Is the Forrest Wood Cup on Three Rivers a good idea?

[GKramer]

I get the tourist dollars it could generate. I understand nothing should be easy for a so-called "test of the best." But KVD couldn't weigh 13 pounds in 3 days, and the pros looked like they were holding fish caught in a kids derby the last time anyone fished Pittsburgh.

How can you promote a professional sport with bass weighing 1-6? :-[

[Tin]

Yup, it's going to be another great tournament and a battle of ounces. The best angler will shine and I can really see Ike winning it all (I never say that). I was there in 2005 and Pittsburgh is a great city and I wish I could head back there this year.

Mellon Arena was packed for the final day weigh-in and was pretty full on day 2 as well.

[bassguy6]

There is an article on flw about how the fishing conditions are going to affect weights. D. Lefebre is a local (who also should be in the top 5) and says that the year when the classic was held was an extremely poor year.  

[bassnleo]

I and other from this area have fished the 3 Rivers many times. The rivers were definately off in 2005 when the classic was here. It will hopefully be a little better this year.

It's my opinion that these guys should have a test to see who is best. Like the US Open in golf.

Pittsburgh is a perfect place to do that.

I was on the edge of my seat the entire 3rd day weigh in for the 2005 Classic, it was awesome. Ask KVD if he minds only catching 13 lbs to win the most coveted trophy in bass fishing.

Just wish I could go this year :'(

[roadwarrior]

I was on the edge of my seat the entire 3rd day weigh in for the 2005 Classic, it was awesome.

Me, too!

                                   

                                   

p.s. I think the average "keeper" was 3/4 lb, not 1.6 lb lunker.

[Matt Fly]

A dink fest is all the Classic was.   Is the FLW launching in the same area as BASS did?

  We'll see just how off the fishing  was in 2005 if they do.

[bassnleo]

Yes, launch is out of the same area as the 05 Classic.

[Matt Fly]

What is a keeper on # rivers?   12 inches?

math is not hard, 15 keepers= 13 lbs,   thats less than a pound per fish.  

  Just how much is the weights gonna improve from last time?

[Tin]

In BASS Times after the Classic in 2005 there were a couple articles on how off the rivers were and how weeks later there were club tournaments with 13-15 pound bags of smallies coming in.

[flyhatch]

those 13-15 pound bags were correct only they were with a 10 fish limit.

There are some decent sized fish around but mostly these guys will be hunting a limit of legal fish. and dont let the size fool you these river smallies are hard to keep hooked and will fight till the end. just ask Aaron Martens.

[Md]

I think it's a great idea. First of all, Pittsburgh is arguably THE top sports town in the country right now with the Steelers and Penguins in the championship hunt yearly. Secondly, I was at the 05 Classic and the turnout was UNBELIEVEABLE. I had a blast and met a bunch of great people. And finally, the size of the bags the guys brought in were not really glitzy, but the best of the best still rose to the top. The hottest fishermen that year were Vandam, Martens, Swindle, and Ike, and all were in the top five when it was said and done. If anyone decides to head out that way, be sure to check out the Station Square area near the river- great times to be had there!!!

[5bass]

You have to appreciate tournament fishing to realize how 'good' a tournament really is, especially on a fishery full of small fish. Its going to be a game of ounces no doubt. But to win, one ounce is as good as 12 pounds.

I'm sure if there was a huge population of 7 pounders in Pittsburgh, thats what they'd be catching. They fish for what the river gives them, in this case, it's a bunch of one pounders. It's still a huge tournament. It's just a huge tournament without huge fish and huge weights.

The bottom line is, you have to catch fish. Whether they are 1 pounders or 15 pounders, you still have to figure them out and put 'em in the boat.

[Md]

You have to appreciate tournament fishing to realize how 'good' a tournament really is, especially on a fishery full of small fish. Its going to be a game of ounces no doubt. But to win, one ounce is as good as 12 pounds.

I'm sure if there was a huge population of 7 pounders in Pittsburgh, thats what they'd be catching. They fish for what the river gives them, in this case, it's a bunch of one pounders. It's still a huge tournament. It's just a huge tournament without huge fish and huge weights.

The bottom line is, you have to catch fish. Whether they are 1 pounders or 15 pounders, you still have to figure them out and put 'em in the boat.

I agree totally. The Elites have been hitting big fish lakes at the perfect times for the past couple of years...while it has been said the FLW events are shakey head events. Either way, the best rise to the top and figure out what they need to do to catch them consistantly. I expect the best to make the cut in the Burgh.

[flyhatch]

I was down at my local fishin hole on the allegheny last evening throwing a buzzer around the boat launch ramp.

I hear the buzz of a boat coming off plane and it heads in toward the boat ramp. From behind me a trailer backs in the water attached to a truck that has Lazer Lure decals all over it.

Ike trailerd his boat right next to me then right after him was Fritts.

It was cool as hell to see those guys I didnt bother them cause they both looked like they were pretty beat down.

I think Ill be there agian tonight

[chitown]

Let us see what happens .

All our Equipment, electronics , tackle,  experience, know how .

Will this tournament determine the true Champion ?  

This is going to be a Pro  fishermens nightmare. Sleep well guys I

know you will be tired frustrated     I know I will not Hire you as a guide based on this tournament.  

[bass wrangler569]

It might not be glamerous but at least it will keep things interesting. Like others said, it will be a game of ounces.

If they were going to do a PA fishery, it's a shame that they couldn't have it on the susky, they'd have bags in the 17-20lb range instead of under 5lbs lol.