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Dear Jack,
My fishing buddy and I are writing you this letter because we are very unhappy with some of the policies and practices of the SKA. We have been members for three years, which may not be a long time, but it is long enough to come to several disturbing conclusions. First, we take exception to the SKA's propensity to pressure us to purchase products that they deem necessary, as demonstrated by the July 2002 editorial. This like any sport should be fun first and it should never move into what you call a "fishing career." Without the paying members there would be no SKA. While I have no statistics to back up our opinion we would venture to say that the majority of the membership fits into the 23 and under class. We would also venture to say the majority of the members are working class blue-collar people. Being two of these people we find we can only fish 3 to 4 tournaments a year. Whether it is because we are mediocre kingfishermen or just unlucky we still find ourselves looking for our first top five finish in a tournament. Now our goals are low as members. We each pay $55.00 a year memberships then pay an additional $10.00 a tournament to the SKA. Total that is at least $140.00 a year to each receive the Angler Magazine and maybe if were lucky enough get our picture in the magazine.
When we fished the Bellsouth Jacksonville Tournament this year like we have numerous times before. Instead of the SKA making everyone's life easier on a very busy day, the day before a tournament they made it more complicated. We must be sure my boat is ready, launch it, get bait, tie it up, the list goes on, go to the tournament, pick up the registration, go to the captains meeting. Then after all this we have to find your SKA trailer so we can pay you $10.00 more dollars. Now, being that we are human we usually forget something, which in this case was the $10.00 fee. Realizing our error I called the SKA first thing in the morning the next day and I was told sorry. This meant that even thou we were both members of the SKA, in good standing, we would not get our picture taken if we caught a nice fish all because we forgot the $10.00 form. Well, this is totally unacceptable. We hope the SKA has enjoyed our previous involvement because we just don't see the SKA doing much for the other members or us. They just seem to be good at complaining that the members are not spending enough money. The SKA also seems to be good at brow beating its membership and whining about how we don't financially support the sponsors. We will always kingfish and fish a few tournaments for fun and the possibility of a lucky strike but we never started fishing with the SKA because we wanted it to become a business. Now we will be fishing without SKA stickers on our boats or trucks because it is obvious you are just in it for making a buck, not for fun. You just want to appeal to sponsorship, and the big money teams. You've cheapened our fishing experience and taken away from the fun of simple competition.
Departing SKA Members,
Larry
Andy
Reply from SKA
Sorry you find the SKA so bad. But for 12 years and now with over 10,000 members we must be doing something right. Please also keep in mind that it's the sponsors that allow us to enjoy our sport. Why did you fish the Greater jax tournament? Wasn't it for the prizes? Where do you think they came from? So isn't it right that we encourage you to support those that support our sport. By the way one of our members won the agg division in a class of 23 boat and won a new Toyota truck. He personally sent a letter thanking Toyota for their support. That's class. You have two tournaments right here in St Augustine that have grown tremendously because of our help and sponsors help. Are we to ignore them? You couldn't get to the Jax tournament to register. Funny, you had to go there to pick up your tournament number number and if I remember rightly the captain's meetings, one a 5 and the other at 8 were mandatory. Our trailer was parked right next to the big tent. Can't see how you missed us. Over 300 of our members found the trailer with no trouble. I get the feeling that the problem is not with us but a lack of preperation on your part. One thing you are correct on however, the SKA is a business and like any other business we are entitled to make a profit. If you truly believe we should be something else, take your $140 dollars you spend a year with us and start your own organization. It's truly the American way.
If you ever make it to the winners circle, I hope you'll take the time to remember that the event you're fishing was made possible by the SKA and the prizes you're winning was a result of our efforts and all the members who gladly give us their membership and their $10 fee.
I don't like to loose anyone from our sport but I don't want members who think like you do.
Jack
So your problems are, you forgot to pay the 10 bucks, the SKA pushes their advertisers too much. That right? Just wondering. If thats all sounds a little minor to be making such a big fuss.... but maybe I missunderstood.
the 10 bucks rule, they have to abide by it. i also had a friend do the same and they said the same thing. so at least they are consistent. however they could have told you in a better way.
ska has had alot of changes and alot of frustrated people on both sides, so we will see what happens
I have a problem with them weighing in small fish.....for example: Georgetown, a 9.88lb. fish was on the board.....there is NO WAY that fish was 36" long! Are any SKA personnel reading this????
Personally I think the SKA is a fine organization, but tourny rules are tourny rules. Example.... 1999 Alambama Deep Sea Fishing rodeo... We had three guys fishing all members of SKA... ONE of the members didnt get a "rodeo ticket" ( personal rodeo entry ) and thus when we arrived at the scales on saturday afternoon with a 49# king in the bag.. guess what... not allowed to weigh.. it would have been a top 15 money fish that year ... Jack was on the dock that year and looked at the fish.. I even inquired as to whether we could at least weigh it for Division points... NOPE was the answer... bottom line... my crew member was lax and didnt do his part I was responsible in the end as team captain... and take ultimate responsibility...
YOU screwed up.. live with it... but dont blame the SKA for your short comings...
FWIW .... We are no longer members of SKA but only because of other fishing commitments not because I dont enjoy the sport of king mac tourny fishing with the SKA
So let me get this strait. You are angry with the SKA because they wouldn't let you pay your $10 registration fee by phone a few hours after checkout for the tournament was over and fishing had begun?
I bet you are not nearly as angry as the South Carolina SKA member who forgot to pay his $10 in the tournament where he broke the SKA state record and missed out on $60,000 as a result. If they had let you register by phone after checkout, I am sure that guy would have hit the roof (if not filed a lawsuit).
Sorry to be so harsh, but I don't think you are looking at the big picture. You made an honest mistake and just wanted to get your picture taken. But I am certain the SKA gets a lot of calls from people who try to register late in order to get points. They have to draw the line somewhere.
But, Blues Traveller is right in that they could have been a bit more diplomatic in conveying the message. They seem to have a problem in that arena.
As far as pushing sponsors goes, I guess I kind of expect it (then again I haven't read the editorial). Without sponsors, the tournament payouts wouldn't be much to look at.
I do remember reading something in the SKA magazine about a few years ago about the characteristics of the membership. It was a lot more diverse than you give it credit for.
Reel Escape. I am missing your point. The SKA rule reads that they will not count a fish less than 10 pounds for points. As I understand it, individual tournaments set their own rules as to minimum lengths for awards in their tournaments. I think some even have 30 inches as a minumum.
[This message was edited by pogyoil on 08-07-02 at 03:38 PM.]
tournaments have rules for length of fish and the ska has theirs usually the ska's rule is the same as the local tournament or more. ska pro rules nothing under 10lbs. i agree with that but tournaments want the fish for the money(us open being one of the worst culprits, but thats another story).
I agree with the other posts. You made a mistake, don't blame the SKA. They have rules and have to apply them the same for everyone. Imagine if they did let you register late and than you caught a new state record. If they let one boat register late suddenly everyone has should be able to. You can't have it open ended or vague. I do agree that Jack is not the most diplomatic person around, I figure it is because he is a Yankee and thats just how they are [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] but I do agree with his position on this issue. The SKA had a lot more problems 6-8 years ago when rules seemed to be applied selectively.
As to Reel Escape point, as has been pointed out about 100 times THE SKA DOES NOT MAKE THE RULES FOR THE TOURNMENTS THEY SANCTION!! The only time the SKA makes the rules is for the Pro events, the SKA Nationals and the KingMaster. Other than that a local tournament can allow what ever they want. If they allow 24" fish, so be it. Beginning this year, the SKA put in a new rule that says the minimum size the SKA will count for points (Pro or regular) is 10#. In addition, the SKA broke ties with the U.S. Open tournament in Southport NC because the tournament insisted on allowing each boat to weigh in 6 fish per day (on a 2 day tournament). I completly agree with the SKA position on the U.S. Open, 6 fish per day is ridiculous. Both of these, no sanctioning for the US Open and no points for < 10# fish are examples where the SKA has tried to minimize the taking of undersize or excessive numbers of fish.
Now don't get me wrong, I am not a butt boy for the SKA. They don't do everything right but I do think folks should have their facts straight before they wade on in and complain about them.
My main imtention for posting this issue that one i think there should be a better system if you are a member your a member no 10.00 garbage, yes we missed the trailer. What Im most upset about is his editorial blasting the membership about buying from sponsors that was in the angler (july issue).The editorial got under my skin along with his nastily worded email. The SKA doesnt run these tournaments or provide the prizes. The fishermen do with their entrance fee. (Kinda like the tail trying to wag the dog) anywho it was just put here for your FYI..but due to questions posted I thought a further explaination was neccessary. Thanks to all for opinions.. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]
Cracker, I don't fish the tournaments like you and many others, but I do enjoy watching the Kingmasters on tv, and reading about the tournaments around the country. Your post shows one of the problems that an angler may experience. Mistakes do happen and we can't hope to have everything go right, so a lesson learned. Good luck in the future, and post your picture here on this site, we will certainly enjoy and respect your catch!
No exception to the rules. That is what is wrong with this country; but Jack you were a little too arrogant above. Sponsorships are needed to bring out the larger prizes.
I have fished the SKA for 2 years now. I fished one division last year and I am fishing in two divisions this year.
I remember reading the July editorial that you are referring to. I also thought it was a little coarse. Almost like the author was chastising SKA members like we are children.
In my opinion (take it for what is worth) the SKA is right on the 10-dollar thing. You forgot, it sucks but it happens.
One thing that has already been mentioned, but I will mention again because I think that everyone, including the SKA organization, needs to remember is that the SKA are guests at most tournaments. Exceptions of course are the pro events and nationals.
I mention this because of the rules clarification that went into effect this year. Part of it states that passing objects between boats is illegal. Obviously, you don't want people to pass fish but the rule states that passing anything is illegal and uses a cigarette lighter as a specific example of banned objects to pass. While I agree that teams should not be able to pass fish, I am a fan of common sense and think that disqualifying a boat for tossing a light to his friend is outside the realm of common sense.
As long as I rambling, I would like to mention one more topic for discussion. I view corporate sponsorship as a double-edged sword for growing the sport of kingfishing. On the one hand, sponsors provide prizes for tournaments. This allows tournaments to offer more impressive prizes than a tournament could offer with entry fee money alone. The prizes draw the anglers and in turn boost interest in the sport.
However, teams also get sponsors. Obviously, a company wants to sponsor a winning team. With more resources to draw from the sponsored team gains an edge over Non-sponsored Joe, the weekend warrior. Not that I have any problem with sponsorship, aside from the fact I don't have any [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img], it’s just that it does tend to uneven the field.
What is happening is that people are seeing the same names on the leader boards tournament after tournament. Why? Because those teams are the best at what they do. Do they deserve to win? Absolutely! They caught the biggest fish, they should get the biggest prize.
So what is the problem? The problem is that tournaments need Non-Sponsored Joes, and lots of them. But with the constantly increasing prices of everything related to tournament fishing, fewer and fewer Non-sponsored Joes can/will fish competitively, and that is not good for the sport.
So what is the answer? Heck if I know, but I would like to hear other people's opinions.
Dreamweaver.... yep I totally agree with assertation of the sponsored teams. You are right they do deserve to win..
But when you enter one of these tourny's and realize after a couple years that sure anyone has a chance and to when.. BUT that 70-80% of the time its the same sponsored teams.. it can make you decide to spend those dollars elsewhere. It really is just the nature of the beast. Im not knocking sponsored teams they LOOK good etc.... just another reason I am not activly fishing SKA today.
The tournament trail wouldnt be what it is today though without the SKA sponsors and the TEAM sponsors... one needs the other to survive [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img].....
What kind of competition would it be if the made exceptions to rules on a one off basis. Rules are rules. If rules were compromised on a continuous basis, there would be no intergity to the sport. Let's don't forget, this is as much about being prepared as it is about catching fish. Can you imagine what "NASCAR" would be like if there were no car inspections before and after a race? Everyone would be cheating their ass off and the winner would be just another jerk that was able to get away with someting that some one else wasn't. See my point?
Sorry to be so blunt, but stop your pissing and bitching about the SKA. You should applaud the SKA for standing up to it's rules. Learn to live with them or decided to leave. It's obviously your choice.
I for one commend the SKA for standing by their rules. It's usually the unprepared poor sports that can't stand loosing that do the most griping anyway......
Reel Screamer
cracker, you should have separated the posts since you main conern now is about the email not the 10.00 bucks. saved some confusion. dream weaver there is a fine line between the two because it helps our sport grow. you do see teams sponsored that are doing well, the however worked for it. it was not handed to them, they have fished for years without sponsorship, and with some luck, experience, and preparation it payed off. now in saying that it helps to have years on the water "networking" it helps put in you the hunt, but you also have to catch a fish. i see guys that seem always in the hot spots but never catch a fish. also most of the big boys and big boats run many miles and usually pass right over the area where a local guy in a small boat catches the winner. also you are the guy putting up your hard earned money.
sorry for the tangent now back to crackers original.
i personally think the problems are two fold. one jack sometimes cannot be the most diplomatic person, but sometimes i am not either. i think he harbours some resentment to nc/sc brought on by most of his complaints are from there, but they are the largest section of the ska. now alot of this is brought on by the ska management over the last few years which did and didn't include jack. they need to establish a well defined set of tournament rules to follow and tournaments must follow these in order to be sanctioned. this will eliminate all this bs and they should publish this at least once a year or more in the magazine. your problem is one of many that keeps circulating, another example is checkouts, "making landfall", etc . the ska gets angry people calling each week about these and they get frustrated, thus the nasty email, which is no excuse. you are not the only one, so don't feel bad. they need to explain the rules and the reasons for doing them. this will cut 90% of the call,emails,etc out. sorry for the long post, but i could go on
It's still the SKA???? by the material in the magazine I thought it was the American Striper Association [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img] ah well... Seriously though the organization has gone through drastic changes in the last year and they have let go of alot of people that, over the past few years did so much for the fisherman and the sport. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future.
You know the old saying "If it aint broke don't fix it." well I think they just replaced a brand new powerhead.
Word this winter was that financially it was broke and some of the big sponsors were bailing, but that's just dock rumors. Sponsors come and go I suppose. Remember when Ranger was the big sponsor for the SKA?
1991 to Spring 2000 with management team #1. Spring 2000 to February 2002 with management team #2. February 2002 to now with management team #1 again. Who did what for the sport and when is hard to say. But notice that several of sponsors are part of the new ownership group. Hopefully they protect their interests by keeping the organization alive and well.
One thing to remember about the organization is that your eventual goal should be to qualify for and fish in a National Championship. That's the only time you win anything from the SKA (unless you play their TWT at a sanctioned tournament). Sounds like Cracker wouldn't have made the trip to Biloxi this year anyway.
Let's say the SKA did allow members to phone in their registration forms, which is needed for assigning points, etc. All of the sudden, everyone wants to call in their info the next day! Rules are rules, and they're right to stick to their guns. Every year, several teams don't qualify because they forgot to fill out a piece of paper. Life's a biatch...
No one will ever accuse Jack of being Mr. Diplomacy, but you have to respect the guy--he shoots straight and calls 'em like he sees 'em for the most part. Without Jack there wouldn't be an SKA, look at it that way.
Anyway, good luck to all, members and non-members alike.
Attn SKA Members...Email and reply... FYI !! 
