Tournament Series Part 1: Should 100% Payout Continue to be the Golden Standard in Kayak Fishing Tournaments?

Walking outside on a cool September morning and being greeted by a a deep breath of the mist-filled air, I approached this morning differently than I had so many times in recent weeks.  This weekend, I decided to take a tournament off, and spend the day relaxing, watching Ohio State play on the television.  As my fellow anglers were competing on the water, I couldn't help but contemplate the various reasons fishermen participate in a tournament setting.  Some fish for the glory, others the camaraderie.  One explanation continued to invade my thoughts, however, and this was about the money.

It is undeniable that some anglers choose to do kayak fishing tournaments for the money.  As a seasoned tournament-fisherman myself, I understand the potential benefits and certain pressures of a large-scale competition.  In the past, I have collected my $200 in cash, along with a small token of a trophy, loaded up my kayak, and went home happy.  The fact is, while the general population of anglers benefit monetarily or tangibly from tournaments, many tournament directors find themselves burnt out, tired, and jaded about the great sport of kayak fishing after only a few years of running a successful trail.  Unfortunately, many receive nothing but an "atta boy" and pat on the back from fellow anglers, while those anglers walk home with a wad of cash in their pockets and a brand new spinning rod they won for "Big Fish."

In the past few years 100% payout tournaments have become the golden standard.  After talking with tournament directors across the country, it is interesting to see the differing perspectives on this practice.  Some tournament directors feel 100% payout is a necessary practice to drive attendance at events through advertisement of enormous payouts.  Other tournament directors believe 100% is an expectation of the tournament anglers, and therefore doing otherwise would push people away as they would not know, or simply not believe, that their money would be going to good use otherwise.  Other tournament directors oppose 100% payout vehemently due to the fact that they are paying for many of the conveniences anglers take for granted at a local tournament.  From permits, to insurance, from cookouts, to trophies, trade shows to live scoring software, many of these items cost tournament directors out of pocket if sponsors are unable to be found or unwilling to give up cash to an unknown fishing trail. 

It is noble and an obvious notion to say that someone who puts in dozens of hours per week for free should not have to actually pay to run tournaments.  However, in reality, that is what ends up happening to many fishermen who decide to take on a tournament trail to give back to the angling community.

So, my question is-  what is the solution to this issue?  Is it better sponsorship?  Could it be only 75% payout?  What about membership fees to cover costs?  I am afraid that if we continue the practice of 100% payouts, the kayak fishing community will have a eclectic patchwork of poorly-run local tournament trails sometime in the future- possibly sooner than later. 

Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions, and solutions to this issue!

Tight lines and be safe,

Aaron Stiger