It has been suggested by some of you that you would prefer to fish a four day species event instead of the current 3 day format and 1 day specimen hunt. We would look to possibly incorporate the specimen hunt prizes into the 4 day species comp instead of totally dropping the specimen hunt.

This thread is not to vote on this but rather to generate debate around the pro's and con's of such a change, being mindful once again of the fact that we do not want to alienate competitors that like the present format.

Let the debate begin.

I am not sure whether you are suggesting incorporating the specimen hunt prizes into a four day species hunt and that the best of each nominated fish counts towards the specimen hunt over the four days or whether the specimen hunt is held on one of the four days only.

This year with having the specimen hunt after day 1 of the species hunt I got the feeling that some boats maybe used the specimen hunt as a practice day for the main comp(we should have!! we might have found some Huss). If the same format is kept next year then maybe the specimen hunt should be on the last day after the species hunt that way all boats are competing equally. That said if a four day species hunt is the way forward then perhaps the specimen hunt should be incorporated into the last day. This gives everyone an option: those that are still in the frame for the main comp can carry on the hunt if they so wish, those that are not so high up the board can fish the specimen hunt if they so wish or vice versa.

To add more fuel to the debate how about a 4 days species hunt including 150mm limit for minis. The specimen hunt could still be incorporated on one of the days.

There are plenty of options and it would be interesting to see what other peoples opinions are.

[quote="butty" That said if a four day species hunt is the way forward then perhaps the specimen hunt should be incorporated into the last day. This gives everyone an option: those that are still in the frame for the main comp can carry on the hunt if they so wish, those that are not so high up the board can fish the specimen hunt if they so wish or vice versa.

This comment by Butty just about sums it up for me, an extra day in the species hunt would in my opinion make for a better competition and if there is a way of incorporating the specimen hunt into the final day there are no losers, as Butty says you make your choice and go for it.

A four day species hunt is definitely the way forward it will offer some boats who have had a bad day a chance of recovering, and God knows I need all the help I can get.

I think it would be good idea to have a 4 day species hunt and to incorporate the speciemen day into it. It would be nice to know that anything you catch on the speciemen day would go towards your overall total because you normally catch the stuff that you need on the specimen day and have to throw them back.And if it was a 4 day species hunt it would also give people a chance to catch up if you've had a bad day throughout the week.

Hi, yes would be in favour of the 4 day species hunt, as mentioned the specimen hunt can be incorperated into the main event
regards
martyn

Hi although i missed this years competition I feel that adopting a four day species hunt with an element dedicated to providing the anglers with the opportunity to focus on catching named species would provide a win win situatuion.

WE THINK A FOUR DAY COMP IS THE WAY TO GO WITH THE INTEREST WRIGHT UP TO THE END OF
DAY FOUR .THE COMP WILL BE A LOT CLOSER WITH ANY BOAT THATS HAD A BAD DAY THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN OUT OF THE RUNNING STILL IN WITH A CHANCE.THE SIX NOMINATED CAN BE FISHED OVER THE FOUR DAYS

Having had time to take in the comments posted so far including my own the only problem I can see so far is of possibly devaluing the nominated specimen hunt by having it on the last day of the species hunt when not everyone may be fishing for it which would be a shame for the sponsors. This year Kevin from the Bellavista and Trabolgan both put up excellent prizes which were worth winning in their own right. Assuming that the same happens next year I feel it is only fair that the sponsors prizes are treated with respect.

Failing fishing for the nominated specimen hunt on a dedicated day I like Mickeys suggestion of a four day species hunt with the nominated specimen hunt also fished over the four days. It will keep the interest high up right to the end of day 4 and would not devalue the nominated specimen hunt. It still provides the option for those not so far up the board in the species hunt the option of fishing for the nominated specimens and vise versa. But if you leave it to the last day the damage may have already been done

Hi Butty and mickey
Yes thats a good idea,having been the fortuanate winner of one of the said prizes over the last couple of years, it would really add more spice to the weeks fishing, and i think would gain more publicity for the sponsors of these two very good prizes
regards
screeming

I suppose this means Christmas is over!!

I am awaiting replies from some skippers on the "mini" question.
I think the 4 day format will happen. We just need to check out the logistics in terms of software etc before declaring it as done.

I'll get the finger out and post back shortly.

Hi,
Dont pull it out too quick now !!!!
screeming

Bella Vista 55. 4 day species comp gets ar vote

but how about a specimen day as well? or a mini species hunt day £10 a boat pool

All the boats are there for 6 days. COME ON Jim you can do it.













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