Marshal program

[Fishin' Fool]

I just signed up to be a marshal for the 1st time when the Elite series comes to Lake St Clair in August.  I hope I get to go.  It sounds like it will be a good time.  That would be so fun to watch a big name pro fish.  How do they determine the pairings just random draw?  Or do I have to be on the inner circle to draw a Van Dam or Swindle??

[RichF]

It's a random draw and I don't think you're guaranteed all days.  My buddy has done it a few times and thinks it's well worth it.  I'd have a hard time being in a bass boat for 8 hours and not fish! Hopefully you get a guy who's on'em. 

[BassNJake]

I have been a marshal a few times and it is definitely worth it.

I got to marshal for G-Man when they were at Douglas lake day 2.

He got into a late day flurry and was close to making the cut.

So I got to hang out with him, his wife and his dog Myrick at the boat ramp for about an hour to see if he made the cut.

We threw a football around and were just BS-ing about life.

He ended up making the cut, but just barely.

 

One of the best days related to fishing ever.

 

On the other hand watching Terry Scroggins at the pre tourney meeting, on the water and at the weigh ins; he was an absolute jerk.

 

 

[gim]

I'm considering this as well for the AOY at Mille Lacs in September and was wondering if it was a random draw too.  I realize that 8 hours in a boat with a potential jerk is possible but the information I could gain from it would be priceless.

[Senko lover]

Every person I've heard from that's done the marshal program says that's it's a really awesome experience. 

[CTBassin860]

What do they charge you for that if you dont mind me asking?

[Fishin' Fool]

3 minutes ago, MassBassin508 said:

What do they charge you for that if you dont mind me asking?

 

$150 for regular Elite events. $500 for the Bassmaster Classic.

[CTBassin860]

150 is going to be money well spent. Thats well worth the money as well if you ever get the chance.Ill take 8 hours in a boat with Keith Combs any day for 150 bucks.

[Fishin' Fool]

Even better you get 2 days for sure and the possibility of 4.

[Fishin' Fool]

Does anyone know if the status "on waiting list" means I'm not going for sure? It mentions that Marshalls are taken first come by time stamp registeration. I'm hoping they don't hold onto my $150 for a chance that I get to go in late August. 

[OCdockskipper]

I was on the waiting list for 3 days and then was bumped up to "accepted".  It was almost as if they were making sure the credit card charge cleared before they moved me off the waiting list.

 

I got 3 days out of it, 2 of the 3 anglers were extremely gracious and accommodating.  The other was fine, but gave off a vibe like I wasn't really welcome on his boat.  I thought it was me until my day 2 angler said that particular Elite competitor was known for being a bit of a jerk (even though he does play to the fans when on camera).

 

Great experience, I will most likely do it again in 2020 when BASS makes another West Coast swing.

[12poundbass]

9 hours ago, OCdockskipper said:

I was on the waiting list for 3 days and then was bumped up to "accepted".  It was almost as if they were making sure the credit card charge cleared before they moved me off the waiting list.

 

I got 3 days out of it, 2 of the 3 anglers were extremely gracious and accommodating.  The other was fine, but gave off a vibe like I wasn't really welcome on his boat.  I thought it was me until my day 2 angler said that particular Elite competitor was known for being a bit of a jerk (even though he does play to the fans when on camera).

 

Great experience, I will most likely do it again in 2020 when BASS makes another West Coast swing.

My curiosity is peaked about this angler you're referring to! Just goes to show there sometimes is a big difference when the cameras are no where to be found.

10 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Does anyone know if the status "on waiting list" means I'm not going for sure? It mentions that Marshalls are taken first come by time stamp registeration. I'm hoping they don't hold onto my $150 for a chance that I get to go in late August. 

I got an e-mail last night saying there are still spots available for the St. Clair event so you should be accepted soon I'd assume. I've never done it but I live in central Michigan so I'm assuming that's why I received the e-mail.

[Fishin' Fool]

On 4/11/2017 at 10:24 PM, OCdockskipper said:

I was on the waiting list for 3 days and then was bumped up to "accepted".  It was almost as if they were making sure the credit card charge cleared before they moved me off the waiting list.

 

I got 3 days out of it, 2 of the 3 anglers were extremely gracious and accommodating.  The other was fine, but gave off a vibe like I wasn't really welcome on his boat.  I thought it was me until my day 2 angler said that particular Elite competitor was known for being a bit of a jerk (even though he does play to the fans when on camera).

 

Great experience, I will most likely do it again in 2020 when BASS makes another West Coast swing.

 

My status changed today from "on waiting list" to "In tournament" so I guess I have at least 2 days hopefully 3.

[12poundbass]

1 hour ago, Fishin' Fool said:

 

My status changed today from "on waiting list" to "In tournament" so I guess I have at least 2 days hopefully 3.

Be sure to report back on how it went.

[OCdockskipper]

15 hours ago, Fishin' Fool said:

 

My status changed today from "on waiting list" to "In tournament" so I guess I have at least 2 days hopefully 3.

 

If you only get 2 days initially, here are a couple of tips to try to get the 3rd.

 

First, after day 2 weigh-in, there will be a marshal's meeting where the day 3 assignments are given.  Go to that meeting (it is informal) and introduce yourself to whoever is running it.  Let them know that you weren't chosen to be a Day 3 marshal, but if there are any no-shows at the meeting, you are available to fill in.

 

Then, if you aren't given a spot at the weigh-in, go early to the Day 3 takeoff.  If you can, find where the same person you spoke with at the previous days Marshal meeting is and just greet them (don't ask to fill in).  If they have just recently received a cancellation notice from a marshal, they will ask "Did you still want to marshal today?".  Then, as the anglers are parking their boats prior to takeoff, note which ones are missing marshals, especially lesser known anglers.  Some marshals will just bail on day 3 because they draw someone who is in 49th place and this is his first cash in 3 years (or a similar type scenario).  As takeoff gets closer, you can again ask that official "Does so & so have a marshal, it looks like he is in his boat by himself?".  This actually makes the officials job easier because he doesn't have to scramble to find a replacement.

[Fishin' Fool]

On 4/14/2017 at 10:26 AM, OCdockskipper said:

 

If you only get 2 days initially, here are a couple of tips to try to get the 3rd.

 

First, after day 2 weigh-in, there will be a marshal's meeting where the day 3 assignments are given.  Go to that meeting (it is informal) and introduce yourself to whoever is running it.  Let them know that you weren't chosen to be a Day 3 marshal, but if there are any no-shows at the meeting, you are available to fill in.

 

Then, if you aren't given a spot at the weigh-in, go early to the Day 3 takeoff.  If you can, find where the same person you spoke with at the previous days Marshal meeting is and just greet them (don't ask to fill in).  If they have just recently received a cancellation notice from a marshal, they will ask "Did you still want to marshal today?".  Then, as the anglers are parking their boats prior to takeoff, note which ones are missing marshals, especially lesser known anglers.  Some marshals will just bail on day 3 because they draw someone who is in 49th place and this is his first cash in 3 years (or a similar type scenario).  As takeoff gets closer, you can again ask that official "Does so & so have a marshal, it looks like he is in his boat by himself?".  This actually makes the officials job easier because he doesn't have to scramble to find a replacement.

 

I called BASS and found out that I was the 64th person registered. 51 people fish day 3 so I just need 12 not to be able to go day 3 and I'm in.

[OCdockskipper]

Good luck.  I hope you have a great time and I look forward to hearing about your experience.

[1simplemann]

Bringing this to the top. I have a few questions. I have the opportunity to be a marshal for one of the tournaments next year. I think it would be a blast. I might not get another opportunity for quite some time. What can I do to increase my odds? What's the success rate for actually getting to be a marshal? Is it 1st come,1st serve? I'm a BASS member but not a Life Member. Should I be to help my success rate? I think being a marshal would be an incredible learning opportunity and don't want to miss my chance. Thanks in advance.

[Fishin' Fool]

6 hours ago, 1simplemann said:

Bringing this to the top. I have a few questions. I have the opportunity to be a marshal for one of the tournaments next year. I think it would be a blast. I might not get another opportunity for quite some time. What can I do to increase my odds? What's the success rate for actually getting to be a marshal? Is it 1st come,1st serve? I'm a BASS member but not a Life Member. Should I be to help my success rate? I think being a marshal would be an incredible learning opportunity and don't want to miss my chance. Thanks in advance.

 

Okay here's the skinny. Sign up as soon as you can. If you do that you will likely get 3 days of being a Marshal. I wish I knew that as it doesn't cost anything more. I'm guaranteed 2 days on St Clair in August but I'm like #63 so I would need 12 people to say no to Saturday to make day 3. So that's my advice to you sign up as soon as you can and you'll get 3 days. No need to be a Life bass member.

[1simplemann]

FF, I plan to register at the earliest date possible. The reason I asked about the the life membership was because I noticed that life members get to apply a week sooner. I wasn't sure if it was a 1st come, 1st serve situation. You make it sound that way especially since you said the sooner a guy a applies then the better his odds are at day3 marshaling. I think that potentially watching 3 pro's for 3 days is a great value. Even watching 2 pro's would be a bargain for $150. Any idea on how fast slot fill up? Did you apply early or was it some time before you applied?

[Fishin' Fool]

I don't remember when you could first apply but I'd say I signed up a month or two after you could. I'd say there would probably be more interest to Marshal the Bassmaster Classic. I think for a normal event if you sign up the first day you can without Lifetime privileges you will still easily make top 50 and get 3 days.

[1simplemann]

The application dates are the just after Thanksgiving. I have always planned on becoming a Life Member. For some reason i just never got around to it.

How many times have you Marshaled?

[Fishin' Fool]

This will be my first time.  One month until the tournament, can't wait!!

[1simplemann]

Hopefully you'll get "the Man" himself. I have a feeling something special is going to happen there.

[OCdockskipper]

Back in 2015, on day 2 on the Elite tourney on Havasu, I was waiting by the ramp with a bunch of other Marshals.  The woman next to me excitedly told me she had drawn KVD.  She was darn near giddy.

 

I saw her at the weigh-in & she was less excited.  KVD had been skunked...