Let me start by saying I don't support this and am just brainstorming. Also let me start by saying I don't support running and I don't want this thread to get heated. I just want to hear thoughts and opinions on this.

My question:

Why cant someone use a boat to run?

Whats the difference in what you drive from 1 spot to another if your running?

Like the way running is currently done all fishing would be out of the kickboat or tube.

What's the difference?

This question is for bnt and scbbbc guys thoughts as well as any other tube anglers out there. This question isn't about running vs. not running its about boat vs. truck running.

Well first off I don’t think everyone has a boat at there disposal, from what I see more people do have vehicles. Now if were able to find a way that everyone could have a boat at there disposal and it was there choice if they wanted to use a vehicle instead I don’t see a problem.

FIT

Not 100% of the guys fishing have cars or even Drivers license's, so isnt that already unfair to them and doesnt that make the playing field unfair?

? 1. why cant someone use a boat to run?
Because not everyone has access to a boat,therefore we wouldn1t be on an even playing field.
? 2.Whats the difference in what you drive from 1 spot to another if your running?
Same answer as ? 1.
I think running makes it more like a boat tourney without the boat.Boats arent stuck in one section of the lake,why should we.Discovering new spots is also part of the challenge.Of course this only applies to larger lakes and bodies of water.I like the idea of it being as close to a boat tourney as possible as far as rules and areas to fish,with it still being on an even playing field. my 2 cents.Bill

Thats a good ? John. Im with FIT. Your write on the $ about the guys without a car or drivers licence. That is there choice coming into this thing call float tube tourneys. Its kind of like the disadvantage I have with the round to compaired to a kick boat. Theres some good and some bad. I wish we could use a boat for all of us, but the chance of that happening isn't good. If I couldn't run at all on the Delta or Clear Lake then I would say that I would buy a kick boat to try and even out my odds some, I guess. Once again John that is a good ?

Rich

Fish fear round tubers and Bass Tech kickboats!!
http://www.bassanglerprofiles.com/richcaro.htm

I'm not for running, but on their side:

Why should they have to stay in the same area just because someone else can't afford a truck (or car) to run with?

That's like saying the guys that have a 300 Merc can't use it, cause they'll have longer to fish since it took them less time to get there then someone with a little 50.

That kinda falls under the oar thing too. I don't think the guys with oars should be penalized because not everyone can afford a kickboat.

But, I think what it really boils down to is, 'Is running legal'? If not, put a stop to it.

No I don’t think it is unfair because people do have to get to the tourney in some fashion and from what I see most arrive in vehicles not boats. Now if they are getting rides from friends/family they would have to get set up with them to run and if there ride does not want to run then that person is putting them at the unfair advantage.

Maybe I have a different perspective on running...

I'm no big pro fisherman, but I do put some value on my reputation. I have my website and some sponsors and whatnot. If I go to a tournament and run, and get caught by DFG and cited, that goes on public record. If you think people won't look you up on public record to see if you've been cited by DFG, think again. There's plenty of guys with nothing better to do than things like this. Therefore, I will never run in a tournament in a vehicle. And why should I fish a tourney on a big body of water where other guys can run but I can't due to my own principles? You guys aspiring to be pro's and fish the big boat tourneys should consider this before you hop in the truck to drive somewhere.

John's thing about using a boat to run is lame (sorry John) because that's not what these tournaments are about IMO. My favorite kind of tournament is the one where everyone fishes the same water as far as they can row or paddle. I love fishing a place like Pinto for this reason, because no one has an advantage. If you let me bring my boat and drag my kickboat around with me to fish out of, I'll happily take your money in any sight fishing tournament next year. It would be legal, but unfair to the other guys in the club. Lame if you ask me

As far as having a tube vs. a kickboat, that's a valid point. But I think that's unavoidable if you want to maintain a good sized club. Even the boat circuits allow small boats to fish team tournaments. 10hp and a functional livewell will get you in to a lot of team tourneys. If you're on the low end of boat equipment and you put your money down, that's just a choice you make.

Bottom line for me is that B-n-T ending the runners rule will mean I'm at more tourneys next year. And if SCBBBC wants to keep the rule, I don't think I'll be at the Invitational any time soon. Nothing personal, just a calculated decision on my part.

-Rob

Look at the stats. Are most of the peolple at the top of the standings runners? Is Mitch a runner? Cuz he kicked boody this season. Then again there's gonna be times when the areas that are reasonably accessable to the non-runners just aren't gonna hold biting fish. The non-runners are either gonna be O.K. with it or they're gonna quit fishing with the club. Boat or truck, you're still running. The boat is actually a way better running impliment. This way you don't have to deal with traffic AND you're not doing anything illegal as far as transporting your fish. You can also get back to the boat and relocate a lot quicker than with the vehicle. I myself think that running makes the whole thing way too complicated. I just want to stick my boat in the water and fish.

Just out of curiousity Rob,did you used to run before this years paranoia.What exactly is it about running that bothers you?Is it because it was written about this year and could be technically against the law or is it because you think it harms the fish?I dont see how your reputation could be at stake,most people out there know what we`re all about and support our clubs they know we take care of our fish this goes group includes tournament fisherman(pro`s and ams), spectators and park officials that watch our weigh-ins on occasions.People that run are no less of a sportsman than people that dont,I`m sure all you peers know that.Its called tournament fishing.There`s a few grey area laws out there that need to be cleared up thats for sure,another being the 5 fish culling thing that comes to mind right off the bat,but I dont think we should change the way we fish the tourneys.Its hard to say anymore untill I know why it is you dont agree with it,and if you just stopped running this year or you`ve always felt this way.Bill

Yes I did. I didn't think real hard about it and did it because I felt the need to compete. The only place I ever ran at was Clear Lake.