SPI- New directors, opening on Croton Pond on 5\29\10

[Ranger93]

New directors, same old tournament, full schedule coming in the next couple weeks!!!!!!

[Waterfoul]

Can't wait to see it!

[JohnBoy]

What is the SPI?

[Waterfoul]

Sports Persons Internation.  At one time it was known as the Kellogsville Sportspersons Club.  We fish the West Michigan area.

[Nitro898]

SPI stands for Sportspersons Ministries International. the organization sponsors the bass tournament trail that use to be Kelloggsville Sportspersons Club. This tournament trail has gone on for years,and basically its a bunch of guys who love to fish tournaments at a lower cost, and also have a great time together. I have fished in the trail since 2006 and have enjoyed being in the tournaments. Rich Hale ran the tournaments and did a great job.This year Rich didn't know if he could commit to all the tournaments and with all the work there is in running the tournaments asked to have someone else run the trial.The tournaments will be run almost the exact way they always have been and by the first post, the first tournament is on Croton Pond on Memorial Weekend. We hope to see lots of new and existing members join the trail. If you have any questions or information please post.

[Waterfoul]

Great... a bed fishing slugfest.  Or not based on the last time we were there for the opener.  But that's o.k. because that stinking lake OWES me some fish!!!  I've never done well there... but I think I'm due!!!! 

[Waterfoul]

Hey, Maury stopped in my store Wed. afternoon.  He mentioned that one or two of the events would be non-classic qualifier events.  True?  I think that's a good idea if it is true.

[BassMastaJ]

Not official but the plan right now is to not drop any scores. Highest point totals will get to the classic.

[Waterfoul]

Hope I'm not pressing you guys... but how many events this year?  I've actually had a couple local guys come in the store and ask me if I know anything (guys who don't frequent the computer much).

Anxiously waiting for the schedule! 

[mibassfisherman]

Fairly new to the area and after lurking here for several weeks now, I'm kinda wondering how are you doing with your schedule?   Kinda wondering why it's taking so long.  Everyone else seems to have their weekend schedules done.  Not trying to be an jerk or anything, just wondering and trying to plan my summer.

Thanks

[LGMOUTH]

 If everyone knew what it takes to put together a good tournament schedule you would understand why it would take so long. Some directors work on their schedule the year before or at least have all fall to put it together. From what I can see here these are new directors that have probably never put one together before. Waiting for everyone else to put their schedules out seems to me is very smart if you want participation to be up. Scheduleing around most other circuits will be beneficial to them and everyone else. Believe me it is alot harder than it sounds to make it all come together for you and the anglers.

[fasttrack]

Yup, you're right Lgmth. As a former co-director of this club who has put together several of the schedules I know. Waterfoul and I have one already made (a month ago) based on everyone's published schedule. Offered to share it with Jimmy and the guys but I guess they were already underway with their own plans - which is fine I guess. But that's why we're chompin at the bit because it will affect who is fishin what, with who, and when (sorry for the poor grammer Mike!) The counter-point would be that each week that goes by some other club/series takes away more dates. Since there are only a handful of bodies large enough to handle 40+ boats within an hour of GR the pickins are already extremely thin. But mostly I think we're all sick of winter and want to THINK SPRING!

[Ranger93]

Schedule is set...just waiting for confirmation and permits from the lakes we are headed to before we officially post it on Great Lakes or the Sportspersons Ministries International website.  Appreciate the patience.  Thanks for the support Don.

[fasttrack]

You hear someone crying? Not sure where that came from. How would we know if we did or didn't 'get what we want' since the schedule and rules aren't even out?  That's not even the point of the whole discussion. I'm confident that the guys will do whats best for the good of club. They are good, dedicated, anglers (with a good taste in boats I might add!) that I know will work hard to make the club the best its ever been. Let's keep it on track and avoid the name-calling please Mr. kgr624.

[Ranger93]

Gentlemen,
There is no reason to get fired up at one another.  I will post the schedule as soon as it is confirmed and the last couple of launch sites get back to me.  We are 1 returned phone call away from having it finalized.  I am as anxious as anyone to get it posted so people can plan accordingly, but I refuse to put the schedule up before I am positive it will stay that way.  Also, I would like to remind everyone the ultimate purpose of this organization that puts these tournaments on.  I do not want disention among the anglers of this club, the anglers that make up this tournament trail have always been its strength.  Thanks and can't wait for spring and to see you out on the water.   

[Waterfoul]

Well Said Ranger93.  Like Marc said... I think some people are just chompin at the bit this time of year.  I know I am!!!  Hopefully you'll get that return call soon and we can all just settle down for the rest of the winter... attend a few fishing shows... rewire some electronics (right Marc?!?!?!?  I have your xducer and cable at my house by the way) and stare at the rack full of fishing rods tucked into the corner of the living room.  What... you guys don't keep your rods in your living room??  

Is it Memorial Day weekend yet???  


Oh... and who said anything about good taste in boats Marc?  You're implying that we ALL have good tastes in boats right?.... Nitro, Ranger, and my favorite... Triton.   

[fasttrack]

EXACTLY - on both of the last two posts. 

[Bananaboat]

Just moved back to Grand Rapids and am looking for some tournaments to fish in this summer.  Just wondering the pay out, how far away are the lakes, and how many boats come weekly on a regular basis.  Thanks

[Waterfoul]

Just moved back to Grand Rapids and am looking for some tournaments to fish in this summer.  Just wondering the pay out, how far away are the lakes, and how many boats come weekly on a regular basis.  Thanks

Payout is decent.  Classic qualifiers fish for free.  In the past we've fished as far north as Hamlin and as far south as Gun Lake.  We'll just have to wait and see what kind of schedule the new directors have come up with!!  I do know that Croton is first on the opening Saturday.

[Bananaboat]

Is this a pretty competitive tournament circuit in West Michigan?