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bay point cancelled

12K views 53 replies 29 participants last post by  Chris Hood 
#1 ·
baypoint billfish cancelled what the f@#$
 
#6 ·
Total bummer on many fronts! Actually had planned on fishing this one this year, but I understand at the end of the day it has to at least cover expenses.

It will be interesting to see what fuel prices do to the game this summer. I have no doubt, no doubt that marina fuel prices will exceed $5 this summer, that equates to over $8500 to fill up a large sport fish. Going to be interesting!
 
#7 ·
Twentyfive years two blues over 1000# This was the first "Big Money" Tournament in the Gulf. It's a sad loss for Bay Point to join the list of lost big game tournaments East Pass, Destin Sailfish Rodeo, Outcast Blue Marlin, Sportsman Blue Marlin, Oyster Bar Blue Marlin Classic,McGuires, Shanahans, and the list goes on...
 
#9 ·
Capt. Woody and I disagree on the issue of fuel cost being a big factor and we debate it frequently via text and email. I for one think it is a big factor, while most owners of high end sportfishermen can afford the fuel the pyscology of gas of $5/gallon plays a big part in peoples decision, just my opinion. Either way, sorry to see it go as it was a very well run and respected tournament /event.
 
#12 ·
I agree with fuel being a big factor. I know that was an issue with many of the boat fishing it with having to go all the way to weigh a fish that they are not real sure about . It's 100 miles one way , that is alot of fuel for a fish your not sure about . With that expense and entry fees and Calcutta it was very tough. Biloxi is not as bad because people already fish in that direction. And when a couple boats decided that it was to much fuel the prize money lowered which caused a chain reaction for other boats not want to fish .
 
#11 ·
From what i heard the tournament being canceled is not for what their saying actually the marina has been run by another company for years and St. joe told them they no longer needed their services. When that happened they took the rights to the billfish with them leaving St. Joe and Bay Point no tournament, they were going to have to come up with a new name find sponsors try to entice people to the same but new tournament.
 
#22 · (Edited)
Just because some own a big boat doesn't mean they aren't hurting for money. I agree that probably isn't the main cause of the tourney being cancelled but I know of at least 3 of my big boat owner customers who no longer own their big boats; the bank owns them now. Those smaller boats have the same entrance fee as the big ones and I'll tell you right now, those SKA guys put up some serious money in the wahoo pot.

Alex pointed out something I agree with 100% and I pointed it out in another thread. We had a nice tuna on board in this last years Bay Point and while me and the other crew members wanted to go weigh it in, the boat owner did not feel confident about the tuna being a contender and had us head for the barn. Our fish taped out at 102.5lbs if I remember correctly, the winning fish was in the mid 90's. The tuna coming in at that time were smaller on average and while I felt confident we had a good fish considering the average at the time, it wasn't a monster and therefore didn't give the oomph needed. Steaming 120 miles and then having nothing to show for and then still having to head back to OB is a considerable trip expense additive.

Capt. Mickey, I love ya'lls tournament and if I could only pick one to fish a year, it would be the one.
 
#25 · (Edited)
Just because some own a big boat doesn't mean they aren't hurting for money. I agree that probably isn't the main cause of the tourney being cancelled but I know of at least 3 of my big boat owner customers who no longer own their big boats; the bank owns them now.

Surely you're not under the impression that they spent all their money on fishing though, right? If someone is in financial throes, a boat should be one of the first things to get liquidated. No-brainer there. We can discuss personal finance via PM though if you'd like.


The run to PCB is definitely a bit tedious. Great venue and fun tournament, but a loooong way to the southwest.
 
#29 ·
Woody, why would I think that fishing was the cost of their financial problems. Where in my post did I say that and what does it matter where someones financial problems come from, it still boils down to can't afford a tournament way the hell out of the way.

Why the hell would I want to discuss personal finance over PMs? I'm assuming you are trying to be some sort of smart ass with that comment and it doesn't make sense with anything I've said.
 
#36 ·
A lot sh*t being thrown at a guy who may be right. It's not far fetched that these folks at Bay Point are using fuel as an easy cover when their decision to cancel might be more controversial or embarrassing. We are being told gas prices are going up, but by whom? A media that is in bed with a president that wants to eradicate rec fishing and all of us buy electric cars. Prices might not go up as much as projected. I certainly would not call off an event like this at this point in the year based on speculation.
 
#37 ·
It's not speculation , it's a fact that fuel is a major factor in the decision of closing down the tournament . People who have fish it and other tournaments know. When a few boats can't fish cause the fuel is high , the money in the jackpot goes down which makes it less rewarding for the big boats to use there fuel to just possibly break even. It's been going down every year and this was just inevitable.
 
#50 ·
Wharf Tournament is hailed as the "Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf", and will be the final leg of the "Gulf Triple Crown" (which may be 4 tournaments, concerning 3 states), held July 11th-16th. Supposedly a 50 boat "invitational", 101 length kill...
Good info Tom, thanks. That was a pretty cool deal last year, an awesome metal marlin was given to the winner (I think it was a Texas boat, "Patron")
 
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