Wounded Warrior/Heroes on the Water Rockfish Opening Day Derby - Guaging Interest

[Drake]

THERE HAS BEEN A SCHEDULE CHANGE!!!!!!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/Drakeskakes/Internetuse2_zps915e7b26.png

Friday 2/28
6pm-8pm: Captain meeting and Check-in @ Marlin Club - San Diego
2445 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego CA 92106
Saturday 3/1
4:30am-6:00am : Last minute check in for boaters @ Marlin Club - San Diego.
Kayaks can check in at La Jolla Shores
6:00am : Lines in the water
3:00pm : Deadline to Weigh-in

2:00 PM Food and Drinks will begin being served at the Marlin Club San Diego
4:00 PM Start of the Award Ceremony and Raffle Drawings




PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!! Go to this thread and confrim your attendance. If we can get close to 100 kayak entries, we will have a very special price to give away!
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=20366

PLEASE GO FOLLOW US!
Facebook.com/Rockfishderby

Hey guys. Over a few drinks last night, in the wake of a terrible loss in the Halibut tournament, me and another veteran as well as an active duty member had the bright idea to host a tournament of our own. We figured...lets host a tournament where ANYONE can catch a qualifying fish and donate all the proceeds to a good cause.

We are gauging interest, and only have a few months to plan. Here is what I'm asking for right now.

1) Who would be willing to participate? and Who would be willing to volunteer? You could do both...
2) What, if any, contribution or sponsorships could you help us generate?

Since there will be no money prizes, we would like to get prize donations worthy of people competing. It doesn't need to be a big ticket item, anything helps.

3) Would you be willing to be partnered up and chaperone/guide a wounded warrior by kayak. May include lending a rod/reel

4) What else would you like to see in a tournament of this style?

Here is the first draft of the intended structure.

First Annual Rockfish Opening Weekend Derby

Price - $50 per angler for all divisions. Included Entry fee, Swag Bag, Tournament shirt, Raffle ticket and Banquet ticket with meal included and 2 drink tickets.


Payout – All proceeds will go to benefit the Wounded Warrior project in conjunction with Heroes on the Water. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place team with a side category for “Luck of the Ling”. First team to text in a picture of a legal Ling Cod will win side prize.
Prizes- 1st
2nd
3rd
LotL -
Kayak
Charter

Side Jackpot - All jackpot prizes will be split 50/50 between the winners and the charity.
$20 per boat – per category. The largest weighed fish of each species will collect the prize. In the event of a tie, first to weigh in will win the pot. In the event of no jackpot fish for a category is caught, all of the pot will go to charity.
Jackpot Fish - Ling Cod; Sheephead; Whitefish; Vermillion; Boccaccio

Kayaks will have their own $5 and $10 Jackpot. They may also enter the large jackpots if they wish. We felt it would be better since a boat of 4 can split up $100 in jackpot entry, where as a kayak wouldn't.


Tournament Rules - Prizes are determined by the heaviest bag of top five qualifying fish. Qualifying fish include but is not limited to, all species of legal rockfish, including California Sheephead, Boccaccio, California Whitefish, Sculpin, Cabezon and Chucklehead. Other subspecies of rockfish are to be included. Ling Cod and Bass will not be included in final bag weight.

Divisions –
Private Boat – self-explanatory
Kayak/Sup – Any human powered vessel
Charter – ½ day, ¾ day 6pack or any other hired chartering service.

Kayakers and Charter based anglers will have their own first prize award, and will still be eligible for the main prizes but not visa versa.

Disclaimer stuff - All anglers will be responsible for knowing and following all DFG/DFW fishing regulations. The tournament committee is not responsible for any infractions of the rules during the tournament.

[makobob]

Way to go Neil. Should be a lot of fum, please count me in. What kind of help are you going to need? I can volunteer, and bring some swag.

[RobFish]

Love the idea Neill. Your generosity continues to amaze/impress me dude.

I'm in for sure. If needed I can be a guide/team member, or if it benefits the event, I will offer up my PA12, my Stealth 9, and any rods/reels needed.
Wherever the event is held, I will bring down my toy hauler and BBQ, so that we can do an after event feast if we like. That way we will have a full kitchen, fridge, stove, microwave, plus a canopy with lights, etc.

Good times ahead amigos!

[Drake]

Hey Rob, we are thinking bigger, similar to the YT Shootout. Catered food, kegs, sponsors tables...ect. But thanks for offering up the toy hauler :)
And thank you for the kind words
As the details get worked out, we will have more info ad to what is needed :D

[Beer Me]

You can put me down as a volunteer. I don't what I will have kayak and equipment-wise at this point, so I'm down for whatever. I just need to know where to be, what to do, etc. I can ferry people from up in my area if needed, bring supplies, etc. Count me in, and thank you. :you_rock:

[StinkyMatt]

Great idea.

I'll help out.

You tell me what you need.

Call me baby!;)

[danjor]

Pm sent.
If everything goes as planned should be helping out. :luxhello:

[easyday]

Im in let me know what I can do

[Jimmyz123]

I'm in, where would it be held at, did I miss that in the main listing?

[Drake]

I'm in, where would it be held at, did I miss that in the main listing?

Fishing boundaries? Or the hosting of the party?

Boundaries are being talked about. Most likely it will be anywhere within 25 miles of Point Loma Lighthouse. As far as the award banquet, we haven't found a place to host yet, but it is in the works.

Kayakers will be given an extra 90 minutes to get to a weigh in station. There will also be a weigh in station set up at La Jolla boat ramp.

[LawDog]

Any excuse to get on the water is good by me. I have a 2nd yak I can lend out. Rockfish isn't my forte, but sounds like a blast. Lets get this rolling.

[easyday]

Ill have an extra kayak to lend out.

[Drake]

It's been 12 hours and I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for all the generous offers I've received thus far.

[Drake]

Guy Harvey - Has just jumped on board as an official tournament sponsor.
:eek::eek::eek: So stoked!

Guyharvery.com

[jorluivil]

If you have a sponsor support letter that you're mailing out send me a copy or post it and I'll work with my employer (coca cola) to get some free drinks, I'm not sure how much I can get but on average its about 24-12pack cases of mixed product. I might be able to pull a few stings and get a little more.

[Zfish03]

Very cool! I can provide my spare outback and...maybe some more. standby...

[danjor]

If you have a sponsor support letter that you're mailing out send me a copy or post it and I'll work with my employer (coca cola) to get some free drinks, I'm not sure how much I can get but on average its about 24-12pack cases of mixed product. I might be able to pull a few stings and get a little more.

Send it to me also, see if I can get us some chips.

[Siebler]

Very cool! I can provide my spare outback and...maybe some more. standby...


PLEASE note that Neill is not planning a HOW event/Outing. He is planning a Benefit tournament and there should be no mass need of loaner kayaks and gear.

All HOW events are ALWAYS officially released only by those who are on the HOW Leadership team which includes Myself, Matt Grisso, and Ryan Walters.

[Drake]

PLEASE note that Neill is not planning a HOW event/Outing. He is planning a Benefit tournament and there should be no mass need of loaner kayaks and gear.

All HOW events are ALWAYS officially released only by those who are on the HOW Leadership team which includes Myself, Matt Grisso, and Ryan Walters.

Thanks for clearing this up.

This will not be a sanctioned event, but rather a fund raising charity event where the WWP and HOW are the benificiares. However, we will likely put out a soliciation for any service member, active, retired, disabled...to participate and encourage a sponsoring angler. This still has it's own logistics to work out.

In other news, M&M Custom Rods, Squidco, Anglers Choice and Fishdope have all signed on to be tournament sponsors and have promised to each make very charitable donations. OEX has also agreed to help support the kayak division.

Also, Skrilla has agreed to donate his custom bamboo gaffs, JeffB will be donating a custom rod, Makobob is donating a SLEW of jigs as well as other goodies and Easyday has made a large contribution to help fill up prize loots and swag bags.

It's been 24 hours and the response has been overwhelming. This may very well turn out to be an incredible event! :D

[619-SWIM-DOG]

I'm in to help out and will check with my brother in law if he wants to use his boat. If not them by kayak I will go. Please let me know what you need done and ill help out as much as possible. Thanks

[Cbad Mike]

I'm definitely in to help out on land or the water!!!!! :)

[Drake]

The following sponsors have signed on board
Hobie Eyewear
Underarmour
Seeker Rods

[Drake]

Facebook.com/rockfishderby.
Go follow us. It is still an unofficial page, but as we gain interest we will get more sponsors.

The tournament is a go. We are just working tirelessly to get all the paperwork and logistics worked out.

[Mainline]

I can donate a 30x60 event banner just send me the layout with the tournament artwork and sponsor`s artwork in vector or high resolution jpeg`s. I might be able to do some other items such as custom u.v.50 gaiters / u.v. 50 fishing shirts or decals.

p.m. your # if interested.

[Drake]

PM sent.

Seriously, I can't express how powerful a community can be when they come together to achieve a similar goal. Theres been some "hating" on what has become of the kayak and fishing community but this just goes to show we are a great group of like minded individuals.

Thank you thank you thank you!

[Drake]

The Wounded Warrior Project as just approved our application to have this be an official, sanctioned, benefit event. :D:D:D:D

This doesn't mean Wounded Warrior is putting on the project, simply that they acknowledge us as official supporters and have granted us permission to hold an event and use their name. As well as sending us tons of SWAG!

[easyday]

Thats awesome

[William Novotny]

Already have some drafts mocked up for banner art waiting for approval. Once I get the thumbs up all work on a more refined final draft for print. All the way on board for this project!

[Siebler]

Neill Send me an email directly so I can attach the forms for HOW just like the WWP ones.

Also I sent out some more sponsorship feelers today.

[Drake]

It's looking the value of the Swag Bags might actually be valued higher than the actual entry free. We have at the very least, gauranteed, 10 custom built rods to give away as raffles and prizes. M&M, Salty Dawg, Matthew Change, and Jeff B are all wrapping sticks for us.

Most likely, first place in the boat section, and first place in the kayak section will each get a set of 3 custom built rods.

We are in talks with some other great sponsors. This project is going to be more than a backyard tournament. We are booking a nice venue, live entertainment and fun activities. Vendors will be there giving away swag and promoting products. There will be a TON of discount coupons in each swag bag for local companies.

The official tournament shirt is going to have great artwork, and Charles from Kelp Clothing is doing a special run, limited edition Wounded Warrior Project design for us, which will will be selling. It will be printed on a UV protective, long sleeve fishing shirt. All the profits from those shirt sales with go directly to the charity.

I can't explain how excited I am about this project!

[rieffer]

I'm in. Let me know what to do. Need contact info. Jim 714-981-7774.

[Tuff guy]

Sounds good, I might be in, I like the idea

[Drake]

Add P-Line to the list

[easyday]

I never got that email

[LawDog]

This is going to be epic. Way more than I had expected from that origional post.

[Drake]

This is going to be epic. Way more than I had expected from that origional post.

Thanks man!

On that note, lets go ahead and add Baja Fish Gear to the official sponsor list. :D

[Siebler]

Donations are starting to show up at OEX! Should be a cool event!

[jorluivil]

Are you sure you didn't mean Friday February 33rd?

[Drake]

Good catch

[MrPatrick]

Things are going well on my end, "CHEERS!"

[Tuff guy]

I am interested, I have a tandem kayak and would be willing to take out someone on it. So we can launch at la jolla and just weigh in our 5 biggest rockfish? Sounds like a great idea for a tourney

[Drake]

I am interested, I have a tandem kayak and would be willing to take out someone on it. So we can launch at la jolla and just weigh in our 5 biggest rockfish? Sounds like a great idea for a tourney
Yup, thats exactly it.

However, since this is not a "sanctioned" event through H.O.W and they are simply a beneficiary of the fundraising campaign, they will not be able to provide you with a veteran to take.

However, we will have a "Pairing" feature on our website.

A veteran can click "I am a veteran looking to participate"
An angler can click "I am an angler wanting to sponor a veteran"

We will simply introduce the two. Everything that happens in regards to fishing together is on you guys.

[Tuff guy]

Gotcha, sounds like a great event

[jorluivil]

How come this isn't a sticky :mad: ???

[jorluivil]

Have you typed up a sponsor letter? I'd like to send it out to my Plant Manager ahead of time, hopefully I can get enough product to support the awards ceremony.

[Siebler]

How come this isn't a sticky :mad: ???

Because it isnt an official BWE event and BWE/OEX already has too many stickies. As a matter of fact it is in the wrong section even, we just havnt moved it....yet.

[Drake]

Please use the thread in the Tournament section to confirm attendance. Jeorge, send me your email via pm

[Drake]

Look what just came in the mail!
SWAGGG!!! 200 bracelets, pins, stickers and info packets. Enough for EVERYONE!!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/Drakeskakes/IMAG1561_zps988bfeeb.jpg

[Jimmyz123]

This is great.

[MrPatrick]

Not afraid to say I chocked up a little when I saw the pin of one man carrying his brother.

[Drake]

Fresh order of 12 seeker blanks just got delivered today :D
JeffB and his partner will be custom wrapping all 12 for give aways at this tournament!

[Drake]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!
Go to this thread and confirm your attendance!
We will be able to offer a fantastic giveaway if we can get close to 100 kayakers!
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=20366

[MrPatrick]

E-mails and calls put out to various manufacturers, let's hope they can join the cause. I'll continue with more in the weeks ahead. Can't wait to see what Shimano sends after my E-mail.

[Drake]

Got a bunch of swag in the mail today!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/Drakeskakes/IMAG1704_zpsn9wnk6dx.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/Drakeskakes/IMAG1709_zpsujjfmsix.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/Drakeskakes/IMAG1710_zpsm0zmzp0b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/Drakeskakes/IMAG1711_zpsjhm33moi.jpg

[JeffB]

Nice!

[StinkyMatt]

Neil, you got so much stuff already you could open a small tackle shop!



The guys that participate in this tourney are really gonna score.


Swag, prizes, raffles!



Over a dozen custom wrapped Seeker rods? You gotta be kidding me!




CAN'T WAIT.

[Drake]

Salt life just agreed to send 50 hats!

[FlyYaker]

Fresh order of 12 seeker blanks just got delivered today :D
JeffB and his partner will be custom wrapping all 12 for give aways at this tournament!

JeffB/Drake if you need more help getting rods wrapped give me a shout. I'm happy to help out.
Now if I could figure out how to get the refueling outage over sooner I could fish too.

[Drake]

Registration is live at Rockfishderby.com

[Drake]

Go on the website and sign up!!!!

[Drake]

The next 4 kayaks to register will receive 5 free raffle tickets for the 1.5 day islander trip, these raffle tickets were donated by a BWE member! :luxhello:

www.RockFishDerby.com

[MrPatrick]

Signed up

[Chuck D]

all signed up:)

[Drake]

Only 1 Raffle prize left!

[619-SWIM-DOG]

All signed up. Going to be on the boat with my brother in law.

[Old Man in the Sea]

all done !

[Jimmyz123]

Signed up. Can't wait.

[Drake]

MORE SIGN UPS GO GO GO !

[Drake]

Everyone please note the schedule change

Friday 2/28
6pm-8pm: Captain meeting and Check-in @ Marlin Club - San Diego
2445 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego CA 92106
Saturday 3/1
4:30am-6:00am : Last minute check in for boaters @ Marlin Club - San Diego.
Kayaks can check in at La Jolla Shores
6:00am : Lines in the water
3:00pm : Deadline to Weigh-in

2:00 PM Food and Drinks will begin being served at the Marlin Club San Diego
4:00 PM Start of the Award Ceremony and Raffle Drawings

[Drake]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v134/Drakeskakes/Internetuse2_zps915e7b26.png

[Phatford]

I am signed up! Watch out if there is a prize for smallest Fish caught! I have a skill for catching rockfish smaller than my hook!

[dmrides]

I am signed up! Watch out if there is a prize for smallest Fish caught! I have a skill for catching rockfish smaller than my hook!

I am looking at your avatar and wondering what size hooks you use!

[Siebler]

I think I have the day secured so that I can make it. Will know for sure soon. Worst case I will be at the weigh-in with the HOW raffle boat if nothing else!

[Jimmyz123]

Is there going to be a weigh boat out off of La Jolla? Or do we do all our weighing in at the beach?

[Chops6531]

Just as I thought. I will not be able to attend as the rest of my sqd is getting back that same weekend and we have to be at the hangar on Saturday. I will get out here with BWE ppl soon. Thanks for the chance.

[erinoo]

Rain expected for Saturday, March 1st.

[tacmik]

Rain expected for Saturday, March 1st.
The fish are already wet.

[StinkyMatt]

Never heard of a fisherman afraid of rain.





I have however heard of guys puking their brains out in high swell.




Lets hope that the weather is not too bad.:D

[jorluivil]

Rain or shine.........I'm there.

[MrPatrick]

Saturday I'll be there
And if too snotty then marlin club for some comraderie

[Drake]

Dear Anglers,

Due to the unfortunate weather conditions, Saturday seems to be offering up less than optimal conditions for a tournament. Although there hasn't been a small craft advisory, I want to make sure this event is as enjoyable as possible. It's still unofficial, but I want to put it out there that there is a very high possibility that the event will be moved to Sunday March 2nd. The captains meeting on Friday will go on as planned, and everything on Saturday schedule will be moved to Sunday.



If Sunday proves to also show terrible weather, the tournament will be postponed for Saturday March 29th. This is to avoid any conflict with Fred Hall and other tournaments which many of our members are already committed to. As some of you already know a number of the competitors are also local vendors who have booths set up at Fred Hall. Look on the bright side, this gives me extra time to find addtional sponsors and get more SWAAGG!



I will ensure the website is updated regularly with the latest info.

If you have any questions please reel free to contact me through the website.

The final decision will be made no later than Thursday at 8pm



Thank you very much for your understanding and support. Lets cross our fingers and hope the weather does a 360!



Regards

The Rockfish Derby Team

[Tuff guy]

Ok I will be monitoring the site, thanks for the heads up

[Drake]

Officially moved to April 5th

[makobob]

Smooth move, see you there.

[mark kleiter]

That is great. Thanks for posting.

[619-SWIM-DOG]

Ok cool, so April 5th it is. I take it that the captains meeting will be on the 4th, same time.

[YTHunter]

Officially moved to April 5th

Good call...

[Loudog]

Officially moved to April 5th

Ok I'm in! I guess I need to start getting my shit together. :reel:

[jorluivil]

Crickets

[Jimmyz123]

Crickets

This event is still happening right? Since the event was changed to a different date I haven't heard any chatter about it. It's next weekend right?
Am I reading the swell report right, predicting between 2-4 on the waves? That's not bad.

[Jimmyz123]

Crickets

Testing, Testing, is this thing working?

[Iceman]

Since nothing has been posted to the contrary assume all is well. I am heading down Saturday to fish in the Ling Pot!

[Jimmyz123]

Since nothing has been posted to the contrary assume all is well. I am heading down Saturday to fish in the Ling Pot!

I'll be there