Noontootla Creek

[AppalachianSlam]

I just noticed there is a tournament on the public section of Noontootla creek on July 14.

[Blueridgeflies]

yep there is, I am debating on entering that tournament because I have a score to settle with that stream. (It has done me wrong twice now and I am determined to do good on it)

[flyg]

I hope this doesn't come across as unpleasant but here it is: I've always been ambivalent about tournament fishing, but this will change that. It is a very bad idea, a poor use of my public land, and personally I hate the very concept just about worse than anything I've ever encountered on this board. I've nothing personal against anyone involved, nor would I ever judge someone's character based on their participation in this competition. I just think it is utterly disgusting and that is strictly my opinion. Formal fishing competitions have no place on this kind of public resource. Just to be clear, I don't like it. And I'll say it again to whomever I possibly can, whenever the chance arises.

G

[SWMBKRN]

Originally Posted by flyg

Formal fishing competitions have no place on this kind of public resource.

First, let me say that I do not feel you are being unpleasant. I appreciate and respect your opinion.
Second, can you please share why you feel that a formal competition has no place there? I'm not trying to start a urination match, just want to hear your reasoning.

[flyg]

It is a small resource with wild fish and special regulations. The nature of the stream is such that an angler fishing a stretch will put the fishing off in that section for a long time. So that is annoying for non-participant anglers. "Wild brook trout" are specifically mentioned several times in the event description as a target species associated with special cash prizes. None will be caught, but that is beside the point. Targeting a relatively uncommon native species by offering cash prizes for its capture bothers me philosphically I suppose. The event is in the dead of summer, a period of maximum stress on a population that is recovering from several years of record low flows. Despite the assertions in the descriptive narrative, the section is not hatchery supported, so all the intense fishing will be targeting a wild population that is entirely subsidized by nature. Even a "mini" event looks to bring at least 20 participants and their cars to a stream where parking will barely be available, given that most/all of the camping sites will be occupied. This only increases the significant erosion problems the stream suffers from.

I just don't like it, I'll admit it. Whether the issues with the environment and the fish are real, who knows. I do know that is sucks bad for other anglers trying to take advantage of one of the few specially managed wild trout streams in the entire state. Frankly, I'm surprised the NFS has issued a special use permit for a cash competition on one of its only specially managed wild trout streams. Believe me, I won't go off in the corner and cry. Differences in opinion are just part of life, and I personally believe pay competitions with cash prizes belong on large streams, preferably stocked, with better infrastructure to support all the extra traffic. I think competitions on this type of water do a particular disservice to all non-competing legal anglers that use the resource.

G

[Brotherbear]

Here is vote #2 against that thought. May the Timber Ratler's win!

[The Ole Man]

I'm with you flyg--for all the reasons you stated. It's a bad idea. Just wondering who came up with this.

[Blueridgeflies]

I see absolutely nothing wrong with the idea. It is one single even on a single day. I know the area pretty well and can say that it will hold up to it just fine as it is only a single day. In way of the use of public land, I see absolutely no difference between holding a fly fishing tournament on a public stream, to hold a bass fishing tournament on a public lake. Actually if you want to think about it the competition circles have a greater "right" to many of these waters because they fight harder then most to save them. In way of pressure from fishing, you are only looking at one angler per 100-200 yards of stream (or more)(total changes with the event rules, and how the stream is). Having fished this creek both in the middle of summer and in the dead of winter(and during the low water times). Personally I say, comp guys have a great time and do what you love to do.

Because to put this in reality I would say one comp makes less impact then 5-10 inexperienced fly fisherman, and 2-3 of your average bait slingers (and trash dumpers for that matter). Again it is on public land for the same reason that an NGTO sponsored event is on public land. It is simply what is available or is a good choice given the circumstances. So getting all up in arms is just useless because these guys have the equal rights that you do. In fact I say go ahead and get some friends together and hold your own improv fishing comp. (just handle the fish well and have a great time)

[2fly]

I'm not going to disagree about anybody's opinion here. These are fair questions and it's something that really needs to be considered before moving forward. I would like to clarify a couple of points though. First, the cash prizes are really a joke in comp fishing. Maybe $100 to the winner which usually covers only part of their expenses. Second, no angler will be targeting any species unless they aren't competing to win. You can't fish a comp that way and be in the mix for the win. Third, none of the comp guys will be stomping through the water. Most if not all will spend a great time on their bellies or knees trying not to spook the fish. In comp fishing the fish are brought to the net very fast and released very quickly as lost time is lost points in comp fishing. Very few if any fish get foul hooked in comps and all comp fisherman are required to use barbless hooks to ensure as little stress is done to the fish. All the comp fisherman I've met so far(I've met them from all over the country) are great ambassadors for the trout that they catch. They are involved heavily in restoration and environmental issues. I just wanted to give you all that info so you have a clearer picture of what fly fishing comp fishing is about. It is NOT the bass tour. That being said, I don't disagree with the concerns posted here. The Toot is a treasured stream here and much thought needs to go into the impact of doing something like that. I have no doubt that these things are considered strongly when looking at a venue for comp fishing. That's all I have to say about that.

[dink]

That just says it all about competition WORM fishing.
WHAT A DISGRACE ON THIS SMALL STREAM, JUST DAMMMMM