Season Smallmouth Contest?!

[15FOOTER]

So I was thinking this year since most people on this board target smallies at least occasionally that we should do some type of contest. I was thinking of doing it strictly by length and starting it from April 1st 2014 thru Nov 1st 2014 All you would have to do to enter is put a measuring tape on your fish and post a pic of the fish with the measuring tape on it on this website. The reason for doing it by length and not weight is to damage the fish less. Any blood in the pic would disqualify it and you have to at least lie to us and say you released it lol! Fish can be caught anywhere in state or out of state as long as you post the pic here. Personally I would donate a Carhartt hoodie with an awesome smallie logo and NJFISHING.COM on the back or if Gerry would send me a logo he likes for his site I would be more than happy to use that so the winner can rep NJFISHING.COM. I would also embroider the front left chest with the winners name with first place underneath (of course this would have to be ok with Gerry). I would also donate a hat with the logos as well. Im in the screen printing, embroidery, and industrial work clothes business so this would be pretty easy for me to do. To me this would be a great way to encourage more pics and fishing reports, and if anyone is worried about spot burning take an inconspicuous pic and don't post location. Lets here some suggestions on this. I think its a great idea but I could be wrong. Maybe some other members can donate some stuff so we can have a 1stplace 2nd and 3rd. Whadda ya think guys? I think it would be a great friendly thing to do!

Gary

[FASTEDDIE29]

You set it up, I'm definately IN!!!! Just hope I can catch a SMALLIE big enough out of the Raritan or Delaware that can compete with a big lake or res SMALLIE. It's worth a shot, you have my interest!

[15FOOTER]

The bigguns are everywhere and close to shore early and late season.. You can always get on the boat with us :cool:

[Worksforjerks]

got my interest!

[15FOOTER]

NICE..any ideas/suggestions post them up. The more input the more fun!

[FASTEDDIE29]

What to do for a 2nd and 3rd place fish? HMMMMMMMM!!!!! You do all that awesome embroidery on expensive Carhartt hoodie, T-shirt and a hat, I'll throw in a 75 dollar gift card to a tackle shop that sponsors NJF. Not sure if that would be a 2nd or 3rd place prize, but it will definately make things interesting!!!

I do have a boat with a 25hp Merc but of course I'm restricted to 4 places now being as all my other motors/engines blew up, LOL!!! I'll jump on with you anytime brother! Let's get this poppin!!!!!!!

[Lard Almighty]

I like this idea. Count me in!

[15FOOTER]

That would be sweet Eddie! I was thinking to if it came down to 2 questionable fish at the end ya know like a too close to call situation we let the forum vote it out?

[FASTEDDIE29]

That could work if it's very close. Maybe have a few NJF veterans that aren't involved in the contest be the judges. This way nobody is partial.

[15FOOTER]

That sounds good!

[GetANet]

It's a cool idea, I am in for sure! Nice to see something fresh !!!!
Let's not make it complicated keep it simple and fun!
Be nice to replace my ragged old blue fishing hoodie too!
YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[15FOOTER]

Lookin good I'm getting excited!!!!! Thought of one more thing. We have to think of a way or something people can put in with the picture to make sure its a current pic.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Lookin good I'm getting excited!!!!! Thought of one more thing. We have to think of a way or something people can put in with the picture to make sure its a current pic.

Piece of cake. Design a NJF SMALLIE badge of some sort. It should say NJF SMALLIE CONTEST 2014 with a pic of a SMALLIE that nobody can duplicate. You put it up on this thread, anglers print it out and must hold it next to the fish they are entering. Tape measure, fish, badge, DONE!!!!!

[Jigman13]

Lookin good I'm getting excited!!!!! Thought of one more thing. We have to think of a way or something people can put in with the picture to make sure its a current pic.

Newspaper?! Lol... Badge is a cool idea.

[Mikeps326]

You guys come up with great ideas and it helps people out there to enjoy fishing and to have fun. I am def in!

[The Birdman]

Im in for sure :D

[Eskimo]

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We have to think of a way or something people can put in with the picture to make sure its a current pic.


On other internet fishing contests, the night before the contest begins, they announce something that everybody has that has to be included in the picture. For one forum, it was a can.

This ensures all the pictures were taken after the contest was announced.

(On the newjerseyhunting.com forum, there was a sponsor sport shop that was have a kill-tournament for bass because they wanted people to walk into the store. I made the suggestion to them that they have measuring tapes printed with the name of their store. Anyone who wants to participate in the contest has to photograph their catch with their official ruler. This is a win-win situation. The anglers had the option to release the fish and the people have to walk into the store to get the ruler. )

[BottomBouncer13]

Sounds like a sweet idea...I'm in...never caught a ton of smallmouth so this will be cool to do...

[GetANet]

Well now you have a reason to fish for them!!! I think this is a fixed contest anyway cause 15Footer and BigFishy got that shheeeet down!!!! :D

[15FOOTER]

We have a little pattern going..but ive seen a lot of guys on this site with BIG smallies. Maybe well get some of these lurkers on here to show out and post some good pics. We might get some real good surprises:cool:

[ScowardNJ]

I love it when people step up to do things like this!

Just wondering why not keep it exclusive to Dirty Jerzey waters only? I realize someone could take a pic of fish anywhere and say they caught it at Monksville but we are all honest dudes, right?:D

I'll come up with something to add to the podium also.

[Mikey topaz]

Well sounds like a plan guess im in!

[kcritch]

Great Idea....I'm in.

[bigfishy]

Well now you have a reason to fish for them!!! I think this is a fixed contest anyway cause 15Footer and BigFishy got that shheeeet down!!!! :D

Haha !! We got our lazy little lake techniques which wll def account fer a few entries, but i don'tink a rese. fish is gonna win this....If it was by weight,than maybe but by length is a diff ball game....thanks fer vote of confidence:D

[jimmythegreek]

we do it like the ice shanty guys, u just print out a badge thing and keep it in ur boat or tackle bag. put it in the pic w the tape measure and its solid. Let me know what u end up doing Ill donate a prize too

[Outofline]

I'm in! Looks like I'll have to start scouting the rivers here in N. VA! Fished a popular river years ago that was LOADED with BIG smallies!

[rjw6375]

I don't catch em often but I'm for giving it one hell of as shot.

[UglyStick]

Great idea - count me in

[acaravaglia]

I'm down. This time last year I was catching to 4-1/2# deep water.

[HerringKing]

I'm in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GetANet]

I'm sure my colorado connection (Lil Bro) NJTransplant will be in as well. Show us he can still compete with the Jerzey BoyZ!!!
I think as long as your a NJF member you qualify no matter where it's caught.
I think this a great idea and let's not complicate it with continuously changing or adding things. Fish,logo,tape measure,PIC! 1st,2nd,3rd Nough said.:D
We can have as many or different species contests.
This idea can really blow up in a good way......

[kcritch]

So when/how do we start this thing? There's only a foot of snow left in front of my boat so I should be out in no time! :D

Hoping to get out from shore somewhere this weekend and cast a line for something. 57 tomorrow!

[Super]

I get a few 20" smallmouth every year. This contest better not jinx me!:cool:

[15FOOTER]

Awesome guys this sounds like its gonna be a good year! Lets start it april 1st and run it thru nov 1st. Eddie I like the idea of the badge but i am not great at computers and have no idea of how to do that and i think some others here may be in the same boat as me. I think it might be best to think of an item to include in each fish pic entry and well announce it the night before april1st. Im just thinkin it might be easier to let people get involved this way and encourage maximum participation (more pictures :) ) What does everyone think of that? What would the best item be to choose to put in the picture Lastly what color sweatshirt would you guys want, and do u guys want a full zip up or pullover? What color hat as well? Lets get this party goin..April1st is right around the corner!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Alright 15footer, let's roll with Eskimo's idea. Pick something the day before the start date to have included in the pic. Example, brand new black and silver original floating rapala in the box. It will work fine, also it will keep guys on there toes. You post a pic without that black and silver rapala in the box, it won't count. It's a great idea. Let's get it going BROHAM!

There some big dudes on this site, might have to wait til an angler wins to determine. I'd like an extra large zip up hoodie and a large t-shirt if I won by some miracle. Keep it basic. Maybe charcoal gray or heather gray for the hoodie, black for the t-shirt. What do you think. Gotta go straighten up my tubes, craws and other assorted SMALLIE capturing lures.

LETS DO THIS!!!!

[Wilson]

Here's the prize.....



http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k505/HackerHack/85dcfe02-3a6a-46a9-9a6e-5045ea25a3e7.jpg

[15FOOTER]

Hahah thats great...we can do sizes up to 4xl for the big dudes its all good

[kmaty]

Im def in....so is there guna be first second third? And can one person take all with 3 different fish? We should get a official thing going here and also to thin the herd maybe throw in a minimum size maybe 15 16 inches

[NJTransplant]

HELL YEAH I'm in !!!!! This sounds awesome. I'll keep it fun and only use plastics I pour too. 67754 67755 Got some of these for ya Bro .... I'll send ya some smallie slayersin the next couple weeks .

[FASTEDDIE29]

Here's the prize.....



http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k505/HackerHack/85dcfe02-3a6a-46a9-9a6e-5045ea25a3e7.jpg

I'll wear it with pride. This will go well with the others I already own. Perfect for when I wear my Zorro outfit!!!

[GetANet]

NO WINNING ALL THREE PRIZES! C'mon. Let's not start all the games and every time someone posts something we add or change the rules again and again and again.

[FASTEDDIE29]

No winning all 3 prizes. Still looking for someone to donate something for 3rd place. C'mon guys, need some ideas for a prize here. What are your thoughts? Spoke with 15footer last night, he should have the breakdown of the contest posted tonight or tomorrow. It's very basic, take a pic of a GIANT SMALLIE next to your tape measure and post it on the NJF 2014 SMALLIE CONTEST thread. The 3 biggest fish win something.

YEA BUDDY!!! TIGHT LINEZ!!!!!

[kcritch]

Just so you know I plan on posting a pic (if not several) of a "Not So Giant Smallie" as that is most likely what I'll catch! :D

We should plan an end of contest MnG to hand out the prizes if we can pull it off. Maybe a final day of fishing to see if anyone can steal the crown at the last minute...then awards BBQ to follow. This group usually figures out a way to have a good time when it gets together so why not. I'm in for helping with planning it out and coordinating food/beverages/ place etc.

Will PM my contact info in case you are up for it.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Just so you know I plan on posting a pic (if not several) of a "Not So Giant Smallie" as that is most likely what I'll catch! :D

We should plan an end of contest MnG to hand out the prizes if we can pull it off. Maybe a final day of fishing to see if anyone can steal the crown at the last minute...then awards BBQ to follow. This group usually figures out a way to have a good time when it gets together so why not. I'm in for helping with planning it out and coordinating food/beverages/ place etc.

Will PM my contact info in case you are up for it.

Great idea Ken! I'm all ears. Where could we pull this off? Have any ideas for the BBQ location?

[slider]

For BBQ finish at state parks with pond or lake would be a good start, places like Waywayanda Lake or Shepards lake, have huge parking areas and both have picnic table and grill all over the place,,However I'd say u bring your own grills,,Could even have a miney tourny that morning to give every one that last min shot to pull victory for the jaws of defeat...LOL Just my 2 cents worth

[ScowardNJ]

No winning all 3 prizes. Still looking for someone to donate something for 3rd place. C'mon guys, need some ideas for a prize here. What are your thoughts? Spoke with 15footer last night, he should have the breakdown of the contest posted tonight or tomorrow. It's very basic, take a pic of a GIANT SMALLIE next to your tape measure and post it on the NJF 2014 SMALLIE CONTEST thread. The 3 biggest fish win something.

YEA BUDDY!!! TIGHT LINEZ!!!!!

Would a case of a mixed selection craft brews from NJ be out of line for a 3rd place finish? I know not everyone likes a beer but I would be more than happy to put it together as a prize...

[kcritch]

Great idea Ken! I'm all ears. Where could we pull this off? Have any ideas for the BBQ location?

Depending on the timing of the end of contest, a good central location for everyone involved, and someplace that has Smallies the first place that comes to my mind is Spruce Run. But that is a State Park and we'd have to see what the reg's are on the BBQ plus the beverage situation is a concern there. The other thing I was thinking is we do the fishing then find a local establishment for the awards ceremony. I would even be willng to have the BBQ in my backyard if Bridgewater is an acceptable location...provided the wife doesn't divorce me.....and depending on the numbers. I got a nice firepit out back that seats about 20 comfortably or 30 standing and a yard for any overflow! Totally open to suggestions.

If enough guys are interested in any of those options by way of response I'll look into it see what I can come up with. What date is the "end of tourney" date...do we know? I PM'd 15Footer my info so we can talk about it. Once he gets the contest details set I can get to work on this if it seems to be something the crew wants to do.

OK now it really does need to get warm...I'm gettin' psyched!

[kcritch]

Would a case of a mixed selection craft brews from NJ be out of line for a 3rd place finish? I know not everyone likes a beer but I would be more than happy to put it together as a prize...

That would be enough for me to actually cheat and hope I didn't come in higher than third!!! Great Idea!

[kcritch]

For BBQ finish at state parks with pond or lake would be a good start, places like Waywayanda Lake or Shepards lake, have huge parking areas and both have picnic table and grill all over the place

Was thinking the same idea but remember we have guys from the shore in Monmouth and Ocean counties as well as over in Mercer County and south to Camden and Gloucester Counties. And even further in all directions. I'll go anywhere we finally decide but It would be nice to try to have it somehwere in the middle so it's an option for our southern brethren as well!

[Eskimo]

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Still looking for someone to donate something for 3rd place. C'mon guys, need some ideas for a prize here.



How about this 3rd place trophy:


http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/worst_0571ea_1042933.jpg

[FASTEDDIE29]

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How about this 3rd place trophy:


http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/worst_0571ea_1042933.jpg

That is a very interesting trophy. I don't want that trophy at all.
LOL!!!
Scott, that's an awesome idea for 3rd place. If the winner doesn't drink beer, well, we'll have to take care of business our selves. Couple beers after a long day of catching goes hand in hand.

[ScowardNJ]

Was thinking the same idea but remember we have guys from the shore in Monmouth and Ocean counties as well as over in Mercer County and south to Camden and Gloucester Counties. And even further in all directions. I'll go anywhere we finally decide but It would be nice to try to have it somehwere in the middle so it's an option for our southern brethren as well!

Water Gap?

[kcritch]

Water Gap?

I've never fished the gap....I Know I know that's pitiful and I can't believe it myself...so I'm not familiar with the access and size of the lot if we get a bunch of boats. I'm open to it if it has the capacity for it. We'll put it on the list of options for sure. You can't get a much prettier place than there for sure...especially if this happens in the fall.

[FASTEDDIE29]

There is no launch for motorized boats at the Gap, hasn't been for 5 years. Canoes and Kayaks only! Would've been nice to get there by boat again!

[Eskimo]

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There is no launch for motorized boats at the Gap, hasn't been for 5 years. Canoes and Kayaks only! Would've been nice to get there by boat again!


There is a boat launch about 5 miles North of Route 80 on Old Mine Road.

My issue with the entire Delaware Water Gap is it gets insanely crowded, -especially in the summer. Be prepared to share your fishing hole with boaters, flotillas of rental canoes, swimmers, cliff-jumpers and thousands of picnickers blasting La Salsa music. Makes for a very interesting fishing experience.



.

[FASTEDDIE29]

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There is a boat launch about 5 miles North of Route 80 on Old Mine Road.

My issue with the entire Delaware Water Gap is it gets insanely crowded, -especially in the summer. Be prepared to share your fishing hole with boaters, flotillas of rental canoes, swimmers, cliff-jumpers and thousands of picnickers blasting La Salsa music. Makes for a very interesting fishing experience.



.

Worthington launch is 2 miles north of the gap. Poxono is 6-7 miles north of the gap. There's definately fish to be had in these areas regardless of the others using the river. I know all about it. Eagle Scout all day. Back when you actually had to do something to earn your badges. We'll figure it out. The D would be an awesome venue for an awards ceremony!!!!

[Kamil88]

Do out of state smallies count for this contest?

[ScowardNJ]

Maybe the Belvidere launch could work. It's not a huge access but its down river from the majority of the rafting/ tubing crowd. A little more central. Never fished that stretch but we ended a weekend river yak trip there after a monsoon and the river looked pretty nice minus the chocolate milk.

[FASTEDDIE29]

Oh Smallie anglers, come out and playyyyyyy!!! Are we going to get the ball rolling on this or what? Who's in? Who's ready? Man, what's the deal? Where are NJ's finest Smallie anglers? I'm ready, this should be a fun little contest. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

YEA BUDDY!!!!!!!:D

[bigfishy]

Hangin wit 15'er last night....We are still workin out minor details but he plans to have ALL details posted by the end of the week.....be calm obie wan....wont start till next month and will go ALL season long....Go back to the original post....The important details (start date/end date) will be like what his original post stated.....

I know lots of you guys were tryin to figure meet and greet details....I tried talkin him into ending it closer to fair weather months but big smallies don't need awesome weather to be had.....plus , as a lot of us may or may not know, the big boys that don't get caught during the pre spawn are sure to have the feed bags on come fall...

I don't agree with out of state fish counting but its not my contest so other than than the two of us fishing together at least 100 days per yr, its ALL in 15footers court.....Keep any and all ideas coming in boys...All ideas are welcome and will be considered....Hell , fill up his inbox with ball busting coments on how we should keep it to instate fish....Guess it don't matter....its not like the smallies have license plates

[kmaty]

Im def in i fish this one spot for stripes and every once in a while i nail a smallie on a pencil or swimmer and needles to say anything that swipes a 9 inch pencil is quality!!!

[Super]

This is Barbara, my favorite SMB. I meet up with Barbara every year. Barbara is bigger and hungrier than last year, so you better bring it this year! ;)

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l30/elevenspiders/Logs/RV0002_zps956135f3.jpg

[FASTEDDIE29]

I don't agree with out of state fish counting but its not my contest so other than than the two of us fishing together at least 100 days per yr, its ALL in 15footers court.....Keep any and all ideas coming in boys...All ideas are welcome and will be considered....Hell , fill up his inbox with ball busting coments on how we should keep it to instate fish....Guess it don't matter....its not like the smallies have license plates[/QUOTE]

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I don't agree too much with the out of state entries but at the same time, AINT SKEERED!!!! Let's see how many out of state guys get involved. This is going to be fun. Gots to have some time to get into the fat hogs of fall.

[kcritch]

This is Barbara, my favorite SMB. I meet up with Barbara every year. Barbara is bigger and hungrier than last year, so you better bring it this year! ;)



Where do you keep that fish in your bath tub??? Better watch someone don't pull the plug on your "spot"! :D

She's a beauty alright!

[UglyStick]

X2 on the sentiment that out of state fish should not count... after all, this is NJFishing.com It's like saying let's have a musky contest and I can fish the St. Lawrence or anywhere else and it will "compete" with Jersey fish.

That said, I'm in either way... looking forward to a big year...

[gwl2oneida]

Makes total sense to exclude non jersey waters. What's the ruling on bi-state waters, del.river, gwl?

[bigfishy]

Makes total sense to exclude non jersey waters. What's the ruling on bi-state waters, del.river, gwl?

Even if we made it exclusively a jersey thang, those are border waters which would mean they count.....Just like youcan fish the PA side of the big D with a jersey license and its all good.....I aint scaired of h outta state fish either eddie.....I just know a few guys that fish lake erie pretty regular and they could take this contest in a heart beat, no doubt in my mind...Its all good... Ive already laid eyes on the winning specimen, just gotta fish for her on a day dat shes ornery.....shes about 25" .....but if i don't land her , shes got a fat azz cousin dats a couple inches shorter and travels in da same pack....aaawww boooy....season long contest is gonna be interesting to say da least:cool:

[FASTEDDIE29]

Hmmmmmmm, sounds like we gotta keep it in state. Let's see what the man, 15FOOTER, comes up with.

TIGHT LINEZ!!!!

[15FOOTER]

Ok NJ waters only it is fellas! Lets count the delaware anywhere it borders nj..sound ok?

[ScowardNJ]

And Greenwood? :D

[kmaty]

Id sayanywhere a nj freshwater license is accepted ex Greenie its shared between states idk if they're in there or not but seems fair if its split waters shared between states

[Kamil88]

Guys thank you for the reply on the out of state question the only reason why I asked is because I go to Maine every year for smb. But jersey smb is always fun to catch count me in.

[tjc76]

I am in. This sounds great, but one suggestion. Someone mentioned April 1 as the start date. I think it should correspond with the trout opener. I catch alot of my smallies out of trout stocked water and I'm sure many of you do also. It also appears many lakes are still going to be iced over. I just think this is the right way to do it.

[bigfishy]

:DI am in. This sounds great, but one suggestion. Someone mentioned April 1 as the start date. I think it should correspond with the trout opener. I catch alot of my smallies out of trout stocked water and I'm sure many of you do also. It also appears many lakes are still going to be iced over. I just think this is the right way to do it.

I really dont think that 5 days will make any difference in a 7 month long contest....Rivers will technically be closed until the 5th...if you can afford the ticket, go for it....

I personally fish a closed river pre trout opener every year... and get chased out by the local C.O. every yr....He has never ticketed me mainly because he knows that i am not targeting the trout when he sees my gear....Baitcaster,12lb test and big ugly jigs.....Its funny because its the ONLY time that we see and speak to each other every yr....He knows exactly where to find me and usually B.S's wit me for bout 15-20 min so i can fish fer a few min longer...3 yrs ago he helped me land a six lb.er and took a pic for me....Fished with him last yr....Found him in my spot poundin beers and smallies...:D

[AndyS]

:D