Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Do all of the team members need to be present at the captain's meeting?
Q. Can we have a different observer each day?
Q. Can charter boats have their customers as part of their teams?
Q. Does the observer need a license and stamps required for Lake Erie?
Q. Will my cash earnings be taxed?
Q. Will there be food and beverages at the captain's meeting and weigh-ins?
Q. Can we bring our fish in earlier that the specified weigh in time?
Q. What if a fish is being fought when the official stop time occurs?
Q. What if my fish measures about 17”?
Q. Will I get a refund if I am unable to participate in the event in full due to boat, team , personal or other problems?
Q. What if there is rough water or foul weather and I do not feel safe enough to compete that day?
Q. Why do we need observers?
Q. What if there is a tie?
Q. What if a non-eligible fish is entered for weigh in?
Q. After the weigh in, what do we do with our fish if we do not want them?
Q. Will the association have another tournament in 2007?

Q. Do all of the team members need to be present at the captain's meeting?
A. No, just the captain and teams' observer.

Q. Can we have a different observer each day?
A. Yes, as long as the team provides an observer at least 18 years of age each day.

Q. Can charter boats have their customers as part of their teams?
A. Yes, as long as the Captain remains the same, a charter crew can be used as a team in this event.

Q. Does the observer need a license and stamps required for Lake Erie?
A. No, the observer does not. The observer is not fishing or helping in any manner.

Q. Will my cash earnings be taxed?
A. It is up to the individual(s) to report any earned income from this event when they complete their year end tax filing.

Q. Will there be food and beverages at the captain's meeting and weigh-ins?
A. Yes, beer, pop and food will be available on all three days for a fee.

Q. Can we bring our fish in earlier than the specified weigh-in time?
A. No, the official weigh-in starts at a designated time. However, a team can get off the water earlier than the designated time to stop fishing. The observer MUST accompany the catch/cooler at all times up until the weigh in.

Q. What if a fish is being fought when the official stop time occurs?
A. That fish is not allowed to be included in the days catch. All fish MUST be brought over the gunnels or stern before the official stop time.

Q. What if my fish measures about 17”?
A. It is the captain’s responsibility to make that call whether to keep that fish or not. If the fish measures less that 17” at the weigh in, that team will be penalized 10 points. The fish can be kept if less that 17” but greater than the PA Fish & Boat Commission minimum size limit, however, it will not be eligible for the tournament and will count toward your boat limit.

Q. Will I get a refund if I am unable to participate in the event in full due to boat, team, personal, or other problems?
A. No, once you have entered the tournament, there will be no refunds. The tournament committee can make exceptions if circumstances occur which cause a team to default in this event.

Q. What if there is rough water or foul weather and I do not feel safe enough to compete that day?
A. Once the teams are released to fish, it is everyone’s choice whether to fish or not. The tournament committee will look at all variables including boat sizes when determining the safety of lake and weather conditions. It is the tournament’s intent to fish both days as long as there are no severe weather or extreme wave conditions that occur.

Q. Why do we need observers?
A. Observers are required for this event to help assist everyone with the rules and to ensure that everyone is on an equal playing field. Observers are needed to eliminate unfair play and to remind the teams of the tournament rules. Observers are required on most if not all large pay-out tournament on all of the Great Lakes.

Q. What if there is a tie?
A. Tie breakers will be determined by the team with the largest “overall” fish (Walleye or Steelhead). Individual big fish ties will be split equally between the winners.

Q. What if a non-eligible fish is entered for weigh in?
A. If a fish other than a Walleye or Steelhead is brought to the weigh in, that fish will be removed from the catch prior to the weigh in. No other fish can replace the fish that was removed. No penalty will be assessed.

Q. After the weigh in, what do we do with our fish if we do not want them?
A. There will be a collection spot for all unwanted fish. These unwanted fish will be cleaned and given to the City Mission or another agency that will use them.

Q. Will the association have another tournament in 2007?
A. Yes, we plan on making this an annual event in Erie, PA
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