http://www.bassfan.com/docktalk_article/15013/21-going-solo-at-st-clair#.VeBf_uuKNnE
Yep,
Seems those that marshal are the older crowd.
No need to get beat up by someone driving at warp speed on LSC
Warp speed on St. Clair is not such a big deal. It's the run all the way to Pelee, and points east, that makes it so tough. One thing sitting behind the wheel and a whole other in the passenger seat hanging on one handed.
I'd totally sign up to marshall if the cost were zero.
Was there yesterday and some of the guys said there pro made a long run in rough water and they were sore. Today they all seemed happier with the calmer conditions. Some said it was a little boring sitting there all day watching. The problem with making it free is you have no commitment and guys will stay home if the weather is bad. We shot photos yesterday morning and I was amazed at how many guys were alone.
Most events I have attended as a Marshal, and I've done them for seven years, have all been short of Marshals. It is not uncommon to scramble and fill slots at the Wednesday meeting.
I don't have a problem with paying to Marshal. Usually I get three days for $125. Try and hire a guide for that amount. When you hire a guide you go to some community holes because the guide saves his best spots for tournaments. You ride with these guys and you see there best areas.
A great deal for a day on the water or better yet 3 days, but us old guys that got the time don't like bass whooping in rough water :) :) long ride down jumping tanker wakes :) :) Love to do it, but not LSC and a run to Erie or Huron under other than perfect conditions 8)
One interesting observation from standing on the dock was. Every pro I saw come in thanked there marshal and told them they enjoyed having them in the boat. That shows class to me.
I have had about 40+ rides and all but one were rides where I enjoyed the day with the pro, and I think they too enjoyed the company.
I was scheduled to marshal for three days, but by choice, I ended up only marshaling for two. I drew Dean Rojas for Day one and we ran straight to Erie. LSC was was the toughest part of the trip, so I was very lucky with the calmness of Eire and the River. Dean is a great guy and I learned a lot from him...way more than $125 worth of knowledge. The second day I drew Joe Sancho. I will be honest that I was not thrilled when I was text my draw for Friday, but nevertheless, the guy is good enough to qualify for the Elites, so I have to respect his skill. He turned out to be a pretty cool guy and he got on some good fish. Plus we were fishing right by Dave Smith and Brett Hite, so I got to watch two other pros fish all at the same time. What got me on Friday was the ride back to Metro. Joe left much later than he should so it was full throttle through every wave and boat chop. It was brutal. By time we got back to Metro, I felt like I had just done a weeks worth of full pad "two-a-days" against Ndamukong Suh. At the marshal meeting, I drew Matt Lee. I guy I was sitting next too didn't get picked, so I gave up my spot to give him another shot at going...plus the way I was feeling at that point, I was more than OK to step a side.
It was nice on Saturday and Sunday to watch the entire blast off and weigh in, as opposed to when you marshal where you can only see parts of it. Marshaling is a great experience, and I recommend everyone who loves bass fishing do it at least once. On top of the experience and opportunity to learn, you do get some nice stuff as a marshal which makes the $125 that much more worth it.