larger
Pickerel: 22” or larger
Crappie: 14” or larger
Sunfish & Bluegill: 8” or larger

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #6 on:** Jul 24, 2012, 10:30 PM »

Hi Bart,

In an effort to make the events as "Catch & Release" as possible, for the lunker and OPEN divisions we are requiring all larger than average fish (as outlined in the rules & regs) to be run in to weigh-in. We will be working with the DEC to allow anglers to leave their fishing spot temporarily while weighing in. Yes, this will eat into your actual fishing time, but then again, you're entering a fish for a potential large pay-out. We will have a hotline number you can call to see what the bottom fish is in the lunker pool and regular OPEN division, so that you can see if it is worth while to run it in or not if you are fishing the OPEN division and/or have entered the Lunker Pool. If you are in the Pro or Am division, you will need to run those fish in regardless, as they will be going towards your total score for the day.

Do you feel the size for the Panfish should be larger, say 10"? We may adjust that to a larger size if panfish anglers feel 8" panfish are too common.

bart · « **Reply #7 on:** Jul 25, 2012, 06:46 AM »

"We will be working with the DEC to allow anglers to leave their fishing spot temporarily while weighing in."

"DEC" , Dept. of Environmental Conservation?

I doubt the DEC will allow you to leave a tip-up/rod unattended?

But what stops other anglers from moving in your spot while you're weighing in a fish?

Since I oftenly catch 8" Gills and with my ability what it is I have to believe it is fairly common? 8-1/2" is lesser common, 9"+ is uncommon(only a handfull for me personally) 10"+ rarely and is personally my white whale...

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #8 on:** Jul 25, 2012, 07:29 AM »

We have already discussed the events with the regional DEC offices and since all of our competitors will have a flag displayed while fishing, they will allow anglers to temporarily leave their gear to weigh-in a fish. As far as losing your spot, no angler is allowed to fish or occupy a hole that has your gear within 30 ft of it. So as long as you leave your gear in place, you should have no issues.

Thank you for the heads up on the panfish size - we will likely adjust that.

bart · « **Reply #9 on:** Jul 25, 2012, 08:05 AM »

Cool, I'd get it in writing though...

As far as leaving your gear in place is reasonable, but I would have reservations on leaving gear behind in certain situations.

Thanks for the clarification, bart

flipper358 · « **Reply #10 on:** Jul 30, 2012, 06:52 PM »

Before entering the weigh-in lines, all zip-ties must be placed through the mouth/gill of all fish to be weighed. Any fish without a zip-tie will not be weighed or counted in the team’s daily total.

Dont really think zip-ties is going to have a good release rate. Why dont all fish have to be alive?

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #11 on:** Jul 31, 2012, 04:06 PM »

Keeping all the fish alive is going to be an impossible feat: those who come in last to the weigh-in lines may have upwards of an hour plus before their fish are actually weighed in and in a place like Tupper Lake (where temps can get -10 to -20 or below) the fish aren't going to make it. Plus those fish that take the lures/jigs/bait deep and get the hooks in the gills aren't going to make it, and if we have to make some judgement call on if a fish is "alive" or not, there's just too much grey area to deal with. As it stands, if a fish is caught larger than the thresholds, it needs to be brought in as soon as it is caught so it's chances of being released are best. All others will be brought in at the general weigh-in. It's the easiest way to do it.

To give everyone a little background, here was our initial dilemma: let's say we have 250 teams in the Pro Division and 250 teams in the Am Division. The Am teams must be in weigh-in by 1pm (the Pro teams by 3pm), if it only took one minute for each team to go through, it would take over 4 hours just for the Am teams! If we had 2 sets of scales, it would still take over 2 hours (at one minute per team)!! Now, one minute per team is not realistic, as the fish for each team will have to be counted and weighed, plus any lunker fish that was caught last minute would have to weighed seperate. So it will be more like 4 minutes per team on average (including walking up to the scales and away). So that is why we need to make weigh-in as simple as possible (using colored zip ties), not worrying about if fish are alive or not (and trying to preserve and release as many of the larger fish as possible), and by using upwards of 6 sets of scales to streamline the weigh-in process.

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #12 on:** Jul 31, 2012, 04:14 PM »

**UPDATE**

We are currently in Tupper Lake scoping out the lake itself and surrounding area working out some logistics. We are expecting upwards of 2,000 anglers at this event, and there is no good access on the lake other than near the park at the north end. If we make that the only ice access point, it will limit everyone to the Racquet Pond area. So we are currently looking at a dual access event, with one near the Red Top Inn and the other at the park at the north end.

Also, after looking more closely at the history of Big Tupper, while the northern end freezes fairly early in the season, the main part of the lake does not. And therefore we are currently looking at moving the dates of the event back to the first weekend in January to have a better shot at safe ice across the majority of the lake. We will have this finalized tomorrow after our meetings.

masoneddie · « **Reply #13 on:** Jul 31, 2012, 05:43 PM »

Thank you for the report, looking forward to the next update!

flipper358 · « **Reply #14 on:** Jul 31, 2012, 06:41 PM »

Thanks Finders Keepers. Never looked at that from that point of view. Seems like a great series.

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #15 on:** Jul 31, 2012, 07:31 PM »

Thanks Flipper! These events are really shaping up to be HUGE!! We've gotten a ton of support and now the sponsors are starting to stack up!

All we need now are the masses of anglers to sign up so we can guarantee the high pay-outs!

bushyjr · « **Reply #16 on:** Jul 31, 2012, 08:05 PM »

Thanks for info latter date better chance for me to go with new born at home last week of november

bushyjr · « **Reply #17 on:** Aug 03, 2012, 08:24 PM »

Was a new date set

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #18 on:** Aug 06, 2012, 09:24 PM »

Yes, looks like January 5th and 6th will be the new dates for the Tupper Lake event. Right now we're working out some minor details (permits, etc.) before we confirm the dates in stone and update all the sites. Registrations are starting to come in on a regular basis now and once we get to 200 teams in either division for any of the events, we will have a running count on the website for each event's divisions so those waiting to register can see when the cut-off point is drawing near (again that is 350 teams for any of the Professional or Amateur Divisions). Again, any team that registers before Sept. 1st in the Pro or Am division will receive a $10 discount and a free Frabill aerator!!

New sponsoring companies: Oswego Salmon Shop and Fat Nancy's in Pulaski!

Toxic fisher · « **Reply #19 on:** Aug 07, 2012, 01:02 PM »

This event is gonna be huge!!! Already registered in am division, hope to see some shanty folk there. Thank u Tim Thomas for the info can't wait:) #team BROTHERDADS

bushyjr · « **Reply #20 on:** Aug 10, 2012, 08:45 AM »

If only one of the team members can make it Friday nights meeting is that ok

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #21 on:** Aug 12, 2012, 08:27 PM »

Quote from: bushyjr on Aug 10, 2012, 08:45 AM

If only one of the team members can make it Friday nights meeting is that ok

Yes, that is ok. The main points of the captains meeting is to 1)get each team their packet of materials and goodies (detailed maps, tourney rules and regs, competition flags and numbers, sponsor products, raffle tickets, dinner tickets, etc.), 2) go over the tournament format/rules/regs and answer any questions anglers have, and 3) outline the waterway in detail to highlight any dangerous areas and define any waterway boundaries. There are many aspects of a Pro-Am style tournament that are different than a standard tournement/derby, so we expect there will be questions to be answered and cleared-up for many anglers. To our knowledge, this will be the first time this format will be run on the ice, so we want to make sure we have every available opportunity for people to ask questions and clear any concerns/misunderstandings before the event. So as long as one member is in attendance to receive the information and supplies, that should be sufficient.

On another note, we are almost done designing the trophies for the Tupper Lake event (all 69 of them

). Once we receive the pieces and "build" them, we'll post a picture so everyone can get a sense of the magnitude of the awards ceremony, which will be nothing short of epic!!

FISHN NIK · « **Reply #22 on:** Aug 29, 2012, 02:41 PM »

Hello Tim,
Can you clarify what the open division is and if someone has a captains license,are they allowed to fish the Am.division?I hope you can help me out,Thanks.

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #23 on:** Sep 01, 2012, 09:08 PM »

Quote from: FISHN NIK on Aug 29, 2012, 02:41 PM

Hello Tim,
Can you clarify what the open division is and if someone has a captains license,are they allowed to fish the Am.division?I hope you can help me out,Thanks.

If you have any sponsorships or if you are research or pro-staff for any companys, you will be required to fish the "Pro" division, otherwise you can fish the "Am" division. The OPEN division is just like a regular ice fishing derby where the largest fish wins, except we'll have 10 places and more species to fish for. All divisions will have a shot at the 4-wheelers, lunker awards, and other door prizes. If further clarification is needed, stay tuned as we will be releasing a video going over the three divisions in detail, and the tournament series as a whole, very soon!

SKUNK-MASTER · « **Reply #24 on:** Sep 11, 2012, 07:29 PM »

so if u r in the am div r u weighing in 10 pike per day? do u bring in 50 perch? etc i get the 6 biggest gills, but it says perch r a "big fish". i read thru quick but some briefer explaination would help

roundlakeNY · « **Reply #25 on:** Sep 12, 2012, 11:34 AM »

Look's like this is really taking off. Good job guys

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #26 on:** Sep 12, 2012, 09:38 PM »

Yeah, it's coming together BIG TIME!!!

We were hoping to get the video describing the series and the divisions created and posted this week, but we've been buried with sponsorship and promotions stuff. If you live in the Rochester area, pay attention to News 8/Fox Rochester over the upcoming weeks for some promotions to begin!

They are also going to cover the Sodus Event (and possibly the others) along with Nathan Krusko. There are a couple hotels that are going to offer discounted rates in the Chautauqua area (we have to finalize some details before we release that info) and it looks like we'll have the largest fish mounted as part of the prize packs (again, a few details to finalize before we officially release that info).

As for fishing the Divisions, it goes like this: if you are going to fish the AM Division, you need to bring in your single largest fish of each of the "Large" species (so for example one pike, one walleye, and one perch if those were the only three "Large" species) plus your largest 7 panfish (so 10 fish total). If you are fishing the PRO Division, you need to bring in your single largest fish of each "Large" species plus your largest 13 panfish (so 16 fish total). To make the events as C&R as possible, we will have set sizes for each "Large" species whereby if you catch a fish that is bigger than this set size, you will need to bring the fish to weigh in as soon as it is caught. I hope that helps clarify things a bit. We will cover this in great detail in the video and at the captains meetings.

Our biggest hold-up is going to be securring the 4-wheelers and larger door prizes if everyone waits until the last minute to register! A lot of the money necessary to secure those items will need to come from entrance fees, so the longer people wait, the longer it will be before we can guarantee that we have them - it's just the nature of the game.

So if anyone is planning on fishing these events (the more anglers, the bigger the events will be and the easier it will be for us to gain bigger sponsors and the bigger the events will be for you...) please register as soon as you can and we will continue to build these events!!

bart · « **Reply #27 on:** Sep 13, 2012, 05:18 AM »

Will NYS Ice Pro-Am Tournament Series have a presence at the Big East show at the ON Center in October?

Finders Keepers · « **Reply #28 on:** Sep 13, 2012, 05:22 PM »

Unfortunately we will not - that month is going to be insanely busy for us!! We will be working with News 8 in Rochester at the time on promotional material and taping for our November commercials and other promotional bits. Plus we'll be heading down to Chautauqua Lake to meet with the town officials down there and get all the logistics worked out. In addition, we'll be continueing our quest for sponsorships. We'll take another look at the dates, but I don't think it's going to be feasible for us.

Speaking of, we spoke Warren's Tackle on Sodus Bay today and Kerry at Automatic Fisherman, both of which will be sponsoring the series!!

We will be discussing to what extent over the next couple weeks. Also, for the Sodus Event, Warren's Tackle runs their own tournament every year, and this year it will be run concurrently with the Pro-Am, so anglers will be able to fish both tournaments that weekend!

Registration will be available at the shop or through our online registration site off the Pro-Am website.

bushyjr · « **Reply #29 on:** Sep 13, 2012, 11:02 PM »

If I talk a few friends in to fishing a tournament can we as amateur fishing teams still have lunch and fish near each other so we can share grill, auger, atv or do we have to stay away from each team thanks

News:

Author Topic: NYS Ice Pro-Am Tournament Series. (Read 79522 times)