Catfish Contest Thoughts

[joatmon]

I’ve got a headache from trying to think of all the options that have been put forth. I am a late bloomer on cat fishing, so have really only participated the last few years. I like the scoring format (although I don’t really understand the north-south scoring) and have never felt I had to focus only on cats for 8 months. As my user name indicates, I like fishing with a variety of tackle, at different locations, for different species. I mostly join the contests to stay focused on fishing. I admit to spending a lot more time icefishing than cat fishing, even with the disparity in season lengths.

I don’t see a reason to break up the cat season. But if that is what is chosen, maybe split into two seasons with no break in between? Maybe March 15-June 30 and July 1-October 15? My luck would have me catching a 34-incher during the “break”.

I did not participate in the grand slam (or whatever it was) a couple summers ago. Too many other things going on. I’m not sure there has to be a contest for everything, but do understand it as a motivator. I don’t think I would pursue a summer fishing format similar to the ice challenge.

I guess I’m already motivated by what BFT is doing with the contests. Question is, what would motivate others to join and/or return? And I’m thinking making it more difficult won’t cut it.

What about some simple head to head challenges? Like this week we are fishing Utah Lake and the biggest cat fish wins? Or for ice fishing, this week we are fishing Strawberry, and longest cutthroat wins? Short and simple. Or do it on a specific day and have a simple get together at the end?

A few thoughts on the subject.