SHBA Fishing Club...Looking for feedback

[Gerry Zagorski]

Unfortunately I've noticed a few subtle and sobering things change over the years that influence these tournaments and fishing in general besides regulations, weather and money or lack thereof.

A the top of the list is the aging generation of boomers like me that have the time and the money but simply don't have the energy they used to.

Next is a generation behind us, many who have the money but feel like keeping fish for the table or a tournament is practically a crime.

Lastly is a generation of up and coming younger people who have no money like we did when we were young and or have no interest in fishing and God forbid if they have to compete for something.

Take a look around at the traditional clubs, Knights, Moose, etc.. They're starving for members and people to get involved... Memberships dwindle and there is no one behind them to take their place...

Next time you go out on a charter or party boat, look around and what do you see?? Grey haired people like me with no younger people to back fill us unless the grey hairs take them.

Take a kid fishing, get them involved, it's our only chance to leave this legacy we've enjoyed and pass it along to future generations.

[AndyS]

Very few fish to fish for, what's a big fluke these days, maybe 4 or 5 pounds.

[champ]

Good stuff. AS far as 1 fish over 18", what is your opinions about the tournaments allowing up to 6 on a boat? That gives you 6 chances at a money fish. Could it be the boats with only 1,2,3 guys are opting out?

As far as the big fluke these days - 4# didn't make the money boards. One tourny was 12#, Elks 7.5# and SHBA top three 7-7.5#.

[wyldbillnj]

Champ...Thanks for making the point about being able to have 6 anglers on a boat. The other thing that sets us apart is that you are able to fish for 2 full days..>Saturday AND Sunday. So technically speaking, you have 12 opportunities at a money fish + the calcutta. Even with 3 guys, the opportunity to live well and cull a fish or two is there.

The bay being devoid of fluke is a big thing. Not being able to fish relatively protected waters and known fishing grounds hurts as well. Im curious...Has there been any research about the abundance of the dogfish and how it relates to fluke? I would love to know how that population explosion has put a damper on the fluke.

One of the other subjects brought up offline was guaranteed money for the event. Up until covid, we guaranteed $5700 in total prize money. Never had to worry about number of boats entering the tourney...we know our break even and cannot afford to run to a deficit. Therefore, like other events...we split the entry money up proportionally. Does this honestly and truly make a difference in your eyes or not really?