TRAIL UPDATE PAGE:
WE'LL BE USING THIS PAGE TO KEEP OUR PARTICPANT'S
UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THINGS CIRCUIT RELATED.
PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN.
NOTE: NEWEST POSTINGS FIRST AND DESCENDING THEREFROM
Jan,29 2012
Incentive update.
Fin Feather and Fur is on board again for 2012. I went up today shopping and received a 2 foot long receipt. They are starting to get most things in stock and the ice fishing selection is huge. Open House is March 3&4 with Michigan native Chris Noffinger, Paul Alais, John Crews and Bill Lowen. This would be the time to go with the sales on. We will be at the show promoting our Pot~A~Gold Mega Open that pays 8,000.00 to win with a full field. We will again have 3 Gift Cards for a drawing of those who turn in copy's of their receipts from purchasing anything from the Fin. We will get the details out soon but the more you spend the more entries you get. 1st 500.00 Gift Card 2nd 300.00 and 3rd 200.00. More news to come on this but it could possibly be bigger than this. Remember all OMBTT members get 15% off Fishing. Steve at the Fin can give you the details. You guys from the west might want to check out the huge facility Guns, Hunting,clothing,and plenty more. I have been working on the circuit since Friday night and have come up with some interesting numbers. WE PAID OUT 82,000.00 W/O INCENTIVES! For those of you looking to get in get on the list!
Jan 27th 2012
Check out the 68 Bridge at KY Lake. Ship took a section clean out! BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Jan,26 2012
well the 2012 season is closing fast. I am working on a trip to Buckeye this weekend so you know I have it bad. Interest is high in the circuit and slots are getting locked up fast. Once we fill the 65 slots we will not allow ant new entry's for the year. we have till 02/03/2012 to get your membership and deposits total of 375.00 to guarantee your slot for those teams from last year. If you want double draw its 1,275.00 w/o classic and 1,475.00 w classic. For those teams looking to get in we have 6 teams paid on the waiting list and most likely they will make it in. Well we think anyway. I have talked to quite a few teams on the list and they are all coming back so it is very important to meet the deadline. If you know someone who maybe does not have a e-mail address please remind them for us. This is going to be our biggest year yet with some serious money on the line. 6 qualifying tournaments with 55,400.00 on the line and 23,560.00 to the classic roughly. Remember we also pay 200.00 to go to the classic so that money is on top of the 23,560.00 The optional Erie event could be great event as well with 30 boats we would have 6,000.00 for 5 places putting 1st at 3,000.00 minimum. We are also running a 285.00 entry Mosquito lake event with 8,000.00 first place at a lake that is chuck full of bass. It is not looking good for gas prices in 2012 so we think expenses are going to be up so partner up with a good partner split the expenses and fish for as much cash as possible here at OMBTT. By the way check out Ohio Bass Blog they have some great interviews and all tournament dates as well. We recently sent Ohio Bass Angler all our open dates and they should have them posted soon as well along with other tournaments dates.
Jan 24 2012
(MARSHALL COUNTY KENTUCKY TOURIST COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE)
The Marshall County Tourist Commission is sponsoring a new and exciting bass tournament trail for 2012. The unique buddy style circuit will feature six one day qualifying events on Kentucky Lake, each featuring competitors from a different state. Twenty five teams from each qualifier move on to the two day, no entry fee fall championship where the top prize will be a fully equipped Ranger bass boat powered by a Mercury outboard valued at over $45,000.
In addition to the 25 teams that qualify through their state event, teams that participated but missed the cut will have a “second chance” opportunity at a wildcard event. An additional 25 teams will make it to the championship through the wildcard tournament, bringing the total number of participants in the championship to 175 teams.
This one of a kind format features a single, $200 entry fee qualifying event for each of the states surrounding the Kentucky Lake region. Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee anglers will each have the opportunity to fish against other anglers from their state for a qualifying event top prize of $5,000 (based on 100 boat participation) and a berth in the championship.
In essence, a two man team stands to win not only a $5,000 top prize in their respective qualifying event, but also a $45,000 Ranger/Mercury package—all for a single $200 entry fee. No other team event offers this much potential for so little investment!
The Team Challenge kicks off on March 31, 2012 with the Indiana Team Challenge out of Moors Resort. The other events include:
April 14: Ohio Team Challenge, Kentucky Dam Marina
May 19: Missouri Team Challenge, Moors Resort
July 28: Tennessee Team Challenge, Kenlake Marina
August 4: Kentucky Team Challenge, Kentucky Dam Marina
August 11: Illinois Team Challenge, Kentucky Dam Marina
The wild card event will be held out of Kenlake Marina on September 8th. Any team that fished their previous state event but finished outside the top 25 is eligible to fish the wild card for a second shot at the championship. The Team Challenge Championship will be held in October or November, with the date to be announced.
Entry forms and details will be released shortly, and will be available at the Marshall County Tourist Commission office, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Benton, KY, Jet-A-Marina in Calvert City, KY, Moors Resort in Gilbertsville, KY and at other participating sponsors. Participation in each qualifier requires that both team members be legal residents of the state for which they are entering the event. For more information, you may call Fisherman’s Headquarters, (270) 527-5938 or contact the Marshall County Tourist Commission, (800) 467-7145. You can also download an entry form at DWNLD PG1 and DWNLD PG2
Randy Newcomb
Executive Director
Marshall County Tourist
& Convention Commission
800-467-7145
Jan 22 2012
Hello everyone it is that time of year (Deposits and Membership 375.00 due by 02/01/2012) money is due. We have already had a great deal of interest this year with new members and have moved up 5 teams already with another 5 teams paid on the waiting list. Please do not be late we are going to move those teams on the waiting list up on 02/03 if there is a problem please contact me and we will work with you but you need to contact me 614-496-5212. If you know you cant fish please contact me and let me know it is really hard to manage the pre signs. I have some new updated info on the updates page on the website and will be posting on it a little more often now. If you have paid already please check the website to see if your are showing paid. I have had a check lost in the mail already this year. Thank everyone for fishing with us I hope we do a good job for you we are looking forward to a great 2012.
Jami Norman
Jan 19 2012
Guys we have people paid on the waiting list so be sure to get your money in by 2/1 on 2/2 we will move teams up into those spots i do not want you to get knocked out. we will be at the NE ohio show in Dalton Ohio Friday and Saturday. Deposits and Memberships to hold
Thanks, Jami
Jan 17, 2012
B.A.S.S. has banned the Alabama Rig and other multi-lure rigs from use in the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series. A press release issued by the organization today is reprinted in its entirety below.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – B.A.S.S., upon the recommendation of its Bassmaster Elite Series Rules Committee, has amended its tournament rules to limit anglers competing in the Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Elite Series to the use of a single lure during practice and competition.
The rule change, which does not apply to Bassmaster Open, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, College B.A.S.S. and other events, clarifies the intent of long-standing rules permitting only one rod, one reel and one cast at a time. No longer permitted are double soft-jerkbait rigs, dropshot rigs with jigs used as weights, double topwater setups and other multi-lure rigs, such as “umbrella rigs.”
The change becomes effective Feb. 1 and includes the upcoming Bassmaster Classic at Shreveport-Bossier City, La., Feb. 24-26.
Elite Series Rules Committee members, comprised of 2012 Bassmaster Elite Series qualifiers, seemed most concerned about new multi-lure rigs such as the Alabama Rig, which Bassmaster Elite Series pro Paul Elias used to win an event on Lake Guntersville in October. In the weeks since, tens of thousands of the multi-lure devices have been sold, and they have proved extremely effective in both recreational and competitive fishing.
The Alabama Rig and similar setups from other manufacturers consist of a weighted head with five wire leaders trailing behind. Soft plastic swimbaits and similar lures are attached to the leaders, imitating a school of baitfish.
Rules Committee members believe the rig eliminates some of the skill that should be required in tournament competition at the highest level. “It doesn’t matter how you work it,” said one of the anglers. “The fish can’t help themselves.”
“The Alabama Rig has become enormously popular in recent months, and it has definitely had an impact on the tournaments in which it has been used,” noted Trip Weldon, B.A.S.S. tournament director. “Personally, I have enjoyed catching bass on umbrella rigs and found them to be very effective in some situations. I have witnessed firsthand the excitement this technique has generated in our sport.
“However, the Elite Series Rules Committee members unanimously asked to be held to a higher standard,” he added. “We have decided to honor their recommendation.”
The rule change follows a precedence of imposing more stringent restrictions in Elite Series and Classic competition than in other B.A.S.S. events. For example, landing nets are prohibited in the Elites and the Classic but not in other circuits. Additional rules specific to the Elites include off-limits periods, no-information restrictions and new limits on boats that can be used in competition.
(Jami responding)
To be honest with you I did not think this was going to happen at this late of a date. We are going to sit back and wait to see how things play out before we make a final decision. I want to see what happens elswhere. There will be more to come soon on this subject. Had a gut feeling about this last year before our classic. Rule stands same as last year till further notice.
Jan,12 2012
Well things are falling into place for the 2012 season quickly. We have confirmation on all but one permit for the year. We finally got the classic done as well. We have set that date to the 8th and 9th of November. It ended up we had to change only 2 dates for the year that is not bad at all. It is very difficult to try to work around so many dates and I am very happy to only had a couple conflicts. I try to give tennitive dates as soon as I can so you members have an idea when we fish but remember the first dates are always tennitive.
I have been getting a few calls about the Alabama Rig. We are waiting to see Bass rules and will make a determination after that to allow them or not. At the classic the big thing was FLW waited to the last second to allow them at KY Lake due to the difference in regulations from state to state. The three armed version was not available and the original was hard to come by as well so I made a decision to not allow it due those reasons. I will be suprised if it is outlawed due to the economics involved now so you may want to get em since there is still some back order for many dealers. Venom has a nice one and the three arm will soon be released that will make it legal in OHIO (I think) and Tennesee. Always check regulations for the state you are fishing! I am not sure yet on the particulars of Ohio but we will be finding out before the year starts. Enough about that nightmare.
We are getting close to when deposits are due. Please do not drag your heels this year we will take you off the list if you are not paid by (375.00 total) 02/01/2012. Most all members are very good about getting deposits in so just a few teams could be affected. I cant manage the field trying to remember that this guy will have the money next week this guy in two weeks etc. I have also had a bunch of new teams that have already moved up into the field and more paid on the waiting list. It is going to be a great year this year with even more money on the line. Remember we expanded the field by 5 and if full that closes the circuit for the year. NO MORE ENTRIES ACCEPTED AFTER THAT!
The Boat RV Show is going on today thru Sunday at the fairgrounds. I will be there everyday from here on out. We have some great looking boats come on down and see us.
DEC, 10 2011
Things are starting to fall into place on some of our last events. I am looking at a date for Indian Lake open 80.00 entry 10.00 bb in early June possible the 7th. This is always a favorite time of year lots of fish are active and limits are plentiful. Our Lake Erie (Members Only) event is looking like 08/19/2012 (Tentative) at Sandusky Ramp. This is both species and you may go to Canada as well. You must obey laws for crossing border and it is your responsibility to know the correct process for doing so. You may team with another member if your partner cant fish that event basically just like the classic rules. 200.00 entry 20.00 bb and 100% paid back on the spot! This is NOT a qualification for the classic and you do not earn points--just cold hard cash. If we get 30 paid boats that will be $6,000.00 paid back in 5 spots! Do the math, it will pay very well! Check it out.
1.) 3,000.00
2.) 1,500.00
3.) 700.00
4) 500.00
5.) 300.00
We will pay back 2 Big bass in this event and remember for 2012 no dead fish may be weighed for Big bass.
1st BB 420.00
2cd BB 180.00 (Assuming everyone gets in BB)
I am looking forward to this event I hope everyone supports this event and we are going to gauge the amount of members who fish to see if Erie is popular enough to warrant going up there again. We are going to use this type vehicle to visit different locations throughout the state. It is an optional event so we can gauge the support to see what is the best choices for this open type event. I am working with sponsors currently when I have spare time trying to firm up their commitments as well. I already have many finalized and a new one from the circuit as well. We will make announcements on that after the 1st of the year. Our largemouth Only event will be at West Harbor in 2012 I did not feel that if the wind blew hard we could use Mazurk ramp due to it not being protected.. I did really like that area for a weigh in but just too risky. It is very close to East harbor anyway's. We have flyers very and will it is on Webster. I am getting a lot of calls from new guys for the circuit and have already got money from 7 New Teams. Remember we are taking 65 this year and once we reach that the circuit is closed for any new entries. The reason we did that was to try to keep full 10 spot payout's at all the events. Last year we were short 4 boats or more twice. People can buy in so sometimes they miss an event. For those of you waiting on Pot-a- Gold app's they are coming this week we will be mailing them all up north then.
The Ranger factory tour was incredible. If you are ever out that way you must take a tour and see how those boats are constructed no matter what brand you have. Very impressive to say the least and you can see Triton and Stratos at the same time. It is amazing the extent of details that go into construction of Ranger Boats I have had many brands and been in two other factory's and I can honestly say Ranger is one of the best constructed boats and most likely the best out there.
If you are looking for a New Boat I seen my 2012 and it is beautiful. 2012 Z520 W/Evinrude's E-Tec 250 with the new redesigned 2012 lower unit and 2012 Block. Evinrude has made some major changes and I was impressed with it quietness, smooth operation and performance at Bull Shoals a couple weeks ago (Ranger Factory Tour) It is loaded up and for sale for delivery in the Fall. My boats are always very clean and the computer shows how I use it and it is all mid range operation on the engine. Sold as new with full warranty. This is a great way to get a brand new big boat at a discounted price. Contact Steve at Knox for info 740-694-7774 I will have pics soon and it will be at the Ohio RV and Boat Show, January the 7th thru the 15th, 2012, at the Ohio Expo Cente and the Knox Marine Open House to be announced soon.
Krieger Ford is enjoying some good times with Ford! They are making some awesome vehicles and the F-Series truck is on my list as my next tow vehicle for sure. Remember Mike Smith fishes with us and sponsored us from the inception of the circuit. I don't thank Mike enough but that is pretty special for someone who didn't even have a trailer yet (Me). Thanks Mike and Krieger and remember want to fish for half price and guarantee a slot for Megabass just buy a new vehicle from Krieger Ford 1-800-783-3673 ask for Mike if possible or buy a new Ranger 18ft or larger, Stratos 19ft or larger (includes Champion) from Knox Marine 740-694-7774 and ask for Steve Dalton. Let these sponsors know your from OMBTT and they will take special care of you.
I know many of you have noticed that the BP stations in Central Ohio have been sporting a new addition; Duke and Duchess Shops. Since Englefield Oil's purchase of the BP franchises, they've been busily turning them into their signature food and beverage outlets. We strongly encourage our participants to support those who are supporting you by purchasing your gas and on-the-road goodies from BP-Duke and Duchess.
I am looking for some 15inch rims chrome or something good looking for the trailer. If you know of anyone who has a set for a decent price please let me know. We are going to have to get all new tires this year on the trailer also. I would like to have some good looking rims. I sure would love to have a tire sponsor if anyone knows someone that would be interested let me know. I thought I would give a little info to all out there of our operating budget. Me and Kirby's team fish for free for the amount of work that we do all year long. It is hectic to say the least and we do not make anything on this circuit for the amount of work we do that is for sure. Here are the breakdowns on just some of the items we use in a year.
Food/Pop/water/chips etc., $1,000.00 Ice $130.00 LP gas $54.00 Trophy's $900.00 Equipment Pump/Tents/Pa/cooler/printer/compressor among many other items $2,200.00 supplies like paper/ink/sure life/bulk salt/PVC/towels/lettering/etc $700.00 none of this takes Memberships and sponsor money depletes quickly. I always try to keep things transparent so you know what you are getting at OMBTT. We are all about the fisherman.
I hope everyone is getting ready for the holidays and we at OMBTT want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. Jami
DEC 3, 2011
Well, here we go folks, we're getting ready for the 2012 Season and finalizing some of our Open information. If you'll refer to the "NAV" bar, you'll see we've added a new tab for "Pot-a-Gold" which is an Open event we'll be hosting at Mosquito Lake. We've been running opens at Mosquito for a couple of years now and we are now ready to try a bigger payout event, in this case and with a full-field $8,000.00 for First Place and working on down from there (15 places). The fishing is really good up there and there's also a lot of great events available to those who're looking for something in the northeastern quadrant of the state. We've already added many sponsors for the event and we're looking for more, if you know someone who may be interested, please put them in contact with me.
The regular season's events are finally set, we had to move one of the events off of Saturday to Sunday to accommadate a conflict with another tournament organization which many of our regulars fish. For those of you in Reserved Status (fished with us last year) you're only on there until February the 1st, 2012, after which time you're spot opens up to the next team in line unless you'v e locked in your spot by paying. We always loose teams and if you happen to be one of those who won't be returning, please let me know as it makes my job so much easier.
Thanks to all the folks who helped me out this year, you're invaluable and the folks really do appreciate all you do for them. I'm putting 2012's staff together curretnly and I will know if we need additonal help soon.
Currently, I'm working on the August Lake Erie Invitational (Member Only) event. The entry will be $200.00 and ALL of the entries will be paid back at the ramp. with 30 boats, that would be $6,000.00 in prize money. We're also trying to acquire a "Presented By:" sponsor to increase the First Place Payout amount.
The Hoover Series will probably happen in 2012 but it too will be one of the last things finalized.
I just got back from the Ranger Boat Factory "Knowledge Event" and I'll speak to it in upcoming comments, stay tuned.
Jami
